Second-ranked Kats open fall camp on Thursday
8/3/2016 10:00:00 AM | Football
HUNTSVILLE – For all the preseason expectations, Sam Houston State head football coach K.C. Keeler is quick to point out what happened a season ago has no bearing on this year. That does not mean there is not ample reason for excitement.
The Bearkats open fall camp on Thursday and hit the practice field for the first time on Friday, ringing in the 101st season overall and third with Keeler at the helm.
“Expectations are high but at the same time, every season is brand new,” head coach K.C. Keeler said. “We'll start off from ground zero and move up but I've been pleased with what I've seen so far this summer in terms of the condition we're in and the leadership we've shown.”
When it opens camp, Sam Houston will do so as the overwhelming favorite to win the Southland Conference. The Kats were picked first by both the league's coaches and sports information directors, although most of the talk at conference media days centered elsewhere.
“We are working to get that last 10 percent,” quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe said. “That's what we have printed on the back of our shirts. We're trying to get that last 10 percent to not only play in a national championship but win one.”
If the offense continues to produce at its same record-setting rate – national leader in total offense (531.4 yards) and first downs (414) a season ago – new names will likely emerge. The unit returns six starters including one wide receiver in First-Team All-Southland preseason honoree Yedidiah Louis.
Louis, who has started 30 career games, is joined by returners Davion Davis and Grant Finney on the outside, who have started just three and two career games respectively. The same could be said about the backfield, which returns fellow First-Team Southland preseason honoree Corey Avery, although the program has shown its ability year in and out to reload.
“We have a great running back,” Keeler said. “Corey Avery looks really good. He shared time and ran for 1,400 yards. He's been really pushing this summer. Remus Bulmer and Javin Webb look phenomenal. Corey is in the best shape he has ever been in.”
Defensively, the squad returns eight starters, including three up front. The unit is the most veteran it has been since defensive line coach Rodrique Wright joined the program entering the 2014 season. That bodes well for a Bearkat team seeking a quick start against a quality conference.
“Every team in this league is capable of beating you,” Keeler said. “In the long term, it was good for us because it re-focused us. I know coming into this season, there are some lessons we have learned. This is a very good football league. A lot of it depends on staying healthy. This conference can match up with anyone in the country.”
Although Sam Houston has garnered a second-ranked nationally heading into the season, defensive end P.J. Hall said the Bearkats' focus remains one day at a time and not what anyone on the outside says.
“We can't focus on the rankings,” Hall said. “We have to let that take care of itself. We have to prepare for each and every game. When you do that, things take care of themselves at the end of the season.”
Season tickets are currently available by calling (936) 294-1729 or by visiting GoBearkats.com. Friday kicks off the athletic department's prize week, with new season ticket holders being entered in a drawing for unique prizes each day including Houston Texans tickets, gift cards, apparel and more.
