A&M still favored after losing offensive stars‎

Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones is flattered that his team is considered the front-runner in the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division. It's a pretty nice sign of respect since the Bulldogs must replace players like tailback Ulysses Banks, wide receiver Thomas Harris and defensive end Jeremy Maddox. "We lost a lot of weapons from last year, a lot of weapons," Jones said. "For people to think we'll be back in the hunt, that's pretty amazing.

You lose the No. 1 running back in school history, the No. 1 receiver in school history, the No. 1 placekicker (Jeremy Licea) in school history — all those weapons are gone. That's most of our points and yards gone. "People still think we have a chance. That's pretty special."

Of course, there are plenty of experienced players returning, including 14 starters. The Bulldogs won the East in 2009 but the season ended with a 30-24 loss to Prairie View A&M in the SWAC championship game. The same two teams were picked to win their divisions again. Alabama A&M has quarterback Deaunte Mason back with some seasoning, but the defense has the most experience and leadership coming back. That group is led by preseason All-SWAC picks linebacker Afu Okosun (79 tackles) and defensive lineman Frank Kearse (12 tackles for loss). Cornerback Korey Morrison returns after intercepting five passes. The Bulldogs do lose Maddox, who had 12 sacks.

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