Gardner-Webb 2005 Football Outlook
2005 GARDNER-WEBB FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
GWU head coach Steve Patton and his Bulldogs were stung hard by injuries during the 2004 season, yet managed to post five wins against a schedule rated 13th-toughest by the NCAA – including wins over top-30 teams Western Carolina (#25) and Southeastern Louisiana (#27). An explosive offense will carry the 2005 Bulldogs, with nearly all major components returning intact on that side of the football – and several key additions that should allow offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo to open up his playbook with success. A switch to a college 4-3 alignment during Spring drills was successful, and should allow the Bulldogs’ strengths to be utilized. Three of the Bulldogs’ first four games will be played in Spangler Stadium as well, allowing time to work out early kinks before diving into conference play.
OFFENSE
A total of 10 starters return on the offensive side of the football, with many gaining that experience last season due to a rash of injuries that hindered the Bulldogs’ output in 2004. Senior quarterback Nick Roberts, who will be entering his third season as a full-time starter, has a more experienced group of receivers to throw to – and will also benefit from a revamped running game that should be much improved. “Our offense will be expected to put points on the board, particularly
with the experience and talent we return at quarterback and receiver,” said Patton. “The new scoreboard in Spangler Stadium got quite a workout in the season finale last year (52-28 win), and that was one of the few games all season that our offense could say it was somewhat healthy. Coach Pizzo is very excited about his group of youngsters this season, and he should be able to get those guys clicking early.”
QUARTERBACK
Roberts, who saw his overall numbers take a hit last season while working with a very young group of receivers, heads into his final campaign with a wealth of confidence in that group after a very successful Spring practice session. That confidence is also fueled by his physical condition, as the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder heads into August in what he feels is the best shape of his athletic career. In April, Roberts wowed onlookers by turning a 4.36-second time in the 40-yard dash – and was under the 4.4-second mark on three different watches that afternoon. The Springville, Ala., native also had an excellent spring under center, providing coordinator Joe Pizzo with plenty of confidence in his ability to see the field and an improved understanding of defensive schemes and coverages. Always one of the better quarterbacks in GWU history of hitting the deep pass, Roberts showed improvement in his short and intermediate passing as well during the offseason. Roberts has thrown for 4,618 yards and 32 touchdowns in his two years as a starter, and has rushed for 778 yards and 13 more scores during that same span. He needs only 1,091 yards to pass former Bulldog Clint Conner for fourth on GWU’s all-time passing list – and already has two of the top-4 single seasons in total offense in school history under his belt, along with 13 wins in two seasons. Roberts was perhaps inspired during February practice by his heir apparent, redshirt freshman Devin Campbell (6-4, 185). The Greenville, S.C., native tossed three touchdowns and ran for two more during the Bulldogs’ Spring Game, and has the size, mobility and arm strength to operate the GWU offense successfully when his time comes.
In addition to Campbell, senior Jeff Leard (6-0, 215) will provide experienced depth at the position after passing for 143 yards and a score in limited duty last season. “Nick isn’t just an athlete playing quarterback,” said Patton. “He has worked extremely hard during the offseason to improve the aspects of his game that should make him an excellent all-around quarterback this season. The fact that he runs so well is a threat that other teams must continue to worry about – but his overall ability in the passing game is what is going to make him such a threat in 2005. Devin is our quarterback of the future, and he’ll get some snaps this season. Having both of these young men pushing each other during Spring Practice really helped their development.”
RECEIVERS
The top-3 pass catchers from last season’s stat sheet – juniors Kory Alston (5-10, 175), Vonzell Pittman (6-4, 210) and Aaron Richardson (6-0, 191) – all return for the 2005 campaign, with each earning All-Big South honors as sophomores.
