LAKE CHARLES -- Practice, practice and more practice, with the hope of getting some game time.

That’s the life of three former Teche Area athletes trying to make the jump to the next level, learning about college life and college athletics at McNeese State University.

Former Erath standouts Zack Fourroux and Erik LeBlanc and former St. Martinville standout Isaac Johnson are all freshmen athletes for the Cowboys this year.

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Fourroux has a little more experience than the other two as he enters his second year at McNeese, having redshirted last year. He’s battling for a spot as third team quarterback.

LeBlanc and Johnson are true freshmen, making the jump this year to college after spending 2008 playing high school football.

“I was a little surprised at first when I got out here because I wasn’t used to the speed (of the game),” said Fourroux. “It took a while but I finally got used to the speed and I adjusted well.

“I’m still learning and it’s going to be a long process.”

The former Erath quarterback has an advantage in learning his position. Older brother Derrick is the Cowboys’ starting quarterback and a fifth-year senior at the school.

“It helps a lot because if I have a question, I can ask him,” said Fourroux, who is looking forward to getting into games and taking some snaps at the college level. “I’m still the No. 3 quarterback and am going from there. Hopefully I can get in some games and get a little bit of time.”

LeBlanc said choosing McNeese gave him a chance to play the game that he loves at the next level.

“I’m loving it here,” said LeBlanc. “I get the chance to go from high school to college. I worked my way up the ladder and made the team and I’m proud of what I did to get here.”

The biggest difference for him was the work ethic shown in college, LeBlanc said. Players have to give more effort in college than in high school.

LeBlanc said he walked into the football offices at McNeese and told the coaches he wanted a shot to play, and they gave it to him. All he wants is to get a little playing time at the college level.

“I knew that I wanted to play football in college,” said LeBlanc. “Now that I’m here I just want a chance to get into the game.”

He knows and accepts what it is to be a first-year player.

“You know you’re going to be the hitting dummy,” said LeBlanc. “You take the licking and go from there.”

Johnson got to McNeese in June and has been working out since then.

“I’ve been working and training since then,” said Johnson. “I just want to be on the team and win a championship.”

A 2008 honorable mention Academic All-State selection, Johnson said he loves the university and the football program, which is why he decided to attend McNeese, hoping for an opportunity to be on the team and play.

While he would rather not take a redshirt season, Johnson said he understands that if that’s what the coaches decide would be best for him and the team then he will accept the decision.

“I’m fine with that, if that’s what the team needs,” said Johnson. “It will only help me get better.”