Stephen F. Austin Season Preview
Just two years removed from an 0-11 season, Stephen F. Austin made a complete turnaround winning a share of the 2009 Southland Conference title and earning the league's automatic berth into the NCAA playoffs. The Lumberjacks reached the quarterfinals.
Expectations are high entering 2010 as SFA returns eight starters on defense, and a high-octane offense led by fourth-year starter Jeremy Moses, who completed 385-of-566 passes for 4,124 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2009. A 2009 All-America selection, Moses enters his final year as the school's all-time leader in completions, touchdown passes, passing yards and total offense, but he will be surrounded by youth at the skill positions.
The Lumberjacks graduated their top three receivers, and top two running backs from the 2009 campaign, but that doesn't mean SFA is void of talent.
Sophomore Gralyn Crawford started all 13 games at wide out during his rookie season, and was one of the league's top freshmen. Crawford finished third on team with 51 catches for 785 yards (seven touchdowns). He will be joined by junior Brandon Scott (6-foot, 191 pounds) and sophomore Cordell Roberson (6-3, 185) who will bring added size and speed to the position.
Stephen F. Austin also has a stable of incoming talent, as well as a few coming off their redshirt season that could have an impact this season.
The offensive line will look to replace four-year start Karl Glimp at left tackle and two-year starter Max Holmes at center. Despite the loss of All-American defensive end Tim Knicky and first-team all-conference safety Cory Barlow, the Lumberjack defense should be just as strong in 2010.Anchored by two-time All-American linebacker Jabara Williams, SFA returns one of the strongest linebacking corps in the nation with all three starters back.
Stephen F. Austin also returns three of four starters in the secondary which is led by 2009 Southland Newcomer of the Year Andre Banks, who totaled 65 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. The one question for SFA will be replacing its defense ends, both of whom have exhausted their eligibility.