NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State kicks off spring football practice Tuesday afternoon with coach Scott Stoker trying to replace 13 starters, including some of the most productive offensive players in school history and All-America defensive back David Pittman.

The Demons, 5-5 last fall with a game against Texas Southern lost to Hurricane Rita, welcome back four starters on offense and five more on defense, led by All-America defensive tackle Tory Collins. Also returning are 11 players who started at least one game last season.

The 15 practices will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings in March, including extended scrimmages on March 18 and 25 and culminating with the 16th Annual Joe Delaney Bowl spring game at 1:30 on April 1.

“Spring practice is the time coaches really love what they do, because you get the chance to assess your team and watch players compete and develop without the pressure of having games coming up,” said Stoker. “It’s a time to teach. We have plenty of young players to work with who we believe can step in and make a positive impact for us this season. There’s no question that we are replacing some players who were very productive.”

Among the graduation losses are three-year starter Davon Vinson at quarterback and state and conference punt return record-holder Toby Zeigler — who also tied NSU’s career record for pass receptions. Tailback Shelton Sampson ranks seventh in career rushing yards and sixth in career scoring. Linebacker Paul Mefford had 300 career tackles while Pittman made 11 career interceptions while emerging as a highly-regarded NFL Draft prospect.

Replacing Vinson is a focal issue during spring practice. Junior Ricky Joe Meeks started one game last season and is the only quarterback  on the roster with any college experience. Highly-regarded redshirt freshman Sean Santos, from New Orleans-Holy Cross, will challenge Meeks for the No. 1 job during spring workouts.

“Ricky  Joe knows the ropes and he’s worked very hard in the offseason to be in great shape to lead this team,” said Stoker. “Santos is young and has no game experience in our offense but he’s a heck of a competitor too, so that ought to be a fun competition and one that makes us better as it continues through the spring.”

The Demons will open spring drills without some of their top performers, sidelined after offseason surgeries. Collins and senior defensive end Ed Queen are two of the top defenders who won’t practice this week. Senior receiver Derrick Doyle, on track to shatter NSU’s career marks for receptions and receiving yardage, is also out.