COLORADO SPRINGS - An hour prior to the 2017 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Media Day Kickoff, Adams State University wide receiver Chad Hovasse was named to the 2017 RMAC Preseason All-Conference team. Additionally, the Grizzlies were tabbed 10th in the preseason coaches poll with 25 points. Adams finished 10th in the conference last season with a 2-8 record, ending the season with a 10 point win on the road against New Mexico Highlands University.

Adams opens the season September 2nd in Spearfish, S.D., against Black Hills State University. Last season, the Yellowjackets barely escaped Alamosa, as the Grizzlies scored with five seconds left and elected to go for a two-point conversion instead of forcing overtime. This season, Adams takes the battle to their home, led by the likes of Hovasse, Corey Brown and Jorge Hernandez.

Hovasse, the second-straight Adams wideout to receive the honor, returns after finishing second on the team last season in yard (826) and touchdowns (7). The redshirt junior also led the team with more than 91 yards receiving per game. Only playing nine games, Hovasse had more than 100 yards receiving in over half of those games, including a career-high 145 yards in the season-finale and a career-high three touchdowns in the season opener against Black Hills. He also had a career-high 13 catches against Colorado Mines.

Morris Gilbert and Tim Brown Jr. are the two leading tacklers returning on the defensive side of the ball. The duo combined for 150 tackles, seven pass breakups and a pair of interceptions last season. They will look to a rebuilt defensive line to slow down the run that let up nearly 3,000 yards on the ground. Transfers Charlie Koka, Jason Casem and Finau Kohitolu all will help slow down the rush and allow the defensive backs to play running downhill.

Adams State opens up the home schedule September 9th against rivals Western State Colorado University at 2 p.m. The two programs have traded wins in the past couple of years, including a 36-point comeback in Rex Stadium two years ago that set the NCAA Division II record.