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Most Complete Coverage 2015 of Major collegefootball oue46 Volume

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CompleteResults, Schedules and Statistics aelns21 olg otalAna Preview Annual Football College 2015 GamePlan’s

2015 Top-25 and Conference Detailed Analysis Predictions of all 128 Bowl Subdivision 1.9USA $12.99

$12.99 USA or Teams 2011 GamePlan Pro Cover 2-4.qxd:2011 GamePlan Pro Covers 2-4.qxd 8/3/2011 1:56 AM Page 3 GAMEPLAN’S EXECUTIVE SERVICE For over 44 years GamePlan has provided winning season after winning season for all of our personal clients. And we are coming off another HUGE year in 2014! In 2014, we put up our typical numbers as we won over 44 units with our College & Pro Football selections. A $100 bettor won nearly $4,400 last season! And that total would have been MUCH better if not for a weak finish in the NFL playoffs. The fact is, if you play ALL of our selections in the proportion we recommend, YOU WILL MAKE MONEY. It’s that simple. All of GamePlan’s Executive Service selection packages can be pur- chased at our web site using your Credit Card or by PayPal. All selections purchased can be delivered to you by e-mail or you can access them on a telephone recording, whichever you prefer. GAMEPLAN’’S WEEK’’S WORTH OF WINNERS PACKAGE Purchase our WEEK’S WORTH OF WINNERS PACKAGE for only $99.00 and you will get seven straight days of our DAILY BEST BET SELECTIONS and all of our DIAMOND SELECTIONS during that week.

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2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 3 GamePlanTM COLLEGE

FOOTBALLVolume Forty-Six GamePlan’s College Football Annual Preview 2015 COLLEGE TEAM PREVIEWS Team Preview Index 6 Deep South (SEC & Sun Belt) 12 Midlands (Big 12 & Conference-USA) 38 Midwest (Big Ten & MAC) 62 Atlantic Coast & East Coast (ACC & AAC) 92 West and Rockies (PAC-12 & Mountain West) 120 2015 STAT-KEY ANNUAL

Stat-Key Top 25 7

Stat-Key National Preview 7

2014 All-American Selections 8

Stat-Key Rating Table 9

Using the Stat-Key System 10

Stat-Key System in Use 11

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4 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL

TEAM PREVIEW INDEX Air Force...... 136 Iowa State...... 47 Purdue...... 75 Akron...... 80 Kansas...... 48 Rice...... 57 Alabama...... 20 Kansas State...... 43 Rutgers...... 67 Appalachian State...30 Kent State...... 84 San Diego State....140 Arizona...... 131 Kentucky...... 18 San Jose State.....143 Arizona State...... 128 Tech...... 56 SMU...... 118 Arkansas...... 24 Louisiana-Lafayette.29 South Alabama...... 34 Arkansas State...... 28 Louisiana-Monroe....32 South Carolina...... 17 Army...... 119 Louisville...... 95 South Florida...... 111 Auburn...... 21 LSU...... 23 Southern Cal...... 127 Ball State...... 88 Marshall...... 49 Southern Miss...... 58 Baylor...... 40 Maryland...... 69 Stanford...... 122 Boise State...... 134 Massachusetts...... 81 Syracuse...... 98 Boston College...... 97 Memphis...... 113 TCU...... 39 Bowling ...... 78 Miami-Florida...... 105 Temple...... 108 Buffalo...... 82 Miami-Ohio...... 83 Tennessee...... 14 BYU...... 133 Michigan...... 66 Texas...... 44 California...... 123 Michigan State...... 64 Texas A&M...... 25 Central Michigan....89 Middle Tennessee....51 Texas State...... 31 Charlotte...... 55 Minnesota...... 73 Texas Tech...... 46 Cincinnati...... 107 Mississippi...... 22 Toledo...... 87 Clemson...... 94 Mississippi State...26 Troy...... 33 Colorado...... 132 Missouri...... 15 Tulane...... 117 Colorado State.....137 N.C. State...... 96 Tulsa...... 116 Connecticut...... 112 Navy...... 114 UCF...... 109 Duke...... 104 Nebraska...... 71 UCLA...... 129 East Carolina...... 110 Nevada...... 141 UNLV...... 145 Eastern Michigan....90 New ...... 138 Utah...... 130 Florida...... 16 New Mexico State....35 Utah State...... 135 Florida Atlantic....52 North Carolina.....103 UTEP...... 59 Florida Intnl...... 53 North Texas...... 60 UTSA...... 61 Florida State...... 93 Northern Illinois...86 Vanderbilt...... 19 Fresno State...... 142 Northwestern...... 74 Virginia...... 106 ...... 13 Notre Dame...... 77 Virginia Tech...... 101 Georgia Southern....27 Ohio State...... 63 Wake Forest...... 99 Georgia State...... 37 Ohio University.....79 Washington...... 124 Georgia Tech...... 100 Oklahoma...... 41 Washington State...125 Hawaii...... 144 Oklahoma State...... 42 West Virginia...... 45 Houston...... 115 Old Dominion...... 54 Western Kentucky....50 Idaho...... 36 Oregon...... 121 Western Michigan....85 Illinois...... 76 Oregon State...... 126 Wisconsin...... 70 Indiana...... 68 Penn State...... 65 Wyoming...... 139 Iowa...... 72 Pittsburgh...... 102

6 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2015 STAT-KEY NATIONAL PREVIEW by GamePlan Magazines The 2014 season marked the first ever College TOP 25 TEAMS Football Playoff as four teams were selected by a committee of “experts” and this was, of course, not as Rated by Stat-Key System without controversy. Big 12 powers TCU and Baylor were both left out despite impressive resumes that 1 - TCU included just one loss and they were skipped over for 2- Ohio State a one-loss Ohio State squad. Well, in the end all was 3- Alabama forgiven as the Buckeyes knocked off Alabama and Oregon to win the National Championship. Now the 4- Baylor question is whether or not Ohio State can repeat? 5- Georgia Well the Buckeyes are right in the mix, but this year we are forecasting that the Big 12 will get two teams 6- Michigan State into the Final Four as both TCU and Baylor again 7- Florida State look like super powers capable of joining Alabama and Ohio State in the 2015 Playoffs. The SEC has 8- Auburn two other prime contenders in Georgia and Auburn 9- Oregon who rank #5 and #8 in our poll, plus you could also 10 - Southern Cal make a case for Ole Miss at #11 and LSU at #14. The Michigan State Spartans will try to be the other 11 - Mississippi Big Ten team this year and they come in at #6, while 12 - Notre Dame the Florida State Seminoles remain the top team in the ACC at #7 and a decent candidate to return to the 13 - Stanford Final Four this year. Same goes for #9 Oregon who 14 - LSU will find out what life is like with and the Ducks hope they can win another PAC-12 title, 15 - Georgia Tech but face VERY strong competition from #10 USC and 16 - Wisconsin #13 Stanford. The wild card in the national rankings 17 - Oklahoma remains the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who check in at #12, but one could only imagine the pressure from 18 - Arizona State the TV folks to include Notre Dame in the Playoff if 19 - Penn State they are close to the top four come December. The bottom part of our Top 25 is filled with a num- 20 - UCLA ber of usual suspects like Wisconsin and Oklahoma 21 - Arkansas who are both a bit lower than normal, as is UCLA who 22 - Tennessee checks in at #20 in our rankings but will likely be a lot higher when the actual pre-season polls come out. 23 - Boise State What might be interesting to college football fans is 24 - Virginia Tech the return of some old favorites here as Penn State makes a return at #19, as do SEC suqads Arkansas 25 - Clemson and Tennessee who are making a big comeback after some rough seasons. One team we skipped over is Other Teams to Watch: Missouri, Arizona State who checks in at #18 and good old Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Utah, Boise State is back in the rankings at #23. Closing Florida, Louisville, Mississippi State, out the Top 25 are two ACC squads with Virginia Tech Kansas State and Arizona. and the Clemson Tigers.

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 7 2015 GAMEPLAN ALL-AMERICANS 2015 FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN SELECTIONS OFFENSE DEFENSE QB Trevone Boykin - TCU DL - Ohio State WR Tyler Boyd - Pittsburgh DL Anthony Zettel - Penn State WR - Ole Miss DL - Ole Miss TE Bucky Hodges - Virginia Tech DL - Baylor RB - Ohio State LB - UCLA RB - Alabama LB Scooby Wright - Arizona C Jack Allen - Michigan State LB - Alabama OG Alex Kozan - Auburn DB - Virginia Tech OG Greg Pyke - Georgia DB - Florida State OT - Ole Miss DB - Florida OT Spencer Drango - Baylor DB Jeremy Cash - Duke PK Robert Auguayo - Florida State PTom Hackett - Utah

2015 Second Team 2015 Third Team All-American Selections All-American Selections OFFENSE OFFENSE QB - Miss. State QB Christian Hackenburg - Penn St. WR - TCU WR Rashard Higgins - Colorado St. WR JuJU Smith - USC WR - Utah TE - Arkansas TE - Ole Miss RB Nick Chubb - Georgia RB - LSU RB Royce Freeman - Oregon RB James Conner - Pittsburgh C Max Tuerk - USC C Dan Voltz - Wisconsin OG - Stanford OG Alfredo Morales - Texas Tech OG - Ohio State OG Landon Turner - North Carolina OT - Ohio State OT - Michigan State OT Cody Whitehair - Kansas State OT Ronnie Stanley - Notre Dame PK Brad Craddock - Maryland PK Andy Phillips - Utah DEFENSE DEFENSE DL - Texas A&M DL - Ohio St. DL A’Shawn Robinson - Alabama DL Shilique Calhoun - Michigan St. DL Sheldon Day - Notre Dame DL Austin Johnson - Penn State DL - Virginia Tech DL Jenkins - Georgia LB - Notre Dame LB - Stanford LB - Ohio State LB - Temple LB Eric Striker - Oklahoma LB - Georgia DB Tony Conner - Ole Miss DB - Ohio State DB - West Virginia DB Max Redfield - Notre Dame DB TreDavious White - LSU DB - Boise State DB Michael Caputo - Wisconsin DB - Virginia Tech P Austin Rehkow - Idaho PAlex Kinal - Wake Forest

8 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2015 STAT-KEY RATING TABLE

PR OR DR PR OR DR PR OR DR Air Force 113 72 41 Iowa State 110 68 42 Purdue 113 69 44 Akron 109 68 41 Kansas 107 65 42 Rice 111 69 42 Alabama 129 79 50 Kansas State 120 73 47 Rutgers 114 69 45 Appalachian State 107 65 42 Kent State 99 59 40 San Diego State 114 68 46 Arizona 120 73 47 Kentucky 118 74 44 San Jose State 105 64 41 Arizona State 124 76 48 Louisiana Tech 113 70 43 SMU 98 58 40 Arkansas 123 73 50 Louisiana-Lafayette 110 66 44 South Alabama 101 61 40 Arkansas State 111 68 43 Louisiana-Monroe 104 62 42 South Carolina 119 73 46 Army 99 63 36 Louisville 120 72 48 South Florida 104 60 44 Auburn 127 78 49 LSU 125 75 50 Southern Cal 126 79 47 Ball State 108 65 43 Marshall 116 72 44 Southern Miss. 109 68 41 Baylor 129 80 49 Maryland 112 68 44 Stanford 125 76 49 Boise State 122 76 46 Massachusetts 106 66 40 Syracuse 111 67 44 Boston College 112 67 45 Memphis 118 72 46 TCU 130 80 50 Bowling Green 114 71 43 Miami-Fla. 116 71 45 Temple 115 70 45 Buffalo 103 62 41 Miami-Ohio 100 60 40 Tennessee 123 77 46 BYU 118 73 45 Michigan 119 71 48 Texas 119 72 47 California 116 75 41 Michigan State 128 78 50 Texas A&M 121 77 44 Central Michigan 106 65 41 Middle Tennessee 107 65 42 Texas State 106 63 43 Charlotte 96 61 35 Minnesota 117 71 46 Texas Tech 116 77 39 Cincinnati 117 74 43 Mississippi 126 76 50 Toledo 111 70 41 Clemson 122 75 47 Mississippi State 120 74 46 Troy 101 60 41 Colorado 112 72 40 Missouri 122 76 46 Tulane 100 59 41 Colorado State 112 68 44 N.C. State 119 74 45 Tulsa 108 64 44 Connecticut 100 57 43 Navy 115 72 43 UCF 114 67 47 Duke 117 71 46 Nebraska 119 74 45 UCLA 123 77 46 East Carolina 112 71 41 Nevada 112 70 42 UNLV 97 60 37 Eastern Michigan 95 60 35 New Mexico 105 65 40 Utah 121 73 48 Florida 120 70 50 New Mexico State 98 62 36 Utah State 116 69 47 Florida Atlantic 104 61 43 North Carolina 118 76 42 UTEP 109 66 43 Florida International 103 60 43 North Texas 103 63 40 UTSA 101 60 41 Florida State 127 78 49 Northern Illinois 116 73 43 Vanderbilt 113 68 45 Fresno State 110 68 42 Northwestern 116 73 43 Virginia 115 68 47 Georgia 128 79 49 Notre Dame 125 77 48 Virginia Tech 122 74 48 Georgia Southern 112 69 43 Ohio State 129 80 49 Wake Forest 109 63 46 Georgia State 96 62 34 Ohio University 111 67 44 Washington 115 71 44 Georgia Tech 124 75 41 Oklahoma 124 78 46 Washington State 112 71 41 Hawaii 102 60 42 Oklahoma State 121 76 45 West Virginia 117 72 45 Houston 114 71 43 Old Dominion 100 62 38 Western Kentucky 116 76 40 Idaho 97 60 37 Oregon 127 80 47 Western Michigan 116 71 45 Illinois 113 69 44 Oregon State 108 66 42 Wisconsin 124 76 48 Indiana 113 71 42 Penn State 123 74 49 Wyoming 102 62 40

Iowa 117 71 46 Pittsburgh 119 72 47 PR = Power Rating • OR = Offensive Rating • PR = Defensive Rating

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 9 USING THE STAT-KEY SYSTEM

In the Stat-Key Table, each team has three ratings: II. Get an instant PrePlay of a game (estimate the PROBABLE Power Rating (PR) SCORE of each of two opposing teams). Offensive Rating (OR) Defensive Rating (DR) The Offensive Rating of a given team, minus the Defensive Rating of its opponent, is the estimated score for the given These ratings allow the user to: team. I. Estimate the PROBABLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCORES of opposing teams. Example: Georgia Offensive Rating...... 79 Notre Dame Defensive Rating...... 48 The Power Rating of the lower rated team is deducted from the Georgia to score 31 points Power Rating of the higher rated team. The result is the num- ber of points by which the higher rated team is expected to Notre Dame Offensive Rating...... 77 win. Georgia Defensive Rating...... 49 Notre Dame to score 28 points Example: Georgia Power Rating...... 128 Notre Dame Power Rating...... 125 The instant PrePlay (estimated game score) is then, Georgia to win by...... 3 points Georgia 31, Notre Dame 28

THE UPDATING PROCEDURE

The Updating procedure is based on the variance Example: From Stat-Key Power Ratings (error) between estimated and actual differences in Georgia to win over scores (or how far off the estimates were from actual Notre Dame by 3 points. scores). Note that adjustment factors need not be taken into account in updating the basic ratings. Hypothetical Result of Game Updating is achieved with this easy to use chart (below). If Georgia won by 13 points. The chart shows the number of points to be added to or deducted from team ratings for a given variance between Then Georgia won by 10 points more than estimated the estimated and actual difference in scores. (variance). The chart shows that the amount of cor- rection to ratings for a 10 point variance is POINT CHANGE Power Rating...... 2 points Offensive Rating...... 1 point VARIANCE: Defensive Rating...... 1 point IN IN IN POWER OFFENSIVE DEFENSIVE These amounts are added to the rating of the team RATING RATING RATING that the variance was in favor of (Georgia), and sub- tracted from the rating of the other team (Nebraska). 0 to 4 0 0 0 Thus, the ratings here would be updated as follows

5 to 9 1 1 0 Georgia PR OR DR original ratings 128 79 49 updated ratings 130 80 50 10 to 14 2 1 1

Notre Dame PR OR DR 15 to 19 3 2 1 original ratings 125 77 48 updated ratings 123 76 47

20 + 4 2 2 To make the Stat-Key easier to use, we rec- Note: There is less need for adjustment as the ommend the reader make up simple forms, season progresses. It is recommended that the similar in design to the Stat-Key Table. If amount of adjustment be limited to a maximum of updating is accomplished properly, the read- 3 points after the fifth game, and 2 points after er will enjoy the use of the Stat-Key system the eighth game of the season for each team. for the entire season.

10 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Auburn * 127 Power Rating STAT-KEY Louisville 120 Power Rating Auburn favored by 7 points Auburn home advantage +13 SYSTEM IN Auburn to win by 20 points

ACTUAL USE (Louisville lost a lot on the defensive side of the football. And while they will eventually be a good defensive team Five games were selected from the first week of the again this year, they will struggle out of the gate. And if season to serve as typical examples of the Stat-Key you give Auburn Head Coach months to in use. All games from that week are not included prepare for a defense, you can bet the Tigers will light up because of the many variables (outside factors) that the scoreboard in this one. Look for Auburn to get a sur- can develop up to game time that could have an prisingly easy win.) affect on the outcome. Even with the five examples Instant PrePlay: used it is assumed that weather will not be abnormal Auburn 78 OR Louisville 72 OR and that personnel will have sustained no significant Louisville 48 DR Auburn 49 DR injuries. Auburn to score 30 points L’ville to score 23 points * Home Team OR = Offensive Rating Score expected to vary by +13 points in Auburn’s favor DR = Defensive Rating

Utah * 121 Power Rating Arizona * 120 Power Rating Michigan 119 Power Rating UTSA 101 Power Rating Utah favored by 2 points Arizona favored by 19 points Utah home advantage +8 Arizona home advantage +15 Utah to win by 10 points Arizona to win by 34 points (Last year’s loss to Utah was the beginning of the end for (Arizona has shown a tendency to hammer bad teams at home Brady Hoke as head coach at Michigan, so the conven- and with the loss of so many seniors off of last year’s team, tional wisdom here is that the Wolverines will bring it hard UTSA qualifies as a bad club this season, especially early in in Jim Harbaugh’s debut as head coach. They might bring the year. We look for Rich-Rod to run up the score in this one it in a big way, but it might not matter as Utah is actually and win in an absolute blowout.) that good!) Instant PrePlay: Instant PrePlay: Arizona 73 OR UTSA 60 OR Utah 73 OR Michigan 71 OR UTSA 41 DR Arizona 47 DR Michigan 48 DR Utah 48 DR Arizona to score 32 points UTSA to score 13 points Utah to score 25 points Mich. to score 23 points Score expected to vary by +15 points in Arizona’s favor. Score expected to vary by +8 points in Utah’s favor.

South Carolina * 119 Power Rating Boise State * 122 Power Rating North Carolina 118 Power Rating Washington 115 Power Rating USC favored by 1 point Boise State favored by 7 points USC advantage + 9 Boise State home advantage + 10 Boise State to win by 17 points USC to win by 10 points

(This is a big game for Boise State fans and players as they (We are always amazed at how poorly North Carolina welcome back former head coach Chris Petersen. And fares in light of the strong talent level at this program and while there are no hard feeling here on the outside, there they tend to be at their worst at the beginning and end of are on the inside. Washington is weaker than its been in seasons. South Carolina got off to a hideous start last recent years and they may go to the woodshed in this one.) year and you can bet will be ready here.)

Instant PrePlay: Instant PrePlay: Boise State 76 OR Wash. 71 OR S. Carolina 73 OR UNC 76 OR Washington 44 DR Boise State 46 DR UNC 42 DR S. Caro. 46 DR Boise to score 32 points Wash. to score 25 points S.Caro. to score 31 points UNC to score 30 points Score expected to vary by +10 points in Boise’s favor. Score expected to vary by +9 points in South Caro.’s favor.

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 11 DEEP SOUTH

PREDICTED FINISH

SOUTHEASTERN SUN BELT CONFERENCE CONFERENCE 1. Georgia Southern East Division 2. Arkansas State 1. Georgia 3. Louisiana-Lafayette 2. Tennessee 4. Appalachian State 3. Missouri 5. Texas State 4. Florida 6. Louisiana-Monroe 5. South Carolina 7. Troy 6. Kentucky 8. South Alabama 7. Vanderbilt 9. New Mexico State West Division 10. Idaho 1. Alabama 11. Georgia State 2. Auburn 3. Mississippi 4. LSU 5. Arkansas 6. Texas A&M 7. Miss. State

12 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL from heralded true frosh blue chippers Terry and Leonard Floyd, but they lose two terrific SEC East Division #1 Godwin and Jayson Stanley, both of whom are inside ‘backers. Jenkins and Floyd combined for expected to play right away for the Dawgs. At 11 sacks in 2014. The new ILBs figure to be , soph Jeb Blazevich caught 18 balls for juniors Tim Kimbrough and Reggie Carter who GEORGIA 269 yards as a frosh starter and he could emerge both played well off the bench in ‘14, but don’t (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 as a big weapon this season. The second string count out UAB transfer Jake Ganus or heralded COACH: Mark Richt Returning 42 tight end will again be solid vet Jay Rome who true frosh blue chipper Natrez Patrick. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 contributes heavily as a run blocker. Georgia used a lot of different starting combos Defense 6 And when it comes to running the football, not in the secondary last year, but everyone is back GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #5 many teams in the country do it as well as the here except team leader . The safe- Georgia did have a few down moments last Bulldogs! All-American was limited ty duo of Dominick Sanders and Quincy Mauger season, but overall the 2014 campaign had to be to five games because of knee problems last year looks solid, plus the Bulldogs have a trio of fairly considered a success as the Bulldogs won 10 and Georgia still ran for 3,352 yards as a team, proven in Devin Bowman, Aaron games including a bowl game blowout of a pretty averaging six yards per attempt! Gurley now Davis and Malkom Parrish. While there are other darn good Louisville squad. When everyone was takes his impressive act to the NFL, but shed no solid returnees, the big news here is the arrival of healthy, this may have been the most efficient and tears for UGA who has another superstar RB in several blue chip true freshmen expected to play well-balanced offense in the country, though the soph Nick Chubb, who as a ‘14 frosh ripped off right away including Rashad Roundtree, Jarvis Bulldog run defense did let this team down in 1,547 yards and 14 TDs on the ground despite Wilson, Jonathan Abram and Juwuan Briscoe. their three losses to South Carolina, Florida and starting only eight games! Chubb is backed up by The Dawgs also have one of the better kickers option team Georgia Tech. But in 2015, if Head fellow soph who ran for 410 yards in the nation in senior Marshall Morgan, who a Coach Mark Richt can find a new quality QB to and five TDs when given the chance to play, plus year ago converted 16 of 21 tries. direct the attack, Georgia should emerge as the the Dawgs also have former starters here in injury GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team team to beat in the SEC East. prone Keith Marshall and Brendan Douglas. was better than we expected last year and now Coach Richt has a decision to make at quarter- The O-line was really good last year and now adds a terrific group of true freshmen to an back where one-year starter Hutson Mason is four starters are back including the senior already loaded roster. If the QB play proves gone after a brilliant senior season. Based on combo of and Kolton Houston. At adequate, this team will literally score at will as spring drills, it looks like Richt will go with pure guard, juniors Brandon Kublanow and Greg Pyke the running game is absolutely fantastic. On passer Brice Ramsey over the more mobile Faton proved to be superb run blockers last year, but the defensive side, this group should prove Bauta who would bring a dimension (QB runs) to Coach Richt will have one big hole to fill in the more than adequate. A high national ranking the UGA offense not seen in over a decade. As the middle where standout David Andrews has final- and SEC East title seem very likely in ‘15. top backup a year ago, Ramsey completed 24 of ly graduated. The good news for UGA fans is that 2015 Georgia Schedule 39 passes for 333 yards and three scores and he this program is loaded with talented offensive looks to be a typical Georgia from the linemen waiting to get their turn! 9/5 LOUISIANA-MONROE Mark Richt Era. Bauta has continued to push The Georgia defense played pretty well for 9/12 at Vanderbilt Ramsey out of the Spring, but we feel Ramsey most of last season, but would then suddenly go 9/19 SOUTH CAROLINA through long periods where they had trouble stop- will be the pick come . 9/26 SOUTHERN Georgia loses two superb wideouts to gradua- ping the run. That’s a bad sign as all three D-line 10/3 ALABAMA tion, but if seniors and Justin starters must be replaced, though the Bulldogs do Scott-Wesley can ever stay healthy, they would have some battle-tested vets waiting in the wings 10/10 at Tennessee comprise one of the premier wideout combos in like Sterling Bailey, Josh Dawson, John Atkins 10/17 MISSOURI the SEC. Mitchell battled severe knee problems and Chris Mayes. But the best news here is the 10/31 vs. Florida for a second straight year in 2014, but still man- arrival of several HUGE true frosh recruits who 11/7 KENTUCKY could make an immediate impact including aged 31 receptions in the nine games he appeared, 11/14 at Auburn while Scott-Wesley was only able to answer the , , D’Andre 11/21 GEORGIA SOUTHERN bell on six occasions a year ago. Lettermen Walker, Daquan Hawkins and Chauncey Rivers. Reggie Davis and Isaiah McKenzie will also be a At , the Dawgs bring back a pair of 11/28 at Georgia Tech factor, but fortunately major help is on the way potential stars on the outside in 2014 GEORGIA RESULTS 2015 GEORGIA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 9-4) Offense A.30 CLEMSON W -8 45-21 o55 QB Brice Ramsey (6-3, 220, So.) Faton Bauta (6-3, 220, Jr.) S.13 S. Carol. L -6' 35-38 o59' TB Nick Chubb (5-10, 230, So.) Sony Michel (5-11, 210, So.) S.20 TROY W -41' 66-0 o64 FB Quayvon Hicks (6-2, 260, Sr.) Christian Payne (6-1, 225, So.) S.27 TENNESSEE L -18 35-32 o57' WR Malcolm Mitchell (6-1, 195, Sr.) Reggie Davis (6-0, 170, Jr.) O.04 VANDERBILT L -33' 44-17 o55 WR Justin Scott-Wesley (5-11, 210, Sr.) (5-11, 170, Fr.) O.11 Missouri W -3 34-0 u59 WR Isaiah McKenzie (5-8, 165, So.) Jayson Stanley (6-2, 205, Fr.) O.18 Arkansas W -3' 45-32 o54' TE Jeb Blazevich (6-5, 235, So.) Jay Rome (6-6, 255, Sr.) N.01 Florida L -11' 20-38 o47' C (6-2, 285, So.) (6-4, 305, Sr.) N.08 Kentucky W -10 63-31 o58 LG Brandon Kublanow (6-3, 295, Jr.) Dyshon Sims (6-4, 305, So.) N.15 AUBURN W -2' 34-7 u70 RG Greg Pyke (6-6, 325, Jr.) Aulden Bynum (6-5, 280, So.) LT John Theus (6-6, 315, Sr.) Kendall Baker (6-6, 310, Fr.) N.22 CHARL. SO. W -43' 55-9 o58' RTKolton Houston (6-5, 290, Sr.) Patrick Allen (6-4, 290, Fr.) N.29 GA. TECH L -12' 24-30 u66 PK Marshall Morgan (6-3, 200, Sr.) Patrick Beless (5-9, 165, Sr.) D.30 Louisville W -7 37-14 u56' Defense DE Sterling Bailey (6-3, 285, Sr.) Trenton Thompson (6-4, 295, Fr.) 2014 Georgia Final Stats DE Josh Dawson (6-4, 270, Sr.) Jonathan Ledbetter (6-4, 270, Fr.) Geogria Opp NG John Atkins (6-4, 300, So.) Chris Mayes (6-4, 320, Sr.) Points per game 41 21 LB Leonard Floyd (6-4, 235, Jr.) Davin Bellamy (6-5, 240, So.) LB Tim Kimbrough (6-0, 230, Jr.) Natrez Patrick (6-2, 260, Fr.) 1st Downs 298 252 LB Reggie Carter (6-1, 235, Jr.) Jake Ganus (6-2, 220, Sr.) Att 555 526 LB Jordan Jenkins (6-3, 255, Sr.) Lorenzo Carter (6-6, 240, So.) Rush Yards 3352 2169 FS Dominick Sanders (6-0, 190, So.) Rashad Roundtree (6-0, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 6.0 4.1 SS Quincy Mauger (6-0, 200, Jr.) Tramel Terry (6-0, 200, So.) Pass Comp 217 204 CB Aaron Davis (6-1, 190, So.) Juwuan Briscoe (6-1, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 322 379 CB Devin Bowman (6-0, 180, Sr.) Jarvis Wilson (6-1, 190, Fr.) NB Malkom Parrish (5-10, 195, So.) (6-1, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 2599 2215 P Collin Barber (6-2, 210, Sr.) Thomas Pritchard (5-10, 170, Jr.) Had Int 6 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 458 337

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 13 38 balls for 393 yards and five TDs, but he has to blend of size and athletic ability. SEC East Division #2 settle some legal problems if he hopes to play this The Vols need a new middle linebacker, but fall. Soph Josh Smith has a lot of raw talent and they are absolutely loaded at outside linebacker should have a bigger role this fall, while one new where All-American Curt Maggitt and leading TENNESSEE face who could have an impact is true freshman tackler Jalen Reeves-Maybin form an incredible (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 . At tight end, soph Ethan Wolf duo. Maggitt picked up 48 tackles and a team- COACH: Returning 48 was a starter as a ‘14 frosh and he showed a ton of high 11 sacks in 2014, while Reeves-Maybin STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 long range potential with 23 receptions. Senior picked up 101 tackles and two sacks. Junior Defense 8 Alex Ellis is a solid backup behind Wolf. Kenny Bynum figures to be the new MLB, but GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #22 The Volunteers struck at running back last Coach Jones will also need to find time for talent- Tennessee made great strides last year in the year with then-true freshman who ran ed backups Cortez McDowell and Dillon Bates. second season of the Butch Jones Era as the Vols for a team-high 899 yards and five TDs, while If there’s a weakness on defense, it might be at shook off a mid-season slump to post a strong fin- also catching 30 passes coming out of the back- where is solid on one ish and earn a bowl invite for the first time in a field. While Hurd is a rising star for this club, he side, but the other CB post is somewhat up for few years. Then things took an even better turn as may again have to share some carries with his top grabs. Sophs and Rashaan the Volunteers destroyed a decent Iowa squad in backup as Tennessee has added talented JUCO Gaulden were the leading contenders this spring, the Taxslayer Bowl, giving this program a lot of transfer to the mix. Kamara began but they will have to contend with highly-touted momentum as they head into the 2015 campaign. his career at Alabama and while he lacks Hurd’s JUCO transfer Justin Martin this fall. The picture And now armed with 18 returning starters, Coach size, he is faster and even more elusive. is much more clear at safety where solid vets Jones and his crew take dead aim at a high SEC The blocking unit made nice progress as the Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil return as finish and even a potential Top 25 ranking! 2014 campaign developed and this group should the starters with talented soph Todd Kelly Jr. Perhaps the catalyst for Tennessee’s late-sea- be much improved this time around, especially pushing both of them for a starting role. son resurgence was the decision by Coach Jones with the addition of heralded true frosh blue chip- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Vols are to bench veteran QB regular and go per Drew Richmond who will likely start at right likely headed for a breakout season as Butch with the younger, more mobile Joshua Dobbs. tackle from day one in his Tennessee career! With Jones has been brilliant on the recruiting trail While their passing numbers were remarkably Richmond taking over the lone vacant slot, the since coming to this school and it’s now start- similar, the added dimension of Dobbs as a run- other spots are all filled by incumbents as senior ing to pay dividends. We don’t think this team ning threat changed the entire dynamic as a shaky leader Mack Crowder will again be stationed at is quite ready to contend for an SEC title, but offensive line suddenly looked a lot better and the center flanked by guards Jashon Robertson and the depth of talent on both sides of the ball offense began to score in bunches. In just six Marcus Jackson. Senior Kyler Kerbyson is back makes Tennessee a nearly elite team in 2015. games, Dobbs completed 112 of 177 passes (63%) at left tackle, while there’s promising depth up 2015 Tennessee Schedule for 1,206 yards and nine TDs against six intercep- front led by Dontavius Blair, Brett Kendrick and tions, plus he ran for an even 300 yards as well. Coleman Thomas. 9/5 vs. Bowling Green With Worley graduating, the new backup will The defense was much improved last year due 9/12 at Oklahoma likely be heralded true frosh recruit Quinten in large part to the play of explosive sophomore 9/19 WESTERN CAROLINA end Derek Barnett, who immediately emerged as Dormady, who looks to have the same kind of 9/26 at Florida skill set as Dobbs as a dual threat QB. one of the most dominant players in the country as 10/3 ARKANSAS The Vols have a ton of solid wide receivers, but a ‘14 freshman. Barnett started his very first game no real stars unless you count tiny slot man Pig and ended up recording 72 tackles, 20.5 hits for 10/10 GEORGIA Howard who led the club with 54 catches a year negative yardage and 10 QB sacks! Solid juniors 10/24 at Alabama ago, but his lack of size makes him a limited play- Corey Vereen and Danny O’Brien are two other 10/31 at Kentucky er with little to no ability to beat defenses over the returning starters up front, but the big news here 11/7 SOUTH CAROLINA is the arrival of true frosh blue chippers Kahlil top. Returning starters Marquez North and Josh 11/14 NORTH TEXAS Malone do have the right size to be complete McKenzie and Kyle Phillips, both of whom are 11/21 at Missouri players, but they combined for a modest 53 catch- easily good enough to start right away. In fact, es and five TDs a year ago. Another key guy off don’t be shocked if McKenzie is an immediate 11/28 VANDERBILT the bench is senior vet Von Pearson who caught force in the middle of this line with his unique 2014 TENNESSEE RESULTS 2015 TENNESSEE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.31 UTAH ST. W -4' 38-7 u51' QB Joshua Dobbs (6-3, 220, Jr.) Quinten Dormady (6-4, 205, Fr.) S.06 ARK. ST. L -16' 34-19 u58' RB Jalen Hurd (6-3, 230, So.) Alvin Kamara (5-11, 195, So.) S.13 Oklahoma L +21 10-34 u57' WR Marquez North (6-4, 225, Jr.) Jason Croom (6-5, 240, Jr.) S.27 Georgia W +18 32-35 o57' WR Pig Howard (5-8, 190, Sr.) Josh Smith (6-1, 200, So.) O.04 FLORIDA L -2 9-10 u54 WR (6-3, 205, So.) Johnathon Johnson (5-9, 190, Sr.) O.11 CHATT. W -25' 45-10 NL WR Von Pearson (6-3, 185, Sr.) Preston Williams (6-3, 190, Fr.) O.18 Mississippi L +16 3-34 u46' TE Ethan Wolf (6-5, 245, So.) Alex Ellis (6-4, 240, Sr.) O.25 ALABAMA W +18 20-34 o46' C Mack Crowder (6-2, 295, Sr.) Coleman Thomas (6-6, 330, So.) N.01 S. Carol. W +6' 45-42 o55' LG Marcus Jackson (6-2, 310, Sr.) Austin Sanders (6-5, 315, So.) N.15 KENT'KY W -10' 50-16 o53' RG Jashon Robertson (6-3, 305, So.) Jack Jones (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.22 MISSOURI L -5 21-29 o49' LT Kyler Kerbyson (6-4, 315, Sr.) Dontavius Blair (6-8, 300, Jr.) N.29 Vanderbilt L -16' 24-17 u49' RT Drew Richmond (6-5, 325, Fr.) Brett Kendrick (6-6, 320, So.) J.02 Iowa W -3' 45-28 o51' PK Aaron Medley (6-2, 185, So.) George Bullock (6-0, 210, Jr.) Defense DE Derek Barnett (6-3, 270, So.) Kyle Phillips (6-4, 255, Fr.) 2014 Tennessee Final Stats DE Corey Vereen (6-2, 255, Jr.) LaTroy Lewis (6-4, 260, Jr.) Tennessee Opp DT Danny O’Brien (6-2, 290, Jr.) Trevarris Saulsberry (6-4, 300, Sr.) Points per game 29 24 DT Kahlil McKenzie (6-4, 340, Fr.) Owen Williams (6-2, 290, Sr.) LB Curt Maggitt (6-3, 255, Sr.) Cortez McDowell (6-1, 220, So.) 1st Downs 277 244 LB Kenny Bynum (6-1, 245, Jr.) (6-4, 240, So.) Rush Att 524 515 LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (6-1, 230, Jr.) Dillon Bates (6-3, 225, Fr.) Rush Yards 1903 2189 FS LaDarrell McNeil (6-1, 215, Sr.) Todd Kelly Jr. (6-1, 205, So.) Avg Rush 3.6 4.3 SS Brian Randolph (6-0, 210, Sr.) Evan Berry (5-11, 200, So.) Pass Comp 281 201 CB Cameron Sutton (6-1, 190, Jr.) Malik Foreman (5-10, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 453 377 CB Emmanuel Moseley (5-11, 180, So.) Justin Martin (6-2, 195, Jr.) NB Rashaan Gaulden (6-1, 175, So.) Devaun Swafford (5-11, 185, Jr.) Pass Yds 2914 2551 P Nate Renfro (6-1, 205, Sr.) Trevor Daniel (6-2, 240, So.) Had Int 14 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 371 365

14 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL should be the other starters and both of these guys Brady and Rocel McWilliams will need to pro- SEC East Division #3 look to be extremely talented with bright futures. vide some outside pass rush. Another young guy who could have a huge impact Things are MUCH better at linebacker where here is redshirt freshman DeSean Blair who Missouri has two of the top LBs in the SEC in MISSOURI looked terrific in spring drills. Junior Sean Culkin senior weak sider and junior (11-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 caught 20 passes last year as the starting tight end middle man Michael Scherer. Brothers led the COACH: Gary Pinkel Returning 46 and he should play a much larger role in the pass- team with 122 tackles and three forced , STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 ing game in 2015. while Scherer added 114 stops. The one new Defense 5 Technically the Tigers lose their starting run- starter here is Donavin Newsom who was terrific GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #26 ning back in who ran for 924 off the bench in 2014, while lettermen Clarence The Tigers snuck up on their SEC foes last year yards last year, but they do bring back their lead- Green and Eric Beisel were also very productive as a team which most experts picked to finish ing rusher in explosive vet . subs a year ago. fourth or fifth in the East Division earned a trip to In 2014, Hansbrough ripped off 1,084 yards and The secondary was pretty tough last year and the SEC title game. Unlike most experts, we had 10 TDs coming off the bench and he could be three rock solid starters are back, but the worry forecast another big year and Top 25 national headed for a huge final season. Talented soph Ish here is that this group may have a tougher time in ranking for Missouri so the Tigers made us look Witter steps into the top backup role with Murphy 2015 as the pass rush figures to be a LOT weaker quite good by overachieving. Now Coach Gary gone, but he will have to fight off a challenge this time around. But Mizzou does have some Pinkel has some rebuilding to do once again if he from stellar JUCO transfer Chase Abbington. really good players here led by the cornerback hopes to get this team back in elite company. The offensive line was something of a work in duo of Dennis and Aarion Penton, plus free The Missouri offense actually slumped quite a progress last year but should be far better this time safety Ian Simon is another proven vet in this bit in 2014 after such a stellar season back in around with four starters returning and two out- . The “movers” of spring drills were soph 2013, though the ultimate result only changed standing JUCO transfers joining the program. The safety Anthony Sherrils who won the open strong from 12-2 to 11-3. The play at quarterback was leader here is senior center Evan Boehm who safety job, and cornerback John Gibson who nowhere near as good as we expected as talented could be All-SEC this year. Both senior guards are played so well that there was talk he might beat but erratic quarterback Maty Mauk did not turn back in Brad McNulty and Connor McGovern, out either Dennis or Penton! into the second coming of Johnny Manziel that though the latter may be moved to the vacant left GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is many of us expected. While Mauk did get hot at tackle spot this season. Seniors Taylor Chappell still headed for a winning record and some sort times and have some great moments, overall he and Mitch Hall are expected to start on the right of bowl invite, but we think Missouri will be a completed a modest 221 of 414 passes (53%) for side giving Mizzou five very tested seniors as tiny bit weaker than it has been the previous 2,648 yards and 25 TDs against 13 , their starting O-line, but the second string will two seasons. No SEC title game in 2015! plus he also ran for 373 yards. Mauk needs to push very hard here, especially JUCO tackles 2015 Missouri Schedule become more accurate as a short range passer and Tyler Howell and Malik Cuellar. he needs to run more often as he spent a bit too The Missouri defense was really solid last year 9/5 SE MISSOURI STATE much time trying to prove he was a pocket passer but there are some worries here in 2015, especial- 9/12 at Arkansas State last year. If Mauk can truly “find himself” the ly on the front wall where graduation and early 9/19 CONNECTICUT NFL exit took a heavy toll. But then things got Tigers can beat anyone in any given game! The 9/26 at Kentucky Tigers have two experienced backup QBs in soph worse late in the Spring when one projected 10/3 SOUTH CAROLINA Eddie Printz and Corbin Berkstresser. starter Marcus Loud got kicked out of school and Coach Pinkel has some monumental work to another, Harold Brantley, nearly died in a car 10/10 FLORIDA do at where all three starters are accident and will not play in 2015. So it will be 10/17 at Georgia gone including standout Bud Sasser. But this pro- four new starters up front and the only guys who 10/24 at Vanderbilt gram seems to develop a ton of quality pass catch- look obvious as first stringers are DE Charles 11/5 MISSISSIPPI STATE Harris and DT Ricky Hatley. Massive junior Josh ers and several sophomores and freshmen look to 11/14 BYU be great long term prospects. Senior vet Wesley Augusta is intriguing in the middle, but watch out 11/21 TENNESSEE Leftwich started a few games last year and should for heralded true frosh DT Terry Beckner who be first string in ‘15, though he caught few passes may be good enough to start right away. JUCO 11/28 at Arkansas a year ago. Sophs J’Mon Moore and Nate Brown Marcell Frazier and redshirt freshmen Walter 2014 MISSOURI RESULTS 2015 MISSOURI DEPTH CHART (SUR: 11-3 PSR: 9-5 O-U: 7-7) Offense A.30 S. DAK. ST. L -25 38-18 o53' QB Maty Mauk (6-0, 200, Jr.) Eddie Printz (6-3, 205, So.) S.06 Toledo W -3' 49-24 o60' RB Russell Hansbrough (5-9, 195, Sr.) Ish Witter (5-10, 190, So.) S.13 UCF W -10' 38-10 u54' WR Wesley Leftwich (6-1, 205, Sr.) Eric Laurent (6-3, 215, Jr.) S.20 INDIANA L -13' 27-31 u70' WR J’Mon Moore (6-3, 190, So.) Keyon Dilosa (6-3, 200, Fr.) S.27 S. Carol. W +5' 21-20 u62' WR Nate Brown (6-3, 205, So.) Thomas Richard (6-1, 190, Fr.) O.11 GEORGIA L +3 0-34 u59 WR DeSean Blair (6-3, 190, Fr.) Jake Brents (6-3, 205, Jr.) O.18 Florida W +6 42-13 o47 TE Sean Culkin (6-6, 250, Jr.) Jason Reese (6-5, 250, So.) O.25 VANDERBILT L -23 24-14 u42' C Evan Boehm (6-3, 320, Sr.) Alec Abein (6-3, 290, So.) N.01 KENT'KY W -7' 20-10 u47' LG Brad McNulty (6-4, 300, Sr.) Nate Crawford (6-5, 300, So.) N.15 Texas A&M W +4 34-27 o55' RG Mitch Hall (6-5, 310, Sr.) Kevin Pendleton (6-4, 315, Fr.) N.22 Tennessee W +5 29-21 o49' LTConnor McGovern (6-4, 300, Sr.) Malik Cuellar (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.28 ARKANSAS W +2' 21-14 u43' RTTaylor Chappell (6-5, 305, Sr.) Tyler Howell (6-9, 310, Jr.) D.06 Alabama L +14' 13-42 o48' PK Andrew Baggett (6-1, 215, Sr.) Nick Coffman (5-11, 170, Jr.) J.01 Minnesota W -4' 33-17 o47 Defense DE Charles Harris (6-3, 255, So.) Walter Brady (6-3, 255, Fr.) 2014 Missouri Final Stats DE Marcell Frazier (6-4, 245, Jr.) Rocel McWilliams (6-2, 245, Fr.) Missouri Opp DT Ricky Hatley (6-4, 285, Jr.) Terry Beckner Jr. (6-4, 300, Fr.) Points per game 28 21 DT Josh Augusta (6-4, 345, Jr.) Evan Winston (6-3, 300, Jr.) LB Kentrell Brothers (6-1, 235, Sr.) Brandon Lee (6-2, 220, Fr.) 1st Downs 270 275 LB Michael Scherer (6-3, 235, Jr.) Eric Beisel (6-3, 225, So.) Rush Att 539 531 LB Donavin Newsom (6-2, 230, Jr.) Clarence Green (6-0, 220, Sr.) Rush Yards 2490 1872 FS Ian Simon (6-0, 195, Sr.) Thomas Wilson (5-10, 190, So.) Avg Rush 4.6 3.5 SS Anthony Sherrils (6-0, 190, So.) Cortland Browning (6-1, 205, Sr.) Pass Comp 221 288 CB Kenya Dennis (5-11, 200, Sr.) Logan Cheadle (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Att 415 474 CB Aarion Penton (5-10, 190, Jr.) Raymond Wingo (5-11, 180, Fr.) NB John Gibson (6-0, 190, Jr.) Chaston Ward (6-1, 200, Jr.) Pass Yds 2648 2978 P Corey Fatony (5-11, 185, Fr.) Tom Kalish (5-10, 175, Fr.) Had Int 13 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 367 346

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 15 even a single . Ahmad Fulwood and frosh speed rusher CeCe Jefferson who may prove SEC East Division #4 also got numerous chances a year an immediate standout for Florida. ago, but combined for just 27 receptions and two The Gators are in superb shape at linebacker scores. The guy who we look to make a move this where they have four proven performers in the FLORIDA fall is soph C.J. Worton who has thus far battled quartet of Antonio Morrison, Daniel McMillian, (7-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 31 injuries, but brings a ton of talent to the table. The Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone. Morrison was COACH: Jim McElwain Returning 40 tight end spot could be a huge factor this fall with terrific in ‘14 as he led the Gators with 101 tack- STARTERS RETURNING Offense 3 the much-awaited debut of Virginia transfer Jake les, while the other three were rock solid off the Defense 6 McGee, who is a proven pass catching threat who bench and seem well prepared to assume much GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #30 was forced to sit out last season due to injury. larger roles in 2015. The new coaching staff will The Gators have been “off” the past several Leading rusher Matt Jones jumped ship a year play a lot of 4-2-5 defense so look for fewer tra- seasons and the house of cards finally came crash- early for the NFL, but the Gators do have two ditional three-linebacker sets this season. ing down on the highly volatile proven running backs in and Adam The secondary will be the biggest strength for last year as Florida decided to bring in a new head Lane. Taylor was a part-time starter the last two this team as Florida sends out amazing speed and coach, dumping Muschamp for former Colorado seasons and in ‘14 he rushed for 565 yards and six talent here led by All-American cornerback State head man Jim McElwain. Like Muschamp, TDs, while Lane finally earned playing time late Vernon Hargreaves, who might just be the best McElwain is a former Nick Saban assistant, but in his frosh campaign and responded with a 7.5 pure cover guy in the entire nation. Hargreaves unlike Muschamp, McElwain’s background is yard averaged when he touched the ball! But this and fellow CB regular Brian Poole combined for mainly on the offensive side of the ball where the may turn into a three-way battle come September seven interceptions a year ago despite teams Gators are in desperate need of help. Things when true frosh blue chipper Jordan Scarlett throwing away from them, though Poole will should get better this year, but how much better? arrives on campus. move to the nickel this year to make room in the The quarterback position has been a nightmare The O-line is a massive concern with three lineup for stellar soph CB Jalen Tabor. While not here ever since left, but at least starters graduating and their best player leaving as superb as the corners, the safeties are also top Florida fans will no longer have to suffer the school a year early for the NFL. The lone incum- notch as this secondary is simply awesome. indignity of watching Jeff Driskel any longer as bent here is senior Trip Thurman who will move GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This is a he has mercifully transferred out of school. Sadly from guard to center in 2015. The veteran players tough team to figure because there is talent for Gator fans, they will have to continue to here are suspect, so several freshmen will be on here, but they have not yet lived up to expecta- endure the foolishness that is as he the two-deep this fall and we are projecting that tions. We feel Florida should again win enough decided to stay at Florida and compete for the true frosh tackle Martez Ivey will start from day games to earn a bowl invite, but this is not an starting QB job with redshirt freshman . one. Massive soph David Sharpe should be the SEC title contender just yet. The good news is that Grier easily beat out Harris other tackle and soph Antonio Riles should be one 2015 Florida Schedule in spring drills, so with a new QB and a new Head guard, but after that it is anyone’s guess!!! Coach, it is possible that Florida may have The Florida defense has been far better than the 9/5 NEW MEXICO STATE respectable quarterback play for the first time in Gator offense in recent seasons and this should 9/12 EAST CAROLINA several seasons. Grier is a nice prospect who can again be the case in 2015, though this will likely 9/19 at Kentucky be the weakest D-line this school has put forth in actually throw the football, unlike the speedy 9/26 TENNESSEE Harris who is a skilled runner who literally “shot quite some time. Returning starters Bryan Cox Jr. 10/3 MISSISSIPPI puts” the ball when he passes. (DE) and (DT) are solid players, Florida has one of the premier wide receivers but neither would qualify as an impact playmaker 10/10 at Missouri in the SEC in junior , who for this club. Junior speed rusher Alex McCalister 10/17 at LSU despite terrible play from the QB position a year fits that description and he had six sacks off the 10/31 vs. Georgia ago managed to catch 53 passes for 810 yards and bench last year, but he needs to improve his run 11/7 VANDERBILT defense. Soph Caleb Brantley has all the talent in seven TDs. But other than Robinson, none of the 11/14 at South Carolina Gator wideouts has established himself as a legit- the , but he keeps getting in trouble off the 11/21 FLORIDA ATLANTIC imate starter at the SEC level. Senior Latroy field which limits him, while redshirt frosh Taven Pittman was a first teamer most of last year, but Bryan looked really good this spring and may just 11/28 FLORIDA STATE managed just 15 receptions and failed to score beat out the troubled Brantley. Watch out for true 2014 FLORIDA RESULTS 2015 FLORIDA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-5 PSR: 7-5 O-U: 7-4-1) Offense A.30 IDAHO POSTPONED QB Will Grier (6-2, 200, Fr.) Treon Harris (5-11, 195, So.) S.06 E. MICH. W -40 65-0 o55' RB Kelvin Taylor (5-10, 210, Jr.) Adam Lane (5-7, 225, So.) S.13 KENT'KY L -18' 36-30 o53' WR Demarcus Robinson (6-2, 200, Jr.) Chris Thompson (6-0, 175, Jr.) S.20 Alabama L +14' 21-42 o50' WR Latroy Pittman (6-0, 215, Sr.) C.J. Worton (6-0, 190, So.) O.04 Tennessee W +2 10-9 u54 WR Brandon Powell (5-9, 185, So.) (6-0, 185, Fr.) O.11 LSU L -1 27-30 o46 WR Ahmad Fulwood (6-4, 210, Jr.) Valdez Showers (6-0, 195, Sr.) O.18 MISSOURI L -6 13-42 o47 TE Jake McGee (6-6, 245, Sr.) DeAndre Goolsby (6-4, 240, So.) N.01 Georgia W +11' 38-20 o47' C Trip Thurman (6-5, 310, Sr.) Cameron Dillard (6-4, 310, So.) N.08 Vanderbilt W -14' 34-10 p44 LG Antonio Riles (6-4, 315, So.) Travaris Dorsey (6-2, 325, Fr.) N.15 S. CAR. L -6' 20-23 u57' RG Andrew Mike (6-6, 305, Fr.) Richerd Desir-Jones (6-3, 295, Fr.) LT David Sharpe (6-6, 350, So.) Kavaris Harkless (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.22 E. KENT'KY W -30' 52-3 o51 RT Martez Ivey (6-5, 280, Fr.) Fred Johnson (6-8, 290, Fr.) N.29 Fla. St. W +7' 19-24 u53 PK Austin Hardin (5-10, 205, Jr.) Jorge Powell (5-10, 170, Fr.) J.03 E. Carolina W -7 28-20 u56' Defense DE Bryan Cox Jr. (6-3, 265, Jr.) CeCe Jefferson (6-2, 245, Fr.) 2014 Florida Final Stats DE Alex McCalister (6-6, 240, Jr.) Justus Reed (6-3, 235, Fr.) Florida Opp DT Jonathan Bullard (6-3, 280, Sr.) (6-3, 295, Jr.) Points per game 30 21 DT (6-5, 280, Fr.) Caleb Brantley (6-2, 320, So.) LB Antonio Morrison (6-1, 225, Sr.) Alex Anzalone (6-3, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 210 216 LB Jarrad Davis (6-2, 230, Jr.) Daniel McMillian (6-1, 225, Jr.) Rush Att 517 440 NS Marcus Maye (6-0, 205, Jr.) Marcel Harris (6-2, 210, So.) Rush Yards 2252 1394 NS (6-1, 210, Jr.) (5-10, 200, So.) Avg Rush 4.4 3.2 NS Brian Poole (5-10, 210, Sr.) Nick Washington (6-1, 195, So.) Pass Comp 169 228 CB Vernon Hargreaves (5-11, 200, Jr.) Deiondre Porter (6-0, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 324 429 CB Jalen Tabor (6-1, 195, So.) Chris Williamson (6-0, 185, Fr.) NB Quincy Wilson (6-1, 210, So.) Kylan Johnson (6-2, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 2159 2563 P Johnny Townsend (6-1, 200, So.) Jack Spicer (6-3, 200, Fr.) Had Int 14 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 368 330

