2012 Big Sky Conference Countdown: Northern Arizona

Moving on with the countdown, it's time to take a look at the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.  If there was one team in the Big Sky that had too many tough losses, it was these young men in Flagstaff.  The team finished the 2011 season with a 4-7 record, and four of their losses were by four points or less.

Despite the disappointing season, head coach Jerome Souers is back for his 15th season as the Lumberjacks' head coach, making him the second longest-tenured head coach in the conference behind UC Davis' Bob Biggs.  During Souers' long tenure in Flagstaff, he has never had a 10-win season in his head coaching career, with his best season coming during the 2003 season as the Lumberjacks finished 9-4.

The Lumberjacks possess one of the best offenses in the conference, as they averaged 435 yards a game last season.  Leading rusher Zach Bauman is back for his senior season, after he set a school record in 2011 with 15 rushing touchdowns, and ran for more than 100 yards seven times during the 2011 season (ended the season with 1,435 yards).  Starting quarterback Cary Grossart is also back, after he threw for 2,745 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2011.

Defensively, co-leader in tackles Craig Frum is back, as he enters his sophomore season.  Frum shared the team lead in tackles with the now-graduated Scott McKeever, with 30 unassisted tackles.  Senior defensive lineman Jarret Bilbrey was number two on the team in quarterback sacks last season, with five of them.  And the team leader in interceptions is back for his senior season in safety Taylor Patton.

MY THOUGHTS: The Lumberjacks have traditionally been a very good team that have typically finished mid-pack year after year.  They just might be the team that always lurks in the weeds, waiting to pounce on anyone at any time.  But if they want to contend for the conference title, they can help their cause by winning the close games.

UP NEXT: Weber State

Photo credit: Josh Biggs/Arizona Daily Sun