The UTPB football program had quarterbacks Dylan Graham and Jordan Barton transfer into the program after successful seasons last year at the junior college level.
Graham, Barton and returner Suddin Sapien worked throughout the spring practices and summer workouts to be the one that Falcons head coach Justin Carrigan handed the reins to heading into Week 1 of the 2022 season.
Well, it’s that time and Graham will be the one leading the Falcons against Southwest Baptist at 6 p.m. Saturday at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland.
Carrigan made the decision early in the summer practices and watched Graham take charge.
“He’s done a great job,” Carrigan said. “He’s a smart kid, he picked up the offense and he’s a leader.”
The Falcons will host the Bearcats after traveling to Bolivar (Mo.) last season for a game that was scheduled at the last minute because of COVID restrictions.
UTPB won the rain-soaked, lightning-delayed contest 24-16, putting in a solid defensive effort against quarterback Cooper Callis and his plethora of talented wide receivers.
Callis, the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, is back to lead the team and brings plenty of offensive with him.
He passed for 3,712 yards and 35 touchdowns last season.
Leading receivers Preston Carson (61 receptions, 867 yards, seven touchdowns) and Jordan Kent (734 yards, eight touchdowns) are back, along with running back Abel Carter.
“They are going to be tough,” Carrigan said. “The conference player of the year at quarterback and some really good running backs and wide receivers.
“It’s going to be a test.”
UTPB returns Nathan Tilford and Kevin Young Jr. in the backfield.
Tilford finished 2021 with 569 yards and two touchdowns, while Young added 337 yards and a pair of scores.
Wide receiver MJ Link is a deep threat on every snap. The first-team All-Lone Star Conference honoree in 2021 had 42 catches for 628 yards and eight touchdowns.
Link will be joined on the outside by Marcus Molina, who caught 31 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman.
On defense, the Falcons allowed less than 200 yards through the air in 2021 and defensive back Jaquez Tyler is back to led the secondary.
He was first in the nation in Division II last season with 13 passes defended and intercepted four passes, along with blocking two kicks.
He is joined by returner Trent Ward, who had three interceptions and 43 tackles last season.
“We had some injuries in the secondary at the end of last year, injuries that needed surgery, and they are working their way back to 100 percent,” Carrigan said. “We’ve had guys step in and when we get everyone back to full speed it’s going to be nice.”
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