Football practice doesn't begin until August.

But at Northeast, the foundation for a winning program is being layed out right now.

Jeremy Frioud, the former Largo assistant who spent 12 years with the Packers, is now faced with the task of turning Vikings football back into a contender.

"It starts with lifting weights," Frioud said during a visit to the Bright House Sports Network studio. "And we have to look in here (pointing to his chest) ...We have to look beyond X's and O's and look what's inside the heart."   

The Vikings were 1-9 last season under Mike Jalazo and went the entire month of September without scoring. However, The real turning point came before the season even began when six players including star quarterback Ryan Davis transferred to Lakewood.

But Frioud isn't worried about retaining players. His first priority?

"Toughness," he says.

Click on the link for an interview with Frioud and the Vikings.