16 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL appear to be redshirt freshmen and junior Jonathan Walton is the other returning SEC East Division #5 Terry Googer, as well as true frosh blue chippers starter here, plus T.J. Hollomon and Bryson Jalen Christian and Dexter Neal. At tight end, Allen-Williams also earned a couple starts last senior takes over as the starter after season and again figure to play extensively off the SO. CAROLINA being a productive backup last season, while - bench. Versatile vet Jordan Diggs will again see (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 shirt freshman Kevin Crosby and true frosh time at both linebacker and safety depending on COACH: Steve Spurrier Returning 43 recruit Christian Owens add promising depth. the passing situation. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 Leading rusher Mike Davis has jumped ship to The Gamecocks will have a host of battle-test- Defense 8 the NFL a year early, but USC does have a pair of ed players at safety, but most of these guys really GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #35 solid returning lettermen in and struggled a year ago. Kansas transfer Isaiah Steve Spurrier has achieved remarkable things David Williams, who in ‘14 combined for 826 Johnson may help a little, but guys like Chris since coming to South Carolina, but the 2014 sea- yards rushing and six TDs off the bench. When Moody and T.J. Gurley need to step up their game son did not represent his finest hour. This team the Gamecocks use a fullback, the role will be in a big way this season. The situation is even less did not look ready to play at the start of 2014 and filled by stocky senior vet Garrison Gist. attractive at cornerback where soph Chris the Gamecocks were executed by SEC foe Texas The most battle-tested area on offense will Lammons is still very raw and former starter Rico A&M. There were some decent moments along surely be along the front wall as three O-line McWilliams returns to the lineup after losing his the way, highlighted by wins over Georgia and starters are back led by All-SEC candidate first string status a year ago. Soph Al Harris Jr. Florida, but overall it was a highly disappointing . It’s not yet certain if Shell will and JUCO newcomer Toure Boyd will push for season at South Carolina. And now “The Old Ball stay on the right side or move over to the left tack- playing time on the corners this fall. Coach” must rebuild as he loses most of last le slot this season, but the other returning regulars GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is year’s offense and heads into battle with another up front are senior guard Will Sport and under- headed for a down season. South Carolina suspect defensive unit. sized but feisty soph center Alan Knott. Former struggled just to get back to a bowl game last For the first time in several seasons, South regular Cody Waldrop takes over at left guard, year and that will again be the situation in 2015 Carolina heads into the fall without an experi- while the other OT regular opposite Shell will be unless someone steps up immediately as a qual- enced quarterback on the roster. Soph Connor tallish junior Mason Zandi. The depth here is very ity option at quarterback. The backs and Mitch looked like the guy to beat in spring drills, thin and will revolve mainly around a host of receivers are no more than adequate by SEC but he juniors Perry Orth and Brendan Nosovitch untested redshirt freshmen. standards so the offense looks to be weaker will also get a shot. Mitch led this trio with TWO The defensive line is led into battle by vets than it was a year ago. And while the defense completions last year. Redshirt frosh Michael Gerald Dixon (DE) and Gerald Dixon Jr. (DT) will be improved, it won’t be enough to carry Scarnecchia may also get a look, but we feel who are actually NOT related! End Dixon picked this team back to previous levels. Mitch and true frosh recruit Lorenzo Nunez are up 42 tackles and tied for the club lead with a 2015 South Carolina Schedule the only real legitimate SEC on the mere TWO sacks in 2014. The rest of the return- current roster. ing players did not impress a year ago which 9/3 vs. North Carolina While top pass catcher does should open the door for several newcomers 9/12 KENTUCKY return at wide receiver, the Gamecocks took a including heralded JUCO transfers Marquavius 9/19 at Georgia Lewis and Dante Sawyer. In fact, we are con- beating here in terms of their depth during the off- 9/26 UCF season as six of the top seven pass receivers are vinced that Lewis will soon emerge as this team’s 10/3 at Missouri gone from last year’s squad. The only real good best defensive player let along their best defen- news here is the return of Cooper, who a year ago sive lineman! There’s great size inside which does 10/10 LSU enjoyed a breakout season with 69 receptions for help a little with the run defense. 10/17 VANDERBILT 1,136 yards and nine , plus he also ran The Gamecocks have a ton of experienced 10/31 at Texas A&M for another 200 yards and three scores on gim- but this group was a major disap- 11/7 at Tennessee pointment in 2014. Starter did record mick plays. Seniors Shamier Jeffery and Carlton 11/14 FLORIDA Heard have done very little in the past, so we are a team-high 93 tackles and three interceptions, but 11/21 THE CITADEL guessing that Coach Spurrier turns to a host of he contributed just 2.5 hits for minus yardage so new faces at wide receiver, the best of whom most of his tackles came down field. Fellow 11/28 CLEMSON

2015 SOUTH CAROLINA DEPTH CHART 2014 SOUTH CAROLINA RESULTS Offense (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 6-6) QB Connor Mitch (6-3, 220, So.) Perry Orth (6-1, 215, Jr.) A.28 TEXAS A&M L -10' 28-52 o60 RB Brandon Wilds (6-2, 225, Sr.) David Williams (6-1, 220, So.) S.06 E. CAROLINA L -15' 33-23 u64' WR Pharoh Cooper (5-11, 210, Jr.) Carlton Heard (6-0, 185, Sr.) S.13 GEORGIA W +6' 38-35 o59' WR Shamier Jeffery (6-1, 200, Sr.) Shaq Davidson (5-11, 175, Fr.) S.20 Vanderbilt L -21' 48-34 o52' WR Deebo Samuel (6-0, 210, Fr.) Jalen Christian (5-10, 175, Fr.) S.27 MISSOURI L -5' 20-21 u62' WR Terry Googer (6-4, 230, Fr.) Dexter Neal (6-2, 200, Fr.) O.04 Kentucky L -4 38-45 o56 TE Jerell Adams (6-6, 240, Sr.) Kevin Crosby (6-1, 235, Fr.) O.18 FURMAN L -38 41-10 NL C Alan Knott (6-4, 275, So.) Donell Stanley (6-4, 335, Fr.) O.25 Auburn W +18' 35-42 o65' LG Cody Waldrop (6-2, 310, Jr.) Brock Stadnik (6-5, 285, Jr.) N.01 TENN. L -6' 42-45 o55' RG Will Sport (6-5, 305, Sr.) Malik Young (6-3, 325, Fr.) N.15 Florida W +6' 23-20 u57' LT Mason Zandi (6-9, 315, Jr.) Mike Matulis (6-5, 295, Sr.) N.22 S. ALABAMA W -24 37-12 u57 RTBrandon Shell (6-6, 330, Sr.) D.J. Park (6-4, 335, So.) N.29 Clemson L +6 17-35 u54 PK Elliott Fry (6-0, 160, Jr.) Landon Ard (5-9, 190, Sr.) D.27 Miami-Fla. W +3' 24-21 u62 Defense DE Gerald Dixon (6-2, 280, Jr.) Dante Sawyer (6-3, 270, Jr.) DE Marquavius Lewis (6-3, 270, Jr.) Darius English (6-6, 245, Jr.) 2014 South Carolina Final Stats DT Gerald Dixon Jr. (6-3, 325, Sr.) Abu Lamin (6-4, 335, Jr.) So. Carolina Opp DT David Johnson (6-1, 280, So.) Phillip Dukes (6-3, 325, Sr.) Points per game 33 30 LB Skai Moore (6-2, 220, Jr.) T.J. Hollomon (6-2, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 305 292 LB Jonathan Walton (6-0, 240, Jr.) Bryson Allen-Williams (6-1, 250, So.) Rush Att 479 514 NS Chris Moody (6-1, 215, Jr.) D.J. Smith (5-11, 195, So.) Rush Yards 2093 2759 NS T.J. Gurley (5-10, 200, Sr.) Jordan Diggs (6-0, 210, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.4 5.4 NS Isaiah Johnson (6-1, 210, Sr.) Chaz Elder (6-2, 205, Jr.) CB (5-10, 185, So.) Wesley Green (5-10, 175, Fr.) Pass Comp 277 243 CB Rico McWilliams (5-11, 190, Jr.) Darrin Smalls (5-11, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 468 390 NB Al Harris Jr. (5-11, 175, So.) Toure Boyd (6-1, 190, Jr.) Pass Yds 3661 2866 P Sean Kelly (5-10, 205, Jr.) Joseph Charlton (6-5, 180, Fr.) Had Int 11 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 443 433

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 17 impressions in spring practice and could have new faces with stellar prep credentials joining the SEC East Division #6 much expanded roles in 2015. But Kentucky fans fracas this fall including redshirt freshmen Nico are also very excited by the arrival of highly- Firios and Dorian Hendrix, as well as true fresh- regarded true frosh wideouts Jabari Greenwood men Jordan Jones, and Eli Brown, KENTUCKY and Therrell Gosier. And at tight end, it now looks though Brown may also see time at safety. (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 likely that Coach Stoops will turn to heralded true Senior corners Fred Tiller and Cody Quinn did COACH: Mark Stoops Returning 47 freshmen C.J. Conrad and Tavin Richardson. credible jobs last year but both guys will have to STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 Kentucky used a running back by committee get better if they hope to hold off some of the stel- Defense 7 approach last year as five different players ran for lar freshmen on the roster, while there are four GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #43 at least 300 yards and three of those guys are back proven players at safety in the quartet of Blake If you had said at the start of the 2014 cam- in 2015 in the trio of Stanley Williams, Mikel McClain, A.J. Stamps, Marcus McWilson and paign that Kentucky was going to go 5-7, you Horton and Jojo Kemp. Williams led the team in J.D. Harmon. The big news in the secondary is the would have congratulated the Wildcats on a nice rushing off the bench as a frosh with 488 yards arrival of true frosh recruits like Chris Westry, year in which they improved dramatically from and five TDs, while Horton and Kemp combined Marcus Walker, Kei Beckham, Derrick Baity and the previous 2-10 record. But when a team gets for another 629 yards and six scores. Eventually, Will Jackson. out of the gate at 5-1 and loses six straight games we feel Williams will emerge as the clear cut #1 The kicking game is a major team strength for to miss a bowl invite, it leaves a bad taste in the option at running back for the Wildcats. the Wildcats as veteran punter Landon Foster is mouths of players, coaches and fans alike. It was The O-line play was improved last year and rock solid and soph kicker Austin MacGinnis was a ROUGH finish for Kentucky in 2014, but the should be even better this season with four key a surprise star as a ‘14 frosh. MacGinnis made undeniable fact is that this program made nice guys returning. The key here is the play of senior good on 21 of 27 field goal tries including three strides last year and Wildcat Football is at a better incumbent Jordan Swindle who will slide across from beyond 50 yards. place now that it has been in several seasons. the line to play the LT spot this year and guard the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is It has been a LONG time since Kentucky got QB’s blind side. Sophs Kyle Meadows and Cole better than most people give them credit for. top notch play out of the quarterback position, but Mosier are battling for the other tackle slot, while The offense should be improved with a more junior Patrick Towles was definitely the best QB the other incumbent starters are the inside trio of experienced offensive line and we feel Drew this program has had in several years for most of Jon Toth, Ramsey Meyers and Zach West. The Barker is headed for future stardom at the QB the 2014 campaign. Overall, Towles completed depth here is still fairly shaky, however. spot. On defense, there are some concerns 225 of 393 passes (57%) for 2,718 yards and 14 On defense, Kentucky loses some very good about the pass rush but the talent level on the TDs against nine interceptions, but he did slump defensive linemen which is a source of concern back seven is definitely SEC caliber. This club badly over the final month of the season which when it comes to the pass rush. Massive senior could actually go “bowling” in 2015! raises the very real possibility (probability?) that Melvin Lewis will anchor the middle of the line 2015 Kentucky Schedule he might get beat out this year by highly-touted along with returning lettermen Cory Johnson, redshirt freshman Drew Barker. The very talented Matt Elam and Regie Meant. On the outside, 9/5 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE Barker redshirted last season as Head Coach Farrington Huegenin and Jason Hatcher will need 9/12 at South Carolina Mark Stoops showed a lot of discipline by not to step up and provide some pass rush. Several 9/19 FLORIDA new faces will get a look on the defensive line this throwing him to the wolves right away, but this 9/26 MISSOURI kid is a “can’t miss” prospect with a big future for fall including JUCO transfers Courtney Miggins 10/3 EASTERN KENTUCKY the Wildcats. and Alvonte Bell. Kentucky will be awfully young in the receiv- The Wildcats have operated out of a 4-2-5 10/15 AUBURN ing corps as the only really proven player is junior since Coach Stoops arrived, but the depth of tal- 10/24 at Mississippi State Ryan Timmons who a year ago led the team with ent at linebacker may eventually lead to this club 10/31 TENNESSEE a modest 45 catches for 536 yards. But sophs using more three-backer formations. Returning 11/7 at Georgia starters Josh Forrest and Khalid Henderson com- Garrett Johnson and Dorian Baker flashed major 11/14 at Vanderbilt talent as ‘14 freshmen and appear ready for much bined for 163 tackles a year ago, while super sub 11/21 CHARLOTTE larger roles this year after combining for 41 recep- Ryan Flannigan added 55 stops off the bench last tions off the bench last season. Soph Jeff Badet year and was pushing Henderson for his starting 11/28 LOUISVILLE and redshirt frosh Thaddeus Snodgrass also made role in the spring. And the Wildcats have several 2014 KENTUCKY RESULTS 2015 KENTUCKY DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 7-5 O-U: 8-4) Offense A.30 UT MARTIN W -21 59-14 o59' QB Patrick Towles (6-5, 245, Jr.) Drew Barker (6-3, 225, Fr.) S.06 OHIO U W -13 20-3 u52' RB Stanley Williams (5-9, 200, So.) Mikel Horton (6-1, 235, So.) S.13 Florida W +18' 30-36 o53' WR Ryan Timmons (5-10, 205, Jr.) Joey Herrick (6-1, 210, Sr.) S.27 VANDERBILT L -17' 17-7 u48 WR Garrett Johnson (5-11, 175, So.) Thaddeus Snodgrass (6-1, 190, Fr.) WR Dorian Baker (6-3, 205, So.) Jabari Greenwood (6-3, 195, Fr.) O.04 S. CAROLINA W +4 45-38 o56 WR Jeff Badet (6-0, 180, So.) T.V. Williams (5-10, 155, So.) O.11 LA. MONROE W -20' 48-14 o49 TE C.J. Conrad (6-5, 240, Fr.) Tavin Richardson (6-3, 225, Fr.) O.18 Lsu L +10' 3-41 u51 C Jon Toth (6-5, 300, Jr.) Zach Myers (6-3, 305, Jr.) O.25 MISS. ST. W +14' 31-45 o59 LG Zach West (6-4, 315, Sr.) Nick Haynes (6-5, 330, So.) N.01 Missouri L +7' 10-20 u47' RG Ramsey Meyers (6-4, 325, So.) Jervontius Stallings (6-3, 345, Fr.) N.08 GEORGIA L +10 31-63 o58 LT Jordan Swindle (6-7, 310, Sr.) Josh Krok (6-8, 320, Fr.) N.15 Tennessee L +10' 16-50 o53' RT Cole Mosier (6-6, 345, So.) Kyle Meadows (6-5, 290, So.) PK Austin MacGinnis (5-10, 175, So.) Miles Butler (5-9, 170, Fr.) N.29 Louisville W +13 40-44 o52' Defense DE Farrington Huegenin (6-4, 275, Sr.) Jabari Johnson (6-1, 275, Sr.) 2014 Kentucky Final Stats DE Jason Hatcher (6-3, 250, Jr.) Courtney Miggins (6-5, 285, Jr.) Kentucky Opp DT Melvin Lewis (6-4, 345, Sr.) Matt Elam (6-7, 360, So.) Points per game 29 31 DT Cory Johnson (6-3, 300, Sr.) Regie Meant (6-4, 310, So.) LB Josh Forrest (6-3, 235, Sr.) Nico Firios (6-2, 235, Fr.) 1st Downs 231 270 LB Khalid Henderson (6-1, 235, Sr.) Ryan Flannigan (6-2, 225, Sr.) Rush Att 444 511 NS Blake McClain (5-11, 200, Jr.) Darius West (6-0, 210, Fr.) Rush Yards 1838 2294 NS A.J. Stamps (6-0, 200, Sr.) Marcus McWilson (6-0, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.1 4.5 NS J.D. Harmon (6-2, 200, Jr.) Eli Brown (6-2, 195, Fr.) Pass Comp 228 217 CB Fred Tiller (6-0, 170, Sr.) Kendall Randolph (6-0, 180, So.) Pass Att 405 377 CB Cody Quinn (5-10, 175, Sr.) Kei Beckham (5-11, 170, Fr.) NB Chris Westry (6-4, 180, Fr.) Mike Edwards (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 2774 2589 P Landon Foster (6-1, 185, Sr.) Bryan Kirshe (6-0, 155, Fr.) Had Int 11 15 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 384 407

18 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL for 525 yards and four TDs. Scheu might make a Cunningham, , Nigel Bowden SEC East Division #7 run at All-SEC honors this season, but he battled and Darreon Herring. Outside speed rusher injuries in the spring and may not be at 100 per- Weatherly is coming off a very nice year in which cent come September. At wideout, incumbent he posted 55 tackles, 12.5 hits for minus yardage VANDERBILT starters Latevius Rayford and C.J. Duncan com- and 4.5 QB sacks. Inside man Bowden led the (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 bined for just 64 receptions and five scores, club in tackles (78) as a ‘14 frosh. One newcom- COACH: Derek Mason Returning 53 though the latter did demonstrate some big play er to watch out for is JUCO transfer Nehemiah STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 ability as a ‘14 freshman. The rest of the wideouts Mitchell who we project as an immediate starter Defense 9 on the roster are either lightly-tested sophomores at the second outside ‘backer slot. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #72 or totally inexperienced freshmen. The secondary took a pretty bad beating last All of the progress of the James Franklin was There wasn’t much to cheer about last year, but year and should be every bit as suspect this time washed away in just one disastrous season as the the biggest positive may have been the emergence around with so many sophomores expected to 2014 Commodores went just 3-9 and failed to win of then-frosh Ralph Webb as one of the better run- assume critical roles. Guys like Taurean Ferguson even a single game in the SEC. Yes, this team was ning backs in the SEC. Webb ran for a team-high and were thrown to the wolves last clearly the worst club in the SEC last season and 912 yards and four TDs as he was definitely the year as freshmen starters and they predictably first-year Head Coach Derek Mason looked badly team’s top offensive weapon despite his rookie struggled. Junior corner Torren McGaster is the overmatched as he faced the unenviable task of status. Classmate Dallas Rivers also showed some closest thing this club has to a solid pass defend- replacing the volatile James Franklin who had talent rushing for 218 yards off the bench, while er, while the strong safety role will be shared by jumped ship for Penn State. Franklin had pretty the Vandy coaches may also find some early play- vets Andrew Williamson and Jahmel McIntosh. much single-handedly changed the entire culture ing time for talented true frosh runners Dare GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt, but it took less than a year for this Odeyingbo and Josh Crawford. fell apart even worse than we expected last program to return to the poor play of the five The big boys up front did not fare well last year and we now see that former coach James decades or so before Franklin arrived. Things year, but with four starters returning there is at Franklin and his intensity was hiding a much should at least be a BIT better in 2015. least hope that the blocking will be improved in weaker roster than anyone realized. Things Between injuries and poor play, this team used 2015. The leaders here are seniors Spencer Pulley will be much improved this year if only four different starting quarterbacks over the and Jake Bernstein who have 54 career starts because of the very solid front seven on course of the 2014 campaign. But this spring, it between them at the guard spots. Pulley will slide defense, but the end result isn’t likely to pro- looked like Coach Mason had finally settled on a over to center this year and his old right guard slot duce any more victories this time around. A starter in junior Patton Robinette, an extremely is filled by soph Delando Crooks. At tackle, the second straight winless season in the SEC intelligent kid with much better skills than he first teamers will again be juniors Andrew Jelks seems a distinct possibility. showed a year ago. But soon after being named and Will Holden who both need to get a lot better 2015 Vanderbilt Schedule the 2015 starter, Robinette suffered yet another in pass protection this year. The O-line depth concussion and has been forced to retire from looks shaky at best. 9/5 WESTERN KENTUCKY football for good. So that leaves sophs Johnny The defense had some ups and downs in 2014, 9/12 GEORGIA McCrary and Wade Freeback to battle for the #1 but overall it was a bit more competitive than 9/19 AUSTIN PEAY Vandy’s woeful offensive unit. Up front, the role and based on their play this spring, it looks 9/26 at Mississippi three-man front wall is anchored by returning reg- like Freeback will get the nod. Overall last year, 10/3 at Middle Tennessee Freeback completed 34 of 72 passes for 376 yards ulars Adam Butler and Caleb Azubike, who a year 10/17 at South Carolina and one TDs against five interceptions, but he ago combined for 74 tackles and 6.5 QB sacks. surely outplayed McCrary this spring. McCrary Promising soph Jay Woods takes over at nose 10/24 MISSOURI was the most frequent starter last year, completing guard after a very solid frosh campaign in 2014 10/31 at Houston 78 of 152 tosses (51%) for 985 yards and nine which saw him put up 30 tackles off the bench. 11/7 at Florida But while the starting trio looks solid, there is a TDs against eight interceptions. 11/14 KENTUCKY With the Vanderbilt aerial game struggling so serious lack of depth along the D-line. 11/21 TEXAS A&M badly, no Commodore pass catcher managed even There’s also some decent talent at linebacker 40 receptions a year ago. Leading the way was where the Commodores boast four players with 11/28 at Tennessee tight end Steven Scheu who hauled in 39 passes previous starting experience in the quartet of Zach 2014 VANDERBILT RESULTS 2015 VANDERBILT DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 4-7-1) Offense A.28 TEMPLE L -10' 7-37 u50 QB Wade Freeback (6-5, 225, So.) Johnny McCrary (6-4, 225, So.) S.06 MISSISSIPPI L +19' 3-41 u49' RB Ralph Webb (5-10, 200, So.) Dallas Rivers (6-1, 230, So.) S.13 MASS. L -16 34-31 o46' WR Latevius Rayford (6-1, 195, Jr.) Kris Kentera (6-4, 215, Sr.) S.20 S. CAROLINA W +21' 34-48 o52' WR C.J. Duncan (5-11, 200, So.) (6-1, 200, So.) WR Chandler Dorrell (5-11, 185, So.) Ronald Monroe (6-3, 200, Fr.) S.27 Kentucky W +17' 7-17 u48 WR Caleb Scott (6-1, 190, So.) (6-4, 220, Fr.) O.04 Georgia W +33' 17-44 o55 TE Steven Scheu (6-5, 250, Sr.) Nathan Marcus (6-5, 240, So.) O.11 CHARL. SO. L -19' 21-20 u49' C Spencer Pulley (6-4, 300, Sr.) Cole Hardin (6-4, 305, Fr.) O.25 Missouri W +23 14-24 u42' LG Jake Bernstein (6-4, 315, Sr.) Barrett Gouger (6-4, 310, Jr.) N.01 OLD DOM. W -7' 42-28 o60 RG Delando Crooks (6-5, 315, So.) Bruno Reagan (6-3, 330, Fr.) N.08 FLORIDA L +14' 10-34 p44 LT Andrew Jelks (6-6, 305, Jr.) Bailey Granier (6-6, 315, Fr.) N.22 Miss. St. L +30' 0-51 u55' RTWill Holden (6-6, 315, Jr.) Blake Fromang (6-7, 300, Jr.) N.29 TENNESSEE W +16' 17-24 u49' PK Tommy Openshaw (6-2, 185, So.) David Holtgrave (5-10, 195, Jr.) Defense DE Adam Butler (6-4, 305, Jr.) Torey Agee (6-4, 280, Jr.) 2014 Vanderbilt Final Stats DE Caleb Azubike (6-4, 275, Sr.) Jonathan Wynn (6-4, 255, So.) Vanderbilt Opp NG Jay Woods (6-3, 290, So.) Nifae Lealao (6-5, 320, So.) Points per game 17 33 LB Stephen Weatherly (6-5, 250, Jr.) Josh Smith (6-3, 225, Fr.) LB Nigel Bowden (6-1, 240, So.) JaKarri Thomas (6-1, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 193 263 LB (6-4, 235, So.) Darreon Herring (6-1, 235, Sr.) Rush Att 383 498 LB Nehemiah Mitchell (6-4, 255, Jr.) Landon Stokes (6-4, 240, So.) Rush Yards 1316 2205 FS Oren Burks (6-3, 215, So.) Tre Tarpley (6-0, 210, So.) Avg Rush 3.4 4.4 SS Jahmel McIntosh (6-1, 200, Sr.) Andrew Williamson (6-1, 210, Sr.) Pass Comp 180 215 CB Torren McGaster (6-0, 200, Jr.) (6-1, 185, So.) Pass Att 357 346 CB Taurean Ferguson (5-9, 185, So.) Ladarius Wiley (6-1, 205, So.) NB Tre Bell (5-11, 175, So.) Jalen Banks (5-11, 195, So.) Pass Yds 2149 2620 P Colby Cooke (6-3, 220, Jr.) Reid Nelson (6-2, 190, Fr.) Had Int 19 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 289 402

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 19 breakout as a star for the Tide. Lanky soph Cam word out of spring practice was that his job was SEC West Division #1 Sims could also be a major factor if he can bounce far from safe considering the depth of talent here. back from a knee injury. Several freshmen could Watch out for junior OLB Ryan Anderson who we play a major role this fall, the best of whom looks feel is headed for a breakout season, plus the same ALABAMA to be blue chipper . Tight end O.J. goes for junior ILB Reuben Foster. Lettermen (12-2-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 Howard has never really “blown up” as expected, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Dillon Lee will defi- COACH: Nick Saban Returning 58 but he’s a big-time talent who had 17 catches a nitely push for starting roles here. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 3 year ago and has the tools to be dominant. The secondary was hurt by the early NFL exit Defense 7 The talent level here is so good that Alabama of safety , but the talent level here GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #3 can lose an elite, NFL caliber running back like is still top notch led by cornerback The Crimson Tide shook off an early loss to T.J. Yeldon a year early and STILL claim to be and the safety duo of and Eddie upstart Ole Miss last year to rally their way to yet even better at the position in 2015! That’s because Jackson. Jones picked off three passes a year ago another SEC title and a bid in the first ever bruising junior Derrick Henry is an absolute and could be an All-SEC pick in 2015, while both College Football Playoffs. But while Alabama superstar who racked up 990 yards rushing and 11 Smith and Jackson have started a lot of games at was a favorite to win it all, this club was beaten by TDs off the bench a year ago. If Henry gets safety in the past even when Collins was on the Ohio State who would eventually go on to win the enough carries this season, he could emerge as a team. Soph Tony Brown has the talent to be a star whole thing. It was a frustrating finish to a great darkhorse candidate. Top back- on the other corner, while the other key players in season for Head Coach Nick Saban and the Bama up RBs and Tyren Jones combined this area are lettermen Maurice Smith, Hootie fans, but it looks like the Crimson Tide are again for another 336 yards and six TDs last year, plus Jones and Jabriel Washington. loaded up for another National Championship run Coach Saban will also need to make room for bril- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The general in 2015! liant true frosh prospect . consensus is that Alabama will have a nice year Coach Saban shocked everyone last year by There’s some rebuilding to do up front, but the but likely not contend for another National going with program veteran Blake Sims over Tide have two excellent building blocks in senior title. The general consensus is wrong! We look highly-touted Florida State transfer Jacob Coker center Ryan Kelly and soph left tackle Cam for Jacob Coker to be a standout and the run- as his starting quarterback, but the questionable Robinson, both of whom will be honors candi- ning backs and wide receivers are far better move proved brilliant as Sims enjoyed a terrific dates this season. Senior vet Dominick Jackson than most would concede. While there are not senior season and led Alabama to 12 victories. takes over at right tackle, while the new guards as many stars on defense as usual, there is But now Coker will finally get a chance to strut figure to be soph Bradley Bozeman and highly- actually more depth than some of the great his stuff and despite some struggles in the spring touted redshirt frosh Ross Pierschbacher. Suspect defenses of the past. We feel another Top 5 the past two years, he is a tremendous talent who depth could lead to immediate playing time for National Ranking is definitely on the way. should be a standout for the Tide in his one and true frosh blue chippers like Lester , Dallas 2015 Alabama Schedule only season as the starter. Off the bench in 2014, Womack and Richie Petitbon. Coker completed 38 of 59 passes (64%) for 403 Alabama has no standouts along the D-line, but 9/5 vs. Wisconsin yards and four TDs with no interceptions. If what this team does have is about eight solid big 9/12 MIDDLE TENNESSEE Coker struggles, redshirt frosh David Cornwell guys who can rotate at the three starting spots. 9/19 MISSISSIPPI The closest thing to a star up front is junior would likely get the nod, but the future here prob- 9/26 LOUISIANA-MONROE ably belongs to heralded true frosh blue chipper who a year ago recorded 11.5 hits 10/3 at Georgia Blake Barnett. for minus yardage and 5.5 QB sacks. He will be Last year’s brilliant starting wideout trio has all rejoined in the starting trio by and 10/10 ARKANSAS departed including All-American A’Shawn Robinson, while there are several 10/17 at Texas A&M who left school a year early to enter the NFL proven subs here including , 10/24 TENNESSEE Draft. Junior Chris Black is the top returning pass D.J. Pettway and Darren Lake. 11/7 LSU Senior Reggie Ragland is the main man at line- catcher among the wideouts as hauled in 15 balls 11/14 at Mississippi State off the bench in ‘14, but the big names here will backer and he’s coming off a ‘14 campaign that 11/21 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN likely turn out to be talented sophs Robert Foster included 95 tackles, 10.5 hits for minus yardage and ArDarius Stewart. In fact, Foster is a and three recoveries. Classmate Denzel 11/28 at Auburn supremely gifted player who should eventually Devall is the other returning LB regular, but the 2014 ALABAMA RESULTS 2015 ALABAMA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 12-2 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 7-5) Offense A.30 W. Virginia L -25' 33-23 o54' QB Jacob Coker (6-5, 235, Sr.) David Cornwell (6-5, 225, Fr.) S.06 FL. ATL. SUSPENDED RB Derrick Henry (6-3, 245, Jr.) Kenyan Drake (6-1, 210, Sr.) S.13 SO. MISS L -47 52-12 o56 WR Chris Black (6-0, 195, Jr.) Raheem Falkins (6-4, 210, Jr.) S.20 FLORIDA W -14' 42-21 o50' WR Robert Foster (6-2, 195, So.) Calvin Ridley (6-0, 180, Fr.) O.04 Mississippi L -5' 17-23 u52' WR ArDarius Stewart (6-1, 205, So.) Daylon Charlot (6-0, 180, Fr.) O.11 Arkansas L -9' 14-13 u56 WR (6-5, 210, So.) Derek Kief (6-4, 200, Fr.) O.18 TEXAS A&M W -13 59-0 u63 TE O.J. Howard (6-6, 245, Jr.) Ty Flournoy-Smith (6-3, 250, Sr.) O.25 Tennessee L -18 34-20 o46' C Ryan Kelly (6-5, 300, Sr.) J.C. Hassenauer (6-2, 295, So.) N.08 Lsu W -6' 20-13 u45' LG Ross Pierschbacher (6-4, 300, Fr.) Isaac Luatua (6-2, 315, Sr.) N.15 MISS. ST. L -9' 25-20 u54' RG Bradley Bozeman (6-5, 320, So.) Alphonse Taylor (6-5, 325, Jr.) N.22 W. CAROLINA L -50' 48-14 NL LT (6-6, 330, So.) Korren Kirven (6-4, 300, Jr.) N.29 AUBURN W -9' 55-44 o54' RT Dominick Jackson (6-6, 315, Sr.) Brandon Greene (6-5, 305, Jr.) D.06 Missouri W -14' 42-13 o48' PK Adam Griffith (5-10, 195, Jr.) Gunnar Raborn (5-9, 190, So.) J.01 Ohio St. L -9 35-42 o58 Defense DE Jonathan Allen (6-3, 285, Jr.) D.J. Pettway (6-3, 275, Sr.) 2014 Alabama Final Stats DE A’Shawn Robinson (6-4, 315, Jr.) Dalvin Tomlinson (6-3, 295, Jr.) Alabama Opp NG Jarran Reed (6-4, 315, Sr.) Darren Lake (6-3, 315, Jr.) Points per game 37 18 LB Denzel Devall (6-2, 255, Sr.) (6-3, 230, So.) LB Reuben Foster (6-1, 240, Jr.) Shaun Dion Hamilton (6-0, 230, So.) 1st Downs 340 234 LB Reggie Ragland (6-2, 255, Sr.) Dillon Lee (6-4, 245, Sr.) Rush Att 567 452 LB Ryan Anderson (6-2, 250, Jr.) Tim Williams (6-4, 235, Jr.) Rush Yards 2893 1433 FS Geno Smith (6-0, 200, Sr.) Ronnie Harrison (6-3, 215, Fr..) Avg Rush 5.1 3.2 SS Eddie Jackson (6-0, 195, Jr.) Hootie Jones (6-2, 220, So.) Pass Comp 290 268 CB Cyrus Jones (5-10, 200, Sr.) Bradley Sylve (6-0, 180, Sr.) Pass Att 451 493 CB Tony Brown (6-0, 195, So.) Jabriel Washington (5-11, 185, Sr.) NB Maurice Smith (6-0, 200, Jr.) Marlon Humphrey (6-1, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 3890 3165 P J.K. Scott (6-5, 195, So.) Adrian Lamothe (5-10, 195, Sr.) Had Int 10 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 485 328

20 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL prises of spring drills was JUCO newcomer Jason Lambert and Gimel President are solid players, SEC West Division #2 Smith who enrolled a semester early and quickly but do not supply enough pass rush. Montavius earned first string status. Lettermen Melvin Ray, Adams is a force at defensive tackle and will have Marcus Davis and Tony Stevens will also look for some new partners in the middle this year. AUBURN increased roles this year, but could be skipped Senior vets Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 33 over by some promising freshmen. There’s a big are rock solid as the two linebackers, though there COACH: Gus Malzahn Returning 40 hole to fill at tight end and it looks like Coach is a lot of talk that Muschamp may use far more STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 Malzahn will turn to freshmen at this position. three-LB formations than Auburn did a year ago. Defense 8 Standout running back Cameron Artis-Payne Last year, McKinzy and Frost combined for 158 GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #8 (1,608 yards and 13 TDs in ‘14) has graduated, tackles, 21 hits for minus yardage and five sacks. Auburn picked up where it left off at the end of but shed no tears for Tiger fans who will finally Others expected to earn playing time at linebacker 2013 and got off to a hot start in 2014, rising up get to see explosive newcomer Jovon Robinson include lettermen Tre Williams, Justin Garrett and to be the #1 ranked team in the nation at one point. make his much-awaited Auburn debut. The ultra- JaViere Mitchell. But a loss to Mississippi State derailed the Tigers. talented Robinson signed here out of high school The secondary depth took some serious hits And after a couple narrow wins, Auburn would go but was declared ineligible due to a problem with when five backups decided to transfer during the on to lose four of its last five contests including a his transcript, forcing him to attend Junior off-season, but Auburn counters with two incom- tough bowl game to Wisconsin. But now Coach College. Now he has finally returned to Auburn ing transfers of their own who should make a Gus Malzahn and his squad have re-armed with a and this kid is the REAL deal who should be an huge impact in (Michigan) and brilliant freshman class and a host of quality immediate star for the Tigers. Sophs Tray Matthews (Georgia). Seniors transfers, so the Tigers will again be on the prowl and will backstop Robinson, and Jonathan Jones are solid if somewhat erratic in a big way in 2015! though also watch out for heralded true frosh corners, while hard-hitting Johnathan Ford racked Auburn will have a new quarterback this year recruit Kerryon Johnson. up 93 tackles and three interceptions from his as athletic veteran has used up his The O-line gets a huge lift this year from the safety post in 2014. Cornerback Jones led the eligibility after a brilliant run under center. The healthy return of former All-SEC guard Alex team with six pass thefts last season. new #1 here is junior Jeremy Johnson, a big phys- Kozan who missed the entire ‘14 campaign due to GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Tigers ical kid with amazing athletic ability as both a injury. Kozan will pair at guard with rising soph are a definite threat to win the SEC title and runner and passer. As the top backup last year, as incumbent starter Devonte earn a very high national ranking this year. We Johnson completed 28 of 37 passes for 436 yards Danzey was beaten out this spring and relegated still feel Alabama is the team to beat in the SEC and three TDs so he has already shown the ability to second string. Juniors and West, but Auburn should give the Crimson to thrive at this level. We may be out on a limb Avery Young are back to start at tackle and they Tide a serious run for their money! here, but we feel Johnson has a chance to be an are better than they looked last season. At center, 2015 Auburn Schedule even better player than Marshall! Promising red- senior Xavier Dampeer was thought to be a sure shirt freshman Sean White will be the top backup. starter but was beaten out by Ole Miss transfer 9/5 vs. Louisville The Tigers got a big lift at wide receiver when Austin Golson this spring. 9/12 JACKSONVILLE STATE potential superstar D’Haquille Williams decided Three starters return along the defensive line, 9/19 at LSU but none of the three are likely to be Auburn’s best to come back for his senior season rather than join 9/26 MISSISSIPPI STATE D-liner by the end of the ‘15 campaign. That’s fellow star wideout as an early 10/3 SAN JOSE STATE NFL departure. Despite missing three games due because the Tigers welcome back former leading to injury last year, Williams caught a team-high sack artist Carl Lawson who missed all of last 10/15 at Kentucky 45 passes for 730 yards and five TDs. With Coates year with a severe knee injury, plus Auburn has 10/24 at Arkansas and gone, the Tigers will need other also added stellar true frosh blue chipper Byron 10/31 MISSISSIPPI players to step up at wideout including explosive Cowart who might turn out to be an immediate 11/7 at Texas A&M superstar! Lawson will be brought along slowly vet , who a year ago caught a mod- 11/14 GEORGIA est 21 passes for 261 yards and three TDs. Louis because of his damaged knee, plus he might also 11/21 IDAHO is also a major threat on reverses and other gim- see some time at outside linebacker in the new mick plays as he averaged 12.2 yards per carry on defensive scheme led by former Florida head 11/28 ALABAMA 18 “trick” plays in 2014. One of the major sur- coach Will Muschamp. Incumbent ends Davonte 2014 AUBURN RESULTS 2015 AUBURN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 4-9 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 ARKANSAS W -19 45-21 o58 QB Jeremy Johnson (6-5, 240, Jr.) Sean White (6-0, 200, Fr.) S.06 S. JOSE ST. W -33 59-13 o66' RB Jovon Robinson (6-0, 230, Jr.) Roc Thomas (5-10, 205, So.) S.18 Kansas St. L -8' 20-14 u64 WR D’Haquille Williams (6-2, 225, Sr.) Melvin Ray (6-3, 215, Sr.) S.27 LA. TECH L -32' 45-17 o61' WR Ricardo Louis (6-2, 215, Sr.) Tony Stevens (6-4, 205, Jr.) O.04 LSU W -7' 41-7 u57' WR Jason Smith (6-1, 190, Jr.) Stanton Truitt (5-9, 185, Fr.) O.11 Miss. St. L -2' 23-38 u63 WR Marcus Davis (5-9, 180, Jr.) Ryan Davis (5-10, 165, Fr.) O.25 S. CAROLINA L -18' 42-35 o65' TE Kamryn Pettway (6-0, 245, Fr.) Chandler Cox (6-2, 230, Fr.) N.01 Mississippi W +2 35-31 o51' C Austin Golson (6-5, 305, So.) Xavier Dampeer (6-2, 305, Sr.) N.08 TEXAS A&M L -23' 38-41 o69 LG Alex Kozan (6-4, 300, Jr.) Devonte Danzey (6-2, 305, Sr.) N.15 Georgia L +2' 7-34 u70 RG Braden Smith (6-6, 290, So.) Deon Mix (6-4, 305, So.) N.22 SAMFORD L -38 31-7 u59' LT Shon Coleman (6-6, 315, Jr.) Robert Leff (6-6, 290, Jr.) N.29 Alabama L +9' 44-55 o54' RTAvery Young (6-6, 310, Jr.) Will Adams (6-7, 305, Jr.) PK Daniel Carson (6-4, 215, So.) Duncan McKinney (5-11, 180, Sr.) J.01 Wisconsin L -6' 31-34 o64 Defense DE Davonte Lambert (6-3, 285, Sr.) (6-3, 255, Fr.) 2014 Auburn Final Stats DE Gimel President (6-4, 265, Jr.) Carl Lawson (6-2, 260, Jr.) Auburn Opp DT Montavius Adams (6-4, 300, Jr.) (6-2, 285, Jr.) Points per game 36 27 DT Dontavious Russell (6-3, 295, Fr.) Maurice Swain (6-5, 300, Jr.) LB Cassanova McKinzy (6-3, 255, Sr.) Tre Williams (6-2, 240, So.) 1st Downs 314 287 LB Kris Frost (6-2, 240, Sr.) Justin Garrett (6-1, 230, Sr.) Rush Att 607 493 NS Nick Ruffin (6-0, 195, So.) Markell Boston (6-0, 200, Fr.) Rush Yards 3321 2194 NS Johnathan Ford (6-0, 205, Jr.) T.J. Davis (6-0, 200, So.) Avg Rush 5.5 4.5 NS Tray Matthews (6-1, 215, So.) Jordan Colbert (6-2, 205, Fr.) Pass Comp 208 243 CB Jonathan Jones (5-10, 185, Sr.) Carlton Davis (6-2, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 332 421 CB Joshua Holsey (5-11, 200, Sr.) Michael Sherwood (5-9, 170, So.) NB Blake Countess (5-10, 185, Sr.) Tim Irvin (5-8, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 2984 2991 P Daniel Carson (6-4, 215, So.) Ian Shannon (6-4, 190, Fr.) Had Int 7 22 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 485 399

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 21 starter here and he caught 41 balls for 558 yards backer, but the Rebels do have two guys here with SEC West Division #3 and six TDs last year. Solid juniors Derrick Jones huge starting experience in the past in former DE and played well off the bench regular C.J. Johnson and former LB regular in 2014, but they may get skipped over on the Denzel Nkemdiche, who is bouncing back from a MISSISSIPPI pecking order by heralded true frosh blue chip badly broken ankle. The depth at linebacker is a (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 25 prospect DaMarkus Lodge who is good enough to little thinner than you would like to see. COACH: Returning 58 start from day one on campus. The depth of talent The Rebels lose an All-American safety in STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 at wide receiver is quite impressive and the talent Cody Prewitt, but they may have a new superstar Defense 7 parade continues at tight end where junior Evan here in junior Tony Conner who is actually a bet- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #11 Engram is a potential All-American candidate as ter athlete than Prewitt. Conner finished second The Ole Miss Rebels got off to a fantastic start well after a ‘14 campaign that included 38 catch- on the club in tackles last year and he has just and definitely had a “breakthrough” season in es for 662 yards. barely scratched the surface of his full potential. 2014, though things did finish on a huge down There are no proven stars at running back, but The other two returning starters here are solid note when they got absolutely blown off the field Jaylen Walton and did combine seniors and , the latter of by TCU in their bowl game. Head Coach Hugh for just under 1,000 yards rushing a year ago. whom will move from cornerback to safety this Freeze has done a superb job at this school and Walton is a little small to be an every down back, season. And Hilton can move because Ole Miss last year’s win over Alabama was the highest while Wilkins has yet to prove that he can handle has brought in two brilliant JUCO corners in Tony point at Ole Miss in decades. And now armed a full workload despite good size. Pushing for Bridges and Tee Shepard! with 16 returning starters, it appears that Coach playing time here are redshirted JUCO transfer GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The SEC Freeze and his crew are merely a legitimate QB Akeem Judd and redshirt frosh Eugene Brazley. will be as brutal as ever this season, but the away from being a major threat to win the SEC The offensive line was solid last year and Rebels are a serious threat to emerge as the Championship in 2015! should be terrific in 2015 with all five starters team to beat even in a league this good. There Love him or hate him, did make back and several quality players pushing the first are some worries on offense, but the presence things happen under center for this team and his stringers. The best of this crew is All-SEC tackle of a strong blocking unit will help transition to graduation leaves a major hole in the Ole Miss Laremy Tunsil who’ll again pair on the left side a new quarterback. And if Kelly proves passing attack. That said, the Rebels actually with Aaron Morris, while the right side combo up to the task, then this attack could be better scored fewer points in 2014 than they had the pre- will again be solid seniors and Justin than it was a year ago. And there are NO ques- vious season, so it was definitely the defense Bell. Senior vet Ben Still holds over at center, but tions on defense where Ole Miss can match up which carried this club a year ago. There will be a is being pushed by junior Robert Conyers. Sophs with anyone in the country. This could be a Top three-way battle for the #1 QB job this fall, but Rod Taylor and Christian Morris are proven subs, Ten team nationally. assuming he can stay out of trouble off the field plus Ole Miss must make room for stellar true 2015 Mississippi Schedule for a few months, Junior College transfer Chad frosh newcomer . Kelly seems like the easy choice here. Kelly, who While things look really good on offense, the 9/5 TENNESSEE-MARTIN originally signed at Clemson, was once consid- real strength here will again be a defense which is 9/12 FRESNO STATE ered a can’t miss prospect before he endured a fast and explosive. All-American DT Robert 9/19 at Alabama Nkemdiche leads the way up front where the series of problems unrelated to football. If Kelly 9/26 VANDERBILT Rebels are SO deep, that they can afford to move plays up to the potential he showed in high 10/3 at Florida school, the Rebels could actually be a National solid DE regular C.J. Johnson to fill a hole at line- 10/10 NEW MEXICO STATE title contender! If Kelly falters, the other two backer this year. Junior Fadol Brown does return options here are lettermen Ryan Buchanan and at end along with several other solid vets, but the 10/17 at Memphis DeVante Kincade who shared the #2 job in ‘14. real star here is soph Marquis Haynes who was 10/24 TEXAS A&M If he can bounce back from a serious knee fabulous off the bench as a ‘14 frosh with 31 tack- 10/31 at Auburn les with a team-best 7.5 QB sacks. At defensive injury, junior wideout Laquon Treadwell has a 11/7 ARKANSAS real chance at All-American honors this season. In tackle, solid seniors Issac Gross and Woodrow 11/21 LSU just eight games last year, Treadwell caught a Hamilton have been good in the past, but might team-high 48 passes for 632 yards and five TDs. get benched in favor of stellar JUCO D.J. Jones. 11/28 at Mississippi State Steady senior Cody Core is the other returning Technically, both starters are gone at line- 2014 MISSISSIPPI RESULTS 2015 MISSISSIPPI DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 2-10) Offense A.28 Boise St. W -10 35-13 u53 QB (6-3, 220, Jr.) Ryan Buchanan (6-3, 210, So.) S.06 Vanderbilt W -19' 41-3 u49' RB Jaylen Walton (5-8, 170, Sr.) Jordan Wilkins (6-1, 210, So.) S.13 LA.-LAF. W -27' 56-15 o58' WR Laquon Treadwell (6-2, 230, Jr.) Derrick Jones (6-2, 185, Jr.) S.27 MEMPHIS W -20' 24-3 u59 WR Cody Core (6-3, 200, Sr.) Markell Pack (6-3, 185, So.) O.04 ALABAMA W +5' 23-17 u52' WR DaMarkus Lodge (6-2, 190, Fr.) Damoreea Stringfellow (6-3, 230, So.) O.11 Texas A&M W +2' 35-20 u65 WR Quincy Adeboyejo (6-3, 190, Jr.) (6-1, 170, Fr.) O.18 TENNESSEE W -16 34-3 u46' TE Evan Engram (6-3, 230, Jr.) Taz Zettergren (6-3, 230, Jr.) O.25 Lsu L -3' 7-10 u45 C Ben Still (6-3, 300, Sr.) Robert Conyers (6-5, 295, Jr.) N.01 AUBURN L -2 31-35 o51' LG Aaron Morris (6-5, 345, Sr.) Javon Patterson (6-3, 315, Fr.) N.08 PRESBY. L -52 48-0 NL RG Justin Bell (6-3, 350, Sr.) Rod Taylor (6-3, 320, So.) N.22 Arkansas L -3' 0-30 u45' LTLaremy Tunsil (6-5, 305, Jr.) Christian Morris (6-6, 335, So.) N.29 MISS. ST. W +2' 31-17 u50' RT Fahn Cooper (6-5, 315, Sr.) Daronte Bouldin (6-5, 330, So.) PK Gary Wunderlich (6-0, 175, So.) Nathan Noble (6-3, 230, Jr.) D.31 Tcu L +3' 3-42 u55' Defense DE Fadol Brown (6-4, 280, Jr.) Channing Ward (6-4, 275, Sr.) 2014 Mississippi Final Stats DE Marquis Haynes (6-3, 230, So.) John Youngblood (6-3, 250, Jr.) Mississippi Opp DT Robert Nkemdiche (6-5, 285, Jr.) (6-3, 315, Sr.) Points per game 28 16 DT Issac Gross (6-1, 260, Sr.) D.J. Jones (6-2, 310, Jr.) LB C.J. Johnson (6-3, 235, Sr.) Christian Russell (6-0, 235, Sr.) 1st Downs 265 239 LB Denzel Nkemdiche (5-11, 215, Sr.) DeMarquis Gates (6-2, 215, So.) Rush Att 476 513 NS Tony Conner (6-1, 220, Jr.) A.J. Moore (6-1, 190, So.) Rush Yards 2021 1780 NS Mike Hilton (5-9, 185, Sr.) C.J. Hampton (6-0, 195, So.) Avg Rush 4.2 3.5 NS Trae Elston (6-0, 195, Sr.) C.J. Moore (6-0, 190, So.) Pass Comp 258 240 CB Tony Bridges (6-2, 190, Jr.) Kailo Moore (5-10, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 428 402 CB Tee Shepard (6-1, 195, Jr.) Carlos Davis (5-8, 175, Jr.) NB Kendarius Webster (5-11, 170, So.) Chief Brown (6-1, 200, Sr.) Pass Yds 3427 2497 P Will Gleeson (6-3, 190, So.) Gary Wunderlich (6-0, 175, So.) Had Int 15 22 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 419 329

22 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL but he averaged almost 23 yards per grab and certain at defensive tackle where Christian SEC West Division #4 scored five touchdowns as he was one of the most LaCouture and are rock solid explosive players in the SEC. Sophs returning starters, who are backed up by talented and John Diarse also played key roles last year, sophs and Greg Gilmore. LSU combining for 32 receptions as co-starters at the The Tigers have a rising star at middle line- (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 second wideout spot. And adding to the great tal- backer in junior Kendell Beckwith who took over COACH: Returning 48 ent at wide receiver is heralded true frosh blue as the starter at mid-season in ‘14 and totally STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 chipper who will play a lot right solidified the run defense. Beckwith will be Defense 6 away if he can gain eligibility. Massive senior flanked by speedy seniors Lamar Louis and Deion GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #14 Dillon Gordon is an incredible run blocker at tight Jones, with proven depth at linebacker provided LSU hasn’t had many five-loss seasons in the end, but LSU would like to see a pass catcher by solid program vets Duke Riley, Ronnie Feist recent past so the 8-5 record in 2014 did not sit emerge as Gordon’s top backup this year. and Donnie Alexander. The overall speed at line- well with the always rabid Tiger fan base. But if The picture is even prettier at running back backer is very impressive. you are an LSU fan and you’re getting a little where super soph Leonard Fournette is a legit And speaking of impressive, LSU will feature angry at Head Coach Les Miles, you better keep Heisman Trophy candidate if he gets enough car- one of the best defensive backfields in the nation in mind that the Tigers are 112-32 under Miles ries, though that may prove difficult considering this year. All-American candidate TreDavious over the last 11 seasons! And while there are still the depth of talent here! As a true frosh last year, White is the main man at cornerback, but also some holes in the LSU lineup this year, the Tigers Fournette carried the ball 187 times for 1,034 look out for rising soph safety who should definitely be back in the national rankings yards and 10 TDs despite having to split time with picked up 66 tackles off the bench as a ‘14 frosh! in 2015! the now-departed Terrence Magee and Kenny There are several other talented vets here led by Coach Miles has never been one for listening Hilliard who combined for another 1,000-plus senior safety , but two guys to watch to his critics or adhering to conventional wisdom, yards last season! But as great as Fournette is, he out for as breakout stars are soph corner Ed Paris but we have to ask what the HELL he was think- still may have to split time with talented classmate and heralded true freshman Kevin Toliver. ing last year as he went with Anthony Jennings as and explosive true frosh blue GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is his starting quarterback over a far more talented chip recruit Derrius Guice. loaded for sure, especially if Miles stops being true freshman in Brandon Harris. Jennings was Up front, LSU loses All-American tackle Lael stubborn and inserts Harris as the starting QB one of the worst passers in the nation last year as Collins but there’s still an outstanding nucleus this fall. But the SEC is SO tough and it will be he completed 111 of 227 passes (49%) for 1,611 here led by returning starters Jerald Hawkins, really hard for the Tigers to win the SEC West yards and 11 TDs against seven interceptions, Vadal Alexander and . Coach Miles when they have road trips that take them to plus he also averaged a mere 2.7 yards per carry did some major re-working this spring and all Alabama and Ole Miss in November! as a runner and failed to rush for a single touch- three of these guys will be at new positions in 2015 LSU Schedule down! When given a chance, Harris completed 25 2015! For now, Hawkins (LT) and Alexander (RT) of 45 passes for 452 yards and six TDs against will lineup at tackle, while former center regular 9/5 MCNEESE STATE two interceptions, plus he averaged over six yards Pocic will move to left guard. Junior Josh Boutte 9/12 at Mississippi State per carry as he ran for 159 yards on just 26 car- was the star of spring drills and he’ll start at right 9/19 AUBURN guard with promising redshirt frosh William ries. While Miles has not yet named an official 9/26 at Syracuse starter, Harris ran with the first string this spring Clapp lining up at center. There’s also great depth 10/3 EASTERN MICHIGAN and we have to believe that he will be the #1 guy of talent along the offensive line. in 2015 as he’s simply FAR more talented and Even in a so-so year, the LSU defense was 10/10 at South Carolina effective than Jennings. absolutely brilliant in 2014 despite the fact that 10/17 FLORIDA Despite terrible production last year (mostly they did not have the usual stellar pass rush that 10/24 WESTERN KENTUCKY due to Jennings being at QB) the Tigers are actu- the Tigers are known for. There are still pass rush 11/7 at Alabama issues at defensive end where juniors Tashawn ally loaded with talent at wide receiver led by pro- 11/14 ARKANSAS jected starters Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre. Bower and Lewis Neal will try to improve the 11/21 at Mississippi Dural averaged over 20 yards per grab last year as pass rush as the new starters. With so-so returnees he led the club with 37 catches for 758 yards and at defensive end, keep a close eye on talented true 11/28 TEXAS A&M seven TDs. Dupre had just 14 catches last year, frosh recruit . Things are much more 2014 LSU RESULTS 2015 LSU DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 6-6-1 O-U: 5-8) Offense A.30 Wisconsin L -4' 28-24 o49' QB Brandon Harris (6-3, 190, So.) Anthony Jennings (6-2, 220, Jr.) S.06 S. HOUST. ST. W -32 56-0 u66 TB Leonard Fournette (6-1, 230, So.) Darrel Williams (6-0, 230, So.) S.13 LA. MONROE P -31 31-0 u50 FB John David Moore (6-3, 235, So.) David Ducre (5-11, 240, Fr.) S.20 MISS. ST. L -9 29-34 o48' WR Travin Dural (6-2, 200, Jr.) Tyron Johnson (6-0, 185, Fr.) S.27 N. MEXICO ST. W -42' 63-7 o56 WR Malachi Dupre (6-3, 190, So.) Trey Quinn (6-0, 195, So.) O.04 Auburn L +7' 7-41 u57' WR John Diarse (6-1, 210, So.) D.J. Clark (6-2, 185, So.) O.11 Florida W +1 30-27 o46 TE Dillon Gordon (6-5, 295, Sr.) DeSean Smith (6-5, 245, Jr.) O.18 KENT'KY W -10' 41-3 u51 C William Clapp (6-5, 305, Fr.) Andy Dodd (6-4, 325, So.) O.25 MISSISSIPPI W +3' 10-7 u45 LG Ethan Pocic (6-7, 310, Jr.) Garrett Brumfield (6-4, 310, Fr.) N.08 ALABAMA L +6' 13-20 u45' RG Josh Boutte (6-5, 345, Jr.) K.J. Malone (6-4, 300, So.) LT Jerald Hawkins (6-6, 310, Jr.) Toby Weathersby (6-4, 295, Fr.) N.15 Arkansas L +1' 0-17 u47 RTVadal Alexander (6-6, 330, Sr.) Jonah Austin (6-5, 330, Sr.) N.27 Texas A&M W -3 23-17 u51' PK Colby Delahoussaye (5-10, 180, Jr.) Trent Domingue (6-0, 170, Jr.) D.30 Notre Dame L -7' 28-31 o52' Defense DE (6-5, 240, Jr.) Arden Key (6-6, 235, Fr.) 2014 LSU Final Stats DE Lewis Neal (6-2, 260, Jr.) Deondre Clark (6-3, 245, So.) LSU Opp DT Davon Godchaux (6-4, 300, So.) Frank Herron (6-4, 290, So.) Points per game 28 18 DT Christian LaCouture (6-5, 305, Jr.) Greg Gilmore (6-4, 310, So.) LB (6-1, 225, Sr.) Duke Riley (6-1, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 262 202 LB Kendell Beckwith (6-2, 250, Jr.) Ronnie Feist (6-1, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 621 460 LB Lamar Louis (6-0, 230, Sr.) Donnie Alexander (6-1, 215, So.) Rush Yards 2919 1985 FS Jalen Mills (6-1, 200, Sr.) Rickey Jefferson (6-0, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.7 4.3 SS Jamal Adams (6-1, 210, So.) John Battle (6-1, 195, Fr.) Pass Comp 138 199 CB TreDavious White (5-11, 195, Jr.) Dwayne Thomas (6-0, 185, Jr.) Pass Att 276 385 CB Ed Paris (6-1, 205, So.) (6-0, 180, So.) NB Kevin Toliver (6-2, 195, Fr.) Jeremy Cutrer (6-2, 170, Jr.) Pass Yds 2118 2134 P Jamie Keehn (6-4, 220, Sr.) Trent Domingue (6-0, 170, Jr.) Had Int 9 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 388 317