Alston, the team’s speed merchant at the position, was a first-team All-League choice after hauling in 42 passes for 769 yards and eight touchdowns – leading the Big South with an average of 18.3 yards per catch. His 84-yard scoring catch at Tennessee Tech was the season’s longest and his 74-yard jaunt in the season finale may have been the Bulldogs’ most electrifying play of the year. If Alston is the deep threat, Pittman – the team’s tallest receiver – has developed into Roberts’ man over the middle. Blessed with tremendous athleticism and improved instincts after moving over from tight end, Pittman had a career year in 2004 – hauling in 36 passes for 403 yards. Many of his catches came in traffic, but Pittman has the
speed needed to break loose, running the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds during Spring testing. Richardson, a prep teammate of Roberts at Springville (Ala.) High, set new career-high marks in receptions (35) and yards (504) last season – but will be asked to make more plays downfield in 2005. Another exceptional leaper, Richardson may be the team’s most versatile
receiver – capable of playing three different positions in the passing game. Arguably the team’s biggest surprise on offense during Spring practice was sophomore Duvaughn Flagler (6-1, 196), a muscular receiver who developed into a starter late in 2004. The Norcross, Ga., standout was a late addition to the roster as a freshman, but showed advanced athleticism and more polish on his routes during February drills. Like Richardson, Flagler is capable of playing more than one receiver slot –
giving Pizzo plenty of lineup options. Redshirt sophomore Ricky Hernandez (6-2, 209) had a tremendous February practice season as well, and has what could be considered the team's most reliable set of hands. The San Diego, Calif., native is set
for a breakout season after redshirting in 2004. Austin Gaines (6-3, 190, Jr.) battled through an injury-plagued sophomore year after earning second-team All-Big South honors as a freshman (2003). The Loganville, Ga., native played in just nine games last season – but will factor into the rotation at receiver again in 2005. The wealth of returning talent will be supplemented by a healthy crop of newcomers – headlined by freshmen Jordan Peyton (6-1, 185) and Dobson Collins (6-2, 180). Both were the subjects of intense recruiting battles, and each is expected to make a push for early playing time. Peyton – recruited by the likes of Vanderbilt, UConn and UAB – hails from the same county as GWU’s all-time leading receiver, William Andrews, Jr. “If there is one position that we have depth this season it is receiver,” Patton said. “The four juniors have played a great deal of snaps over the past two seasons, and guys like Kory Alston and Vonzell Pittman have really come on with their development since 2003. All of the returning guys have developed an improved relationship on the field
with our quarterbacks with a full year of playing together under their belts. Having to play some inexperienced guys at the position last year should pay off for us in 2005. The two youngsters, Jordan Peyton and Dobson Collins, are two of the best we’ve had as freshman.”
TIGHT END
The lack of a receiving threat at tight end since the graduation of All-American Jason Bright (2002) has limited Gardner-Webb’s options in the passing game over the past two years, but help seems to have arrived for 2005. Sophomore Hughie Dixon (6-4, 215) enters his second season as a potential starter at the position, bringing excellent blocking technique to the table as well. Converted offensive lineman Matt Skeen (6-3, 235, RSo.) has worked hard to make himself into a viable option as well, and should also be a help to the running game as a blocker. The biggest impact at the position could come from a freshman, however, as hulking prospect Robert Robinson (6-3, 250) enters his first season of college football with high expectations. The Conway, S.C., native, a gifted receiver who coaches hope can be a larger version of Bright in the long run, has exceptional quickness for his size and can get downfield – in addition to a love for blocking that should allow for success in that phase of his game as well. “Both Hughie and Matt have game experience at the position, and both are very capable blockers,” Patton said. “Neither has caught a pass in college to this point, but we plan to have the tight end more involved in the offense as a receiver this year. Robert Robinson has the size and overall athletic profile to develop into one of the best we’ve seen at Gardner-Webb.”
