.You have to think the Eskimos are way ahea

(STATS) -- It sounds odd that a program coming off two straight 9-2 seasons would be in need of a fresh start.But thats the scenario with Jacksonville, whose success in recent years doesnt belie its eighth-place forecast in the Pioneer Football Leagues preseason coaches poll. Last years co-champs were picked up top again, with San Diego a slight preseason favorite over Dayton.Its been a rough two seasons at Jacksonville despite the wins on the field. The Dolphins were ineligible for the PFL title in both seasons due to violations against the leagues need-based financial aid guidelines. Former coach Kerwin Bells clash with the athletic department over the concept of moving from the non-scholarship to the scholarship level also went public.While Jacksonville went 66-35 in nine seasons under Bell, including 52-19 in the PFL, the Dolphins vacated 30 league wins from 2010-14 due to the violations. His contract was not renewed after last season and Jacksonville hired Ian Shields from Lenoir-Rhyne, where he was 16-6 the last two seasons.But this year, the Dolphins must replace 16 players who earned All-PFL recognition of some level last season and return only eight starters (five offensive and three defensive), so the preseason poll suggest they face transition instead of challenging for the league title.The veteran guys that really form that bulk of the one- and two-deep in our roster right now, I think theyll take it to heart that everyone has them picked (near) the bottom of the conference, Shield said. Theres a proud tradition here, these guys are used to winning games. We shouldnt lack for much motivation in our locker room.Shields is bringing in a freshman class that numbers around 50, so the former offensive coordinator at Army is going to need some youngsters to grow up quickly and make quick contributions. Redshirt junior quarterback Rylan Wells, whose grandfather is former Tennessee coach Doug Dickey, will run an up-tempo option offense, and he will want to get the ball to running backs Ulysses Bryant and Jamal Adjaman.Shields used to coach under Rich Ellerson at Army, but the roles have switched at Jacksonville as Ellerson, who helped develop the Desert Swarm defense at Arizona, is the defensive coordinator. His unit will feature linebacker Grady Redding, who joined Bryant on the PFL preseason team.The cupboards not bare. We have some athletes who can run and hit here at Jacksonville still, Shields said.I inherit a program thats been on probation the last two years, he added. Our guys are excited about finally being able to compete for a conference championship. Obviously, theres work to do in front of us. Well be a young, inexperienced team, but we have a lot of kids that believe in what we are doing and are excited to play.Both of the PFLs players of the year return this season in Morehead State quarterback Austin Gahafer and Stetson safety Donald Payne (also the leagues 2014 defensive player of the year).All 11 PFL teams had at least one player on Tuesdays preseason team, led by the two defending co-champions, Dayton with seven and San Diego with five. San Diego was first in Mondays coaches preseason poll for the sixth consecutive year.---=PIONEER FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON POLL=Head Coaches Poll=1. San Diego (5 first-place votes), 95 points2. Dayton (6), 943. Drake, 684. Morehead State, 645. Campbell, 626. Marist, 567. Butler, 548. Jacksonville, 539. Stetson, 2710. Valparaiso, 2111. Davidson, 11---=PIONEER FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON TEAM=Offense=WR -- Juston Christian, Marist, So.WR -- Brian Riley, San Diego, Sr.WR -- Justin Priest, San Diego, Jr.TE -- Eric Saubert, Drake, R-Sr.QB -- Austin Gahafer, Morehead State, Sr.RB -- DeShawn Jones, Campbell, Sr.RB -- Ulysses Bryant, Jacksonville, R-Sr.FB -- Griffin Norberg, Valparaiso, So.OL -- Jim Vogel, Dayton, R-Sr.OL -- Brian Stryffeler, Campbell, R-Jr.OL -- Laurin OBriant, Campbell, R-Jr.OL -- Liam Maloney, Morehead State, R-Jr.OL -- Miles McArdle, San Diego, Jr.---=DEFENSE=DL -- Mack Marrin, Drake, Sr.DL -- Joe Petersen, San Diego, Jr.DL -- Colt Briggs, Morehead State, R-Jr.DL -- Davion Belk, Stetson, Sr.LB -- Chris Beaschler, Dayton, R-Sr.LB -- Grady Redding, Jacksonville, Sr.LB -- Sean Horan, Butler, Sr.LB -- Ryan Bennett, Morehead State, Sr.DB -- Donald Payne, Stetson, Sr.DB -- Cameron Stubbs, Dayton, R-Sr.DB -- Christian Searles, Dayton, Jr.DB -- Jamal Agnew, San Diego, Sr.---=SPECIAL TEAMS=PK -- William Will, Dayton, R-Sr.P -- Sean Smith, Dayton, So.RS -- Christian Searles, Dayton, Jr.LS -- Conrad Mueller, Davidson, Jr.LS -- Connor Andras, Butler, Jr.Ryan Ramczyk Womens Jersey . Here are his mid-season NBA awards. MVP: (KEVIN DURANT-Thunder) - Has been sensational this season and more importantly, the most consistent player in the league. Considering that his team has been without star guard Russell Westbrook and with the free agent departure of sharpshooter Kevin Martin, hes had to carry the majority of the load to not only keep his team afloat but more importantly, at an elite level. Marcus Williams Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . http://www.shoptheofficialsaints.com/Elite-Alvin-Kamara-Saints-Jersey/ . -- Charline Labonte couldnt have asked for a better homecoming. Erik McCoy Saints Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. Thomas Morstead Jersey . LOUIS -- St.Edmonton Eskimos QBs#NameStatusHtWtD.O.B. College13Mike ReillyImport632151985-01-25C. Washington16Matt NicholsImport622251987-03-19E. Washington5Kerry JosephImport602151973-10-04McNeese St.6Jacory HarrisImport641951990-05-12Miami14Jonathan CromptonImport642251987-07-25Tennessee21Austin KennedyNon-Import511225 Windsor The Esks had a terrific plan heading into training camp, pitting the newly acquired, highly touted Mike Reilly against the talented Maatt Nichols.dddddddddddd This would ensure the club some fabulous competition in hopes of finding the next franchise QB for the foreseeable future. To assist in the process, the Esks brought back the veteran presence and pedigree of Kerry Joseph. With Nichols out for the season, Joseph quickly factors more into the Esks future and immediate needs. The domino effect from the loss of Nichols continues to unfold and will likely benefit not only Joseph but the entire stable of Esks QB hopefuls, as everyone moves up a notch on the depth chart.You have to think the Eskimos are way ahead of the game compared to last year at this time. With the assurance from Head Coach Kavis Reed that whoever earns the starters job will have the opportunity to play and learn the game without fear of being pulled due to a "pick six" and, with Nichols out for the year, you would think this is now Reillys team. That eliminates the second guessing scenario that could potentially stymie the growth process of a quarterback and unnecessarily cloud the picture. The battle for the third and final spot on the Esks QB roster just got more interesting too. Both Jacory Harris and Jonathan Crompton acquitted themselves well in their first preseason action. I liked what I saw from both of these gunslingers; Reed and company will have a tough decision pairing down. 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