Preseason Release | OVC Media Guide | OVC Online Press Box
After being picked last a year ago, Murray State was picked to finish second this season.
That has helped to create a buzz in Murray, Ky. surrounding the Racers team in the second season under head coach Chris Hatcher and his "Hatch Attack" offense. Last year the team finished the year 6-5 overall (its first winning season since 2004) and 5-3 in the OVC (tied for fourth). This year's second-place preseason ranking is the highest pick for the Racers since also being tabbed second in the 2003 preseason poll. This year's team has 10 offensive and nine defensive starters returning from last season.
The spread offense will be manned by junior quarterback Casey Brockman who was named the OVC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Brockman played in eight games last year, starting the final six contests and completing 213-of-320 passes for 2,442 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for seven other scores and even catching a touchdown pass. Those numbers earned Brockman a spot on the Sports Network's Walter Payton Award Watch List (the award is given to the top offensive player in the FCS). Also back for the Racers is running back Mike Harris who rushed for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games despite battling injuries near the end of the season which limited him to four carries in the final two games of the year. Despite losing All-American receiver Marcus Harris, the team returns two players who caught 38 or more passes last year (Arthur Brackett - 62 and Dexter Barnett - 38). The Racers also return cornerback/return specialist Dontrell Johnson who earned All-OVC honors in both specialties last season (and All-American honors as a return specialist from three different outlets). As a defensive back Johnson netted 67 tackles and two interceptions (including one he returned for a touchdown) and as a punt returner he led the nation with a 22.8 yards/return average including returning two punts for touchdowns.
BELOW VIDEOS
Head Coach Chris Hatcher
QB Casey Brockman
DB Dontrell Johnson