Waxahachie, Texas- August 29, 2015- In the 2015 season, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) football team will have a completely different look.  From over 50 new players to a different coaching staff, the team is ready to begin a new era of SAGU football.

“The players are responding really well to the new energy of the coaches,” explains first year head coach Frank Tristan , “Players are drawn to energy and enthusiasm and our new coaches bring both.”

In 2014, the Lions ended 4-6 and in second place behind Langston University in the Central States Football League (CSFL).  The biggest loss from that squad was graduating five offensive linemen, four of which were starters.  According to Tristan, filling those positions was of upmost priority, “When it came to recruiting, we wanted to secure our offensive line after losing so many players to graduation.”

Senior Derius Griffin and junior Javier Lopez are returning starters for the offensive line.  Two freshmen; Dayne Maclin and Malik Garrett , will see significant playing time in the o-line position.

The Lions return sophomore quarterback CJ Collins .  As a freshman, Collins led the CSFL in passing, averaging nearly 200 yards per game.  Tristan expects even bigger things for Collins this season, “CJ is definitely more comfortable this year and is picking up the new offense well.  He has been very accurate during preseason camp.”

Wide Receiver Andrez Brewster was Collins’ favorite target in 2014.  Brewster returns for a final season.  Sophomore Toras Hill will look to replace Dylan Moore .  Moore was a two-time CSFL pick.

First-year assistant coach Paul Hansen will be leading the offense.  This year the offense will have a different tempo, “Coach Hansen likes to run a fast-paced game.  You can guarantee he will be getting more guys involved,” explains Tristan.

Pre-Season All-American Ethan Eastwood will be back in the linebacker position for SAGU.  Last season Eastwood averaged over 10 tackles a game.   Senior linebacker Jeremiah Maat will be returning to the lineup after sitting out last season due to injury.  In 2013, Maat averaged nearly eight tackles a game.

Defensive end Matt Lighter led the Lions in sacks last season and will be returning for his sophomore year.  Sophomore Carl Morgan , senior Shakeem Taylor and junior Deonte Morrison all were starters as defensive backs, all three players will be returning.

Kicker Chadd Dearen will be returning for a junior season.  Dearen was named as the CSFL Special Teams Player of the Year in 2014.  He was also picked as a NAIA Pre-Season All-American.

In the CSFL preseason poll, SAGU was picked to once again end in second place, behind Langston University.  Tristan agrees Langston has earned number one pick, “From our performance last year, this is a very fair ranking.  Langston deserves to have that top spot as they have been the team to beat the last several years.”

SAGU will kick-off the 2015 season on Saturday, September 5 ^th .  The Lions will host Westminster College (Fulton, MO).  The game will be played at Midlothian ISD Stadium at 11am.  You can watch the game live at SAGU.tv.  This is the first time SAGU and Westminster College have played.

About SAGU:

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.

Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]