RUNNING BACK
The Bulldogs return their top-3 rushers from last season, with fifth-year seniors Jermaine Boston (5-7, 190) and George Pressley (5-7, 183) – along with quarterback Nick Roberts – combining to rush for 1,357 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2004. Both Boston and Pressley rely on their agility for yardage, with both showing signs of breaking out in each of the past two seasons. Boston was the Bulldogs’ top rusher last season, carrying 143 times for 624 yards and three scores – including a 148-yard outburst against VMI. Boston’s 4.4 yards per carry average was nearly matched by Pressley, who carried 87 times for 370 yards and one touchdown after battling back from a preseason injury. After the senior duo, Gardner-Webb’s rushing leaders last season were its quarterback, an All-America defensive end and three receivers – with depth a problem from preseason through November in 2004. That shouldn’t be an issue in 2005, nor should finding a big back to grind out tough yards and chew up clock. Former prep All-American Kelvin German (5-11, 219) had a solid Spring Practice season after transferring in January from Division I-A Middle Tennessee State, and has the speed (4.56 in the 40), crushing strength and quickness to be a feature back for the Bulldogs. Junior college transfer Bryan “Bubba” Wallace (6-0, 225) will provide
the Bulldogs with another big back who can run tough – after two seasons of experience at national JUCO power Georgia Military College, and an All-State career at Dublin (Ga.) High. Local star Martrey Littlejohn topped the 4,000-yard mark for his career, and was one of the fastest players in the North Carolina prep ranks over the past two years. His speed and elusiveness helped Crest (N.C.) high to a pair of Class 3A State Championships during those two seasons with Littlejohn topping 100 yards in the 2004 state title game for the Chargers. Littlejohn is expected to be an immediate factor in the Bulldogs’ kick return game this season, and could also see time in the secondary as a true freshman. Littlejohn was a finalist for Mr. Football in 2003. “Last year we started the season with two true running backs on the roster, George Pressley and Jermaine Boston,” said Patton. “Heading into this season we have more depth, for sure, and more versatility. Both George and Jermaine are veteran backs, and both can also catch the ball out of the backfield. With Kelvin German and Bryan Wallace, we have two big backs who can punish a defense. Both come in with outstanding credentials, and Kelvin worked his 40-time down into the 4.5 range during preseason conditioning. Martrey Littlejohn had a great career at Crest, and is a good football player with outstanding speed. We hope for all these guys to contribute this season, which will help get our running game going consistently this season. The talent has improved at the position, but the depth is one thing that will be
valuable over the course of an 11-game schedule. I'm excited about our backs.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Gardner-Webb returns three starters from an injury-plagued offensive line, with senior guard C.J. Brown (6-2, 260) and senior tackle Andy Sullivan (6-3, 315) heading into their third year in the starting lineup on the right side. Junior center Kris King (6-3, 265) also returns to the starting lineup after starting all 11 games over the ball in 2004. Brown, a 2004 All-Big South selection who has also seen time at tackle during his career at Gardner-Webb, is one of the team’s toughest players and brings a great work ethic onto the field as well. The experience he gained last season should pay dividends quickly for the Bulldogs in 2005. Sullivan was an All-Big South selection as a sophomore in 2003, and is one of the top tackles to suit up for GWU during the Division I-AA era. A big, punishing blocker, the Mt. Pleasant, N.C., native will vie for All-Conference recognition again in 2005 – and will anchor the right side of the Bulldogs’ line. King, who also has experience at tackle, moved to center during 2004 spring drills, and quickly developed into the Bulldogs’ top man at the position. His development last season was promising, and should allow for a chance at postseason honors in 2005. Bailey Walker (6-5, 290, RFr.) missed much of last season with a broken toe, but will be an All-Big South candidate at left tackle in 2005. The heralded prospect from Murrell’s Inlet, S.C., is one of the team’s best big athletes – and has shown steady improvement since moving over from the defensive side of the ball as a redshirt in 2003. As a prep senior at Socastee (S.C.) High, Walker was recruited by several I-A programs and has the ability to develop into a top-flight tackle on the college level. Walker will likely be joined in the starting lineup by true sophomore guard Ivan Anderson (6-1, 285) on the left side. Anderson’s best game as a true freshman was arguably the season finale against No. 27 Southeastern Louisiana – as he helped the GWU offense pile up 52 points against an athletic defensive unit. Redshirt freshman David McCarthy (6-4, 281) is a future standout at center, but is capable of filling in at guard as well. Other veterans who will compete for time at guard are Andrew Fisher (6-3, 312, So.) and Cody Honeycutt (6-2, 305, RFr.) – while redshirt freshman Jordan Sikes (6-3, 330) will provide depth at tackle. The Bulldogs signed several quality linemen in February, headlined by mammoth tackle Demario Deese (6-4, 325) of nationally-ranked Independence (N.C.) High in Charlotte. Deese, who could also move to guard depending on the team’s needs in August, is joined in a talented freshman class by tackles Marion Gramling (6-3, 290) and Joey Riggs
