#5 VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS

THE SEASON FELT INCOMPLETE as the Blazers were left out of the D2 Playoffs for the first time in six years and just two seasons after winning the national title. Coach Hatcher and Valdosta State lost two close games to playoff teams North Alabama and Delta State and finished 7th in the Southeast Region. Replace Coach Hatcher with his veteran assistant, David Dean, along with 22 returning starters (10 offense, 10 defense, 2 special teams) and the 2007 VSU squad is primed for success. Six Blazers were named to the preseason All-Gulf South Conference team, led by safety Sherard Reynolds who earned the honor at two different positions. Besides earning one of the league’s four defensive back spots, Reynolds was also tabbed as the conference’s top return specialist in the preseason. Reynolds was joined on the defensive side of the ball by defensive end Travis Harrison and linebacker William Montford while defensive back Shawn Harris also earned special teams recognition by being named the league’s top block team specialist. Returning quarterback Willie Copeland was named the preseason All-GSC quarterback and was joined by 2006 GSC Freshman of the Year Cedric Jones, who earned one of the two wide receiver positions. The Blazers open the season with traditional in-state rivalry games against Albany State and Fort Valley State, both of the SIAC. VSU then has the GSC schedule highlighted by visits from UNA, DSU and in-state rival, West Georgia.