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 23 and Jared Cornelius have more ability than they tackles, two interceptions and two forced fum- SEC West Division #5 have shown thus far. We actually look for Coach bles. Junior Josh Williams was great off the bench Bielema to use more double-tight end formations last year and could prove to be a force at line- as in addition to starter Henry, the Razorbacks backer this season, while sophs Khalia Hackett ARKANSAS also have solid backup TE and and Dwayne Eugene are also very talented. (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 have added two true frosh blue chippers in Will The talent level in the secondary is so good that COACH: Returning 49 Gragg and C.J. O’Grady. returning starting cornerbacks Jared Collins and STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 Perhaps no team in the country can boast a bet- D.J. Dean are struggling to retain first string sta- Defense 6 ter one-two punch at running back than the duo of tus as they were pushed all spring by super soph GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #21 Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, both of Henre Toliver who played extensively off the Year two of the Bret Bielema Era saw major whom topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark in bench as a ‘14 freshman. And the really good progress as Arkansas not only improved from 3-9 2014. Williams led the way with 211 carries for news for Arkansas fans is that none of these three to 7-6, but they looked like a rising powerhouse at 1,190 yards and 12 TDs, while Collins was right top notch cover corners are seniors! At safety, vet times during the 2014 campaign. Sure, there were on his heels with 204 carries for 1,100 yards and Rohan Gaines is a solid proven performer, while a number of narrow losses to quality teams, but 12 TDs of his own! Now you add in powerful full- sophs Josh Liddell and DeAndre Coley look like the Razorbacks also enjoyed some tremendous back Kody Walker and you have the strongest, the next wave of solid safeties here. There are no moments including back-to-back late-season most physical, power running attack in the entire real superstars in this secondary, but this club can shutouts of nationally ranked SEC powers LSU nation! go about nine-deep with quality here. and Ole Miss. Arkansas also finished the year on The offensive line is huge with the smallest GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team a very strong note as they crushed Texas in their starter weighing no less than 315 pounds! Four looks headed for a big year and a potential Top bowl game, sending a signal that this team could starters return, plus soph super sub Frank Ragnow 25 national ranking. The power ground game be headed for BIG things in 2015! will now become a full-time starter after being an is always a winner in today’s pass-happy era One of the biggest factors in last year’s incredible reserve as a ‘14 freshman. There were and Coach Bielema has proven that he has improvement was the play of QB Brandon Allen some position changes this spring as Denver mastered this offense during his days at first who went from perhaps the worst passer in the Kirkland moved outside to left tackle where he’ll Wisconsin and now Arkansas. If the slightly SEC to one of the better signal callers in the con- lineup next to vet , while lanky rebuilt defense proves as good as last year, this ference seemingly overnight. Allen is still not the stays at right tackle next to the afore- club could really make some noise even in the most accurate passer around, but he did complete mentioned Ragnow. Injury-plagued but very tal- powerful SEC West. The problem here is that 190 of 339 tosses (56%) last year for 2,285 yards ented vet Mitch Smothers will handle the snap- the West Division is, top to bottom, the tough- and most importantly 20 TDs against a mere five ping chores. Veteran O-line depth is thin, but there est group in the entire country! interceptions. Soph Austin Allen served as the top are great freshmen waiting in the wings here. 2015 Arkansas Schedule backup a year ago, but his hold on that job is in The defense was extremely improved last sea- severe jeopardy with the arrival of highly-touted son, especially down the stretch when this group 9/5 UTEP true frosh recruit Ty Storey, who broke Nick gave up just four TDs over their final four games. 9/12 TOLEDO Saban’s heart at Alabama by shunning the Juniors JaMichael Winston and Taiwan Johnson 9/19 TEXAS TECH are returning D-line regulars who can serve as Crimson Tide in favor of SEC rival Arkansas! 9/26 TEXAS A&M The Razorbacks have two extremely reliable either huge defensive ends or quick defensive 10/3 at Tennessee targets in the receiving corps in senior wideout tackles depending upon the formation. With some and junior tight end Hunter Henry, key losses up front, Johnson is the team’s return- 10/10 at Alabama the latter of whom has an outside shot at All- ing sack leader with a modest 4.5 QB traps a year 10/24 AUBURN American honors this season if Arkansas decides ago. Classmates Deatrich Wise and Brandon 10/31 TENNESSEE-MARTIN to throw the ball a bit more. Hatcher led the team Lewis look ready for bigger roles this year, as 11/7 at Mississippi does massive soph Bijhon Jackson and JUCO last year with 43 catches for 558 yards and six 11/14 at LSU TDs, while Henry added 37 grabs for 513 yards newcomer Jeremiah Ledbetter. 11/21 MISSISSIPPI STATE and has amazing ball skills for a guy his size. The Two of three starters are gone at linebacker, but rest of the wide receivers were mediocre last year, the talent level here is still extremely high led by 11/28 MISSOURI though the Arkansas coaches feel junior Brooks Ellis who a year ago racked up 72 2014 ARKANSAS RESULTS 2015 ARKANSAS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 10-3 O-U: 5-8) Offense A.30 Auburn L +19 21-45 o58 QB Brandon Allen (6-2, 220, Sr.) Austin Allen (6-1, 210, So.) S.06 NICHOLLS W -41 73-7 o64 RB Jonathan Williams (6-0, 225, Sr.) Alex Collins (5-11, 225, Jr.) S.13 Texas Tech W +1 49-28 o66' FB Kody Walker (6-2, 250, Sr.) Tyler Colquitt (5-10, 240, Fr.) S.20 N. ILLINOIS W -14 52-14 o65' WR Keon Hatcher (6-2, 210, Sr.) Drew Morgan (6-0, 195, Jr.) S.27 Texas A&M W +8' 28-35 u72 WR Cody Hollister (6-4, 210, Jr.) Dominique Reed (6-4, 180, Jr.) O.11 ALABAMA W +9' 13-14 u56 WR Jared Cornelius (5-11, 195, So.) Damon Mitchell (6-2, 215, So.) O.18 GEORGIA L +3' 32-45 o54' TE Hunter Henry (6-6, 250, Jr.) Jeremy Sprinkle (6-6, 245, Jr.) O.25 UAB W -26 45-17 u65 C Mitch Smothers (6-4, 315, Sr.) Zach Rogers (6-1, 315, Fr.) N.01 Miss. St. W +10' 10-17 u59' LG Sebastian Tretola (6-5, 325, Sr.) Austin Beck (6-7, 325, Sr.) N.15 LSU W -1' 17-0 u47 RG Frank Ragnow (6-5, 315, So.) Marcus Danenhauer (6-4, 325, Sr.) LT Denver Kirkland (6-5, 345, Jr.) Jalen Merrick (6-5, 325, Fr.) N.22 MISSISSIPPI W +3' 30-0 u45' RTDan Skipper (6-10, 315, Jr.) Brian Wallace (6-6, 320, Fr.) N.28 Missouri L -2' 14-21 u43' PK Adam McFain (6-0, 180, Jr.) Cole Hedlund (5-10, 170, Fr.) D.29 Texas W -7 31-7 u44' Defense DE JaMichael Winston (6-5, 275, Jr.) Brandon Lewis (6-4, 275, Jr.) 2014 Arkansas Final Stats DE Deatrich Wise (6-5, 275, Jr.) Tevin Beanum (6-4, 275, So.) Arkansas Opp DT Taiwan Johnson (6-2, 275, Jr.) Jeremiah Ledbetter (6-3, 275, Jr.) Points per game 32 19 DT Bijhon Jackson (6-2, 325, So.) DeMarcus Hodge (6-1, 340, Sr.) LB Josh Williams (6-1, 245, Jr.) Dwayne Eugene (6-1, 240, So.) 1st Downs 288 225 LB Brooks Ellis (6-2, 240, Jr.) Josh Harris (5-10, 225, Fr.) Rush Att 557 429 LB Khalia Hackett (6-2, 235, So.) (6-4, 225, So.) Rush Yards 2834 1490 FS Josh Liddell (6-1, 210, So.) Davyon McKinney (6-1, 210, Sr.) Avg Rush 5.1 3.5 SS Rohan Gaines (5-11, 195, Sr.) DeAndre Coley (6-1, 205, So.) Pass Comp 199 217 CB D.J. Dean (5-11, 200, Jr.) Cornelius Floyd (6-1, 175, So.) Pass Att 359 392 CB Jared Collins (5-11, 175, Jr.) Kevin Richardson (6-0, 165, So.) NB Henre Toliver (6-1, 190, So.) Santos Ramirez (6-2, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 2444 2714 P Toby Baker (6-3, 205, Jr.) Austin McGehee (6-1, 205, Fr.) Had Int 6 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 406 323

24 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL terrific as true freshmen, combining for 95 recep- Henderson. SEC West Division #6 tions and nine touchdowns! While both Seals- The Aggies had problems at linebacker last Jones and Noil look to be future stars, the most season, especially in the middle where three dif- talented wideout on the roster may turn out to be ferent starters all failed to get the job done. The TEXAS A&M true frosh blue chipper Christian Kirk, a 5-Star hope this year is that promising soph Josh Walker (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 gem who is the #3 rated true frosh wideout in the can step up his game in the middle, while Otaro COACH: Kevin Sumlin Returning 53 nation this fall. Juniors Edward Pope and Boone Alaka and Shaan Washington will again be the STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Niederhofer combined for another 59 catches a starters on the outside. Of this crew, Washington Defense 8 year ago, plus the Aggies also add talented JUCO was really the only one to pull his weight in ‘14 GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #28 transfer Damion Ratley. There’s so much talent with 64 tackles and two sacks. Two new faces to There were definitely some bumps in the road here that the tight end spot will likely be de- watch out for are true freshman Richard Moore in the first year of the post-Johnny Manziel Era, emphasized in favor of four-wideout formations. and JUCO transfer Claude George. but when the dust cleared, the Aggies had still When the Aggies do use a TE, it will likely be her- The secondary held opponents to modest pass- won eight games including a bowl win over a alded true frosh Jordan Davis. ing stats last year but picked off just five passes solid West Virginia squad. It is not easy to win The Aggies like to alternate their running backs which is unacceptable for a team of this caliber. consistently in the SEC, but Head Coach Kevin but this could change a bit this year with the early Senior corner DeVante Harris is the leader here Sumlin has done an excellent job at this school NFL exit of and the possible move and he’ll get nice support from fellow CBs like and Texas A&M is now firmly back on the nation- of incumbent starter Brandon Williams to defen- Victor Davis and Devonta Burns. At safety, sophs al scene as a legitimate college football power. sive back. The leading rusher last year was actu- and Donovan Wilson were expect- Coach Sumlin shocked us last year when he ally Tra Carson who ran for 581 yards and five ed to be the starters but they got a major run for opened the season with Kenny Hill as his starting TDs coming off the bench. Soph James White and their money this spring from the arrival of talent- QB rather than true frosh blue chipper . true freshman Kendall Bussey could also be in ed JUCO newcomer Justin Evans. And Sumlin looked like a genius when Hill tore line for significant playing time this season. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The SEC apart South Carolina to start the season, but the Up front, the Aggies lose All-American Cedric will again be absolutely brutal, but Texas A&M talented but erratic Hill eventually fell apart and Ogbuehi, but do bring back a trio of solid starters will hold its own in most situations. The gave way to Allen. While Hill passed for over led by underrated senior center Mike Matthews. improved defense will help a lot and the pass- 2,600 yards last year, he wisely opted to transfer Also back is the talented right side combo of ing game will be fantastic. We can’t see the as he would have never beaten out Allen for the Germain Ifedi and Joseph Cheek, while the left Aggies knocking Alabama from the top spot in starting role. As a raw true frosh, Allen completed side of the line will apparently feature redshirted the SEC West, but they do get the Crimson 118 of 192 passes (62%) for 1,322 yards and 16 JUCO transfers Jeremiah Stuckey and Avery Tide and Auburn at home this year! TDs against seven interceptions. This kid has a Gennesy as Coach Sumlin will be rewarded for 2015 Texas A&M Schedule brilliant future for the Aggies and he should even- showing patience and not burning these guys red- tually develop into an NFL starter as he truly has shirts a year ago. The O-line depth is suspect as 9/5 vs. Arizona State all the tools. With Hill gone, the backup job is up several freshmen may play right away. 9/12 BALL STATE for grabs but if Allen were to ever get hurt, we As has always been the case during the Sumlin 9/19 NEVADA Era, the defense is behind the offense but this believe the Aggies would turn to athletic blue chip 9/26 vs. Arkansas true frosh recruit Kyler Murray who lacks Allen’s could turn out to be a much improved unit in 10/3 MISSISSIPPI STATE ideal height and arm, but has the speed and ath- 2015. Eight starters return including all four along letic ability to make a major impact. the D-line as the Aggies have a rising superstar in 10/17 ALABAMA The Aggies have an embarrassment of riches at soph end Myles Garrett. As a ‘14 frosh, Garrett 10/24 at Mississippi the wide receiver position as they can lose leading racked up 53 tackles, 14 hits for minus yardage 10/31 SOUTH CAROLINA pass catcher Malcome Kennedy and still lay claim and 11.5 QB sacks as he looks like a surefire All- 11/7 AUBURN American before he leaves Texas A&M. Vets to having one of the nation’s very best group of 11/14 WESTERN CAROLINA receivers. Former JUCO transfer Josh Reynolds Julien Obioha and will work on the 11/21 at Vanderbilt was a star in his first season here as he caught 52 flanks along with Garrett, while the two DT posts balls for 842 yards and a whopping 13 TDs, while will again be divided up between the trio of 11/28 at LSU sophs Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil were Hardreck Walker, Alonzo Williams and Zaycoven 2014 TEXAS A&M RESULTS 2015 TEXAS A&M DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.28 S. Carol. W +10' 52-28 o60 QB Kyle Allen (6-3, 210, So.) Kyler Murray (5-11, 170, Fr.) S.06 LAMAR W -45' 73-3 u76' RB Tra Carson (6-0, 240, Sr.) Brandon Williams (6-0, 205, Sr.) S.13 RICE L -31' 38-10 u71 WR Josh Reynolds (6-4, 190, Jr.) Christian Kirk (5-11, 190, Fr.) S.20 Smu W -34 58-6 o59 WR Ricky Seals-Jones (6-5, 235, So.) Damion Ratley (6-1, 190, So.) S.27 Arkansas L -8' 35-28 u72 WR Speedy Noil (5-11, 190, So.) Boone Niederhofer (6-0, 210, Jr.) O.04 Miss. St. L +2' 31-48 o72' WR Edward Pope (6-4, 180, Jr.) Sabian Holmes (5-11, 175, Sr.) O.11 MISSISSIPPI L -2' 20-35 u65 TE Jordan Davis (6-4, 255, Fr.) (6-6, 240, Sr.) O.18 Alabama L +13 0-59 u63 C Mike Matthews (6-3, 290, Sr.) Eric McCoy (6-3, 305, Fr.) N.01 LA. MONROE L -33 21-16 u62 LG Jeremiah Stuckey (6-4, 300, Jr.) (6-5, 305, Fr.) N.08 Auburn W +23' 41-38 o69 RG Joseph Cheek (6-7, 315, Sr.) (6-4, 315, Jr.) N.15 MISSOURI L -4 27-34 o55' LT Avery Gennesy (6-5, 305, Jr.) Koda Martin (6-6, 305, Fr.) N.27 LSU L +3 17-23 u51' RTGermain Ifedi (6-5, 325, Jr.) Ryan Lindblade (6-7, 310, Jr.) PK (5-9, 190, Sr.) Daniel LaCamera (6-4, 225, Fr.) D.29 W. Virginia W +3' 45-37 o67 Defense DE Julien Obioha (6-4, 270, Sr.) Daeshon Hall (6-6, 260, Jr.) 2014 Texas A&M Final Stats DE Myles Garrett (6-5, 260, So.) Jarrett Johnson (6-3, 255, So.) Texas A&M Opp DT Alonzo Williams (6-4, 305, Sr.) Zaycoven Henderson (6-1, 295, So.) Points per game 35 28 DT Hardreck Walker (6-2, 300, Jr.) DeShawn Washington (6-3, 285, Fr.) LB Shaan Washington (6-3, 235, Jr.) Richard Moore (6-1, 215, Fr.) 1st Downs 300 302 LB Josh Walker (6-1, 235, So.) A.J. Hilliard (6-2, 245, Jr.) Rush Att 421 561 LB Otaro Alaka (6-3, 235, So.) Claude George (6-2, 240, Jr.) Rush Yards 1949 2808 FS Justin Evans (6-1, 195, So.) Donovan Wilson (6-1, 205, So.) Avg Rush 4.6 5.0 SS Armani Watts (5-11, 195, So.) Justin Dunning (6-3, 195, Fr.) Pass Comp 332 242 CB DeVante Harris (5-11, 190, Sr.) Nick Harvey (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Att 514 431 CB Victor Davis (6-0, 195, So.) Alex Sezer (5-9, 180, Jr.) NB Devonta Burns (6-0, 215, Sr.) Noel Ellis (5-10, 185, So.) Pass Yds 3971 3052 P Drew Kaser (6-3, 210, Sr.) Shane Tripucka (6-3, 215, So.) Had Int 15 5 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 455 451

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 25 TDs, while returning lettermen Fred Brown and Fletcher Adams. SEC West Division #7 Joe Morrow were also extremely productive in Two starters are gone at linebacker, but the reserve roles in ‘14 as they combined for another Bulldogs still have two potential all-leaguers here 35 catches and six scores. Also battling for play- in versatile Beniquez Brown and fellow junior MISS. STATE ing time in a deep and talented wideout corps are Richie Brown, who are not related. Beniquez is a (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 soph Gabe Myles and highly-regarded JUCO major athlete who can truly do it all, while the COACH: Dan Mullen Returning 45 transfer Donald Gray. The vacant tight end role hard-working Richie was dynamite off the bench STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 will be shared by blocker Darrion Hutcherson and last year with 50 tackles and three interceptions Defense 3 pass catcher Gus Walley. despite his backup status! The rest of the LB corps GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #32 Leading ball carrier Josh “Bowling Ball” is filled with fast athletes, though there’s not a lot The Bulldogs were media darlings for most of Robinson left early for the NFL, but the Dogs are of experience beyond the Browns. the 2014 campaign as the SEC sycophants at still in good shape here with the return of no fewer The Bulldogs will feature one of the best CB ESPN fell in love with QB Dak Prescott and the than four potential starters. We prefer bruising tandems in the country as seniors Taveze Calhoun Bulldogs during a stunning 9-0 start that left Ashton Shumpert over scatback Brandon and are both fast, pure cover guys Mississippi State as the #1 team in the nation for Holloway, but both were nice contributors off the with great ball skills. Calhoun was a starter last a brief time. But the season finished on a down bench in ‘14 when they combined for 568 yards. year, but may be overshadowed this year by note as the Bulldogs were beaten in November by Coach Mullen will also take a very long look at Redmond who was amazing off the bench as the SEC rivals Alabama and Ole Miss, then this team talented redshirt freshmen Dontavian Lee and nickel man last season. There’s also great depth at was completely exposed in an Orange Bowl loss Aeris Williams. cornerback led by Tolando Cleveland and Cedric to Georgia Tech where it was discovered that The graduation losses were heavy up front Jiles, but there are worries at safety where the Mississippi State could not stop the run! And now where three excellent starters and a key sub have returning lettermen are somewhat suspect. Coach Dan Mullen heads into 2015 minus well departed. Coach Mullen will rebuild around GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: There is no over half of his starting lineup as the SEC powers returning regulars Justin Malone (LG) and Justin doubt that Mississippi State will be weaker lineup for their revenge on the Bulldogs! Senior (RT), a pair of solid but unspectacular per- than it was a year ago, but the real question Brainwashed by ESPN, many college football formers. Junior Devon Desper definitely takes will be how much weaker. Despite massive loss- observers were surprised when Bulldog QB Dak over at right guard, while the new center looks to es we feel this team should have enough to put Prescott decided to return for his senior season in be junior Jamaal Clayborn. The big mystery will off a complete collapse and earn a sixth con- 2015. They should NOT have been surprised. be at left tackle where senior vet Rufus Warren secutive bowl invite even against a brutal SEC This kid is a great athlete and a tremendous col- will try to hold off highly-regarded JUCO transfer schedule. However, another high national lege quarterback, but he likely has little or no . The depth here is lightly tested, ranking may be out of reach in 2015. future at the NFL level. Still, he’s a bonafide star but promising nonetheless. 2015 Mississippi State Schedule at this level and in ‘14 he completed 244 of 396 Eight starters were lost on the defensive side of passes (62%) for 3,449 yards and 27 TDs against the ball, though the depth of talent here should 9/5 at Southern Miss 11 interceptions. But Prescott’s greatest talent lies prevent a total collapse in 2015. Up front, senior 9/12 LSU in his running ability as he also ran the ball 210 end Ryan Brown is the lone returning first 9/19 NORTHWESTERN ST. stringer, though it should be noted that junior times for 986 yards and 14 more scores a year 9/26 at Auburn ago! Vet Damian Williams is a promising backup, was a Freshman All-American two 10/3 at Texas A&M but he could end up losing his job to highly-tout- years ago and may be the most talented defender ed redshirt freshman Nick Fitzgerald. on this roster when his head is screwed on right. 10/10 TROY Even with the loss of two starters, the talent Jones has the raw talent to dominate, but he has 10/17 LOUISIANA TECH level at wide receiver is above average even by yet to prove that he can put forth a consistent 10/24 KENTUCKY ultra-tough SEC standards. All-SEC contender effort. Juniors A.J. Jefferson, Nelson Adams and 11/5 at Missouri Nick James all played well off the bench in ‘14 DeRunnya Wilson is the main man here and he’s 11/14 ALABAMA coming off a breakout season in which he caught and look ready for much larger roles this time 11/21 at Arkansas 47 passes for 680 yards and nine touchdowns. around. New faces to watch out for up front Junior Fred Ross was brilliant off the bench last include JUCO transfer Will Coleman, redshirt 11/28 MISSISSIPPI year with 30 receptions for 489 yards and five frosh Cory Thomas and true frosh newcomer 2014 MISSISSIPPI STATE RESULTS 2015 MISSISSIPPI STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 SO. MISS W -30 49-0 u57 QB Dak Prescott (6-2, 235, Sr.) Damian Williams (6-1, 225, Jr.) S.06 UAB L -28 47-34 o57' RB Ashton Shumpert (6-2, 220, Jr.) Brandon Holloway (5-8, 165, Jr.) S.13 S. Alabama W -14 35-3 u54 WR DeRunnya Wilson (6-5, 225, Jr.) Joe Morrow (6-4, 210, Sr.) S.20 Lsu W +9 34-29 o48' WR Fred Ross (6-2, 205, Jr.) Gabe Myles (6-0, 195, So.) O.04 TEXAS A&M W -2' 48-31 o72' WR Donald Gray (5-10, 190, Jr.) Malik Dear (5-8, 215, Fr.) O.11 AUBURN W +2' 38-23 u63 WR Fred Brown (6-1, 190, Jr.) Justin Johnson (6-4, 220, Fr.) O.25 Kentucky L -14' 45-31 o59 TE Darrion Hutcherson (6-7, 260, Sr.) Gus Walley (6-4, 240, Jr.) N.01 ARKANSAS L -10' 17-10 u59' C Jamaal Clayborn (6-4, 320, Jr.) Jocquell Johnson (6-4, 300, Jr.) N.08 UT MARTIN L -43 45-16 o57' LG Justin Malone (6-7, 320, Sr.) Kent Flowers (6-5, 300, So.) N.15 Alabama W +9' 20-25 u54' RG Devon Desper (6-3, 300, Jr.) Deion Calhoun (6-3, 325, Fr.) N.22 VANDERBILT W -30' 51-0 u55' LT Rufus Warren (6-7, 295, Sr.) Cole Carter (6-6, 295, Jr.) N.29 Mississippi L -2' 17-31 u50' RT Justin Senior (6-5, 300, Jr.) Martinas Rankin (6-4, 300, Jr.) D.31 Georgia Tech L -6' 34-49 o61' PK Westin Graves (6-0, 165, So.) Devon Bell (6-2, 185, Sr.) Defense DE Ryan Brown (6-6, 265, Sr.) Will Coleman (6-5, 250, Jr.) 2014 Mississippi State Final Stats DE A.J. Jefferson (6-3, 270, Jr.) Torrey Dale (6-6, 255, Jr.) Miss. State Opp DT Chris Jones (6-5, 310, Jr.) Nick James (6-5, 325, Jr.) Points per game 37 22 DT Nelson Adams (6-3, 300, Jr.) Cory Thomas (6-5, 300, Fr.) LB Beniquez Brown (6-1, 235, Jr.) J.T. Gray (6-0, 205, So.) 1st Downs 334 268 LB Richie Brown (6-2, 235, Jr.) (6-4, 240, Fr.) Rush Att 578 472 LB Zach Jackson (6-2, 215, Sr.) Dezmond Harris (6-4, 235, So.) Rush Yards 3030 1970 FS Deontay Evans (5-10, 205, Jr.) Kendrick Market (5-10, 190, Sr.) Avg Rush 5.2 4.2 SS Kivon Coman (6-3, 200, Jr.) Brandon Bryant (5-11, 200, Fr.) Pass Comp 261 264 CB Taveze Calhoun (6-1, 185, Sr.) Cedric Jiles (5-10, 185, Jr.) Pass Att 423 505 CB Will Redmond (6-0, 185, Sr.) Jamoral Graham (5-10, 170, So.) NB Tolando Cleveland (6-0, 180, Jr.) Jamal Peters (6-3, 200, Fr.) Pass Yds 3649 3547 P Devon Bell (6-2, 185, Sr.) (6-5, 210, So.) Had Int 12 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 514 424

26 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Derek Keaton figure to assume the two vacant are also very high on backup linebackers Ken Sun Belt Conference #1 starting roles with wideout depth provided by let- Butler and Patrick Flowe. ter winners Ryan Longoria, Kameron Maye and In the secondary, senior safeties Matt Dobson Keigan Williams. With incumbent tight end regu- and Antonio Glover are again the guys who will GA. SOUTHERN lar Jeff Ward moving to the offensive line, the set the pace, but there are some minor concerns at (9-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 25 new starter here looks to be senior vet Nardo cornerback where the lone returning regular is COACH: Willie Fritz Returning 58 Govan who was actually the starter in 2013. junior Darius Jones. Dobson picked up 62 tackles STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 Georgia Southern may have the two best run- and tied for the team lead with three interceptions Defense 8 ning backs in the Sun Belt in the duo of Matt a season ago, while Glover added 61 stops and GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #74 Breida and L.A. Ramsby, who a year ago com- two pass thefts. Senior Tay Hicklin will take over Head Coach Willie Fritz did a truly amazing bined for almost 2,200 yards rushing and 29 at the nickel safety position, with depth at safety job in his first season at the Georgia Southern touchdowns! Breida was simply awesome last coming from lettermen like Robert Brice, Vegas helm as this team not only racked up a 9-3 record year as he carried the ball 171 times for 1,485 Harley and Steve Williams. On the corners, Jones overall in its first year of FBS competition, but yards and 17 TDs, averaging nearly NINE yards was barely adequate a year ago and Coach Fritz also “ran the table” in its new conference as the per attempt, while the more physical Ramsby will need to find him a new starting CB partner Eagles posted an 8-0 record against Sun Belt foes! blasted his way to another 691 yards and 12 more from a group which includes Rayquan Sam, Caleb But while Georgia Southern was recognized as scores. This duo is simply terrific! Williams and Darrius White. Several redshirt the League Champions, they were still ineligible There are some worries along the O-line where freshmen and true frosh recruits will also get a to play in a bowl game under yet another moron- four starters are gone and things looked so daunt- look in the secondary, the best of whom appear to ic ruling by the NCAA. But no matter as this ing in the spring that Coach Fritz moved incum- be true freshmen NaQuan Howard, Joshua Moon school demonstrated that it is ready to emerge as bent TE regular Jeff Ward over to a guard spot. and Jessie Liptrot. the dominant power in the Sun Belt. How good Ward will likely pair at guard with incumbent GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: There are was this team a year ago? Of their three losses, starter Darien Foreman, though UAB transfer some moderate worries along the offensive one came by ONE point to ACC squad N.C. State Roscoe Byrd might also push his way into the line, but even with those concerns this team and another came by four points to ACC power starting lineup come September. Junior Andy looks like they have a good chance to repeat as Georgia Tech. Only Navy with their similar Kwon should be solid in the middle, while the Sun Belt champs. The Eagles have two brilliant offense beat up on the Eagles a year ago. new OT regulars look to be senior Maurice Hunt quarterbacks and two amazing running backs, Back to run the Spread Option attack is speedy and redshirt freshman Christian Taylor. There are plus the defense should be every bit as good as quarterback Kevin Ellison who was absolutely massive concerns about the depth here. it was a year ago. Georgia Southern should go fabulous in 2014. Ellison directed a ground attack There are no superstars on the defensive front bowling in 2015! which led the entire nation with 381 yards per wall, but all four starters and four key subs return 2015 Georgia Southern Schedule game on the ground, as he carried the ball 172 so the Eagles can do eight-deep with decent play- times himself for 1,096 yards and 12 TDs. And ers in this area. Six of the eight players scored at 9/5 at West Virginia while he’s best known for his running skills, least two sacks a year ago led by ends Bernard 9/12 WESTERN MICHIGAN Ellison also completed 71 of 128 passes (56%) for Dawson and Ryan George with 3.5 QB traps each. 9/19 THE CITADEL Junior Jay Ellison keys the run defense as he 1,001 yards and five TDs against three intercep- 9/26 at Idaho tions. Junior Favian Upshaw is a talented backup brings some badly needed size to an otherwise 10/3 at Louisiana-Monroe who ran for another 385 yards off the bench last small but quick defensive line. Look for DE season while also completing 19 of 27 passes for Dawson to emerge as a key guy this season. 10/17 NEW MEXICO STATE 285 yards. If the rebuilt blocking corps holds up, The Eagles use just two linebackers in their 10/22 at Appalachian State Ellison and Upshaw could again put up some real- base defense and one of them does return in phys- 10/29 TEXAS STATE ly crazy numbers. ical senior Antwione Williams, who a year ago 11/14 at Troy racked up 65 tackles and three sacks. While Two of three starters are gone at wide receiver, 11/21 at Georgia but leading pass catcher B.J. Johnson does return Williams has again clinched one starting role, the 11/28 SOUTH ALABAMA and he’s also a superb run blocker on the outside. other LB job is still being fought over by promis- Ayear ago, Johnson caught 23 balls for 312 yards ing soph Chris DeLaRosa and undersized but 12/5 GEORGIA STATE and three TDs. Lettermen and solid vet Deshawntee Gallon. The GSU coaches 2014 GEORGIA SOUTHERN RESULTS 2015 GEORGIA SOUTHERN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-3 PSR: 7-5 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 N. Car. St. W +20' 23-24 u56' QB Kevin Ellison (6-0, 190, Jr.) Favian Upshaw (6-1, 170, Jr.) S.06 SAVANNAH ST. W -40' 83-9 o66 RB (5-10, 185, Jr.) L.A. Ramsby (5-11, 210, So.) S.13 Georgia Tech W +17 38-42 o54 HB James Dean (6-1, 225, Sr.) J.L. Banks (6-3, 230, Fr.) S.20 S. Alabama W -2' 28-6 u59 WR B.J. Johnson (6-1, 210, Sr.) Keigan Williams (6-1, 195, Jr.) WR Montay Crockett (6-0, 180, Jr.) Kameron Maye (6-0, 175, So.) S.25 APP. ST. W -17' 34-14 u61 WR Derek Keaton (5-10, 180, Sr.) Ryan Longoria (6-2, 195, Jr.) O.04 N. Mexico St. L -18 36-28 o63 TE Nardo Govan (6-2, 250, Sr.) Cody Rediger (6-2, 240, Sr.) O.11 IDAHO L -24 47-24 o65' C Andy Kwon (6-2, 295, Jr.) Jeremiah Culbreth (6-3, 290, Fr.) O.25 Ga. St. W -17' 69-31 o68 LG Darien Foreman (6-2, 305, Sr.) Trayvon Williams (6-2, 325, Fr.) O.30 TROY W -24 42-10 u61' RG Jeff Ward (6-0, 280, Sr.) Roscoe Byrd (6-3, 320, Sr.) N.08 Texas St. L -13 28-25 u61' LT Maurice Hunt (6-1, 290, Sr.) Max Magana (6-6, 290, Jr.) N.15 Navy L +3 19-52 o62 RT Christian Taylor (6-5, 340, Fr.) Jeremiah Theus (6-5, 280, Fr.) PK Alex Hanks (5-9, 185, Sr.) Young Koo (5-10, 190, Jr.) N.29 LA. MONROE L -14' 22-16 u54 Defense DE Bernard Dawson (6-1, 250, Jr.) Ryan George (6-1, 245, So.) 2014 Georgia Southern Final Stats DE Lennie Richardson (6-1, 255, Sr.) Quaun Daniels (6-1, 235, Sr.) Ga. Sou. Opp DT Jay Ellison (6-1, 305, Jr.) Darrius Sapp (6-1, 320, So.) Points per game 39 23 DT Jamal Johnson (6-2, 255, Jr.) Jonathan Battle (6-1, 285, Sr.) LB Chris DeLaRosa (6-1, 225, So.) Deshawntee Gallon (5-9, 210, Sr.) 1st Downs 260 254 LB Antwione Williams (6-3, 245, Sr.) Patrick Flowe (6-1, 220, Sr.) Rush Att 642 432 NS Matt Dobson (6-2, 200, Sr.) Vegas Harley (5-11, 185, Jr.) Rush Yards 4573 1844 NS Antonio Glover (6-1, 195, Sr.) Robert Brice (5-11, 185, Jr.) Avg Rush 7.1 4.3 NS Tay Hicklin (5-11, 190, Sr.) Steve Williams (6-2, 210, Sr.) Pass Comp 90 244 CB Darius Jones (5-9, 190, Jr.) Darrius White (5-11, 185, Sr.) Pass Att 155 417 CB Rayquan Sam (5-9, 180, Sr.) NaQuan Howard (6-1, 180, Fr.) NB Caleb Williams (5-9, 170, Sr.) Jessie Liptrot (6-0, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 1286 2813 P Ryan Nowicki (6-1, 200, Sr.) Kevin Ellison (6-0, 190, Jr.) Had Int 4 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 488 388

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 27 Booker Mays was also very productive off the backer as all of the key guys are basically blown Sun Belt Conference #2 bench with 20 catches for 325 yards and four up safeties pretending to be linebackers. The best more TDs, while further solid depth comes from of this group is Xavier Woodson who posted 95 guys like Tyler Trosin and Blake Mack. Two new tackles and four sacks a year ago, while the other ARKANSAS ST. faces who could see action at wideout are true key players in this area include lettermen Austin (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 frosh recruits Darveon Brown and Omar Bayless. Copeland, Quanterio Heath and Ben Gallagher. COACH: Blake Anderson Returning 53 This club has also a fairly productive veteran tight If Arkansas State suffers a worse than expected STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 end in Darion Griswold, who in ‘14 caught a fate in 2015, it will probably be because the Defense 5 modest 18 passes, but did score four touchdowns. rebuilt secondary got lit up like a Christmas Tree! GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #85 Arkansas State also ran the ball extremely well The five-man unit was decimated by graduation Arkansas State will finally have the same head last year and welcome back a standout running as the lone returning regular here is junior safety coach for a second consecutive season as Blake back in Michael Gordon, who a season ago car- Money Hunter who is not exactly a star for this Anderson did not use the school as a springboard ried the ball 159 times for 1,100 yards and 13 club. Lettermen Charleston Girley and Sterling to a bigger and better job like the three guys who TDs, averaging a nifty 6.9 yards per attempt. And Wright are the early favorites to claim the other preceded him as the top man here. That’s the good the talent parade continues behind Gordon with two safety roles, but things looked totally up for news for ASU fans along with the fact that this explosive soph Johnston White who as a ‘14 frosh grabs in spring practice so anything could happen school has now put together five straight winning came off the bench to rush for 514 yards and six here. At cornerback, lettermen Rocky Hayes and seasons and has become one of the few consistent TDs. Further RB depth comes from soph letter- Blaise Taylor were working with the first unit this winners in the Sun Belt Conference. Now if men Terrance Hollingsworth and Brandon Byner. spring, but several other players were get a look Coach Anderson can clean up some problems on Up front, Coach Anderson has a couple holes here including highly-regarded JUCO transfer the defensive side of the football, the Red Wolves to fill at center and right guard, plus there are no Cody Brown. This unit looks VERY shaky. have a legitimate chance to be conference champs senior starters returning so this group won’t be the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Red in 2015. most veteran around. Juniors Colton Jackson and Wolves will again score a ton of points as nine There was some worry at quarterback heading Jemar Clark are the most experienced players starters are back from a unit which churned into the 2014 campaign, but that situation cleared from their OT positions, while the other returning out an impressive 37 points per contest in 2014. up quickly and nicely as little-used vet Fredi regular is soph guard Devin Mondie. It looks like This attack can run and pass with equal poten- Knighten quickly established himself as the #1 senior tackle Kyle Harris has moved to center and cy and will likely overwhelm many Sun Belt guy. Knighten lacks ideal height and arm strength, will be the new starter in the middle, while the Conference foes. Unfortunately, the back seven but he somehow managed to complete 269 of 432 other guard post will go to either Austin Moreton of this defense looks to be really soft which passes (62%) last year for 3,277 yards and 24 TDs or Steven Stevens. could prevent a league title in 2015. against just seven interceptions. And Knighten is The defense was very definitely a notch below 2015 Arkansas State Schedule also a major threat with his legs as he also ran for the offense last season and that will again be the 779 yards and 11 TDs on the ground! While he case in 2015 with the loss of six starters. The big 9/5 at Southern Cal takes a few too many sacks and still has trouble worry is in the secondary as the defensive line 9/12 MISSOURI with the deep ball, Knighten is now a very, very looks to be fairly solid, especially on the outside 9/19 MISSOURI STATE where senior Chris Stone and sophomore JaVon good quarterback by Sun Belt standards. Soph 9/26 at Toledo Cameron Birse will try to fight off true freshman Rolland-Jones form a potent combo. Stone was a 10/3 IDAHO D.J. Pearson for the top backup QB job. known commodity last year who did not disap- The Red Wolves bring back all three starting point with 48 tackles and 7.5 QB sacks, but the 10/13 at South Alabama wide receivers, plus several key reserves at a posi- surprise standout was Rolland-Jones who racked 10/20 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE tion which definitely stacks up as a team strength. up team-highs in both sacks (eight) and hits for 10/31 GEORGIA STATE The key guys here are seniors Tres Houston and negative yardage (12). Soph Chuks Ota is a 11/5 at Appalachian State promising returning starter in the middle and his J.D. McKissic who a year ago combined for 105 11/14 at Louisiana-Monroe receptions, but a modest four TDs. Promising new DT partner this year figures to be junior 11/28 at New Mexico State soph Dijon Paschal was the other starter as a ‘14 Darius Rosser, but also watch out for massive frosh and he was more explosive with 37 catches JUCO transfer Waylon Roberson. 12/5 TEXAS STATE for 642 yards and four scores of his own. Junior The Red Wolves are badly undersized at line- 2014 ARKANSAS STATE RESULTS 2015 ARKANSAS STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 MONT. ST. W -11' 37-10 u54' QB Fredi Knighten (5-11, 190, Sr.) Cameron Birse (6-2, 215, So.) S.06 Tennessee W +16' 19-34 u58' RB Michael Gordon (5-9, 190, Sr.) Johnston White (5-11, 180, So.) S.13 Miami-Florida L +16 20-41 o52' WR Tres Houston (6-2, 190, Sr.) Tyler Trosin (5-11, 180, Sr.) S.20 UTAH ST. W -2' 21-14 u49' WR J.D. McKissic (5-11, 195, Sr.) Blake Mack (6-3, 200, So.) O.04 LA. MON. W -12 28-14 u51' WR Dijon Paschal (6-1, 200, So.) Darveon Brown (5-11, 180, Fr.) O.11 Ga. St. W -10' 52-10 u64 WR Booker Mays (5-10, 170, Jr.) Omar Bayless (6-3, 190, Fr.) O.21 La.-Lafayete L -2' 40-55 o57 TE Darion Griswold (6-5, 265, Sr.) Warren Leaphart (6-5, 245, Jr.) N.01 Idaho L -17 44-28 o66 C Kyle Harris (6-4, 285, Sr.) Daniel Keith (6-2, 275, So.) N.08 S. ALABAMA W -11 45-10 o52 LG Devin Mondie (6-5, 295, So.) Jhamahl Bell (6-3, 295, Fr.) N.15 APP. ST. L -14' 32-37 o62' RG Austin Moreton (6-1, 320, Jr.) Steven Stevens (6-4, 300, Sr.) N.20 Texas St. L -6' 27-45 o58 LT Jemar Clark (6-6, 305, Jr.) Christian Beard (6-4, 270, Fr.) N.29 N. MEX. ST. W -23' 68-35 o66 RTColton Jackson (6-4, 280, Jr.) Joseph Bacchus (6-5, 285, Jr.) PK Luke Ferguson (6-0, 210, Sr.) Dallas Kepler (6-0, 195, Fr.) J.04 Toledo L +3' 44-63 o68' Defense DE Chris Stone (6-3, 255, Sr.) Carderious Dean (6-3, 240, Sr.) 2014 Arkansas State Final Stats DE JaVon Rolland-Jones (6-2, 230, So.) (6-3, 240, Jr.) Arkansas St. Opp DT Chuks Ota (6-2, 285, So.) Clifford Thomas (6-2, 280, So.) Points per game 37 31 DT Darius Rosser (6-3, 285, Jr.) Waylon Roberson (6-2, 340, Jr.) LB Quanterio Heath (6-2, 215, Jr.) Ben Gallagher (6-3, 220, So.) 1st Downs 304 279 LB Xavier Woodson (6-1, 215, Jr.) Austin Copeland (6-1, 205, Sr.) Rush Att 576 565 NS Sterling Wright (6-2, 215, Jr.) Allen Sentimore (6-1, 190, Jr.) Rush Yards 2813 2668 NS Money Hunter (6-1, 195, Jr.) Mark Johnson (6-2, 185, So.) Avg Rush 4.9 4.7 NS Charleston Girley (6-0, 200, Sr.) Avery Johnson (6-2, 210, Fr.) Pass Comp 276 238 CB Rocky Hayes (5-11, 180, Sr.) Chris Humes (5-11, 210, Sr.) Pass Att 448 410 CB Blaise Taylor (5-9, 170, So.) Jamaris Hart (5-9, 165, So.) NB Cody Brown (6-1, 205, Jr.) Charles Grant (5-11, 180, So.) Pass Yds 3381 2808 P Luke Ferguson (6-0, 210, Sr.) Dallas Kepler (6-0, 195, Fr.) Had Int 8 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 477 421

28 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL here he can turn to lettermen Jamal Robinson and ented Arkansas transfer who should Sun Belt Conference #3 Jared Johnson who combined for another 25 make a big impact this fall. Dominique Tovell fin- receptions a year ago. True freshmen Keenan ished second on the club with 71 tackles and 10 Barnes and Gary Haynes may also be ticketed for hits for negative yardage last year, while others LA.-LAFAYETTE immediate playing time at wideout. expected to have a big role at LB this year include (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 While starting running back Alonzo Harris has Kevin Fouquier, Tremaine Lightfoot and third COACH: Mark Hudspeth Returning 53 finally graduated, the Cajuns actually still have down pass rusher Darzil Washington. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 the best runner in the Sun Belt in junior Elijah The secondary figures to be weaker this season Defense 4 McGuire who was actually the conference MVP with the loss of three starters including a very ath- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #87 last season despite his non-starter status! In ‘14, letic cornerback combination. The lone returning The Ragin’ Cajuns have now posted four con- McGuire carried the ball 166 times for 1,264 regular here is safety Tracy Walker who was a sur- secutive 9-4 seasons and last year’s strong late- yards (7.6-yard average!) and 14 TDs, while also prise starter as a 2014 frosh and generally did a season run may have been the finest hour in the catching a team-high 45 passes for another 468 pretty decent job. Fellow soph Travis Crawford is shockingly good Mark Hudspeth Era. This veter- yards and two scores! Lettermen Effrem Reed and likely to be the other starting safety, while the new an-laden team was expected to have a HUGE year Torrey Pierce add depth here, but obviously corners look to be senior vet Jevante Watson and in 2014, but the Cajuns got off to a horrible start. McGuire will be the main focus of the Cajun promising soph , the latter of Not only did they sit at 1-3, but they were blown attack in 2015. whom sat out all of last season due to injury. out by some of the strong non-conference teams The blocking unit will revolve around a trio of Junior Dominick Jones can play both safety and they encountered. But this team showed a ton of seniors who could all make a strong run at all- cornerback and will push for a starting role, as heart by rallying to win eight of its final nine conference honors this season. Tackle Mykhael will promising Junior College newcomer games, including yet another New Orleans Bowl Quave enters his fourth year as a starter and he Christian Goodlett. victory when their defense utterly dominated an may have a future in the NFL, although more like- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team overmatched Nevada squad. ly at guard than tackle. On the right side, vets may have a hard time winning nine games for And to maintain that level of success, Coach Octravian Anderson and Donovan Williams are a a fifth straight season, but the good news is Hudspeth will need to find a new quarterback to couple of devastating run blockers who have an that the schedule is much easier and that gives replace long-time starter Terrance Broadway, who outside shot at joining Quave as All-Sun Belt this the Cajuns a chance to match the success they was often very erratic, but had a great record as season. Senior Eddie Gordon takes over at center have enjoyed in recent seasons. It certainly the starter here. The heir apparent is junior Brooks and promising soph Grant Horst has won the final won’t be easy with so many new starters, but Haack who has looked pretty good as the top starting role up front. There are some concerns the Cajuns should post another winning record backup the last two seasons. But Haack is pretty about the O-line depth. and might find themselves back in a bowl. much exclusively a dropback passer and this The defense was up and down last year as this 2015 Louisiana-Lafayette Schedule offense has relied on mobile quarterbacks in the team took a lot of chances with blitzes and other past. That’s why athletic junior Jalen Nixon might forms of pressure. The D-line loses two great 9/5 at Kentucky ultimately prove to be the better pick here as he’s players including Christian Ringo who might 9/12 NORTHWESTERN ST. bigger and a lot faster than Haack. A wild card have been the most dominant defensive player in 9/26 AKRON the league last season. The bad news is there’s no here might be true frosh recruit Dion Ray, a big- 10/3 at Louisiana Tech time athlete who may also be moved to another star here to replace Ringo, but the good news is 10/10 TEXAS STATE position as he’s a bit short to be a quarterback. that Lafayette has about eight D-liners with great Juniors Al Riles and C.J. Bates are returning size who should be able to piece together a decent 10/20 at Arkansas State starters at wide receiver, but they produced very showing this year. Talented junior Jacoby Briscoe 10/31 LOUISIANA-MONROE modest numbers in 2014. Riles caught 34 passes has thus far been a disappointment, but he’s the 11/7 at Georgia State for 354 yards last year, while Bates had just 12 best bet to be the next star here, but also watch out 11/12 at South Alabama for sophs Tavoris Lee and Blain Winston. The receptions though he is considered an outstanding 11/21 NEW MEXICO STATE run blocker for a wideout. Soph Gabe Fuselier new nose guard Sherard Johnson is the size of a 11/28 at Appalachian State had 30 catches off the bench as a ‘14 frosh and small house! may emerge as the #1 threat here for the Cajuns Two starters and several experienced subs are 12/5 TROY this year. If Coach Hudspeth opts for better size back at linebacker, plus Lafayette also adds tal- 2014 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE RESULTS 2015 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 SOUTHERN U. W -38 45-6 u58' QB Brooks Haack (6-1, 220, Jr.) Jalen Nixon (6-2, 230, Jr.) S.06 LA. TECH L -15 20-48 o58 RB Elijah McGuire (5-11, 210, Jr.) Effrem Reed (5-8, 215, Sr.) S.13 Mississippi L +27' 15-56 o58' WR Al Riles (5-10, 215, Jr.) Jared Johnson (6-5, 220, Jr.) S.20 Boise St. L +17' 9-34 u61 WR Gabe Fuselier (5-11, 195, So.) Jamal Robinson (6-4, 205, Sr.) O.04 GA. ST. L -16 34-31 o64' WR C.J. Bates (6-1, 205, Jr.) Keenan Barnes (6-3, 190, Fr.) O.14 Texas St. W +2' 34-10 u62' WR Devin Scott (5-11, 185, Jr.) Gary Haynes (5-9, 160, Fr.) O.21 ARK. ST. W +2' 55-40 o57 TE Nick Byrne (6-3, 230, Jr.) Anthony Jones (6-6, 260, Fr.) N.01 S. ALABAMA W -7 19-9 u56' C Eddie Gordon (6-1, 320, Sr.) Nick Dugger (6-5, 300, Fr.) N.08 N. Mex St W -16' 44-16 u66 LG Grant Horst (6-5, 285, So.) Adrian Goodacre (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.15 La.-Monroe W -6' 34-27 o51' RG Donovan Williams (6-3, 315, Sr.) Greg Siener (6-4, 285, Sr.) N.22 APP. ST. L -9 16-35 u63 LTMykhael Quave (6-5, 300, Sr.) Jesse Freeman (6-4, 315, Fr.) N.29 Troy W -10 42-23 o58 RTOctravian Anderson (6-4, 295, Sr.) Daquin Withrow (6-6, 300, So.) PK Dylan Scheurich (5-8, 200, Fr.) Carlos Alvarez (5-9, 195, Sr.) D.20 NEVADA W +1 16-3 u62 Defense DE Jacoby Briscoe (6-3, 325, Jr.) Blain Winston (6-4, 300, So.) 2014 La.-Lafayette Final Stats DE Taboris Lee (6-2, 285, So.) Chris Prater (6-5, 265, Sr.) La.-Lafayette Opp NG Sherard Johnson (6-8, 375, So.) Rodrick Stephens (6-0, 305, So.) Points per game 30 26 LB Kevin Fouquier (6-4, 235, Jr.) Darzil Washington (6-3, 245, Sr.) LB Dominique Tovell (6-3, 250, Sr.) T.J. Posey (6-0, 245, So.) 1st Downs 283 253 LB Otha Peters (6-2, 230, Jr.) Tyren Alexander (6-0, 215, Sr.) Rush Att 548 455 LB Tremaine Lightfoot (6-0, 230, So.) T.J. Worthy (6-2, 210, Sr.) Rush Yards 2935 1849 FS Tracy Walker (6-2, 200, So.) Terik Miller (6-0, 215, Fr.) Avg Rush 5.4 4.1 SS Travis Crawford (5-11, 195, So.) Corey Turner (6-1, 200, Fr.) Pass Comp 238 288 CB Jevante Watson (5-10, 175, Sr.) Christian Goodlett (6-0, 185, Jr.) Pass Att 370 443 CB Simeon Thomas (6-3, 200, So.) Troy McCollum (6-0, 180, Jr.) NB Dominick Jones (5-11, 185, Jr.) Reginald Miles (5-8, 180, So.) Pass Yds 2489 3425 P Steven Coutts (6-4, 200, Fr.) Stevie Artigue (5-10, 175, Fr.) Had Int 9 7 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 417 406

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 29 est 15 catches in 2014, while the top returning bench a year ago. Sun Belt Conference #4 subs are Montez McGuire and Shaedon Meadors At linebacker, leading tackler John Law is an who combined for another 40 receptions off the impact player from his ILB post after a ‘14 cam- pines last year. Two new faces could also factor in paign that included 91 tackles, two sacks and two APPALACH. ST. the wideout equation this year in lanky true fresh- fumble recoveries. Law will again pair on the (7-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 15 man Markeyvious Adams and JUCO transfer inside with promising soph Eric Boggs who took COACH: Scott Satterfield Returning 46 Zireycus Letman. At tight end, junior Barrett over as a starter at mid-season in 2014, while the STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 Burns is a two-year regular who picked up 14 outside ‘backers will again be quick but under- Defense 10 catches a season ago. sized Kennan Gilchrist and Devan Stringer who GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #99 The Mountaineers ran the ball very well last combined for five sacks last season. Senior vets Appalachian State was MUCH better than season and they boast three solid running backs in D.J. Ward and Osvaldo Sombo head up the expected in their first year of play at the FBS level the trio of Marcus Cox, Terrence Upshaw and reserve LB contingent. as the Mountaineers racked up a winning record, Ricky Fergerson. Cox is the main main here and In the secondary, this team does lose its best including a shocking 6-2 mark in Sun Belt he’s coming off a breakout season in which he cover corner in Joel Ross, but three other starters Conference play! You have to tip your cap to carried the ball 255 times for 1,415 yards and a do return including senior safety Doug Middleton Head Coach Scott Satterfield and his staff as this whopping 19 touchdowns, while talented soph who a year ago racked up 74 stops and a team- club demonstrated massive improvement on both Upshaw added 573 yards and four TDs off the high four interceptions. Promising soph A.J. sides of the football in 2014. And now with 20 of bench in a strong frosh campaign. Vet Fergerson Howard returns at the other safety slot, while 22 starters back for the 2015 campaign, it seems added another 292 yards in relatively limited junior Alex Gray is pushing hard for a starting possible that Appalachian State could actually playing time and all three of these guys averaged role at safety as well. On the corners, sophs have a say in who walks off with the Sun Belt well over five yards per carry in 2014! Latrell Gibbs and Brandon Pinckney will make up Conference title this season! Due to injuries and coaching decisions, this a very young starting combo with vet Aaron Krah Coach Satterfield went out on a limb early last team had nine offensive linemen start at least six expected to be the nickel man. season and benched two-year starting quarterback games in 2014 so they can legitimately claim to GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team Kameron Bryant in favor of then-freshman Taylor have lost four starters AND to bring back four may have overachieved a bit over the second Lamb, in what at the time appeared to be an act of starters on the O-line! Senior Jesse Chapman is half of last season, so we feel talk of a league desperation after a slow start. But Lamb got better back to start in the middle where he will be title is a bit premature at best. The strong and better over the course of the 2014 campaign flanked by incumbent guards Parker Collins and offense should carry this club to another solid and he’s now so solidly entrenched as the #1 guy Colby Gossett, while the tackles will be senior finish in the Sun Belt standings and a minor here, that veteran Bryant opted to transfer for his Davante Harris and promising soph incumbent bowl bid is not out of the question. final season of eligibility. Overall in ‘14, Lamb Beau Nunn. Former starter Shaq Counts heads up 2015 Appalachian State Schedule completed 181 of 295 passes (61%) for 2,381 the reserve blockers. There are no stars here, but yards and 17 TDs against nine interceptions, plus Appalachian State was really strong when it came 9/5 HOWARD he also ran for 483 yards and four TDs as he aver- to running the football last year, so this group 9/12 at Clemson aged better than six yards per carry including must be doing something right. 9/26 at Old Dominion The defensive line brings back all three starters sacks! Lamb now appears to have a very bright 10/3 WYOMING future for this school and the #2 job will be fought including senior end , who should 10/10 at Georgia State for by redshirt freshman J.P. Caruso and true frosh make a run for All-Sun Belt honors in his final newcomer Daniel David. season after picking up 13 hits for negative 10/17 at Louisiana-Monroe All three starters and several battle-tested yardage and six QB sacks a year ago. Juniors 10/22 GEORGIA SOUTHERN reserves return to action at wide receiver with Olawale Dada and Tyson Fernandez are the other 10/31 TROY seniors Malachi Jones and Simms McElfresh returning D-line regulars, but they offered modest 11/5 ARKANSAS STATE production a year ago. Junior end Nathaniel leading the way. A year ago, Jones caught 36 balls 11/14 at Idaho for a team-high 585 yards and three TDs, while Norwood put up 30 tackles and 3.5 QB sacks off 11/28 UL LAFAYETTE McElfresh hauled in a team-best 42 passes for 484 the bench and may push Dada for the second DE yards and five scores. Fellow senior Bobo slot this fall. Undersized backup nose man 12/5 at South Alabama Beathard is the other starter and he posted a mod- Stephen Burns was also fairly productive off the 2014 APPALACHIAN STATE RESULTS 2015 APPALACHIAN STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-5 PSR: 5-6-1 O-U: 7-4) Offense A.30 Mich. L +34 14-52 o54 QB Taylor Lamb (6-2, 200, So.) J.P. Caruso (6-1, 210, Fr.) S.06 CAMPBELL W -32' 66-0 o61 RB Marcus Cox (5-10, 200, Jr.) Terrence Upshaw (5-10, 200, So.) S.20 So. Miss P +1 20-21 u59' WR Malachi Jones (6-2, 215, Sr.) Shaedon Meadors (6-2, 180, So.) S.25 Ga. Southern L +17' 14-34 u61 WR Simms McElfresh (5-10, 185, Sr.) Isaiah Lewis (5-10, 180, So.) WR Bobo Beathard (5-10, 190, Sr.) Jaylon Barbour (5-10, 165, So.) O.04 S. ALABAMA L +3' 21-47 o48' WR Montez McGuire (6-1, 220, Sr.) Markeyvious Adams (6-4, 190, Fr.) O.11 LIBERTY L -3' 48-55 NL TE Barrett Burns (6-4, 240, Jr.) Hunter Nunn (6-3, 225, So.) O.18 Troy W +7 53-14 o65 C Jesse Chapman (6-1, 280, Sr.) Tobias Edge-Campbell (6-2, 300, Fr.) N.01 GA. ST. W -12 44-0 u64 LG Parker Collins (6-3, 295, Jr.) Shaq Counts (6-2, 285, Sr.) N.08 LA. MONROE L -4' 31-29 o53 RG Colby Gossett (6-6, 315, So.) Madison Malone (6-5, 280, Fr.) N.15 Ark St. W +14' 37-32 o62' LT Davante Harris (6-6, 295, Sr.) Owen Painter (6-5, 285, Fr.) N.22 La.-Lafayete W +9 35-16 u63 RT Beau Nunn (6-4, 290, So.) Chandler Greer (6-5, 285, Fr.) PK Zach Matics (6-2, 195, Sr.) Bentlee Critcher (6-1, 190, Jr.) N.29 IDAHO L -17' 45-28 o64' Defense DE Ronald Blair (6-4, 275, Sr.) Thomas Bronson (6-3, 260, Sr.) 2014 Appalachian Final Stats DE Olawale Dada (6-0, 240, Jr.) Nathaniel Norwood (6-2, 240, Jr.) App. State Opp NG Tyson Fernandez (6-2, 320, Jr.) Stephen Burns (6-2, 265, Sr.) Points per game 36 27 LB Kennan Gilchrist (6-2, 210, Jr.) Kevin Walton (6-0, 190, Sr.) LB John Law (6-0, 235, Jr.) D.J. Ward (5-11, 235, Sr.) 1st Downs 283 213 LB Eric Boggs (6-3, 235, So.) Osvaldo Sombo (6-2, 240, Sr.) Rush Att 537 430 LB Devan Stringer (5-11, 200, So.) Rashad Townes (6-2, 210, Jr.) Rush Yards 2901 1828 FS Doug Middleton (6-0, 205, Sr.) Treyon Garnett (6-1, 195, So.) Avg Rush 5.4 4.3 SS A.J. Howard (5-11, 190, So.) Alex Gray (6-3, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 205 210 CB Latrell Gibbs (5-10, 170, So.) Mondo Williams (5-11, 175, Jr.) Pass Att 340 356 CB Brandon Pinckney (6-0, 185, So.) Tae Hayes (5-11, 175, Fr.) NB Aaron Krah (5-11, 185, Sr.) Jordan Ford (6-2, 200, Jr.) Pass Yds 2637 2342 P Bentlee Critcher (6-1, 190, Jr.) Zach Matics (6-2, 195, Sr.) Had Int 11 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 462 348

