05 Jun 2024 Harding ranked No. 1 in Lindy’s Preseason College Football issue

Posted at 6:45 PMh in Sports by

SEARCY — The Harding University Bisons, fresh off their 2023 NCAA Division II national championship victory, have been ranked No. 1 in Lindy’s magazine’s preseason college football issue. The feature story, penned by Wayne Cavadi, highlights the Bisons’ remarkable journey and prospects for the upcoming season.

Leading the charge for Harding is senior running back Blake Delacruz, who earned All-America honors in 2023 with 1,508 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Delacruz’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious title of Lindy’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and a spot on the First Team All-Division II squad.

Joining Delacruz on the First Team All-Division II is junior all-purpose back Braden Jay, who accumulated an impressive 1,483 all-purpose yards last season. Jay scored three touchdowns in Harding’s 38-7 victory over Colorado School of Mines in the national championship game.

Senior offensive lineman Jake Dugger also received accolades, securing a place on Second Team All-Division II. Dugger helped pave the way for Harding to rush for 6,160 yards in 2023, the most ever by a college football team at any level.

Harding will open the 2024 season on Thursday, Sept. 5, at home against Southern Nazarene.