Football Preview: Mississippi Valley State
SWAC.org
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
2012 RECORD: 5-6 (5-4 SWAC) / 4th East Division
KEY LOSSES:
Garrick Jones - QB
Brandon Stansell - RB
Trey Bateaste - RB
Keven Woods - LB
Javaris Frtiz - DL
Marquez Floyd - DB
Carlos Hollis - DB
STARTERS RETURNING:
Offense: 7
Defense: 4
Special Teams: 0
Mississippi Valley State was the most improved team in the conference in 2012. The Delta Devils’ 5-6 record gave them the most victories since 2006, and defeated Grambling State and Southern in the same season.
A feat they accomplished for the first time since 1984 when Archie “Gunslinger’’ Cooley was head coach and the Satellite Express, featuring Willie Totten and Jerry Rice, was the scourge of the SWAC.
As a result of the improvement in the program, head coach Karl Morgan was a nominee for The Sports Network Eddie Robinson Award.
Unlike the golden days for MVSU Football, defense, not offense, was the Delta Devils’ hallmark in 2012. The same should be true this season despite losing seven seniors from a unit that led the SWAC and was fourth in the FCS in total defense allowing just 279 yards a game.
All-SWAC defensive lineman Robert Simpson returns to anchor the line. Simpson recorded 59 tackles, including 22.5 for losses, which led the nation, and seven sacks. His play from last season landed him on the 2013 The Sports Network Preseason FCS and BoxtoRow All-America Team and its Buck Buchanan watch list.
Rico Shaw, D’Ondre Jackson, Cedric McField and converted tight end Jacob Avery will join Simpson in the trenches. Safety Kevin Eugene leads the secondary. Eugene was second in the SWAC with four interceptions last season and along with Simpson, has been added to the 2013 CFPA Watch List.
The Delta Devils have gaping holes at quarterback and running back that must be filled. Juniors Carl Davis and Jeremy Collins are vying to replace Garrick Jones at quarterback. Junior Cortez Frizell is counted on to shoulder the load in the running game that saw All-SWAC performer Brandon Stansell and Tray Bateaste rush for 1,214 yards combined.
However, the Delta Devils offense will be generated behind Julian Stafford. Stafford serviced MVSU at the wide receiver and kick retuner positions. He powered the Delta Devils offense with a breakout season finishing in the top five in the SWAC in receptions (52) and receiving yards per game (73.8). He totaled 779 yards and four touchdowns from 50 receptions while averaging 15.3 yards per catch and nearly five receptions per game.
Last season, Stafford was named SWAC Player of the Week on two occasions receiving offensive player honors before being named specialist of the week to close the season.
MVSU will open the season on national television when it faces Florida A&M in the 9th Annual MEAC / SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 1, at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. with live coverage on ESPN. Kick-off is slated for 11:45 a.m. ET.
Preview Courtesy of Roscoe Nance
2013 PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Robert Simpson* - DL
Julian Stafford* - WR
Kevin Eugene* - DB
Antonio Griggs - OL
Jeremy Johnson - DB
Cortez Frizell - RB
* Denotes - named to 2013 SWAC Preseason Team