Jordan Hopman knew in February he would be replacing some big shoes at Decatur LSA and didn't waste any time becoming familiar with his players and getting to know them.

Coach Hopman says he quickly got to work getting in contact with his players, getting the materials they would need for the new season and then getting down to central Illinois and getting started.

Being a program with not a great deal of numbers, Coach Hopman says they want to be a ball-control offense. It is important to him they take pride in their special teams play. 

The Lions went 5-4 last year. They'll open the season at home against Toledo-Cumberland.