By JT Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Communications Director

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SouthernPigskin.com Staff Members J.T. Bennett and Russell Varner release their “Oddly Early” FCS Top 25.

This “Oddly Early” FCS top 25 was compiled by SouthernPigskin.com staff members J.T. Bennett and Russell Varner.

1. Eastern Washington, Big Sky
2010 Record: 13-2
The defending national champions bring back a slew of talent. QB Bo Levi Mitchell is a preseason favorite for the Walter Payton Award.

2. Georgia Southern, Southern
2010 Record: 10-5
Head coach Jeff Monken breathed life back into Statesboro with his playoff run. The Eagles could have the best defense in the country.

3. Appalachian State, Southern
2010 Record: 10-3
The Mountaineers are looking to QB DeAndre Presley to have another stellar year. Presley scored 34 total touchdowns in 2010.

4. Delaware, CAA
2010 Record: 12-3
The national runner-ups have a great one in RB Antonio Pierce. As a true freshman Pierce rushed for 1,655 yards and 14 touchdowns.

5. Wofford, Southern
2010 Record: 10-3
Running back Eric Breitenstein returns after leading the nation in rushing touchdowns with 22. The Terriers also have a good one in DE Ameet Pall.

6. Northern Iowa, MVC
2010 Record: 7-5
Quarterback Tirrell Rennie is one of the most electrifying players at his position. Rennie and running back Carlos Anderson lead one of the top rushing attacks in the nation.

7. Montana State, Big Sky
2010 Record: 9-3
The Bobcats had one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the country last season. Returning quarterback Denarius McGhee passed for 3,000 yards and running back Orenzo Davis rushed for 1,100 yards.

8. William & Mary, CAA
2010 Record: 8-4
Linebacker Dante Cook returns to lead a stout Tribe defense. Quarterback Michael Paulus is returning from injury after a promising start last season.

9. North Dakota State, MVC
2010 Record: 9-5
The Bison are led by running back D.J McNorton and defensive end Coulter Boyer. McNorton had 2,000 all purpose yards and 19 touchdowns last season.

10. Cal Poly, Great West
2010 Record: 7-4
The Mustangs potent rushing attack brings back running back Mark Rodgers who had 1,900 all purpose yards. Quarterback Andre Broadous returns after splitting time with Tony Smith.

11. Jacksonville State, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 9-3
The Gamecocks started last season on fire, winning eight in a row. Quarterback Marques Ivory is looking to repeat that early season success.

12. Central Arkansas, Southland
2010 Record: 7-4
Quarterback Nathan Dick and versatile running back Terrance Bobo return on offense. The Bear defense is lead by linebacker Frank Newsome.

13. Liberty, Big South
2010 Record: 8-3
The Flames have one of the most electrifying players in the country in quarterback Mike Brown. His top target, receiver Chris Summers, is back after notching 15 touchdown grabs last season.

14. Chattanooga, Southern
2010 Record: 6-5
Head coach Russ Huesman and quarterback B.J. Coleman have reinvigorated this program. Coleman has a great receiver in Joel Bradford.

15. Montana, Big Sky
2010 Record: 7-4
The Grizz have one of the best linebacking corps in the country led by Caleb McSurdy and Jordan Tripp. Montana is reloading on the offensive side of the ball.

16. Southern Utah, Great West
2010 Record: 6-5
Quarterback Brad Sorenson is a talented pocket passer. Sorenson was down right efficient last season with 21 touchdowns to only six interceptions.

17. South Carolina State, MEAC
2010 Record: 9-3
The Bulldogs are looking to athletic quarterback Derrick Wiley to take over the offense. Defensive lineman Pat Washington and linebackers Donovan Richard lead the MEAC’s top defense.

18. Sacramento State, Big Sky
2010 Record: 6-5
Quarterback Jeff Fleming has a good number of weapons at his disposal. The Hornets defense is led by defensive lineman Zack Nash who notched 13 sacks last season.

19. SE Missouri State, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 9-3
Dual-threat quarterback Matt Scheible leads the defending OVC champions. Head coach Tony Samuel won the Eddie Robinson Award in 2010.

20. Western Illinois, MVC
2010: 8-5
One of the top rushing tandems return, running backs Caulton Ray and Bryce Flowers combined for 1,879 yards and 17 touchdowns.

21. Murray State, Ohio Valley
2010: 6-5
Quarterback Casey Brockman performed well last season and is progressing well in Chris Hatcher’s spread attack. Running back Mike Harris returns after rushing for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns.

22. Stephen F. Austin, Southland
2010 Record: 9-3
The Lumberjacks lose Walter Payton Award winner Jeremy Moses but return basically everyone else. It looks like Brady Attaway is the man now.

23. Jacksonville, Pioneer
2010 Record: 10-1
Quarterback Josh McGregor returns after throwing 32 touchdowns to only seven interceptions last season. Running back J.J. Laster will carry the load as he impressed averaging 8.5 ypc in 2010.

24. Villanova, CAA
2010 Record: 9-5
The 2009 national champs are looking to reload. The Wildcats might have brought in the nation’s top recruiting class at the FCS level.

25. Eastern Kentucky, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 6-5
Quarterback T.J. Pryor leads the Colonels after an impressive 2010 campaign. Pryor’s top target, wide receiver Orlandus Harris returns as well.