It has pretty much turned into a national holiday. Last night marked the start of yet another season of football. What sets football apart from other sports during the off-season are the constant headlines. Take it a step further and you have personal connections with people based on the color of what they are wearing. Only in college football do you hear things like “Boomer,” “Roll Tide” and “Hook ‘Em” and bond with total strangers.
We now know the result of the drama that is Johnny Football. We know Nick Saban is going for his third straight national championship. We know people call Jadeveon Clowney a freak. If you didn’t know these football headlines, you’re reading the sports section by mistake.
This article is not about such national headlines, but a simple reminder of stories that may have flown under your summer radar.
First and foremost, the Bisons are not ranked. However, they are technically ranked No. 26. It is the highest preseason ranking in the school’s 17 years in Division II. They climbed up to No. 12 at the end of the regular season, the team’s highest ever rank, before falling to Northwest Missouri State in the playoffs, also a Harding first.
Also headlining this summer is Ty Powell. Powell was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year and has survived the first round of roster cuts. Currently fourth on the Seahawks depth chart at the left defensive end spot, Powell has recorded eight tackles and one sack.
Finally, three players are on preseason All-America teams. Junior Romo Westbrook was first team All-Conference last year and finds a spot on the second team All-America squad. Secondly, senior kicker John Gay is on the third team All-America. Rounding out the three is senior center Dallon Hudson, an honorable mention nominee.
While this is the first week of college football, Harding will not play until nextThursday against Southwestern Oklahoma State.