(6-3, 270) and guard Tyler Gordon (6-3, 300). “With Andy Sullivan, C.J. Brown and Kris King returning, we have a solid core of experience on the right side,” said Patton. “We will miss the talent of Ryan Smith at left tackle, for sure, but Bailey Walker is a guy we think can develop into an All-America-type player down the road. He has tremendous physical gifts and has a chance to be a great one. Ivan Anderson is another good, young blocker and our staff did a good job of bringing in some big freshman linemen who should be able to help in a hurry. We hope to come out of August with a solid group of 9-10 who can contribute.”
DEFENSE
New defensive coordinator Will Holthouser put together a strong defensive unit during his first stint in Boiling Springs back in 1997, and will be charged with molding a young, inexperienced core of talent into a solid wall defensively again in 2005. “Will has a tremendous amount of experience on the Division I-AA level as a coordinator, and we’re confident that he will put together a competitive and solid defense in 2005,” Patton said. “This is a young group of players, and we’re thin at some of the positions – so there may be a learning curve involved early in the season. There are some solid players on the defensive side of the ball, but we wish there was more experience and depth.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
Preseason All-American Brandon Schweitzer (6-3, 275, Sr.) leads the Bulldogs’ hopes in the trenches this season, as he will anchor a four-man front at one tackle spot. Avery Harper (6-0, 270, RSo.) will likely man the other tackle spot, with Thurston Lee (6-3, 290, Sr.) and converted linebacker Brian Johnston (6-6, 271, So.) expected to round out the starting lineup. Schweitzer, who transferred to GWU from the University of South Carolina prior to last season, had a breakthrough year – earning All-Big South Conference and I-AA All-East Region honors after totaling 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss (-31) and three sacks. Mobile for his position, Schweitzer had his best game against No. 12 Wofford, collecting 10 hits (seven solo) and two tackles for loss. Harper, who redshirted last season after suffering an injury during offseason conditioning, was back at 100 percent during Spring Practice and should step into a more prominent role at tackle after collecting 29 hits and three sacks as a true freshman reserve in 2003. Lee, who could play either tackle or defensive end, played in 10 games
last season for the Bulldogs. Johnston, one of the best freshman defenders in the nation last season at the I-AA level, brings
prototypical size and above average speed to defensive end after a standout year playing outside linebacker in 2004. The San Diego, Calif., sophomore started in seven games last season and finished with 58 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. His 10 quarterback pressures were third on the team – and he tied All-American Harold Wells with three forced fumbles. Seniors Ryan Seman (6-1, 250) and Ian Thornton (6-2, 276) will push for spots in the starting lineup as well this season. Seman should be more comfortable at defensive end after moving back to his natural position during Spring Practice. The Covina, Calif., native played in 10 games last season at linebacker and on special teams. Thornton could play inside or outside for the Bulldogs after making 10 stops in nine games last season. The Toccoa, Ga., native spent his first two years at
GWU playing offensive guard. Converted tight end Christian Sturdivant (6-1, 230, So.) will provide depth on the line in 2005. Newcomers A.J. Ward (6-3, 260, Fr.), Benton Watson (6-3, 255, Fr.) ,Kyle Daye (6-1, 315, Fr.) and Kenny Baker (5-11, 235, Fr.) will be asked to make early contributions as reserves in 2005 – with the freshman class providing much of the depth this season. “We don’t have as much experienced depth heading into the season as you would like,” said Patton. “Brandon Schweitzer is a leader on and off the field, and has the ability to be one of our top defensive players up front. Last year he would up being double-teamed quite a bit at nose guard in the 3-4, so a move to the 4-3 should help him out. I’m very interested in Bryan Johnston’s development at defensive end. He has the ability to be a difference maker. Avery Harper’s enthusiasm was missed last season and Thurston Lee is a guy who has to step up and be an impact guy this year. Ian’s ability to play two spots is valuable and I think Ryan Seman can be more productive at end. Of the freshmen,
A.J. Ward has the best size, and will play inside for us. Kyle Daye is tough to block, and will see time at defensive tackle this season. Our staff likes their chances to contribute early.”
