OVC Preseason Polls, All-OVC Team

[smallcollegefbfan]

Order of Finish Points
1. Jacksonville State (6 first-place votes) 113
2. Eastern Kentucky (6) 111
3. Eastern Illinois (6) 108
4. Tennessee State 84
5. UT Martin 69
6. Tennessee Tech 55
7. Austin Peay 50
8. Murray State 36
9. Southeast Missouri 22

[smallcollegefbfan]

2008 Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference Football Team
(Selected by OVC Head Football Coaches and Sports Information Directors)

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Allan Holland (QB), Eastern Kentucky
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Pierre Walters (DL), Eastern Illinois

OFFENSE
Pos. Player, School Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown
QB Allan Holland, Eastern Kentucky * 6-1 242 Sr. Hazard, Ky.
RB Javarris Williams, Tennessee State 5-11 215 Sr. Richmond, Texas
RB Timmy Holloman, Southeast Missouri 6-0 190 Sr. Orlando, Fla.
WR Chris Johnson, Tennessee State 6-2 180 Sr. Nashville, Tenn.
WR Roren Thomas, UT Martin 6-0 175 Jr. St. Louis, Mo.
TE DeAngelo Nelson, Murray State * 6-1 235 Sr. Memphis, Tenn.
C Michael Howard, Eastern Kentucky 6-1 274 Jr. Warner Robins, Ga.
OG Chaz Millard, Eastern Illinois * 6-3 305 Jr. St. Charles, Ill.
OG Kevin Bannon, UT Martin ** 6-3 290 Sr. Wentzville, Mo.
OT Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State ** 6-5 310 Sr. Jacksonville, Fla.
OT Cage Major, Austin Peay ** 6-5 275 Sr. Joelton, Tenn.

DEFENSE
Pos. Player, School Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown
DL Pierre Walters, Eastern Illinois * 6-5 261 Sr. Forest Park, Ill.
DL Chris Coy, Eastern Kentucky * 6-1 240 Sr. Slaughters, Ky.
DL Ray Williams, UT Martin ** 6-0 290 Sr. Demopolis, Ala.
DL Austen Lane, Murray State 6-6 250 Jr. Iola, Wis.
LB Marquise Elston, Jacksonville State 6-0 220 Sr. Anniston, Ala.
LB Jared Goodson, Southeast Missouri 6-2 215 Jr. Melbourne, Fla.
LB Remond Willis, Tennessee State 6-2 245 Sr. New Madrid, Ill.
DB Brandon Gathof, Eastern Kentucky * 6-2 200 Sr. LaGrange, Ky.
DB Maurice Smith, Tennessee Tech * 6-3 195 Sr. Athens, Tenn.
DB Rashad Haynes, Eastern Illinois ** 5-11 164 So. Rockledge, Fla.
DB Ke’Andre Sams, Eastern Illinois ** 5-11 200 Sr. Lakeland, Fla.
DB Zach Denton, Eastern Kentucky ** 5-11 199 Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio

SPECIALISTS
Pos. Player, School Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown
K Gavin Hallford, Jacksonville State * 6-1 225 Sr. Phenix City, Ala.
P Doug Spada, Southeast Missouri * 6-1 190 Jr. Shelby, N.C.
RS Maurice Dupree, Jacksonville State ** 5-10 180 Sr. Centre, Ala.
* - 1st team All-OVC team in 2007 ** - 2nd team All-OVC team in 2007

[TTUEagles]

It would be difficult for me to count out any of the top three in this poll for favorite to win it all in the OVC. I also, think TSU could be better than most think, but you could say that about TSU every year...I am surprised to see my TECH team at # 6, with their 4-7 year last year and very young team this year, I was certain they'd be picked 7th or 8th. I would be interested to see what the other legion of FCS fans not associated with the OVC thinks, not only of these preseason ranking, about the OVC in general. (serious answers only)

[Maroons]

Are there any safe bets in the OVC this year? The coaches and SIDs would have you believe any bet between EKU/JSU/EIU is practically a push... but I see so many variables. EKU has a new coach and O-Line, JSU has a brand new quarterback... tradition would dictate that the winner will likely be one of those three teams, but I really wouldn't be surprised by a darkhorse challenger. A TSU with a healthy Antonio Heffner would not be a darkhorse, however. They'd be a legitmate threat.

On a related note, I don't see this being the year that the OVC finally ends its playoff win drought. I don't see any OVC team building a strong enough resume to receive a favorable draw and host a home game. I hope I am wrong, but I don't see it.

[Herdman]

Go Eastern Illinois!

Personally, I think this would make a great D2 conference, but....

[smallcollegefbfan]

Are there any safe bets in the OVC this year? The coaches and SIDs would have you believe any bet between EKU/JSU/EIU is practically a push... but I see so many variables. EKU has a new coach and O-Line, JSU has a brand new quarterback... tradition would dictate that the winner will likely be one of those three teams, but I really wouldn't be surprised by a darkhorse challenger. A TSU with a healthy Antonio Heffner would not be a darkhorse, however. They'd be a legitmate threat.

