Sunday, August 28, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore. - The first of our five GNAC Football Video Previews highlights Simon Fraser.

Simon Fraser is looking for a change in fortune after going 0-9 under first year head coach Kelly Bates. While the Clan went winless in 2015, they proved quite competitive in the GNAC portion of the schedule with three of their conference losses coming by 10 points or less.

The Clan’s returning strength will be on defense with the return of two-time GNAC Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Herdman. An All-American selection by the D2CCA and Don Hansen at linebacker, Herdman led the conference with 133 tackles, which included a GNAC single season record 72 solo tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. He enters the season needing just 70 tackles, 59 solo tackles and 30 assisted tackles to become the GNAC career leader in all three categories.

Jordan’s brother, Justin Herdman, provides Simon Fraser a potent one-two defensive punch. The linebacker also earned First Team All-GNAC honors with 83 tackles, including 13 for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

On offense, the Clan will be led by a trio of Second Team All-GNAC selections. Senior running back Ante Milanovic-Litre finished with a total of 103 all-purpose yards per game and did most of his damage as a receiver, catching 38 balls for 272 yards. Junior wide receiver Justin Buren caught 36 passes for 644 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 71.6 yards per game. The all-conference returners also includes junior offensive lineman Felix Gacusana.

GNAC 2016 FOOTBALL VIDEO PREVIEW SCHEDULE
Sun., Aug. 28: Simon Fraser
Mon., Aug. 29: Central Washington
Tues., Aug. 30: Western Oregon
Wed., Aug. 31: Azusa Pacific
Thurs., Sept. 1: Humboldt State