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M State Football (Season Preview)

By Craig Olson, 08/19/19, 4:30PM CDT

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Cory Miller begins his first year as head football coach at M State in Fergus Falls with a lot of new faces on the roster.  Thirty-one of the thirty-six players listed are freshman, meaning that Miller, who will also fill the role of Defensive Coordinator, and his assistants, Hal Reeser (Offensive Coordinator) and Josh Altenhof (Quarterbacks) will need to make some quick evaluations of talent in preparation for the 2019 kick-off.

Returning sophomores are wide receivers Lucas Maloney and Walker Sheppard on the offensive side of the ball, and Devaughn Prince (DB), John Thomas (DB) and Andrew Nelson (LB) on the defensive side of the ball.

“With a coaching change and a small number of returners from last year it will definitely be a year of new faces on the sidelines,” said Miller.  “We will expect our incoming freshman to contribute immediately.  We are working hard on establishing team chemistry and creating our identity.  I expect this group to compete relentlessly and continue to improve week to week.”

Miller singled out freshmen RJ Hebron (RB), Daniel Medina (OL) and Kenny McCay (DB) as players who should step in and make an immediate impact on the lineup.

Three freshmen, Peyton Pruett and Jay Smith from Texas, and Jeffrey Newburey from Detroit Lakes are in competition for the starting quarterback job.

Offensive and defensive linemen are always at a premium and the Spartans have nine freshmen upfront who will be filling those spots.

Miller sees NDSCS and Rochester as the favorites in the MCAC.