LINEBACKERS
The Bulldogs return leading tackler Keppy Baucom (6-1, 226, Sr.) for his fourth season in the starting lineup – although the Chattanooga, Tenn., standout will lineup in the middle of the 4-3 in his final campaign. A heady player who has been named All-Big South Conference in each of his three seasons, Baucom will be key to the Bulldogs’ success – and will be asked to lead a youthful bunch on defense. The return of two-year starter Jonathan Little (6-2, 248, Sr.) after a redshirt year should help, with his size and speed missed last season. The Pageland, S.C., native will man the SAM position this season and
should be one of the team’s top playmakers along with Baucom. Senior Tyrone James (6-4, 205) is the favorite to earn the starting spot at WILL linebacker heading into August after seeing mostly special teams action in 10 games last season. Blessed with good speed, James has played in 30 total games during his career. Walk-on linebackers Holland Mills (5-10, 194, So.) and Brock Putnam (5-10, 205, So.) round out the Bulldogs returning letterwinners at the position. A talented recruiting class at the position is key to the unit’s depth in 2005, with prep standouts Mario Brown (6-2, 235, Fr.), Mike Pavelko (6-1, 230, Fr.) and Kyle Hill (6-0, 215, Fr.) each lugging good credentials onto campus in August. All three were named to All-State teams as high school seniors in 2004. Both Brown and Pavelko seem best suited to compete for time behind Baucom at the MIKE position, but may have to play the SAM position as well. Hill, who 28 tackles for loss last season in high school while playing as a quick defensive lineman, will back up James at the WILL spot. “We have two great ones in Keppy Baucom and Jonathan Little, but lost a three-year starter in Tavoris Horton that we will have a tough time
replacing on the weak side,” Patton said. “Tyrone James is a candidate to man that spot, and he will have an opportunity to win that job in August. We knew heading into recruiting that the young men we signed would have to see playing time as true freshman. Mario Brown and Mike Pavelko, along with Kyle Hill will be asked to contribute early, and we’ll see how they develop over the course of the season.”
SECONDARY
The loss of second-team All-America Allen Davis at corner and four-year starters Mario Williams and Jensen Turner at safety – along with valuable senior safety reserve Jake Neal – leaves Gardner-Webb’s secondary as the team’s biggest question mark heading into the 2005 season. Cornerback Rent Sherrill (6-0, 175, So.) returns to the starting lineup and will be an All-Big South candidate with continued development. The Hephzibah, Ga., native isn’t the lone player entering August with game experience at cornerback, with sophomore Thomas Carr (6-1, 180) having one start in nine games last season. Carr, who is a natural safety, had 11 hits and a pass break up in 2004. Sherrill led all Big South rookies last season with 68 tackles (37 solo), providing a solid corner of defense opposite Davis. Sherrill added six tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass break ups as well after moving over from safety in August. With the lack of depth at corner, a group of freshmen will have to grow up quickly at the position. Speedster Xavier Wallace (5-10, 175, Fr.) is perhaps the most heralded newcomer, with 10.7-second speed in the 100m dash among his physical gifts. The Charlotte (N.C.) Butler standout will compete for the other starting corner position, along with incoming classmates David Simpson (5-11, 200) of New Bern (N.C.) High and Terron Williams (5-10, 180) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson (S.C.) High. Speedster Martray Littlejohn (5-8, 170), who also covers 100 meters in under 10.8 seconds, will also likely see action at corner in 2005.
