By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With Ohio Valley Conference football media day kicking off the start of football preseason, the excitement is in the air as the league's coaches, SIDs and media discuss the prospects of the season ahead.
Of course, with the event comes prognostication as the OVC preseason poll was announced. The Tennessee Tech football team was picked sixth in the coaches and SID poll released Monday.
The Golden Eagles were picked fifth in the media poll released late last week.
Tech finished third in the OVC last season, overcoming a seventh-place projection.
"The poll is just a prediction," said Tech head coach Marcus Satterfield. "Our coaches know that. Our players know that. It's not going to change anything about how we go about our way, because once we step out on the field for the first game on August 31, that's what matters."
Jacksonville State was the overwhelming favorite in the poll, claiming 16 of 18 first-place votes. UT Martin, who was picked second, had the other two. Tennessee State, Eastern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky round out the top five, while the Golden Eagles, Southeast Missouri, Murray State and Austin Peay finish out the voting.
The Golden Eagles were able to claim one spot on the all-OVC preseason team. Sophomore running back Yeedee Thanerat earned a spot on the team after rushing for a Tech freshman-record 707 yards while scoring six touchdowns.
Tennessee State senior wide receiver Patrick Smith was named the league's preseason offensive player of the year and Jacksonville State senior defensive lineman Darius Jackson was named the preseason defensive player of the year.
Smith caught 61 passes for 966 yards and 13 touchdowns – the 13th most in OVC single-season history. Jackson, meanwhile, received several All-American nods, while already standing as Jacksonville State's career leader in sacks with 20.5 and tackles-for-loss with 40.
The Golden Eagles open the 2017 campaign on August 31 as they host Western Illinois.
Season tickets are now available. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com to order.
