Former NDSU running back Tyler Roehl is one of seven new assistant coaches on the Bison staff this spring.
Photo by: NDSU Athletics
Bison Return to Field for First Spring Practice Under New Coaching Staff
3/29/2014 1:34:00 PM | Football
FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota State ushered in a new era with its first of 15 spring football practices Saturday, March 29, a two-hour workout under sunny skies at Dacotah Field.
It was the first practice for new head coach Chris Klieman and seven new assistant coaches, and for a Bison program that graduated 24 seniors from a third straight national championship team.
"It was a good first day. We had a lot of great energy, a lot of great enthusiasm," Klieman said. "We just have to channel that energy and enthusiasm and limit some of our mental mistakes."
The Bison are looking to build depth. NDSU has nine players who will miss spring practice to recover from injuries. That group includes five starters in cornerback CJ Smith, linebackers Travis Beck and Carlton Littlejohn, strong safety Colten Heagle and offensive lineman Zack Johnson.
"The biggest thing is to get these young guys that have to be backups or have to push for starting roles ... to get familiar with our system, get familiar with the surroundings, and be able to help us when we have to replace an LJ or Travis Beck for a series or two," Klieman said.
NDSU lost 24 seniors from last year's squad, but a few of them were back on the field helping at practice. Grant Olson, Ryan Smith, Brendin Pierre and Bryan Shepherd were all on hand Saturday lending their support and expertise.
"It tells me a lot about what this program means to those guys," Klieman said. "A lot of guys that have a lot invested in this program want to continue to help. Those guys have lived it. Those guys have done all those things the last three championship years ... and those kids will listen to them."
The Bison worked individually in position groups for the first 45 minutes Saturday before moving into team drills. Despite being shorthanded, the team was able to continue running double repetitions on each end of the field.
NDSU returns to practice Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and next Saturday to complete its first full week of drills. The Bison have scrimmages scheduled April 12 and 19 before playing the annual Green and Gold spring game April 26 at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
It was the first practice for new head coach Chris Klieman and seven new assistant coaches, and for a Bison program that graduated 24 seniors from a third straight national championship team.
"It was a good first day. We had a lot of great energy, a lot of great enthusiasm," Klieman said. "We just have to channel that energy and enthusiasm and limit some of our mental mistakes."
The Bison are looking to build depth. NDSU has nine players who will miss spring practice to recover from injuries. That group includes five starters in cornerback CJ Smith, linebackers Travis Beck and Carlton Littlejohn, strong safety Colten Heagle and offensive lineman Zack Johnson.
"The biggest thing is to get these young guys that have to be backups or have to push for starting roles ... to get familiar with our system, get familiar with the surroundings, and be able to help us when we have to replace an LJ or Travis Beck for a series or two," Klieman said.
NDSU lost 24 seniors from last year's squad, but a few of them were back on the field helping at practice. Grant Olson, Ryan Smith, Brendin Pierre and Bryan Shepherd were all on hand Saturday lending their support and expertise.
"It tells me a lot about what this program means to those guys," Klieman said. "A lot of guys that have a lot invested in this program want to continue to help. Those guys have lived it. Those guys have done all those things the last three championship years ... and those kids will listen to them."
The Bison worked individually in position groups for the first 45 minutes Saturday before moving into team drills. Despite being shorthanded, the team was able to continue running double repetitions on each end of the field.
NDSU returns to practice Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and next Saturday to complete its first full week of drills. The Bison have scrimmages scheduled April 12 and 19 before playing the annual Green and Gold spring game April 26 at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
Monday, February 09
Monday, December 08
Saturday, December 06
Tuesday, December 02
