ALBANY STATE
Last season: 6-4, 4-1 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Key returning players: The Golden Rams return eight starters on offense and four on defense. Quarterback Frank Rivers is returning for his senior season. Senior wide receiver Jessie Atkins will have a spot on the starting lineup. The Rams also return senior Larry Whitfield, a defensive back who led Albany State in solo tackles (59) last season. Junior linebacker Tavarius Washington will return as a starter. Washington made 45 solo tackles and assisted in 18 for a total of 63 — third on the team.
Emerging players: With just four defensive starters returning, coach Mike White's secondary is almost new. White said coaches are expect a lot from junior defensive back Cedric Ashe, who didn't have much opportunity to compete last season with such a senior-heavy defense. Though he played in 10 games, Ashe made only 14 tackles.
For the future: White said he recruited a lot of depth in his 2014 class. He said he expects all freshmen to come in and contribute quickly, but especially Nick Scott. The defensive back rushed for 1,595 yards and made 23 touchdowns during his senior season at Bryan County High. He was named the Region 2-AA football player of the year in 2013. Albany State also recruited Scott's Bryan County class of 2013 classmate, linebacker Damion Dixion.
They'll have a winning season if: After winning the conference title in 2013, White said his Rams have a bull's eye on their backs. The Rams needs to overcome the loss of 13 seniors early in their 10-game schedule if they are going to be as successful as they were last season.
They'll come up short if: White said he essentially is working with the same team he had last season, but needs this team to execute better. He said he expects his defense to produce early in the season, unlike last year when Albany allowed four losses in its first five games of the season.
Chatter: QB Rivers was voted preseason offensive player of the year. … In a vote by the league football coaches, the Golden Rams were selected to repeat as SIAC champions.
Must-see games: For the Golden Rams, the most anticipated game of the season won't come until the end. Albany State will play rivals Fort Valley State at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in Columbus. Lacking home-field advantage could hurt the Rams, who likely will be neck-and-neck with the Wildcats. The early November rivalry game could decide the winner of SIAC championship.
