GNAC 2016 Preview: Simon Fraser University Clan

In the first of our 2016 GNAC Football Video Previews, Simon Fraser Head Coach Kelly Bates discusses the prospects for the Clan entering the season. Simon Fraser finished the 2015 season 0-9 and return the two-time GNAC Defensive Player of the Year in Jordan Herdman.

SFU is looking to turn things around following a winless season under first-year head coach Kelly Bates. The Clan, however, proved to be competitive throughout the course of the schedule as the team led or was tied at halftime in five of its nine contests. The lack of depth in the 2015 roster was addressed during the offseason with the signing of 37 new players.

“Last year, we took positive steps towards building a successful football program at SFU,” said Bates. “Now we get to start training camp for a new season with our returning players and new recruits, evaluate where we are at as a team, and eventually get the opportunity to measure ourselves against our opponents.”

Simon Fraser’s returning strength will be on defense with the return of two-time GNAC Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Herdman. An All-American selection by the D2CCA and Don Hansen at linebacker, Herdman led the conference with 133 tackles, which included a GNAC single season record 72 solo tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. He enters the season needing just 70 tackles, 59 solo tackles and 30 assisted tackles to become the GNAC career leader in all three categories. Herdman was chosen by D2Football.com as a 2016 First Team Preseason All-American.

Jordan’s brother, Justin Herdman, provides the Clan a potent one-two defensive punch. The linebacker also earned First Team All-GNAC honors with 83 tackles, including 13 for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

On offense, SFU will be led by a trio of Second Team All-GNAC selections. Senior running back Ante Milanovic-Litre finished with a total of 103 all-purpose yards per game and did most of his damage as a receiver, catching 38 passes for 272 yards. Junior wide receiver Justin Buren caught 36 passes for 644 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 71.6 yards per game. The all-conference returners also includes junior offensive lineman Felix Gacusana.

After graduating both starting and backup quarterbacks following last season, the Clan welcomes quarterbackMiles Richardson, a 6-foot-3 lefthander who spent two years at Eastern Washington and last season as a medical redshirt at Pima Junior College. “Miles is a big recruit for us and he is expected to come in and be a leader both on and off the field,” said Bates. “The quarterback position is undoubtedly a critical part of every football team but it will take a full team effort on offense, defense and special teams for us to be successful this season.”

“Our focus is on the process that will build us to get us to where we need to be,” Bates added. “The only thing we can control at the end of the day is our effort and I expect full effort towards achieving the expectations we set for each player on our team.”

SFU will spend the first two weeks of the new campaign on the road, with its season opener scheduled for September 3 against Idaho State followed by a game against Texas A&M – Kingsville a week later. The Clan will face Humboldt State at Swangard Stadium for the first of four home games on September 17 at 6pm.

Be sure to follow SFU Athletics on Twitter (@SFUClan) for the latest news and on Instagram (@SFUClan) for behind-the-scenes photos and videos.

–With files from GNAC communications
 
–@SFUClan–

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