17 Aug 2017 HARDING: Bisons aim for GAC repeat under Simmons

Conference: Great American
Coach: Paul Simmons
’16 Record: 13-1

In Ronnie Huckeba’s last season with Harding, the Bisons took him out with a historical season, including the university’s first Great American conference title.

“The 2016 season was, in one word, unforgettable,” said Scott Goode, Harding sports information director. “The season began with Coach Huckeba’s announcement that it would be his last, and once the season kicked off, it was one outstanding performance after another by a very special group of student-athletes and coaches.”

The Bisons have new leadership in 2017, but he’s not a new face. Paul Simmons has served on Harding’s staff since 2006.

“I think most importantly, Coach Simmons provides continuity,” Goode said. “He will make his own stamp on the program as the head coach, but compared to most coaching changes, there will be a familiarity in the program that allows the 2017 team to build on the success that Harding has had in recent years.”

The Bisons will also have a new quarterback in 2017, as junior Terrence Dingle takes over for former 501 Football Team honoree Park Parish. Harding graduated its two leading rushers, but senior Zach Shelley is back at slotback after rushing for 723 yards and six touchdowns last fall. Harding’s prime receiving target, senior Andrew Dather, is back at receiver. Dather hauled in 566 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a junior. Senior Gavin De Los Santos and juniors Bryce Bray and Keith Pledger return on the offensive line alongside new projected starters Michael Gragg and Heath Pledger.

The Bisons will look new upfront on defense as they don’t return any starters on the defensive line or at linebacker. Daylon Markham, Harding’s leading tackler from 2016, is back at safety after earning all-GAC honors last year. Junior Christian Witt and Frank Herbert also return in the secondary. Other projected starters include T.J. Winslow, Tyler Thomas, Dylan Hampton and Tremaine Brock on the defensive line; Bo Weddle and Sam Blankenship at linebacker; and Dra Smith and Tony Becton in the secondary.

“My opinion is that there are more teams with a chance to win the conference championship this season than in any of the previous six GAC seasons,” Goode said. “Our strengths are our experience on offense, especially on the offensive line and at the skill positions, and our secondary, which may be the most talented Harding has ever had. We will be looking to find depth at the defensive line and linebacker positions.”