Three Leathernecks Voted Preseason All-MVFC

Western picked to finish sixth in preseason poll

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Western Illinois landed three players on the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Football Conference team, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday (Aug. 2) morning.

Junior linebacker Brett Taylor (Macomb/Macomb), senior wide receiver Lance Lenoir, Jr. (Crete/Crete Monee) and junior offensive lineman Jacob Judd (Clinton, IA/Clinton) were chosen to the preseason team.

In the preseason MVFC poll, Western (with 17 returning starters) was picked to finish sixth among the 10 teams in a vote by the league's head coaches, select media members and sports information directors. All three Leathernecks were Second Team All-MVFC selections following the 2015 season.

Lenoir currently sits as the Leathernecks' all-time leading receiver in catches (197), yards (2,703) and tied for touchdowns (21). He's looking to make a run at the MVFC all-time records in each category, needing: 53 receptions, 1,173 yards and 20 touchdowns to match all three career marks.

Last year he set WIU season records with 83 receptions, 1,184 yards and five 100-yard receiving games (tied). He's currently riding a 30-game streak with at least one reception in a game, just three shy of tying the all-time record.

One of the top defensive players in the MVFC as a sophomore (third in the 'Defensive Player of the Year' voting), Taylor led the Leathernecks with 144 tackles (60 more than the next closest) and scored two touchdowns – interception and fumble return. He tied the WIU season record and shared the national lead with four fumble recoveries.

He recorded 10.5 tackles for a loss and two interceptions to help Western qualify for the FCS Playoffs for the 10th time in program history, tying for third in the MVFC at 5-3 (7-6 overall). Among the national leaders Taylor ranked 12th in tackles (11.1) and 15th solo tackles per game (6.2).

Judd started all 13 games at center, and helped an offensive unit record the fifth-most total yards in program history (5,119) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Nikko Watson). Twice during the 2015 season he was named MVFC 'Offensive Lineman of the Week'. Western ranked 22nd nationally in redzone offense, 28th in tackles for a loss allowed and 32nd in sacks allowed.

After finishing in a tie for third last year, Western received 176 points to finish sixth in the preseason poll. North Dakota State received 37 of the 39 first-place votes for 388 points. Northern Iowa received the other two votes for first place, tallying 343 points. South Dakota State (284), Illinois State (274) and Youngstown State (254) rounded out the top five.

South Dakota (146), Southern Illinois (124), Indiana State (115) and Missouri State (41) rounded out the poll.

The Leathernecks begin practice on Wednesday, August 3, at 4:15 p.m. Tickets for the five home games are on sale. Fans can purchase tickets by calling (309) 298-1190 or online at www.GoLeathernecks.com. The preseason 16th-ranked Leathernecks open the season on September 1 at Eastern Illinois. The home opener versus Northern Arizona is set for September 10 at 3 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#41 Nikko Watson: RB; 6' 0"; Senior; Rock Island

#66 Jacob Judd: OL; 6' 3"; Junior; Clinton

#7 Lance Lenoir: WR; 6' 0"; Senior; Crete Monee

#44 Brett Taylor: LB; 6' 2"; Junior; Macomb

Players Mentioned

#41 Nikko Watson
: 6' 0"; Senior; Rock Island
: RB

#66 Jacob Judd
: 6' 3"; Junior; Clinton
: OL

#7 Lance Lenoir
: 6' 0"; Senior; Crete Monee
: WR

#44 Brett Taylor
: 6' 2"; Junior; Macomb
: LB