Edinboro is coming off of their first losing season since 2006 under head coach Scott Browning. They finished with a 4-6 record in 2012. The Fighting Scots are returning eight starters on offense and seven starters on defense, including four on the defensive line. Offensively, Edinboro is led by their passing attack, with their starting quarterback and the three top receivers returning. Defensively, a veteran defensive line and secondary anchors a defense that is looking to improve from last season.
Here’s a look at what to expect from the Fighting Scots in 2013.
PSAC WEST PRESEASON POLL RANKING: 6
OFFENSE
QB – Cody Harris – Harris was rated the 93rd best player in Division II this past offseason. He threw for 2,823 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2012. He also ran for an extra 219 yards and added 9 touchdowns on the ground, a school record for a quarterback. He accounted for 29 of the Scots 34 offensive touchdowns and 3,042 offensive yards. He has a career completion percentage of 67.7 %, which is currently first in school history. He makes smart decisions and puts the ball where it needs to be.
WR – Marcus Johnson – A senior wideout, Johnson led his squad with 50 receptions for 701 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2012. At 6-0 200 pounds, Johnson provides a nice target for Harris and that’s one reason why the two connect so much. Last season against LIU Post, he caught 7 passes for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns. One of those touchdowns tied the game with just seconds left to play. The other was the game winning touchdown in overtime. He needs 60 receptions in his senior season to break the school record for receptions.
WR – Ben Eisel – Eisel had a breakout season in 2012. Coming into the season, he only had four career catches. He finished the season with 41 receptions for 562 yards and 5 touchdowns. With a solid 2012 season, Eisel should be a solid no. 2 target for Harris. He finished the season strong and should expect to play strong in 2013.
DEFENSE
DT – Chris Williams – Williams is the anchor of this veteran defensive line. He tallied 34 total tackles last season from the middle of the defensive line. A versatile guy, Williams recorded one forced fumble and knocked down a pass last season. He also hauled in a sack and 4 tackles-for-loss. He’s finished with at least 30 tackles each of the past two seasons.
DB – James Jackson – Jackson was rated as the 56th best player in Division II in the offseason. He finished with 49 total tackles and four interceptions in 2012. For his career, he has 13 interceptions. He’s led the defense for the past three seasons in interceptions, establishing himself in the Fighting Scots defense. After starting as a true freshman, Jackson has been a leader. 2013 will be no different.
DB – Veuntrae Robinson – Robinson is another leader in the secondary, playing back at safety. He finished with 73 tackles last season, good enough for third on the team. He only had one interception but steps up in the run game quite a bit. He’s started all 21 games of his career and will look to help the Fighting Scots defense regroup after losing key tacklers last season.
Photo Credit: Edinbor Athletics
