Senior running back Rasheed Harrell carries the ball during last seasons game against Northwestern State University. 

This football season familiar faces will return to build upon their legacies and new players will join in hopes of creating their own. The Bennett Era is now over, and in its place is a duo of quarterbacks, who hope to continue the winning tradition Bennett and company left behind. Throw in several new coaches with another strong Lion defense, and  2015 is built to be another entertaining season for Lions fans. 

The first difference that fans might notice is the absence of star quarterback Bryan Bennett. Filling his role looks to be in the hands of either junior D’Shaie Landor or Larry Cutbirth. Both men played during this year’s spring game, but it appears Landor may have the edge on gaining the starting spot. 

“Anytime you lose a great player, it’s an opportunity to step up. D’Shaie Landor did that in the spring, and it’s his job heading into the fall,” said Head Coach Ron Roberts during the 2015 Southland Media Day. 

Roberts, however, did not rule out the possibility of another player winning the spot. 

“He’s going to have to face some competition for the job, but he’s a tremendous football player, and we have faith in D’Shaie to be the man,” said Roberts.

One of the strongest advantages the Lions will have this season is the defense that featured several players on the pre-season All-Southland honors. Headlined by senior defensive backs Harlan Miller and Denzell Thompson appearing on the first team, the Lions had a total of seven players make it onto the first and second All-Southland team. Every group within the Lions defense made it on the list as senior defensive lineman A.J. Bowen and senior linebacker Herbert Harris both made the second team. Senior running back and kick returner Xavier Roberson also made the list as both kick returner and all-purpose player on the second team. 

Among the several new coaching hires the team has made this offseason, defensive coordinator Blake Williams looks to continue the intense Lions defense that fans have become accustomed to. Although the team will feature many plays fans already know, Roberts believes Williams will put his own spin on the defense. 

“Blake will bring his own touches to the defense, and I am sure his passion will come across when you see our defense play,” said Roberts. 

On the other side of the ball, returning to the Lions is a trio of experienced running backs to help carry the team to another conference title. Seniors Roberson, Kody Sutton and Rasheed Harrell look to split the majority of the carries for a Lions team that is not shy when it comes to running through the trenches. 

“We have always been a run first team, and pride ourselves on being in the top of the conference every year in rushing,” said Roberts. 

The Lions kick off their season against conference foe Northwestern State University. Their game last year was a close contest that finished 30-22 victory in favor of the Lions. Kickoff for the new season is Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. in Natchitoches. Visit lionsports.net to stay updated with Lions football until then.

Defensive coordinator Blake Williams coaches the team during the 2015 Spring game.