“Our corners will be young, probably as young as we’ve lined up with in my nine years here,” Patton said. “The bright spot is that some of these kids can really run. Speed can make up for some mistakes at times, but these youngsters are going to have to learn as they go. Coach Holthouser has plenty of coaching experience under his belt, and that will be invaluable to these guys this August.” Both safety spots will be open for competition as well in August, with senior Dominique Haynes (5-11, 206) entering 2005 with the most experience. The Cedar Shoals (Ga.) High product collected 18 tackles last season in eight games, and broke up two passes – seeing much of his action after Williams went down with a broken leg in Game Five.
Converted quarterback Matt Evans (6-0, 185, Jr.) is another candidate at one of the safety spots after developing into one of the Bulldogs’ top special teams tacklers late in 2004 (7 hits). Matt Stack (5-10, 210, So.) will also get a look at strong safety in August. Newcomers again are expected to have a major impact at safety, with freshman Daniel Cooke (6-1, 200) a candidate to work his way into the starting lineup early in 2005. Cooke, who played at nationally-ranked Independence (N.C.) High in Charlotte, was a key cog in the Patriots’ state title run in 2004 – picking up 85 tackles and four interceptions.
The two-year starter never lost a game during his prep football career, helping Independence maintain what has grown into a nation’s best 77-game win streak. “Obviously with the losses of Mario Williams and Jensen Turner, you are looking to replace two players who had as much game experience as anyone we’ve coached here,” Patton said. “Mario is a future Hall of Famer here at Gardner-Webb, and Jensen was one of the steadiest guys on the roster. Dominique got plenty of seasoning after Mario’s injury last year, but he’s relatively young in terms of playing time for his career. Matt Evans is a solid athlete, but hasn’t gotten much game action. Our coaching staff is high on Daniel Cooke, and he’s going into August with a chance to start as a true freshman.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Three-time All-Big South punter Graham Whitlock – who eclipsed every major punting mark in Gardner-Webb’s record book during his four-year career – is gone, but the Bulldogs did a fine job in finding a replacement in true freshman Michael Hanna (6-2, 205). Hanna, who played at Collins Hill (Ga.) High, was one of the top prep kickers in the Peach State last season, and has the leg to be a factor for the Bulldogs this season. He averaged a solid 43.7 yards per kick in 2004, was 10-of-14 on field goals and booted a perfect 39-of-39 extra points through the uprights. Senior Keith Parker (5-8, 177), who will serve as one of the Bulldogs' reserve placekickers again in 2005, is a former prep punter who has backed up at the punter position as well during his GWU career. Placekicker Hunter Smith (5-9, 172, Jr.) made news during March testing by running an impressive 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash, but the Greensboro, N.C., native’s legs will be measured by how well he can continue what has been a solid career kicking the football. Smith was a second-team All-Big South choice in 2004 after connecting on 9-of-14 field goals, including a long boot of 50 yards in the season finale vs. Southeastern Louisiana. Smith led the team in scoring for the second year in a row, and is a solid performer under pressure. GWU must replace All-Big South return man Ralphell Goodson, but an infusion of speed through recruiting should help uncover enough players
capable of making an impact returning both kickoffs and punts. Martray Littlejohn, Xavier Wallace, Jordan Peyton and Dobson Collins each have the ability and speed to be effective. Sophomore Duvaughn Flagler has the most experience with kickoff returns on the 2005 roster, having four returns for 60 yards in 2004. Kory Alston, who averaged 25 yards per punt return as a freshman in 2004 (two returns) is also a kick return candidate. "We must improve our special teams from last season," Patton said. "Losing a punter with the talent and experience of Graham Whitlock will be tough, but Michael Hanna has the ability to do just fine for us. The return game has been lacking a home run threat since we've been here, and that's an area that will be addressed by several youngsters during August practice."