FanofFCS
June 6th, 2011, 11:01 AM
FCS ALL-AMERICAN TEAM
OFFENSE
QB DeAndre Presley 5-11 195 Sr. Appalachian State
RB Nate Eachus 5-10 216 Sr. Colgate
RB Jonathan Grimes 5-10 201 Sr. William & Mary
FB Eric Breitenstein 5-11 225 Jr. Wofford
WR Brandon Kaufman 6-5 205 Jr. Eastern Washington
WR Chris Summers 6-4 190 Sr. Liberty
TE Alex Gottlieb 6-4 255 Sr. William & Mary
OL Natiel Curry 6-2 280 Sr. Bethune-Cookman
OL D.J. Hall 6-3 300 Sr. Texas State
OL Brett Moore 6-3 253 Sr. Georgia Southern
OL J.C. Oram 6-4 310 Sr. Weber State
OL Chris Powers 6-2 270 Sr. Eastern Washington
DEFENSE
DL Mario Kurn 6-2 220 Sr. San Diego
DL Ameet Pall 6-0 245 Sr. Wofford
DL Brent Russell 6-2 287 Jr. Georgia Southern
DL Renard Williams 6-2 300 Sr. Eastern Washington
LB Matt Evans 6-0 219 Jr. New Hampshire
LB Tyler Holmes 6-0 220 Sr. Massachusetts
LB A.J. Storms 6-0 215 Sr. Idaho State
DB Asa Jackson 5-11 188 Sr. Cal Poly
DB Matt Johnson 6-2 220 Sr. Eastern Washington
DB Trumaine Johnson 6-3 199 Sr. Montana
DB Kejuan Riley 6-0 182 Jr. Alabama State
SPECIALISTS
K Matt Bevins 6-2 185 Sr. Liberty
P David Harrington 6-3 185 Sr. Idaho State
KR Jeremy Caldwell 5-10 193 Eastern Kentucky
PR Dontrell Johnson 5-11 180 Sr. Murray State
PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Georgia Southern (10-5, 5-3 SoCon) – As a rookie head coach last year, Jeff Monken skipped some steps in rebuilding the Eagles’ storied program with a national semifinal appearance. All but one starter returns this season. The triple option – led by quarterback Jaybo Shaw – baffles opponents, but the defense is even better because of junior nose tackle Brent Russell and safety Laron Scott.
2. William & Mary (8-4, 6-2 CAA Football) – Last year’s early exit in the FCS playoffs (to Georgia Southern) motivates the Tribe. The versatility of senior running back Jonathan Grimes (his 5,445 all-purpose yards ranks ninth in CAA history) takes pressure off quarterback Michael Paulus. The defense is outstanding with Jake Trantin, who missed last season, joining Dante Cook at linebacker. Cornerback/punt returner B.W. Webb beats opponents in multiple ways.
3. Eastern Washington (13-2, 7-1 Big Sky) – Who knew coach Beau Baldwin’s Eagles would outdo the debut of their red turf by winning their first FCS championship. The Eagles return 32 players with a combined 337 career starts. The Bo Levi Mitchell-to-Brandon Kaufman passing combo is lethal. Buck Buchanan Award winner J.C. Sherritt has turned over the defense to bruising tackle Renard Johnson and the Johnson twins, Matt (safety) and Zach (linebacker).
4. Montana State (9-3, 7-1 Big Sky) – Quarterback DeNarius McGhee (3,163 passing yards, 23 touchdowns) was arguably the FCS’ best freshman last season. He leads a potential offensive juggernaut, which returns 1,100-yard rusher Orenzo Davis and welcomes running back Tray Robinson from Nebraska. The defense has a young star in sophomore linebacker Aleksei Grosulak. Kicker Jason Cunningham dials up long distance.
5. Appalachian State (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – Don’t mind veteran coach Jerry Moore if he reloads instead of rebuilds his team. The Mountaineers lost many key players, but dual-threat quarterback DeAndre Presley, who passed and rushed for 34 TDs, and 6-5 wide receiver Brian Quick are among the nation’s best at their positions. The defense is driven by juniors, linebackers Justin Wray and Brandon Grier and strong safety Troy Sanders.
6. Delaware (12-3, 6-2 CAA Football) – It’s Trevor Sasek’s turn to go under the microscope of Delaware quarterbacks. The redshirt sophomore will work behind a veteran line with many weapons at his disposal, most notably Andrew Pierce (1,655 rushing yards, 14 TDs as a freshman). Coach K.C. Keeler’s national runners-up won’t have the same dominant defense, but leading tackler Paul Worrilow returns at linebacker.
7. Richmond (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – The Spiders’ team trainer prefers less work. If senior quarterback Aaron Corp, the Southern Cal transfer, is recovered from an ACL injury, and the rest of the offense gets healthy, coach Latrell Scott’s second season will go smoother. Wide receiver Tre Gray and a veteran line compliment Corp. Graduation decimated the defense, leaving linebacker Darius McMillian in charge.
