Since it was a popular piece from last year I will finish every column once again with my GSC Harlon Hill and conference power rankings heading into each week. Any questions you would like answered in next week's column, comments or complaints email me at [email protected].

For chatter during the week follow me at http://twitter.com/dustinswedelson

As far as predictions go I expect the GSC to shake out like this:
1. North Alabama- This is the year it's all put together for Bowden's boys. There is continuity in the program. UNA is as talented as ever, most importantly on the offensive line. But the biggest piece is they return a starting quarterback in Lee Chapple who is vastly underrated. He could wind up being the offense player of the year in the GSC.
2. Delta State- The Statesmen on paper are a team to bet on. Experience, size, speed and great coaching. There is no reason for them not to make the playoffs; ever. This is a top 15 team with a Harlon Hill contending quarterback and the second best defensive player in the conference, linebacker Xavier Triplett. The expectations are set at at least one playoff win.
3. West Alabama-New coach, new quarterback; no problem. They will be a bubble playoff team, but the Tigers have plenty of talent on either side of the ball to hang with everyone around. T-Ray Mitchell is an explosive running back, Gerald Worsham is an All American candidate, Deon Lacey and Gabe Poe (my favorite player in the GSC) could be the best linebacking duo in the GSC. If they can find a quarterback, this team continues it rise.
4. Valdosta State- Relax all of my friends who hail from my alma mater, this is still a quality team heading in the right direction. But to expect a team that loses it's best player and captain in Larry Dean (who by the way is killing it with the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason), their leader and dominant all conference defensive linemen Demario Jones (both four year starters), to just pick up where they left off is a tough task. Throw in defensive coordinator Joe Cauthen, assistant head coach and offensive line coach David Elsenrath bolting, then pile on the unsettled quarterback battle; that is a lot to overcome. But look at the roster, David Dean has this team primed for a monster 2012. Still believe in him.
5. West Georgia- They were at the point last year where they played teams closer. How much better they are this year depends on the little things; less blown coverage, less drops on offense, opening bigger lanes. If West Georgia can have continuity at quarterback this year, have it carry over into next year, there is potential for them to become a middle of the pack team in most conferences. Since there will be just this five for a while it will look worse than it really is. But don't count out this team taking down a monster in one game this year.

Onto the rankings:
(Note power rankings are based off of things you have done, not expectations/predictions)

GSC Harlon Hill Power Rankings
1. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
2. Micah Davis, QB, Delta State
3. Harrison Dreiling, SS, Valdosta State
4. Gerald Worsham, WR, West Alabama
5. Xavier Triplett, LB, Delta State

GSC Power Rankings
1. Delta State
2. North Alabama
3. Valdosta State
4. West Alabama
5. West Georgia