by The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) announced the KCAC Preseason Football Team this week. Five Spires were named on the team chosen by KCAC head football coaches. The team is made up of 16 seniors, 15 juniors, and two sophomores in the conference. Of the 33 athletes on the team, 10 are from Kansas, four are from Texas, and seven are from California.
The defensive team saw the most Spires selected. Senior Kenny Nez (Walker River Paiute) highlights the group. Nez recorded four interceptions and forced five fumbles, to go along with 103 total tackles (52 solo) finishing as a 1st Team All-KCAC selection in 2015. Joining Nez on the defensive side were junior defensive lineman, Andrew Kump, and senior linebacker KyRandall Smith. Smith earned 2nd Team All-KCAC Honors last season, while Kump was an Honorable Mention selection.
Offensively, the Spires had one selection in Easton Ridley. Ridley is making the switch from defense to offense this season. After seeing time as a linebacker last season, Ridley will move to running back in 2016. Ridley was a KCAC Honorable Mention selection in 2015. The final member of the KCAC Preseason Football Team came on special teams. Sophomore Aiden Pirrin was selected at punter.
The Spires open the sesaon next Saturday, August 27 at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND. The game kicks off at 1pm.