30 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL something of a homerun threat. Sophs Demun Mayo must be replaced as the other starting LB Sun Belt Conference #5 Mercer and Brice Gunter will be looking to play and junior Stephen Smith will get first crack at larger role this year, but could be skipped over on that unenviable task. JUCO newcomers Darnell the pecking order by JUCO newcomer Kwamane Dailey and Teron Fitzgerald are also in the hunt TEXAS STATE Bowens. The tight end role is critical in this for starting roles at linebacker in 2015. (7-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 offense and TSU lost a great one in Bradley The five-man secondary was better than COACH: Den. Franchione Returning 45 Miller, but senior Ryan Carden has played well at expected last season but now Franchione must STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 times in the past and JUCO transfer Chris French replace three departed starters and some key subs Defense 5 could be a major surprise here as well. as well. This group will rebuild around incum- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #101 This club ran the ball very well last season and bents Aaron Shaw at safety and cornerback David Texas State managed to scratch out a winning they do welcome back a 1,000-yard rusher in Mims, the latter of whom was a surprise All-SBC season in 2014 as the Bobcats won their final two senior Robert Lowe, but the depth here took some pick last season when he picked off a team-best contests to close out the year at a respectable 7-5. heavy losses. In ‘14, Lowe carried the ball 185 five passes. Sophs Brandon McDowell and Dila Unfortunately, they were one of the only teams in times for 1,091 yards and 12 TDs while averaging Rosemond won two of the vacant DB roles this the country with at least seven wins to not get close to six yards per attempt. The new top sub spring with the third and final open spot going to invited to a bowl game, which had to be a major here looks to be senior Chris Nutall who was a senior safety Demetrius Woodard. Several new- disappointment for Coach Dennis Franchione key reserve back in 2013 before sitting out last comers will get a long look here this fall includ- who has done such a nice job taking this team up year due to suspension. JUCO transfer Tyler ing Texas transfer Easy Anyama and JUCO new- to the FBS level the past few seasons. And in a Siudzinski adds depth at a position that got a lot comer Javante O’Roy. league as modest as the Sun Belt, the Bobcats are leaner since the end of last season. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team not all that far from stepping up as legitimate The strength of the blocking corps will be at was a lot better than we expected last season, challengers for a league title. But for that to hap- offensive tackle where both Adrian Bellard and but they did benefit from some good breaks pen in 2015, Texas State will need major contri- Ryan Melton will have a chance to be all-league and won a number of close contests. So as a butions from a host of newcomers. in 2015. Bellard is a four-year starter who gets result, we do not share the view that Texas Abig factor in Texas State’s surprisingly strong better every year and might just be the Sun Belt’s State is on its way to a huge season in 2015. showing last year was the strong play of quarter- top blocker this season. Vets Felix Romero and Instead, we feel the Bobcats will again finish back Tyler Jones, who had been absolutely awful Zach Crawford shared one guard spot a season somewhere right around the .500 mark as they as a frosh starter in 2013 before emerging as one ago but will both be starters in 2015, while the have the past two seasons. However, the Sun of the top talents in the Sun Belt last season. new center figures to be converted tackle Jackson Belt is pretty weak this year so Texas State does Always blessed with great speed and athletic abil- Hoskins who will eventually replace Bellard at have a chance to contend with some luck. ity, Jones became a quality passer last year as he the critical left tackle slot next season. 2015 Texas State Schedule completed 246 of 376 passes (65%) for 2,670 The defensive line is an area of concern as All- yards and 22 TDs against a mere seven intercep- Sun Belt end Michael Odiari is gone and he was 9/5 at Florida State tions. And despite the new emphasis on passing, pretty much the entire pass rush in 2014. The new 9/12 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M Jones continued to be a threat with his feet as he ends look to be the undersized combo of soph 9/19 SOUTHERN MISS Karee Berry and converted linebacker Jerrid ran for 539 yards and six more scores. Soph 9/26 at Houston Connor White was the top backup last year but Jeter-Gilmon, while the incumbents at defensive 10/10 at Louisiana-Lafayette may be pushed in 2015 by UTEP transfer Blaire tackle are Dallas McClarty and Mershad Dillon, Sullivan. neither of whom made much of an impact a year 10/24 SOUTH ALABAMA The Bobcats have no stars at wide receivers, ago. There’s plenty of bodies at the DT spots, but 10/29 at Georgia Southern but returning senior regulars Brandon Smith and not much in the way of talent. One new face to 11/7 NEW MEXICO STATE C.J. Best did combine for 73 receptions a year watch out for up front is redshirted JUCO transfer 11/14 GEORGIA STATE Roosevelt Pearson. ago. The bad news is that neither of these guys 11/19 LOUISIANA-MONROE averaged better than 11 yards per catch, so there’s The Bobcats use just two linebackers in their 11/28 at Idaho not much of a deep threat here. Fellow senior base defense and one of those will again be senior Jafus Gaines caught 22 balls off the bench last Trey McGowan, who a year ago finished second 12/5 at Arkansas State year and did score four TDs as he can provide on the club with 80 tackles. But standout David 2014 TEXAS STATE RESULTS 2015 TEXAS STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-5 PSR: 9-3 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 AR.-P. BLUFF W -30 65-0 o58' QB Tyler Jones (6-2, 200, Jr.) Blaire Sullivan (6-4, 220, Sr.) S.13 NAVY L +9 21-35 u57 RB Robert Lowe (5-10, 200, Sr.) Chris Nutall (5-8, 205, Sr.) S.20 Illinois W +13 35-42 o62 WR C.J. Best (5-10, 185, Sr.) Demun Mercer (6-2, 200, So.) S.27 Tulsa W +3 37-34 o66' WR Brandon Smith (6-2, 175, Sr.) Brice Gunter (6-3, 195, So.) WR Jafus Gaines (5-11, 175, Sr.) Kwamane Bowens (6-0, 200, Jr.) O.04 IDAHO L -17 35-30 u66' TE Ryan Carden (6-4, 250, Sr.) Chris French (6-4, 245, Jr.) O.14 LA.-LAF. L -2' 10-34 u62' TE Lawrence White (6-7, 245, Sr.) Gabe Schrade (6-4, 230, So.) O.25 La.-Monroe W +2' 22-18 u51' C Jackson Hoskins (6-5, 320, So.) Tryston Mizerak (6-6, 290, Fr.) N.01 N. Mex St W -7 37-29 o62 LG Felix Romero (6-4, 305, Jr.) Brandon Sarabia (6-4, 295, Sr.) N.08 GA. SO. W +13 25-28 u61' RG Zach Crawford (6-2, 315, Sr.) Will Copa (6-4, 315, Fr.) N.15 S. Alabama W +6 20-24 u50' LT Adrian Bellard (6-5, 320, Sr.) Hayden Lambert (6-5, 290, Jr.) N.20 ARK. ST. W +6' 45-27 o58 RTRyan Melton (6-5, 330, Jr.) Kian Schoenborn (6-4, 290, Fr.) PK Lumi Kaba (6-2, 185, Jr.) Brett Kocian (5-10, 190, Jr.) N.29 Ga. St. W -13' 54-31 o61' Defense DE Karee Berry (6-3, 230, So.) Roosevelt Pearson (6-5, 255, Jr.) 2014 Texas State Final Stats DE Jerrid Jeter-Gilmon (6-1, 230, Sr.) Jeff Banks (6-5, 220, So.) Texas State Opp DT Dallas McClarty (5-11, 275, Jr.) Will Trevillion (6-1, 285, So.) Points per game 34 28 DT Mershad Dillon (6-3, 300, Sr.) Dondre Elvoid (6-4, 305, Jr.) LB Trey McGowan (6-0, 250, Sr.) Darnell Dailey (6-1, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 278 262 LB Stephen Smith (6-3, 225, Jr.) Teron Fitzgerald (6-4, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 539 522 NS Demetrius Woodard (6-2, 210, Sr.) Stephan Johnson (6-0, 190, So.) Rush Yards 2861 2434 NS Aaron Shaw (5-10, 200, Sr.) Damani Alexcee (6-2, 195, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.3 4.7 NS Dila Rosemond (5-10, 180, So.) Easy Anyama (6-3, 220, So.) Pass Comp 250 262 CB David Mims (5-11, 200, Sr.) Clarence Guidry (5-11, 185, So.) Pass Att 382 416 CB Brandon McDowell (5-10, 185, So.) Andrew Aneke (6-0, 170, Fr.) NB Javante O’Roy (6-1, 185, Jr.) Camyron Brown (5-11, 200, Fr.) Pass Yds 2711 2919 P James Sherman (5-10, 180, Fr.) Jason Hull (6-2, 160, Fr.) Had Int 7 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 464 446

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 31 this year after a productive ‘14 season off the Johnson, Cody Robinson and Hunter Kissinger. Sun Belt Conference #6 bench with 45 receptions, while converted QB Johnson was tremendous last year with 83 tackles, Brian Williams also made a good impression in 16 hits for minus yardage and a team-high eight spring practice. Several newcomers could make QB sacks, while the rugged Kissinger added 85 LA.-MONROE an impact here, the best of whom looks to be red- tackles and five sacks of his own. This team may (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 shirt frosh DeMarius Gillespie. At tight end, vets not score many points this year, but this is the best COACH: Todd Berry Returning 32 Alec Osborne and Harley Scioneaux will again group of D-liners and linebackers in the entire STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 divide up most of the playing time. Sun Belt Conference! Defense 9 The ground game was awful last year and will The secondary is not quite as good as the front GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #106 need to be a lot better if the Hawks hope to six, but this unit was not exploited a year ago and This team is coming off back-to-back disap- improve this season. Soph Kaylon Watson and should be rock solid again in 2015. The leader pointing season as Monroe has been thus far been senior DeVontae McNeal figure to divide up most here is safety Mitch Lane who is coming off a able to translate the success it enjoyed back in of the rushing attempts this season, but both are breakout season in which he recorded 91 tackles 2012 into a consistent winning program. Head major question marks. Watson had just nine car- and three interceptions. Also back is the solid cor- Coach Todd Berry looked like a genius when he ries off the bench a year ago, while McNeal is a nerback combo of Trey Caldwell and Lenzy first came to this school and got things turned former starter who sat out all of last season due to Pipkins who don’t tackle all that well, but play around, but his last two teams were FAR worse injury and will need to prove he’s fully healed. pretty good pass coverage. Juniors Justin Backus than expected and now the War Hawk fans are Coach Berry must replace three O-line starters, and Tre Hunter will start at the other safeties and starting to whisper about his job security. And though this is somewhat misleading since soph the overall depth here is promising. while things look to be much better on the defen- guard Frank Sutton did make a few late-season GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Do not be sive side of the football this year, Coach Berry starts a year ago. Sutton will pair on the left side fooled when this defensive unit gets off to a needs to locate some offense if he hopes to move with JUCO tackle Rey Baltazar who enrolled in slow start with road games at Georgia and at this club back up the Sun Belt ladder in 2015. school a semester early and shined in spring drills, Alabama. The talent level on defense is excel- With the graduation of former Graduate trans- while steady senior Colby Mitchell will again lent by Sun Belt standards and this group fer Pete Thomas, the War Hawks will be in need hold forth at the center position. On the right side, could actually carry a dreadful offense to a of a new quarterback this year and there are no soph Chase Regian is a returning starter at tackle winning record this season. We look for the fewer than six players for vying for the vacant and he’ll lineup next to redshirt frosh guard Jake WarHawks to finish right around .500 this sea- position. The obvious choice is program veteran Snyder who was one of the pleasant surprises this son and they will need a few breaks to get into Brayle Brown who has served as the top backup spring. Lettermen Jimmy Chung, Jeff Savage and a bowl game. the last two seasons and did not appear over- Brandon Bridgers provide O-line depth. 2015 Louisiana-Monroe Schedule matched when he was in the game. Redshirt fresh- Nine starters are back from last year’s solid man Garrett Smith made a strong impression this defense and this unit could be really special in 9/5 at Georgia spring and came out of spring camp as the #2 2015 by Sun Belt Conference standards. The 9/12 NICHOLLS STATE behind Brown, but he will definitely be pushed by three-man front wall is anchored by senior nose 9/26 at Alabama JUCO newcomer Daniel Fitzwater, who at 6-6, guard Gerrand Johnson who is arguably the best 10/3 GEORGIA SOUTHERN player in the country that you have never heard of. 240 pounds would bring an added dimension to 10/10 at Tulsa the position. Senior Earnest Carrington and red- Last year, Johnson was the only nose guard in the 10/17 APPALACHIAN STATE shirt frosh Anthony Monken will also get a look. country to lead his team in tackles as he racked up This team will again have two of the better 93 tackles and six sacks which is ludicrous pro- 10/24 at Idaho wide receivers in the Sun Belt in Rashon Ceaser duction for a guy playing the middle of a three- 10/31 at Louisiana-Lafayette and Ajalen Holley, who figure to see even more man line! Senior Lorenzo Jackson is also back on 11/7 at Troy one flank, while further support on the outside passes come their way in 2015 now that former 11/14 ARKANSAS STATE comes from soph Jacob Tyson, JUCO transfer leading pass catcher Kenzee Jackson has graduat- 11/19 at Texas State ed. In ‘14, Ceaser caught 77 passes for 872 yards Colton Moorehead and promising redshirt frosh 11/28 at Hawaii and three scores, while Holley added 57 recep- . tions for 863 yards and a team-best seven TDs. The talent is just as good at linebacker where 12/5 NEW MEXICO STATE Tiny senior Tyler Cain moves into the slot role all three starters are back in the trio of Michael 2014 LOUISIANA-MONROE RESULTS 2015 LOUISIANA-MONROE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 5-6-1 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.28 W. FOREST W -1' 17-10 u45 QB Brayle Brown (6-2, 210, Sr.) Garrett Smith (6-1, 210, Fr.) S.06 IDAHO L -13' 38-31 o52 RB Kaylon Watson (6-1, 225, So.) DeVontae McNeal (5-11, 220, Sr.) S.13 Lsu P +31 0-31 u50 WR Rashon Ceaser (6-0, 200, Sr.) Brian Williams (6-4, 210, So.) S.27 TROY L -13' 22-20 u53' WR Ajalen Holley (5-10, 200, Jr.) DeMarius Gillespie (6-1, 210, Fr.) WR Tyler Cain (5-8, 190, Sr.) Marcus Green (5-8, 190, Fr.) O.04 Ark St. L +12 14-28 u51' WR DeVonte Haggerty (6-0, 185, So.) Jared Mapps (6-2, 205, Jr.) O.11 Kentucky L +20' 14-48 o49 TE Alec Osborne (6-4, 240, Jr.) Harley Scioneaux (6-6, 255, Sr.) O.25 TEXAS ST. L -2' 18-22 u51' C Colby Mitchell (6-2, 285, Sr.) Jeff Savage (6-2, 310, Jr.) N.01 Texas A&M W +33 16-21 u62 LG Frank Sutton (6-4, 295, So.) Brian Thlang (6-1, 295, Fr.) N.08 App. St W +4' 29-31 o53 RG Jake Snyder (6-2, 285, Fr.) Jimmy Chung (6-2, 290, Jr.) N.15 LA.-LAF. L +6' 27-34 o51' LT Rey Baltazar (6-6, 305, Jr.) Brandon Bridgers (6-4, 310, So.) N.22 N. Mexico St W -6' 30-17 u56 RTChase Regian (6-3, 300, So.) Keaton Baggs (6-5, 295, Fr.) PK Craig Ford (6-2, 170, Fr.) Chris Qualls (6-0, 175, Fr.) N.29 Ga. Southern W +14' 16-22 u54 Defense DE Lorenzo Jackson (6-2, 250, Sr.) Colton Moorehead (6-3, 260, Jr.) 2014 Louisiana-Monroe Final Stats DE Jacob Tyson (6-1, 275, So.) Ben Banogu (6-4, 255, Fr.) La.-Monroe Opp NG Gerrand Johnson (6-1, 290, Sr.) David Elias (6-2, 280, So.) Points per game 20 26 LB Michael Johnson (6-2, 235, Sr.) Tevyn Cagins (6-2, 230, Jr.) LB Hunter Kissinger (6-3, 240, Sr.) Braxton Moore (6-0, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 221 227 LB Cody Robinson (6-1, 230, Sr.) David Griffith (6-1, 215, Fr.) Rush Att 363 507 NS Justin Backus (6-2, 190, Jr.) Marquis McCullum (6-0, 190, So.) Rush Yards 834 2200 NS Mitch Lane (6-1, 215, Sr.) Roland Jenkins (6-0, 190, So.) Avg Rush 2.3 4.3 NS Tre Hunter (6-0, 190, Jr.) Wesley Thompson (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Comp 317 196 CB Lenzy Pipkins (6-1, 200, Jr.) Grant Dotsy (5-10, 185, So.) Pass Att 529 337 CB Trey Caldwell (5-9, 195, Sr.) Marcus Hubbard (5-9, 180, Fr.) NB Junior Williams (5-11, 195, Sr.) Brian Armstrong (5-11, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 3359 2279 P Craig Ford (6-2, 170, Fr.) Chris Qualls (6-0, 175, Fr.) Had Int 7 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 349 373

32 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL JUCO transfer who had just nine catches a year linebacker and the early leaders based on spring Sun Belt Conference #7 ago, but seemed to blossom in the new offense drills look to be junior Terris Lewis and JUCO this spring. Bentley and Holmes will definitely transfer Lucas Lloyd, the latter of whom enrolled start, while the third and final starting WR role in school a semester early and looked the part this TROY will go to one of two seniors, either Teddy Ruben spring. Junior lettermen Mitchell Roland and (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 29 or K.D. Edenfield who combined for 36 recep- Daniel Warren head up a shaky cast of subs here. COACH: Returning 53 tions a season ago. The rest of the wideouts here Troy’s best defensive player is definitely senior STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 are strictly backup material, while the starting safety Montres Kitchen, an All-Sun Belt caliber Defense 5 tight end will again be senior Tommy Blevins performer who easily led the team with 88 tackles GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #113 who offers nothing as a pass receiver. a year ago and also ranked among the league lead- The Troy Trojans have had exactly one head The Trojans figure to again alternate at running ers with an impressive six interceptions. So while coach since joining the FBS ranks nearly two back where vets Brandon Burks and Jordan the Trojans struggled to stop the run, with decades ago, but all that has changed for 2015 as Chunn shouldered most of the load a year ago. Kitchens leading the way, the pass defense was Larry Blakeney has retired after 25 years on the Overall, Burks and Chunn combined for 1,089 fairly decent in 2014 and could be pretty good this job and has been replaced by former Troy player yards rushing and nine TDs, but neither player is year if the cornerbacks improve. And Coach and offensive coordinator Neal Brown, who was the explosive threat you are looking for as a #1 Brown went out on a limb on the corners this most recently the O.C. at SEC school Kentucky back. Sophs Andre Flakes and Tim Longmire may spring as he dumped all of his returning players in before coming back to Troy. Coach Brown is a also see some carries this year, and when Troy favor of two new faces as the starting CB combo pass-happy guy who fancies himself a Mike opts for a fullback the role will be filled by rugged figures to be UAB transfer LaMarcus Farmer and Leach or Hal Mumme type, so Trojan fans can soph Josh Anderson. JUCO transfer Jalen Rountree. Converted wide continue to count on seeing lots of footballs flying The blocking unit has some serious issues as receiver Jalen Harris will be the third corner this through the air. And while that should prove pop- three starters must be replaced and returning reg- fall, while there are several other decent safeties ular with today’s short-attention span fans, an ulars Dalton Bennett and Antonio Garcia didn’t to pair with star Kitchens. honest assessment of this school’s glory years will exactly set the world on fire in 2014. Bennett will GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Trojans tell you that Troy was at its best back in the day make the move from guard to center this year, still have major problems on both sides of the when Coach Blakeney played a run first, defen- while Garcia will look to protect the QB’s blind ball, but we have a hunch that this club could sive-oriented style. side at left tackle. Juniors David Gross and Tyler improve upon last year’s 3-9 showing. The In his final season, Blakeney tried to return to Lassiter are battling for the right tackle job, while young players at the offensive skill positions his roots by throwing a LOT less than he had in two new guards must be found among the junior should get better and we like the secondary, recent years, but it didn’t work! Starting QB threesome of Luke Lawrence, Johnathan Boring but not enough to project a winning record. Brandon Shivers rarely passed and when he did it and Taylor Edwards. The offensive line is highly 2015 Troy Schedule was almost always short, safe throws. Overall as suspect heading into the ‘15 campaign. a ‘14 frosh, Shivers completed 191 of 271 passes While the Troy offense was pretty darn weak 9/5 at N.C. State (71%!!!) for just 1,836 yards and 11 TDs with a last year, it’s fair to say that the Trojan defense 9/12 CHARLESTON SOU. mere three interceptions. While the yardage total was probably the biggest culprit in last year’s 3-9 9/19 at Wisconsin season. The new coaching staff will maintain the is obviously disappointing, you have to be 10/3 SOUTH ALABAMA impressed when a freshman quarterback com- same 4-2-5 defensive scheme and the hope is that 10/10 at Mississippi State pletes better than 70 percent of his attempts and the D-line will be much better this year with three throws just three interceptions over the course of starters and some key reserves returning. But the 10/17 IDAHO an entire season! So the future may be bright for only guy who inspires much confidence up front 10/24 at New Mexico State Shivers if Troy can surround him with better tal- is end Tyler Roberts, who a year ago recorded 48 10/31 at Appalachian State ent at wide receiver and in terms of blocking. tackles and led the team in both sacks (5.5) and 11/7 LOUISIANA-MONROE tackles for losses (9.5). Soph Jamal Stadom is the The top returning pass catcher from last season 11/14 GEORGIA SOUTHERN is senior wideout Bryan Holmes who caught a other end but will be pushed by Rashad Dillard 11/27 at Georgia State modest 34 passes for 474 yards and five TDs. But and converted linebacker Sam Lebbie. Senior this spring, the team’s best wide receiver was def- Lonnie Gosha heads up a weak cast of DTs. 12/5 at Louisiana-Lafayette initely lanky senior Jarvis Bentley, a former Coach Brown must find two new starters at 2014 TROY RESULTS 2015 TROY DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 5-6-1) Offense A.30 Uab L +2' 10-48 u63' QB Brandon Shivers (6-3, 205, So.) Dallas Tidwell (6-7, 240, Sr.) S.06 DUKE W +18' 17-34 u64' RB Brandon Burks (5-9, 205, Sr.) Jordan Chunn (6-1, 235, Jr.) S.13 ABIL. CHRIS. L -11' 35-38 o71 WR Jarvis Bentley (6-5, 190, Sr.) (5-11, 185, So.) S.20 Georgia L +41' 0-66 o64 WR Bryan Holmes (5-10, 175, Sr.) Trey Page (5-8, 170, Sr.) WR K.D. Edenfield (6-0, 195, Sr.) Dontreal Pruitt (5-10, 175, Sr.) S.27 La.-Monroe W +13' 20-22 u53' WR Teddy Ruben (5-7, 160, Sr.) Clark Quisenberry (6-3, 215, Jr.) O.11 N. MEX. ST. W -7 41-24 o63 TE Tommy Blevins (6-4, 240, Sr.) Gabe Hill (6-2, 235, Fr.) O.18 APP. ST. L -7 14-53 o65 C Dalton Bennett (6-3, 295, Jr.) Jay Dye (6-2, 280, Fr.) O.24 S. Alabama W +14' 13-27 u54' LG Luke Lawrence (6-3, 310, Jr.) Taylor Edwards (6-4, 295, Jr.) O.30 Ga. Southern L +24 10-42 u61' RG Johnathan Boring (6-5, 310, Jr.) Xavier Fields (6-5, 350, Jr.) N.08 GA. ST. W -6' 45-21 p66 LT Antonio Garcia (6-7, 295, Jr.) Aaron Herring (6-4, 305, So.) N.15 Idaho W +5' 34-17 u66 RT David Gross (6-5, 310, Jr.) Tyler Lassiter (6-6, 305, Jr.) PK Ryan Kay (6-2, 205, Jr.) Jed Solomon (5-8, 180, Sr.) N.29 LA.-LAF. L +10 23-42 o58 Defense DE Tyler Roberts (6-2, 235, Sr.) Sam Lebbie (6-3, 250, So.) 2014 Troy Final Stats DE Jamal Stadom (6-2, 245, So.) Rashad Dillard (6-1, 260, Sr.) Troy Opp DT Lonnie Gosha (6-3, 310, Sr.) D.J. Johnson (6-5, 310, Sr.) Points per game 22 36 DT Garrett Peek (6-3, 295, Jr.) Bryan Slater (6-2, 290, So.) LB Lucas Lloyd (6-0, 220, Jr.) Mitchell Roland (6-1, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 221 279 LB Terris Lewis (6-2, 240, Jr.) Daniel Warren (6-1, 225, Jr.) Rush Att 460 521 NS Darrin Reddick (6-0, 200, Sr.) Demetrius Cain (6-1, 215, Jr.) Rush Yards 1974 2953 NS Montres Kitchen (6-0, 180, Sr.) Rod Adams (6-2, 185, Sr.) Avg Rush 4.3 5.7 NS JaQuadrian Lewis (6-1, 190, Jr.) Robert Johnson (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Comp 238 205 CB Jalen Rountree (5-11, 165, Jr.) Dondrell Harris (6-0, 195, So.) Pass Att 357 333 CB LaMarcus Farmer (6-0, 170, Sr.) Josh Burnham (5-9, 180, Sr.) NB Jalen Harris (6-0, 185, So.) Julius McCall (5-9, 170, Jr.) Pass Yds 2385 2495 P Ryan Kay (6-2, 205, Jr.) Jed Solomon (5-8, 180, Sr.) Had Int 4 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 363 454

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 33 here but he was a major flop in 2014 when he likely see time at both outside linebacker and Sun Belt Conference #8 caught just seven passes for the Jags. The best defensive end this year. Gipson racked up 28 tack- wideout in spring practice was JUCO transfer les and three sacks off the bench in ‘14 and could Tyrone Williams, who enrolled in school a semes- be headed for a big final season. Texas Tech trans- SO. ALABAMA ter early and looks like a potential star for this fer Blake Dees will be the new middle linebacker, (6-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 club. UAB transfer Josh Magee will also press for while undersized senior Demarius Rancifer will COACH: Joey Jones Returning 40 a starting role along with returning lettermen likely claim the second OLB spot. UAB transfer STARTERS RETURNING Offense 3 Cameron Broadnax and Claude Garrett. At tight Kalen Jackson will also push for a starting role Defense 2 end, senior Braedon Bowman figures to be the this fall. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #114 new starter after catching an impressive 18 balls In the secondary, this club finally boasts a cou- South Alabama made its first ever bowl off the bench in 2014. ple of returning defensive starters in safety appearance in 2014 which was a nice accomplish- Coach Jones has some decisions to make at the Roman Buchanan and cornerback Antonio Carter. ment for a program that is so new to the FBS vacant running back spot where the likely starter Buchanan finished third on the team with 74 tack- scene. Head Coach Joey Jones has done a very is UAB transfer D.J. Vinson, who a year ago ran les a year ago, but neither he nor Carter managed nice job as the creator and leader of this YOUNG for 670 yards and nine scores as a backup for the to secure even a single . JUCO new- program, but now Jones faces the biggest chal- Blazers. But there was talk this spring of moving comers Quinton Lane and Nigel Green will com- lenge of his career as he seeks to replace 28 Vinson outside to wide receiver, which would pete for starting roles along with returning letter- seniors who were the foundation of this team for open up the starting RB role to either soph Xavier men like E.J. May, Margo Reed, the past four seasons. A mere FIVE starters return Johnson or senior vet Terrance Timmons, who in and Terrance Slaughter. Cornerback May is the from last year’s club which lost the Raycom 2014 combined for over 800 yards on the ground best of this very modest group. Media Bowl to Bowling Green, though the despite their non-starter status. Overall, the depth GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club Jaguars will get an immediate lift from the addi- of talent at running back is better than you might will be a LOT weaker than it was a year ago tion of several JUCO newcomers and the arrival expect for this club. and seems almost certain to slide a few notches of 11 former UAB players who will be eligible The blocking unit must replace three heavily on the Sun Belt ladder in 2015. Even with immediately since UAB shut down its football experienced starters and South Alabama will major worries on the O-line, the offense should program at the conclusion of the 2014 season. rebuild around returning regulars Chris May at be decent with a solid quarterback and some One of those UAB transfers is likely to be the right tackle and center Joseph Scelfo. The other talent at the skill positions. But the defense will new starting quarterback at South Alabama as three O-line jobs are almost totally up for grabs, be significantly weaker than it was a year ago senior vet Cody Clements was one of the stars of though UAB transfer Cameron Blankenship and this likely adds up to a losing season both spring drills. Clements was never a true star at seems a good bet to secure one of the vacancies. overall and in conference play. UAB, but he was always a solid QB who a year After that, Coach Jones must pick two starters 2015 South Alabama Schedule ago completed 183 of 275 passes (66%) for 2,227 from the largely untested group of Daniel Aust, yards and 14 TDs against seven interceptions. Clay Machen, Harrison Louden and John 9/5 GARDNER-WEBB With Clements winning the starting job this Dombrowski. 9/12 at Nebraska spring, returning lettermen Hunter Vaughn and The entire defensive line and LB corps were 9/19 at San Dirgo State decimated by graduation during the off-season, so Matt Floyd will return to the top backup jobs they 9/26 N.C. STATE occupied a year ago behind the now-departed the USA front wall will be much weaker than it 10/3 at Troy NFL Draftee Brandon Bridge. Both Vaughn and was a season ago. The top returnee is senior end Floyd did see some game action in 2014 so they Akeem Lewis who collected 23 tackles and two 10/13 ARKANSAS STATE had been expected to battle for the #1 job before sacks off the bench a year ago. Sophs Caleb 10/24 at Texas State the unexpected arrival of Clements. Butler and Tre Alford lettered as 2014 freshmen 11/7 IDAHO The Jaguars actually have a returning starter at and seem likely to be the other new starters up 11/12 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE front. The rest of the D-line crew is strictly back- wide receiver in senior vet Danny Woodson who 11/21 at Georgia State actually began his career at mighty Alabama. up material unless some true freshmen make 11/28 at Georgia Southern Woodson caught a modest 30 passes for 382 yards unexpected contributions. and four TDs last season. Another former Tide South Alabama has a potential standout at out- 12/5 APPALACHIAN STATE recruit Marvin Shinn is also a potential starter side linebacker in senior Jimmie Gipson, who will 2014 SOUTH ALABAMA RESULTS 2015 SOUTH ALABAMA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-7 PSR: 4-9 O-U: 5-8) Offense S.06 Kent St. W -2' 23-13 u52 QB Cody Clements (6-2, 200, Sr.) Hunter Vaughn (6-2, 195, Jr.) S.13 MISS. ST. L +14 3-35 u54 RB D.J. Vinson (5-10, 200, Sr.) Xavier Johnson (5-11, 175, So.) S.20 GA. SO. L +2' 6-28 u59 WR Danny Woodson (6-1, 205, Sr.) Josh Magee (5-10, 170, Jr.) S.27 Idaho W -3' 34-10 u59 WR Tyrone Williams (6-3, 200, Jr.) Claude Garrett (6-2, 210, Sr.) O.04 Appalachian St W -3' 47-21 o48' WR Marvin Shinn (6-2, 210, Sr.) (6-4, 215, Sr.) O.18 GA. ST. L -19' 30-27 o56 WR Cameron Broadnax (6-2, 195, Jr.) Tony Ray Parnell (5-7, 160, Jr.) O.24 TROY L -14' 27-13 u54' TE Braedon Bowman (6-4, 225, Sr.) James Bynes (6-3, 225, Jr.) N.01 La.-Lafayette L +7 9-19 u56' C Joseph Scelfo (6-1, 300, Jr.) Lee Dufour (6-4, 285, So.) N.08 Ark St. L +11 10-45 o52 LG Harrison Louden (6-3, 290, So.) Daniel Aust (6-2, 285, Jr.) N.15 TEXAS ST. L -6 24-20 u50' RG Cameron Blankenship (6-5, 290, Sr.) Steven Foster (6-4, 310, Jr.) N.22 S. Carol. L +24 12-37 u57 LT Clay Machen (6-4, 310, Jr.) Noah Fisher (6-4, 270, Fr.) N.28 NAVY W +8' 40-42 o54 RT Chris May (6-5, 295, Sr.) John Dombrowski (6-5, 280, Jr.) PK Aleem Sunanon (5-7, 175, Jr.) Corliss Waitman (6-2, 185, Fr.) D.20 B. GREEN L -2' 28-33 o54 Defense DE Akeem Lewis (6-2, 255, Sr.) Chason Milner (6-3, 235, Fr.) 2014 South Alabama Final Stats DE Caleb Butler (6-4, 255, So.) DeMarion Harper (6-3, 285, Sr.) So. Alabama Opp NG Tre Alford (5-10, 295, So.) Dondre Chanet (6-1, 305, Sr.) Points per game 23 26 LB Jimmie Gipson (6-0, 255, Sr.) Jaylan Daniels (6-3, 215, Fr.) LB Blake Dees (6-0, 245, Sr.) Andrew Philon (5-11, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 272 268 LB Demarius Rancifer (6-4, 210, Sr.) Kalen Jackson (6-1, 205, Sr.) Rush Att 537 541 NS Roman Buchanan (6-2, 210, Jr.) Quinton Lane (6-2, 190, Jr.) Rush Yards 2327 2419 NS Jeremy Reaves (5-11, 185, So.) Antonio Loudon (6-0, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.3 4.5 NS Terrance Slaughter (5-9, 200, Jr.) JarMarkus Sims (6-1, 210, Fr.) Pass Comp 218 216 CB Antonio Carter (5-8, 190, Sr.) Margo Reed (5-7, 165, Sr.) Pass Att 412 386 CB E.J. May (5-10, 180, Sr.) Malcolm Buggs (5-9, 190, Fr.) NB Devon Earl (5-10, 185, Jr.) Nigel Green (6-1, 170, Jr.) Pass Yds 2561 2767 P Brandon McKee (6-1, 185, Jr.) Corliss Waitman (6-2, 185, Fr.) Had Int 17 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 376 399

34 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL wideout role will go to either tiny JUCO speed rush now that they’ll work on the flanks of the Sun Belt Conference #9 demon Tyrian Taylor or soph Gregory Hogan, the defense. Former DE regular Brandon Agomuo latter of whom is coming off a promising frosh started 11 times as a ‘14 frosh but failed to post season in 2014. Hogan came off the pines to even a single sack which is why he will head up NEW MEXICO ST. record 28 receptions for 331 yards and three TDs, the reserve D-line crew this season. (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 though it should be noted that most of that pro- The linebackers were young and undersized COACH: Doug Martin Returning 51 duction came over the final month of the season last year which when paired with a tiny defensive STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 so he could be a surprise player in 2015. The new line led to enemy running backs averaging a Defense 10 tight end will be either soph Ty Atencio or JUCO rather ugly 6.3 yards per carry in ‘14. But the GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #122 newcomer Clayton Granch. starting trio of Rodney Butler, Derek Ibekwe and New Mexico State got off to an extremely rare The running game was fairly weak early last Dalton Herrington spent the off-season bulking 2-0 start last season and for a few weeks it looked season, but really took off over the second half up and they each gained at least 15 pounds. These like this school might finally have some hope for when Coach Martin turned to then-freshman three guys easily finished atop the team tackle a foray into college football respectability. But Larry Rose III as the main featured back. Despite charts in ‘14 as they combined for 306 total tack- things quickly headed south as the Aggies would a slow start, Rose went on to rush for 1,102 yards les for the Aggies! The LB depth is not good. close out the year with 10 consecutive losses to and nine TDs, plus he also caught 23 passes as he All four starters are back in the secondary once again post a 2-10 record. Head Coach Doug quickly established himself as one of the better which might be a mixed blessing when you con- Martin is now just 4-20 over his first two seasons offensive threats in the Sun Belt Conference. sider that New Mexico State allowed enemy QBs at this school, and like so many coaches who have Former starter Xavier Hall will be Rose’s top to cut through this defense with relative ease, taken control of this program, he looks absolutely backup this year and he ran for another 342 yards though the pass defense was great compared to confounded by the lack of success. And while and five scores in 2014. the run defense! Undersized free safety Kawe there’s no doubt at all that Martin is a better head Four out of five starters are back along the Johnson is the leader of this group, but the key coach than former NMSU head man Dewayne offensive line and this unit has a chance to be fair- here will be better cornerback play from guys like Walker, his rebuilding program has yet to pay div- ly decent this season. There is one big hole to fill and Lewis Hill. idends. Perhaps the 2015 campaign has a chance as team leader Valerian Ume-Ezeoke must be GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Aggies to bring some modest progress. replaced at center, but the NMSU coaching staff are obviously no threat to the better teams in Back to direct the Aggie attack is erratic start- was very pleased with JUCO newcomer Anthony the Sun Belt Conference, but this team might ing quarterback Tyler Rogers, a talented pure McMeans who enrolled a semester early and just have enough offense to surpass last year’s passer who can be amazingly hot at times, but quickly earned the right to replace Ume-Ezeoke modest victory total. While it won’t be pretty, overall is still a very shaky player. In 2014, in the middle. McMeans will be flanked by things should be a bit better this season. Rogers completed 268 of 436 passes (62%) for incumbent guard regulars Thomas McGwire and 2015 New Mexico State Schedule 2,779 yards and 19 touchdowns, but he was also a Isaiah Folasa-Lutui, while the returning starters at turnover machine with a whopping 23 intercep- tackle are seniors Andy Cunningham and Houston 9/5 at Florida tions and six fumbles! Because of his inconsisten- Clemente. Based on spring drills, it looked like 9/12 GEORGIA STATE cy, Rogers was subjected to an open battle for his soph Dezmand Candelaria might beat out 9/19 UTEP Cunningham at right tackle, while former OG reg- job this spring and he easily defeated athletic soph 10/3 at New Mexico Andrew Allen and redshirt freshman Nick Jeanty. ular Abram Holland was very much in the mix. 10/10 at Mississippi New Mexico State loses two of three starters at But while things show promise on offense, the wide receiver, plus their tight end, so the receiv- picture is a bit more bleak when it comes to the 10/17 at Georgia Southern ing corps will need some rebuilding this fall. The Aggie defense which was among the worst in the 10/24 TROY good news is that standout junior Teldrick country last year. The painfully small D-line will 10/31 IDAHO Morgan does return after a record-setting sopho- get a size upgrade this year as incumbent DT reg- 11/7 at Texas State ulars Kalei Auelua and Stody Bradley were more campaign that included 75 receptions for 11/21 at Louisiana-Lafayette 903 yards and seven TDs. Steady senior Joshua moved to defensive end this spring and replaced 11/28 ARKANSAS STATE Bowen was very productive off the bench last in the middle by the larger, but less talented, Josh year with 41 catches and he moves into the start- Gibbs and Kourtland Busby. It remains to be seen 12/5 at Louisiana-Monroe ing lineup in ‘15. The third and final starting if Auelau and Bradley can now provide some pass 2014 NEW MEXICO STATE RESULTS 2015 NEW MEXICO STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 7-5) Offense A.28 CAL POLY W +7 28-10 u57' QB Tyler Rogers (6-3, 200, Jr.) Andrew Allen (6-1, 200, So.) S.06 Ga. St. W +1 34-31 u65' RB Larry Rose III (5-11, 180, So.) Xavier Hall (5-8, 185, Jr.) S.13 Utep L +10 24-42 o56 WR Teldrick Morgan (6-0, 195, Jr.) Rayvean Moore (5-10, 170, Jr.) S.20 N. MEXICO W +3' 35-38 o63' WR Joshua Bowen (5-10, 175, Sr.) Jordan Begrstrom (5-11, 185, Sr.) WR Tyrian Taylor (5-8, 170, Jr.) Tymon Locklin (6-0, 170, Fr.) S.27 Lsu L +42' 7-63 o56 WR Gregory Hogan (6-1, 195, So.) Isaiah McIntyre (6-0, 175, Fr.) O.04 GEORGIA SO. W +18 28-36 o63 TE Clayton Granch (6-3, 235, Jr.) Ty Atencio (6-4, 220, So.) O.11 Troy L +7 24-41 o63 C Anthony McMeans (6-2, 310, Jr.) Jamin Smith (6-3, 295, So.) O.18 Idaho L +5 17-29 u68' LG Isaiah Folasa-Lutui (6-3, 315, Sr.) Antonio Ortega (6-3, 305, Jr.) N.01 TEXAS ST. L +7 29-37 o62 RG Thomas McGwire (6-5, 310, So.) Abram Holland (6-2, 295, Jr.) N.08 LA.-LAF. L +16' 16-44 u66 LTHouston Clemente (6-4, 320, Sr.) Peter Foreman (6-4, 300, Jr.) N.22 LA. MONROE L +6' 17-30 u56 RT Andy Cunningham (6-3, 315, Sr.) Dezmand Candelaria (6-3, 305, So.) PK Alex Louhan (5-11, 185, Sr.) Parker Davidson (5-11, 155, Fr.) N.29 Ark St. L +23' 35-68 o66 Defense DE Kalei Auelua (6-2, 255, Jr.) Stephen Meredith (6-3, 245, Sr.) 2014 New Mexico State Final Stats DE Stody Bradley (6-2, 250, So.) Brandon Agomuo (6-3, 240, So.) New Mexico St. Opp DT Josh Gibbs (6-5, 290, Sr.) Drew James (6-2, 295, Jr.) Points per game 25 39 DT Kourtland Busby (6-3, 275, So.) Matt Ramando (6-5, 310, Sr.) LB Derek Ibekwe (6-0, 230, So.) Dalton Rocha (6-1, 235, So.) 1st Downs 256 292 LB Rodney Butler (6-1, 235, Jr.) Robert Wagner (6-1, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 469 594 LB Dalton Herrington (6-2, 215, So.) Will Clement (6-3, 215, So.) Rush Yards 2152 3719 FS Kawe Johnson (5-8, 190, Jr.) Jacob Nwangwa (6-0, 210, So.) Avg Rush 4.6 6.3 SS Jaden Wright (6-0, 210, So.) Malik Demby (6-2, 200, So.) Pass Comp 278 187 CB Lewis Hill (5-10, 180, Sr.) Jerrion Burton (5-11, 175, So.) Pass Att 452 299 CB Winston Rose (6-0, 180, Sr.) Demarcus Owens (6-0, 185, Fr.) NB Kedeem Thomas-Davis (5-9, 180, Sr.) King Davis (6-1, 215, Jr.) Pass Yds 2899 2094 P Parker Davidson (5-11, 155, Fr.) Alex Louhan (5-11, 185, Sr.) Had Int 24 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 421 484

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 35 last year under a disciplinary suspension for rob- than Hazewood looks to be fellow Junior College Sun Belt Conference #10 bery and DUI. The top returnee at wideout is transfer Kevin White. Jacob Sannon who had 22 receptions off the There is a frightening lack of size, talent and bench in 2014, but failed to score even a single proven depth at the linebacker positions which is IDAHO touchdown. It’s hoped that JUCO transfer Callen why we thought it was strange that talk emerged (1-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 Hightower and freshman Michael Garner can add from Idaho this spring that the coaching staff was COACH: Paul Petrino Returning 33 some production at wide receiver this fall. considering a move to a 3-4 alignment. The best STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 Idaho used an inside/outside combo at running of this suspect crew is strong side OLB Marc Defense 6 back last season, but only the “inside” of that duo Millan, who a year ago easily led the team with GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #125 returns in 2015 in the form of bruising former 102 tackles. Fellow seniors Broc Westlake and Head Coach Paul Petrino tried the “quick fix” JUCO transfer . In ‘14, Penny car- Chris Edwards are favored to win the other two approach here with the addition of several Junior ried the ball 139 times for 589 yards and an starting roles, though soph Tony Lashley is also College transfers the last two years and the results impressive 12 touchdowns as he proved to be a very much in the equation. have not been pretty. Idaho has won exactly ONE very effective goal line option. Look for Penny to The secondary was dreadful last year as the game in each of Petrino’s first two seasons at the get a LOT more carries this year as his backups cornerbacks could not cover the deep ball and the Vandal helm, and if that happens again in 2015, it Aaron Duckworth and Isaiah Saunders did not safeties were too aggressive. So Coach Petrino seems very likely that he’ll be looking for anoth- impress this spring. Perhaps JUCO newcomer has brought in three JUCO corners to push for er job in the not-too-distant future! And while Matt Donaldson can add some support when he starting duty and hopefully tighten things up back there is some hope for improvement this year, the arrives on campus this fall. When Idaho uses a here. The Junior College kids expected to have a Vandals still have a very long and painful road fullback senior Jake Manley gets the nod. major impact are Kendrick Trotter, Isaiah Taylor back to respectability. Three starters return along the offensive line, and D.J. Hampton, three guys who may send The Vandals should have been involved in a though Coach Petrino made it clear this spring incumbent CB regular Jayshawn Jordan to the quarterback controversy last year as highly- that no one was truly safe in terms of first string bench this fall. At safety, incumbent regular regarded freshman Matt Linehan struggled all status. Two big changes this spring were that Russell Siavi heads up a very shaky crew. year long and was outplayed by backup Chad incumbent guard regular Steven Matlock was GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: By default, Chalich, but Coach Petrino stuck with Linehan as moved into the vacancy at center and promising things almost have to be better in 2015 than the starter in all but one game. Now Chalich has soph guard Jordan Rose was moved to left tackle they have been in recent seasons as Idaho is 5- transferred and the job once again belongs to where he will protect the QB’s blind side. The 42 over the past four years! There is at least Linehan, who a year ago completed 221 of 379 other returning regulars are tackle Mason Woods one sure win on the 2015 schedule, but any passes (58%) for 2,540 yards and 11 TDs against and guard Dallas Sandberg, while the fifth start- more than two wins would be a surprise. a very UGLY 18 interceptions. Linehan has a very ing role here may go to redshirted JUCO transfer 2015 Idaho Schedule nice arm and can truly make all the throws, but his Kato Fawkes. Coach Petrino will also take a long pocket presence and decision-making have a look at incoming JUCO newcomers like Andrew 9/3 OHIO U. LONG way to go as he takes way too many sacks Erbes, Devin Wiltz and Darius Peterson. 9/12 at Southern Cal and throws far too many interceptions. If there is The Idaho defense was truly awful last year as 9/19 WOFFORD they gave up 37 points per game thanks to a run a challenger this year to Linehan it will likely be 9/26 GEORGIA SOUTHERN lanky redshirt freshman . defense which allowed 5.6 yards per carry and a 10/3 at Arkansas State The Vandals will have three new starting wide secondary which gave up a ton of big plays. receivers this year as Joshua McCain graduated, Seniors Quinton Bradley and Ryan Edwards will 10/17 at Troy Richard Montgomery got kicked out of school attempt to anchor a defensive line which was ter- 10/24 LOUISIANA-MONROE and Deon Watson bulked up 30 pounds to move to rible last year and now loses its two best players. 10/31 at New Mexico State tight end for the ‘15 season. Watson had 37 catch- The other two starting roles will likely go to 11/7 at South Alabama junior letterman Tueni Lupeamanu inside and es a year ago, but his lack of speed made him a 11/14 APPALACHIAN STATE good candidate to move to tight end if he could JUCO transfer Leonard Hazewood outside. The 11/21 at Auburn add enough good weight to run block. The situa- rest of the returning D-liners have not impressed tion here looks pretty grim, though Idaho does get at all in the past, so Coach Petrino will look at 11/28 TEXAS STATE back a former starter in Dezmon Epps who sat out several newcomers here, the best of whom other 2014 IDAHO RESULTS 2015 IDAHO DEPTH CHART (SUR: 1-10 PSR: 8-3 O-U: 6-5) Offense A.30 Florida POSTPONED QB Matt Linehan (6-3, 205, So.) Jake Luton (6-6, 220, Fr.) S.06 La.-Monroe W +13' 31-38 o52 RB Elijhaa Perry (6-2, 255, Sr.) Aaron Duckworth (5-8, 205, So.) S.13 W. MICH. L -2' 33-45 o59' WR Dezmon Epps (5-10, 170, Sr.) Callen Hightower (5-10, 170, Jr.) S.20 Ohio U W +13 24-36 o56' WR Jacob Sannon (5-11, 185, Jr.) Michael Garner (5-11, 175, Fr.) WR (5-8, 165, So.) Rueben Mwehla (5-10, 180, So.) S.27 S. ALABAMA L +3' 10-34 u59 TE Deon Watson (6-4, 240, Jr.) Khalin Smith (6-5, 240, Jr.) O.04 Texas St. W +17 30-35 u66' FB Jake Manley (6-0, 245, Sr.) Will Schmidt (6-3, 225, So.) O.11 Ga. Southern W +24 24-47 o65' C Steven Matlock (6-2, 285, Jr.) Austin Phillips (6-3, 280, Fr.) O.18 N. MEX. ST. W -5 29-17 u68' LG Dallas Sandberg (6-5, 305, Sr.) Andrew Erbes (6-2, 325, Jr.) N.01 ARK ST. W +17 28-44 o66 RG Kato Fawkes (6-4, 305, Jr.) Patrick Johnson (6-2, 285, Fr.) N.08 San Diego St W +20' 21-35 u57' LT Jordan Rose (6-6, 325, So.) Calvin White (6-5, 295, Jr.) N.15 TROY L -5' 17-34 u66 RTMason Woods (6-9, 330, Jr.) Devin Wiltz (6-7, 320, Jr.) PK Austin Rehkow (6-3, 215, Jr.) Cade Coffey (6-2, 210, Fr.) N.29 App. St W +17' 28-45 o64' Defense DE Quinton Bradley (6-3, 255, Sr.) Kevin White (6-4, 260, Jr.) 2014 Idaho Final Stats DE Leonard Hazewood (6-4, 245, Jr.) Kaylyn Ayers (6-2, 245, Sr.) Idaho Opp DT Ryan Edwards (6-3, 320, Sr.) Kevin Shelton (6-3, 265, So.) Points per game 25 37 DT Tueni Lupeamanu (6-1, 305, Jr.) Glen Antoine (6-4, 355, Jr.) LB Marc Millan (6-1, 220, Sr.) Daniel Peterson (6-0, 200, Sr.) 1st Downs 258 225 LB Broc Westlake (6-3, 225, Sr.) Tony Lashley (6-1, 230, So.) Rush Att 440 482 LB Chris Edwards (6-2, 220, Sr.) Ed Hall (6-0, 210, Fr.) Rush Yards 1560 2708 FS Russell Siavi (6-2, 200, Jr.) Desmond Banks (6-3, 190, So.) Avg Rush 3.5 5.6 SS Jordan Grabski (6-0, 185, So.) Jordan Frysinger (5-10, 190, Jr.) Pass Comp 257 159 CB Jayshawn Jordan (5-9, 185, Sr.) D.J. Hampton (5-10, 180, Jr.) Pass Att 443 252 CB Kendrick Trotter (5-11, 180, Jr.) Dorian Clark (6-0, 175, So.) NB Isaiah Taylor (6-0, 185, Jr.) Elijah Williams (5-9, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 3031 2382 P Austin Rehkow (6-3, 215, Jr.) Cade Coffey (6-2, 210, Fr.) Had Int 20 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 417 463