8. Wofford (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – The triple option is associated with Georgia Southern, but the Terriers’ version led the FCS in rushing yards per game (297.8). They will continue to steamroll defenses with fullback Eric Breitenstein coming off a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 TDs. Defensive end Ameet Pall collected 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
9. Jacksonville State (9-3, 6-2 OVC) – A different player seems to lead the balanced Gamecocks each game. They can beat opponents with one of two quarterbacks, senior Marques Ivory or sophomore Coty Blanchard, at the helm. A stout defense will take a step forward with rover Monte Lewis, defensive tackle Jamison Wadley and safety Keginald Harris.
10. Northern Iowa (7-5, 6-2 Missouri Valley) – The Panthers return 18 starters from a team that won the balanced Missouri Valley Football Conference. Tirrell Rennie is the best running quarterback in the FCS – he ground out 1,291 yards and 15 TDs – and running back Carlos Anderson just missed 1,000 yards. Defensive tackle Ben Boothby owns property in his opponents’ backfields.
11. North Dakota State (9-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – Last year’s relatively young squad grew up with two playoff wins. Opponents struggle to contain senior running back D.J. McNorton (1,559 rushing yards, 19 total TDs), while defensive end Coulter Boyer is a disruptive force for the Bison’s physical defense.
12. Massachusetts (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – Virginia Tech should not have let All-America linebacker, and Blacksburg, Va., native, Tyler Holmes get away. Senior tailback Jonathan Hernandez has never had the spotlight to himself, but does this year. The starting quarterback may be Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel.
13. New Hampshire (8-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – The secondary must be rebuilt, but the front seven is strong with defensive end Brian McNally and linebacker Matt Evans. Redshirt senior Kevin Decker takes over at quarterback and will put the ball in the hands of playmakers Dontra Peters and Joey Orlando.
14. Lehigh (10-3, 5-0 Patriot) – Some believe coach Andy Coen’s squad arrived a year ahead of schedule while it rolled through the Patriot League last season. The Mountain Hawks feature the passing duo of quarterback Chris Lum and split end Ryan Spadola as well as middle linebacker Mike Groome.
15. Sacramento State (6-5, 5-3 Big Sky) – Long considered a sleeping giant, the Hornets’ program has awakened. An excellent senior class, led by quarterback Jeff Fleming (school-record 23 TD passes) and defensive end Zach Nash (13 sacks), could power coach Marshall Sperbeck’s team to its first postseason appearance since 1988.
16. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon) – A daunting first half of the schedule may bury a quality Mocs team which boasts excellent senior and sophomore classes. Quarterback B.J. Coleman (26 TD passes) gets the ball to flanker Joel Bradford and running back Keon Williams. Cornerback Kadeem Wise was the SoCon Freshman of the Year.
17. Villanova (9-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – No FCS team is replacing a more talented senior class. Coach Andy Talley still has five starters from the Wildcats’ 2009 FCS championship squad, including playmaking cornerback James Pitts. Wide receiver Norman White caught 11 TDs a year ago.
18. Southern Illinois (5-6, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – The Salukis believe last year’s dropoff was an aberration. All five starting offensive linemen return to pave the way for quarterback Paul McIntosh, and running backs Shariff Harris and Steve Strother. A healthier secondary gets back strong safety Mike McElroy.
19. Montana (7-4, 5-3 Big Sky) – Second-year coach Robin Pflugrad faces pressure after the Grizzlies’ run of 12 straight Big Sky titles and 17 straight playoff appearances ended last year. There are more questions on offense than with the defense, which features cornerback Trumaine Johnson and linebackers Caleb McSurdy and Jordan Tripp.
20. Liberty (8-3, 5-1 Big South) – The Flames are 34-11 over the last four years, but haven’t reached the playoffs. It’s now or never for quarterback Mike Brown (FCS-best 346.4 yards of total offense per game) and wide receiver Chris Summers. Nobody will run through 6-5, 380-pound nose guard Asa Chapman.
21. Northwestern State (5-6, 4-3 Southland) – The Demons, behind nine players who earned a form of All-Southland honors, will try to go from 0-11 in 2009 to conference champs in coach Bradley Dale Peveto’s third season. Standout linebacker Derek Rose and quarterback Paul Harris are only juniors.
22. Eastern Kentucky (6-5, 5-2 OVC) – The Colonels want to build on last year’s season-ending four-game winning streak. Dual-threat quarterback T.J. Pryor will need more consistency while he directs a talented team which also boasts senior cornerback Jeremy Caldwell and junior wide receiver Orlandus Harris.
