New head coach Alonzo Carter sets tone as Sac State begins spring football.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The energy was noticeable from the start as Sacramento State opened spring football practice, marking what head coach Alonzo Carter calls a new era for the program.

Carter has a simple message for his team this season: prove it.

“We call it ‘Prove it.’ We just want you to prove it. You don’t have to talk your way. You don’t have to be something you’re not. Just be your organic self,” Carter said.

On the first day of spring practice, that mindset was already taking shape, with players focused on effort and execution on every snap.

“If you’re given absolute effort every single play, it’s gonna lead to great success. If you just keep holding those principles 100 miles per hour 100 percent of the time, we’re gonna be a great team,” said Derek Houston, a linebacker.

Carter, in his first year leading the program, has quickly established a new culture built on energy, accountability and enthusiasm. He said he’s emphasizing body language, effort and enjoying the game while demanding a high standard.

“I’m coach body language and I’m coaching effort. And most importantly have fun. It’s still a game. Let’s have some passion. Be demanding. But let’s also have fun with this game. I love watching these young men buy into this and buy into the culture,” Carter said.

The Hornets will also see the return of quarterback Carson Conklin, who is back with the program after spending last season at Fresno State. Conklin previously set multiple freshman passing records at Sacramento State.

“It’s good to be back. Familiar area. An area that I’m comfortable in. Where everyone shows their support for me and also the Sacramento State Hornets. It’s great to be at a place called home,” said Conklin.

This season also brings a significant change for the program, as Sacramento State begins play in the Mid-American Conference at the Football Bowl Subdivision level — the highest tier of college football.

Carter said the team’s expectations go beyond simply joining a new conference.

“This is a new era. It’s the Zo Era. We’re here to win the MAC Championship. I’m here to win football games. There’s no hocus pocus magic trip behind me. I’m a football coach,” Carter said.

Players say fans can expect a more competitive and physical team on the field this season.

“The level of play that we’re instilling here at Sacramento State is different. We’re holding ourselves to a higher standard. We’re gonna be there. We’re gonna fly around. We’re gonna be competitive. We’re gonna hit people in the mouth. And we’re gonna look good doing it,” Conklin said.

Sacramento State will wrap up spring practices with its spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 25.

WATCH MORE ON ABC10 | Sac State to the Mac! Costs and a big opportunity

ABC10: Watch, Download, Read