36 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL leading the club with 60 receptions for 885 yards inside linebacker Joseph Peterson, who not only Sun Belt Conference #11 and seven touchdowns. The rest of the returning led the club with 97 tackles, but also tied for the wideouts are nothing special, so Georgia State team lead in sacks and interceptions. Soph Trey will look for immediate contributions from new- Payne showed some promise as the other ILB last GEORGIA STATE comers like UAB transfer Nyiakki Height and year, but he could be challenged for his job by (1-11-0) LETTERMEN Lost 14 JUCO transfer Kameron Myers. Sophs Glenn UAB transfer Alonzo McGee. The returnees at COACH: Trent Miles Returning 50 Smith and Todd Boyd also made some headway outside linebacker have not impressed at all STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 this spring. The Panthers also have one of the top which could open the door for JUCO transfers Defense 10 tight ends in the Sun Belt in John Ruiz, who like Kaleb Ringer and Kelvin Rainey. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #127 enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 as he caught 39 While all four starters are back in the sec- Georgia State actually won its first game last passes for 478 yards and three touchdowns. ondary, we are talking about the same guys who season with a narrow victory over tiny Abilene The ground game was a complete disaster last allowed enemy passers to complete nearly 70 per- Christian, but the Panthers quickly returned to year as starter Kyler Neal suffered a season-end- cent of their tosses a year ago. Amazingly, none of their losing ways and went on to drop their next ing injury and the replacements did absolutely the team’s THREE interceptions came from mem- 11 contests to close the year at 1-11. Georgia State nothing. Things got so bad that Coach Miles bers of the secondary as the pass thefts all went to is now 1-23 over the first two seasons of the Trent eventually moved cornerback Marcus Caffey to linebackers a year ago. SS Tarris Batiste did play Miles Era and it remains to be seen how much running back and he ended up rushing for a team- decent run defense at times, but the rest of this longer the school will give Coach Miles to get high 354 yards. If Neal is healthy, he will likely crew was just god awful last season. things turned around here. And while the sheer start over Caffey this fall, though Junior College GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: You could number of returning starters does create at least newcomer Kendrick Dorn hopes to make it a make a pretty strong argument that Georgia some hope for progress in 2015, the simple fact is three-way battle when he arrives on campus this State has been the weakest program in the that the overall talent level at this program is fall. entire country over the last two seasons, but shockingly poor even by modest Sun Belt stan- While three O-line regulars are back, this with 18 returning starters things are bound to dards. So where is the hope? group played poorly enough last year that all five be at least somewhat better this time around. Well, there is a glimmer of hope when you con- jobs are legitimately up for grabs as we head into In fact, if the ground attack gets a bit better, sider that this team actually does have a legitimate the fall. Tackles Taylor Evans and Michael Ivory you could actually see this team field a fairly quarterback in senior , the former were clear cut first stringers this spring, but that decent attack as they do have a very good Junior College kid who easily stepped forward as could change with the addition of JUCO transfers quarterback. But the defense is hopeless, so the the best QB in the history of this very young pro- Tyler Simonsen and Dominique Roldan. At guard, Panthers are doomed to another terrible gram. Overall in 2014, Arbuckle completed 259 incumbents Garrett Gorringe and Alex Stoehr record and low conference finish. of 429 passes for 3,283 yards and 23 touchdowns, appear safer, while the new center will be either 2015 Georgia State Schedule though on the down side he was picked off on 17 soph Davis Moore or UAB transfer Kelepi Folau. occasions which is the problem with running an While the offense had the occasional thrill 9/4 CHARLOTTE offense that was as predictable as this one was a thanks to the passing talents of Arbuckle, there 9/12 at New Mexico State season ago. If Arbuckle had better support from was generally nothing to cheer about on the 9/19 at Oregon defensive side of the field last year. Georgia State his running game and the big boys up front, he 10/3 LIBERTY would be rightfully recognized as one of the top allowed just under 500 yards per game and they 10/10 APPALACHIAN STATE QBs in the Sun Belt Conference. Former starter had just three interceptions and 12 QB sacks as a Ronnie Bell will again serve as the top backup but team! While all three D-line regulars are back in 10/17 at Ball State he’s thrown all of three passes since Arbuckle the trio of Shawayne Lawrence, and 10/31 at Arkansas State arrived on campus! Jalen Lawrence, there’s little doubt that none of 11/7 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE The Panthers actually have two pretty darn these guys are safe in their starting roles. None of 11/14 at Texas State the three had more than ONE sack in 2014. All good wide receivers in the duo of Robert Davis 11/21 SOUTH ALABAMA and Donovan Harden, the latter of whom was a three top backups also return, but watch out for 11/27 TROY major surprise last year as a former transfer from JUCO newcomers Dequeszman Kelley and Julian tiny Indiana State. Davis hauled in 50 passes for Laurent who could both be starters come fall. 12/5 at Georgia Southern 732 yards and three scores, but Harden ended up The team’s best defensive player last year was 2014 GEORGIA STATE RESULTS 2015 GEORGIA STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 1-11 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 6-5-1) Offense A.27 ABIL. CHRIST. L -4' 38-37 o57' QB Nick Arbuckle (6-1, 220, Sr.) Ronnie Bell (5-11, 190, Sr.) S.06 N. MEXICO ST. L -1 31-34 u65' RB Kyler Neal (5-11, 220, Jr.) Marcus Caffey (6-0, 195, Sr.) S.13 AIR FORCE W +11' 38-48 o63 WR Robert Davis (6-3, 200, Jr.) Todd Boyd (5-11, 180, So.) S.20 Wash. W +34' 14-45 u70 WR Donovan Harden (5-11, 175, Sr.) Glenn Smith (6-1, 185, So.) WR Nyiakki Height (6-1, 190, Sr.) (5-9, 170, Fr.) O.04 La.-Lafayete W +16 31-34 o64' WR Kameron Myers (5-9, 170, Jr.) Ari Werts (6-4, 225, Fr.) O.11 ARK. ST. L +10' 10-52 u64 TE Joel Ruiz (6-4, 240, Sr.) Keith Rucker (6-3, 235, Jr.) O.18 S. Alabama W +19' 27-30 o56 C Davis Moore (6-4, 300, So.) Kelepi Folau (6-3, 305, Sr.) O.25 GA. SO. L +17' 31-69 o68 LG Garrett Gorringe (6-4, 295, Jr.) Akil Hawkins (6-2, 285, Jr.) N.01 Appalachian St L +12 0-44 u64 RG Alex Stoehr (6-2, 300, So.) Steve Wolgamott (6-6, 315, Sr.) N.08 Troy L +6' 21-45 p66 LT Michael Ivory (6-5, 340, Jr.) Tyler Simonsen (6-4, 305, Jr.) N.22 Clemson W +40 0-28 u57 RTTaylor Evans (6-4, 305, Sr.) Dominique Roldan (6-4, 350, Jr.) PK (6-0, 190, Sr.) (5-10, 160, Fr.) N.29 TEXAS ST. L +13' 31-54 o61' Defense DE Shawayne Lawrence (6-4, 270, Jr.) Carnell Hopson (6-2, 270, Jr.) 2014 Georgia State Final Stats DE Tevin Jones (6-4, 270, Jr.) Will Cunningham (6-1, 280, So.) Georgia State Opp NG Jalen Lawrence (6-1, 285, Jr.) David Huey (6-2, 290, Sr.) Points per game 23 43 LB Mackendy Cheridor (6-5, 250, Jr.) Niemus Bryant (6-0, 220, Fr.) LB Joseph Peterson (6-0, 225, Sr.) Jameel Spencer (6-1, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 244 307 LB Trey Payne (6-0, 230, So.) Alonzo McGee (6-1, 220, Sr.) Rush Att 390 582 LB Melvin King (6-3, 225, Sr.) Kaleb Ringer (6-0, 235, Jr.) Rush Yards 1156 3641 FS Nate Simon (6-1, 195, Sr.) Cloves Campbell (6-1, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 3.0 6.3 SS Tarris Batiste (6-1, 210, Sr.) Dartez Jacobs (6-1, 200, Sr.) Pass Comp 264 222 CB Bruce Dukes (5-10, 195, Sr.) Bobby Baker (6-2, 190, Sr.) Pass Att 446 326 CB (5-11, 180, So.) Marcus Caffey (6-0, 195, Sr.) NB Robert Dowling (5-10, 185, Jr.) LaDarian Young (6-1, 190, Jr.) Pass Yds 3348 2324 P Wil Lutz (6-0, 190, Sr.) Brandon Wright (5-10, 160, Fr.) Had Int 18 3 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 375 497

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 37 MIDLANDS

PREDICTED FINISH CONFERENCE USA 1. TCU East Division 2. Baylor 1. Marshall 2. Western Kentucky 3. Oklahoma 3. Middle Tennessee 4. Oklahoma State 4. Florida Atlantic 5. Kansas State 5. Florida International 6. Texas 6. Old Dominion 7. West Virginia 7. Charlotte 8. Texas Tech West Division 1. Louisiana Tech 9. Iowa State 2. Rice 10. Kansas 3. Southern Miss. 4. UTEP 5. North Texas 6. UTSA

38 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL and 11 TDs! Fellow senior Listenbee was a sur- and returning lettermen Sammy Douglas and Paul Big 12 Conference #1 prise player last season with 41 catches for 753 Whitmill have been less than inspirational in the yards and four scores, while Gray was quite past. Redshirt frosh made a decent explosive with 36 grabs for 582 yards and eight showing in spring drills, but the real star turned TCU touchdowns! Sianina and key sub JaJuan Story out to be true frosh recruit Mike Freeze who (12-1-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 combined for another 49 receptions, while sophs enrolled in school a semester early and came out COACH: Returning 62 Emanuel Porter and Desmon White give TCU two of spring practice as the team’s #1 linebacker! STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 more very talented players who combined for 26 The five-man secondary also took some heavy Defense 5 more catches as ‘14 freshmen. When the Frogs losses including the unexpected early NFL exit of GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #1 need a tight end, the role this year will be filled by star safety Chris Hackett. But TCU still has one The Horned Frogs shook off the effects of a junior Buck Jones. solid safety in senior Derrick Kindred and a rising down year in 2013 and exploded out of the gate Even with former starter B.J. Catalon getting superstar in soph cornerback Ranthony Texada. In last season with a brand new offensive philosophy kicked out of school, the Horned Frogs possess an ‘14, Texada was a Freshman All-American and and a re-commitment to the physical brand of embarrassment of riches at the running back post. looks to be one of the top cover corners in the defense they used to play a few years ago when Senior Aaron Green led the balanced attack last nation this season. Solid lettermen Kenny Iloka they were consistently a Top 25 program. The year with 922 yards and nine TDs, while talented and Denzel Johnson will take over at the other results were downright shocking as TCU was sophs Trevorris Johnson and Kyle Hicks com- two safety slots, while sophs and arguably as good as any team in the nation in bined for another 462 yards as the third and fourth George Baltimore add depth there. Sophs Nick 2014 and came dangerously close to a perfect sea- stringers. And with promising redshirt frosh Orr and Torrance Mosley will compete for the son, posting 12 victories including an absolute Shaun Nixon joining the mix, TCU can go four- vacant CB role across from Texada. dismantling of SEC for Ole Miss in their bowl deep with big-time quality at running back. The special teams are a major weapon for TCU game. The only blemish came when they blew a Up front, four starters are back including All- as the return game is excellent and the kicking two-touchdown lead in the 4th Quarter of a mid- American candidate at center and All- game even better. All-American placekicker Jared season game against fellow Big 12 power Baylor Big 12 right tackle who Oberkrom made 22 of 27 field goal tries in ‘14. and sadly it was enough to keep this team out of moves from the RT spot across the line to left GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: We feel that the first ever College Football Playoffs. tackle this season. With Vaitai sliding over, soph despite some minor worries on defense, TCU is The explosive attack is again led into battle by takes over at right tackle, while a major threat to walk off with all the marbles athletic senior QB Trevone Boykin who was per- the guards will again be solid senior incumbents in 2015. The regular season ends with Baylor haps the most improved player in the country last Brady Foltz and Jamelle Naff. There’s also superb and Oklahoma, so two wins there could mean season. Boykin could always run, but he blos- depth here led by guard Bobby Thompson and an undefeated season for the Horned Frogs. somed as a passer in 2014 when he completed 301 former tackle regular . 2015 TCU Schedule of 492 passes (61%) for 3,901 yards and 33 TDs While 10 starters return on offense, there is against 10 interceptions, plus he also continued to some work to do on the defensive side of the ball 9/3 at Minnesota be an explosive runner with 707 yards and eight where only five starters are back and there are 9/12 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN more touchdowns on the ground! If TCU, as some worries at linebacker, and to a lesser extent 9/19 SMU in the secondary. Up front, the Frogs are absolute- expected, makes a legitimate run at a National 9/26 at Texas Tech Championship, then Boykin has a real shot at the ly loaded at defensive end where they literally 10/3 TEXAS Heisman Trophy this season. Senior vet Brian have FOUR players capable of earning All-Big 12 Kohlhausen is listed as the top backup, but if honors this season in the foursome of Terrell 10/10 at Kansas State Boykin were to ever get hurt, Coach Patterson Lathan, James McFarland, Josh Carraway and 10/17 at Iowa State might have to look at his younger options. Mike Tuaua. In 2014, this DE quartet combined 10/29 WEST VIRGINIA TCU went with far more four-wideout looks in for 22 QB sacks! In the middle, senior Davion 11/7 at Oklahoma State Pierson is a quiet force and undersized soph Chris 2014 and they now have FOUR returning starters 11/14 KANSAS at the position in the quartet of Josh Doctson, Ty Bradley was one of the surprise stars of spring 11/21 at Oklahoma Sianina, Kolby Listenbee and Deante Gray. The practice as he beat out solid vet Tevin Lawson and definite star here is Doctson who a year ago talented Nebraska transfer Aaron Curry. 11/27 BAYLOR hauled in a team-high 65 passes for 1,018 yards Both starters must be replaced at linebacker 2014 TCU RESULTS 2015 TCU DEPTH CHART (SUR: 12-1 PSR: 11-2 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 SAMFORD W -32' 48-14 o51' QB Trevone Boykin (6-2, 205, Sr.) Brian Kohlhausen (6-2, 205, Sr.) S.13 MINN. W -16' 30-7 u49' RB Aaron Green (5-11, 205, Sr.) Trevorris Johnson (5-11, 225, So.) S.27 Smu W -31' 56-0 o48 WR Josh Doctson (6-4, 190, Sr.) JaJuan Story (6-4, 210, Sr.) O.04 OKLAHOMA W +4 37-33 o56' WR Kolby Listenbee (6-1, 185, Sr.) Desmon White (5-7, 150, So.) O.11 Baylor W +7' 58-61 o66 WR Deante Gray (5-10, 175, Sr.) Emanuel Porter (6-4, 210, So.) O.18 OKLA. ST. W -10 42-9 u62 WR Ty Sianina (6-0, 195, Jr.) Corey McBride (6-1, 190, Fr.) O.25 TEXAS TECH W -23' 82-27 o71' TE Buck Jones (6-4, 255, Jr.) Dominic Merka (6-4, 235, Sr.) N.01 West Virginia L -3' 31-30 u69' C Joey Hunt (6-3, 295, Sr.) Austin Schlottman (6-6, 300, So.) N.08 KANSAS ST. W -6' 41-20 o58 LG Jamelle Naff (6-4, 325, Sr.) Bobby Thompson (6-6, 310, Sr.) N.15 Kansas L -28 34-30 o57 RG Brady Foltz (6-4, 320, Sr.) Patrick Morris (6-3, 290, So.) LT Halapoulivaati Vaitai (6-6, 310, Sr.) Aviante Collins (6-6, 295, Sr.) N.27 Texas W -6' 48-10 o55' RT Joseph Noteboom (6-5, 310, So.) Matt Pryor (6-7, 350, So.) D.06 IOWA ST. W -34' 55-3 u69 PK Jaden Oberkrom (6-3, 190, Sr.) Jonathan Song (5-9, 160, Fr.) D.31 Mississippi W -3' 42-3 u55' Defense DE Terrell Lathan (6-5, 280, Sr.) Mike Tuaua (6-3, 255, Sr.) 2014 TCU Final Stats DE James McFarland (6-3, 250, Sr.) Josh Carraway (6-4, 255, Jr.) TCU Opp DT Davion Pierson (6-2, 305, Sr.) Aaron Curry (6-2, 280, Jr.) Points per game 47 19 DT Chris Bradley (6-2, 260, So.) Tevin Lawson (6-4, 280, Jr.) LB Mike Freeze (6-3, 220, Fr.) Ty Summers (6-2, 215, Fr.) 1st Downs 331 218 LB Sammy Douglas (6-3, 220, Jr.) Paul Whitmill (6-0, 230, So.) Rush Att 509 508 NS Denzel Johnson (6-2, 205, Jr.) Ridwan Isaahaku (6-1, 185, Fr.) Rush Yards 2689 1414 NS Derrick Kindred (5-10, 210, Sr.) George Baltimore (6-0, 205, So.) Avg Rush 5.3 2.8 NS Kenny Iloka (6-2, 210, Sr.) Travin Howard (6-1, 190, So.) Pass Comp 325 216 CB Ranthony Texada (5-10, 170, So.) DeShawn Raymond (6-1, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 529 445 CB Torrance Mosley (5-10, 160, So.) Corry O’Malley (6-0, 170, Sr.) NB Nick Orr (5-10, 170, So.) Cameron Echols-Luper (6-1, 190, Jr.) Pass Yds 4240 3029 P Ethan Perry (6-4, 230, Sr.) Jaden Oberkrom (6-3, 190, Sr.) Had Int 11 26 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 533 342

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 39 Hawthorne won the fourth wideout role this as good at defensive tackle where All-Big 12 per- Big 12 Conference #2 spring, but he may eventually give way to talent- formers Beau Blackshear and Andrew Billings ed soph Davion Hall. Two new faces who could combined for 20 hits for minus yardage and seven make a major impact at wide receiver are redshirt sacks from their inside posts! BAYLOR freshman Ishmael Zamora and true frosh recruit If there’s a weak link on this team it will be at (11-2-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 Blake Lynch. While they don’t use one in the linebacker where the Bears lose All-American COACH: Art Briles Returning 53 starting lineup, the Bears utilize a number of for- . Talented soph Taylor Young does STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 mations with tight ends and they have two very return as one starter though, and he did post an Defense 9 good ones in Trevon Armstead and massive impressive 92 tackles and four sacks as a ‘14 GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #4 LaQuan McGowan, the latter of whom has frosh. Lettermen Grant Campbell, Raaquan Davis The Baylor Bears have emerged as a national become something of a national celebrity as no and Aiavion Edwards will be asked to step up and powerhouse under the guidance of Head Coach one can quite believe that a guy who weighs 410 play more important roles in 2015. Art Briles and this club has now posted back-to- pounds can run as well as McGowan! The secondary should again be rock solid led back 11-2 records. Coach Briles is obviously best The parade of talent at the skill positions con- by All-Big 12 candidates and known for his high octane offenses, but the Bears tinues at running back where Shock Linwood Orion Stewart who tied for the team lead with have also become a very good defensive team in gives the Bears yet another All-American con- four interceptions apiece in 2014. Solid vets Ryan recent seasons. The better balance has allowed tender. Linwood ran for 1,252 yards and 16 TDs Reid and Terrell Burt are the other two returning Baylor to go from a “freak show” offensive circus last season despite having to split carries with out- regulars, while soph Travon Blanchard is the only act into one of the top programs in the nation. And standing backups Johnny Jefferson and Devin new face in the starting secondary and quite in 2015, the Bears bring back most of last year’s Chafin who combined for another 907 yards rush- frankly we think he’s better than the guy he starting lineup so there is actually serious talk of ing and 14 more TDs! replaces! The top subs in this area will be letter a National Championship down in Waco! Baylor’s most valuable offensive player may winners Tion Wright, Terrence Singleton, Taion While almost every key player returns, Coach actually be left tackle Spencer Drango, a First Sells, Alfred Pullom and Chance Waz. Briles will have one huge hole to fill at quarter- Team All-American last year who is probably the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Bears back where superstar Bryce Petty finally used up leading candidate for the Outland Trophy this are one of the leading candidates for the his eligibility and is off to the NFL. Petty threw year. Drango and fellow senior Blake Muir form College Football Playoffs and a definite Top 10 for over 8,000 yards and 61 TDs over the past two an awesome combo on the left side, while hard- team nationally. The offense will be explosive seasons, so he will be hard to replace. But Baylor nosed seniors Jarell Broxton and Pat Colbert will as ever and the Baylor defense will also be seems fairly confident that junior Seth Russell is again start on the right side of the line. Junior among the very best in the land. This club has up to the task. A year ago, Russell came off the is a rising star at center and the over- a chance to go all the way in 2015! bench to complete 48 of 85 passes for 804 yards all depth along the O-line is laughably good led 2015 Baylor Schedule and eight TDs against just one interception. Based by former starter Desmine Hilliard and high pro- on what we saw, Russell is a worthy successor to file transfers Ishmael Wilson (Texas A&M) and 9/4 at SMU Bryce Petty as the Baylor QB, but if he struggles Rami Hammad (Texas Tech). 9/12 LAMAR the Bears have two other excellent prospects here While the offensive line is fantastic, it is actu- 9/26 RICE ally WEAK next to what might be the best defen- in soph Chris Johnson and heralded true frosh 10/3 vs. Texas Tech blue chipper . sive line in the country this year! Baylor literally 10/10 at Kansas Three of four starters are back at wide receiver has FIVE D-liners who could be All-Big 12 this including All-Big 12 performer Corey Coleman season and they have an almost surefire All- 10/17 WEST VIRGINIA and 2014 Freshman All-American K.D. Cannon, American in 6-9 end Shawn Oakman, who a year 10/24 IOWA STATE both of whom could be All-Americans this year! ago registered 51 tackles, 19.5 hits for negative 11/5 at Kansas State In ‘14, Coleman caught a team-high 64 passes for yardage and 11 QB sacks! Senior Jamal Palmer 11/14 OKLAHOMA was a rising star on the other flank last year before 1,119 yards and 11 TDs, while Cannon was an 11/21 at Oklahoma State immediate standout as a frosh with 58 catches for going down with a season-ending injury and all 11/27 at TCU 1,030 yards and nine TDs. Senior vet Jay Lee is his replacement K.J. Smith did was earn Frosh the other returning starter and he added 41 grabs All-American honors with 10 tackles for losses 12/5 TEXAS for 633 yards and six scores. Junior Lynx and five sacks in just eight games! Things are just 2014 BAYLOR RESULTS 2015 BAYLOR DEPTH CHART (SUR: 11-2 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.31 SMU W -33 45-0 u74' QB Seth Russell (6-3, 220, Jr.) Chris Johnson (6-5, 235, So.) S.06 N'WESTN ST W -47 70-6 o72 RB Shock Linwood (5-9, 200, Jr.) Johnny Jefferson (5-10, 205, So.) S.12 Buffalo W -33' 63-21 o69' WR Corey Coleman (5-11, 190, Jr.) Davion Hall (6-2, 200, So.) S.27 Iowa St. L -21' 49-28 o71' WR K.D. Cannon (6-0, 175, So.) Quan Jones (6-5, 210, So.) O.04 Texas W -14' 28-7 u58 WR Jay Lee (6-3, 215, Sr.) Ishmael Zamora (6-4, 220, Fr.) O.11 TCU L -7' 61-58 o66 WR Lynx Hawthorne (6-0, 200, Jr.) Blake Lynch (6-4, 195, Fr.) O.18 West Virginia L -8 27-41 u80 TE Trevon Armstead (6-6, 270, Jr.) LaQuan McGowan (6-7, 410, Sr.) N.01 KANSAS W -35' 60-14 o62 C Kyle Fuller (6-5, 305, Jr.) Blake Blackmar (6-5, 335, Fr.) N.08 Oklahoma W +5' 48-14 u69' LG Blake Muir (6-6, 315, Sr.) Desmine Hilliard (6-5, 340, Sr.) N.22 OKLA. ST. L -32' 49-28 o70 RG Jarell Broxton (6-5, 330, Sr.) Rami Hammad (6-4, 325, So.) N.29 Texas Tech L -26' 48-46 o80 LT Spencer Drango (6-6, 310, Sr.) Tanner Thrift (6-5, 305, So.) D.06 KANSAS ST. W -7 38-27 u70 RT Pat Colbert (6-6, 310, Sr.) Ishmael Wilson (6-4, 305, So.) PK Chris Callahan (5-9, 185, So.) Spencer Evans (6-1, 200, So.) J.01 MICHIGAN ST. L -2' 41-42 o70 Defense DE Shawn Oakman (6-9, 280, Sr.) Brian Nance (6-3, 250, So.) 2014 Baylor Final Stats DE Jamal Palmer (6-3, 245, Sr.) K.J. Smith (6-2, 255, So.) Baylor Opp DT Andrew Billings (6-2, 300, Jr.) Byron Bonds (6-2, 285, Jr.) Points per game 48 26 DT Beau Blackshear (6-4, 300, Sr.) Andrew Morris (6-1, 285, Fr.) LB Taylor Young (5-10, 225, So.) Aiavion Edwards (6-1, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 391 256 LB Grant Campbell (6-1, 230, Sr.) Raaquan Davis (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Att 619 485 NS Travon Blanchard (6-2, 205, So.) Pat Levels (5-10, 200, Jr.) Rush Yards 2802 1530 NS Orion Stewart (6-2, 200, Jr.) Alfred Pullom (6-2, 185, So.) Avg Rush 4.5 3.2 NS Terrell Burt (5-10, 190, Sr.) Taion Sells (5-10, 185, Jr.) Pass Comp 323 249 CB Xavien Howard (6-2, 200, Jr.) Terrence Singleton (5-11, 195, Jr.) Pass Att 519 456 CB Ryan Reid (5-11, 185, Jr.) Jourdan Blake (6-0, 180, Fr.) NB Tion Wright (5-10, 180, Jr.) Chance Waz (6-0, 185, So.) Pass Yds 4757 3434 P Drew Galitz (5-10, 180, Fr.) Spencer Evans (6-1, 200, So.) Had Int 8 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 582 382

40 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL and three scores, while sophs Michiah Quick and new 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Sack artist Eric Big 12 Conference #3 K.J. Young combined for another 44 receptions Striker was an All-American last year as he off the bench as 2014 freshmen. Several new racked up 68 tackles, 17 hits for minus yardage faces could also factor at wide receiver this year and nine QB sacks. Juniors Dominique Alexander OKLAHOMA including JUCO transfer who and Jordan Evans finished one-two on the team (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 looks ready to push for an immediate starting role. tackle charts as they combined for an even 200 COACH: Returning 45 The new tight end will be either lanky redshirt hits a year ago. The depth here is adequate. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 freshman Mark Andrews or converted fullback The secondary is supposed to be talented but Defense 6 Dimitri Flowers. gave up 276 passing yards per game in ‘14. All GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #17 The Sooners have a big problem at running Big-12 cornerback did pick off six We told you that Oklahoma was overrated back as they have just one spot and no fewer than passes, but if he’s so good, why do enemy QBs rip heading into the 2014 campaign, but even we FIVE potential superstars ready for action! The the Sooners on a regular basis? Junior Ahmad were shocked when this team lost five games a main man here is of course soph Thomas is the only other incumbent starter, but year ago. It was one of the most disappointing who was a stunning breakout star as a ‘14 frosh there are other experienced players waiting in the seasons of the Bob Stoops Era and the Sooners with 1,713 yards rushing and 21 TDs! Terrific wings like Jordan Thomas, Steven Parker and have done a LOT of underachieving under Stoops backup RBs Alex Ross and Keith Ford combined Hatari Byrd. Watch out for several true frosh DBs in recent years! But with a new offensive coordi- for another 987 yards on the ground with nine this fall, the best of whom looks to be safety Will nator and a new offensive philosophy, and per- TDs, but both of those guys may lose playing time Sunderland. haps a new quarterback, this team will likely be this year with the long-awaited arrival of redshirt GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This is a underrated in most circles heading into 2015! freshman and heralded true frosh new- tough team to figure, but if Coach Stoops has Abig part of last year’s disappointing finish comer Rodney Anderson. Before missing last year the guts to dump Knight in favor of Baker was the play of talented but painfully erratic quar- with legal issues, Mixon was considered a MUCH Mayfield, we feel Oklahoma could be the sur- terback Trevor Knight, who in two years has gone better prospect than classmate Perine!!! prise team in the Big 12 this season. There is from a terrible flop, to the star of , to The blocking corps lost two all-league tackles talent galore at running back and the receivers a Heisman candidate and back to a flop! Hell, at and will be rebuilt around solid but unspectacular are almost as good, so if the blocking holds up, one point last year he even had Katy Perry fanta- returning regulars Ty Darlington and Nila Kasitati this offense will be awesome. On defense, this sizing about him on national television! This kid at center and guard, respectively. It looks like group is not as bad as it appeared over the sec- is all over the place! Overall in 2014, Knight com- JUCO transfer Jamal Danley will win the one ond half of 2014 so we look for an improved pleted 179 of 316 passes (57%) for 2,300 yards guard vacancy, while the new tackles figure to be record and high national ranking...if Stoops and 14 TDs against 12 interceptions which is lettermen Josiah St. John and Derek Farnick who has the guts to do what’s necessary! WAY short of the Heisman-worthy numbers OU did a decent job off the bench last year. Sophs 2015 Oklahoma Schedule fans were expecting. He also ran for 339 yards Jonathan Alvarez and Christian Daimier should and five scores as his mobility is a nice weapon, also push for starting O-line roles this fall. 9/5 AKRON but if you wanted a running QB you would go The run defense was great last year, but no one 9/12 at Tennessee with athletic soph Cody Thomas who is a lot ever seems to talk about just how awful the OU 9/19 TULSA pass defense was in 2014. Just one D-line regular faster. So we feel the answer here is Texas Tech 10/3 WEST VIRGINIA transfer , a pure passer with a gun- is back in senior end Charles Tapper who is com- 10/10 vs. Texas slinger mentality that will make him VERY popu- ing off a nice year in which he recorded 37 tack- lar with the Oklahoma fans. As a frosh at Texas les and three sacks, which is solid production for 10/17 at Kansas State Tech, this kid was terrific before getting hurt and a three-man end. Lettermen Charles Walker and 10/24 TEXAS TECH we like him a LOT better than the erratic Knight. Matt Dimon are the favorites to win the other DE 10/31 at Kansas The receiving corps got a surprise lift when slot this year, while the middle of the line will be 11/7 IOWA STATE manned by either soph Matthew Romar or talent- star opted to return for his senior 11/14 at Baylor season rather than head to the NFL. In ‘14, ed but troubled junior Jordan Wade. Several fresh- 11/21 TCU Shepard hauled in a team-best 51 passes for 970 men will also get a look up front in ‘15. yards and five TDs. Fellow senior Durron Neal The strength of this defense is definitely at 11/28 at Oklahoma State was also rock solid with 42 catches for 513 yards linebacker where three strong starters return in the 2014 OKLAHOMA RESULTS 2015 OKLAHOMA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 9-4) Offense A.30 LA. TECH L -35 48-16 o53' QB Baker Mayfield (6-2, 210, Jr.) Trevor Knight (6-1, 205, Jr.) S.06 Tulsa W -24' 52-7 o58 RB Samaje Perine (5-11, 245, So.) Alex Ross (6-1, 215, Jr.) S.13 TENNESSEE W -21 34-10 u57' WR Sterling Shepard (5-10, 195, Sr.) K.J. Young (6-0, 180, So.) S.20 West Virginia W -7' 45-33 o65 WR Durron Neal (5-11, 205, Sr.) Jordan Smallwood (6-2, 215, So.) O.04 Tcu L -4 33-37 o56' WR Michiah Quick (6-0, 170, So.) Jeffery Mead (6-6, 190, So.) O.11 Texas L -15' 31-26 o46' WR Dede Westbrook (6-1, 170, Jr.) Austin Bennett (6-0, 175, Jr.) O.18 KANSAS ST. L -7 30-31 o54' TE Mark Andrews (6-6, 240, Fr.) Dimitri Flowers (6-2, 245, So.) N.01 Iowa St. W -15' 59-14 o61' C Ty Darlington (6-2, 290, Sr.) Alex Dalton (6-4, 285, Fr.) N.08 BAYLOR L -5' 14-48 u69' LG Jamal Danley (6-5, 305, Jr.) Jonathan Alvarez (6-3, 320, So.) N.15 Texas Tech L -14 42-30 o64 RG Nila Kasitati (6-4, 315, Sr.) Nick Hardaway (6-2, 300, So.) N.22 KANSAS W -25 44-7 u55' LT Josiah St. John (6-6, 300, Sr.) Christian Daimier (6-7, 300, So.) D.06 OKLA. ST. L -20 35-38 o58' RT Derek Farnick (6-9, 330, Sr.) Orlando Brown (6-8, 340, Fr.) PK (5-10, 195, Fr.) Nick Hodgson (6-2, 200, Sr.) D.29 Clemson L -6' 6-40 u49' Defense DE Charles Tapper (6-4, 285, Sr.) D.J. Ward (6-2, 260, So.) 2014 Oklahoma Final Stats DE Matt Dimon (6-2, 275, Jr.) Charles Walker (6-2, 300, So.) Oklahoma Opp NG Matthew Romar (6-0, 290, So.) Jordan Wade (6-4, 315, Jr.) Points per game 36 26 LB Jordan Evans (6-3, 225, Jr.) (6-1, 240, So.) LB Dominique Alexander (6-0, 230, Jr.) Ricky DeBerry (6-2, 235, Fr.) 1st Downs 293 264 LB Eric Striker (6-0, 225, Sr.) Devante Bond (6-1, 240, Sr.) Rush Att 557 458 NS Steven Parker (6-1, 200, So.) Kahlil Haughton (6-1, 185, Fr.) Rush Yards 3395 1383 NS (6-0, 210, Jr.) Will Sunderland (6-2, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 6.1 3.0 NS Hatari Byrd (6-1, 205, Jr.) Prentice McKinney (6-2, 185, Fr.) Pass Comp 210 287 CB Zack Sanchez (5-11, 180, Jr.) Dakota Austin (5-11, 165, Jr.) Pass Att 386 510 CB Jordan Thomas (6-1, 185, So.) Marcus Green (6-1, 180, Fr.) NB William Johnson (6-0, 180, Jr.) Stanvon Taylor (5-10, 180, Jr.) Pass Yds 2646 3591 P Jack Steed (6-5, 215, Jr.) Austin Seibert (5-10, 195, Fr.) Had Int 17 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 465 383

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 41 one of the stars of spring practice and he’s coming defensive end posts. Coach Gundy needs two new Big 12 Conference #4 off a frosh campaign where he caught 28 passes DT regulars and the early favorites are sophs Vili with six TDs off the bench in 2014. The big dis- Leveni and Vincent Taylor, but we like JUCO appointments last year were juniors Jhajuan transfer Motekiai Maile to be the big surprise for OKLA. STATE Seales and who went from frosh the Cowboys in 2015. Also look out for true fresh- (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 starters in 2013 to moderately productive backups men Darrion Daniels and Vaimoe Sekona. COACH: Returning 46 in 2014 who combined for just 38 receptions and At linebacker, vet Ryan Simmons is a force in STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 three scores. Keep a close eye on redshirt fresh- the middle as he picked up 96 tackles and 12.5 Defense 7 man Keenan Brown who could be the surprise hits for minus yardage a year ago. On the outside, GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #27 wide receiver for OSU this fall. Incumbent tight vet Seth Jacobs added 92 tackles and two inter- As we predicted, Oklahoma State had a down end regular Jeremy Seaton has been moved to ceptions last season and his new OLB partner will year by their standards in 2014 as the Cowboys fullback this fall so the Cowboys can get more be explosive JUCO transfer Jordan Burton. The simply lost too many key players to compete in a size for run blocking at tight end and they solved ‘Boys also have excellent depth here led by sophs Big 12 Conference that was pretty much loaded at that issue by moving starting right guard Zac Gyasi Akem, Chad Whitener and Kirk Tucker. the top. But the ‘14 campaign proved even more Veatch to the TE slot. Veatch is a good athlete Junior Jordan Sterns is a rising star at free safe- challenging than we figured for Head Coach Mike who spent the summer losing weight to get ready ty and he’s coming off a year in which he led the Gundy as the Cowboys suffered several key for his new position. team with 103 tackles. Sterns gets a new safety injuries, including at quarterback which really The Cowboys lose their top two rushers from partner this year in soph , but the real hurt the team early in the season. Late in the year, last year and junior Rennie Childs is the only excitement here is what promises to be vastly there was some crazy talk that Coach Gundy returnee with any real experience. Childs ran for improved play at the cornerback position. Back to might get fired, then there was talk that he might 294 yards off the bench last season, but averaged try and reclaim starting roles are leave for the Florida job, but in the end he stays less than four yards per carry working behind a and Ramon Richards who will be a year older and right where he belongs at his alma mater. And the shaky blocking unit. The big challengers for a year wiser, while Ashton Lumpkin is also back Cowboys should be a much improved club in Childs are JUCO transfers and Todd as the nickel. And major help arrives at CB in the 2015. Mays, both of whom have a ton of raw talent and form of Indiana transfer Michael Hunter and tal- Last year began to fall apart after solid dual could make a big splash this season. Steady vet ented JUCO newcomer Antwan Hadley. threat QB J.W. Walsh went down with a season- Jeremy Seaton will do a nice job whether playing GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club ending injury and highly-regarded transfer Daxx fullback or tight end. will be much improved in 2015. The schedule is Garman proved to be much shakier than anyone The offensive line was a disaster last year and tough, but with an upset or two, OSU could expected. So Coach Gundy eventually dumped Coach Gundy has let it be known that there could return to the National Top 25 after a year off. Garman in favor of then-frosh Mason Rudolph be major changes here at any minute this fall. 2015 Oklahoma State Schedule who did a decent job late in the year. With Incumbent starters Paul Lewis, Michael Wilson Garman transferring again, the battle for the #1 and Zachary Crabtree all struggled at times last 9/5 at Central Michigan QB job this year will come down to Rudolph season, as did Zac Veatch who was moved to tight 9/12 CENTRAL ARKANSAS against the veteran Walsh, the latter of whom will end. The “movers” of spring practice were soph 9/19 UTSA tackle Jack Kurzu and redshirt freshman guard need to prove that he’s back at 100 percent. Soph 9/26 at Texas Rudolph completed 49 of 86 passes late last year Lemaefe Galaeai, while sophs 10/3 KANSAS STATE for 853 yards and six TDs against four intercep- and Jesse Robinson were also pushing hard for tions, so the general consensus is that he’ll be the starting roles. Also checking as potential starters 10/10 at West Virginia starter in 2015, but we favor Walsh as his running are UAB transfer Victor Salako and JUCO new- 10/24 KANSAS skill adds a badly-needed dimension to the attack. comer Matt Kellerman. 10/31 at Texas Tech The Cowboys did not pass the ball well last The star of the OSU defense is junior end 11/7 TCU , who a year ago came out of year, but while there are no stars at wide receiver, 11/14 at Iowa State this club does have some solid pass catchers led nowhere to record 49 tackles, 17 hits for minus 11/21 BAYLOR by seniors David Glidden and Brandon Sheperd yardage and 11 QB sacks! Solid vet Jimmy Bean who a year ago combined for 81 catches and will again start on the flank opposite Ogbah and 11/28 OKLAHOMA seven touchdowns. Soph James Washington was fellow senior Trace Clark is a proven sub at the 2014 OKLAHOMA STATE RESULTS 2015 OKLAHOMA STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 5-7-1 O-U: 7-6) Offense A.30 Fla. St. W +19 31-37 o63' QB J.W. Walsh (6-2, 215, Sr.) Mason Rudolph (6-4, 220, So.) S.06 MISSOURI ST. L -33' 40-23 o62 TB Rennie Childs (5-10, 205, Jr.) Chris Carson (6-1, 210, Jr.) S.13 UTSA W -13 43-13 o55' FB Jeremy Seaton (6-2, 250, Sr.) Britton Abbott (6-3, 240, Fr.) S.25 TEXAS TECH L -14 45-35 o70 WR David Glidden (5-8, 185, Sr.) Jhajuan Seales (6-2, 200, Jr.) O.04 IOWA ST. P -17 37-20 u65 WR Brandon Sheperd (6-1, 195, Sr.) Marcell Ateman (6-4, 210, Jr.) O.11 Kansas L -20' 27-20 u49' WR James Washington (6-0, 200, So.) Keenan Brown (6-3, 205, Fr.) O.18 Tcu L +10 9-42 u62 TE Zac Veatch (6-4, 270, Jr.) (6-5, 245, Jr.) O.25 W. VIRGINIA L +1' 10-34 u66 C Paul Lewis (6-3, 295, Jr.) Brad Lundblade (6-3, 300, So.) N.01 Kansas St. L +13 14-48 o51' LG Lemaefe Galaeai (6-5, 325, Fr.) Colby Hegwood (6-5, 315, So.) N.15 TEXAS L +2' 7-28 u47' RG Michael Wilson (6-6, 305, Jr.) Jesse Robinson (6-6, 310, So.) N.22 Baylor W +32' 28-49 o70 LTZachary Crabtree (6-7, 305, So.) Victor Salako (6-6, 330, Jr.) D.06 Oklahoma W +20 38-35 o58' RT Jack Kurzu (6-4, 305, So.) Matt Kellerman (6-5, 295, Jr.) PK Ben Grogan (6-1, 190, Jr.) Kevin King (5-10, 175, Jr.) J.02 Washington W +6' 30-22 u56' Defense DE Emmanuel Ogbah (6-4, 275, Jr.) Trace Clark (6-4, 260, Sr.) 2014 Oklahoma State Final Stats DE Jimmy Bean (6-5, 255, Sr.) Jarrell Owens (6-3, 265, Fr.) Okla. State Opp DT Vincent Taylor (6-3, 300, So.) Eric Davis (6-3, 295, Jr.) Points per game 28 31 DT Motekiai Maile (6-4, 305, Jr.) Vili Leveni (6-3, 295, So.) LB Seth Jacobs (6-2, 225, Jr.) Kirk Tucker (6-2, 200, So.) 1st Downs 246 286 LB Ryan Simmons (6-0, 240, Sr.) Chad Whitener (6-1, 240, So.) Rush Att 506 517 LB Jordan Burton (6-3, 215, Jr.) Gyasi Akem (6-1, 215, So.) Rush Yards 1776 2117 FS Jordan Sterns (6-1, 205, Jr.) Deric Robertson (6-2, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 3.5 4.1 SS Tre Flowers (6-3, 195, So.) Jerel Morrow (6-0, 195, So.) Pass Comp 222 275 CB Kevin Peterson (5-11, 190, Sr.) Michael Hunter (6-1, 195, Sr.) Pass Att 401 453 CB Ramon Richards (6-0, 180, So.) Darius Curry (6-1, 195, So.) NB Ashton Lumpkin (5-11, 185, Jr.) Antwan Hadley (6-3, 210, Jr.) Pass Yds 3149 3499 P Zach Sinor (5-11, 195, Fr.) Matt Hockett (6-3, 195, Fr.) Had Int 17 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 379 432

42 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL best chance to play right away. But no matter how tion with the return of lettermen Elijah Lee and Big 12 Conference #5 you slice it, the play at wide receiver will be a Will Davis, who a year ago combined for 54 tack- LOT weaker in 2015 than it has been in the recent les off the bench. Lee also has major pass rushing past. At tight end, promising redshirt freshman skills and picked up 4.5 QB sacks in ‘14 despite KANSAS STATE Dayton Valentine is running ahead of soph Cody relatively modest playing time. The big worry at (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 Small. linebacker is about the depth as the backups are COACH: Bill Snyder Returning 46 Technically, the Wildcats have to replace their either injury-prone or totally untested. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 starting running back, but the truth is that they do The secondary was decent last year but figures Defense 5 bring back their best player here in junior Charles to be much improved in 2015 with the return of GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #33 Jones. Despite his non-starter status in ‘14, Jones two cornerbacks who were second-team All- Kansas State and Bill Snyder are coming off actually led KSU in both rushing yardage (540) League picks in Danzel McDaniel and Morgan yet another very successful season as the always and touchdowns (13) as he proved to be a very Burns. In addition to these two rock solid per- overachieving Wildcats posted nine victories in solid inside-the-tackles runner. Redshirt frosh formers, the Wildcats also welcome back safety 2014, including high profile wins over traditional Dalvin Warmack would bring some badly needed Dante Barrett who posted 77 tackles and three Big 12 powers Oklahoma and Texas. But Coach speed to the position, but may not be big enough interceptions a year ago. The two vacant safety Snyder will have some major work to do before to be an every down back. As a result, the long roles look to be filled by the letter-winning trio of the start of the 2015 campaign as this team lost term answer at running back may prove to be true Nate Jackson, Kaleb Prewett and Sean Newlan. exactly half its starting lineup, including a very frosh recruit Alex Barnes. Two-time All-Big 12 The depth at CB is a little thin, but KSU does wel- underrated quarterback in Jake Waters and two fullback is a strong lead come heralded true frosh recruit Duke Shelley, a All-Big 12 wide receivers in and blocker and decent pass receiver. very small guy who was a very BIG recruit! Curry Sexton, the latter two having combined for The O-line was a mixed bag last year as the The kicking game is superb as punter Nick 185 catches and 16 TDs a year ago. pass blocking was excellent, but the run blocking Walsh is rock solid and KSU has two superb kick- The battle for the vacant QB job looked like a was shockingly poor. Four starters do return up ers in Matthew McCrane and Jack Cantele. While “tie” this spring as lettermen Joe Hubener and front including All-Big 12 left tackle Sean Cantele was a star in 2013, he missed three FGs Jesse Ertz both turned in solid, if not spectacular Whitehair who should have a nice future at the against Auburn early last year and McCrane went springs. We gave Hubener a slight edge because NFL level next year. Whitehair heads up a quartet on to make good on 18 of 19 attempts after that! of his surprising speed for a tall guy, but that all of senior incumbent starters also comprised of GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is changed early in the Summer when Coach Snyder guards Boston Stiverson and Luke Hayes, along tough to figure as they lose a lot, but Coach announced out of nowhere that KSU had signed with right tackle Matt Kleinsorge. At center, Snyder always seems to overachieve. Look for outstanding JUCO transfer Jonathan Banks. senior vet Reed Bergstrom is trying to hold off a another solid season and decent bowl berth. While a bit raw as a pure passer, Banks has a big strong challenge from promising redshirt frosh 2015 Kansas State Schedule arm and he has the kind of speed and running abil- Dalton Risner. The depth here appears solid. ity that will bring an extra dimension to this The KSU defense was utterly dominant last 9/5 SOUTH DAKOTA attack. For a team which struggled at times to run year against weak or average teams, but their 9/12 at UTSA the football last year, a quarterback like Banks is overall lack of team speed did show up in late- 9/19 LOUISIANA TECH season losses to TCU, Baylor and UCLA in the just what the doctor ordered! 10/3 at Oklahoma State The loss of Lockett and Sexton will be impos- bowl game. There are two very solid returning 10/10 TCU sible to overcome, but the Wildcats still have regulars up front in DT Travis Britz and DE decent talent here led by returning lettermen Kyle Jordan Willis, both of whom will make a push for 10/17 OKLAHOMA Klein, , Andre Davis and Kody all-conference honors this fall. Senior Marquel 10/24 at Texas Cook. Burton and Cook were the most productive Bryant was tough off the bench last year and takes 11/5 BAYLOR of the four last year as they combined for 37 over on the other flank, while underrated soph 11/14 at Texas Tech Will Geary takes over at the other defensive tack- receptions off the bench, while Klein is the most 11/21 IOWA STATE experienced and Davis is probably the most tal- le post and he looks like a future star. The D-line 11/28 at Kansas ented of the foursome. Soph Judah Jones was one depth is somewhat suspect, however. of the “movers” in spring practice and among the Graduation has claimed two superb lineback- 12/5 WEST VIRGINIA newcomers, true frosh recruit Isaiah Zuber has the ers, but the Wildcats should be decent at this posi- 2014 KANSAS STATE RESULTS 2015 KANSAS STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 S.F. AUSTIN L -41' 55-16 o70' QB Jonathan Banks (6-3, 215, Jr.) Joe Hubener (6-4, 205, Jr.) S.06 Iowa St. L -12 32-28 o54' RB Charles Jones (5-10, 200, Jr.) Dalvin Warmack (5-8, 185, Fr.) S.18 AUBURN W +8' 14-20 u64 FB Glenn Gronkowski (6-3, 240, Jr.) Winston Dimel (6-0, 230, Fr.) S.27 UTEP W -27' 58-28 o53 WR Deante Burton (6-2, 205, Jr.) Kyle Klein (6-4, 210, Sr.) O.04 TEXAS TECH W -14 45-13 u68 WR Kody Cook (6-1, 200, Sr.) Steven West (6-1, 200, Jr.) O.18 Oklahoma W +7 31-30 o54' WR Andre Davis (6-0, 185, Sr.) Judah Jones (5-11, 180, So.) O.25 TEXAS W -9' 23-0 u48 TE Dayton Valentine (6-4, 265, Fr.) Cody Small (6-4, 240, So.) N.01 OKLA. ST. W -13 48-14 o51' C Reed Bergstrom (6-2, 305, Sr.) Dalton Risner (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.08 Tcu L +6' 20-41 o58 LG Boston Stiverson (6-4, 315, Sr.) Will Ash (6-2, 340, Jr.) N.20 West Virginia W +2' 26-20 u58 RG Luke Hayes (6-6, 300, Sr.) A.J. Allen (6-7, 315, Jr.) N.29 KANSAS W -27' 51-13 o51' LT Cody Whitehair (6-4, 310, Sr.) Aaron Bennett (6-7, 285, Sr.) D.06 Baylor L +7 27-38 u70 RT Matt Kleinsorge (6-5, 310, Sr.) Ajahne Brager (6-4, 285, So.) J.02 Ucla L -1 35-40 o60 PK Matthew McCrane (5-10, 165, So.) Jack Cantele (6-0, 195, Sr.) Defense DE Jordan Willis (6-5, 250, Jr.) Tanner Wood (6-5, 240, So.) 2014 Kansas State Final Stats DE Marquel Bryant (6-3, 245, Sr.) Joshua Little (6-3, 235, Fr.) Kansas St. Opp DT Travis Britz (6-4, 295, Sr.) Demonte Hood (6-0, 305, Jr.) Points per game 36 23 DT Will Geary (6-0, 290, So.) Matt Seiwert (6-3, 290, So.) LB Elijah Lee (6-3, 220, So.) Charmeachealle Moore (6-2, 210, Jr.) 1st Downs 294 262 LB Will Davis (6-0, 225, Jr.) Trent Tanking (6-2, 220, So.) Rush Att 476 440 NS Nate Jackson (5-11, 185, Sr.) Sean Newlan (6-2, 200, So.) Rush Yards 1745 1824 NS Dante Barrett (6-1, 190, Sr.) Kendall Adams (6-4, 215, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.7 4.1 NS Kaleb Prewett (6-1, 205, So.) Colby Moore (6-0, 200, Fr.) Pass Comp 271 273 CB Danzel McDaniel (6-1, 205, Sr.) Duke Shelley (5-9, 155, Fr.) Pass Att 415 439 CB Morgan Burns (5-11, 195, Sr.) Cre Moore (6-0, 175, So.) NB Donnie Starks (5-11, 180, Jr.) Jesse Mack (6-0, 180, Jr.) Pass Yds 3736 2977 P Nick Walsh (5-10, 200, So.) Mitch Lochbihler (6-6, 240, So.) Had Int 8 15 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 422 369

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 43 junior Jacorey Warrick had won one of the two Chiro Davis to provide that same level of sack Big 12 Conference #6 vacant wideout roles, but the third and final one production at defensive end. remained up for grabs between returning letter- The Longhorns also lost some terrific line- men Daje Johnson, Armanti Foreman, Lorenzo backers and the new starting trio based on spring TEXAS Joe and Dorian Leonard. None of these guys have practice look to be letter winners Dalton Santos, (6-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 impressed in the past, which could open the door Timothy Cole and Peter Jinkens. While all three COACH: Charlie Strong Returning 41 for highly-touted true frosh recruits John Burt and of these guys have looked like decent players off STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Gilbert Johnson. At tight end, the wide open fight the bench in the past, they may not be “impact” Defense 5 for starting honors will likely focus on soph players on defense. That could open the door for GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #37 Andrew Beck and promising true frosh newcom- several talented newcomers here led by redshirt The first year of the Charlie Strong Era did not er Devonaire Clarington. freshman Edwin Freeman and true frosh recruits go as planned as the Longhorns struggled to stay Texas struggled to run the football last year as and Anthony Wheeler. around the .500 mark and barely snuck into a former huge recruits Malcolm Brown (now grad- Texas has three safeties with significant start- bowl game at 6-6. Unfortunately, Texas was then uated) and Johnathan Gray barely averaged four ing experience in the trio of Jason Hall, Dylan blown off the field by old arch rival Arkansas who yards per carry. With Brown gone, Gray will like- Haines and , all of whom looked has found a new home and brighter future in the ly get the bulk of the carries this season after rush- pretty solid last year. Haines was far and away the SEC. The Longhorns were a somewhat painful ing for 637 yards and seven TDs a season ago. most productive with 86 tackles and a team-high team to watch last year as the defense was quite Redshirt freshman Duke Catalon won the #2 run- four interceptions. At cornerback, senior vet Duke good, but the offense was downright awful and ning back job with a solid spring, but things here Thomas is rock solid on one side and lettermen struggled to score all season long. Things should could change dramatically with the fall arrival of Bryson Echols and Antwuan Davis should be improve a bit in 2015, but Texas is still further true frosh blue chippers Chris Warren III and Kirk more than adequate on the other side. Coach away from being back to “being Texas” than you Johnson. Watch out for Warren who is the son of Strong will also make room for several quality might expect. former NFL star Chris Warren from Seattle. true freshmen in the secondary led by corners Kris Texas has had a terrible time at quarterback in All five starters are back from last year’s Boyd and Holton Hill. recent years, and even when they finally get a much-maligned blocking unit. And while this GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Texas may good one like David Ash, he suffers a career-end- group won’t set the world on fire any time soon, be better than 6-7 this year, but it’s hard to ing injury that derails his Longhorn career. The the Longhorn O-line should be much improved. wrap your arms around a team which lost so starter last year was junior , a ter- Guards Sedrick Flowers and are much on defense and still looks really shaky rific athlete who is built like a defensive end and adequate at best and they will again flank senior when it comes to scoring points. This is a mid- runs like a safety. Unfortunately, Swoopes is center Taylor Doyle. Incumbent tackles Marcus dle of the pack team in the Big 12 race. merely an athlete pretending to be a quarterback Hutchins and Camrhon Hughes were shaky at 2015 Texas Schedule and he proved it a year ago when he completed best last season and will be pushed for their jobs 224 of 384 passes (58%) for 2,409 yards and just by JUCO transfers Brandon Hodges and Tristan 9/5 at Notre Dame 13 TDs against 11 interceptions, plus he also ran Nickelson. Several freshmen will also get a look. 9/12 RICE for 262 yards and four scores. Those numbers are The Texas defense was rock solid for the most 9/19 CALIFORNIA part last year except for drubbings from BYU and actually worse than they look when you consider 9/26 OKLAHOMA STATE that Swoopes rarely threw deep as Coach Strong TCU, but now Coach Strong must replace six 10/3 at TCU really limited the playbook, plus for a great ath- superb starters including a pair of All-Americans. lete he only averaged 2.4 yards per carry. Talented The front four does get a nice lift with the return 10/10 vs. Oklahoma redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard was given every of former DT regular Desmond Jackson who will 10/24 KANSAS STATE chance to beat out Swoopes this spring, but the form a physically imposing duo in the middle 10/31 at Iowa State word we got out of Austin was that Heard came with incumbent Hassan Ridgeway who was a 11/7 KANSAS breakout star last year with 43 tackles and six up short and Swoopes will again be the #1 guy. 11/14 at West Virginia Texas loses their top two wide receivers and sacks. And there’s great depth in the middle led by 11/26 TEXAS TECH the only returning starter here is modest senior Paul Boyette and , but Texas lost some Marcus Johnson who a year ago caught 27 balls great outside pass rushers. The pressure is now on 12/5 at Baylor for just 313 yards. In the spring, it looked like players like Naashon Hughes, Caleb Bluiett and 2014 TEXAS RESULTS 2015 TEXAS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-7 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 4-9) Offense A.30 N. TEXAS W -24 38-7 u49' QB Tyrone Swoopes (6-4, 250, Jr.) Jerrod Heard (6-2, 200, Fr.) S.06 BYU L +1 7-41 o46 RB Johnathan Gray (5-11, 210, Sr.) Duke Catalon (5-10, 205, Fr.) S.13 UCLA W +8 17-20 u50' WR Marcus Johnson (6-1, 195, Sr.) Lorenzo Joe (6-2, 205, So.) S.27 Kansas W -12 23-0 u41' WR Jacorey Warrick (5-11, 175, Jr.) Armanti Foreman (6-0, 195, So.) O.04 BAYLOR L +14' 7-28 u58 WR Daje Johnson (5-10, 185, Sr.) John Burt (6-2, 180, Fr.) O.11 Oklahoma W +15' 26-31 o46' WR Dorian Leonard (6-3, 205, So.) Gilbert Johnson (6-4, 190, Fr.) O.18 IOWA ST. L -12 48-45 o44' TE Andrew Beck (6-3, 240, So.) Devonaire Clarington (6-5, 230, Fr.) O.25 Kansas St. L +9' 0-23 u48 C Taylor Doyle (6-4, 305, Sr.) Jake Raulerson (6-5, 295, So.) N.01 Texas Tech W -3' 34-13 u57 LG Sedrick Flowers (6-3, 320, Sr.) Jake McMillon (6-3, 295, Fr.) N.08 W. VIRGINIA W +3' 33-16 u51 RG Kent Perkins (6-5, 320, Jr.) Elijah Rodriguez (6-3, 295, Fr.) N.15 Oklahoma St. W -2' 28-7 u47' LTMarcus Hutchins (6-5, 285, Sr.) Brandon Hodges (6-5, 290, Jr.) N.27 TCU L +6' 10-48 o55' RT Camrhon Hughes (6-7, 330, Jr.) Tristan Nickelson (6-8, 320, So.) PK Nick Rose (6-2, 190, Sr.) Nick Jordan (6-1, 195, Jr.) D.29 Arkansas L +7 7-31 u44' Defense DE Naashon Hughes (6-4, 235, So.) Caleb Bluiett (6-3, 250, Jr.) 2014 Texas Final Stats DE Chiro Davis (6-3, 265, Sr.) (6-3, 235, Fr.) Texas Opp DT Hassan Ridgeway (6-4, 320, Jr.) Paul Boyette Jr. (6-2, 300, Jr.) Points per game 21 24 DT Desmond Jackson (6-0, 305, Sr.) Poona Ford (5-11, 290, So.) LB Peter Jinkens (6-1, 240, Sr.) Edwin Freeman (6-1, 240, Fr.) 1st Downs 232 251 LB Dalton Santos (6-3, 255, Sr.) Malik Jefferson (6-3, 225, Fr.) Rush Att 474 549 LB Timothy Cole (6-1, 240, Jr.) Anthony Wheeler (6-2, 220, Fr.) Rush Yards 1786 2136 FS Jason Hall (6-2, 205, So.) Kevin Vaccaro (5-11, 185, Jr.) Avg Rush 3.8 3.9 SS Dylan Haines (6-1, 190, Jr.) Adrian Colbert (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 243 247 CB Duke Thomas (5-11, 175, Sr.) Kris Boyd (6-0, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 418 419 CB Bryson Echols (5-10, 185, Jr.) Holton Hill (6-2, 175, Fr.) NB Antwuan Davis (5-11, 195, So.) John Bonney (5-10, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 2599 2395 P Mitchell Becker (6-2, 190, So.) Matthew Sims (6-2, 185, So.) Had Int 11 15 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 337 349

