LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese Cowboys slipped on the shoulder pads for the first time this spring on Tuesday and the intensity was not lacking.
 
The day wrapped up the fourth of 15 spring practices that will conclude with the April 13 spring game at noon in Cowboy Stadium.
 
The speed and tempo of the workout was at a blistering pace as the Cowboys wrapped up the session with about a 20-minute team period that worked up and down the field.
 
"We've had progression since the first day and continue to get faster on both sides looking at reps," said first-year head coach Sterlin Gilbert. "The biggest thing is evaluation, just trying to see where our personnel is at and who exactly our personnel is going to be.
 
"We had some good things happen today, physically, on both sides of the ball. We're looking to do some things to get better and we did that today."
 
Gilbert mentioned that from last Tuesday's first practice, to Tuesday's, the Cowboys have made some nice improvements.
 
"Just strides and improvements, that's what we're looking for," he said.
 
He said he's also been impressed with some individuals on both sides of the ball, but didn't reveal any names.
 
"We have a few guys that are doing that (impressing the coaches," said Gilbert. "The thing is, when you create and environment of competition, you see guys perform at their highest levels. Those are the things we'll continue to get.
 
 "We're getting guys to be able to play fast, play loose, and play aggressive. Those are the things that are showing up. Obviously there's still a lot of room for improvement and growth for where we want to go.
 
The Cowboys will be back in shoulder pads and shorts on Thursday and will go in full gear for the first time on Saturday morning.