FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona University football team completed its second day of practice Wednesday with a two hour and fifteen minute workout outside on the practice fields. With the Arizona Cardinals in en route to Pittsburgh for their preseason opener Thursday night, the Lumberjacks had the practice facility to themselves.

Kickoff Special: Senior running back Alex Henderson and defensive lineman Kainoa Pe'a joined Head Coach Jerome Souers at the first annual kickoff banquet Tuesday night at Ardrey Auditorium on campus. Former Marshall Head Coach Jack Lengyel and Arizona Cardinals announcer Ron Wolfley were the featured speakers at the event.

New Faces: Head Coach Jerome Souers said the newcomers were blending in well along with several new staff members, including David Reeves (safeties/special teams), Andy LaRussa (defensive backs/kicking game) and Chris Taylor (running backs).

“Our new coaches are working out well,” said Souers. “They bring a lot to the practice field.”

The team is also adjusting to new strength and conditioning coach Andy Williams.

“Andy is a quality catch for our program,” said Souers. “He brings a lot of excitement and cutting edge training with our athletes to this level. The student-athletes have really taken to him and his leadership.”

Bond, Isaac Bond: When defensive end Kyle Rath was injured during the offseason, the coaching staff has had to look for someone to step up. They found an answer in sophomore Isaac Bond, who won the most improved award in spring practice.

Rath is currently sitting on the sidelines with senior Cody Dowd. Dowd was the lone Lumberjack chosen to the All-Big Sky Preseason team.

“Not having Cody and Kyle is difficult not only because they are good players but good leaders,” said Defensive Coordinator Andy Thompson. “Every team in the country has some form of adversity where someone has to step up.”

Baby Daddas: Assistant coaches Brian Lindgren and Francis St. Paul were pushing strollers after practice Wednesday with the first appearances by the new additions to their families. Lindgren and his wife Bradee had their first child Bronson Fitz Lindgren in July, while St. Paul and his wife Whitney welcomed their second son Jaxon.