Experienced ASU Hornets try to take step toward SWAC title

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY

1. Welcome back: Alabama State begins the second season of the Brian Jenkins era with reasonably higher expectations. The Hornets were picked to finish second in the SWAC East behind defending SWAC champion Alcorn State. ASU return 17 starters from a season that was defined by resiliency. “Experience helps to build the team,” said lineman Kerry Williams, a three-year starter. “We’ve played together for a number of years so we all know each other. There will be nothing new to us.”

2. Ready to run: The Hornets have rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a team each of the last three seasons. Last season, ASU was fifth in the SWAC with an average of 182.3 rushing yards per game. Senior Khalid Thomas (720 rush yards and five touchdowns last season) returns to lead the backfield, but may have to shoulder even more of the load early as sophomore Alex Anderson, the second-leading rusher for the Hornets last season, is currently nursing a leg injury.



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