GOLDEN, Colo. - The first of several summer college football previews has hit newsstands, and Lindy's has put Colorado School of Mines at #3 in its Division II preseason poll while recognizing quarterback John Matocha and wide receiver Max McLeod.

Matocha, the reigning Harlon Hill Award winner, was touted as the magazine's preseason D-II most valuable player and a preseason first-team all-America pick. McLeod, a 2022 all-American and the nation's leading returner in both receiving yards and touchdowns, was named a preseason second-team all-American.

The magazine also picked two of the Orediggers' games among ones to watch in D-II this season: the Aug. 31 season and home opener against Grand Valley State, and the Week 2 clash at Angelo State. Mines fell narrowly at GVSU last season, while splitting two meetings with Angelo State; those teams are ranked #2 and #6, respectively, in the Lindy's preseason top 25. 

Matocha was the consensus national player of the year in 2022, winning the Harlon Hill Award and offensive player of the year honors from the D2CCA and D2football.com. An All-American from four different organizations, Matocha produced one of the top offensive seasons in D-II history with 4,778 passing yards and 52 touchdowns, leading NCAA Division II in passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass efficiency (178.8), and points responsible for (342). His 5,221 yards were the third-most ever in a season in D-II. His electric postseason play propelled Mines to the national championship game as he produced 23 total touchdowns in five NCAA tournament games. 

McLeod had a breakout 2022 season to be named all-America by the Associated Press and Don Hansen Football Gazette. As a redshirt junior, McLeod caught 79 balls for 1,492 yards and 18 touchdowns (all team bests), averaging 18.9 yards per catch and ranking second nationally in touchdowns and third in yards. One of a number of receiving weapons at Matocha's disposal, McLeod caught seven touchdowns in the postseason including three in the NCAA first round against CSU Pueblo and a monster 12-catch, 214-yard, three-touchdown day in the national semifinal against Shepherd.

Mines (13-3 in 2022) begins the 2023 season against Grand Valley State Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at Marv Kay Stadium. Season tickets are now on sale.