GRAMBLING, La. — Coach Doug Williams' Tigers found their comfort zone early on Thursday afternoon as Grambling State University began spring football workouts.

"Last year everything was new," said Williams who took over  for his second sting as GSU's head coach only 10 days before 2011 spring practice began. "Now we know each other. I know them, they know me. They know what we expect of them as players and as students.

"Spring football is all about fun. They just have to go out there every practice and earn that fun."

Williams was pleased with the physical and mental preprations his Tigers put in prior to the start of spring practice.

"The team has worked hard under (GSU Strength Coach Robert) Butler to get ready and they came out at and practiced at a good tempo, especially toward the end (of practice)," Williams said of Day One of spring drills. "They know what we want them to do, and they looked good today. It'll be interesting to see if they can keep it up when we put on pads."

The head coach's son, sophomore D.J. Williams, is back to start at quarterback after leading the Tigers to a late season surge and a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 2011. Junior Frank Rivers, who saw significant action and multiple starts behind center last season, is spending spring spliting time between spring football and his role as a relief pitcher for the GSU baseball team. Rivers was out in a football helmet throwing passes during Grambling's Thursday workout and has a 1.42 ERA in four appearances on the mound this baseball season.

GSU's No. 3 quarterback Jonathan Williams also showed his arm strength Thursday during the snaps he received during skeleton and 11-on-11 drills.

"It feels so much better knowing you have three guys back there with talent, because we didn't know anything this time last year," Williams said. "They know what to expect and what is expected of them. It's a good start, now we just have to make (Friday's) practice even better."