4 days ago
College Football Countdown: SFA adjusts to life back in SLC
Coming off a title in the Western Athletic Conference, Stephen F. Austin came back to the Southland last year with high hopes.
Things didn't work out perfectly for the Lumberjacks, who gave away a couple of games that proved costly in the end.
They finished 7-5 overall and 4-3 and third place in the conference.
'We came back to a different Southland Conference,' head coach Colby Carthel said. 'It was much improved, and we found some ways to lose games.'
Led by the return of Sam Vidlak, the SLC's top quarterback, the Jacks have high expectations. Vidlak was injured late in the season, missing the final three games, which might have cost SFA a playoff spot.
'Health-wise, I'm ready to go,' Vidlak said.
Vidlak connected 67.7 percent of his passes for 2,387 yards and 27 touchdowns to four interceptions last season. He also has his top returning target, Kylon Harris, who made 87 catches for 1,039 and 10 touchdowns.
'It is great to be back with Kylon after last year,' Vidlak said. 'I'm really thankful to be surrounded by the teammates I have. Kylon is a special player, and I think we have a special relationship.'
As if the offense wasn't strong enough, the Jacks added former Big 12 Freshman of the Year Richard Reese at running back. He earned that honor in 2022 and is ready for his final college season.
While the offense led the Southland, so did the SFA defense, which often gets overlooked.
Two all-SLC players return on that side of the ball, led by preseason all-American defensive back Charles Demmings.
'We got an offense that is lights out, but as a defense, we know what we are and what we are capable of,' defensive tackle Ky Thomas said. 'We know what we can do. We play fast and we play free.'
The defense allowed 17.8 points a game last season while scoring at a 35.6 clip. The Lumberjacks say that they let last season slip away, which can make them dangerous this season.
'We are coming in with a chip on your shoulder and our chins out,' Carthel said. 'We are looking forward to seeing what we can do.'
SFA was picked second in the conference preseason poll but has the talent to win the conference and make a deep playoff run. Keeping healthy, especially Vidlak, who is a Walter Payton Award candidate as the best player in Football Championship Subdivision.
If that happens, it could be a special season at SFA.
