Greensboro College Football Picked 7th in USA South Preseason Poll

The Greensboro College football team was voted seventh in the 2013 USA South preseason coaches poll. Defending champion Christopher Newport was picked first in the nine team conference, and was followed by first year member Huntingdon and Ferrum.

The 2012 football season was a breakout year under first year head coach and USA South Coach of the Year honoree Bill Young. Greensboro posted the second .500 mark in school history, and broke numerous school and USA South records, while earning postseason recognition on the conference, regional and national level.

The 2013 edition of The Pride will look to build on that success behind a seasoned group of returning veterans. On offense, Greensboro welcomes back two-year starting quarterback Ryan Throndset. The junior threw for 2,825 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2012 and has accumulated 4,354 yards passing with 26 touchdowns for his career.

Two-year leading rusher Warren Scott Jr. also returns after posting 646 yards and three scores during his sophomore campaign. Anchoring the receiving corp is two-time USA South All-Conference selection Dexter Russell Jr. The senior finished second on the team in receiving yards in 2012 with 822, after leading the way as a sophomore in 2011.

Three full-time starters, Andre Allen, Daniel Aldaco and Covie Mitchell, return on the offensive line, as well as top tight end Tripp Honeycutt.

Defensively, senior Julian Cinotti will head the linebacker position after leading the team with 89 tackles in 2012. Returning defensive linemen James McClease and Will Thomas combined for 75 tackles and 21 tackles for loss and lead the way up front.

In the secondary, Desmond Gillis returns after a stellar freshman campaign, while senior captain Terry Charles returns to provide leadership to the defense.

Sophomore kicker and punter Mark Bush will again be looked upon to handle special team duties.

The Pride will open the season at home on September 7 against crosstown rival Guilford. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Grimsley High School.

2013 USA South Coaches Preseason Poll

 
 Rank    Institution (1st Place Votes)   Pts.
 1.      Christopher Newport (4)	 56
 2.      Huntingdon (3)	                 55
 3.      Ferrum (1)                      54
 4.      Maryville                       44
 5.      Methodist (1)                   37
 6.      LaGrange                        32
 7.      Greensboro                      21
 8.      N.C. Wesleyan                   13
 9.      Averett                         12