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College Football Preview: Lincoln Lions

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Success has been elusive for the Division II Lincoln University football team since they revived their football program for the 2008 season, following a nearly 50-year hiatus. The Lions have not won more than three games in any season and last year they went just 1-9.

But Lincoln, who plays in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, is hoping to take steps in the right direction here in 2015 and they will do so under the watchful eye of interim head coach Herb Pickens.

"Camp's been a grind, man," Pickens tells KYW Newsradio. "But it's been exciting."

Listen: Herb Pickens with KYW's Matt Leon

Pickens says right now the strength of the team looks to be the defense.

"We're having a lot of success up front and on the back end with our secondary," Pickens says. "Pleasant surprise at a few spots at the linebacker position. So definitely the defense has jumped out and taken the lead of the team."

Senior defensive back Brion Robinson was chosen to the preseason All-CIAA team. He led the team last season with 74 tackles and three interceptions.

On the offensive side of the football, Pickens talks about his quarterback position.

"Currently (senior) E.J. McKenzie is still the leader," Pickens says. "But we have a few new guys coming in that are right at his heels. But he's doing enough right now to maintain his job."

McKenzie played in ten games last season, starting three and throwing for 562 yards and five touchdowns with nine interceptions.

"We're still trying to get together everything, mainly timing situations, with our passing game," Pickens says. "The running game's looking good with Stephen Scott returning, and our o-line is steadily gelling."

Scott, a junior, had a great season in 2014, rushing for 956 yards and three touchdowns.

Lincoln opens the 2015 season on Saturday, September 5th, against rival Cheyney University.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

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