44 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL be soph Shelton Gibson and junior . who a year ago led the club with 103 tackles and Big 12 Conference #7 Several new faces could also see time at wideout 11.5 hits for minus yardage. Fellow senior K.J. this fall including redshirt freshmen Ricky Rogers Dillon added 62 tackles and three interceptions and Jacky Marcellus, as well as true frosh recruit last year, while other key vets here include Jared WEST VIRGINIA Jovon Durante. Barber, Shaq Petteway and Edward Muldrow. (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 While two solid seniors did depart at running The secondary is deep and talented, probably COACH: Dana Holgorsen Returning 44 back, the Mountaineers are still in good shape one of the best in the country. Hard-hitting safety STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 here with the return of ‘14 starter Rushel Shell Karl Joseph sets the tone and he picked up 92 Defense 9 and outstanding backup , who tackles a year ago, while soph Dravon Henry was GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #46 a year ago combined for 1,510 yards rushing and shockingly good as the other safety as a ‘14 frosh. West Virginia enjoyed a bit of a “bounce back” nine TDs, plus they also contributed heavily as Cornerbacks Daryl Worley and Terrell Chestnut season in 2014 as the Mountaineers improved pass receivers with a combined 52 catches com- are also back for more action, while seniors Ricky from 4-8 to 7-6 and got back to a bowl game after ing out of the backfield. But the long range star Rumph and Jaylon Myers add serious experience a rare year without a bowl in 2013. It was proba- here may prove to be ultra-talented redshirt frosh off the bench at the CB position. bly a job-saving season for Head Coach Dana Dontae Thomas-Williams, who sat out last year The kicking game will also be a major strength Holgorsen who has thus far endured an erratic due to injury but looks to have a great future for for the Mountaineers as punter Nick O’Toole had tenure as the head man at this school. While West this team. Another key player in the backfield is a mere two touchbacks in ‘14, while kicker Josh Virginia and Holgorsen are still known for their senior Cody Clay, who plays the H-Back position Lambert made 30 of 39 FG tries last season. potent offenses, it was actually the West Virginia in this offense where he serves as a fullback or GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This is a defense which keyed most of last season’s tight end depending on the formation. tough team to figure as West Virginia moves improvement. And with most of last year’s The offensive line loses two All-Big 12 caliber from one of the most consistent and reliable defense returning, the Mountaineers should be at performers, but will rebuild around incumbent QBs in the nation, to a far more talented but least somewhat improved in 2015. starters , Tyler Orlosky and Marquis highly erratic player like Skyler Howard. The One position that could be a problem is quar- Lucas. The best of the three is Pankey, who loss of key wideouts Kevin White and Mario terback where steady starter Clint Trickett has played tackle last year but will move inside to a Alford won’t help either. But the depth of tal- graduated and will likely be replaced by athletic guard slot in 2015. Juniors Russell Haughton- ent here is pretty good even by rugged Big 12 but erratic junior Skyler Howard. A year ago, James and Sylvester Townes are battling for the standards, plus this team has a secondary that Howard saw extensive action in support of an vacant left tackle slot, while junior Tony Matteo is shockingly deep and talented which is criti- injured Trickett as he completed 56 of 110 passes takes over at right guard. There’s no stars here cal in a pass-happy league like this one. We feel (51%) for 829 yards and eight TDs, plus he also other than perhaps Pankey, but there’s a ton of West Virginia will be back in a bowl game. ran for 140 yards on just 22 carries. Howard has depth and several fairly solid players. 2015 West Virginia Schedule WAYmore talent than Trickett, but he has had While the overall defensive effort was vastly problems with his throwing accuracy and this improved last year, the D-line was still nothing to 9/5 GEORGIA SOUTHERN offense does require a lot of quick, accurate write home about. Returning starters Kyle Rose 9/12 LIBERTY throws. Redshirt freshman William Crest is the and Noble Nwachukwu combined for just 72 9/26 MARYLAND tackles and two sacks a year ago, while the one projected backup, but he has the talent to give 10/3 at Oklahoma Howard a run for his money as the starter should new projected starter Christian Brown failed to 10/10 OKLAHOMA STATE Howard get off to a slow start. record a single sack in 2014. Lettermen Darrien The graduation losses at wide receiver were Howard and Eric Kinsey add further experienced 10/17 at Baylor severe as West Virginia loses All-American Kevin depth, but the only real pass rushing threat up 10/29 at TCU White and standout speedster . But front looks to be JUCO transfer Larry Jefferson, 11/7 TEXAS TECH two fairly productive wideouts do return in the who is a bit undersized for a 3-4 end, but he 11/14 TEXAS looked like a dynamic impact edge rusher in combo of Jordan Thompson and Daikiel Shorts, 11/21 at Kansas who a year ago combined for 73 receptions spring practice. 11/28 IOWASTATE despite being the third and fourth option for this There is an amazing number of experienced club. Several other lettermen are back, but based linebackers on the roster, the best of whom is 11/5 at Kansas State on spring drills the other two starters here look to surely senior inside ‘backer , 2014 WEST VIRGINIA RESULTS 2015 WEST VIRGINIA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 4-9) Offense A.30 Alabama W +25' 23-33 o54' QB Skyler Howard (6-0, 210, Jr.) William Crest (6-2, 220, Fr.) S.06 TOWSON W -25' 54-0 u64 RB Rushel Shell (5-10, 225, Jr.) Wendell Smallwood (5-11, 205, Jr.) S.13 Maryland W +3' 40-37 o60' WR Jordan Thompson (5-8, 180, Sr.) K.J. Myers (6-2, 200, Sr.) S.20 OKLAHOMA L +7' 33-45 o65 WR Daikiel Shorts (6-1, 200, Jr.) Devonte Mathis (6-1, 215, Jr.) O.04 KANSAS L -27' 33-14 u58 WR Shelton Gibson (5-11, 190, So.) Ricky Rogers (6-1, 205, Fr.) O.11 Texas Tech L -6 37-34 u76' WR Vernon Davis (5-10, 175, Jr.) Jacky Marcellus (5-8, 175, Fr.) O.18 BAYLOR W +8 41-27 u80 HB Cody Clay (6-4, 265, Sr.) Darren Arndt (6-3, 250, Sr.) O.25 Oklahoma St. W -1' 34-10 u66 C Tyler Orlosky (6-4, 300, Jr.) Stone Underwood (6-4, 300, Sr.) N.01 TCU W +3' 30-31 u69' LG Adam Pankey (6-5, 315, Jr.) Tyler Tezeno (6-4, 320, So.) N.08 Texas L -3' 16-33 u51 RG Tony Matteo (6-5, 300, Jr.) Grant Lingafelter (6-5, 305, So.) N.20 KANSAS ST. L -2' 20-26 u58 LT Russell Haughton-James (6-6, 295, Jr.) Sylvester Townes (6-6, 300, Jr.) N.29 Iowa St. W -11 37-24 u62 RTMarquis Lucas (6-4, 320, Sr.) Marcell Lazard (6-6, 310, So.) PK Josh Lambert (5-11, 215, Jr.) Mike Molina (5-8, 175, So.) D.29 Texas A&M L -3' 37-45 o67 Defense DE Noble Nwachukwu (6-2, 275, Jr.) Larry Jefferson (6-5, 235, Jr.) 2014 West Virginia Final Stats DE Christian Brown (6-3, 295, Jr.) Eric Kinsey (6-3, 280, Sr.) West Virginia Opp NG Kyle Rose (6-4, 295, Sr.) Darrien Howard (6-1, 295, Jr.) Points per game 34 28 LB K.J. Dillon (6-1, 210, Sr.) Al-Rasheed Benton (6-1, 235, So.) LB Nick Kwiatkoski (6-2, 235, Sr.) Isaiah Bruce (6-1, 235, Sr.) 1st Downs 337 257 LB Edward Muldrow (6-3, 220, Sr.) Jared Barber (6-0, 235, Sr.) Rush Att 563 502 LB Shaq Petteway (6-0, 230, Sr.) Xavier Preston (6-2, 240, So.) Rush Yards 2376 2186 FS Dravon Henry (5-11, 200, So.) Jeremy Tyler (5-11, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.2 4.4 SS Karl Joseph (5-11, 200, Sr.) Jarrod Harper (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 340 241 CB Daryl Worley (6-2, 200, Jr.) Jaylon Myers (6-0, 195, Sr.) Pass Att 534 455 CB Terrell Chestnut (5-11, 190, Sr.) Nana Kyeremeh (5-11, 190, Jr.) NB Ricky Rumph (5-11, 190, Sr.) (6-3, 200, Jr.) Pass Yds 4121 3006 P Nick O’Toole (6-3, 230, Sr.) Billy Kinney (6-4, 210, Fr.) Had Int 10 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 500 399

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 45 Devin Lauderdale combined for another 60 recep- five sacks of his own. Provided he can adapt to Big 12 Conference #8 tions and 12 touchdowns and should play even the new position, Robertson has a real shot at All- larger roles in 2015. Soph Ian Sadler had a nice American honors this season despite playing on a frosh campaign with 23 catches for 336 yards off horrendous defense. Tech will need to get much TEXAS TECH the bench and he should beat out steady senior better efforts out of its defensive tackles this time (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 for the fourth and final starting around as enemy runners had their way with the COACH: Kliff Kingsbury Returning 50 wideout role. And Coach Kingsbury recruited a Red Raiders in 2014. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 ton of wide receivers during the off-season so The linebacking unit has been totally revamped Defense 7 Texas Tech will also take a look at true frosh since the end of last season and the new setup will GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #57 wideouts like J.F. Thomas, Tony Brown, Furquan feature senior vet in the middle, The Kliff Kingsbury Era got off to such a won- Shorts, Keko Coutee and Jonathan Giles. flanked by Sam Atoe and talented Ohio State derful start as Texas Tech stood at 7-0 at one point It’s been many years since the Red Raiders transfer Mike Mitchell. Converted defensive end in year one. At that point, it looked like the school have had a running back as good as senior Kris Williams and junior Malik Jenkins are push- had pulled off a major coup by luring Kingsbury DeAndre Washington, who is coming off a huge ing for the starting roles at outside linebacker, back to his alma mater from his assistant role at junior season where he ran for 1,103 yards and while there are no other proven players in the Texas A&M, but it’s amazing how much has also caught 30 passes. But Tech also has an even middle after the mediocre Awe. changed in the last year and a half! Since that 7-0 more talented player in reserve here in speedy All four starters return in the secondary, though start, the Red Raiders have gone just 5-13 and soph Justin Stockton who averaged eight yards that may prove a mixed blessing in terms of how they are coming off a year where their only league per carry with 396 yards and four scores off the poorly this unit performed in 2014! Corners Justis wins were against lowly Iowa State and even pines as a ‘14 frosh. And junior Quinton White Nelson, Tevin Madison and Nigel Bethel will more lowly Kansas! And now the praise for also returns as this is the best situation Texas Tech need to improve dramatically after being very Coach Kingsbury have turned into not-so-soft has had at running back in well over a decade. inexperienced a year ago, while incumbent safety whispers about his long range job security! The blocking corps will also be a team strength regulars Keenon Ward and J.J. Gaines are both Texas Tech’s Air Raid Offense has been around as four starters return including All-Big 12 left very vulnerable to being beaten out this fall. The since Coach Kingsbury was the quarterback here tackle LeRaven Clark. Fellow seniors Alfredo Red Raiders have a ton of bodies in this area, but and even in last year’s 4-8 disaster and with Morales and Jared Kaster are rock solid vets who not much at all in terms of real talent. injuries under center, the passing game still put up have a chance to join Clark on the all-league team GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Big 12 some strong numbers in 2014. Starting QB Davis this season, while junior guard Baylen Brown is will be really tough at the top and really weak Webb missed five games to injury, but still man- the fourth incumbent starter here. The one new at the bottom. The Red Raiders will be in the aged to complete 211 of 345 passes (61%) for face in the starting lineup is redshirt frosh tackle middle, but much closer to the bottom! 2,539 yards and 24 TDs against 13 interceptions. Justin Murphy who was terrific in the spring. But 2015 Texas Tech Schedule When Webb was out, soph while the first string looks fabulous here, the lack proved that he too was capable of getting the job of proven depth is a potential problem. 9/5 SAM HOUSTON STATE done, though in a very different way. Mahomes is But while the Texas Tech offense will again 9/12 UTEP far less accurate and holds onto the ball a long score plenty of points, the Red Raider defense 9/19 at Arkansas was among the worst in the nation last year as time which leads to sacks, but he also showed the 9/26 TCU ability to get the ball deeper down the field and they allowed a whopping 41 points per game. In 10/3 at Baylor was intercepted far less often. Overall, Mahomes one contest, TCU put up 82 points and probably completed 105 of 185 passes (57%) for 1,547 would have scored well over 100 if they hadn’t 10/10 IOWA STATE yards and 16 TDs against just four interceptions. called the dogs off. There will be yet another 10/17 at Kansas If Webb gets off to a slow start this year, let the schematic change this season as Tech moves back 10/24 at Oklahoma quarterback controversy gain major steam! to the 4-3 defense which plays to their only 10/31 OKLAHOMA STATE strength as they have two excellent outside pass Graduation claimed a very productive wideout 11/7 at West Virginia in Brad Marquez, but three of four starters do rushers in and Branden Jackson. 11/14 KANSAS STATE return here including tiny senior Robertson played outside linebacker a year ago who a year ago hauled in 65 passes for 938 yards and was fantastic as he racked up 81 tackles and 11/26 at Texas and seven TDs. Solid juniors Reginald Davis and 12 QB sacks, while Jackson added 44 stops and 2014 TEXAS TECH RESULTS 2015 TEXAS TECH DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 5-6-1 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 C. ARKANSAS L -32 42-35 o72' QB (6-5, 230, Jr.) Patrick Mahomes (6-3, 225, So.) S.06 Utep L -21 30-26 u66 RB DeAndre Washington (5-8, 195, Sr.) Justin Stockton (5-10, 190, So.) S.13 ARKANSAS L -1 28-49 o66' WR Jakeem Grant (5-7, 170, Sr.) (5-9, 170, So.) S.25 Oklahoma St. W +14 35-45 o70 WR Reginald Davis (6-0, 190, Jr.) Brad Pearson (6-2, 215, Sr.) WR Devin Lauderdale (5-11, 185, Jr.) Jakari Dillard (6-4, 200, Fr.) O.04 Kansas St. L +14 13-45 u68 WR Ian Sadler (5-10, 200, So.) J.F. Thomas (6-4, 180, Fr.) O.11 W. VIRGINIA W +6 34-37 u76' WR Dylan Cantrell (6-3, 220, Jr.) Tony Brown (6-0, 190, Fr.) O.18 KANSAS P -13 34-21 u58' C Jared Kaster (6-3, 295, Sr.) Tony Morales (6-3, 300, Sr.) O.25 Tcu L +23' 27-82 o71' LG Alfredo Morales (6-4, 315, Sr.) Cole Collier (6-2, 305, Fr.) N.01 TEXAS L +3' 13-34 u57 RG Baylen Brown (6-4, 310, Jr.) Roberto Castaneda (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.15 OKLAHOMA W +14 30-42 o64 LTLeRaven Clark (6-6, 320, Sr.) Paul Stwarz (6-5, 295, Jr.) N.22 Iowa St. W +1' 34-31 u72 RT Justin Murphy (6-7, 300, Fr.) Poet Thomas (6-6, 325, So.) PK Taylor Symmank (6-2, 190, Sr.) Michael Barden (5-10, 175, Fr.) N.29 Baylor W +26' 46-48 o80 Defense DE Pete Robertson (6-3, 240, Sr.) (6-3, 285, Fr.) 2014 Texas Tech Final Stats DE Branden Jackson (6-4, 270, Sr.) Gary Moore (6-5, 230, So.) Texas Tech Opp DT Keland McElrath (6-4, 310, Sr.) Anthony Smith (6-0, 335, Jr.) Points per game 31 41 DT Rika Levi (6-2, 330, Sr.) Marcus Smith (6-3, 320, Sr.) LB Mike Mitchell (6-3, 230, So.) Kris Williams (6-1, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 296 325 LB Micah Awe (6-0, 225, Sr.) Dakota Allen (6-2, 235, Fr.) Rush Att 355 599 LB Sam Atoe (5-11, 235, Sr.) Malik Jenkins (6-1, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1836 3123 FS Keenon Ward (5-9, 205, Jr.) Jah’Shawn Johnson (5-10, 175, So.) Avg Rush 5.2 5.2 SS J.J. Gaines (6-0, 185, Sr.) Payton Hendrix (6-2, 205, Fr.) Pass Comp 332 228 CB Justis Nelson (6-2, 180, Jr.) Thierry Nguema (5-10, 175, Jr.) Pass Att 559 386 CB Nigel Bethel (5-9, 185, So.) D.J. Polite-Bray (6-0, 190, Jr.) NB Tevin Madison (5-10, 175, So.) Derrick Dixon (5-9, 200, So.) Pass Yds 4213 3038 P Taylor Symmank (6-2, 190, Sr.) Clayton Hatfield (5-10, 180, Fr.) Had Int 18 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 504 513

46 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL men D’Vario Montgomery and a lot more stout against the run in 2015. Knott’s Big 12 Conference #9 stepped up as the main targets and combined for 74 tackles did rank third on the team last year, but 89 receptions and five touchdowns. If all three of he made few plays upfield. JUCO transfer Jamor these guys stay healthy, Iowa State will feature Jones and redshirt freshman Reggan Northrup are IOWA STATE one of the better wideout trios in the Big 12. battling for the third LB job, while redshirted (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 Junior Dondre Daley can also be a big contributor JUCO Jordan Harris will push Seeley for the start- COACH: Paul Rhoads Returning 47 when he’s not hurt, plus the Cyclones add a very ing middle ‘backer position. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 promising true freshman wideout in Denver In the secondary, soph safety Kamari Cotton- Defense 6 Johnson. At tight end, Coach Rhoads needs to Moya looks to be a future star for this team after GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #88 replace standout E.J. Bibbs and that will not be a strong frosh campaign in which he finished first The Cyclones are coming off a really tough easy as former walk-on Ben Boesen and redshirt on the club with 77 tackles. Seniors Qujuan Floyd year as Iowa State lost 10 of 12 contests as they frosh Scotty Schaffner are the main candidates. and Darian Cotton are battling for the other start- amazingly played 11 teams that had winning or At running back, the new starter looks to be ing safety role, while the cornerbacks figure to be non-losing records! But there was a definite low soph Tyler Brown who ran for a modest 109 yards undersized Sam E. Richardson and Nigel Tribune point and that came when Iowa State was sound- off the bench as a ‘14 freshman. While Brown for a second straight season. However, these cor- ly defeated by the conference doormat Kansas earned the job in spring drills, we feel he will ners got lit up last year so don’t rule out new faces which guaranteed that the Cyclones would endure eventually be pushed aside in favor of talented like JUCO transfer Jomal Wiltz and redshirt frosh a winless season in Big 12 Conference play. The redshirt freshman Mike Warren who battled Brian Peavy. This secondary once again figures to lack of success the past two seasons has put like- injuries in his first year on campus or he might take a severe beating. able and volatile Head Coach Paul Rhoads firmly have played even as a true frosh. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Big 12 is on the hot seat which is somewhat surprising con- The blocking corps will have a veteran look in simply too deep and too strong for this team to sidering the decent success he enjoyed when he 2015 with the return of four starters including the hope for any more than one or two conference first took this job. And if Rhoads is still have his right side senior combo of Jamison Lalk (RG) and wins in 2015. There is some undeniable talent job by the end of the 2015 campaign, he will need Brock Dagel (RT). On the left side, injury-prone on the offensive side of the ball with a decent to figure out a way to get this team to start play- Daniel Burton holds forth at left guard and quarterback and a strong group of wide ing some defense worthy of a Big 12 squad! promising soph Jake Campos is back to reclaim receivers, but the Cyclones will again have Starting quarterback Sam Richardson has been the left tackle slot he was forced into by injuries massive problems on defense and will likely injured a lot in his career and has a terrible record as a ‘14 frosh. At center, it looks like the new give up a ton of points again. Anything more as a starter, however his overall numbers have starter will be JUCO transfer Patrick Scoggins, than two or three victories would have to be actually been pretty decent over the years. In while the top O-line subs figure to be guard Oni considered a nice accomplishment in 2015. 2014, Richardson completed 254 of 451 passes Omoile and tackle Jacob Dunning. 2015 Iowa State Schedule (56%) for 2,669 yards and 18 TDs against nine The Iowa State defense got torched to the tune interceptions, plus he also ran for 421 yards and of 39 points per game last year as enemy attacks 9/5 NORTHERN IOWA three more scores. On a good team, Richardson racked up almost 530 yards per contest in total 9/12 IOWA would be a solid QB with more than enough tal- offense! The front four will look a LOT different 9/19 at Toledo this year as Coach Rhoads has brought in a host of ent to get the job done, but at Iowa State he has 10/3 KANSAS endured a frustrating career that has yielded pre- Junior College newcomers in an effort to revamp 10/10 at Texas Tech cious few victories. Long-time backup Grant the team’s interior defensive presence. Among the Rohach is also back and he has started multiple new JUCOs you have potential starters like 10/17 TCU games over the last two seasons when Richardson Demond Tucker, Bobby Leath and Terry Ayeni. 10/24 at Baylor was hurt. Returning seniors and Dale Pierson 10/31 TEXAS The wide receiver position could turn out to be could be the starters at end, while returning letter- 11/7 at Oklahoma men Devlyn Cousin and Vernell Trent will com- the strongest on the team if everyone can stay 11/14 OKLAHOMA STATE healthy, especially Quenton Bundrage who was pete at the DT posts. 11/21 at Kansas State the club’s best player in 2013 before missing all At linebacker, juniors Luke Knott and Kane but one series of downs with a knee injury last Seeley were starters for most of last season and 11/28 at West Virginia season. With Bundrage out last year, underclass- made some nice plays, but overall they need to get 2014 IOWASTATE RESULTS 2015 IOWA STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 5-6-1 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.30 N. DAK. ST. L -3' 14-34 u52' QB Sam Richardson (6-2, 220, Sr.) (6-2, 215, Jr.) S.06 KANSAS ST. W +12 28-32 o54' RB Tyler Brown (5-11, 190, So.) Mike Warren (6-0, 200, Fr.) S.13 Iowa W +12' 20-17 u49' WR Quenton Bundrage (6-2, 195, Sr.) Brett Medders (6-3, 215, Sr.) S.27 BAYLOR W +21' 28-49 o71' WR D’Vario Montgomery (6-6, 235, Jr.) Jauan Wesley (5-11, 185, So.) WR Allen Lazard (6-5, 220, So.) Denver Johnson (6-3, 210, Fr.) O.04 Okla. St. P +17 20-37 u65 WR Dondre Daley (6-2, 190, Jr.) Orion Salters (5-9, 170, Fr.) O.11 TOLEDO W -3 37-30 o61' TE Ben Boesen (6-5, 245, Sr.) Scotty Schaffner (6-4, 235, Fr.) O.18 Texas W +12 45-48 o44' C Patrick Scoggins (6-1, 290, Jr.) Nick Severs (6-4, 285, So.) N.01 OKLAHOMA L +15' 14-59 o61' LG Daniel Burton (6-6, 330, Jr.) Oni Omoile (6-3, 310, Sr.) N.08 Kansas L -3' 14-34 u53 RG Jamison Lalk (6-6, 315, Sr.) Ryan Glenn (6-4, 305, So.) N.22 TEXAS TECH L -1' 31-34 u72 LT Jake Campos (6-8, 295, So.) Jacob Dunning (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.29 W. VIRGINIA L +11 24-37 u62 RTBrock Dagel (6-8, 310, Sr.) Nick Fett (6-7, 315, Jr.) PK Cole Netten (6-1, 220, Jr.) Colin Downing (5-11, 190, So.) D.06 Tcu L +34' 3-55 u69 Defense DE Trent Taylor (6-2, 260, Sr.) Gabe Luna (6-2, 250, Jr.) 2014 Iowa State Final Stats DE Dale Pierson (6-2, 250, Sr.) Darius White (6-1, 255, Jr.) Iowa State Opp DT Demond Tucker (6-1, 290, Jr.) Vernell Trent (6-3, 290, So.) Points per game 23 39 DT Devlyn Cousin (6-4, 305, Jr.) Bobby Leath (6-4, 295, Jr.) LB Luke Knott (6-1, 225, Jr.) Brian Mills (5-10, 235, So.) 1st Downs 256 328 LB Kane Seeley (6-2, 245, Jr.) Jordan Harris (6-0, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 402 521 LB Jamor Jones (6-3, 210, Jr.) Reggan Northrup (6-1, 200, Fr.) Rush Yards 1489 2955 FS Kamari Cotton-Moya (6-1, 195, So.) Kamari Syrie (5-10, 200, So.) Avg Rush 3.7 5.7 SS Qujuan Floyd (6-0, 205, Sr.) Darian Cotton (5-11, 200, Sr.) Pass Comp 282 280 CB Nigel Tribune (5-11, 190, Jr.) Jomal Wiltz (5-10, 175, Jr.) Pass Att 510 451 CB Sam E. Richardson (5-8, 190, Sr.) Brian Peavy (5-9, 185, Fr.) NB Kenneth Lynn (5-10, 170, Sr.) Vic Holmes (5-11, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 2981 3392 P Colin Downing (5-11, 190, So.) Holden Kramer (6-3, 185, So.) Had Int 11 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 373 529

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 47 2014. Sophs Darious Crawley and Derrick Neal starting roles at some point in 2014. Love actual- Big 12 Conference #10 also earned letters last year, while others who ly put up some decent numbers as he recorded 53 should contend for starting roles this fall include tackles and three sacks a year ago. The rest of the JUCO newcomers Austin Moses and Dakota linebackers on the roster look to be strictly back- KANSAS Turner. At tight end, the new starter looks to be up material other than perhaps JUCO newcomer (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 either Florida transfer Kent Taylor or soph Ben Lovell Jones. COACH: David Beaty Returning 44 Johnson, the latter of whom had eight catches off In the secondary, just one of five starters are STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 the bench as a 2014 freshman. back from a unit which was surprisingly Defense 3 Soph running back Corey Avery might just be respectable in 2014. Safety Tevin Shaw is the lone GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #98 the best offensive weapon on the Kansas roster as incumbent and he posted a mere 36 tackles a year The Kansas football program has been stuck in he led the team in rushing a year ago with a mod- ago and was considered the weak link in last sea- a terrible rut over the last several seasons and the est 631 yards and five TDs. Senior DeAndre son’s starting quintet! It’s possible that three school decided to bring on a new head coach Mann added another 399 yards off the bench, but Junior College transfers could end up the starting again for the fourth time since 2008. After win- he may have trouble holding off a challenge for lineup this fall with Bazie Bates at safety and the ning just seven games in three years, the Charlie playing time this year from JUCO transfer Keaun cornerback combo of and Weis Era has mercifully come to an end and the Kinner who put up some huge numbers in Junior Marnez Ogletree. new Head Coach here is former Texas A&M College last year. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: It looks like assistant David Beaty, who walks into an exceed- The offensive line really struggled last year another long year for the long-suffering fans of ingly difficult rebuilding job at this school. A and now loses three starters. The only thing the Jayhawks, though it must be said that these quick look at the Kansas roster will tell you that notable about this group is the sheer bulk on the fans have been a less than sympathetic bunch Coach Beaty is at least two or three recruiting right side of the projected starting unit as right at times in recent years. Who can forget them classes from being a respectable program. tackle Larry Mazyck and right guard Junior basically judging coaches like The Jayhawks haven’t had quality play at the Visinia are WAY on the wrong side of 300 and based solely on the fact that quarterback position since the heyday of Todd pounds! There’s two centers here with past start- they were overweight? There’s been a LOT of Reesing about a decade ago. The new coaching ing experience in soph Joe Gibson and vet Keyon childish behavior by Kansas fans on social staff will sort through the ashes of the retreads Haughton, while guard Bryan Peters has also media and it’s a good bet that will continue in here and must pick a starter from a group that played a lot in the past. Coach Beaty will hope for 2015 based on what their football team will includes ‘14 incumbent Michael Cummings, ‘13 an infusion of talent from JUCO O-liners like look like this year. We can’t see how the incumbent , vet T.J. Millweard and Devon Williams, DeAndre Banks and Will Smith. Jayhawks win even a single conference game in JUCO newcomer Brock Gilmore. Cummings The Kansas defense was more competitive 2015! started the most games last year, completing 137 than the offense last season, but now eight starters 2015 Kansas Schedule of 244 passes (56%) for 1,715 yards and nine TDs are gone on this side of the ball. The new coach- against six interceptions. Cozart also played ing staff has moved from a 3-3-5 look to a 4-2-5 9/5 SOUTH DAKOTA ST. extensively and started early in the season, con- defensive scheme and the strength of the rebuilt 9/12 MEMPHIS necting on 64 of 128 tosses (50%) for 701 yards unit should be at defensive end where Kansas has 9/26 at Rutgers two solid seniors in Ben Goodman and T.J. and five TDs against seven interceptions. Neither 10/3 at Iowa State player has impressed over the course of their Semke, as well as two promising Junior College 10/10 BAYLOR respective careers, which could open the door for newbies in Anthony Olobia and Damani Mosby. JUCO Gilmore who is something of an unknown Things are not as pretty in the middle of the D- 10/17 TEXAS TECH commodity but passed for a lot of yardage at his line where little-used seniors Andrew Bolton and 10/24 at Oklahoma State old school. Kapil Fletcher came out of spring as the new 10/31 OKLAHOMA The lack of proven talent at wide receiver is starters, but we feel one of them will eventually 11/7 at Texas be pushed aside in favor of redshirt freshman D.J. truly alarming as Kansas does not have a single 11/14 at TCU wideout who accounted for at least 100 yards Williams. 11/21 WEST VIRGINIA receiving last season! The most experienced play- The situation at linebacker is not all that good ers here are seniors Rodriguez Coleman and Tre as the vets Jake Love and Courtney Arnick will 11/28 KANSAS STATE Parmalee who combined for just seven catches in comprise the starting combo after both losing 2014 KANSAS RESULTS 2015 KANSAS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 5-6-1 O-U: 4-8) Offense S.06 SE MO. ST. L -24' 34-28 o51 QB Michael Cummings (5-10, 215, Sr.) Montell Cozart (6-2, 195, Jr.) S.13 Duke L +14 3-41 u56 RB Corey Avery (5-10, 200, So.) DeAndre Mann (5-9, 205, Sr.) S.20 C. MICH. W -4 24-10 u45 WR Rodriguez Coleman (6-3, 185, Sr.) Derrick Neal (5-10, 170, So.) S.27 TEXAS L +12 0-23 u41' WR Tre Parmalee (5-10, 175, Sr.) Tyler Patrick (6-1, 180, Fr.) WR Austin Moses (6-1, 195, Jr.) Dakota Turner (6-3, 200, Jr.) O.04 West Virginia W +27' 14-33 u58 WR Darious Crawley (5-11, 190, So.) Chase Harrell (6-4, 200, Fr.) O.11 OKLA. ST. W +20' 20-27 u49' TE Kent Taylor (6-5, 225, Jr.) Ben Johnson (6-5, 235, So.) O.18 Texas Tech P +13 21-34 u58' C Joe Gibson (6-3, 295, So.) Keyon Haughton (6-2, 290, Sr.) N.01 Baylor L +35' 14-60 o62 LG Bryan Peters (6-3, 300, Sr.) DeAndre Banks (6-3, 310, Jr.) N.08 IOWA ST. W +3' 34-14 u53 RG Junior Visinia (6-4, 375, So.) Will Smith (6-4, 315, Jr.) N.15 TCU W +28 30-34 o57 LT Devon Williams (6-4, 305, Jr.) Jordan Shelley-Smith (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.22 Oklahoma L +25 7-44 u55' RT Larry Mazyck (6-8, 345, Sr.) Jayson Rhodes (6-4, 300, So.) PK Matthew Wyman (6-1, 220, Jr.) Austin Barone (5-11, 185, Jr.) N.29 Kansas St. L +27' 13-51 o51' Defense DE Ben Goodman (6-3, 255, Sr.) Anthony Olobia (6-5, 240, Jr.) 2014 Kansas Final Stats DE T.J. Semke (6-2, 250, Sr.) Damani Mosby (6-3, 240, Jr.) Kansas Opp DT Andrew Bolton (6-3, 295, Sr.) D.J. Williams (6-5, 290, Fr.) Points per game 18 33 DT Kapil Fletcher (6-3, 275, Sr.) Tyler Holmes (6-3, 275, Jr.) LB Jake Love (6-1, 220, Sr.) Schyler Miles (6-2, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 197 263 LB Courtney Arnick (6-2, 215, Jr.) Lovell Jones (6-1, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 466 466 NS Fish Smithson (5-11, 195, Jr.) Greg Allen (5-11, 215, Jr.) Rush Yards 1454 2516 NS Tevin Shaw (5-11, 195, Jr.) Michael Glatczak (5-10, 175, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.1 5.4 NS Bazie Bates (6-1, 190, Jr.) Jordan Bosch (6-0, 205, So.) Pass Comp 204 233 CB Brandon Stewart (6-0, 175, Jr.) Colin Spencer (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Att 376 399 CB Marnez Ogletree (5-10, 190, Jr.) Chevy Graham (5-9, 195, Jr.) NB Matthew Boateng (5-11, 180, So.) Ronnie Davis (6-1, 195, Sr.) Pass Yds 2435 2922 P Eric Kahn (6-5, 205, Sr.) Andrew Yoxall (6-2, 205, Jr.) Had Int 13 9 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 324 453

48 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL scored four touchdowns. Jean-Louis was every bit backer where the lone returning regular is senior C-USA East Division #1 as explosive with 21 catches for 490 yards and six D.J. Hunter. However, Hunter was a breakout star TDs, while McManus added 26 receptions for 422 last year with 80 tackles and 10 hits for negative yards and six more scores! Lettermen Hyleck yardage. Former starter Evan McKelvey moves MARSHALL Foster and Justin Hunt are talented subs who into the OLB slot opposite Hunter, while the new (13-1-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 played well off the bench a year ago, plus Coach middle ‘backer will be either promising sopho- COACH: Doc Holliday Returning 51 Holliday will also need to make room for redshirt more Raheim Huskey or Maryland transfer STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 freshman Emanuel Bean and potentially true Shawn Petty. There’s not a lot of depth at line- Defense 5 frosh recruits Larry Dunnon, Reggie Rogers and backer which is a concern. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #51 Raylen Elzy. The Thundering Herd also has two The secondary is led into battle by veteran The Rakeem Cato Era is finally over at this quality tight ends in soph Ryan Yuracheck and safeties Taj Letman and A.J. Leggett, both of school and it was a truly amazing ride for the fans JUCO newcomer Emanuel Byrd. whom could make a run at all-league honors this of this program. Cato passed for over 14,000 The talent parade continues in the backfield season. Letman racked up 94 tackles and tied for yards and 131 touchdowns, capping off his bril- where the depth of talent at running back is almost the team with four interceptions, while Leggett liant four-year career with a 13-1 record including unfair with starter Devon Johnson backed up by added 67 tackles and picked off four passes to go a Conference USA Championship and a blowout super subs Steward Butler and Remi Watson. The along with rock solid pass cover skills. Former win over a good Northern Illinois team in their massive Johnson was the starter a year ago, carry- starter Tiquan Lang adds great depth at the safety bowl game. Head Coach Doc Holliday has done ing the ball 206 times for 1,767 yards and 17 TDs, posts. On the corners, junior Corey Tindal is a an amazing job building up this program, but now averaging a surreal 8.6 yards per attempt! Butler solid returning starter and he’s joined by battle- he will need to prove that he can maintain and Watson are also supremely talented and com- tested Keith Baxter and Antavis Rowe. Marshall at the same level now that Cato is off to bined for another 1,344 yards rushing and 13 TDs GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: A lot of folks the League. Don’t count out as Marshall ran for more than 3,800 yards as a are predicting doom and gloom for Marshall the Thundering Herd this year! team in 2014! with Cato, Shuler and 10 other starters gone, Coach Holliday opened up a three-way battle Three starters are back up front including but the depth of talent here is FAR better than for the starting quarterback job this spring and the seniors Sebastian Johansson and Clint Van Horn, anyone realizes. The offense won’t be as reli- result was somewhat surprising as James Madison who will again start at left guard and right tackle, able as it was a year ago, but it will be every bit transfer Michael Birdsong beat out former 3-Star respectively. Incumbent regular Michael Selby as explosive and will still be the best attack in recruits Gunnar Holcombe and Cole Garvin. The moves from guard to center this year, while the Conference USA. And the defense is just good physically sturdy Birdsong was barely recruited two new faces in the starting five are redshirt enough to keep Marshall as the team to beat in out of high school, but then emerged as a record- frosh guard Nate Devers and soph tackle Sandley this league in 2015. setting passer at James Madison before decided to Jean-Felix. There’s plenty of solid depth here as 2015 Marshall Schedule transfer here to Marshall. He beat out talented well so the competition should keep everyone junior Holcombe and highly-touted redshirt frosh well motivated over the course of the season. 9/6 PURDUE Garvin, though according to observers close to the There are concerns about the defensive front 9/12 at Ohio U. program both Holcombe and Garvin are still hot wall where three solid starters must be replaced 9/19 NORFOLK STATE and the lone incumbent is senior Jarquez Samuel on Birdsong’s heels as we approach the fall. 9/26 at Kent State While Cato will be almost impossible to replace, who is pretty much just a “space eater” in the mid- 10/3 OLD DOMINION all three of these guys looked surprisingly good in dle. But seniors Samuel, Ricardo Williams and spring practice. Steve Dillon will need to improve this season, 10/9 SOUTHERN MISS Marshall loses two starting wideouts including plus Marshall needs to get some outside pass rush 10/17 at Florida Atlantic All-American Tommy Shuler, but there is still out of their new ends. Junior Joe Massaquoi and 10/24 NORTH TEXAS incredible talent here led by explosive senior UCF transfer Blake Keller are the best bets to pro- 10/31 at Charlotte vide quality pass rush in ‘15. Davonte Allen and super sophomores Angelo 11/7 at Middle Tennessee Jean-Louis and Deon-Tay McManus, both of Marshall moves back in forth from a 4-3 to a 4- 11/14 FLORIDA INTL. whom look like future stars after huge freshman 2-5 defensive scheme on a fairly regular basis, seasons. Allen caught a modest 22 passes last and while the secondary should be much better 11/27 at Western Kentucky year, but he averaged nearly 25 yards per grab and this season, there are some minor worries at line- 2014 MARSHALL RESULTS 2015 MARSHALL DEPTH CHART (SUR: 13-1 PSR: 8-5-1 O-U: 8-6) Offense A.30 Miami-O. L -24 42-27 o61 QB Michael Birdsong (6-5, 245, Jr.) Gunnar Holcombe (6-3, 210, Jr.) S.06 RHODE ISL. P -41 48-7 u63 RB Devon Johnson (6-1, 250, Sr.) Steward Butler (5-9, 195, Sr.) S.13 OHIO U W -21 44-14 o57' WR Davonte Allen (6-2, 205, Sr.) Justin Hunt (6-3, 200, Jr.) S.20 Akron W -10 48-17 o60 WR Angelo Jean-Louis (6-0, 185, So.) Emanuel Beal (6-1, 210, Fr.) O.04 Old Dominion W -18 56-14 u76 WR Deon-Tay McManus (6-2, 230, So.) Josh Knight (6-1, 195, Jr.) O.11 MTSU W -24 49-24 o68' WR Hyleck Foster (5-10, 195, So.) Gator Green (5-8, 165, So.) O.18 Fla. Int. W -22 45-13 o56 TE Ryan Yuracheck (6-3, 235, So.) Emanuel Byrd (6-3, 230, Jr.) O.25 FLA. ATL. L -27' 35-16 u67 C Michael Selby (6-2, 280, Jr.) Cody Collins (6-1, 285, So.) N.08 So. Miss W -26' 63-17 o63 LG Sebastian Johansson (6-5, 295, Sr.) Tyler Combs (6-4, 280, So.) N.15 RICE W -21' 41-14 u65 RG Nate Devers (6-3, 285, Fr.) Jordan Dowrey (6-1, 295, Fr.) N.22 Uab L -19 23-18 u68' LT Sandley Jean-Felix (6-5, 315, So.) A.J. Addison (6-6, 290, So.) N.28 W. KY. L -23' 66-67 o75 RTClint Van Horn (6-5, 300, Sr.) Eric Ansley (6-7, 310, Jr.) D.06 LA. TECH L -9' 26-23 u68' PK Nick Smith (5-10, 170, So.) Amoreto Curraj (6-2, 215, So.) D.23 N. Illinois W -9' 52-23 o67' Defense DE Joe Massaquoi (6-5, 255, Jr.) Armonze Daniel (6-4, 245, Sr.) 2014 Marshall Final Stats DE Gary Thompson (6-1, 260, Jr.) Blake Keller (6-2, 235, So.) Marshall Opp DT Jarquez Samuel (6-4, 290, Sr.) Ricardo Williams (6-5, 265, Sr.) Points per game 46 21 DT Steve Dillon (6-4, 285, Sr.) Tomell One (6-3, 285, So.) LB D.J. Hunter (6-0, 215, Sr.) Stefan Houston (6-3, 215, Jr.) 1st Downs 366 301 LB Raheim Huskey (6-2, 220, So.) Shawn Petty (6-0, 250, Jr.) Rush Att 559 590 LB Evan McKelvey (6-2, 220, Sr.) Chase Hancock (6-2, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 3807 2243 FS A.J. Leggett (6-0, 200, Jr.) Tiquan Lang (5-8, 175, Jr.) Avg Rush 6.8 3.8 SS Taj Letman (6-2, 185, Sr.) Kendall Gant (6-3, 200, So.) Pass Comp 279 254 CB Corey Tindal (5-9, 185, Jr.) Rodney Allen (5-11, 180, So.) Pass Att 473 466 CB Antavis Rowe (5-10, 165, So.) Chris Williams-Hall (6-0, 185, Fr.) NB Keith Baxter (6-0, 195, Sr.) Cody Carter (5-10, 180, Jr.) Pass Yds 4022 2756 P Tyler Williams (6-0, 205, Sr.) Kaare Vedvik (6-0, 200, So.) Had Int 13 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 559 357

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 49 year ago with 41 grabs for 509 yards and six TDs. ago finished one-two on the team tackle charts by C-USA East Division #2 One of the “movers” in spring drills was slot man a wide margin. Holt led the way with 111 total Nicholas Norris who added 22 receptions off the stops, while Brown added 78 tackles and two pines in 2014, but appears slated for a much larg- sacks. Junior Drew Davis and UAB transfer T.J. W. KENTUCKY er role this time around. WKU must replace a McCollum are battling for the third LB job which (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 solid tight end, but senior posted 15 was vacant heading into the spring. COACH: Jeff Brohm Returning 53 catches and four scores off the bench a year ago There are major worries in the secondary STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 and should prove more than adequate as the new despite the return of three starters and this unit Defense 9 starter at this position. may ultimately prove to be Western’s undoing in GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #58 The ground attack was nearly as potent as the 2015. Junior safety regulars Branden Leston and The Hilltoppers were a very entertaining team passing game last season as bruising running back Marcus Ward are a couple of “bangers” with great in 2014 as they both scored AND allowed more Leon Allen enjoyed a breakout season with 272 size who can be physical run stoppers, but both of than 40 points per game! And in many ways it was carries for 1,542 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus these guys struggle in space as pass defenders. a great season for Western Kentucky as they won he also caught 51 passes for another 476 yards Senior cornerbacks and eight games including a wild 67-66 win over a and three scores! It was assumed that both Allen Wonderful Terry have been burned badly in the very good Marshall team in the Conference USA and Doughty would jump ship a year early for the past and looked beyond lost in the fourth quarter Championship Game. But the season actually NFL, but they both opted to return for what could of the team’s narrow wins over Marshall and ended on a down note in a 49-48 win over Central be an explosive final campaign. Talented junior Central Michigan late last season. Look for sophs Michigan in the Popeyes Bowl as the Hilltoppers Anthony Wales is the top backup behind Allen Joe Brown and DeAndre Simmons to push the were outscored 34-0 in the final 10 minutes of the and he ran for 518 yards and five scores in ‘14. starters at cornerback this fall. game and nearly lost a game that was over at the The O-line will be very young as there are no GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team end of the 3rd Quarter. The good news for Coach seniors on the projected two-deep, but the good could be headed for a league title in 2015, but Jeff Brohm and this crew is that superstars Leon news is that three starters do return here in the trio Coach Brohm does need to figure out a way to Allen (RB) and Brandon Doughty (QB) shocked of , Darrell Williams and Brandon tighten up a very suspect defense. The non- college football observers by waiting another year Ray. Guards Williams and Ray are solid, but the league schedule is difficult with road trips to to enter the NFL Draft. key guy here is Lamp who must do a strong job SEC foes LSU and Vanderbilt, plus a trip to Brandon Doughty certainly looked like an NFL protecting Doughty’s blind side in a pass-happy Indiana from the Big Ten, but this team will quarterback last season as he completed 375 of offense. Junior Max Halpin takes over at center have the offense to score on just about anyone. 552 passes (68%!) for 4,830 yards and an amaz- and he started for much of his frosh campaign Look for another winning overall record and a ing 49 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. And back in 2013, while classmate Matt Nord will be strong run at the Conference USA crown. while Doughty’s lack of mobility can be annoying the new right tackle. The depth here is suspect. 2015 Western Kentucky Schedule at times, his performance as a pure pocket passer The defense gave up a ton of yardage last sea- makes him one of the truly elite QBs in the nation son, but Coach Brohm is hopeful that things will 9/5 at Vanderbilt this season. If Doughty were to ever get hurt, the improve in 2015 as he rotates a number of battle- 9/10 LOUISIANA TECH season is pretty much over as backup Nelson tested players along the front wall. All four D-line 9/19 at Indiana regulars are back, plus WKU adds a pair of Fishback looks badly overmatched. Unless Coach 9/26 MIAMI-OHIO Brohm slows things down this year to protect his promising JUCO transfers up front in Omarius 10/3 at Rice weak defense, Doughty could throw for 5,000 Bryant and Sidney Hammond, as well as UAB yards and 50 TDs in his final season! transfer Jontavious Morris. Of the returning play- 10/10 MIDDLE TENNESSEE While there were some graduation losses in the ers here, seniors Gavin Rocker (DE) and Bryan 10/15 at North Texas receiving corps, the Hilltoppers still have one of Shorter (DT) were far and away the most produc- 10/24 at LSU the league’s best pass catchers in senior Jared tive in 2014 as they tied for the team lead with 5.5 10/31 at Old Dominion QB sacks apiece. Soph Tanner Reeves also Dangerfield who a year ago hauled in 69 passes 11/7 FLORIDA ATLANTIC for 825 yards and 11 TDs. Junior showed some skill as a pass rusher with four sacks 11/21 at FLORIDA INTL. is another returning starter here who in ‘14 caught off the bench as a designated third down guy. 45 passes for 767 yards and seven scores, while The Hilltoppers’ best defenders are senior line- 11/27 MARSHALL senior Antwane Grant was terrific off the bench a backers Nick Holt and Dejon Brown who a year 2014 WESTERN KENTUCKY RESULTS 2015 WESTERN KENTUCKY DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 6-6-1 O-U: 9-4) Offense A.29 B. GREEN W +7 59-31 o62 QB Brandon Doughty (6-3, 210, Sr.) Nelson Fishback (6-2, 215, Jr.) S.06 Illinois L +4' 34-42 o67' RB Leon Allen (6-0, 235, Sr.) Anthony Wales (5-10, 190, Jr.) S.13 Mtsu L +1 47-50 o64' WR Jared Dangerfield (6-3, 200, Sr.) Nacarius Fant (5-9, 175, So.) S.27 Navy W +8 36-27 u66' WR Taywan Taylor (6-1, 190, Jr.) DeAndre Farris (5-10, 180, Fr.) O.04 UAB L -9' 39-42 o71 WR Nicholas Norris (5-10, 175, Jr.) Will Bush (5-11, 190, Fr.) O.18 Fla Atlantic L -4 38-45 o66' WR Antwane Grant (6-1, 195, Sr.) Quin Jernighan (6-3, 200, Fr.) O.25 OLD DOM. W -13 66-51 o77 TE Tyler Higbee (6-5, 240, Sr.) Tim Gorski (6-7, 255, Sr.) N.01 Louisiana Tech L +7 10-59 u69' C Max Halpin (6-3, 295, Jr.) Dennis Edwards (6-1, 310, Fr.) N.08 UTEP P -8 35-27 u69' LG Brandon Ray (6-3, 290, So.) Cullen Reynolds (6-5, 310, Fr.) N.15 ARMY W -8 52-24 o71 RG Darrell Williams (6-6, 310, Jr.) Joe Manley (6-6, 320, Jr.) N.22 UTSA W -10 45-7 u56' LT Forrest Lamp (6-4, 300, Jr.) Jimmie Sims (6-5, 285, So.) N.28 Marshall W +23' 67-66 o75 RT Matt Nord (6-6, 310, Jr.) R.J. Scaife (6-5, 275, Fr.) D.24 C. Michigan L -3' 49-48 o67' PK Garrett Schwettman (5-11, 170, Sr.) Joseph Occhipanti (6-3, 190, Jr.) Defense DE Gavin Rocker (6-2, 245, Sr.) Tanner Reeves (6-4, 235, So.) 2014 Western Kentucky Final Stats DE Derik Overstreet (6-2, 250, So.) Sidney Hammond (6-2, 255, Jr.) W. Kentucky Opp DT Bryan Shorter (6-2, 285, Sr.) GeMonee Brown (6-2, 305, Sr.) Points per game 44 40 DT Devante Terrell (6-0, 300, Jr.) Omarius Bryant (6-4, 295, Jr.) LB Dejon Brown (6-3, 235, Sr.) Daeshawn Bertram (6-0, 220, So.) 1st Downs 351 339 LB Nick Holt (6-1, 230, Sr.) Devante Duclos (6-1, 240, Jr.) Rush Att 429 576 LB Drew Davis (6-1, 220, Jr.) T.J. McCollum (6-3, 210, So.) Rush Yards 2084 2870 FS Marcus Ward (6-3, 220, Jr.) Leverick Johnson (6-1, 195, So.) Avg Rush 4.9 5.0 SS Branden Leston (6-3, 215, Jr.) Juwan Gardner (6-1, 200, So.) Pass Comp 378 267 CB Prince Charles Iworah (5-11, 195, Sr.) DeAndre Simmons (5-11, 180, So.) Pass Att 557 420 CB Wonderful Terry (5-10, 180, Sr.) Joe Brown (5-10, 180, So.) NB Forrest Coleman (6-2, 185, Sr.) Martavius Mims (6-1, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 4866 3759 P Joseph Occhipanti (6-3, 190, Jr.) Jake Collins (6-0, 190, Fr.) Had Int 10 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 535 510

