LAKE CHARLES – McNeese will kick-off its 2018 football season in just over a week when it visits Northern Colorado of the Big Sky Conference for the first time in history.
 
The Cowboys returned to the practice field on Tuesday to begin preparations for the Bears.
 
"It's great to start preparing for an opponent," said linebacker B.J. Blunt. "I have a countdown going until the first game."
 
The Cowboys will practice on Wednesday and Thursday and will be off Friday and Saturday before returning on Sunday night.
 
FORMER FLORIDA GATOR DL JOINS COWBOYS
 
Former Florida Gator defensive lineman Keivonnis Davis has transferred to McNeese and has joined the team.
 
Davis, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound sophomore appeared in all 13 games for the Gators as a true freshman in 2016, starting five. He recorded 27 tackles, three tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and ranked second on the team with five quarterback hurries while his sack total ranked tied for fourth on the squad. He posted a career-high five tackles against Alabama in the 2016 SEC Championship game and notched his first-career forced fumble against Iowa in the Outback Bowl.
 
The Miami native prepped at Miami Central where he led his team to three-straight Class 6A state championships, was named to the 2014 Class 6A All-State second team and to the All-Dade County first team. He recorded 52 tackles and 20 sacks his second season in leading his team to a 14-1 record.
 
Davis spent the 2017 season suspended and away from the Gators.
 
"We, as a staff, talked to several former University of Florida football coaches and decided to give 'KD' a second chance and an opportunity to continue his education and playing career," said McNeese head coach Lance Guidry. "We feel that we can help him grow, not only as a player, but also as a person."