Grambling Athletic Media Relations

Grambling State Head Football Coach Doug Williams has been around football almost all of his life.

He knew it was coming.

But for a competitor like Williams, that realization didn't take away the sting.

"It wasn't a good day ... we even cut it short," Williams said following's Thursday's Spring practice. "We came out (to start offseason workouts) with four great, spirited practices. "Today all of a sudden things went South.

Williams realizes many of his Tigers are battling nicks and bruises at this point.

"But that's no excuse," he said. "The coaches know about players' injuries and what they can and can't do. All we need to do is come out (Friday) and turn in a better day. We enjoyed those first four practices. It's Spring football, and that's supposed to be fun. But you have to go out and earn that fun. Work for it.

"The good thing is that we're not getting ready for a game. But we are evaluating, and we're looking for players to step up and show us they need to be out on the field when the season does begin."

One Tiger who has been out is starting running back Dawrence Roberts, who led the G-Men last season with 1,102 yards on 199 carries with eight touchdowns. But that position was still one that Williams seem to feel good about, or at least close to it, following Thursday's workout.

"Shaquille Traylor looked pretty good out there in Roberts' absence," Williams said. "He's playing like he's a little hungry."

Traylor was a 2010 All-State running back for the Centennial High School in Champaigne, Illinois. He rushed for 2,317 career yards for the Chargers on 376 carries with 29 touchdowns and 6.1 yards per rush average.

"We're looking for guys who are going to show us that they're going to contribute this season," Williams said. "The pace is quicker this year because we all know each other -- coaches and players -- and we all know what to expect.

"What we need during (Friday's) practice is simple. We're looking for more enthusiasm."