Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

11 SIAC Teams in 11 Days: Miles College Golden Bears
 
 
Miles was in the driver's seat of the SIAC for the first nine weeks of the season, until hopes of defending the SIAC championships were diminished by Tuskegee in the final week of the season resulting from a 27-17 loss to the eventual SIAC Champions. As a consolation prize, the Golden Bears earned its first playoff berth in school history, where the team suffered a disappointing loss to West Alabama. Once again, Miles will be a heavy favorite to return to Atlanta for the SIAC Championship game and the Division II playoffs. While the task will be daunting, veteran head coach Reginald Ruffin will have his team up for the challenge in every phase of the game.
 
"Everything is all about finishing, and we did not finish the game against Tuskegee. That's what we harped on," said Miles College head coach Reginald Ruffin. "We have to execute and finish."
 
Fifteen starters return from a squad that went 8-3 overall, including All-SIAC performer David Thomas, who will quarterback the Golden Bears read-option spread attack. Thomas passed for 2,059 yards and 13 touchdowns to match his 355 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns on the ground. Last season Miles dominated opponents with its rushing attack that averaged 216.8 yards per game. The three-headed monster, consisting of All-SIAC running back Floyd Graves, Devonta Parker-Johnson, and Denzel Veale return to form one of the most formidable backfields in Division II. The rushing attack should create one-on-one matchups that Miles speedy group of receivers will look to exploit. The tandem of All-SIAC receiver Antonio Pitts and DJ Fife should be in position to make big plays this season. Up front, Miles will be much improved as three starters returned, coupled with a heralded group of freshman, which will bolster the depth.
 
Coach Ruffin will expect more out of his defense this season as several key players return from a unit which got stronger towards the end of the season. Three year starters Reginald Virges and Julante English will captain one of the SIAC's top linebacker corps. Complimenting the speedy linebacker group will be a talented defensive line that will be led by Joseph Rush. All-SIAC defensive back Joe Beckham III will be the field general and leader of a secondary that will look to force more turnovers this season. The biggest void to fill for Miles will be on the special teams as kicker Patton Chambers was lost to graduation. Once again, the Golden Bears will open its season up against Gulf South opponents North Alabama and West Georgia before starting its gauntlet in the SIAC.