DALLAS (July 30) -- Central Oklahoma earned the favorite's role for the Lone Star Conference North Division football race in the preseason poll that was released here Thursday during the league's annual media day, with Jermelle Cudjo claiming Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The defending champion Bronchos of second-year head coach Tracy Holland earned 12 first-place votes and finished with 90 points in balloting of head coaches, sports information directors and various media representatives.  UCO returns 32 lettermen -- including 13 starters -- from last year's 7-4 team that went 5-0 in the North Division.

Southeastern Oklahoma and Texas A&M-Commerce each had three first-place votes in finishing with 70 points to share second place in the poll, followed by Southwestern Oklahoma, East Central and Northeastern State.

“We're honored for the pick, but we know it doesn't mean anything and we have to go out and earn it,” said Holland, who was named LSC North Division Coach of the Year last season.  “Anything can happen in the Lone Star Conference and there are a lot of great teams in this league.

“We only have four home games and seven on the road with the first three all on the road, so we definitely have some challenges ahead of us.  But with big challenges come big opportunities and we're looking forward to what lies ahead of us.”

Cudjo, a 6-3, 300-pound senior tackle from Lawton, shared the top defensive award with A&M-C tackle Willie Green.  A two-time first-team All-LSC North Division selection, Cudjo had 60 tackles with 15.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks.

The Bronchos, ranked ninth in the Sporting News preseason NCAA Division II national poll, report to campus Aug. 5 and begin preseason practice the next day.  UCO opens the season Aug. 28 at Pittsburg State, then goes to West Texas A&M and Texas A&M-Kingsville before hosting Tarleton State in its home opener on Sept. 19.