Indiana State University Athletics

ST. LOUIS -- Linebacker Jonas Griffith and return specialist Dakota Caton earned preseason honors by the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the League office announced Wednesday. Griffith was named to the All-MVFC Preseason Team while Caton earned Honorable Mention. Preseason honors are voted on by league head coaches, media and sports information directors.
 
Jonas Griffith, Linebacker, Redshirt Senior
2018 Synopsis - Earned three All-American postseason honors his junior season ... Earned All-American status from HERO Sports (Third Team), STATS FCS (Third Team) and Phil Steele ... Named First Team All-MVFC after a Defensive Player of the Year caliber season at linebacker for the Sycamores … Led the team and the MVFC in total tackles with 132 stops, including 81 unassisted tackles … Led the nation with 7.4 solo tackles per game and ranks fifth nationally with 12 tackles per game … Recorded 9.5 tackles for loss for 27 yards, including 4.5 tackles-for-loss in the season finale to force a punt that led to the game-winning field goal … The team leader with 3.5 sacks for 20 yards … Recorded double-digit tackles in eight of 11 games … Recorded a season high 18 tackles in back-to-back games against South Dakota State and Missouri State … Had a span of six weeks with double-digit tackles … Forced one fumble against South Dakota and recovered … Recovered a fumble and ran it 80 yards to the house at Youngstown State … Had an interception for 20 yards against Louisville in week two … Credited with one quarterback hurry. 
 
Dakota Caton, Return Specialist, Sophomore
2018 Synopsis - Earned First Team Freshman All-American honors as a return specialist from HERO Sports ... Saw action in all 11 games his first year on campus making his biggest mark on special teams ... Returned 32 kicks for 692 yards on the year for a 21.6 yard per return average ... Longest kick return of the season was a 49-yard scamper in a win over regional rival Eastern Illinois where he also set a season high with 178 yards on returns ... Picked up the first punt return touchdown for the Sycamores since 2015 when he went 71-yards to the house on his very first touch in a Sycamore uniform to open the season against Quincy ... Finished the year ranked 10th in the nation in combined kick returns with 763 yards ... Finished the season with 19 catches for 227 yards and a pair of touchdowns ... Caught touchdowns in consecutive games in weeks 10 and 11 against South Dakota and Illinois State as the Sycamores were in the midst of a five-game winning streak to close out the year.
 
The Sycamores will open fall camp in early August in front of a 12-game schedule which features seven home games at Memorial Stadium. In two of the first preseason polls, the Sycamores were picked 15th and 18th respectively. ISU returns a plethora of starters on both sides of the ball, including 2018 MVFC Newcomer of the Year Ryan Boyle at quarterback along with four offensive linemen.
 
Those wishing to purchase tickets can contact the Hulman Center Ticket Office during normal business hours or by phone at 812-237-3737.
 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Football team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook and Twitter.