Big South Football Preview: Charleston Southern
The Big South continues its daily preview of the 2008 football season leading up to the season opening games on Aug. 28 with a look at each school. Today: Charleston Southern, which was predicted to finish fifth in the annual preseason poll and opens the season Thursday night, Aug. 28 at Miami (Fla.) at 7:30pm live on ESPN360.
2008 Season Outlook Courtesy of Charleston Southern Sports Information
The upward trends continued for Charleston Southern as they won at least five games for the fourth-straight season in 2007, making the 2007 senior class the first in school history to leave with a winning record (26-17).
“Our theme for my first season here was ‘The Tradition Begins,’ and our 2007 senior class certainly helped start a solid tradition here,” said Head Coach Jay Mills.
For 2008, the Bucs will return the majority of the offense, losing just three starters from last year. It will be the defensive side that will have some rebuilding in front of them, having lost All-American linebacker Jada Ross, among other key components of a defense that posted the fifth shutout in school history, last season. For the second year in a row, the Bucs will face an FBS opponent, having played Hawaii last season. The 2008 schedule features the University of Miami (Fla.) on opening day of the season, followed two weeks later by the Redhawks of Miami (Ohio).
OFFENSE
For the second time in as many years, there will be a new face running the offense having lost Eli Byrd and Sidney Bryant, who split time in 2007. Transfer A.J. Toscano (Jr., 6-2, 208) and redshirt freshman Gabe Gilmour (R-Fr., 6-2, 180) battled throughout spring drills for the starting spot going into fall camp, with neither able to gain a decided advantage. Clemson transfer Tribble Reese (Sr., 6-2, 215) joins the campaign for signal-calling duties.
Three of the top-four receivers will come back, led by All-Big South selection Dee Brown (Sr., 5-11, 180), who brought in 898 yards and nine touchdowns on 69 receptions. He had three touchdowns over 50 yards, including a 57-yarder against Hawaii. Having already been a dependable target for three years, Markus Murry (Sr., 5-10, 185) will return for his final season in the blue and gold having surpassed 1,300 yards for his career to move into fifth all-time. Starter Tim Jones (Jr., 6-4, 205) also returns having provided a tall target.
At running back, the Bucs got a spark from a number of different legs after senior Kenny Harper broke his leg early in the season. DeMarcus Moon (So., 5-10, 190) proved to be solid in the backfield, leading all rushers with 404 yards on 67 carries. B.J. Hackworth (R-Fr., 6-0, 227) showed enough promise in spring practice to earn the most improved running back award and should make an impact in the running game this fall. Expect freshmen Antwan Ivey (Fr. 5-7, 180), Mike Springer (Fr., 6-0, 185) and Okoye Manley (Fr., 6-2, 225) to get a good look during fall camp.
Despite losing all-conference selection and four-year starter Rick Howell, the offensive line is confident, returning six up front with starting experience. Donald Fondren (R-Sr., 6-3, 305) and Jarrett Johns (R-Jr., 6-5, 302) will anchor the ends of the line, while Alex Bragg (R-Sr., 6-5, 280) and Jordan Lancaster (Jr., 6-4, 295) will hold down the interior, with the return of Zach Mitchell (Jr., 6-3, 300) and J.W. Myers (Sr., 6-4, 299), who were out last year with injuries. Redshirt freshmen B.J. Baker (6-5, 295) and Levi McFatter (6-4, 285) showed promise this spring and will vie for playing time as well.
DEFENSE
The defensive line returns All-Conference selection Jake Killeen (Sr., 6-4, 240) as well as Justin Witzmann (Sr., 5-11, 280), who showed dominance in the middle of the line in his first season at CSU. Ryan Ard (Sr., 6-0, 230), an All-Conference selection at tight end, moves to the other side of the ball and will start at one defensive end spot. Dorein Perkins (Jr., 6-3, 235), has continued to improve and will vie for a starting spot, as will Chris Parris (R-Jr., 6-3, 235). Junior college transfers and the incoming freshman class will look to bolster the front line.
All-American Jada Ross will no longer be anchoring the middle of the defense for Charleston Southern, but the second-leading stopper on the team, Josh Warrior (R-Sr., 5-11, 201), will return for his final season. The linebacking corps will also have the services of Josh Mitchell (R-Sr., 6-2, 232), who will return after sitting out the 2007 season with an injury, while Air Force transfer Andrew McKain (Jr., 6-1, 225) will start at the other slot alongside Mitchell. Chris Patrick (R-So., 6-2, 225), David Jackson (R-So., 6-2, 230) and Fred Godfrey (R-So., 5-11, 210) add depth and will contribute on special teams as well.
The defensive backs will notice holes as well, having lost three of the best pick-off men in CSU history in C.J. Hirschman, Jon Carmon, and David Misher. Philip Ashley (Jr., 5-11, 175) returns for 2008 as he continues to close in on the career interceptions record. Known for his hard hits, Okeba Rollinson (R-Sr., 5-11, 201) comes back for his final season, while Matt Bach (Jr., 5-10, 192) came on strong last year to record 25 tackles including 13 solo stops, and will be depended on more heavily this season. Veteran Mike McCann (R-Sr., 6-0, 200) adds experience and leadership while talented cornerbacks Jacques Bazile (R-Fr., 5-10, 165), Reggie Ellington (R-Jr., 5-9, 181) and C.J. Dancy (R-Fr., 6-0, 185) sharpen one another through competition.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Replacing the all-time points leader in school history in Nick Ellis is never easy, but John Paglia (So., 6-2, 175) will try to do just that in his second year. Last season, Paglia hit 22 kickoffs, averaging a team-best 58.3 yards per kick.
Another bright spot going into the 2008 season is backup wide receiver, and kick returner Gerald Stevenson (So., 5-1, 165), who led the team last year with 24 returns, averaging 23 yards per return.
Monday's preview: Stony Brook