HERO Sports welcomes you to "Two-a-Days", where we will preview every single one of the 125 FCS programs, with two being released each day from June 18 to August 18 (with the final day having three in one day). Today we give you … Davidson.
[divider]MORE: Compare Any Two FCS Players or Any Two FCS Teams[divider]
FCS TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW: The countdown
FCS PRESEASON TOP 25: The poll
FCS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA: The teams
DAVIDSON (2-9 IN 2017)
Pioneer Football League (Davidson was 11th in 2017)
COACH: Scott Abell – 1st year (0-0 record)
2017 OFFENSE: 20.0 ppg. (91st in FCS)
2017 DEFENSE: 34.2 ppg. (106th in FCS)
SUM IT UP: Abell has a challenging task to build up the Davidson program, but it's something he's been known to do at the high school and college level the last two decades. Sophomore running back Wesley Dugger is a good guy to build around after running for 1,131 yards last season. Quarterback Tyler Phelps also returns after gaining experience last season as a freshman starter. William Wicks led the team in receiving yards last year and returns. So those are three main weapons on offense that are all back. However, the defense is going to need improvement to compete in the PFL. Having the top three tacklers back suggests that's going to happen.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO: Davidson did not win a conference game last season. A few of those were within a touchdown or less. Sometimes a change in coaching is needed to get over those humps. If the Wildcats can pull out a couple conference wins, that's a positive sign for building toward the future.
[divider]HERO SPORTS FCS PODCAST: Subscribe here
BEST FCS PLAYER BY NUMBER: We count down, No. 99 through No. 1[divider]
TOP RETURNEE: RB Wesley Dugger (First Team All-Pioneer League)
THE NEXT BEST: QB Tyler Phelps (returning starting quarterback); WR William Wicks (704 yards, 5 TDs); LB George Hatalowich (top tackler, 73 total); DL Bryce Perry-Martin (14 TFLs, 5 sacks)
DID YOU KNOW?: The most recognizable name coming from Davidson Athletics would be NBA MVP point guard Steph Curry.
THE QUOTE: "We are going to work hard, build great relationships and bring enthusiasm and excitement to Davidson football." — Head Coach Scott Abell said after being hired
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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
THE HASHTAG: #DominantCats19
FOOTBALL TWITTER: @DavidsonFB
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NEXT: What Each FCS Preseason Top 10 Team Needs to Win a 2018 National Title
