BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University head football coach Pete Rossomando, and his staff, begin preparations for the 2024 football season when the Cardinals step on the practice field to open spring camp Tuesday. The workout will serve as the first of 15 practices culminating in the annual spring game Friday, April 26^th at Provost Umphrey Stadium.
 
A ton of excitement surrounds the Cardinals as they head into year two under Rossomando. Lamar surpassed expectations of the prognosticators during year one. The Cardinals opened the season picked to finish seventh in the Southland only to shock the league remaining in the title hunt until the end of the season and post their first winning record since 2018.
 
Lamar improved by five wins from the year before to post the nation's fourth-best single-season turnaround. Now the Cardinals will look to build upon 2023's success, but they will be looking to replace 11 seniors, including several key starters.
 
Despite the losses due to attrition, the Cardinals return the heart of their roster from last season which includes 10 starters on offense and seven on defense.
 
Big Red returns starting quarterback Robert Coleman from a strong first season in the Golden Triangle (254-155-7/1,954 yds/16 TDs) where he completed 61 percent of his passes. While Coleman returns all of his weapons from last season, including the Southland's second-leading rusher (in terms of total yards), Khalan Griffin (177-823 yds/5 TDs, Second-Team All-SLC), the Cardinals will be looking to replace Jacob Dicharry on the offensive line.
 
The one bright side of an offensive front that battled injuries during the early part of the year, the Cardinals have several other players who got time in starting roles – especially at left tackle that saw three different players earn starts at the position.
 
While the defensive side of the ball returns seven players, it took the biggest hit to graduation, especially in the secondary. Lamar does returns 2023 second-team all-conference corner Ramond Stevens, as well as two of three starters on the defensive line.