On a related note, I don't see this being the year that the OVC finally ends its playoff win drought. I don't see any OVC team building a strong enough resume to receive a favorable draw and host a home game. I hope I am wrong, but I don't see it.

This has to be the first year I have ever seen just one all-conference pick between the offense and defense from the league favorite. Sounds like some people are putting high expectations on RP possibly?

[Weems]

I think it that is pretty accurate. I may be biased *just a little bit* but it would not surprise me if UT Martin shook up the standing in the top of the OVC. Whether they beat a team to keep them from winning the OVC or whatnot.

I'm guessing that since Samford is out, we play everyone every year currently, right?

[Golden Eagle]

What is it with SEMO and punters? It seems like the last three they've had are the only ones who ever get All-OVC, not to mention a few All-Americans.

Then again, at SEMO, I guess you put a lot of stock into recruiting a punter.

[Maroons]

I'm guessing that since Samford is out, we play everyone every year currently, right?

I think that only works this year because this is a 12-game regular season. In an 11-game season, I believe TSU gets 4 non-conference games so they will have to skip somebody in conference.

[Maroons]

What is it with SEMO and punters? It seems like the last three they've had are the only ones who ever get All-OVC, not to mention a few All-Americans.

Then again, at SEMO, I guess you put a lot of stock into recruiting a punter.

They also get a lot of reps during the season!

[Gamecocks99]

This has to be the first year I have ever seen just one all-conference pick between the offense and defense from the league favorite. Sounds like some people are putting high expectations on RP possibly?

On Top of Ryan Perrilloux Also JSU has picked up 7 or 8 strong Junior college Transfer players. Reggie Wade- played in the National JUCO ALLSTAR game on the Offensive Line. Jamison Wadley, transferred from Southern Miss on the Defensive Line. We also have a JUCO Transfer LB that originally signed with FSU and another Tranfer WR from FIU that looked very good in the Spring.


Also they picked up another Transfer LB from Ole Miss Isaiah Smith - 6'0" 234 / 4.6 40
He ranked #47 mlb in 07' class by scout. #99 mlb by espn insiders. can play outside and in. will help defense.

Jax State transferred in a 4 Star Recruit - DB / RB from Alabama Tremayne Coger. He was the backup to #2-Simeon Castille at DB. But Also Coger was a productive running back in high school.

He was listed at DB at Alabama, but could also play WR or RB. His forte is speed but he seemed to be out of place at Alabama. High school forty time was listed as 4.47. He was recruited by Shula and never fit into Saban's schemes. He redshirted his first year and never sniffed the field last year. Will be a sophmore this year. Originally from Columbia, TN

Coach Crowe has done a lot of homework and this year will be a new beginning for the Gamecocks.

We should have a the players to win a few playoff games

[smallcollegefbfan]

On Top of Ryan Perrilloux Also JSU has picked up 7 or 8 strong Junior college Transfer players. Reggie Wade- played in the National JUCO ALLSTAR game on the Offensive Line. Jamison Wadley, transferred from Southern Miss on the Defensive Line. We also have a JUCO Transfer LB that originally signed with FSU and another Tranfer WR from FIU that looked very good in the Spring.

Also they picked up another Transfer LB from Ole Miss Isaiah Smith - 6'0" 234 / 4.6 40
He ranked #47 mlb in 07' class by scout. #99 mlb by espn insiders. can play outside and in. will help defense.

Jax State transferred in a 4 Star Recruit - DB / RB from Alabama Tremayne Coger. He was the backup to #2-Simeon Castille at DB. But Also Coger was a productive running back in high school.

He was listed at DB at Alabama, but could also play WR or RB. His forte is speed but he seemed to be out of place at Alabama. High school forty time was listed as 4.47. He was recruited by Shula and never fit into Saban's schemes. He redshirted his first year and never sniffed the field last year. Will be a sophmore this year. Originally from Columbia, TN

Coach Crowe has done a lot of homework and this year will be a new beginning for the Gamecocks.

We should have a the players to win a few playoff games

No doubt there is potential for a good team here. Just pointed out it was the first time in a while I have seen a team picked to win in the preseason who had just one player on the offense and defense combined. You do have to feel the coaches picked JSU based on the expectations that RP can take you to the next level and that this pick is based off expectation more than past performance.

It will be interesting to see how this talent gels together. The only bad thing about this hype is that if injuries or something else goes wrong it is going to look like this team was overrated. Hopefully you guys stay healthy and make the playoffs!

[Gamecocks99]

No doubt there is potential for a good team here. Just pointed out it was the first time in a while I have seen a team picked to win in the preseason who had just one player on the offense and defense combined. You do have to feel the coaches picked JSU based on the expectations that RP can take you to the next level and that this pick is based off expectation more than past performance.

It will be interesting to see how this talent gels together. The only bad thing about this hype is that if injuries or something else goes wrong it is going to look like this team was overrated. Hopefully you guys stay healthy and make the playoffs!