23. Indiana State (6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) –
24. Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-3 Southland) –
25. Jacksonville (10-1, 8-0 Pioneer) –
OFFENSE
QB DeAndre Presley 5-11 195 Sr. Appalachian State
RB Nate Eachus 5-10 216 Sr. Colgate
RB Jonathan Grimes 5-10 201 Sr. William & Mary
FB Eric Breitenstein 5-11 225 Jr. Wofford
WR Brandon Kaufman 6-5 205 Jr. Eastern Washington
WR Chris Summers 6-4 190 Sr. Liberty
TE Alex Gottlieb 6-4 255 Sr. William & Mary
OL Natiel Curry 6-2 280 Sr. Bethune-Cookman
OL D.J. Hall 6-3 300 Sr. Texas State
OL Brett Moore 6-3 253 Sr. Georgia Southern
OL J.C. Oram 6-4 310 Sr. Weber State
OL Chris Powers 6-2 270 Sr. Eastern Washington
DEFENSE
DL Mario Kurn 6-2 220 Sr. San Diego
DL Ameet Pall 6-0 245 Sr. Wofford
DL Brent Russell 6-2 287 Jr. Georgia Southern
DL Renard Williams 6-2 300 Sr. Eastern Washington
LB Matt Evans 6-0 219 Jr. New Hampshire
LB Tyler Holmes 6-0 220 Sr. Massachusetts
LB A.J. Storms 6-0 215 Sr. Idaho State
DB Asa Jackson 5-11 188 Sr. Cal Poly
DB Matt Johnson 6-2 220 Sr. Eastern Washington
DB Trumaine Johnson 6-3 199 Sr. Montana
DB Kejuan Riley 6-0 182 Jr. Alabama State
SPECIALISTS
K Matt Bevins 6-2 185 Sr. Liberty
P David Harrington 6-3 185 Sr. Idaho State
KR Jeremy Caldwell 5-10 193 Eastern Kentucky
PR Dontrell Johnson 5-11 180 Sr. Murray State
PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Georgia Southern (10-5, 5-3 SoCon) – As a rookie head coach last year, Jeff Monken skipped some steps in rebuilding the Eagles’ storied program with a national semifinal appearance. All but one starter returns this season. The triple option – led by quarterback Jaybo Shaw – baffles opponents, but the defense is even better because of junior nose tackle Brent Russell and safety Laron Scott.
2. William & Mary (8-4, 6-2 CAA Football) – Last year’s early exit in the FCS playoffs (to Georgia Southern) motivates the Tribe. The versatility of senior running back Jonathan Grimes (his 5,445 all-purpose yards ranks ninth in CAA history) takes pressure off quarterback Michael Paulus. The defense is outstanding with Jake Trantin, who missed last season, joining Dante Cook at linebacker. Cornerback/punt returner B.W. Webb beats opponents in multiple ways.
3. Eastern Washington (13-2, 7-1 Big Sky) – Who knew coach Beau Baldwin’s Eagles would outdo the debut of their red turf by winning their first FCS championship. The Eagles return 32 players with a combined 337 career starts. The Bo Levi Mitchell-to-Brandon Kaufman passing combo is lethal. Buck Buchanan Award winner J.C. Sherritt has turned over the defense to bruising tackle Renard Johnson and the Johnson twins, Matt (safety) and Zach (linebacker).
4. Montana State (9-3, 7-1 Big Sky) – Quarterback DeNarius McGhee (3,163 passing yards, 23 touchdowns) was arguably the FCS’ best freshman last season. He leads a potential offensive juggernaut, which returns 1,100-yard rusher Orenzo Davis and welcomes running back Tray Robinson from Nebraska. The defense has a young star in sophomore linebacker Aleksei Grosulak. Kicker Jason Cunningham dials up long distance.
5. Appalachian State (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – Don’t mind veteran coach Jerry Moore if he reloads instead of rebuilds his team. The Mountaineers lost many key players, but dual-threat quarterback DeAndre Presley, who passed and rushed for 34 TDs, and 6-5 wide receiver Brian Quick are among the nation’s best at their positions. The defense is driven by juniors, linebackers Justin Wray and Brandon Grier and strong safety Troy Sanders.
6. Delaware (12-3, 6-2 CAA Football) – It’s Trevor Sasek’s turn to go under the microscope of Delaware quarterbacks. The redshirt sophomore will work behind a veteran line with many weapons at his disposal, most notably Andrew Pierce (1,655 rushing yards, 14 TDs as a freshman). Coach K.C. Keeler’s national runners-up won’t have the same dominant defense, but leading tackler Paul Worrilow returns at linebacker.
7. Richmond (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – The Spiders’ team trainer prefers less work. If senior quarterback Aaron Corp, the Southern Cal transfer, is recovered from an ACL injury, and the rest of the offense gets healthy, coach Latrell Scott’s second season will go smoother. Wide receiver Tre Gray and a veteran line compliment Corp. Graduation decimated the defense, leaving linebacker Darius McMillian in charge.
