With only two weeks left until the regular season kicks off, the Grand Valley State University football team hosted it’s annual media day on Wednesday.

The event, which serves as a break for the players during two-a-day workouts, gives the local media a chance to take photos and meet first-hand with the team to discuss the upcoming season.

Focus is the name of the game for the Lakers this season. After last season’s painful 38-6 defeat at the hands of Augustana College in the second round of the Division-II Playoffs.

The GLIAC’s top scoring offense failed to muster a touchdown, while the defense was gashed to the tune of 279 rushing yards.

With the that behind them, the Lakers debuted new starters at quarterback and running back at the media day.

Heath Parling, a red shirt sophomore, will take over the signal calling duties vacated by now-graduated Kyle McMahon. Parling saw most of his action in mop-up duty last year, but will be looked to lead the Lakers’ fast-paced offense full time this year.

At running back, Norman Shuford stepped into the starting spot. A junior, Shuford saw action as the back-up back last year, putting together a solid 661 yard season.

The outing also gave the team to debut their new jerseys, which retain the same colors as the previous versions. The home jerseys will bring a more sleek and modern look, while the away jerseys bring back the classic blue and yearbook block-lettering for the numbers.

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