New head coach Alonzo Carter sets tone as Sac State begins spring football. <\/p>\n
SACRAMENTO, Calif. \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Carter has a simple message for his team this season: prove it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe call it \u2018Prove it.\u2019 We just want you to prove it. You don\u2019t have to talk your way. You don\u2019t have to be something you\u2019re not. Just be your organic self,” Carter said.<\/p>\n
On the first day of spring practice, that mindset was already taking shape, with players focused on effort and execution on every snap.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re given absolute effort every single play, it\u2019s gonna lead to great success. If you just keep holding those principles 100 miles per hour 100 percent of the time, we\u2019re gonna be a great team,” said Derek Houston, a linebacker.<\/p>\n
Carter, in his first year leading the program, has quickly established a new culture built on energy, accountability and enthusiasm. He said he\u2019s emphasizing body language, effort and enjoying the game while demanding a high standard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m coach body language and I\u2019m coaching effort. And most importantly have fun. It\u2019s still a game. Let\u2019s have some passion. Be demanding. But let\u2019s also have fun with this game. I love watching these young men buy into this and buy into the culture,” Carter said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good to be back. Familiar area. An area that I\u2019m comfortable in. Where everyone shows their support for me and also the Sacramento State Hornets. It\u2019s great to be at a place called home,” said Conklin.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 the highest tier of college football.<\/p>\n
Carter said the team\u2019s expectations go beyond simply joining a new conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a new era. It\u2019s the Zo Era. We\u2019re here to win the MAC Championship. I\u2019m here to win football games. There\u2019s no hocus pocus magic trip behind me. I\u2019m a football coach,” Carter said.<\/p>\n
Players say fans can expect a more competitive and physical team on the field this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe level of play that we\u2019re instilling here at Sacramento State is different. We\u2019re holding ourselves to a higher standard. We\u2019re gonna be there. We\u2019re gonna fly around. We\u2019re gonna be competitive. We\u2019re gonna hit people in the mouth. And we\u2019re gonna look good doing it,” Conklin said.<\/p>\n
Sacramento State will wrap up spring practices with its spring game scheduled for Saturday, April 25.<\/p>\n