Albany State, Miles picked to return to SIAC football title game

MONTGOMERY, Ala.
Albany State running back Jarvis Small was named the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while Tuskegee defensive lineman Julian Morgan was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year, announced by the league as the conference held its 2016 Football Media Day here last Wednesday. All votes are submitted by SIAC head football coaches and sports information directors.

Small, who was the 2015 SIAC Offensive Player of the Year, led the SIAC in rushing averaging at 103.7 yards per game. Small recorded 1,037 yards in 2015 and scored a conference-high 11 touchdowns. He recorded six games last year where he rushed for over 100 yards, including a season-best 173 yards against Morehouse. Morgan, a 6-2, 200-pound defensive end, recorded 54 tackles in 2015 and led the Golden Tigers in sacks (9.5). He tallied nine quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Morgan also finished the 2015 campaign with 15.5 tackles for loss.

In addition to the individual awards, the league also announced the predicted order of finish for the 2016 season. Albany State garnered 14 first place votes and 78 points to lead the East Division. Morehouse was second (52) followed by Fort Valley State (49), Clark Atlanta (29) and Benedict (22). In the West Division, Miles was picked to finish first with eight first place votes and 72 points. Tuskegee was voted second with seven first place votes and 69 points. Central State followed in third (34), ahead of Lane (27) and Kentucky State (25).