50 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL to do more than that this season. Coach Stockstill Barber and Cavellis Luckett. A year ago, Barber C-USA East Division #3 may also lean on wideout newcomers like JUCO racked up a team-best 72 tackles and two pass transfer Rod Ducksworth and redshirt freshman thefts, while Wafford and Luckett combined for Ty Clemons. When the Blue Raiders utilize a tight another 110 stops. Watch out for Luckett now that MIDDLE TENN. end, the spot is filled by senior Tyler Barron who he’s finally a full-time starter after sharing first (6-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 had a mere four receptions a year ago. string duties in the middle in 2014. COACH: Rick Stockstill Returning 45 This team likes to alternate extensively at the The secondary is led into battle by all-league STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 running back position and they welcome back strong safety who picked off six Defense 8 three of the four producers from the 2014 squad. passes last season. Fellow senior safety Xavier GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #97 The starter here is senior Jordan Parker who in ‘14 Walker is another reliable performer, but the pic- Middle Tennessee predictably slipped a little finished second on the squad with 546 yards rush- ture is less pretty at cornerback where undersized bit last season as they dropped from 8-5 to 6-6 and ing, while often-used backup Shane Tucker ran Jared Singletary is the only proven performer. were left home when bowl bids were handed out. for another 486 yards and a team-high eight TDs. Converted safety Chris Brown may end up as the It was a somewhat frustrating season for long- Senior Jeremiah Bryson is another solid back who other CB regular this fall, but he would be more time Head Coach Rick Stockstill as his young ran for 221 yards and six more scores last year, valuable as a nickel man, so this team needs the offense proved better than expected, but a fairly plus Coach Stockstill may also find some carries young cornerbacks to step up this fall. battle-tested defense gave up 32 points per game. for talented youngsters Kamani Thomas and GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Blue But with 16 total returning starters, it’s very pos- J’Vonte Herrod. Raiders are not the best team in Conference sible that Middle Tennessee will get some “pay- The blocking unit figures to be a major team USA this year, but Middle Tennessee should be back” in 2015! strength as four starters and two part-time starters far more competitive than it was back in 2014. This program has generally been a “run first” return, though some of those vets were pushed There are no superstars at the offensive skill team with Coach Stockstill at the helm, but the back to second string status in spring drills when positions, but this team does have some solid Blue Raiders have been throwing a bit more in newcomers claimed the starting OT roles! weapons when they go on attack, and the recent years. That trend came to a halt last season Redshirt freshman Carlos Johnson was so impres- blocking corps is WAY above average by the as Middle Tennessee got more conservative after sive at left tackle that second-team all-league pick standards in this league. The defense is still a first-year starting QB Austin Grammer threw a Darius Johnson, the LT incumbent, was moved notch below the offense, but this group is bet- bunch of interceptions early in the 2014 cam- inside to the left guard slot! Redshirted JUCO ter than it showed a year ago and should be paign. But Grammer settled down eventually, transfer Maurquice Shakir won the right tackle improved enough to carry the Blue Raiders to posting overall numbers (221 of 338) that includ- job, so the interior will feature the incumbent a winning season and some sort of minor bowl ed 65 percent completions for 2,557 yards and 17 starter trio of Darius Johnson, Daniel Stephens invite in 2015. touchdowns. And while he did throw 12 intercep- and Josh Chester. Former starters Jaylen Hunter 2015 Middle Tennessee Schedule tions and fumble eight times, Grammer also and Adam Stickel head up a strong O-line bench. showed strong running skills as he rushed for 442 The defensive line is better than last year’s 9/5 JACKSON STATE yards and six more scores. The new top backup is stats might suggest, especially on the inside where 9/12 at Alabama the head coach’s son Brent Stockstill, who lacks massive DTs Patrick McNeil and Shaquille Huff 9/19 CHARLOTTE form a physically imposing combo. But for all his ideal size and speed but is a very accurate passer. 9/26 at Illinois The Blue Raider offense was increasingly a size and leadership skills, McNeil makes very few 10/3 VANDERBILT four-wideout setup the past few seasons and this plays so most of the production here comes from club lost three of its top five pass catchers over the Huff. Juniors Raynard Felton and Jimal McBride 10/10 at Western Kentucky off-season. The top wide receiver remains senior add solid depth at defensive tackle. And while 10/17 FLORIDA INTL. Ed Batties who in ‘14 caught a team-leading 45 there are no stars at defensive end, the Blue 10/24 at Louisiana Tech passes for 474 yards and three scores. Junior Terry Raiders do have some decent veteran performers 11/7 MARSHALL like Alexandro Antoine, Steven Rhodes, Jahmal Pettis doesn’t catch a lot of passes, but when he 11/14 at Florida Atlantic does he generally makes big things happen as he Jones and Chris Hale. 11/21 NORTH TEXAS averaged better than 16 yards per grab a year ago. Things should also be improved at linebacker Lettermen Demetrius Frazier and Christian Collis where the starting trio will be comprised of all 11/28 at UTSA are solid possession receivers who may be asked seniors in the threesome of Trey Wafford, T.T. 2014 MIDDLE TENNESSEE RESULTS 2015 MIDDLE TENNESSEE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-6 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 7-4-1) Offense A.30 SAVANNAH ST. W -41 61-7 o56' QB Austin Grammer (6-2, 205, Jr.) Brent Stockstill (6-0, 200, Fr.) S.06 Minnesota W +15' 24-35 o50 RB Jordan Parker (6-1, 225, Sr.) Shane Tucker (6-0, 220, Jr.) S.13 W. KY. W -1 50-47 o64' WR Ed Batties (6-0, 200, Sr.) Jevontey Smith (6-3, 210, So.) S.20 Memphis L +12 17-36 u60' WR Terry Pettis (6-5, 230, Jr.) (5-9, 170, Fr.) WR Demetrius Frazier (5-10, 215, Jr.) Ty Clemons (5-11, 180, Fr.) S.26 Old Dominion W +3 41-28 p69 WR Christian Collis (6-0, 220, Sr.) Rod Ducksworth (6-1, 185, Jr.) O.04 SO. MISS L -17' 37-31 o59' TE Tyler Barron (6-4, 240, Sr.) Sean Smith (6-7, 245, Fr.) O.11 Marshall L +24 24-49 o68' C Josh Chester (6-3, 305, Jr.) Jesse Moffitt (6-2, 295, Fr.) O.18 UAB W +1 34-22 u68' LG Darius Johnson (6-3, 305, Sr.) Adam Stickel (6-5, 315, Jr.) N.01 BYU L +3 7-27 u63' RG Daniel Stephens (6-2, 305, Jr.) Jaylen Hunter (6-4, 300, Sr.) N.15 Fla. Int. L -5 28-38 o49 LT Carlos Johnson (6-3, 305, Fr.) Robert Behanan (6-3, 290, Fr.) N.22 FLA. ATL. L -7 35-34 o57' RT Maurquice Shakir (6-3, 320, Jr.) Hunter Rogers (6-7, 330, Jr.) PK Cody Clark (6-1, 180, Jr.) Canon Rocker (5-11, 185, So.) N.29 Utep W +3' 21-24 u53 Defense DE Alexandro Antoine (6-1, 250, Sr.) Steven Rhodes (6-3, 260, Jr.) 2014 Middle Tennessee Final Stats DE Jahmal Jones (6-3, 245, So.) Chris Hale (6-4, 275, Jr.) Middle Tenn. Opp DT Patrick McNeil (6-1, 320, Sr.) Raynard Felton (6-4, 290, Jr.) Points per game 32 32 DT Shaquille Huff (6-1, 320, Jr.) Jimal McBride (6-2, 325, Jr.) LB T.T. Barber (6-1, 230, Sr.) Anfornee Stewart (6-1, 215, Jr.) 1st Downs 254 279 LB Cavellis Luckett (6-0, 255, Sr.) (6-2, 225, Fr.) Rush Att 530 505 LB Trey Wafford (5-10, 205, Sr.) James Roberson (6-0, 220, Sr.) Rush Yards 2566 2191 FS Xavier Walker (6-4, 215, Sr.) Quay Watt (6-0, 215, Sr.) Avg Rush 4.8 4.3 SS Kevin Byard (5-11, 225, Sr.) Jordan Frost-Dixon (5-11, 205, Sr.) Pass Comp 224 259 CB Jared Singletary (5-8, 175, Sr.) Darryl Randolph (5-11, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 343 422 CB Jamarcus Howard (6-0, 185, Sr.) Mike Minter (6-0, 185, So.) NB Chris Brown (6-1, 190, Jr.) Khalil Brooks (5-11, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 2610 3236 P Matt Bonadies (6-1, 195, Fr.) Trevor Owens (6-0, 205, Fr.) Had Int 14 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 431 452

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 51 Moise and Tony Thomas also return, but some of Robert Relf who recorded 65 tackles a year ago, C-USA East Division #4 the redshirt freshmen and true frosh newcomers but made almost no big plays as he had no sacks may end up getting a long look here this fall. At and just one stop for minus yardage. Letter win- tight end, sophs Nate Terry and Dustin Bowens ners Freedom Whitfield and Nate Ozdemir are FLA. ATLANTIC are battling for the vacant starting role with Terry expected to be the other starters here, but watch (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 the better pass catcher and Bowens the blocker. out for athletic true frosh recruit Jaye Miner who COACH: Charlie Partridge Returning 32 Coach Partridge alternated his running backs a needs to add weight, but is a major talent. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 lot last year and there were some losses here, but There is a TON of young talent in the sec- Defense 6 the leading rusher does return in junior Jay ondary as FAU signed a number of big-time GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #105 Warren who ran for 571 yards in ‘14. While it recruits in this area, but they will take time to Florida Atlantic slipped quite a bit last year as looks like Warren is a solid #1 option, he may end develop. For now, the lone returning starter here is they found the going rougher than expected as up losing his starting role in 2015 to talented soph senior cornerback CreVon LeBlanc who in ‘14 put they moved from the Sun Belt to Conference Gregory Howell who ran for 253 yards in just up 71 tackles and two interceptions. Senior vet USA. Granted, the Owls lost some very close three games as a ‘14 frosh before going down Sharrod Neasman saw a lot of action as the nick- games along the way including three contests by with an injury. Howell looks to be the most explo- el man last season and he’s expected to have a big a field goal or less. This program has had some sive offensive player on the FAU roster. final campaign as the new starter at strong safety. turmoil at the head coaching position, but they The blocking corps was actually pretty decent Coach Partridge signed some brilliant DB hired a new coach in Charlie Partridge last year last year and should be again with the return of prospects in the ‘15 freshmen class including and he will get at least a second season at the three starters and some talented newcomers join- Ocie Rose, Rodrick Archer, Richie Kittles, Jalen school. But if Coach Partridge plans on being “the ing the fold. The biggest addition is UCF transfer Young and Gerald Robinson Jr. guy” over the long haul, he will need to tighten up Kelly Parfitt who could prove to be a force at the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Owls a run defense that got pushed all over the field in right tackle slot, while redshirt freshman Roman should improve their won-loss record this sea- 2014. And the best news here is that Partridge Fernandez looked quite good at center this spring. son, but there are still too many holes to push enjoyed great success on the recruiting trail as the Soph Reggie Bain did a decent job as a frosh their record over the .500 mark. We really like 2015 freshmen class is arguably the best in school starter at left tackle last season, while guards the offense as QB Johnson is a big-time talent history. Mikingson Marsaille and Dillon DeBoer are solid and the running backs are really good, plus the The Owls have one of the better quarterbacks but unspectacular incumbent regulars. Sophs blocking up front is better than most people that you’ve never heard of in athletic senior Antonyo Woods, Joseph Gold and Jakobi Smith realize. But the defensive problems are a major Jaquez Johnson, who in ‘14 followed up his pushed for starting O-line roles this spring. issue and that should lead to a second straight strong sophomore season with an even better Three of four starters are back along the defen- losing record in 2015. junior campaign. Overall, Johnson completed 182 sive line, but considering the way enemy running 2015 Florida Atlantic Schedule of 315 passes (58%) for 2,215 yards and 17 TDs backs looked against this defense in 2014, you against a mere five interceptions, plus he also ran would have to assume that none of these guys are 9/5 at Tulsa for 513 yards and seven more touchdowns. Vet truly secure in their jobs! The opposition averaged 9/11 MIAMI-FLORIDA Greg Hankerson has been Johnson’s backup the 5.5 yards per carry in 2014 and that figure simply 9/19 BUFFALO must get better this time around. Seniors Trevon last two seasons and played pretty well when 9/26 at Charlotte given the chance, but he may get skipped over this Coley and have been the starters 10/10 RICE year by redshirt freshman Jason Driskel or highly- at defensive tackle for quite some time, and touted true frosh recruit Daniel Parr. though they get bigger every year, their play does 10/17 MARSHALL Florida Atlantic lost two of three starting wide- not seem to improve. Coley does provide some 10/24 at UTEP outs to graduation including pass rush and picked up four sacks a year ago. 10/31 FLORIDA INTL. who posted 76 receptions a year ago. The lone Starting ends and Robinson 11/7 at Western Kentucky Eugene combined for seven sacks last season, but returning regular here is senior Jenson Stoshak 11/14 MIDDLE TENNESSEE who in 2014 caught 37 passes for 508 yards and their run defense was awful. The bad news is that 11/21 at Florida two scores. Soph Kalib Woods looked good as a the reserve D-liners did not impress either. ‘14 frosh with 16 catches off the bench despite The Owls lost two solid linebackers to gradua- 11/28 at Old Dominion missing six games due to injury. Lettermen Derek tion as the lone returning regular here is junior 2014 FLORIDA ATLANTIC RESULTS 2015 FLORIDA ATLANTIC DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 6-5 O-U: 7-4) Offense A.30 Nebraska L +21' 7-55 o51 QB Jaquez Johnson (6-1, 225, Sr.) Greg Hankerson (6-0, 195, Jr.) S.06 Alabama SUSPENDED RB Jay Warren (6-0, 195, Jr.) Gregory Howell (6-1, 205, So.) S.13 TULSA W +1 50-21 o52' WR Jenson Stoshak (6-1, 185, Sr.) Kamrin Solomon (6-2, 205, So.) S.20 Wyoming W +3' 19-20 u47' WR Kalib Woods (6-3, 185, So.) Calvain Holmes (5-9, 170, So.) WR Derek Moise (6-2, 195, Sr.) Bobby Mitchell (6-2, 175, Fr.) S.27 UTSA W +5 41-37 o45' WR Tony Thomas (5-10, 190, Jr.) Ladante Harris (5-10, 165, Fr.) O.02 Fla. Int. L -6' 10-38 o47' TE Nate Terry (6-6, 215, So.) Dustin Bowens (6-5, 255, So.) O.18 W. KY. W +4 45-38 o66' C Roman Fernandez (6-0, 305, Fr.) Joseph Gold (6-3, 275, So.) O.25 Marshall W +27' 16-35 u67 LG Mikingson Marsaille (6-6, 320, Sr.) Jakobi Smith (6-3, 305, So.) N.01 UAB L -4' 28-31 o58 RG Dillon DeBoer (6-6, 295, Jr.) Antonyo Woods (6-3, 290, So.) N.08 North Texas L -3 10-31 u55 LTReggie Bain (6-4, 290, So.) Bynes Hickmon (6-5, 275, Fr.) N.22 Mtsu W +7 34-35 o57' RT Kelly Parfitt (6-6, 320, Jr.) Matt Weiner (6-4, 270, Fr.) PK Greg Joseph (6-1, 205, Jr.) Landon Scheer (5-8, 185, Fr.) N.29 OLD DOM. L -3' 28-31 u67 Defense DE Robinson Eugene (6-5, 270, Sr.) Nick Internicola (6-3, 250, So.) 2014 Florida Atlantic Final Stats DE Trey Hendrickson (6-4, 250, Jr.) Haiden Nagel (6-4, 235, So.) Florida Atl. Opp DT (6-2, 300, Sr.) Denzel Whitfield (6-5, 265, Jr.) Points per game 24 34 DT Brandin Bryant (6-3, 290, Sr.) Ray Ellis (6-1, 265, So.) LB Robert Relf (6-3, 220, Jr.) Kris Harris (6-0, 225, Fr.) 1st Downs 220 274 LB Nate Ozdemir (6-2, 230, So.) Jerrad Ward (6-0, 220, So.) Rush Att 443 483 LB Freedom Whitfield (6-2, 210, Sr.) Jaye Miner (6-3, 200, Fr.) Rush Yards 1963 2665 FS Anthony Hamilton (5-10, 195, Jr.) Lester Thomas (5-10, 175, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.4 5.5 SS Sharrod Neasman (6-0, 200, Sr.) Ocie Rose (6-2, 190, Fr.) Pass Comp 206 238 CB CreVon LeBlanc (5-11, 175, Sr.) Richie Kittles (5-10, 170, Fr.) Pass Att 365 404 CB Raekwon Williams (5-11, 175, So.) Gerald Robinson Jr. (5-11, 175, Fr.) NB D.J. Juste (6-2, 185, Jr.) Marquese Dudley-Gordon (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 2394 2864 P Dalton Schomp (6-1, 220, Jr.) Ryan Rickel (6-0, 170, Jr.) Had Int 5 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 363 461

52 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL to get huge production out of its newcomers here. Darrian Dyson is a proven sub at the DT posts. C-USA East Division #5 Michigan State transfer Juwan Caesar should help All three starters and two very experienced a bit, as should JUCO transfer Julian Williams reserves return at linebacker. And though none of and several true freshmen. One true frosh recruit these guys put up big tackle totals in ‘14, they FLORIDA INTL. to keep a close eye on is local product Anthony generally did a decent job versus the run. Vets (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 Jones who may end up starting from day one on Treyvon Williams and Davison Colimon are solid COACH: Ron Turner Returning 49 campus. The Golden Panthers operate out of a players, but the long term impact players here will STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 base, double-tight end attack and they actually likely be sophs Anthony Wint and Jordan Guest. Defense 9 have one of the top TEs in the country in junior Wint finished third on the team in tackles as a ‘14 GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #108 , who in ‘14 easily led the team with freshman despite missing three games due to Florida International made some decent strides 61 catches for 710 yards and eight TDs. injury, while Guest also showed some nice skills last year as the Golden Panthers improved from 1- The ground attack was rather weak last year as a blitz linebacker. 10 to 4-8 a year ago. The improvement probably though FIU is hopeful for major improvement The only major losses on defense were at safe- saved the job of Head Coach Ron Turner who was with the return of their top three rushers from ty where FIU loses two very solid performers, definitely on thin ice after a dreadful first season 2014. Although he started just four games, former though the coaches are high on likely replace- at the helm. But some of the minor momentum Bowling Green transfer Anthon Samuel led the ments Jordan Davis and Shermarke Spence. Davis gained last year quickly disappeared over the off- team with a modest 582 yards rushing and five collected 40 tackles as the nickel man last year season as several players left the program volun- TDs a year ago. The starter for the first seven and should develop into a quality safety this sea- tarily, while others had their scholarships taken games before going down with a season-ending son. On the corners, seniors Richard Leonard and away in some very controversial moves by Coach injury was speedy Alex Gardner who ran for Jeremiah McKinnon won’t be earning All- Turner and his staff. Now we will need to see just another 581 yards in 2014. Third stringer Nap American honors any time soon, but they are both how fractured this locker room is as we head into Maxwell added another 254 yards rushing in ‘14. very solid for Conference USA level players. the 2015 campaign as the word out of Miami is Up front, FIU welcomes back three starters Leonard led the club with five interceptions a year that the team is badly divided between a group including the incumbent left side combo of guard ago and also recovered four fumbles. that hates Coach Turner and another group that is Jordan Budwig and tackle Dieugot Joseph. The GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Any team enamored with their head coach. third returning regular here is senior right tackle with a defense this good has a chance to beat It took Coach Turner exactly one game last Aaron Nielsen, while the two new faces in the some of the more modest teams on their sched- year to make a quarterback change and bench vet- starting blocking corps are juniors Trenton ule and FIU faces some weak clubs in 2015. eran E.J. Hilliard in favor of then-freshman Alex Saunders and Michael Montero at right guard and While the offense is dreadful, a winning record McGough. With Hilliard now transferred out of center, respectively. The second string O-line is is not completely out of the question! school, the job will definitely belong to McGough filled with completely untested players so there 2015 Florida Intl. Schedule in 2015. As a very raw frosh, McGough complet- are major worries about the depth here. ed 138 of 274 passes (50%) for 1,680 yards and While the FIU offense once again looks to be a 9/3 at UCF 14 TDs against 10 interceptions, which are some punchless attack, the story is quite different on the 9/12 at Indiana pretty bad numbers now matter how you try to other side of the ball as the Golden Panthers may 9/19 N.C. CENTRAL have one of the best defenses in Conference USA spin it. But in fairness to McGough, he was a 9/26 at Louisiana Tech freshman working with a very weak group of this season. Senior defensive ends Michael 10/3 at Massachusetts wide receivers. If McGough doesn’t prove to be Wakefield and Denzell Perine give this team two the long term answer here, watch out for highly- big-time outside pass rushers who a year ago 10/10 UTEP regarded true frosh recruit Christian Alexander. combined for 14.5 QB sacks and 24 hits for minus 10/17 at Middle Tennessee This team got terrible production from its wide yardage! And the Panthers have also added two 10/24 OLD DOMINION receivers in 2014 and now most of those guys youthful edge rushers with great long term poten- 10/31 at Florida Atlantic tial in redshirt freshman Jermaine Sheriff and have either graduated or been forced out of school 11/7 CHARLOTTE by Coach Turner. The top returnee here is soph promising true frosh recruit R.J. Harris. On the 11/14 at Marshall Dennis Turner, who a year ago caught just 11 inside, vets Imarjaye Albury and Lars Koht are passes off the bench. Senior Clinton Taylor is the nothing special, but they do a pretty good job of 11/21 WESTERN KENTUCKY only other scholarship returnee, so FIU will need holding down the middle of the line. Senior 2014 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL RESULTS 2015 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 8-4 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 BETH.-COOK. W +3 12-14 u42' QB Alex McGough (6-3, 215, So.) Christian Alexander (6-3, 205, Fr.) S.06 WAGNER W -14 34-3 u39 RB Alex Gardner (5-9, 195, So.) Anthon Samuel (5-11, 200, Sr.) S.13 PITT. W +25' 25-42 o46' WR Dennis Turner (5-11, 175, So.) Anthony Jones (5-10, 175, Fr.) S.20 LOUISVILLE L +26' 3-34 u45 WR Juwan Caesar (6-5, 220, Jr.) Thomas Owens (6-1, 200, So.) WR Clinton Taylor (5-10, 170, Sr.) Julian Williams (5-11, 190, Jr.) S.27 Uab W +15' 34-20 o53' TE Jonnu Smith (6-3, 235, Jr.) Akil Dan-Fodio (6-4, 225, Sr.) O.02 FLA. ATL. W +6' 38-10 o47' TE YaKeem Griner (6-4, 235, Sr.) Jonathan Pavlov (6-4, 255, So.) O.11 Utsa W +10 13-16 u40 C Michael Montero (6-2, 300, Jr.) Neal Mars (6-3, 275, Fr.) O.18 MARSHALL L +22 13-45 o56 LG Jordan Budwig (6-4, 325, Jr.) Chris Flaig (6-5, 295, So.) N.01 RICE L +6' 17-31 u48' RG Trenton Saunders (6-4, 290, Jr.) James Cruise (6-5, 290, Fr.) N.08 Old Dominion W +5 35-38 o60' LTDieugot Joseph (6-6, 295, Jr.) Josh Deuyour (6-9, 310, Fr.) N.15 MTSU W +5 38-28 o49 RTAaron Nielsen (6-4, 290, Sr.) Edens Sineace (6-5, 305, Jr.) PK Austin Taylor (5-8, 170, Jr.) Sergio Sroka (6-1, 170, Jr.) N.22 North Texas L +2' 14-17 u47 Defense DE Michael Wakefield (6-3, 255, Sr.) R.J. Harris (6-2, 250, Fr.) 2014 Florida Intl. Final Stats DE Denzell Perine (6-3, 260, Sr.) Jermaine Sheriff (6-2, 240, Fr.) Florida Intl. Opp DT Imarjaye Albury (6-0, 285, Jr.) Darrian Dyson (6-4, 300, Sr.) Points per game 23 25 DT Lars Koht (6-5, 285, Sr.) Leonard Washington (6-0, 305, Jr.) LB Anthony Wint (6-0, 225, So.) Jordan Guest (6-4, 225, So.) 1st Downs 196 216 LB Treyvon Williams (5-11, 230, Jr.) Luis Rosado (6-2, 235, Sr.) Rush Att 488 474 LB Davison Colimon (6-1, 220, Sr.) Irick McDonald (6-2, 220, Fr.) Rush Yards 1502 1925 FS Shermarke Spence (5-9, 185, So.) Vontarius West (5-11, 195, So.) Avg Rush 3.1 4.1 SS Jordan Davis (6-1, 220, Jr.) Deonte Wilson (6-0, 195, Jr.) Pass Comp 171 181 CB Richard Leonard (5-9, 175, Sr.) Xavier Hines (5-11, 180, So.) Pass Att 324 338 CB Jeremiah McKinnon (6-0, 195, Sr.) Olin Cushion (5-10, 170, Fr.) NB Wilkenson Myrtil (6-0, 200, Jr.) Mark Bruno (5-10, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 2016 2440 P Jose Laphitzondo (6-3, 185, Sr.) Chris Ayers (6-0, 180, Jr.) Had Int 10 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 293 364

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 53 before blowing out his knee, and if he’s fully Ricks and Martez Simpson, who a year ago com- C-USA East Division #6 healed, he has star potential for this club. Coach bined for 155 tackles. This year, Ricks moves Wilder likes to use a host of four and five-wide inside to the vacant MLB spot while Simpson will receiver sets so lettermen like Melvin Vaughn, pair on the outside with one of two JUCO new- OLD DOMINION Marques Little and Nick England will all see comers, either Shadow Williams or Richard (6-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 increased roles after combining for 53 receptions Thomas. This is another area where there are few COACH: Bobby Wilder Returning 38 off the bench last season. proven returnees and newcomers will be asked to STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 The ground game was shockingly effective last shoulder a considerable burden. Defense 4 year as enemy defenses keyed against the passing In the secondary, senior Fellonte Misher is GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #118 game and it allowed Monarch running backs to back to start at strong safety and soph Justice Old Dominion made a pretty successful debut average nearly five yards per carry as a team. The Davila has had a few starts at free safety, but the in the FBS ranks last year as the Monarchs won main man here is speedy soph Ray Lawry who rest of this crew is largely untested. Misher put up six games and nearly earned a bowl berth. Head exploded onto the scene as a ‘14 frosh 947 yards 79 tackles and two interceptions a year ago, but he Coach Bobby Wilder has earned a well-deserved rushing and a very impressive 16 touchdowns. is definitely a step slow in pass coverage, while reputation as an offensive guru and his Old Lawry averaged better than seven yards per Davila is perhaps not quite physical enough to be Dominion clubs have lit up the scoreboard in a attempt as he quickly established himself as one a starting free safety. On the corners, lettermen huge way in recent seasons. However, now Coach of the top running backs in Conference USA. Aaron Young and Aquante Thornton are the most Wilder faces the significant challenge of replacing With the top subs from last year gone, converted experienced players here with their combined superstar quarterback , a guy who wideout Vincent Lowe will get first crack at back- SEVEN tackles a year ago! UAB transfer Devon was good enough to draw NFL pay as we head ing up Lawry, but will be pushed by redshirt Brown may help a bit at cornerback, but he was a into the fall. Without Heinicke, this team will freshman Jeremy Cox. backup at his former school as well. This team need to run the ball more often and play a lot bet- ODU must replace all-league center Josh may really struggle to stop the pass in 2015. ter defense if they hope to avoid a losing season in Mann, but other than that all four O-line starters GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team 2015. are back for another year of action. Senior left snuck up on some people last year as the The heir apparent at quarterback is promising tackle Connor Mewbourne will be the leader here Monarchs were very competitive in their first redshirt freshman Shuler Bentley who faces the this year and he’ll pair on the left side with solid season at the FBS level. Unfortunately, we feel unenviable task of replacing what is likely the guard Tyler Fisher, while the right side of the line this club is headed for a worse season in 2015 greatest player in Old Dominion history in Taylor will feature veteran guard Tyler Burns and as the offense is breaking in a new quarterback Heinicke. But Coach Wilder wanted Bentley to promising soph tackle Darius Garcia. In the mid- and the defense looks to be god awful. Look for face some competition so he brought in solid dle, the new starter will be either Troy Butler or a losing record this time around. JUCO transfer Joey Verhaegh to challenge Eli Kessner and there’s some fairly decent depth 2015 Old Dominion Schedule Bentley this spring. While Verhaegh played well, here as well. Bentley was up to the challenge and came out of While the offense flourished in 2014, the 9/5 at Eastern Michigan spring drills as the #1 guy. And now there are wor- Monarch defense took a pretty bad beating a year 9/12 NORFOLK STATE ries that Verhaegh’s late spring knee injury may ago. Now just four starters are back on this side of 9/19 N.C. STATE the ball and the front four is a massive concern limit him as the backup in 2015 which would be a 9/26 APPALACHIAN STATE major negative for this club. once you get past incumbent DE regular Poncho 10/3 at Marshall While graduation claimed the Monarchs’ top Barnwell, who in ‘14 led the team with a mere 3.5 pass catcher, this team still brings back a pair of QB sacks. The best thing you can say about the 10/17 CHARLOTTE extremely productive wide receivers in the junior other projected D-line regulars is that they are 10/24 at Florida International duo of and David Washington, plus a VERY big by Conference USA standards as 10/31 WESTERN KENTUCKY former starter in Blair Roberts who was forced to Bunmi Rotimi, and Terrell Reid 11/7 at UTSA all tip the scale between 280 and 300 pounds! sit out all of last season. A year ago, Pascal caught 11/14 UTEP 59 passes for 743 yards and seven TDs, while Juniors Jude Brenya and Galen Evans are the only 11/21 at Southern Miss converted quarterback Washington hauled in 47 other experienced players up front, otherwise it’s balls for 599 yards and four scores. Roberts had all freshmen here. 11/28 FLORIDA ATLANTIC 46 receptions in just eight games back in 2013 Two decent linebackers return in the duo of T.J. 2014 OLD DOMINION RESULTS 2015 OLD DOMINION DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-6 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 6-5-1) Offense A.30 HAMPTON L -24' 41-28 u72' QB Shuler Bentley (6-1, 210, Fr.) Joey Verhaegh (6-3, 215, So.) S.06 N. Car. St. W +16' 34-46 o66 RB Ray Lawry (5-10, 205, So.) Vincent Lowe (5-9, 175, So.) S.13 E. MICH. L -19 17-3 u72' WR Zach Pascal (6-2, 220, Jr.) Melvin Vaughn (6-2, 245, Jr.) S.20 Rice W +6' 45-42 o62' WR David Washington (6-3, 215, Jr.) Jonathan Duhart (6-3, 215, So.) WR Blair Roberts (6-2, 205, Sr.) T.J. Boothe (6-2, 225, So.) S.26 MTSU L -3 28-41 p69 WR Marques Little (5-9, 180, So.) Adam Swann (6-5, 240, Fr.) O.04 MARSHALL L +18 14-56 u76 WR Nick England (6-0, 180, Jr.) Quintin Reynolds (6-0, 185, Fr.) O.11 Utep L +2' 35-42 o66 C Troy Butler (6-3, 320, Jr.) Eli Kessner (6-2, 300, So.) O.25 W. Kentucky L +13 51-66 o77 LG Tyler Fisher (6-3, 325, Jr.) Tyler Compton (6-4, 300, Jr.) N.01 Vanderbilt L +7' 28-42 o60 RG Tyler Burns (6-6, 370, Sr.) Davis Farmer (6-5, 335, So.) N.08 FLA. INTL. L -5 38-35 o60' LTConnor Mewbourne (6-4, 290, Sr.) Chad Hendricks (6-6, 280, Fr.) N.22 LA. TECH W +12' 30-27 u67 RTDarius Garcia (6-3, 315, So.) Cullen Casey (6-4, 290, So.) PK Satchel Ziffer (6-4, 210, Jr.) Ricky Segers (5-11, 210, Jr.) N.29 Fla Atlantic W +3' 31-28 u67 Defense DE Poncho Barnwell (6-4, 270, Sr.) Daniel Appouh (6-4, 250, Fr.) 2014 Old Dominion Final Stats DE Terrell Reid (6-2, 280, Jr.) Jude Brenya (6-3, 265, Jr.) Old Dom. Opp DT Bunmi Rotimi (6-4, 285, So.) Galen Evans (6-3, 300, Jr.) Points per game 33 38 DT Rashaad Coward (6-5, 300, Jr.) Miles Fox (6-1, 275, Fr.) LB Martez Simpson (6-1, 225, Sr.) Richard Thomas (6-0, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 275 291 LB T.J. Ricks (6-0, 230, Jr.) Kohl Adams-Hurd (6-2, 240, Sr.) Rush Att 365 552 LB Shadow Williams (6-0, 225, Jr.) Anthony Wilson (6-1, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1793 2670 FS Justice Davila (6-0, 195, So.) Andre Bernhard (6-2, 195, So.) Avg Rush 4.9 4.8 SS Fellonte Misher (6-2, 215, Sr.) Christian Byrum (6-1, 190, So.) Pass Comp 290 229 CB Devon Brown (5-11, 185, Jr.) Rob Thompson (6-1, 195, So.) Pass Att 458 334 CB Aquante Thornton (5-9, 170, Sr.) Jamez Brickhouse (5-10, 165, Fr.) NB Aaron Young (5-11, 190, Jr.) Lawrence Holley (6-2, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 3510 2756 P Jarrett Cervi (6-1, 220, So.) Joseph Pulisic (5-9, 175, Jr.) Had Int 16 5 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 442 452

54 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL another starter last year, while soph T.L. Ford practice with no explanation other than leaving C-USA East Division #7 added 14 more receptions off the bench as a ‘14 for personal reasons. The healthy return of former frosh and he looks like a candidate to “break out” starters Caleb Clayton-Molby and Nick Cook this time around. Major help arrives in the form of should help a little, as should the development of CHARLOTTE two highly-touted newcomers in Georgia transfer soph Karrington King who was forced into a start- (5-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 8 Uriah LeMay and redshirt freshman Workpeh ing role as a 2014 frosh. COACH: Brad Lambert Returning 56 Kofa. In the secondary, the Niners have two experi- STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 Charlotte’s best player is undoubtedly running enced cornerbacks in Greg Cunningham Jr. and Defense 7 back Kalif Phillips, who a year ago carried the Tank Norman, plus they have a rock solid veteran GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #126 ball 229 times for 1,436 yards and a whopping 20 safety in Branden Dozier. Last year, Dozier led The Charlotte 49ers are the latest team to move TDs as he averaged better than six yards per the club with 86 tackles while Cunningham led up to the FBS ranks as they begin their first sea- carry! And Phillips is sturdy enough to handle the the way with three interceptions. There are major son in Conference USA in 2015. This team played transition to the FBS level where he’ll get hit by worries at strong safety where no one stepped up some fun, wide open football last year as they bigger and stronger defenders. Other running in spring drills to take charge at the vacancy. averaged nearly 500 yards per game in total backs who should get carries in 2015 include GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is offense, but also surrendered nearly 500 yards per undersized senior Damarrell Alexander and something of a mystery as they head into their contest! Those are some funny numbers for Head Delaware State transfer Garrison Duncan. first season at the FBS level, but the most like- Coach Brad Lambert, who comes from a coaching Four starters are back along the offensive line ly result here is that Charlotte is headed for a tree of former Wake Forest head man Jim Grobe including tackles Jamal Covington and Danny rather long and painful season. While the 49ers who liked to win with defense. Though the one Book who have each started 22 games in their do have an outstanding running back and a thing Coach Lambert has in common with his old respective careers at Charlotte. Covington is a key decent offensive line, the defense has a LONG mentor is that he likes to run a modified Spread guy as the 49ers do not have a legit backup at the way to go before it can claim to being a legiti- Attack that relies heavily on misdirection running left tackle slot, so he must stay healthy. The other mate FBS-level stop unit. To put it in full per- plays out of four-wide receiver sets. But even returning regulars are shaky with Jarred Barr at spective, this is a defense which last year gave with 17 returning starters, it may prove to be a center and Casey Perry at left guard, while former up 63 points to The Citadel and 59 points to long first season at the FBS level. center regular Thomas La Bianca is also in Coastal Carolina. That does NOT bode well for Coach Lambert opened up the QB battle this reserve up front. The vacant right guard role will a 2015 schedule which includes some FAR spring, but at this point it still looks like incum- go to either senior vet Zach Thomas or redshirt tougher offensive squads! Anything more than bent regular Matt Johnson will be the #1 guy. freshman Nate Davis. two or three victories would be a major shock Before getting hurt late last year, Johnson com- The defense got abused last season and does for Charlotte this season. pleted 117 of 225 passes (52%) for 1,941 yards not figure to be much better in ‘15 despite the 2015 Charlotte Schedule and 13 TDs against eight interceptions, while also return of seven starters, including all three along rushing for another 383 yards. Second stringer the D-line. The junior trio of , 9/4 at Georgia State Lee McNeill also saw quite a lot of action in ‘14 and Mark Pettit all return up 9/12 PRESBYTERIAN as he completed 72 of 123 attempts (59%) for 974 front, but one of the three will almost certainly get 9/19 at Middle Tennessee sent to the bench by the arrival of Syracuse trans- yards and six TDs against three interceptions. 9/26 FLORIDA ATLANTIC Also hoping to make it a three-way battle this fall fer Josh Manley. Ogunjobi was definitely the star 10/2 TEMPLE is highly-regarded redshirt freshman Brooks of this unit last season as he racked up 48 tackles Barden who was a big-time recruit coming out of and five sacks from his nose guard position. Pettit 10/17 at Old Dominion the high school ranks. can add some outside pass rush, but he needs to 10/24 SOUTHERN MISS The only really productive wide receiver for bulk up if he hopes to contribute heavily at the 10/31 MARSHALL the 49ers last year was tiny slot man Austin Duke FBS level. Newcomer Manley could have a major 11/7 at Florida International impact this season. who easily led the club with 79 receptions for 11/14 UTSA 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns. Fellow junior Linebacker was supposed to be a deep and 11/21 at Kentucky Trent Bostick was the next-best pass catcher for improved position for the 49ers this year, but then this team, but he managed a modest 33 catches for incumbent starters Dustin Crouser and Nico 11/28 at Rice 365 yards. Junior Justin Bolus had just 14 grabs as Alcalde inexplicably quit the team during spring 2014 CHARLOTTE RESULTS 2015 CHARLOTTE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-6 PSR: 0-0 O-U: 0-0) Offense A.28 Campbell NL NL 33-9 NL QB Matt Johnson (6-3, 230, Jr.) Lee McNeill (6-2, 200, Jr.) S.06 JOHNS. SMITHNL NL 56-0 NL RB Kalif Phillips (5-10, 205, Jr.) Damarrell Alexander (5-10, 170, Sr.) WR Austin Duke (5-9, 160, Jr.) Corey Nesmith (5-9, 190, Jr.) S.13 NC Central NL NL 40-28 NL WR Trent Bostick (6-0, 205, Jr.) Chris Montgomery (5-10, 180, So.) S.20 Elon NL NL 13-20 NL WR Uriah LeMay (6-2, 200, Fr.) Juwan Foggie (6-2, 190, So.) S.27 CHARLES. SO. NL NL 41-47 NL WR Justin Bolus (6-3, 220, Jr.) Richard Murphy (6-3, 235, Sr.) O.04 Gardner-Webb NL NL 24-27 NL WR T.L. Ford (6-3, 180, So.) Workpeh Kofa (6-2, 195, Fr.) C Jarred Barr (6-3, 290, Jr.) Thomas La Bianca (6-3, 285, Jr.) O.11 The Citadel NL NL 56-63 NL LG Casey Perry (6-3, 325, Jr.) Joe Wolljung (6-3, 260, Jr.) O.25 J. MADISON NL NL 40-48 NL RG Zach Thomas (6-3, 290, Sr.) Nate Davis (6-3, 300, Fr.) N.08 CO. CAROLINANL NL 34-59 NL LT Jamal Covington (6-4, 305, Jr.) Kyle Hoffman (6-4, 245, Jr.) N.15 WESLEY NL NL 38-33 NL RTDanny Book (6-6, 290, Sr.) Mason Sledge (6-3, 305, Jr.) PK Blake Brewer (6-1, 220, Jr.) Stephen Muscarello (5-11, 195, Jr.) N.22 MOREHEAD NL NL 52-14 NL Defense DE Mark Pettit (6-4, 250, Jr.) James Middleton (6-4, 270, Jr.) 2014 Charlotte Final Stats DE Josh Manley (6-2, 280, Jr.) Brandon Banks (6-3, 280, Jr.) Charlotte Opp NG Larry Ogunjobi (6-3, 290, Jr.) Tanner Fleming (6-1, 290, Jr.) Points per game 39 32 LB Daquan Lucas (5-10, 210, Jr.) DaQuavius Reid (6-2, 205, Jr.) LB Karrington King (5-11, 220, So.) Nick Cook (6-1, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 245 286 LB Caleb Clayton-Molby (6-2, 235, Sr.) Jordan Starnes (6-3, 220, So.) Rush Att 441 506 LB Jalen Holt (6-4, 230, Jr.) Justin Bridges-Thompson (6-1, 215, Jr.) Rush Yards 2441 2126 FS Branden Dozier (6-0, 200, Sr.) Prince Mayela (5-10, 175, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.5 4.2 SS Ardy Holmes (5-9, 195, Sr.) Markevis Davis (6-2, 195, So.) Pass Comp 189 299 CB Tank Norman (5-11, 175, Jr.) Nafees Lyon (5-10, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 350 478 CB Greg Cunningham Jr. (6-2, 185, Jr.) Terrance Winchester (6-1, 175, Jr.) NB Cortezz Nixon (5-10, 180, Sr.) Nick Halmon (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Yds 2915 3126 P Arthur Hart (6-2, 185, So.) Hayden Pezzoni (5-9, 160, Jr.) Had Int 11 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 487 478

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 55 campaign that included 29 receptions for 569 the senior threesome of Nick Thomason, C.J. C-USA West Division #1 yards and four TDs despite his non-starter status. Cleveland and Beau Fite. This trio combined for Lettermen Conner Smith, Marlon Watts and 136 tackles off the bench last year so obviously Marcus Gaines are also in the equation at wide they saw a TON of playing time in a reserve LOUISIANA TECH receiver. And when the Bulldogs use a tight end capacity. But the depth at linebacker is a very sig- (9-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 the role is filled by senior Josh Gaston. nificant concern for Coach Holtz. COACH: Skip Holtz Returning 43 Running back Kenneth Dixon isn’t well known The secondary brings back three starters led by STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 nationally, but he has quietly been one of the bet- the safety combo of and Xavier Defense 5 ter offensive players in the country the last two Woods, who a year ago finished one-two on the GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #68 seasons. In ‘14, Dixon carried the ball 253 times team tackle charts. Brice made a ton of big plays Louisiana Tech enjoyed a surprisingly good for 1,299 yards and a whopping 22 TDs, plus he in ‘14 with four forced fumbles, four sacks and year in 2014 as the Bulldogs racked up nine vic- also caught 30 passes for 385 yards and six more two interceptions, while Woods picked off a team- tories including a bowl win over Big Ten squad scores! Backup running backs Jarred Craft, Tevin best six passes last season. There’s also superb Illinois. It had to be a very satisfying season for King and Blake Martin combined for another 590 depth at safety with Sedrick Cooper and Lloyd Head Coach Skip Holtz who has been taking a yards rushing so Coach Holtz will again have the Grogan. At cornerback, Adairius Barnes racked LOT of grief in recent years for his final seasons luxury of four experienced runners here. up five interceptions a year ago and will break in at South Florida and weak start here at Louisiana Three starters are gone along the offensive line, a new CB partner in 2015 in Bryson Abraham, Tech. But now Coach Holtz and his squad need to but Coach Holtz will now be rewarded for using who was a very effective nickel man a year ago. prove that last year’s strong showing was no his bench so often in 2014 as all of the new pro- Soph Roland Dunn is also in the CB picture. fluke, and it’s fairly likely that the Bulldogs won’t jected regulars actually played extensively a sea- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is produce 26 interceptions again, so they will need son ago. The two incumbents are senior Kirby tough to figure as they will have a new quar- to tighten up their pass defense heading into the Wixson at center and Jens Danielson at left tack- terback and several units suffered severe grad- 2015 campaign. le, though the latter could be challenged for his uation losses during the off-season. And while Bulldog quarterback Cody Sokol had a terrific job this year by LSU transfer Derek Edinburgh. that usually would mean a major drop-off this “one and done” season, but now Coach Holtz may Juniors Joseph Brunson and Darrell Brown are year, the Bulldogs will benefit greatly from the turn loose another one-hit wonder as his starting slated to take over on the right side, while the new fact that Coach Holtz used his bench very lib- quarterback. That’s because Florida transfer Jeff left guard will be their classmate David Mahaffey. erally last year, so many of the new starters are Driskel is eligible right away and is favored to be Senior Josh Robinson heads up a decent looking well tested. We think this club will surprise the #1 guy for Louisiana Tech this year. Driskel reserve O-line crew. some folks and post a second consecutive win- was once a 5-Star recruit who suffered through a The run defense was really good last year, but ning season. hideous couple seasons at Florida, but in terms of the front seven took heavy graduation losses as 2015 Louisiana Tech Schedule raw talent you would be hard-pressed to find a five of the team’s top eight defensive linemen guy with a bigger arm and better speed. The have departed, plus all three starting linebackers 9/5 SOUTHERN arrival of Driskel likely means that former start- are gone! That means weaker run defense for sure 9/10 at Western Kentucky ing QB Ryan Higgins will go back to the bench this season, though not if senior tackle Vernon 9/19 at Kansas State Butler has anything to say about it. Butler was for a second straight season. Higgins struggled as 9/26 FLORIDA INTL. a frosh starter back in 2013 and his poor play awesome last year as he recorded 56 tackles and 10/3 LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE seems to have inspired transfers to look at this 13.5 hits for negative yardage. Vet Vontarrius school as an excellent option for a new home! Dora is also back at one DE slot with the other 10/10 at UTSA Tiny speedster Trent Taylor is coming off a flank now manned by soph Deldrick Canty. The 10/17 at Mississippi State breakout year at wide receiver and he returns DT post next to Butler goes to junior Aaron 10/24 MIDDLE TENNESSEE along with solid senior vet Paul Turner. A year Brown, but the big worry here is the depth as 10/30 at Rice there is little to nothing in the way of experienced ago, Taylor hauled in a team-high 64 catches for 11/7 NORTH TEXAS 834 yards and nine touchdowns, while Turner backup support along the D-line. 11/21 at UTEP added 42 grabs for 514 yards and four scores. The Bulldogs lost three excellent linebackers Talented soph will surely claim who were adept at making big plays, though this 11/28 SOUTHERN MISS one of the vacant wideout roles after a ‘14 frosh team still has three very experienced ‘backers in 2014 LOUISIANA TECH RESULTS 2015 LOUISIANA TECH DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-5 PSR: 11-3 O-U: 8-6) Offense A.30 Oklahoma W +35 16-48 o53' QB Jeff Driskel (6-4, 235, Sr.) Ryan Higgins (6-2, 210, Jr.) S.06 La.-Lafayette W +15 48-20 o58 RB Kenneth Dixon (5-10, 215, Sr.) Jarred Craft (6-0, 215, So.) S.11 North Texas W +3' 42-21 o48 WR Trent Taylor (5-8, 175, Jr.) Marlon Watts (6-2, 175, So.) S.20 NWESTERN ST. L -24 27-30 u62 WR Paul Turner (5-11, 190, Sr.) Marcus Gaines (5-6, 150, So.) S.27 Auburn W +32' 17-45 o61' WR Carlos Henderson (5-11, 185, So.) Kameron McKnight (6-2, 220, Fr.) O.04 UTEP W -12' 55-3 o57 WR Conner Smith (6-3, 205, Jr.) Grant Childress (6-0, 190, Jr.) O.18 UTSA L -11' 27-20 o46 TE Josh Gaston (6-3, 265, Sr.) Andy McAlindon (6-6, 230, Sr.) O.25 So. Miss W -9 31-20 u55' C Kirby Wixson (6-4, 325, Sr.) Cam Manning (6-2, 280, So.) N.01 W. KY. W -7 59-10 u69' LG David Mahaffey (6-4, 310, Jr.) Shane Carpenter (6-6, 290, Fr.) N.08 Uab W -4' 40-24 o54 RG Joseph Brunson (6-4, 305, Jr.) Clayton Landry (6-5, 280, Jr.) N.22 Old Dom. L -12' 27-30 u67 LT Jens Danielson (6-4, 285, Sr.) Derek Edinburgh (6-8, 335, Jr.) N.29 RICE W -7' 76-31 o48 RT Darrell Brown (6-4, 300, Jr.) Josh Robinson (6-2, 305, Sr.) D.06 Marshall W +9' 23-26 u68' PK Jonathan Barnes (5-9, 170, So.) Kyle Fischer (5-11, 215, Jr.) D.26 Illinois W -6' 35-18 u56' Defense DE (6-4, 255, Sr.) Hakim Gray (6-3, 270, So.) 2014 Louisiana Tech Final Stats DE Deldrick Canty (6-2, 250, So.) Jaylon Ferguson (6-5, 230, Fr.) La. Tech Opp DT (6-3, 310, Sr.) Tyler Porter (5-11, 320, Sr.) Points per game 37 25 DT Aaron Brown (6-1, 275, Jr.) Cedric Johnson (6-2, 305, Fr.) LB C.J. Cleveland (6-1, 205, Sr.) Russell Farris (5-11, 215, So.) 1st Downs 280 279 LB Nick Thomason (6-1, 240, Sr.) Quanta Moore (6-1, 230, Fr.) Rush Att 490 500 LB Beau Fite (6-1, 220, Sr.) Dillon Williams (6-2, 205, Sr.) Rush Yards 2080 1655 FS Xavier Woods (5-11, 190, Jr.) Lloyd Grogan (6-1, 215, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.2 3.3 SS Kentrell Brice (5-11, 200, Sr.) Sedrick Cooper (6-0, 195, So.) Pass Comp 270 314 CB Adairius Barnes (5-11, 190, Sr.) Michael Jacob (6-0, 170, So.) Pass Att 467 528 CB Bryson Abraham (5-9, 175, Sr.) Ephraim Kitchen (5-9, 180, Fr.) NB Roland Dunn (5-10, 170, So.) Michael Mims (5-11, 200, So.) Pass Yds 3531 3420 P Logan McPherson (5-10, 180, Jr.) Gerald Shouse (6-1, 185, Sr.) Had Int 13 26 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 401 363

56 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL while two new faces of note are redshirt freshmen with 71 tackles a year ago, also adding three sacks C-USA West Division #2 Lance Wright and Austin Walter. At tight end, and two fumble recoveries to his overall stat junior Connor Cella is the injury-prone returning sheet. Program veteran Nick Elder is slated to step starter but could end up giving way on passing into the other linebacker job and he posted 40 RICE downs to former running back Luke Turner. tackles off the bench last year so he is definitely a (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 The Owls are in tremendous shape at running very active player. Lettermen Tabari McGaskey COACH: David Bailiff Returning 41 back this year as Jowan Davis is one of the top and Emmanuel Elerbee are the top subs here. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 returnees in Conference USA and second stringer The five-man secondary will require some Defense 3 Darik Dillard is perhaps even more talented than major re-tooling as four starters are gone and Rice GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #82 Davis. A year ago, Davis ran for a team-best 956 didn’t exactly burn it up with their pass defense Rice has turned into a consistent winner under yards and six TDs, while Dillard exploded off the last season either. Tiny senior cornerback Ryan the guidance of Head Coach David Bailiff and it bench for 652 yards and a team-leading 11 TDs. Pollard is the lone incumbent here and his new is not easy to win at a school where the academic And Coach Bailiff will also need to find some car- CB partner figures to be either soph V.J. Banks or standards are so high. The 2014 squad got off to a ries for talented redshirt freshman Samuel Stewart senior J.T. Blasingame, both of whom struggled a very rough start and the Owls stood at 0-3 after a and highly-regarded true frosh recruit Nahshon season ago. Things look equally uncertain at safe- shocking upset loss to Old Dominion. But as Ellerbe. ty with three new starters, though the Rice coach- usual, Coach Bailiff rallied his troops as Rice There is some fairly significant rebuilding to es are very high on the long term potential of would lose just twice the rest of the season and do along the offensive line where the only return- sophomore Cole Thomas. ended up at 8-5, including an easy bowl win over ing regulars are guard Andrew Reue and tackle GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team a decent Fresno State club. But now Rice loses an Caleb Williams. Junior center Spencer Stanley has been surprisingly good in recent years, but awful lot to graduation and it may tougher for has played a lot in the past so he’ll be just fine as we feel with the loss of so many starters on Coach Bailiff to keep the 2014 squad among the one new starter, but the other two spots are pretty defense, and a significantly rebuilt offensive elite of Conference USA again. much up for grabs. Coming out of spring drills, it line, that the Owls will be somewhat weaker in Athletic quarterback Driphus Jackson is back looks like soph Peter Godber will be the new right 2015. Sure, there’s a lot of talent at the offen- to trigger the Rice attack and he’s coming off a guard, while the new left tackle will be either sive skill positions, but you need to have quali- breakout season in which he completed 191 of junior Brandon Dawkins or promising redshirt ty people up front to win against strong oppo- 331 passes (58%) for 2,842 yards and 24 TDs freshman Calvin Anderson. Sophs Kenneth sition and the Owls are simply lacking right against just eight interceptions, plus he also ran Thompson and Trey Martin head up the reserve along the line of scrimmage. While a losing for 401 yards as his mobility is an important part O-line contingent. record still seems unlikely, it is not completely of the Owls’ offense. The knock on Jackson is that Last year’s defensive line produced a lot of out of the question this season. he can be very inconsistent, and while his overall sacks, but most of the key guys from that group 2015 Rice Schedule numbers were rock solid, there were a few games are gone so returning players like Ross Winship last year where he looked completely lost. Junior and Graysen Schantz will need to pick up much of 9/5 WAGNER Tyler Stehling also returns as the #2 QB, but the the slack. Winship is a returning starter but pro- 9/12 at Texas future here will likely be incoming true frosh duced almost nothing a year ago and played a lot 9/19 at North Texas less than his backups. Schantz was fabulous off recruit John Tyler Granato. 9/26 at Baylor Leading pass catcher Jordan Taylor has gradu- the bench as a ‘14 rookie, picking up three sacks 10/3 WESTERN KENTUCKY ated, but the Owls still have some solid posses- and two forced fumbles despite relatively modest sion receivers led by the duo of Dennis Parks and playing time. Sophs Brian Womac and Connor 10/10 at Florida Atlantic Zach Wright, who a year ago combined for 54 Johnson will be counted on to produce some edge 10/24 ARMY receptions and four touchdowns. Wright and pass rush as the other defensive ends, while the 10/30 LOUISIANA TECH Parks are surefire starters in 2015, while the third tackles look to be nothing special. 11/6 at UTEP Rice uses just two linebackers in their 4-2-5 and final first string wideout role will go to one of 11/14 SOUTHERN MISS two promising sophomores, either Temi Alaka or base defense, though it would not be surprising to 11/21 at UTSA James Mayden, both of whom lettered as ‘14 see them use an extra linebacker at times in 2015 freshmen. Juniors Cameron Decell and Darrion if the run defense struggles. Junior Alex Lyons is 11/28 CHARLOTTE Pollard will also look for expanded roles this year, the one returning starter here and he led the team 2014 RICE RESULTS 2015 RICE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 9-4 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 Notre Dame L +20' 17-48 o52 QB Driphus Jackson (6-0, 205, Sr.) Tyler Stehling (6-6, 215, Jr.) S.13 Texas A&M W +31' 10-38 u71 RB Jowan Davis (5-7, 195, Jr.) Darik Dillard (5-10, 205, Jr.) S.20 OLD DOM. L -6' 42-45 o62' WR Dennis Parks (6-2, 200, Sr.) Cameron Decell (6-4, 200, Jr.) S.27 So. Miss W -8' 41-23 o58' WR Zach Wright (6-1, 205, Jr.) Darrion Pollard (5-8, 180, Jr.) O.04 HAWAII W -6' 28-14 u57 WR Temi Alaka (6-2, 200, So.) Lance Wright (6-3, 205, Fr.) O.11 Army W -1' 41-21 o60 WR James Mayden (6-3, 190, So.) Austin Walter (5-8, 190, Fr.) O.25 N. TEXAS W -15 41-21 o57 TE Connor Cella (6-3, 260, Jr.) Luke Turner (6-1, 225, Sr.) N.01 Fla. Int. W -6' 31-17 u48' C Spencer Stanley (6-3, 285, Jr.) Trey Martin (6-2, 290, So.) N.08 UTSA W -9' 17-7 u44 LG Andrew Reue (6-5, 295, Sr.) Kenneth Thompson (6-4, 290, So.) N.15 Marshall L +21' 14-41 u65 RG Peter Godber (6-3, 305, So.) Cory Klingler (6-4, 300, Fr.) N.21 UTEP W -7' 31-13 u50' LT Calvin Anderson (6-5, 265, Fr.) Brandon Dawkins (6-7, 305, Jr.) N.29 Louisiana Tech L +7' 31-76 o48 RT Caleb Williams (6-3, 290, Sr.) Sam Pierce (6-6, 290, Fr.) PK Jack Fox (6-2, 200, Fr.) Taylor Knopf (6-1, 190, So.) D.24 Fresno St. W -2 30-6 u59' Defense DE Graysen Schantz (6-3, 245, So.) Connor Johnson (6-4, 240, So.) 2014 Rice Final Stats DE Brian Womac (6-2, 240, So.) Grant Peterson (6-5, 260, Sr.) Rice Opp DT Ross Winship (6-4, 295, Sr.) Cody Henessee (6-2, 270, Jr.) Points per game 29 29 DT Stuart Mouchantaf (6-3, 290, Sr.) Trey Martin (6-2, 290, So.) LB Alex Lyons (6-1, 225, Jr.) Emmanuel Elerbee (6-1, 225, So.) 1st Downs 252 256 LB Nick Elder (6-0, 225, Sr.) Tabari McGaskey (6-0, 225, Jr.) Rush Att 571 460 NS Zach Espinosa (6-2, 220, Sr.) Garrett Furhman (5-8, 190, Sr.) Rush Yards 2181 1983 NS Cole Thomas (6-1, 205, So.) J.T. Ibe (6-0, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.8 4.3 NS Destri White (6-0, 205, So.) J.P. Thompson (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Comp 204 226 CB Ryan Pollard (5-8, 180, Sr.) Aston Walter (5-8, 190, Fr.) Pass Att 352 414 CB V.J. Banks (6-1, 185, So.) Justin Bickham (6-1, 185, Fr.) NB J.T. Blasingame (5-9, 175, Jr.) Christian Bertrand (5-11, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 3009 3034 P James Farrimond (6-0, 220, Jr.) Luke Turner (6-1, 225, Sr.) Had Int 8 9 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 399 386

