The Duquesne Dukes look good on paper for the upcoming 2015 season and the rest of the Northeast Conference has taken notice.
Duquesne placed five members on the preseason NEC team and was picked to finish second in the league in the preseason coaches poll, right behind Bryant University.
Sacred Heart, which finished first and won the conference’s automatic bid to the FCS playoffs each of the past two seasons, was picked to finish third. Wagner was picked fourth, followed by St. Francis (Pa.), Central and Robert Morris.
This season marks the fifth consecutive that the Dukes have been picked to finish second in the NEC’s preseason poll.
It is also the second consecutive season that five Duquesne players were named to the Pre-Season All-NEC Team.
The honors go to senior wide receiver Chris King, senior defensive lineman Zach Zidian, senior linebacker Sam Martello, junior defensive back Trenton Coles and sophomore linebacker Nathan Stone.
Coles was on the Pitt roster to begin the season last year before transferring to Duquesne. He is a Clairton high school graduate.
Duquesne opens the 2015 season at home against Kentucky Christian on Sept. 5 at noon.
Robert Morris will also open the season on Sept. 5 when they play host to Dayton.
Photo Credit: Duquesne University
