'Jacks Land 10 on Preseason All-SLC Team
7/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 18, 2011
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team placed 10 players on the 2011 Optimumscouting.com Preseason All-Southland Conference teams announced Director of Scouting Eric Galko over the weekend. Among the 10 players named to the team, SFA placed five on the first team.
The first-team offense selections included receivers Cordell Roberson and Gralyn Crawford, and offensive lineman George Bias. The defense was represented by linebacker Devin Ducote and punter Drew Nelson. The second-team selections consisted of receiver Kris Lott, offensive linemen Corey Dickerson and John Steel, linebacker Derrick Choice and corner back Josh Aubrey.
The 'Jacks' trio of receivers helped SFA lead the nation in passing offense (362.2 ypg) for a second consecutive season. Crawford led the league with 74 receptions, while Roberson hauled in 61 passes for 1,011 yards and he led the nation with 16 touchdown receptions. Lott had a breakthrough season in 2011 recording 43 catches for 616 yards and five scores.
Former quarterback Jeremy Moses was named 2010 Walter Payton Award winner, but he wouldn't have experienced that success without the protection of one of the strongest offensive lines in the nation. Led by first-team selection George Bias, the Lumberjacks have ranked among the nation's best in pass protection each of the past two seasons. Last season, the Lumberjacks' offensive line surrendered only 13 sacks despite putting the ball in the air more than 600 times.
Not to be overshadowed by the offense's success, the SFA defense also posted some staggering numbers last season. Ducote and Choice were the league leaders in tackles last season, and helped the 'Jacks finish among the nation's top 20 in sacks and tackles for losses. Ducote finished second in the conference with 114 total tackles, including 10 for losses in 2010, while Choice added 86 tackles and 5.5 for losses.
Aubrey was one of the nation's top corners last season, earning 2010 first-team All-SLC honors. He finished fourth on the team with 77 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Nelson has been the model of consistency since he stepped on campus prior to the 2008 campaign. Nelson has averaged 41 yards per punt during first three seasons, and was second-team All-Southland Conference selection last season. During his career he has recorded at least 20 punts of at least 50 yards, and has pinned the opponents inside their own 20 on 38 difference occasions.
The Lumberjacks are scheduled to open the 2011 season Thursday, Sept. 1, when they host McMurry. The game against McMurry is slated to begin at 6 p.m., from Homer Bryce Stadium.
-SFA-
