Tuesday, August 29, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore. - The GNAC's countdown to kickoff for 2017 continues with our video preview of Humboldt State.

Picked to repeat as champions in 2016, Humboldt State was hampered by a season-ending injury to wide receiver Chase Krivashei and a mid-season injury that limited All-American running back Ja’Quan Gardner. Despite the injuries, the Lumberjacks cotninued to be an offensive force that led the conference with 460.2 yards of total offense per game and 157.6 rushing yards per game. Humboldt was also potent from the air with senior quarterback Robert Webber throwing for 297.3 yards per game and 25 touchdowns. Of the Lumberjacks’ five losses, three were by 10 points or less.

The Lumberjacks’ dynamic offensive trio returns for their senior seasons. Gardner repeated as an All-American selection despite the injury, carrying 249 times for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 179.2 all-purpose yards per game ranked 14th in Division II. Krivashei, a First Team All-GNAC selection in 2015, caught 23 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns before his injury. He racked up 926 receiving yards with 15 touchdowns the season before. Webber earned Second Team All-GNAC selection in 2016. The three are protected by an experienced offensive line, anchored by three-time GNAC Offensive Lineman of the Year and All-American Alex Cappa. The HSU defense continues to mature and will be led by by senior linebacker Jeff Shott, who earned Second Team All-GNAC honors after finishing with 72 tackles, 5.5 for loss.

GNAC FOOTBALL VIDEO PREVIEW SCHEDULE
Sun., Aug. 27: Simon Fraser
Mon., Aug. 28: Western Oregon
Tues., Aug. 29: Humboldt State
Wed., Aug. 30: Azusa Pacific
Thurs., Aug. 31: Central Washington
Season Kickoff: Thurs., Aug. 31, Western Oregon at Idaho State