MVSU picked to finish last in SWAC; 3 players named to preseason second-team

From staff reports

CUTLINE: MVSU head coach Karl Morgan (center) speaks to the media Tuesday during SWAC Media Day in Birmingham (Photo credit: Associated Press)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Mississippi Valley State football team knows the challenges it faces: a smaller than average athletic budget, stadium issues (three home football games, including the Oct. 2 homecoming showdown against Prairie View A&M have been moved to Greenville) and as of Tuesday, they were picked to finish last in the Eastern Division of the SWAC.
But don't look for the Delta Devils to just lay down and take what's predicted to come to them.
“I think that a lot of people do not know what to expect of us,” said MVSU sophomore receiver Chris Williams, who along with newly hired coach Karl Morgan and senior defensive lineman Reginald Foster, attended SWAC Media Day Tuesday at the Cahaba Grand Convention Center in Birmingham.
“While that sounds bad to a lot of people, all it means is that we have a lot of work to do,” the Birmingham native continued. “Truth be told, I feel like going to work out in the gym and on the field right now.”
The Devils did, however, receive some good news. Foster, senior linebacker Rory Malone and senior defensive back Markkus Davis were named to the preseason second team.
Foster finished last season with 59 tackles (9.5 for loss), five sacks and a pass breakup. Malone led the team in tackles with 76 (6.5 for loss), two sacks and an interception. Davis finished second on the team in tackles (72) and a sack and two pass breakups.
The days are now counting down until MVSU opens its season at Alabama State on Sept. 4. MVSU were last in the East in 2009, finishing 3-8 overall and 1-6 in the conference.
With low expectations surrounding the MVSU team, a couple surprises may be in the bag, said Foster.
“Being chosen fifth removes the target off our back, but also now we know that no expects much from us outside of our locker room, and (that's) cool,” he said. “We know how good we want to be, now we must go out and prove it on the field.”