Preseason Release | OVC Media Guide | OVC Online Press Box
Eastern Kentucky was picked to finish third in the OVC race for the second consecutive season.
Last season the team tied for second in the standings after compiling a 5-2 OVC record. After starting the season 0-3, the Colonels won six of its final eight games and this season return nine offensive and seven defensive starters including seven total players who were named to the Preseason All-OVC team this year.
The Colonels will be tough on the defensive side of the ball and had five players selected to the All-OVC preseason defensive unit including defensive linemen Emory Attig and Anthony Brown, linebacker Tyson Patrick and defensive backs Jeremy Caldwell and Patrick McClellan. Last year that unit ranked first in the OVC in rushing defense (allowing just 125.5 yards/game on the ground) and second in scoring defense (allowing just 22.7 yards/game). After battling some early season injuries, Caldwell finished the year with 32 tackles and three interceptions, one of which he returned for an 80-yard touchdown against Louisville. Caldwell also earned All-American honors as a return specialist, as he ranked second nationally in kickoff return yardage (33.7 yards/return), including returning two for touchdowns. Caldwell also returned a punt for a touchdown and earned a spot for the second-straight season on the Sports Network's Buck Buchanan Award Watch List (the award is given to the top defensive player in the FCS). Offensively junior wideout Orlandus Harris was a preseason All-OVC pick after catching 56 passes for 940 yards and seven scores.
BELOW VIDEOS
Head Coach Dean Hood
QB T.J. Pryor