by Bemidji – Bemidji State Football is ranked in fourth place in the NSIC poll for the preseason of coaches.
The state of Minnesota was ranked in first place, followed by Augustana, Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State. Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth were bound for the first place in the North Division.
In the meantime, the players from the Beavers preseason have been selected: Junior Runnen Jayden Washington and senior defending back Kamron Gothard back.
Washington led the Beavers on the ground last season, with 779 net hasty yards on 163 attempts and four touchdowns. Last season, Washington broke through the monument of 1,000 career-rush-yards in the second round of the NCAA tournament during the 20-19 victory of the Beavers at No. 10 West-Colorado. He closed the season with an All-NSIC Second Team Knik, the first of his career.
“Jayden has emerged as one of our leaders on the attacking side of the ball since he took over the starting spot as second -year students last season,” said head coach Brent Bolte in a release. “His measurable values can impose, but his mentality and toughness bring a unique playing style. What is being asked, he is a man who will do it for the team.”
Gothard started all 14 games for Bemidji State last season and recorded 31 total tackles with 20 solo and 11 assisted. He also marked two bags for a total loss of 16 meters with seven TFLs of a total of 25 meters. Gothard was also an All-NSIC Second Team selection last season.
“Kam passed last season and had the task of replacing one of the best Ninkels that played at BSU, and he did this with flag and pennant,” said Bolte. “His unique mix of athletic skills and physicality enables him to be great in coverage and in the Run Game. Kam has also emerged as a leader for this team and has done a great job to get this younger defense to play on our standard that we have here at Bemidji State.”
NSIC preseason Coaches’ poll (first place voting)
1. Minnesota State (11)
2. Augustana (3)
3. Minnesota Duluth
4. Bemidji -State
5. Sioux Falls
6. Wayne State
7. MSU Moorhead
8. Northern state
9. Winona State
10. Minot State
11. Concordia-St. Paul
12. U-Mary
13. Southwest Minnesota State
14. Jamestown
The Beavers started training camp while preparing for their first matchup against the Michigan Tech Huskies in Houghton, Michigan. Their first home game will be 13 September against Sioux Falls in Chet Anderson Stadium.
