With preseason workouts only weeks away, fans of the Lions football team will finally start to see how the team will play next season.
“We got some new guys in there,” said head coach Ron Roberts in an interview with lionsports.net almost a month after the Spring Game. “We got them acclimated to what we’re doing.”
Most people will look for the big name on the roster and will have to go no further than the Oregon Ducks transfer Bryan Bennett. The 6-foot-3-inch quarterback from Encino, Calif. played well in Southeastern’s Spring Game, throwing for 207 yards and a touchdown.
Returning running back Rasheed Harrell also featured well in the Spring Game, rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Along with Bennett, the Lions signed two other FBS transfers, defensive back Devante Davis (North Texas) and running back Kody Sutton (Wyoming).
Some Lion players have also been mentioned on preseason watch teams, including Xavier Roberson named to the 2013 FCS College Football Performance Awards Kick Returner of the Year and Jeremy Myers named to the 2013 FCS College Football Performance Awards Tight End Award watch lists.
More than half of Roberts’ class was offensive and defensive line signings. Roberts was looking for depth at these areas, hoping to establish the base of the Lion football team.
During spring practices Roberts put emphasis on the team getting stronger in the trenches. Workout programs to become faster and more physical on both the offensive and defensive line are key in Roberts scheme as both made “big strides in that area,” according to Roberts. Control these areas, and you control the flow of the game.
As the summer closes, Roberts continues to spread the word on Lion football. Roberts has been on a media tour promoting the upcoming season, asking any and all fans to come watch the Lions. Commercials featuring players have been released, looking to increase season ticket sales.
“We’re looking forward to this place being packed,” said Roberts.
A busy offseason only leads into a busier fall, including the first game against Southeast Missouri at Strawberry Stadium on Aug. 29. The Lions are then away three straight weeks before the Hall of Fame game against Incarnate Word Oct. 5.
For more information on ticket sales, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at 985-549-5466.