I agree an so would Coach Crowe. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Below is an article from the OVC Media Day from the Annistonn Star our local Daily Newspaper .



Perriloux puts JSU on pole


By Al Muskewitz
Sports Writer
07-23-2008


NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ryan Perrilloux was nowhere to be found at LP Field Tuesday, but his influence on his new surroundings was unmistakable.

Back at Jacksonville State in the protective bubble he's been placed in since transferring from LSU, the junior quarterback did not participate in the Ohio Valley Conference's annual Media Day at the Tennessee Titans' stadium.

But that doesn't mean out of sight is out of mind.

Although he hasn't seen the quarterback take one snap with his team, JSU coach Jack Crowe said he feels Perrilloux "has a chance to be a difference maker." Apparently, so do most of his peers, as the league's coaches and publicists installed an otherwise pedestrian JSU team as the preseason favorite.

"I think it played a significant role," Tennessee-Martin coach Jason Simpson said. "The two easterns (Kentucky and Illinois) and Jacksonville are always in your top three, based on tradition and just program stability, then adding an impact player like that, I'm sure put them over the top ... It was kind of a no-brainer to me."

Even Crowe had to concede "an awful lot" when asked how much he thought Perrilloux' arrival affected the voting.

He projected that without Perrilloux, who signed with JSU in May, the Gamecocks would have been a "middle of the pack" team in Tuesday's poll. As it is, two major preseason magazines ranked them third and fourth in the league, although one touted Perrilloux its National Newcomer of the Year.

But among the OVC insiders, the Gamecocks received 113 points, two ahead of second-place Eastern Kentucky and five ahead of third-place Eastern Illinois. The three teams evenly split 18 first-place votes, projecting this to be one of the closest conference races in years.

"When you look at the statistical leaders that are coming back on our football team, both offensive and defensive, there's no statistical reason (to be picked first)," Crowe said. "And when you look at the all-star (team), we don't have players who are all-star players.

"I think there is some respect for our tradition and we usually play pretty good, but I think there's a lot of that (projection) built into expectations of (Perrilloux) as a talent and what he can bring to our football team."

At least one prominent recruiting guru told The Star earlier this year Perrilloux will be the best player on the field against any team JSU plays on its level. The other coaches in the OVC understand what they're up against.

He was the National Offensive Player of the Year coming out of high school. He played 12 games (two starts) at LSU last year, and likely would have been the starting quarterback for the defending national champions had his relationship there not deteriorated to the point of him being dismissed.

He was the MVP of the SEC Championship game after completing 20 of 30 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown.

"That's a pretty good spoke you're putting in a pretty good wheel," Murray State coach Matt Griffin said. "He'll make a lot of coaches tight, no doubt about that."

JSU senior safety Kenny Walker was in the hallway of the football building the day Perrilloux arrived and peeked in the corner office as the coaches watched the quarterback's highlight film, many seeing him in action for the first time.

Walker was impressed then, and became even moreso once the receivers and defensive backs got together for unofficial out-of-season passing drills.

"He showed me he's a real athlete," Walker said. "He shows me he's not some big-time guy coming from LSU; he comes out to compete every day. The thing about him is, in the past, some quarterbacks might let the script roll, but if he has a bad pass or a miscommunication, he'll repeat the play. He's a finisher.

"He can be a game-changer, something our program really needs. I feel like he's a quarterback you can take into the fourth quarter and put it on his shoulder if the defense is not on the field. I played against Jamarcus Russell through high school and he's a similar player. Since I've been in the OVC, there's not been a player as athletic and as complete as he is."

The Gamecocks have been protective of their highest-profile Division I transfer since his arrival, making sure he stays on track toward what Crowe called "the accountability he needs and our football program needs." At least twice since the transfer became official, SEC media types visiting the area for other events sought interviews with the quarterback and were denied. Perrilloux will be made available to the local media at the team's Media Day July 31.

No one had to see Perrilloux on Tuesday to make him part of the conversation. Even though the first question to Crowe after the moderator's program was about — of all things — the Gamecocks' running game, about half the questions posed to him during the event pertained to the quarterback.

"None of them were leading," Crowe said. "The good thing about them is they weren't going backwards; they were about going forward — him at Jacksonville State, next season.

"What really bothers me is when the questions get (looking) backwards. And I don't consider the questions about evaluating him (that way), because it still doesn't reflect back on anything negative. At least it doesn't me."

[Weems]

I think that only works this year because this is a 12-game regular season. In an 11-game season, I believe TSU gets 4 non-conference games so they will have to skip somebody in conference.

thanks for clearing that up

[EKU05]

I think that only works this year because this is a 12-game regular season. In an 11-game season, I believe TSU gets 4 non-conference games so they will have to skip somebody in conference.


I'm pretty sure that's accurate. But to restate it, you do now play everyone in a normal year unless you're TSU. In theory it would only happen to each other team once in 8 years which isn't as bad as it was when we had 10 teams and there would have always been at least one team you didn't play.