Southland Conference coaches and players spoke to media in San Antonio today. Nicholls will open the season week zero in the first college football game played on American soil this season. Defending Southland Conference champions Incarnate Word will visit Thibodaux August 23. Colonels head coach Tommy Rybacki says it’s a big opportunity for the community, the program and his team.
The Colonels were picked to finish fifth in the Southland preseason poll. Northwestern State was picked ninth, McNeese sixth and Southeastern third.
Lions head coach Frank Scelfo is welcoming back 25 seniors.
Cut 21 (07) “…with each other.”
Louisiana Tech redshirt senior linebacker Kolbe Fields was named the preseason Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. Fields was an All-CUSA second team selection last season when he was second on the team with 71 tackles. Bulldogs head coach Sonny Cumbie will be joined by offensive lineman Landon Nelson and cornerback Cedrick Woods at C-USA media day tomorrow.
UL-Lafayette was picked to finish first in the Sun Belt West in the media preseason poll released today. The Cajuns had six preseason All-Sun Belt selections. Defensive lineman Jordan Lawson and D-B Tyree Skipper were named to the first team. Running back Bill Davis, offensive linemen Jax Harrington and George Jackson and linebacker Cameron Whitfield landed on the second team.
ULM was predicted last in the division. The Warhawks’ lone all-conference selection was first-team defensive lineman Kevontay Wells.
Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff announced his commitment to Tulane today. The junior left the Cougars after facing sexual assault allegations that were dismissed this offseason. Retzlaff threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season as he led the Cougars to a 10-and-2 record.