Last season: 3-7, 1-4 in Gulf South Conference
Two you know: RB Seth Hinsley (Norcross) led the Wolves with 698 rushing yards and was selected second-team All-GSC as a sophomore last season. Even though Quan Jones (Henry County) receives carries, expect Hinsley to improve those numbers this season. Senior G William Wright (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) was second-team all-conference last year and is being touted as preseason All-American by some magazines. He helped the Wolves rush for 2,068 yards last year.
Two you'll hear about: Dallas Dickey (Carrollton) might continue to split time with Austin Trainor, but he tied the school record for rushing TDs for a QB with 10 as a freshman last season. He finished third on the team with 390 yards rushing and 621 yards passing and five scores. Big things are expected from speedy RB Derick Seward, who transferred from Butte College, a junior college in Oroville, Calif., where he rushed for 923 yards and 11 TDs in 2012.
Two for the future: The coaches are high on freshman QB Joseph Wilber, who led Norcross to the Class AAAAAA state title last year, and DE Connor Calvert, who helped Gainesville win the AAAAA championship in 2012.
They'll have a winning season if: The Wolves can successfully navigate a three-game conference stretch against North Alabama, defending national champion Valdosta State and West Alabama. Only the Valdosta State game is in Carrollton.
They'll come up short if: West Georgia can't improve its defense after giving up 422.3 yards per game last year, last in the conference and 122nd of 156 Division II teams. The Wolves allowed 30.9 points per game and struggled to stop the run, giving up 206.5 yards per game on the ground.
Chatter: Dickey is the son of coach Daryl Dickey, who has said there is no favorite at QB heading into camp. … Linebacker should be a strength, led by Bobby Liggins (Hephzibah), who had a team-high 70 tackles last year. Teddy Lawrence (Rome), Tyrell Adams (Mays), Zach Fore (East Coweta) and Adam Strakose (Newnan) combine to from a talented and experienced group. … Kevin Porter, who coached The Point's first team last year, was hired in July as assistant head coach/secondary. West Georgia plays The Point on Oct. 5. … Wright and OT Brandon White (6-5, 305) could be two of the top offensive linemen in Division II. … There are 19 returning starters (including specialists) and 42 lettermen.
Must-see games: Shorter defeated West Georgia in its first season in the GSC, so the Wolves would love to open the conference schedule with payback Sept. 28. Valdosta State, the conference's premier program, visits West Georgia on Oct. 19. A win over the defending national champion would boost the Wolves' season and confidence.
Best Twitter handle: @UWGAthletics
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