Coach: Jacob Thomas

2017 record: 10-4

Top returners: J’Velus Peterson, 6-1, 205, Sr., RB; Zaire Boykin, 5-11, 195, Sr., RB; Nic Minnacapelli, 5-11, 225, Jr, FB/DE; Sincere Hale, 6-2, 208, Sr., DE/TE; Caleb Krings, 6-3, 260, Jr., OL/DL; Jaylen Hudson, 6-3, 225, Sr., LB/WR; Austin Hunt, 6-1, 220, Sr., LB/TE; Darrick Whitted, 5-11, 225, Jr., LB; Dalton Staton, 5-10, 195, Sr., OL; Taiquan Gamble, 6-2, 175, WR/DB.

Top newcomers: Cayden McKethan, 5-11, 210, So., QB; Kimani Britton, 5-11, 180, Fr., QB; Justin Lambert, 5-11, 175, Jr., WR; Trace Canada, 6-0, 215, OL; Lamon Lock, 5-8, 180, Jr., DB; Donte Autry, 5-9, 180, So., LB; Kevin Jones, 6-3, 185, WR/DB. 

Team strengths: “Senior leadership has been huge for us this spring and summer. The guys have really stepped up in accountability and leading vocally and by example. Front seven on both sides of the football are majority returners that will need to really step up and hold the rope for the more inexperienced players.”

 Team concerns: “Perimeter players. There is not much game experience on either side of the ball there. At quarterback, this is the first time in four years we will have a different quarterback taking the snaps.”

Coach’s comment: “We will need some of our new guys to step up their play in order to be successful this year. Our leadership and returners will be a good foundation to build around. We will still fight and be competitive this year.’’