Texas College football players wait for practice to begin Wednesday August 31, 2016. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

“The Stampede is Coming!”

That is the slogan for the 2016 Texas College Steers football season.

After a few down years, there is optimism around campus.

Coach Gregory Ruffin enters his second season at the helm.

“When I was hired here in May 2015, I didn’t get a chance to recruit,” Ruffin said. “We won two games last season and had a chance to win a third.”

The Steers defeated Bacone (21-20) and Lyon (21-14).

Ruffin is establishing his program, installing discipline and recruiting speed, including a couple of players who are “faster than a hiccup.”

The Steers open the season Saturday, traveling to Jackson, Tennessee, to meet Lane College, the alma mater of Ruffin. Kickoff is 2 p.m.

The home opener is Sept. 10 against Louisiana College at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Kickoff is 4 p.m.

The Steers are competing in the NAIA’s Central States Football League. Conference opponents include Lyon College of Batesville, Arkansas; Arizona Christian College of Phoenix; Wayland Baptist University of Plainview; Langston University of Langston, Oklahoma; and Southwestern Assemblies of God of Waxahachie.

Curtez Griffin, the Steers’ jack-of-all-trades, returns for his senior season. He has played quarterback and wide receiver. Last season he caught four TD passes while throwing for one and running for one.

Terrell Williams is one of the fastest players on the team and had four interceptions last season.

“We were able to recruit for this season,” said Ruffin, a longtime coach at Jackson State. “When I got here, we did not have an offseason in place and we did not have spring training. The regular season was like our spring training. Now, an offseason is in place and we have practice in the spring.”

STEER NOTES: All home games are scheduled for Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. … Tickets are $10 (general admission) and $15 (reserved seating). … Homecoming is Oct. 22 against Wayland Baptist while Senior Day is Oct. 28 vs. Langston.

2016 Texas College Football Schedule

Sept. 3 at Lane College 2 p.m.

Sept. 10 Louisiana College 4 p.m.

Sept. 17 at McMurry noon

Oct. 1 Bacone noon

Oct. 8 at Lyon College 2 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Arizona Christian 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 22 Wayland Baptist 2 p.m.

Oct. 29 Langston 2 p.m.

Nov. 5 at SW Assemblies of God 2 p.m.