(MSUM Athletics) BURNSVILLE, Minn. — MSU Moorhead football has been selected to finish 10th in the 2023 NSIC preseason coaches’ poll. Sophomore wide receiver Gage Florence and senior defensive lineman Hayden Carr have been chosen as the team’s players to watch.
“We are returning a lot of guys from last years’ team. We have experience in key positions,” said MSUM head coach Steve Laqua. “The group has grown together nicely in the offseason and there are a solid group of senior leaders.”
The Dragons finished the 2022 campaign with a 4-7 record with victories over Upper Iowa, Minot State, Mary and Concordia, St. Paul a season ago. MSUM completed the season with the second-best passing offense in the NSIC, racking up 270.5 yards per game through the air. In this year’s coaches’ poll, MSUM garnered 45 points in the poll, finishing ahead of Minot State, Mary and Concordia, St. Paul. Bemidji State was picked at the top of the poll with 131 points and four first-place votes. Minnesota State came in second with 125 points and five first-place votes.
Gage Florence was named MSUM’s player to watch on the offensive side of the ball for 2023. Florence, the conference’s reigning Offensive Newcomer of the Year, reeled in a school record 100 passes in 2022 for a total of 996 yards and six receiving touchdowns. The Sawyer, N.D., product was voted All-NSIC North Second Team for his efforts in 2022 as well. Florence also set a new MSUM record with 21 receptions in the October 22 win over Mary. The mark was also a new NSIC single-game record.
“Gage is extremely competitive. He trains and plays hard. He runs every route like he expects it to be thrown to him,” said Laqua. “We’re excited to see the progress he has made from last season.”
On the defensive end, Hayden Carr was pinpointed as the Dragon player to watch following his work in the trenches a year ago. Carr tallied 21 total tackles in 2022 including six solo takedowns. The Champlin, Minn., native also had three and half tackles for loss for a total of 27 yards lost. He also collected three sacks for 26 yards lost in 2022, good for second-best on the Dragon roster.
“Hayden is an extremely committed individual both on and off the field. He has a tremendous work ethic and motor on the field,” Laqua said of Carr. “He has grown into an excellent leader for our defensive unit. He is poised to have a great senior year.”
MSUM begins the 2023 season on August 31 with a 6 p.m. road tilt against Wayne State. The Wildcats were selected third in the preseason coaches’ poll. The Dragons will play their first home game on September 9 against Minot State.
