MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Benedict) – The Benedict College Tigers placed two players on the SIAC preseason football team, and were picked to finish fifth in the East Division, the conference announced
Wednesday at the annual football media day.
George Myers Jr. and Stephen Williams were both picked to the SIAC preseason All-Conference team. Myers, a kick return specialist, was named to the second team. Williams, a senior linebacker and Benedict’s top returning tackler, was also named to the second team defense.
Myers averaged 11 yards per return on punt returns and 26.24 yards per return on kickoffs. He finished with 1,127 all-purpose yards. Williams finished with 52 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup.
The Tigers were picked to finish fifth in the five-team East Division, picking up 22 total points from the league’s head football coaches and sports information directors. Albany State was picked to win the East, garnering 14 first-place votes and 78 total points. Morehouse received two first-place votes and was picked to finish second with 52 points. Fort Valley State received one first-place vote and 49 total points to finish third in the predicted order of finish. Clark Atlanta was fourth with 29 points, followed by Benedict with 22 points.
On the West, defending SIAC champion Miles earned eight first-place votes and 72 total points to edge Tuskegee, which received seven first-place votes and 69 total points. Central State, Lane and Kentucky State round out the West Division.
Albany State running back Jarvis Small was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Tuskegee lineman Julian Morgan was named the preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Benedict opens the 2016 football season on Sept. 3 against Livingstone College in the Palmetto Capital City Classic.
2016 SIAC Football Preseason Predicted Order of Finish
East Division
| 1. Albany State (14 first place votes) |
78 |
| 2. Morehouse (2) |
52 |
| 3. Fort Valley State (1) |
49 |
| 4. Clark Atlanta |
29 |
| 5. Benedict |
22 |
West Division
| 1. Miles (8) |
72 |
| 2. Tuskegee (7) |
69 |
| 3. Central State |
34 |
| 4. Lane (1) |
27 |
| 5. Kentucky State |
25 |
