Wednesday, September 2, 2015

In the seventh of our 2015 GNAC Football Video Previews, we feature Azusa Pacific.

Azusa Pacific is picked to win their third consecutive GNAC title in four years as a conference member. They also enter the season ranked No. 19 in the American Football Coaches Association Division II Preseason Poll. The Cougars ended the 2014 season ranked 23rd after spending much of the season ranked in the lower half of the top-25. They are also ranked No. 23 in the D2Football.com Preseason Poll.

The Cougars thrived as a running team last year, leading the GNAC and 10th in Division II with 269.3 rushing yards per game. All-American running back Terrell Watson led the charge as he led Division II in rushing touchdowns (29), rushing yards (2,253), rushing yards per game (195.7) and scoring (15.8 points per game). The Cougars finished in top-50 in 23 different Division II statistical categories, including second in turnovers lost (10), third in sacks (3.91 per game), sixth in turnover margin (1.36) and seventh in passes had intercepted (5).

The Cougars return 38 letterwinners, but will be looking to replace a number of key role players including Watson, First Team All-GNAC offensive lineman Cody Clay and first team defensive standouts Steven Fanua and Tyler Thornton. The team returns a pair of First Team All-GNAC selections in tight end Grant Widmer and defensive lineman David Kofovalu and a trio of second teamers in offensive linemen Jaylen Crutchfield and Ahmad Sunda and defensive back CJ Broussard.

This is the last of seven football preseason videos that the GNAC will release leading up to the season opener between Azusa Pacific and West Texas A&M on Thurs., Sept. 3. All of the videos will be posted on the GNAC YouTube Page.

Wed., Aug. 26: Simon Fraser
Thurs., Aug. 27: South Dakota Mines
Fri., Aug. 28: Dixie State
Sat., Aug. 29: Western Oregon
Mon., Aug. 31: Central Washington
Tues., Sept. 1: Humboldt State
TODAY: Azusa Pacific