https://herosports.com/fcs/football-201 ... g-sky-bzbz
COACH: Chris Ball - At School: 1st year Overall: 1st year
LAST FCS POSTSEASON: 2017 (First Round)
2018 OFFENSE: 25.8 ppg (76th in FCS)
2018 DEFENSE: 32.2 ppg (84th in FCS)
KEY GAME: Sept. 21 @ Illinois State: The Redbirds are preseason ranked No. 9 and looking like a strong team this year. It's a great opportunity for NAU to build some momentum right before conference play begins.
SUM IT UP: The Lumberjacks are dealing with tragedy right now with the news of offensive lineman Malik Noshi passing away earlier this week. The 2019 team will dedicate this season to Malik's memory.
The Lumberjacks have an experienced team hungry for a return to the postseason under first-year head coach Chris Ball. This team has star power. Unfortunately, some of those standout players have suffered injuries, especially offensively. A big boost for the offense is getting quarterback Case Cookus back. Cookus is one of the best at his position in the FCS, but he's missed most of the 2016 and 2018 seasons due to injury.
When healthy, Cookus is a stud. He was the 2015 FCS Freshman of the Year, a 2015 All-American and a 2015 and 2017 All-Big Sky First Team selection. Despite playing only two full seasons with four games played in 2016 and two last year, Cookus has thrown for 7,968 career yards and 74 touchdowns.
A key for NAU is replacing the production of wide receiver Emmanuel Butler, who is now in the NFL. Brandon Porter is the top returning pass catcher after hauling in 28 passes for 325 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers would've been more, but NAU's quarterback room was so beat up that Porter ended up playing QB the final three games. Chancellor Brewington is also a big target to keep an eye on.
The Lumberjacks lose their top rusher, but Joe Logan was right behind Cory Young with 449 yards rushing and five touchdowns. The offensive line returns two starters: center Chase Laurita and right guard Luke Rudolph. The group will play with emotion as Noshi was a two-year starter up front.
Defensively, the unit needs to tighten up after being in the botto
