The Lindenwood University football team is preparing for their first scrimmage of fall camp this morning. In what may be the most anticipated season in program history, the Lions fell three points shy of a national championship in 2009 and believe that they have the potential to be even better in 2010.

Lindenwood, which is ranked second in the preseason NAIA national polls, was led in 2009 by an offense that scored 744 points.  That is one of the ten highest totals in the history of college football.

Among the returning starters is sophomore running back Denodus O’Bryant, last year’s Heart of America Athletic Conference player of year. The 2010 preseason national player of the year candidate averaged nearly 10 yards per carry last season and scored 24 touchdowns.

Also returning are quarterback Philip Staback and wide receiver Matt Bramow, both senior all-americans.

The Lions defense is led by its linebacker corps, including sophomore Parks Peterson and senior Dan Carlisle. Lindenwood allowed just 20.4 points a game and forced nearly three turnovers a game.

Lindenwood opens its 2010 season with their first-ever Thursday night contest when the Lions host Evangel on September 2nd.