Complete GSC Preseason Football Release

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – With exactly a month before the 2010 season officially kicks off at Jackson State University on Saturday, Sept. 4, the No. 24 ranked Delta State University Statesmen placed two student-athletes on the annual Preseason All-Gulf South Conference Team. Two-time All-American and senior running back Trevar Deed was named to the offense, while junior All-GSC cornerback Dominique Davenport was named to the defensive unit.

“Trevar and Dominique are two of the top players in this league and we're pleased for them today,” stated Ron Roberts, Statesmen head coach.

Deed, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound wide receiver in 2009, will see a position change to full-time running back in 2010, after amassing 1,947 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. In 10 games, he rushed for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns, while catching 67 passes for 803 yards and five touchdowns.

The Phoenix, Ariz. native was a 2009 First Team All-GSC and All-American selection despite the Statesmen underachieving on the field. Wednesday's announcement marks the second-straight year Deed has been named to the Preseason All-GSC Team.

Davenport, a 5-foot-10, 188-pound left corner, has been a shutdown defensive back for coach Roberts over the past two seasons. The 2008 GSC Freshman of the Year recorded 20 tackles with one interception last season, despite quarterbacks rarely choosing to throw in his direction. He also broke up four passes and finished the year with five passes defended.

Delta State also placed four Statesmen on the Top Newcomers list for the league.  Led by a trio of NCAA Division I transfers at receiver, the green-and-white offense looks to be much improved in 2010.  DSU has added L.J. Castille (6-3, 225, Sr.) from the University of Houston, Blake Swain (6-1, 198, Soph.) of Colorado State University and Maurice Moore (5-10, 185, Soph.) of the University of Wisconsin in receiving corps, while Joe Marshall (6-3, 295, Jr.) at defensive tackle from Youngstown State. 

The Statesmen will kickoff an 11 game regular season schedule on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Jackson State. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Stadium. The game will mark the second meeting between the Statesmen and Tigers. DSU defeated JSU, 27-15, in 2007 in Jackson.