8. Wofford (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – The triple option is associated with Georgia Southern, but the Terriers’ version led the FCS in rushing yards per game (297.8). They will continue to steamroll defenses with fullback Eric Breitenstein coming off a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 TDs. Defensive end Ameet Pall collected 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
9. Jacksonville State (9-3, 6-2 OVC) – A different player seems to lead the balanced Gamecocks each game. They can beat opponents with one of two quarterbacks, senior Marques Ivory or sophomore Coty Blanchard, at the helm. A stout defense will take a step forward with rover Monte Lewis, defensive tackle Jamison Wadley and safety Keginald Harris.
10. Northern Iowa (7-5, 6-2 Missouri Valley) – The Panthers return 18 starters from a team that won the balanced Missouri Valley Football Conference. Tirrell Rennie is the best running quarterback in the FCS – he ground out 1,291 yards and 15 TDs – and running back Carlos Anderson just missed 1,000 yards. Defensive tackle Ben Boothby owns property in his opponents’ backfields.
11. North Dakota State (9-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – Last year’s relatively young squad grew up with two playoff wins. Opponents struggle to contain senior running back D.J. McNorton (1,559 rushing yards, 19 total TDs), while defensive end Coulter Boyer is a disruptive force for the Bison’s physical defense.
12. Massachusetts (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – Virginia Tech should not have let All-America linebacker, and Blacksburg, Va., native, Tyler Holmes get away. Senior tailback Jonathan Hernandez has never had the spotlight to himself, but does this year. The starting quarterback may be Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel.
13. New Hampshire (8-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – The secondary must be rebuilt, but the front seven is strong with defensive end Brian McNally and linebacker Matt Evans. Redshirt senior Kevin Decker takes over at quarterback and will put the ball in the hands of playmakers Dontra Peters and Joey Orlando.
14. Lehigh (10-3, 5-0 Patriot) – Some believe coach Andy Coen’s squad arrived a year ahead of schedule while it rolled through the Patriot League last season. The Mountain Hawks feature the passing duo of quarterback Chris Lum and split end Ryan Spadola as well as middle linebacker Mike Groome.
15. Sacramento State (6-5, 5-3 Big Sky) – Long considered a sleeping giant, the Hornets’ program has awakened. An excellent senior class, led by quarterback Jeff Fleming (school-record 23 TD passes) and defensive end Zach Nash (13 sacks), could power coach Marshall Sperbeck’s team to its first postseason appearance since 1988.
16. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon) – A daunting first half of the schedule may bury a quality Mocs team which boasts excellent senior and sophomore classes. Quarterback B.J. Coleman (26 TD passes) gets the ball to flanker Joel Bradford and running back Keon Williams. Cornerback Kadeem Wise was the SoCon Freshman of the Year.
17. Villanova (9-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – No FCS team is replacing a more talented senior class. Coach Andy Talley still has five starters from the Wildcats’ 2009 FCS championship squad, including playmaking cornerback James Pitts. Wide receiver Norman White caught 11 TDs a year ago.
18. Southern Illinois (5-6, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – The Salukis believe last year’s dropoff was an aberration. All five starting offensive linemen return to pave the way for quarterback Paul McIntosh, and running backs Shariff Harris and Steve Strother. A healthier secondary gets back strong safety Mike McElroy.
19. Montana (7-4, 5-3 Big Sky) – Second-year coach Robin Pflugrad faces pressure after the Grizzlies’ run of 12 straight Big Sky titles and 17 straight playoff appearances ended last year. There are more questions on offense than with the defense, which features cornerback Trumaine Johnson and linebackers Caleb McSurdy and Jordan Tripp.
20. Liberty (8-3, 5-1 Big South) – The Flames are 34-11 over the last four years, but haven’t reached the playoffs. It’s now or never for quarterback Mike Brown (FCS-best 346.4 yards of total offense per game) and wide receiver Chris Summers. Nobody will run through 6-5, 380-pound nose guard Asa Chapman.
21. Northwestern State (5-6, 4-3 Southland) – The Demons, behind nine players who earned a form of All-Southland honors, will try to go from 0-11 in 2009 to conference champs in coach Bradley Dale Peveto’s third season. Standout linebacker Derek Rose and quarterback Paul Harris are only juniors.
22. Eastern Kentucky (6-5, 5-2 OVC) – The Colonels want to build on last year’s season-ending four-game winning streak. Dual-threat quarterback T.J. Pryor will need more consistency while he directs a talented team which also boasts senior cornerback Jeremy Caldwell and junior wide receiver Orlandus Harris.
23. Indiana State (6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) –
24. Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-3 Southland) –
25. Jacksonville (10-1, 8-0 Pioneer) –