Tuesday, September 1, 2015

In the sixth of our 2015 GNAC Football Video Previews, we feature Humboldt State.

While not picking up a single first place vote, Humboldt State received all six possible second place votes to be picked second with 30 points while receiving two votes in the AFCA preseason poll. One of the most balanced teams in all of Division II football in 2014, the Lumberjacks were ranked in the Division II top-100 in all but six team statistical categories. Defensively, they led Division II in fourth down conversion defense (.133) and sacks (4.5 per game), ranked fourth in first downs allowed (155) and third down conversion percentage (.248), eight in total defense (285.7 yards allowed per game) and 17th in scoring defense (18.1 points allowed per game). Offensively, Humboldt State led the league and 20th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 38.8 points per game.

Like Azusa Pacific, Humboldt State will be looking to replace a lot of starting experience, but return solid players in the specialty positions. Quarterback Robert Webber was named the GNAC Co-Freshman of the Year after leading the GNAC and 28th in Division II in pass efficiency (145.8), averaging 220.8 yards per game. Sophomore offensive lineman Alex Cappa is the lone returner of seven First Team All-GNAC selections, earning GNAC Offensive Lineman of the Year honors as a freshman. The Lumberjacks return six Second Team All-GNAC selections, led on the offensive side of the ball by wide receiver Ja’Quan Gardner and wide receiver Chase Krivashei, who also received honors as a punt retutner. Defensive second teamers returning include defensive lineman Codey Heidebrecht and linebacker Cameron Buell.

This is the fifth of seven football preseason videos that the GNAC will release leading up to the season opener between Azusa Pacific and West Texas A&M on Thurs., Sept. 3. All of the videos will be posted on the GNAC YouTube Page.

Wed., Aug. 26: Simon Fraser
Thurs., Aug. 27: South Dakota Mines
Fri., Aug. 28: Dixie State
Sat., Aug. 29: Western Oregon
Mon., Aug. 31: Central Washington
TODAY: Humboldt State
Wed., Sept. 2: Azusa Pacific