Four years into his tenure as the head football coach at Lincoln University, Josh Dean is confident the revival of the football program is nearly complete and the Lions are ready to compete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. 

Lincoln returns 13 starters, seven defensively and six offensively, from a team that finished 1-9. However, the record doesn’t accurately portray the improvements of those sporting the Orange and Blue. 

Despite losing its top three tacklers, including first-team All-CIAA selection Devon Cathcart, the Lincoln defense will still be the strength of the program. While the other two resided in the defensive secondary, there is enough talent for the backend to provide stellar production. 

Led by senior Eric Best, senior Kentrell Pierce, and sophomore Rontay Dunbar, the LU secondary will be elite and the anchor for deep and experienced defense. Dunbar, who was named second-team All-CIAA a season ago at cornerback, finished with a team-high three interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Opposite Dunbar will be Pierce, while Best will be manning one of the safety positions. 

Improved play in the defensive trenches, especially following the graduation of Kyle Wilkins, will be pivotal to the overall success. Junior Derrick McCoy and sophomore Devon Harris each started the last seven games of the season. Juniors Malik Malloy and Derrick Ellerson, along with sophomore Darius Sterling will work to find additional playing time.

Offensively is where the biggest strides of improvement will come for a unit that averaged just 6.1 points per game. A new coordinator along with the maturation of sophomore quarterback Andrew Banks should ignite greater production. The sophomore signal-caller played in seven games, throwing for 605 yards on 60-of-121 (49.6%) passing with zero touchdowns and seven interceptions. “An interesting battle will be for our backup quarterback position,” said Dean. “I believe that to be just as important as a starting position because of the complexity of that position. Trae Greene, Isaiah Wilson, Aarek Thomas, and super-talented Isaiah Freeman will battle for the backup position behind QB1 Andrew Banks. Our staff is very high of the talent in Freeman and excited to see him learn and develop in a talented QB room.”

Wilson and Greene started games for the Lions in 2021, combining 595 yards on 44-of-109 (40.4%) passing with one touchdown and three interceptions. 

The return of junior Dah’Mear Triplett, who was named second-team All-CIAA and CIAA All-Rookie team in 2019, provides an exciting weapon for Banks. He was second in the conference, and first among rookies, with 42 receptions. He led the team with seven touchdown receptions.

However, the receiver room won’t be a one-trick pony.

“I couldn't be more excited about the return of Dah’mear Triplett,” said Dean. We expect him to be exactly who he is: hard working, explosive, great teammate, and an all-around joy to be around. The kid always has a smile on his face and it's infectious. Adding him with our leader on offense, Drew Stephens, and newcomers Antwain Banks and Malachi Langley will make our receiver room one of the best in our region, not just conference.”

Stephens is the leading returner with 12 catches and 209 yards, while Rashon Cooke and Ismael Pierre can bring receiving production. Langley is a transfer from Bloomsburg University. Sophomore Elijah Snell, a tight end, will also help diversify the Lincoln passing attack. 

The position with the most question marks and the greatest position battle will be at running back. Quarterback Andrew Banks led the team with 350 yards rushing, and tight end Elijah Snell led the team with 4.4 yards per carry. 

Sophomore Amir Gerald, who wasn’t on the team in 2021, has rushed for the most yards of any running back on the roster – gaining 101 yards in 2019. Sophomores Davon Allen and Maliq Staten both changed positions and showed flashes during spring ball, while junior Daniel Scott returns from a season-ending injury that cost him the final eight games of the season.

Despite all of the talent in the offensive skill positions, the offensive line must improve to end the train to move efficiently. All seven of the players – senior Mohammad Smart, sophomore Oliver Lilly, senior Shawn Kemmerer, junior James Koluboi, senior Justin Gowan, and junior Vances Russell – all return to the Lions. However, there is no guarantee a newcomer won’t find a spot in the starting rotation.

All-American Achille Laudet returns as a punter and will also assume the kicker duties. 

Lincoln opens the season on September 3rd against Delaware State University.