We wrap up the week with Southeastern Oklahoma. The Savage Storm's 3 wins were least since the 2001 season. That was also the last time that they did not finish first or second in the LSC North. In three of their losses, they held the lead in the fourth quarter, but turnovers and last minute scores were their downfall in those games.
Offense - SOSU finished in the middle of the LSC in scoring average (27.3) and yardage (388). Three 1st Team LSC North selections will have to be replaced - Baylen Laury, FB Darrin Reeves and OC Sean Taglialatela. Co-Back of the year Laury rushed for 1,192 yards and 10 TDs last year, and leaves as SOSU's second all-time leading rushers with 2,687 career rushing yards. Another senior on last year's offense was Robbie Morris, who had 37 receptions for 376 yards and 2 TDs. QB Logan Turner (HM LSC North) returns to lead the offense. He threw for 2,353 yards with 24 TDs and just 10 interceptions in his first year as a starter. Jamaal Evans looks to step in at running back. As a backup, he rushed for 521 yards. The top returning receivers are Ryan Shelley (42-494 7 TDs) and Brandon DeFrance (34-550 5 TDs). Shelley was a first team LSC North selection at TE, while DeFrance was named honorable mention. Four starters return on the line, Ryan Sullivan, Travis Kincheloe (both 1st LSC North), Josh Higgins and Robert Westbrook.
Defense - The defense struggled, allowing 35.6 points and 425 yards per game. That was an increase of 6 points and 45 yards on average. Their two best linemen last year were seniors - Dexter Elliot (2nd LSC North) and Alex Moore (HM LSC North), as was linebacker Brad Chessir and cornerback Welton Johnson. Returnees include Steven Harris (1st LSC North), AJ Garcia, Eric Walker, and Justin Young in the secondary, Brandon Ford at LB, and Derrick Joslin on the line.
Special Teams - Returning are Chris Peoples and Nick LaToof. Peoples was 8-12 on FGs, 33-36 on PATs and averaged 59.3 yards per kickoff with 7 touchbacks, while LaToof averaged 32 yards per punt with 16 downed inside the 20 yard line. Also back are leading kick return men Brandon Bryan (22.7 avg) and Quintin Morris (21.9 avg.). Missing will be punt returner, Baylen Laury, who averaged just 5.4 yards per return.
Top 5 signees
RB Ronnie Green - Scout has him pegged as the #165 running back in the nation, and Dave Campbell listed him as a top 300 player, though he did not put up huge numbers in high school
RB CJ Kirk
WR Martice McNeil
LB Jeremy Akomeah
S Brandon Allen
Other top signees
RB Billy Hashaway
DE Logan Bradshaw
DE Keaton Smith
CB Barry Ward
DB Cory Perrymon
Oveall grade
To date, SOSU has only released its high school list of signings. There are several nice additions to the team, especially at running back and the secondary, two spots that don't need as much immediate help, but good for the future. The defensive line was the area that needed an infusion of talent ready to go, and it's tough to expect true freshmen to step in and be successful. Grade C
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