For the first time in school history, the No. 17 Tigers enter the season nationally ranked. The national spotlight isn't a new experience for Towson, who spent six weeks last season in the top 25, peaking at No. 17.
"I think with our senior leadership we've been able to approach the year very focused," head coach Gordy Combs said. "In our preparation for Central Connecticut [State] we've been more focused in practice. It's always been our goal here, to be ranked in the preseason."
Quarterback Sean Schaefer led the Tigers' offense, sparking one of the most potent passing games in the nation last season, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for 3,033 yards and 19 touchdowns in 10 games.
"He's one of the best quarterbacks in the country in my opinion," Combs said. "If you just look at his stats you can see he's an excellent player. And he just keeps getting better every day. "
Schaefer's greatest concern is his blindside, which was previously protected by Jermon Bushrod. The New Orleans Saints selected the former-Towson left tackle in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
The frontrunner to fill the position is sophomore Leon Stevenson who was converted from defensive end last spring. The 6-foot-4-inch, 300-pound tackle understands that he has his work cut out for him.
"I've got big shoes to fill," Stevenson said. "There's a lot of pressure on me, but all I can do is just keep working hard, watching film and staying back so that Schaefer doesn't take any hits. We've got to keep him clean this year."
Penn State-transfer Antonio Logan-El is also expected to compete for the position. Standing 6-feet-5-inches tall and weighing over 315 pounds, the freshman has shown promise and should have a bright future with the Tigers.
Towson returned the other four offensive linemen from last season, which will provide experience up front.
The Tigers' deepest position is at wide out where the team welcomes back two of its top three receivers from last year in senior Demetrius Harrison and junior Marcus Lee. Also expected to see play is seniors Dayron Arnold and Paul Perry, as well as sophomore Tamba Tongu and freshman Hakeem Moore. The Tigers also feature the tallest receiving threat in the conference in, 6-foot-9-inch junior Tommy Breaux. Breaux, who also plays center on the Towson basketball team, possesses stellar speed and athleticism that the Tigers will take advantage of this year as a deep threat receiver near the end zone.
In the backfield the team is expected to use a committee of halfbacks in offensive coordinator Phil Albert's single-back system. Seniors Nick Williams and Rasheed McClaude will receive the bulk of the carries, however, sophomore Matt Castor and freshman Jas Lee Rouson are both expected to make cameo appearances in the backfield.
Defensively, the Tigers return eight starters to a unit that was much improved a year ago allowing 12 less points per game than in 2005.
In their second year under defensive coordinator Bob Benson's 3-4 system, the Tigers' strength is at linebacker, where two all-conference selections Brian Bradford and John Webb roam. Bradford, a preseason all-American candidate, was second on the team in tackles. Joining him at inside linebacker is senior Maurice Wilkins who received the team's "Lean and Mean" award during the off-season for working the hardest in the weight room.
Accompanying Webb at the other outside linebacker is junior Jordan Manning, who led the Tigers in tackles last fall.
"We feel very good about our linebackers," Combs said. "They make us a very fast defense and they all have a lot of starts under their belt. I'd have to say that Brian is the heart and soul of our defense."
The largest concern for the Tigers this season will be on the interior line, which lost two of three starters. Defensive end T.J. Foley is the lone returnee, however senior Haines Holloway and sophomore Richard Lee have experience.
Senior Eric Clark and junior Jimmy McClam are expected to start at cornerback, however, freshman Ollie Thomas and Jeremy Gardner will compete for playing time along with senior Khaliq Price.
At safety, co-Captain Kenny Scott leads the Tigers. The 6-foot-1-inch senior is a ball hawk for the defense and will be looked upon as a playmaker this season. Joining him at safety will be junior Drew Mack, who led the team with four interceptions last year. Junior Trent Covington and freshman Raymond White are also expected to see time in the Tigers secondary this fall.
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