'Hound gridders open season in Iowa

Devin Taylor (5), seen here in action in last season's opener versus Iowa Central, led the Jayhawk Conference with 1,524 yards rushing last season. He and the Greyhounds begin the 2015 season at noon Saturday at Iowa Central. (Tribune file photo)

Fort Scott Community College football's expectations this season aren't that high if one wants to believe the prediction for a seventh- place finish in the Jayhawk Conference coaches' pre-season poll.

But with the nation's leading rusher returning in sophomore Devin Taylor (6' 1", 195, Soph., Nicholasville, Ky.), who gained 1,524 yards on the ground and scored 12 touchdowns last season, and defense full of NCAA Division I prospects, surpassing last season's 4-7 record and fifth-place finish is a reasonable goal.

Also aiding the offense will be the addition of Denarious Graham (5' 11", 176, Soph., Deerfield Beach, Fla.) at quarterback. Graham was the starter at Garden City last season, where he threw for 2,267 yards, third in the conference, and 14 touchdowns against 18 interceptions.

There is not a lot of returning experience in the receiving corps or on the offensive line. Jamal Chevis (5' 11", 180, Soph., Appaloosa, La) and Ron'Quavion Tarver (6' 5", 215, Fr., Bell Glade, Fla.) are likely to start at receiver. Meanwhile, Quinn Twombly (6' 4", 300, Baldwin City) is the only offensive lineman back from last season. Nine of the 11 O-linemen on the roster are freshmen. The other sophomore is Donald Blackmon (6' 3", 315, Columbia, Mo.), who was a defensive lineman last season.

Although the defense didn't shine last season as a unit, allowing 415 yards and 38 points per game, there were individuals who gained attention from Division I schools. The top returning defender is linebacker Gabe Loyd (6' 1", 233, Soph., St. Louis), who was third in the conference in tackles with 106. Linebacker Koron Crump (6' 4", 240, St. Louis) had 10 sacks, third in the conference.

Also back are defensive lineman Wally Aime (6' 5", 300, Boynton Beach, Fla.) and defensive backs Jakarri Hunt (6' 1", 190, Miami) and Landon James-Wilson (6' 0", 190, Raytown, Mo.).

Fort Scott opens the season at noon Saturday in Fort Dodge, Iowa, versus Iowa Central.