Story by Mark McFarland, Sports Editor

Tight end Jesse Blackburn was named to the preseason All-OVC team Monday at the OVC Media Day. Blackburn is entering his fourth season after scoring five touchdowns on 48 catches and 612 yards receiving last season.

With the graduation of wide receiver Janawski Davis, Blackburn is expected to see an increase in minutes played. Head Coach Mitch Stewart said at OVC Media Day they will try to do what they can and make sure he gets his touches.

Though senior quarterback KD Humphries didn’t have much to say, he was supportive of his teammate.

“Playmaker,” Humphries said. “That is all I can say.”

Blackburn averaged 12.8 yards per catch as well as averaged 61.2 yards per game. He played in 10 out of the 11 games, but only started in six of the games.

This year’s football team has 45 new players on the team, Blackburn being the only returning receiver from last season. Davis, Jeremey Harness and Paul Rice all leaving the team sets Blackburn up to be the primary receiving target.

Coach Stewart said he is one of the guys the team will look for to help carry load offensively.

“All we’re concerned about is, every 24 hour period we are given we want to play hard and we want to have fun,” Stewart said about the teams 24 hour mentality. “That means athletically, in the weight room, academically and all of our summer classes, all of those things we got to do the very best job.”