NATCHITOCHES - The depth that Northwestern State offensive line coach Jeremy Offutt has craved for years finally is in place, and with it, there's a combination of sharp execution and physical play that has him beaming.

The Demons football team worked out Thursday morning in full pads and are set for their final two-a-day session Friday, at 9:40 a.m. and 6:50 p.m., heading into a Saturday evening scrimmage expected to begin about 6:15 in Turpin Stadium. Next week, they begin preparing for their season opener on Thursday, Sept. 1, at home against Delta State, the 2010 NCAA Division II national runner-up.

Offutt, starting his sixth season with the Demons, has never been happier in his role guiding the front men of the NSU offense.

"We've been pretty physical in camp. I'm most proud that we're not blowing a lot of assignments. We know who we're blocking, we're getting there for the most part. I'm proud of where we are at, and I'm having more fun than ever coaching these guys," he said.

"I've got really good kids and I'm blessed to be coaching them. They have a great maturity level, the desire to be great, and they care about this team so much," said Offutt. "That's the approach offensive linemen have to have in a winning program, and this group has it."

Northwestern has a retooled first five, save for senior All-America candidate Zach Case at center. The Demons lost the left side starters up front. Offutt shuffled two-year starting right tackle Larry Calcote inside to right guard in spring practice, filling a slot vacated by switching Destry Hesskew, like Calcote a true junior and two-year starter, to left guard.

"Destry is doing a good job at left guard, and he's getting a lot better mechanically. He's shown a ton of desire. We have a slew of guys behind him, and although we've lost (true sophomore) Josh Cunningham for the year (to a knee injury), right now (sophomore) Caleb Stanfield is at the front of that pack of players who give me great confidence about this position," said Offutt after Thursday's practice.

"Larry has moved inside next to the center and he's done a really good job at right guard. He's gotten smarter and a lot better. We hope (junior college transfer) Isaac Puapuaga can get back out on the field soon because when he's out there, he's done some really good things and he's probably No. 3 at either guard slot.

"Zach Case at center is as good as anybody in our league and has to be among the best in the country. He's so smart, so tough, such a good leader," said Offutt. "(True sophomore) John McClendon is starting to learn how to use his power better and has such great upside as our backup.

The crucial left tackle post is manned by sophomore Blayne Cole, who lettered in a reduced role last year as a true freshman, and Sherard Sorrells, also a second-year Demon but a senior with junior college experience.

"Blayne Cole is a no-doubter. Sherard is good enough to be a starting tackle, either side. He can do it," said Offutt.

At right tackle, another rising true sophomore Tchissakid "T-dray" Player has the starting job and he's supported by rugged senior Jesse Hernandez, who was a starter as a true freshman and sophomore before injuries derailed him for his junior season.

"The right tackle spot is in good hands. T-dray has done well for us. He and Jesse are beat up which often will happen in camp, but they are a great combination and especially if Jesse stays healthy, we'll be awfully solid there," Offutt said.

Among the young Demons, true freshman Jonathan Lewis from Many has been a standout.

"Jonathon Lewis was showing a lot of promise but has missed a couple of days and will have to catch up when he's back out there," said Offutt. "He's a smart kid and tough so I expect he will bounce back fast. He can play either side and could help us this year if needed."

Two walk-ons also drew praise from their position coach:  Benjamin Hesser from North DeSoto High School and a sophomore transfer from Louisiana Tech, along with redshirt freshman Hunter Pruitt from Delhi Charter.

"Pruitt and Hesser weren't in the original 95 but they've shown the ability to make blocks and they're doing some good things," he said. "They all want to learn and they all care about it, and that overcomes limitations and paves the way to production."