The football team began its road to the 2019 season as it took the field at Wildcat Stadium Tuesday for spring camp.

ACU will look to build off a its first winning season in 2018 since transitioning to Div. I. The Wildcats finished 6-5 overall and 5-4 in conference at the conclusion of last year’s campaign.

Head coach Adam Dorrel said he’s looking forward to piecing together his team this spring.

“It feels great to get out of the office and get back out on the field,” Dorrel said. “I feel good about our team and the work they put in during January and February.”

As the Wildcats prepare to establish chemistry for the 2019 season, there are a considerable amount of returners the team can lean on from both sides of the ball.

Offensively, standout returners include redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Anthony, junior running back Billy McCrary and junior wide receiver Josh Fink.

On defense, the Wildcats will welcome back junior linebacker Jeremiah Chambers, junior defensive tackle Cole Burgess and redshirt junior safety Bolu Onifade.

Spring practices will also be the first time new defensive coordinator Clint Brown will see the Wildcats in full contact. Brown has been with the team for three weeks and will now begin to incorporate his style of defense on the field.

Dorrel said he trusts Brown and knows he’ll make an impact on the team this spring.

“Clint’s a professional and he’s been in this profession a long time,” Dorrel said. “He’s a really good recruiter, he’s a great teacher and he cares about these young men. I’m looking forward to getting all these aspects out of him.”

The Wildcats are scheduled to practice 14 times during spring camp which will last up until April 3. ACU’s Purple-White game will cap off spring practices on April 5.