DII Report: Breaking down the DII football preseason top 25 — Shepherd
Let's go team by team and see why each was considered for the preseason top 25.
Welcome back to the DII Report. Today, we continue our deep dive into each DII football team in the Lindy’s preseason top 25 with a look at Shepherd.
As I have said before, it is important to remember how quickly things change in DII football. The transfer portal rages on, and while several players moved on to the FCS or Division I, there were many key in-division transfers. That being said, the preseason top 25 I had to submit back in April for publication is slightly different. So, I circled back with the coaches, got some updates, and present to you the preseason top 25.
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Shepherd football 2023: What to know
No team was harder to rank entering the 2023 DII football season than Shepherd. The momentum felt like it began in the 2015 championship game loss to Northwest Missouri State, and since then, Shepherd has been a perennial top-10 team that lights up the scoreboard on a weekly basis with videogame-esque stats.
The problem is, the core of that run is now gone. Harlon Hill-winner Tyson Bagent, all-world offensive lineman Joey Fisher, dual-threat running back Ronnie Brown, and sure-handed tight end Brian Walker were all signed to pro contracts following the NFL Draft and the Rams offense will have a very new look in 2023.
The main strength on offense will be the offensive line where three experienced returners — Chandler Brown, Ty Lucas, and Wyatt Pellicano — look to hold things down as a new offense figures things out. Rodney Dorsey, who caught 35 balls for 487 yards and four touchdowns in 2022, is back as is slash player Malakai Brown, who missed last year. What will be interesting is what happens at quarterback. Ezra Bagent, brother of Shepherd legend (and the DII football all-time record holder in passing yards, touchdowns, and a slew of others) Tyson, is a freshman and with a state-champion pedigree already under his belt, he could take the reins pretty quickly.
The defense will provide a little more stability, as eight returners are back in 2023. Leading tackler, linebacker Dewayne Grantham, will lead the charge after a solid 2022 that saw 93 tackles, three sacks, and four interceptions. Nathan Muhle is back as a key piece on the defensive line after a three-sack season. Donte Harrison will anchor the secondary after a big season with three interceptions and six pass breakups himself.
There are quite a few transfers to keep an eye on entering 2023. Lineback Ryan Russo comes in from Rutgers and six-foot, 250-pound defensive lineman Charles Dixon transfers in from VMI. Speaking of VMI, quarterback Seth Morgan was an early transfer into the program and there is certainly a spot open there. Head coach Ernie McCook also mentioned West Virginia State transfer, wide receiver Barry Hill, who had eight touchdown receptions last year. He also mentioned in April that linebacker Harold O’Neal could newcomer of the year.
Freshmen to watch:
Brian Jester, TE (redshirt)
Ezra Bagent, QB
Josh Crummitt, OL
Riley Smith, WR
Player of the year /All-American watch:
Chandler Brown, OL
Dewayne Grantham, LB
Nathan Muhle, DL,
Jack Baxter, DL
NFL Draft prospects
Dewayne Grantham, LB
Malik Holloway, DL