Monday, August 28, 2017

SIAC preview: Tuskegee Golden Tigers


TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY

1. More playoff power: Tuskegee was ranked fifth in Division II after starting the season 6-0 last year. The Golden Tigers split their final six games, including losses to Kentucky State and Virginia State, to finish 9-3. The Tigers return 16 starters from a season ago, but lost plenty of production from both sides of the ball. Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater said it's hard to predict how his team will fare this season. "I think we'll do well," Slater said. "We haven't been in as good of shape as I expect them to be to start. We've been working on that." The Tigers made the NCAA playoffs for the fourth straight year, losing at North Greenville in the second round.

2. Life without Lacey: Tuskegee will enter the season with a new starting quarterback. Wetumpka native Kevin Lacey started at quarterback for the Tigers the last three seasons, throwing for 2,232 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season. Sophomores Jamarcus Ezell and Ahmad Deramus return from last season. "Our guys are doing well," Slater said. "Jamarcus was Lacey's backup last year, and we've got some young guys as well. I think they'll be able to carry the load." Ezell threw for 333 yards and five scores a season ago while Deramus threw only two passes all year.

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