Virginia Union University football players need to be strong, fast and tough.

They also need a dependable alarm clock.

The Panthers report for meetings at 5:15 a.m. and hit the practice field at 6:10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“It helps correct night life,” said third-year Coach Mark James. “If you look at your watch and its 9 o’clock (p.m.), you know it’s time for bed.”

Coach James says there is more thought behind his sunrise practice tactics.

“It takes some adjustment, but I feel there is more attention to detail and more discipline at that hour. It’s something I’ve always done.”

It’s hard to fault Coach James’ strategy.

In 2014, Coach James inherited a squad that was 3-7 during the 2013-14 season. During his first season, Coach James led the Panthers to reverse that mark to 7-3.

Last season, VUU went 8-3 and qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs for first time in a quarter century.

The Panthers dominated statistically a year ago. VUU outscored its 11 opponents a combined 351-219. The Panthers also led their opponents in first downs, 235 to 139, and in total yardage, 4,833 to 2,634.

VUU fans can keep their eyes on these players and others as the Panthers start their third season under Coach James:

Shawheem Dowdy, No. 12: The Boxtorow All-American ranks with top quarterbacks in all of HBCU football. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound transfer from Grambling University threw for 2,410 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015, hitting 15 different receivers.

Abraham Garcia, No. 77: Known as “Nacho,” the South Florida native transferred to VUU from the University of Louisville, where he blocked for then quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, now with the Minnesota Vikings. At 6-foot-6, 340 pounds, Garcia is another Panther the NFL scouts have on their radar.

Kevon Cooley, No. 23: A brilliant all-around athlete out of Armstrong High School, Cooley has become a front-line receiver in his third season. Cooley gives Dowdy yet another explosive target and reminds VUU fans of former VUU player Anthony Leonard of Maggie Walker High School, who went on to play in the NFL in the 1970s.

Paulin Miano, No. 53: The 6-foot-6, 265-pound pass rusher extraordinaire registered 25 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 2015, with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles. Miano is part of Coach James’ Baltimore-connection, along with ace tailback Hakeem Holland.

Coach James isn’t resting on his laurels.

“Each year we want to take a step forward,” he said. “For this season, it means getting into the CIAA championship game and getting beyond the first round of the (NCAA) playoffs.”

There’s no time for napping.

Asked what he does after the crack-of-dawn football practices, Coach James said, “Take a shower and start watching film.”