Two years removed from a national title in his first season, Coach David Dean didn’t plan for what ensued during Valdosta State’s 2009 campaign.  The Blazers were out of the playoff picture early and ended the season with a 6-4 record.  The first half the season was tough for some in Blazer Nation to take as VSU found itself 2-3 in week five.  Things turned around as the Blazers went 4-1 to finish the year.  Yet, Coach Dean knows that type of season won’t afford him job security if repeated too often.  This year we will see a turn around back to the post-season for VSU.

The offense will be anchored by returning running back Ronnye Nelson and GSC Offensive Freshmen of the Year wide receiver Gerald Ford.  Named as a All-GSC second team selection, he had 41 receptions for 526 yards last year.  The defense will be captained by first team All-GSC linebacker Larry Dean.  He led the Blazers for a second consecutive year in tackles finishing 2009 with 80 including 7.5 for a loss and broke up four passes.  Sophomore punter Jack Fulford was also named All-GSC second team and will be back on special teams for the Blazers.

The 2010 schedule is again front-loaded with several key contests in the first few weeks of play.  VSU starts with two SAC foes in Wingate and Newberry and both have been in the playoffs in recent seasons.  The contest with Newberry will give the Blazers a chance to avenge their open-season loss last year.  They will then host arch-rival Delta State a couple of week prior to hosting Ouachita Baptist, who shocked the Blazers and GSC for several weeks last year, for Homecoming.  The Blazers close out the year against 2009 second round playoff participant West Alabama.

D2 Sports Network predicts the VSU Blazers to finish the season 9-3 in the second round of the NCAA Playoffs.