Wrapping up Pittsburgh Sporting News’ D2 football previews of the PSAC West is newcomer Seton Hill. The Griffins come into 2013 with a new head coach in a new conference, so expectations can afford to be low. They didn’t win a single game in 2012, but are hoping to change that this season. Offensively, the Griffins feature a young backfield of six freshmen and one junior, a senior quarterback looking to prove himself, and a 1,000 yard receiver. Defensively, the team’s leading tackler is back, along with a young defensive back, and the veteran presence on the defensive line.
Here’s what to expect from the Griffins in 2013
PSAC WEST PRESEASON POLL RANKING: 8
OFFENSE
QB – Andrew Jackson – Jackson took over last season after an injury sidelined the Griffins starting senior quarterback. He threw for 2,131 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2012. He posted a 54.3 % completion percentage and had a long of 93 yards on the season after appearing in 9 games. After battling with Ryan Morris last year, Jackson comes into the 2013 season ready to prove himself as a senior.
WR – Niko Hall-Brown – Hall-Brown led the team in receiving yards last season with 1,009 yards on 69 catches. He also hauled in 5 touchdowns on the season. He had five 100-yard games, including an 11-catch, 223-yard performance against West Liberty where he hauled in a 75 yard pass for a score. He had double-digit receptions in two games and went over 100 yards in both contests. He’s not listed on the team’s roster on their website, but I haven’t seen any indication that he won’t be on the field for the Griffins next week.
DEFENSE
LB – Tyler Zimmer – Zimmer was rated the no. 61 best player in Division II football this offseason. He led the Griffins in tackles and sacks with 121.0 tackles and 10.0 sacks. He brought the quarterback down for a total loss of 76 yards on the season. He also had an interception, 5 pass break-ups, a forced fumble, and a safety. He posted double-digit tackles in every game but four last season including a 17-tackle performance in the season opener against Slippery Rock. In that same game he had 3.5 sacks and his lone interception. He also posted 14 tackles in two other contests, giving him three games with at least 14 tackles in 2012.
DB – Josh Falatovich – Falatovich played in every game but the first two as a true freshman last season. He finished second on the team in tackles with 91. He posted double-digit tackles in four games, including two 17-tackle games against the University of Charleston and St. Anselm. He also had one interception during the last game of the season against Glenville State and blocked a kick against Shepherd in his first game.
DE – Orlando Irby – Irby finished second on the team in sacks with 5.0, leading the defensive line. He finished the season with 29 total tackles with a high of 6 tackles against the University of Charleston. He picked up 2.0 of his 5.0 sacks in one game against West Virginia Wesleyan. He’s looking to be the veteran presence on this defensive line in 2013.
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