Arkansas Sports 360.com - July 2008 - (Page 36) ConferenCe Gulf South Notes Harding’s KnigHton sHines BrigHtly David Knighton will enter his senior season at Harding University already the owner of 27 Bisons offensive records. Here are just a few in the all-time career category: pass attempts (868), completions (534), passing yardage (6,121), passing touchdowns (56), completion percentage (61.5), efficiency or rating (134.4). Knighton, the 6-foot-1, 225-pounder, has been responsible for 64 touchdowns in the past three seasons. Obviously, his arm accounts for a significant total. The fifth-year senior from Seminole, Okla., did not play in Harding’s spring game, as the quarterback duties were shared by sophomore Zach Tribble and freshman Nick Jones. While neither may be in the athletic category of Knighton, both look like they’ll be able to keep up Harding’s passing attack when Knighton moves on. Tribble completed 20 of 37 passes in the spring game for 246 yards. Jones completed an impressive 13 of 16 passes for 140 yards. Knighton was a 2007 first-team Associated Press Little All-American as well as All-Gulf South Offensive Player of the Year and a 2007 Harlon Hill finalist. Last season, he topped 300 yards in passing in seven games, including a school-record 529 yards against Arkansas Tech. games to WatcH The games among the Gulf South’s national “big three” that will affect Henderson State and the other contenders from Arkansas are: Oct. 2: Delta State at Valdosta State. Oct. 18: North Alabama at Delta State. Oct. 25: Valdosta State at North Alabama. The entire league will be keeping an eye on Henderson’s opener on Aug. 28 at Central Arkansas, a Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision. tops among coacHes Besides being a league full of athletes and powerhouse programs on the D-II level, the Gulf South Conference has its share and then some of top coaches. David Dean, who was in his first year as head coach at Valdosta State, was deemed the best of D-II last season. Dean led the Blazers to a 13-1 record and the NCAA Division II championship in 2007 to earn AFCA National Coach of the Year honors. He’s the second Gulf South coach in four years to be named National Coach of the Year. Dean is only the second coach in Division II history to win a national championship in his inaugural season as a head coach. He served as Valdosta State’s offensive coordinator when the school captured the Division II title in 2004. m HardinG UniverSity play: Harding quarterback david Knighton in action last season at First Security Stadium. Let’s go have some fun! and half-day fishing trips, fishing lessons and corporate group packages for central Arkansans and visitors to the area. CAPITOL GLASS LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED JB’s Guide Service offers full-day SINCE 1950 OF GLASS, SERVICE, AND INSTALLATION PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY Full-time Licensed Guide Jerry Bryant (501) 519-5196 www.jbsguideservice.net PPG Auto Replacement Glass has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Nationwide Lifetime Warranty! Call to schedule a trip: 374.6422 36 ArkansasSports360.com July 2008 801 Broadway St. Little Rock, AR http://www.jbsguideservice.net http://www.jbsguideservice.net http://ArkansasSports360.com
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