#9 DELTA STATE STATESMEN

THE STATESMEN OF Delta State University finished the 2006 season 12-3 overall and 7-1 in the Gulf South Conference. DSU advanced to the NCAA semifinals after claiming the Southeast Region championship with a 27-10 victory over Gulf South Conference Champion, North Alabama, before losing to eventual national champion, Grand Valley State. The Regional Champions have lost two key ingredients in veteran Head Coach Rick Rhodes and veteran star quarterback and Harlon Hill Scott Eyester. However, the strongest part of last year’s squad was the defense and the former coordinator, Ron Roberts, has taken over as the new head coach. Last season’s march to the NCAA national semifinals saw the Statesmen lead the Gulf South Conference in scoring defense (13.4 ppg), rush defense (83.7 ypg), and total defense (243.9 ypg). Delta State allowed just 26 touchdowns in 15 games and only surrendered more than 17 points twice. The Statesmen concluded 2006 ranked ninth in the NCAA in total defense, 14th in rush defense, seventh in scoring defense, and 25th in pass efficiency defense. This season’s unit will be led by senior All-American Michael Eubanks along with GSC first team selections, Donovan Greyson and Chris Eccles, senior tackles. The Statesmen start out the season against in-state rival Jackson State (FCS, formerly I-AA) before facing a tough GSC schedule including road games vs. North Alabama and Valdosta State.