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 57 out all of last year due to injury after a strong true transfers Ricky Parks and Derrick Dixon. C-USA West Division #3 frosh campaign in 2013. And that doesn’t even Southern Miss made a scheme change on include steady senior Casey Martin who actually defense this spring as they dumped the five-man led the team with 55 receptions off the bench last secondary for a traditional three-linebacker look SOUTHERN MISS season. But the guy who had the biggest impact which should help the run defense which strug- (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 was Thomas who caught 41 balls for 592 yards gled last year. The key here will be to keep rugged COACH: Todd Monken Returning 59 and five TDs, while Ricard added 30 catches for middle ‘backer Brian Anderson healthy after STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 417 yards in ‘14. The talented Holmes was a injuries limited him to seven starts a year ago. Defense 4 breakout star as 2013 frosh with 53 catches and he JUCO transfer DeNerius Antoine enrolled a GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #92 looked fully mended this spring. Coach Monken semester early and was shockingly good at one It’s been three years of futility at Southern has decided to bring back the tight end position OLB post, while the other will likely go to solid Miss and it’s still really hard to believe that this after a two-year absence and the new starter will vet Elijah Parker with overall LB depth coming once proud program has become as awful as it has be either JUCO transfer Taylor Marini or former from lettermen like Terrick Wright, C.J. Perry and in recent seasons. From 1994 to 2011, the Golden fullback Daythan Davis. converted safety David Bertucci. Eagles had exactly ZERO losing seasons and The running game was generally unproductive The Eagles lose two very good safeties to grad- Southern Miss was in a bowl game nearly every last year but the Golden Eagles will hope for uation, but there’s plenty of young talent in the year for more than TWO decades! But it all fell improvement in ‘15 with the return of all four top sophomore class who should keep this secondary part overnight in 2012 and this team has now lost rushers in the foursome of Ito Smith, George from a total collapse this year. The leader here 32 of its last 36 games! That’s not a misprint, the Payne, and Tez Parks who com- will undoubtedly be senior corner , Golden Eagles are 4-32 over the past three years. bined for nearly all of the team’s rushing yardage who despite the team’s struggles is one of the top There was some progress in 2014 as Southern last season. Speedy soph Smith is the only guy we pass defenders in Conference USA. Talented soph Miss won three games which was enough to get really like among this quartet as he ran for a team- Picasso Nelson moves to safety after starting at Head Coach Todd Monken one more year to turn high 536 yards as a ‘14 frosh despite battling a corner as a ‘14 frosh and his move was made pos- things around here. It will not be easy. series of nagging injuries. sible by the development of soph CBs like Jomez The play at quarterback has been a major prob- The blocking corps simply has to be better this Applewhite, and Trae Collins. lem for the last several seasons and junior incum- year with the return of all five starters, but this GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Golden bent Nick Mullens has been part of the issue here. group surely struggled a lot in 2014. The best of Eagles have their best team since 2011, though The good news on Mullens is that he did cut back this group is left tackle Rashod Hill, though iron- there are still major weaknesses up and down a little on his interceptions last year, but overall he ically he is fighting for his starting role with the the lineup. Don’t look for a breakout, but this was still relatively ineffective as he completed addition of promising JUCO newcomer Tyler team could win four or five games in 2015. 218 of 365 passes (60%) for 2,470 yards and just Stutzman, who is expected to push hard for start- 2015 Southern Miss Schedule 12 TDs against nine interceptions. Mullens will ing duty in ‘15 along with fellow JUCO transfers need to do better this year or he will find himself Jacob Fleming and Andrew Peterson. Of the other 9/5 MISSISSIPPI STATE on the bench because Southern Miss finally has a returning regulars, the only one whose job looks 9/12 AUSTIN PEAY legit challenger for the #1 job in TCU transfer safe by defeault is center , other 9/19 at Texas State than that, the rest of the returning starters will Tyler Matthews, who is taller, faster and has a 9/26 at Nebraska stronger arm than Mullens. Coming out of spring, have to fight to keep their jobs. 10/3 NORTH TEXAS Mullens was still listed as the starter but it would Last year’s fairly solid defensive line has been surprise no one if Matthews beats him out. gutted by graduation leaving only senior Michael 10/9 at Marshall Wide receiver may be the strongest and deep- Smith as a returning starter. Smith spent the 10/17 UTSA est position on this team in 2015 and it would spring moving from end to tackle where he paired 10/24 at Charlotte have been even deeper if not for the summer dis- with fellow senior Will Freeman who is a bit thin 10/31 UTEP to play inside at this level. On the outside, juniors missal of key backups James Cox and Kyle Foster 11/14 at Rice who were arrested for a rather ugly home invasion Dylan Bradley and JaBoree Poole combined for 11/21 OLD DOMINION charge! But two starters do return in Michael five sacks off the bench in 2014 and they should Thomas and Marquise Ricard, plus a former prove adequate as the new DE regulars. A lack of 11/28 at Louisiana Tech starter also returns in Tyreoune Holmes who sat D-line depth is helped by the addition of JUCO 2014 SOUTHERN MISS RESULTS 2015 SOUTHERN MISS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 4-7-1 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.30 Miss. St. L +30 0-49 u57 QB Nick Mullens (6-1, 200, Jr.) Tyler Matthews (6-4, 215, So.) S.06 ALCORN ST. L -16' 26-20 u61 RB Ito Smith (5-9, 185, So.) George Payne (6-0, 210, Jr.) S.13 Alabama W +47 12-52 o56 WR Michael Thomas (6-1, 190, Sr.) D.J. Thompson (6-3, 200, Jr.) S.20 APP. ST. P -1 21-20 u59' WR Tyreoune Holmes (5-11, 170, So.) Korey Robertson (6-1, 200, Fr.) WR Marquise Ricard (6-2, 195, Jr.) Juan Smith (6-0, 175, So.) S.27 RICE L +8' 23-41 o58' WR Casey Martin (5-10, 175, Sr.) Jonathan Nance (6-0, 180, Fr.) O.04 Mtsu W +17' 31-37 o59' TE Taylor Marini (6-4, 245, So.) Daythan Davis (6-1, 230, So.) O.18 North Texas W +9 30-20 u55' C Cameron Tom (6-4, 290, Jr.) Bradley Nugent (5-11, 275, Sr.) O.25 LA. TECH L +9 20-31 u55' LG Brandon Farmer (6-2, 310, Jr.) Jacob Fleming (6-4, 305, Jr.) N.01 Utep L +7 14-35 u56' RG Devin Farrior (6-4, 305, So.) Jerry Harris (6-3, 305, So.) N.08 MARSHALL L +26' 17-63 o63 LTRashod Hill (6-6, 305, Sr.) Tyler Stutzman (6-4, 275, Jr.) N.13 Utsa W +8' 10-12 u46 RT Norman Price (6-4, 325, Sr.) Andrew Peterson (6-6, 295, Jr.) N.29 UAB L +3' 24-45 o57' PK Parker Shaunfield (6-0, 165, Fr.) Stephen Brauchle (6-1, 205, Jr.) Defense DE Dylan Bradley (6-1, 265, Jr.) Jerry McCorvey (6-3, 250, Jr.) 2014 Southern Miss Final Stats DE JaBoree Poole (6-2, 245, Jr.) Derrick Dixon (6-4, 240, Jr.) Southern Miss Opp DT Michael Smith (6-4, 280, Sr.) Draper Riley (6-4, 290, So.) Points per game 19 35 DT Will Freeman (6-6, 265, Sr.) Ricky Parks (6-4, 280, Jr.) LB Brian Anderson (5-10, 250, Sr.) C.J. Perry (6-0, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 249 279 LB Elijah Parker (6-2, 210, Jr.) Terrick Wright (6-2, 230, Sr.) Rush Att 376 482 LB DeNerius Antoine (6-0, 235, Jr.) David Bertucci (5-11, 205, Sr.) Rush Yards 1149 2596 FS Picasso Nelson (5-10, 190, So.) Deshadrick Trudy (6-0, 190, Jr.) Avg Rush 3.1 5.4 SS Devonta Foster (6-0, 190, Jr.) Kevin Williams (5-11, 195, So.) Pass Comp 277 231 CB Kalan Reed (5-11, 195, Sr.) Curtis Mikell (5-8, 170, So.) Pass Att 482 363 CB Cornell Armstrong (5-11, 175, So.) Trae Collins (5-11, 185, So.) NB Jomez Applewhite (6-1, 180, So.) Xavier Marion (6-0, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 3231 2821 P Tyler Sarrazin (6-3, 205, Jr.) Cody Gottberg (6-1, 210, Fr.) Had Int 15 7 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 365 451

58 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Batson and Donovan Walker. At tight end, the in 2014 when they combined for 69 tackles and C-USA West Division #4 new starter figures to be soph Cole Rogers who four sacks! lettered as a ‘14 frosh but had just two catches. The base defense here is a 4-2-5 and UTEP got The strength of the UTEP offense is definitely a nice effort from its secondary in 2014 as enemy UTEP the ground game led by All-Conference USA run- passers completed less than 52 percent of their (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 ning back Aaron Jones, who is coming off a huge total attempts. But now four of five starters have COACH: Sean Kugler Returning 49 ‘14 campaign. A year ago, Jones carried the ball departed which is a huge blow. The good news is STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 242 times for 1,321 yards and 11 TDs, while also that safety Devin Cockrell is a solid returning reg- Defense 5 catching 30 passes for 293 yards and three more ular, plus the Miners also welcome back a pair of GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #93 scores! While Jones is a legit star, Coach Kugler former part-time starters in safety Dashone Smith The Miners were one of the surprise teams in will also need to find playing time for talented and cornerback Ishmael Harrison, each of whom Conference USA last season as they racked up soph David Hamm and highly-touted true frosh missed an appreciable amount of playing time due seven victories and earned a rare bowl invite. recruit Treyvon Hughes. to injury last season. There are some other Intense young Head Coach Sean Kugler has done Four starters are back along the offensive line promising players here, but overall this group a good job of changing the “identity” at UTEP as including a pair of rising young sophomore looks weaker than it was a year ago. the Miners have gone from a soft, pass-oriented guards in the duo of Derek Elmendorff and Will GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Miners club to a power running team that plays much bet- Hernandez, both of whom were surprising starters will have a rough time duplicating last year’s ter defense than they did under the previous as 2014 freshmen. Senior Eric Lee returns at cen- success unless they can become better balanced coaching staff. But now it may prove extremely ter, while junior incumbent Jerome Daniels will on the offensive side of the football. They got difficult to “take the next step” as the overall tal- move from right tackle to left tackle this season. away with almost ZERO passing game in 2014, ent level on this roster is somewhat modest even The new RT will now be junior John De La Rosa but that puts enormous pressure on star Aaron by Conference USA standards. who was one of the surprise “movers” of spring Jones and the ground attack. On defense, the The passing attack was definitely not a priority practice, while others expected to earn playing Miners lost some talented players, especially in last season, but Coach Kugler will need to find a time up front include lettermen Chris Thomas and the secondary where they were really tough in new quarterback with the graduation of athletic, Anthony Kyles, as well as promising redshirt ‘14 and figure to be not quite as good this time but highly erratic starter Jameil Showers. The freshman Jerrod Brooks. around. The schedule is brutal early so the early favorite is undersized but athletic soph The defense was a mixed bag in 2014 as UTEP Miners won’t have the benefit of a strong start, Mack Leftwich who was the top backup in 2013 had trouble stopping the run on a consistent basis, but when the dust clears they figure to be before taking an optional redshirt a season ago. but was extremely effective in pass defense. The somewhere right around the .500 mark, but Leftwich appeared to have won the job in spring D-line will need to improve its work against the possibly on the wrong side of that in 2015. practice, but don’t count out massive junior run this year, though the Miners do have two 2015 UTEP Schedule Garrett Simpson or promising redshirt freshman decent proven outside pass rushers in the combo Ryan Metz, the latter of whom looks to be the best of Roy Robertson-Harris and Nick Usher who 9/5 at Arkansas long term option here. joined forces for 6.5 QB sacks in ‘14. Returning 9/12 at Texas Tech No wide receiver caught more than 27 passes a starter Gino Bresolin heads up the defensive tack- 9/19 at New Mexico State les and this group will need to get much more year ago and both starters are gone, leaving junior 9/26 INCARNATE WORD Jaquan White as the top returning wideout with physical against the run this season if UTEP 10/3 UTSA just FOUR receptions in 2014. So Coach Kugler hopes to match last year’s bowl invite. made a big move this spring and switched third The UTEP coaches feel that linebacker is a 10/10 at Florida International down running back Autrey Golden to wide team strength despite last year’s troubles against 10/24 FLORIDA ATLANTIC receiver where he immediately established him- the run. Soph Alvin Jones was a surprise standout 10/31 at Southern Miss self as the team’s #1 target. In ‘14, Golden actual- as a ‘14 frosh with 55 tackles and nine hits for 11/6 RICE negative yardage. He gets a new starting partner ly caught a team-high 31 passes coming off the 11/14 at Old Dominion bench on third downs so he obviously has top this year, but the Miners do have two battle-tested 11/21 LOUISIANA TECH notch hands and an ability to get open. The rest of seniors fighting for the LB post next to Jones in the wideouts did not impress this spring, though Jimmy Musgrave and Trey Brown. Musgrave and 11/28 at North Texas the UTEP coaches remain “high” on sophs Tyler Brown were extremely productive off the bench 2014 UTEP RESULTS 2015 UTEP DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 7-5-1 O-U: 5-8) Offense A.30 New Mexico W +8 31-24 u63' QB Mack Leftwich (5-10, 190, So.) Garrett Simpson (6-7, 250, Jr.) S.06 TEXAS TECH W +21 26-30 u66 TB Aaron Jones (5-10, 185, Jr.) David Hamm (6-0, 220, So.) S.13 N. MEXICO ST. W -10 42-24 o56 FB Darrin Laufasa (6-1, 240, Jr.) Sloan Spiller (6-0, 230, Fr.) S.27 Kansas St. L +27' 28-58 o53 WR Autrey Golden (5-11, 180, Sr.) Brandon Moss (6-3, 190, Jr.) O.04 Louisiana Tech L +12' 3-55 o57 WR Jaquan White (5-11, 190, Jr.) Donovan Walker (6-0, 175, So.) O.11 OLD DOM. W -2' 42-35 o66 WR Tyler Batson (6-0, 195, So.) Terry Juniel (5-10, 170, So.) O.25 Utsa W +13 34-0 u47' TE Cole Rogers (6-4, 230, So.) M.J. McFarland (6-5, 250, Sr.) N.01 SO. MISS W -7 35-14 u56' C Eric Lee (6-1, 295, Sr.) Erik Ramirez (6-3, 285, So.) N.08 W. Kentucky P +8 27-35 u69' LG (6-3, 320, So.) Chris Thomas (6-4, 315, Jr.) N.15 N. TEXAS W -6' 35-17 o50 RG Derek Elmendorff (6-3, 310, So.) Christopher Misaalefua (6-5, 355, Fr.) LT Jerome Daniels (6-3, 295, Jr.) Jerrod Brooks (6-5, 305, Fr.) N.21 Rice L +7' 13-31 u50' RT John De La Rosa (6-6, 310, Jr.) Anthony Kyles (6-3, 300, Jr.) N.29 MTSU L -3' 24-21 u53 PK Jay Mattox (6-0, 185, Jr.) Brooks Friedman (5-10, 160, Fr.) D.20 Utah St. L +10 6-21 u45 Defense DE Nick Usher (6-3, 240, Jr.) Silas Firstley (6-1, 265, Jr.) 2014 UTEP Final Stats DE Roy Robertson-Harris (6-7, 255, Sr.) Luke Elsner (6-3, 240, So.) UTEP Opp DT Gino Bresolin (6-2, 285, Jr.) Christian Harper (6-4, 285, Jr.) Points per game 27 28 DT Alex Villarreal (6-4, 300, Sr.) Sky Logan (6-2, 280, Jr.) LB Alvin Jones (5-10, 220, So.) Trey Brown (6-0, 220, Sr.) 1st Downs 226 211 LB Jimmy Musgrave (6-0, 235, Sr.) Cooper Foster (6-1, 215, Jr.) Rush Att 573 439 NS Dashone Smith (6-0, 200, Jr.) Kelvin Fisher Jr. (5-11, 195, Sr.) Rush Yards 2701 2299 NS Devin Cockrell (5-11, 190, Jr.) Mookie Carlile (6-1, 200, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.7 5.2 NS LaQuintus Dowell (5-10, 205, Sr.) Leon Hayes (5-10, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 159 166 CB Ishmael Harrison (6-0, 195, Jr.) Trent Trammell (6-0, 200, Sr.) Pass Att 287 321 CB Traun Roberson (6-0, 195, Sr.) (5-11, 185, Fr.) NB DaCarlos Renfro (5-10, 175, Sr.) Adrian Hynson (5-10, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 1858 2486 P Jay Mattox (6-0, 185, Jr.) Mikael Sroka (5-10, 185, So.) Had Int 6 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 351 368

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 59 a year ago. Soph Turner Smiley won the third a year ago and made few big plays. Scott’s new C-USA West Division #5 wideout role this spring and he added 14 grabs off OLB partner will be either Calvin Minor or Sed the bench a year ago. Pushing for playing time Ellis, both of whom started at times a year ago. In here are redshirt freshmen O’Keeron Rutherford the middle, it looks like Buffalo transfer Blake NORTH TEXAS and Tee Goree, along with JUCO newcomer Bean has beaten out vet Anthony Wallace. (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 Thaddeus Thompson. At tight end, senior Marcus There are some concerns in the secondary COACH: Dan McCarney Returning 36 Smith is the returning regular and though he where the only returning starter is senior corner STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 caught just 15 passes overall in 2014, he did lead Kenny Buyers who registered 55 tackles and two Defense 6 the club with six receiving touchdowns. interceptions a year ago. The other corner will GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #110 Leading rusher Antoinne Jimmerson is back likely be junior Chad Davis, while converted line- North Texas put up some of the strangest stats and he no longer has to share first string status backer Jamar Marshall has been plugged into the in the country a year ago while struggling to a 4- with the now-departed Reggie Pegram, so he nickel back slot for this season. North Texas 8 record just one year after their breakout season could be poised for a big final season with the coaches are very high on the new safety combo of in 2013. Somehow, this team managed to average Mean Green. Jimmerson ran for 589 yards last soph Kishawn McClain and JUCO transfer James a mere 326 yards per game in total offense and year and averaged just a shade under five yards Gray, the latter of whom enrolled in school a still score more than 27 points per contest which per attempt. But promising soph Jeffrey Wilson semester early and was one of the stars of spring is rather unlikely. And every bit as bizarre was the could force another platoon here as he ran for 224 drills. fact that the Mean Green played some very solid yards as a ‘14 frosh and then made a strong show- North Texas struck rookie gold at placekicker defense in terms of yards allowed, yet still man- ing in spring practice. last year in Trevor Moore. Moore came out of aged to allow just a shade under 30 points per The biggest worry for Coach McCarney this nowhere as a ‘14 frosh to make 15 of 17 FGs. game! It was definitely a frustrating year for Head year will be up front where he must find replace- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The big Coach Dan McCarney as he saw his club fall back ments for four graduated O-line regulars who problem here in 2015 will be along the offen- quite a bit in an improved Conference USA. were “rocks” for this club over the last two or sive line where North Texas loses four senior The quarterback position was a huge problem three seasons. The lone returning regular here is starters who were the driving force behind the last year as North Texas was never able to ade- sturdy center Kaydon Kirby, who will be flanked team’s success two years ago in 2013 when they quately replace a graduated three-year regular. by two new guard partners this year in SMU Mean Green won nine games. Sure, things will Coach McCarney tried three different starters and transfer Sam Rice and senior Micah Thompson, be slightly better on defense and there are a ton eventually settled on program veteran Andrew while the new tackles look to be senior Michael of returnees at the offensive skill positions, but McNulty over then-freshman Dajon Williams and Banogu and redshirt freshman Chris Miles. Also that likely won’t be enough to prevent a second former JUCO transfer Josh Greer. McNulty com- in the hunt for starting roles are junior Ryan straight losing record. pleted 110 of 202 passes (55%) for 1,295 yards Rentfro and JUCO newcomers Brian Ochs and 2015 North Texas Schedule and just six TDs against seven interceptions, Garrett Gunter. while Williams connected on 46 of 77 attempts The Mean Green defense slipped badly last 9/12 at SMU (60%) for 607 yards and seven TDs against four year as a unit which allowed just 18 points per 9/19 RICE interceptions. Greer began 2014 as the starter and game back in 2013 surrendered just over 30 points 9/26 at Iowa per contest in 2014. Personnel losses were the is the owner of a great arm, but he struggled terri- 10/3 at Southern Miss bly and completed well under 50 percent of his obvious factor, but North Texas hopes things will 10/10 PORTLAND STATE passes to get dropped to third string. Coming out improve this year with the return of three D-line of spring drills, McNulty just barely led Williams regulars in the trio of Chad Polk, Austin Orr and 10/15 WESTERN KENTUCKY but the QB equation could be further complicated Sir Calvin Wallace. But based on spring practice, 10/24 at Marshall this fall by the addition of JUCO transfer none of the three appeared safe to regain their 10/31 UTSA DaMarcus Smith. starting roles as Mustafa Haboul was pushing 11/7 at Louisiana Tech Wallace and Orr at tackle, and lettermen Andy Tiny senior Carlos Harris is definitely this 11/14 at Tennessee club’s top wide receiver and in ‘14 he easily led Flusche, Jarrian Roberts and Malik Dilonga were 11/21 at Middle Tennessee the team with 70 catches for 863 yards and three all pushing for starting DE roles. scores. Junior is another returning At linebacker, the only returning starter is 11/28 UTEP starter at wideout, but he caught a mere 15 passes junior Fred Scott who posted a modest 54 tackles 2014 NORTH TEXAS RESULTS 2015 NORTH TEXAS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 8-4) Offense A.30 Texas L +24 7-38 u49' QB Andrew McNulty (6-1, 210, Sr.) Dajon Williams (6-3, 205, So.) S.06 SMU W -2' 43-6 o44' RB Antoinne Jimmerson (5-9, 225, Sr.) Jeffrey Wilson (6-0, 190, So.) S.11 LA. TECH L -3' 21-42 o48 WR Carlos Harris (5-8, 185, Sr.) O’Keeron Rutherford (6-5, 185, Fr.) S.20 NICHOLLS W -38 77-3 o57 WR Darvin Kidsy (6-0, 185, Jr.) Thaddeus Thompson (6-2, 200, Jr.) WR Turner Smiley (6-0, 185, So.) Daniel Khan (5-11, 170, Fr.) O.04 Indiana L +13 24-49 o59' WR Tee Goree (6-3, 170, Fr.) Rodney Bendy (6-4, 185, Fr.) O.11 Uab L +6' 21-56 o57' TE Marcus Smith (6-4, 250, Sr.) Chris Loving (6-4, 250, Sr.) O.18 SO. MISS L -9 20-30 u55' C Kaydon Kirby (6-3, 330, Jr.) Creighton Barr (6-3, 290, Fr.) O.25 Rice L +15 21-41 o57 LG Sam Rice (6-4, 305, Jr.) Avery Fortenberry (6-5, 300, Fr.) N.08 FLA. ATL. W +3 31-10 u55 RG Micah Thompson (6-4, 310, Sr.) Brian Ochs (6-4, 295, Jr.) N.15 Utep L +6' 17-35 o50 LT Michael Banogu (6-5, 285, Sr.) Ryan Rentfro (6-4, 315, Jr.) N.22 FLA. INTL. W -2' 17-14 u47 RT Chris Miles (6-4, 295, Fr.) Garrett Gunter (6-4, 285, Jr.) PK Trevor Moore (5-11, 175, So.) Eric Keena (6-2, 175, Jr.) N.29 Utsa L +5 27-34 o40' Defense DE Chad Polk (6-0, 235, Sr.) Malik Dilonga (6-4, 255, Jr.) 2014 North Texas Final Stats DE Jarrian Roberts (6-2, 240, Jr.) Andy Flusche (6-3, 265, So.) North Texas Opp DT Sir Calvin Wallace (6-2, 300, Jr.) Mustafa Haboul (6-0, 275, Jr.) Points per game 27 30 DT Austin Orr (6-4, 280, Sr.) Sid Moore (6-1, 265, So.) LB Fred Scott (5-11, 240, Jr.) Courney Finney (5-11, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 213 222 LB Blake Bean (6-1, 220, Sr.) Anthony Wallace (6-0, 240, Sr.) Rush Att 472 447 LB Calvin Minor (6-3, 220, So.) Sed Ellis (6-3, 215, Jr.) Rush Yards 1838 1941 FS Kishawn McClain (5-11, 195, So.) Matthew Dash (6-0, 195, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.9 4.3 SS James Gray (6-0, 200, Jr.) John Schilleci (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 181 216 CB Kenny Buyers (5-11, 190, Sr.) Kerrick Rhone (5-10, 180, Sr.) Pass Att 331 362 CB Chad Davis (5-10, 185, Jr.) Andrew Jones (6-1, 175, Fr.) NB Jamar Marshall (6-3, 205, Sr.) Cedric Fernandes (5-10, 165, Fr.) Pass Yds 2073 2492 P Eric Keena (6-2, 175, Jr.) Blake Macek (5-11, 190, Jr.) Had Int 13 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 326 369

60 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL the rest of the returnees here are strictly backup the arrival of JUCO transfer LaKel Bass. C-USA West Division #6 material so the new main target is almost certain The five-man secondary did not fare as well as to be JUCO transfer JaBryce Taylor who was the run defense a year ago, but this unit is one that once a rising star at SMU before failing out of could actually be somewhat improved in 2015 UTSA school. The rest of the wideouts do not impress, with the return of three starters and the addition of (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 31 but the Roadrunners do have a pair of good-look- some outstanding true frosh recruits. UTSA COACH: Larry Coker Returning 32 ing tight ends in senior starter David Morgan and boasts three very experienced safeties in the trio STARTERS RETURNING Offense 2 JUCO newcomer Shaq Williams. of Mauricio Sanchez, Michael Egwuagu and Defense 4 The ground attack was somewhat non-existent Chase Dahlquist, plus they have one of the better GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #115 a year ago, though the new projected starting run- cover corners in the conference in senior Bennett The Roadrunners were a monumental disap- ning back Jarveon Williams actually did have Okotcha. While there are some concerns at the pointment in 2014 as a senior-dominated squad some nice moments off the bench in 2014. second cornerback spot, the overall talent level followed up their shocking 7-5 record in 2013 Williams averaged nearly five yards per carry as here gets a major shot in the arm from the arrival with a dreadful 4-8 season a year ago. It was a ter- he ran for 325 yards on just 66 attempts, but his of talented true frosh recruits like JaColbie Butler, rible blow to veteran Head Coach Larry Coker work load figures to increase dramatically this JaCorie Jones and Darryl Godfrey, all of whom who had begun this program from scratch and was time around. JUCO transfer Corbin White is may see immediate playing time in 2015. looking at 2014 as “their year” as possible title expected to push Williams for the starting role, GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is contenders in Conference USA. And now Coach while others who might figure in the RB picture headed for a very poor season. The talent level Coker must replace nearly his entire starting line- include true freshman Brett Winnegan and Jess on both sides of the ball took a major beating up on both sides of the football as UTSA heads Anders. with the graduation of now fewer than 31 into what might be a VERY long 2015 campaign! The blocking unit was nearly completely seniors, many of whom were the key compo- The UTSA defense slipped a little bit last sea- wiped out as the lone returning regular is right nents in this program over the past four years. son, but the real problems came on offense where guard William Cavanaugh who was considered There is some decent talent on the defensive this team struggled to score in almost every game the weakest link in last year’s starting five! side of the ball, especially at defensive tackle a year ago. The Roadrunners scored 13 points or Cavanaugh and sophs Kyle McKinney and Juan where JUCO transfer Vontrell King-Williams less in seven games a year ago and that situation Perez are expected to hold down the middle of the looks like a potential star, but the picture on doesn’t figure to improve with just two starters line, while the new tackles look to be soph Reed offense is quite dim. We look for a second back on this side of the ball. The vacant QB job is Darragh and JUCO transfer Gabe Casillas. True straight losing season and a rather low finish completely up for grabs heading into the fall, but freshmen Clayton Woods and Shane Block could on the Conference USA totem pole. the most likely starter is either soph Austin also play major roles up front this fall. Robinson or redshirt frosh Blake Bogenschutz. The entire starting defensive line from 2014 is 2015 UTSA Schedule The athletic Robinson played a lot last year when gone, but the UTSA coaches feel they have a new 9/3 at Arizona superstar up front in JUCO newcomer Vontrell the now-departed starter was out, completing 81 9/12 KANSAS STATE of 146 passes (56%) for 645 yards while also run- King-Williams who turned down some big-name 9/19 at Oklahoma State ning for another 222 yards. But Robinson had programs to play here. Other than King-Williams, been beaten out by then-true frosh Bogenschutz the rest of the DTs are nothing to write home 9/26 COLORADO STATE early last year before the latter went down with a about, but the Roadrunners do have some promis- 10/3 at UTEP ing players at defensive end like the returning trio season-ending knee injury. And if both of these 10/10 LOUISIANA TECH guys falter this fall, don’t be too shocked if Coach of Jason Neill, and Codie 10/17 at Southern Miss Coker turns to one of two true freshmen, either Brooks, as well as JUCO transfer Ben Kane. Manny Harris or Jaylon Henderson. Coach Coker starts just two linebackers in his 10/31 at North Texas Pretty much the entire receiving corps was 4-2-5 base defense, but the position has generally 11/7 OLD DOMINION been a strong one for UTSA in the recent past. wiped out by graduation as the lone proven per- 11/14 at Charlotte former here is backup slot man Aaron Grubb, who Senior Drew Douglas is a returning starter here 11/21 RICE posted 23 receptions off the bench in ‘14, but who recorded 71 tackles a year ago and he gets a averaged just 8.8 yards per grab and failed to new LB partner in 2015 in promising soph 11/28 MIDDLE TENNESSEE score even a single touchdown. Other than Grubb, Marcos Curry. A lack of depth here is helped by 2014 UTSA RESULTS 2015 UTSA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.29 Houston W +10 27-7 u56 QB Austin Robinson (6-3, 220, So.) Blake Bogenschutz (6-0, 190, Fr.) S.04 ARIZONA W +7' 23-26 u55 TB Jarveon Williams (5-9, 195, Jr.) Corbin White (5-11, 225, Jr.) S.13 Oklahoma St. L +13 13-43 o55' FB Blake Dean (6-2, 235, Jr.) Halen Steward (5-10, 245, Fr.) S.27 Fla Atlantic L -5 37-41 o45' WR Aaron Grubb (5-8, 170, Sr.) Kerry Thomas (6-0, 205, So.) WR JaBryce Taylor (6-2, 215, Jr.) Kenny Bias (6-1, 180, Sr.) O.04 N. MEXICO L -17 9-21 u54' WR Miles Lerch (5-10, 165, Jr.) Aron Taylor (6-1, 195, So.) O.11 FLA. INTL. L -10 16-13 u40 TE David Morgan (6-4, 255, Sr.) Shaq Williams (6-6, 250, Jr.) O.18 La. Tech W +11' 20-27 o46 C Juan Perez (6-2, 285, So.) Clayton Woods (6-3, 280, Fr.) O.25 UTEP L -13 0-34 u47' LG Kyle McKinney (6-4, 305, So.) Austin Pratt (6-3, 305, Jr.) N.08 Rice L +9' 7-17 u44 RG William Cavanaugh (6-1, 310, Sr.) Zach Hester (6-4, 320, Sr.) N.13 SO. MISS L -8' 12-10 u46 LT Reed Darragh (6-4, 285, So.) Shane Block (6-5, 275, Fr.) N.22 W. Kentucky L +10 7-45 u56' RT Gabe Casillas (6-5, 285, Jr.) Jordan Gray (6-2, 270, Sr.) PK Daniel Portillo (6-0, 170, So.) Matthew Wylie (6-5, 190, So.) N.29 N. TEXAS W -5 34-27 o40' Defense DE Jason Neill (6-2, 260, Sr.) Marcus Davenport (6-6, 225, So.) 2014 UTSA Final Stats DE Codie Brooks (6-1, 250, Jr.) Ben Kane (6-4, 250, Jr.) UTSA Opp DT Vontrell King-Williams (6-2, 325, Jr.) Kennedy Ubabuike (6-2, 280, Sr.) Points per game 17 25 DT Brian Price (6-3, 310, Sr.) Jonathan Tuiolosega (6-1, 290, Jr.) LB Drew Douglas (6-1, 225, Sr.) Dalton Miller (5-11, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 200 238 LB Marcos Curry (5-11, 215, So.) LaKel Bass (6-1, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 440 471 NS Mauricio Sanchez (6-0, 200, Sr.) Duke Wheeler (5-9, 195, Sr.) Rush Yards 1466 1682 NS Chase Dahlquist (6-0, 195, Jr.) Justin Chavez (5-10, 195, So.) Avg Rush 3.3 3.6 NS Michael Egwuagu (6-0, 225, Jr.) Darryl Godfrey (6-1, 190, Fr.) Pass Comp 203 217 CB Bennett Okotcha (6-0, 185, Sr.) JaCorie Jones (5-10, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 356 377 CB Trevor Baker (6-2, 195, Sr.) Aneas Henricks (5-11, 175, So.) NB JaColbie Butler (5-10, 175, Fr.) Stanley Dye Jr. (5-9, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 2104 2754 P Daniel Portillo (6-0, 170, So.) Yannis Routsas (6-3, 200, Fr.) Had Int 12 9 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 298 370

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 61 MIDWEST PREDICTED FINISH MID-AMERICAN East Division CONFERENCE 1. Ohio State East Division 2. Michigan State 1. Bowling Green 3. Penn State 2. Ohio U. 4. Michigan 3. Akron 5. Rutgers 4. Massachusetts 6. Indiana 5. Buffalo 7. Maryland 6. Miami-Ohio West Division 7. Kent State 1. Wisconsin West Division 2. Nebraska 1. Western Michigan 3. Iowa 2. Northern Illinois 4. Minnesota 3. Toledo 5. Northwestern 4. Ball State 6. Purdue 5. Central Michigan 7. Illinois 6. Eastern Michigan INDEPENDENT 1. Notre Dame

62 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL catchers in Michael Thomas and , lected 21 tackles for minus yardage and a whop- Big Ten East Division #1 plus solid contributors also return like Corey ping 13.5 QB sacks. Smith, Noah Brown and speed demon Dontre The linebacking unit is arguably the best in the Wilson. Thomas enjoyed a breakout year in ‘14 nation as OLBs and Darron Lee are OHIO STATE with a team-high 54 catches for 799 yards and already established stars, plus soph middle man (14-1-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 nine TDs, while Marshall came off the bench to Raekwon McMillan may eventually turn out to be COACH: Returning 44 produce 38 receptions for 499 yards and six TDs. the best of the three! Perry led the team with 124 STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Several promising frosh wideouts will also get a tackles a year ago to go along with three sacks, Defense 7 look-see this fall. At tight end, OSU loses a great while Lee was a pass-rushing demon as a ‘14 GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #2 one in but they have another ter- frosh with 81 tackles and 7.5 QB sacks. The tal- You may not like Ohio State Head Coach rific player ready to step in with , ented McMillan was a sub as a true frosh but still Urban Meyer (we don’t!) but you have to watch in who a year ago caught 19 passes with five TDs managed 49 tackles and three sacks! Sophs Chris absolute awe at what he has accomplished as a despite his reserve status. Worley and Dante Booker are two future stars. college football coach. Meyer won two National The parade of awesome talent continues at run- Things are awfully good in the secondary Championships during his days at Florida and ning back where All-American Ezekiel Elliott is where three starters are back, including the stellar now he comes out of retirement to win one for the back for another season. A year ago, Elliott car- safety combo of and Vonn Bell, who Buckeyes, and he does so by winning the first ried the ball 273 times for 1,878 yards and 18 in 2014 combined for 168 tackles and 10 pass ever College Football Playoff by knocking off TDs, plus he even found time to catch 28 balls thefts. Soph cornerback was terrific as a powerhouses Alabama and Oregon with shocking coming out of the backfield. While Elliott is an frosh starter and looks like a future superstar for ease. And Meyer pulled off this feat with his third absolute superstar, the Buckeyes have several OSU and he gets a new CB partner this season in string quarterback at the helm, though that third other talented RBs led by , Warren classmate who played well off the string QB might just turn out to be the best of that Ball and Brionte Dunn. Samuel was absolutely bench in 2014. Lettermen Cam Burrows and threesome over the long haul. And now the only fabulous off the bench as a ‘14 frosh with 383 Damion Webb head up a very young but very tal- two questions in Columbus are can we repeat and yards and six TDs. ented cast of reserve defensive backs. who will start at quarterback? The Buckeyes bring back four O-line starters GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club The answer to the second question is really including a pair of potential All-Americans in left will make a strong defense of its national title, hard as Coach Meyer has to pick from a former tackle Taylor Decker and right guard Pat Elflein. provided of course that they don’t endure what two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, the greatest The other returning regulars up front are solid some view as an inevitable quarterback con- Freshman QB in the history of the league and the center Jacoby Boren and soph guard Billy Price, troversy. Look for a second straight trip to the guy who was MVP of the National title game! the latter of whom looks like the next big O-line College Football Playoffs! Miller is clearly the best runner of the three, while star for the Buckeyes. At right tackle, senior 2015 Ohio State Schedule Jones is definitely the best passer, but Barrett will be the new starter with terrific looks to be the best combination of the two and O-line depth coming from lettermen Evan Lisle, 9/7 at Virginia Tech his stats from last season certainly speak to that. Marcelys Jones and . 9/12 HAWAII Thrust into the role as a freshman when Miller got If there is a worry on the defensive side of the 9/19 NORTHERN ILLINOIS ball, it will be up front where OSU has one of the hurt, Barrett completed 203 of 314 passes (65%) 9/26 WESTERN MICHIGAN for 2,834 yards and 34 TDs against 10 intercep- best players in the country in end Joey Bosa and a 10/3 at Indiana tions, plus he also ran for 938 yards and 11 more terrific tackle in Adolphus Washington, but other scores before going down with a knee injury of than that there are some talented but inexperi- 10/10 MARYLAND his own. All Jones did was complete 56 of 92 enced players who will be asked to step up in ‘15. 10/17 PENN STATE passes (61%) for 860 yards and seven TDs while Sophs and are amaz- 10/24 at Rutgers also rushing for 296 yards, with most of those ing athletes who are competing for the DE slot 11/7 MINNESOTA opposite All-American Bosa, while senior Tom numbers coming in the College Football Playoffs. 11/14 at Illinois There is no wrong answer no matter who ends up Schutt is the early favorite at the other DT post. 11/21 MICHIGAN STATE starting here in 2015!!! Sophs Donovan Munger and Michael Hill could While two starters were lost at wide receiver, also be major factors at defensive tackle. The big 11/28 at Michigan the Buckeyes do bring back their top two pass star here is obviously Bosa who a year ago col- 2014 OHIO STATE RESULTS 2015 OHIO STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 14-1 PSR: 10-5 O-U: 12-3) Offense A.30 Navy W -15 34-17 u54 S.06 VA. TECH L -11 21-35 o47 QB J.T. Barrett (6-1, 225, So.) (6-5, 250, Jr.) S.13 KENT ST. W -31' 66-0 o48' RB Ezekiel Elliott (6-0, 225, Jr.) Curtis Samuel (5-11, 200, So.) S.27 CINCINNATI W -17 50-28 o61 WR Michael Thomas (6-3, 210, Jr.) (6-1, 205, Fr.) O.04 Maryland W -7' 52-24 o59' WR Corey Smith (6-1, 195, Sr.) Johnnie Dixon (5-11, 195, Fr.) O.18 RUTGERS W -21' 56-17 o63 WR Noah Brown (6-2, 225, So.) K.J. Hill (6-0, 190, Fr.) O.25 Penn St. L -14 31-24 o52' TE Nick Vannett (6-6, 260, Sr.) Marcus Baugh (6-5, 255, So.) N.01 ILLINOIS W -28' 55-14 o65' HB Jalin Marshall (5-11, 205, So.) Dontre Wilson (5-10, 195, Jr.) N.08 Mich. St. W +4 49-37 o55' C Jacoby Boren (6-2, 285, Sr.) R.J. Morris (6-2, 305, So.) N.15 Minnesota L -12' 31-24 u56 LG Billy Price (6-4, 315, So.) Marcelys Jones (6-4, 315, So.) N.22 INDIANA L -35' 42-27 o66' RG Pat Elflein (6-3, 300, Jr.) Evan Lisle (6-7, 310, So.) N.29 MICH. L -21 42-28 o52' LTTaylor Decker (6-8, 315, Sr.) Grant Schmidt (6-6, 285, Fr.) D.06 Wisconsin W +4 59-0 o54' RT Chase Farris (6-5, 310, Sr.) Jamarco Jones (6-5, 315, So.) J.01 Alabama W +9 42-35 o58 PK Sean Nuernberger (6-1, 220, So.) Cameron Johnston (5-11, 195, Jr.) J.12 Oregon W +6' 42-20 u74' Defense DE Joey Bosa (6-6, 280, Jr.) (6-5, 265, Fr.) 2014 Ohio State Final Stats DE Tyquan Lewis (6-4, 260, So.) Jalyn Holmes (6-5, 265, So.) Ohio State Opp DT Adolphus Washington (6-4, 295, Sr.) Michael Hill (6-3, 295, So.) Points per game 45 22 DT Tommy Schutt (6-3, 290, Sr.) Donovan Munger (6-4, 300, So.) LB Joshua Perry (6-4, 255, Sr.) (6-2, 225, So.) 1st Downs 386 283 LB Raekwon McMillan (6-2, 240, So.) Camren Williams (6-1, 230, Sr.) Rush Att 690 537 LB Darron Lee (6-2, 235, So.) Dante Booker (6-3, 235, So.) Rush Yards 3967 2120 FS Vonn Bell (5-11, 205, Jr.) (6-2, 205, Fr.) Avg Rush 5.7 3.9 SS Tyvis Powell (6-3, 210, Jr.) Erick Smith (6-0, 205, So.) Pass Comp 260 276 CB Eli Apple (6-1, 200, So.) Damion Webb (5-11, 195, So.) Pass Att 409 495 CB Gareon Conley (6-0, 195, So.) (6-0, 195, Fr.) NB Cam Burows (6-0, 210, Jr.) Jamel Dean (6-0, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 3707 3016 P Cameron Johnston (5-11, 195, Jr.) Sean Nuernberger (6-1, 220, So.) Had Int 12 25 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 512 342

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 63 at wide receiver comes from vets like A.J. Troup, starting just one game. McDowell and incumbent Big Ten East Division #2 Tres Barksdale and DeAnthony Arnett. At tight Joel Heath will be an imposing duo in the middle. end, junior Josiah Price is an All-Big Ten con- And the depth up front is rock solid as well. tender after a ‘14 campaign that included 26 At linebacker, both outside guys return in solid MICHIGAN ST. receptions for 374 yards and six TDs despite vets Ed Davis and Darien Harris, while promising (11-2-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 missing multiple games due to injury. Fellow lettermen Riley Bullough and Jon Reschke are COACH: Mark Dantonio Returning 52 junior Jamal Lyles and blocking specialist Paul battling for the vacant job in the middle. Davis STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Lang add superb depth at tight end. was a big play machine last year with 58 tackles, Defense 7 Coach Dantonio must replace two outstanding 12 hits for minus yardage and seven sacks! Both GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #6 running backs in and Nick Hill Bullough and Reschke look like typical MSU Michigan State has always enjoyed a level of who combined for over 2,100 yards rushing a year middle linebackers, fast and vicious. Soph Chris success in the world of college football and have ago. But there’s still tons of talent here and we Frey also looks like a rising star on the outside. occasionally become a powerhouse over the feel the new starter will ultimately prove to be The Spartans are in terrific shape at safety years. But the Spartans have emerged as a consis- heralded true frosh recruit L.J. Scott, who should where senior R.J. Williamson is a rock solid tently elite program under the guidance of Head quickly emerge as one of the top freshman in the returning starter and soph Montae Nicholson is an Coach Mark Dantonio. In recent years, you can country in 2015. Soph Gerald Holmes and red- explosive youngster who was brilliant off the pretty much pencil this club in for double digits in shirt frosh Madre London both played quite well bench last season. But shockingly, there might be the victory column and a serious run at the Big this spring, but will likely take a backseat to Scott some minor worries at cornerback, a position Ten Championship, though in 2014 they came up or talented but troubled Delton Williams, provid- where MSU has produced numerous NFL stars in just short losing to eventual National Champion ed of course the latter is brought back after a recent years. Junior Darian Hicks nearly played Ohio State. Michigan State’s only two losses in spring suspension including criminal charges. his way out of a starting role last year and guys ‘14 came to the two teams which played in the Senior Trevon Pendleton may be the best block- like and Vayante Copeland will National Finals!!! ing fullback in America! need to step up big-time in 2015. Back to run the Spartan attack is outstanding Four starters are back up front including All- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team senior QB Connor Cook, who surprised some American center Jack Allen, who gets a new left will again be a major force on the national NFL observers by opting to return for his senior guard lined up next to him in his little brother scene with a potent and versatile offense, as season here. In ‘14, Cook completed 212 of 365 , who also looks like a future star for well as a fast and talented defense. The prob- passes (58%) for 3,214 yards and 24 TDs against this club. Junior left tackle Jack Conklin gives lem here is that Ohio State is still in the same eight interceptions. Cook may or may not be an MSU another potential All-America, while the division in the Big Ten which may limit MSU to NFL first rounder next year, but he’s definitely right side combo of Donavon Clark and Kodi merely a very high National Ranking. one of the better quarterbacks in the nation this Kieler is dynamite when it comes to run blocking. 2015 Michigan State Schedule season and a guy plenty capable of leading this The O-line depth is absolutely fabulous as well. club to a National Championship. Junior Tyler Michigan State is traditionally one of the lead- 9/4 at Western Michigan O’Connor was the top backup a year ago, but he’s ing defensive powers in the nation, and although 9/12 OREGON battling the more mobile Damion Terry for the things slipped a tiny bit last season, this unit was 9/19 AIR FORCE still top notch except against Ohio State and right to retain that job in 2015. 9/26 CENTRAL MICHIGAN Graduation claimed both starting wideouts, but Oregon! Second-team All-American Shilique 10/3 PURDUE the Spartans still have no fewer than seven proven Calhoun racked up 12.5 hits for minus yardage letter winners at this position. Seniors Aaron and eight sacks a year ago from his DE slot, while 10/10 at Rutgers Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings were the most he gets a new partner in crime on the outside this 10/17 at Michigan productive off the bench last season as they each year in former DT regular Lawrence Thomas who 10/24 INDIANA caught 29 passes despite their non-starter status. will try to make the move outside in ‘15. Thomas 11/7 at Nebraska is an excellent player who looked great in the While Kings can be more explosive, our bet is 11/14 MARYLAND that Burbridge will establish himself as the #1 spring at his new position. And the reason 11/21 at Ohio State option in ‘15. Juniors R.J. Shelton and Monty Thomas could be moved is that MSU has a rising Madaris are also talented players who could break star at defensive tackle in soph Malik McDowell 11/28 PENN STATE out this season, while further letter winning depth who was a Freshman All-American in ‘14 despite 2014 MICHIGAN STATE RESULTS 2015 MICHIGAN STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 11-2 PSR: 9-4 O-U: 8-4-1) Offense A.29 JACKS. ST. W -34' 45-7 o49' QB Connor Cook (6-4, 220, Sr.) Tyler O’Connor (6-3, 225, Jr.) S.06 Oregon L +13 27-46 o56' TB L.J. Scott (6-1, 215, Fr.) Gerald Holmes (6-0, 220, So.) S.20 E. MICH. W -44' 73-14 o52' FB Trevon Pendleton (6-0, 250, Sr.) David Fennell (6-2, 305, Jr.) S.27 WYOMING W -28 56-14 o48 WR (6-1, 210, Sr.) Monty Madaris (6-1, 200, Jr.) O.04 NEBRASKA L -7 27-22 u58 WR Macgarrett Kings (5-10, 190, Sr.) A.J. Troup (6-2, 215, Sr.) O.11 Purdue L -21 45-31 o50' WR R.J. Shelton (5-11, 200, Jr.) Tres Barksdale (6-2, 200, Jr.) O.18 Indiana W -16 56-17 o59' TE Josiah Price (6-4, 250, Jr.) Jamal Lyles (6-3, 260, Jr.) O.25 MICH. W -17 35-11 u48 C Jack Allen (6-2, 295, Sr.) Devyn Salmon (6-1, 315, So.) N.08 OHIO ST. L -4 37-49 o55' LG Brian Allen (6-2, 310, So.) Benny McGowan (6-3, 320, Jr.) N.15 Maryland W -11 37-15 u58' RG Donavon Clark (6-4, 320, Sr.) Brandon Clemons (6-3, 305, Sr.) LT Jack Conklin (6-6, 320, Jr.) Dennis Finley (6-6, 305, So.) N.22 RUTGERS W -23' 45-3 u57 RT Kodi Kieler (6-6, 310, Jr.) Miguel Machado (6-6, 300, Jr.) N.29 Penn St. W -13' 34-10 p44 PK Michael Geiger (5-8, 190, Jr.) Kevin Cronin (6-1, 220, Jr.) J.01 Baylor W +2' 42-41 o70 Defense DE Shilique Calhoun (6-5, 255, Sr.) Demetrius Cooper (6-5, 250, So.) 2014 Michigan State Final Stats DE Lawrence Thomas (6-4, 300, Sr.) Evan Jones (6-5, 255, Jr.) Mich. State Opp DT Malik McDowell (6-6, 290, So.) Damon Knox (6-5, 285, Sr.) Points per game 43 22 DT Joel Heath (6-6, 300, Sr.) Craig Evans (6-2, 330, Fr.) LB Ed Davis (6-3, 235, Sr.) Chris Frey (6-2, 230, So.) 1st Downs 321 199 LB Riley Bullough (6-2, 235, Jr.) Jon Reschke (6-2, 230, So.) Rush Att 594 363 LB Darien Harris (6-0, 220, Sr.) Jalyn Powell (5-11, 200, So.) Rush Yards 3057 1150 FS R.J. Williamson (6-0, 215, Sr.) Mark Meyers (6-0, 190, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.1 3.2 SS Montae Nicholson (6-2, 220, So.) Matt Morrissey (6-2, 200, Fr.) Pass Comp 236 234 CB Darian Hicks (5-10, 180, Jr.) Arjen Colquhoun (6-1, 200, Sr.) Pass Att 400 444 CB Demetrious Cox (6-1, 200, Jr.) Josh Butler (5-11, 175, Fr.) NB Vayante Copeland (6-0, 200, Fr.) David Dowell (6-1, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 3453 2955 P Jake Hartbarger (6-4, 205, Fr.) Kevin Cronin (6-1, 220, Jr.) Had Int 9 18 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 501 316

64 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL subs Blacknall and Godwin combined for another here as soph Garrett Sickels looks like a rising star Big Ten East Division #3 36 catches off the bench as promising freshmen. and senior is a solid vet. But Nassib And while the returnees look extremely good, the will have to hold off a stiff challenge from talent- Nittany Lions also add several talented new faces ed redshirt frosh Torrence Brown. The depth here PENN STATE at wide receiver including true frosh blue chippers is also very strong. (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 and Irvin Charles. There was an PSU loses All-Big Ten middle linebacker Mike COACH: James Franklin Returning 40 unexpected loss at tight end when Jessie James Hull, but they still have a ton of talent here led by STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 left a year early for the NFL, but PSU still has two returning starters Nyeem Wartman-White and Defense 7 very talented players here in vet Kyle Carter and Brandon Bell, who a year ago combined for 122 GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #19 soph Adam Breneman, the latter of whom red- tackles. Soph Jason Cabinda looks like another Penn State has always been known for its shirted a year ago. rising star as the third starter here in 2015, while tough guy persona on the field, a tradition which The ground game needs to be a LOT better this there’s decent depth at linebacker and even more was brought to a peak under the stellar 40-plus time around and the main man here will be junior help on the way with what looks to be a very year run of Joe Paterno. But the 2014 Nittany Akeel Lynch, who ran for a team-high 678 yards strong crop of freshmen. Lions looked every bit as rough and physical as and four TDs a year ago despite sharing the job Three excellent starters are back in the sec- those old Penn State clubs, and it all starts at the with two players who are now gone. Major help ondary and Coach Franklin made one key move top as new Head Coach James Franklin proved a should be on the way here as Penn State adds a here this spring as senior was worthy successor to the “tough guy” persona at trio of stellar redshirt freshmen with Mark Allen, moved from cornerback to his more natural posi- this school. Franklin takes about ZERO grief in Johnathan Williams and Nick Scott, all of whom tion of free safety. Lucas and hard-hitting soph life and his style is an ideal fit for this program. should earn playing time at running back this fall. Marcus Allen form a dynamic safety combo, The ‘14 squad was among the best defensive The big problem last year was an offensive line while solid senior Trevor Williams heads up a clubs in the nation, though on the other side of the which was shockingly ineffective, but things strong group of corners that also includes super equation, the PSU attack was about as bad as it should be better in ‘15 with the return of four sophs Grant Haley and Christian Campbell, plus got! Now Coach Franklin will look to add the starters and a talented group of redshirt freshmen true frosh 4-Stars Garrett Taylor and John Reid. offense in 2015 and get the Nittany Lions back set to make their debut. Senior Angelo Mangiro GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team where they belong in the national Top 25! hopes to hold onto his job at center but Wendy has a good chance to return to the national While his overall stats may not show it, Penn Laurent is pushing him, while the guards will scene as the defense is loaded and the offense State quarterback Christian Hackenburg is one of again be Brendan Mahon and Brian Gaia. Look should be much better than it was a year ago. the truly elite players in the nation. Hampered by for the talented Mahon to be much improved after We feel Penn State is headed for a breakout a weak offensive line and a non-existent running a so-so frosh campaign. At tackle, soph Andrew season and a Top 25 national ranking! game, Hackenburg was forced to carry the entire Nelson has promise on the right side and talented 2015 Penn State Schedule offense last year and his numbers suffered. Still, JUCO transfer Paris Palmer takes over at left he managed to complete 270 of 484 passes (56%) tackle to protect Hackenburg’s blind side. Several 9/5 at Temple for 2,977 yards and 12 TDs, but the big shocker redshirt freshmen have forced their way onto the 9/12 BUFFALO was the 15 interceptions which is obviously not two-deep and if the starters struggle again, don’t 9/19 RUTGERS be shocked if changes are forthcoming. ideal. If the blocking improves this year, we look 9/26 SAN DIEGO STATE for Hackenburg to have a huge junior season Penn State was second in the entire country in 10/3 ARMY before heading off to be a high first rounder in the total defense last year as they held foes to a mere NFL. Redshirt frosh Trace McSorley is the #2. 278 yards per game. It all starts up front where 10/10 INDIANA The Nittany Lions have two of the elite wide they have what may be the best defensive tackle 10/17 at Ohio State receivers in the Big Ten in DaeSean Hamilton and combo in the nation in All-American Anthony 10/24 vs. Maryland Geno Lewis, plus they have two very talented Zettel and massive junior Austin Johnson. Zettel 10/31 ILLINOIS was absolutely brilliant last year as he racked up sophs who should be ticketed for larger roles this 11/7 at Northwestern year in Saeed Blacknall and Chris Godwin. Last 17 hits for minus yardage and eight QB sacks, 11/21 MICHIGAN year, Hamilton was a breakout superstar as a while Johnson was also a force in the middle and freshman with 82 catches for 899 yards, while the the key to a fantastic run defense. The Lions need 11/28 at Michigan State steady Lewis added 55 grabs for 751 yards. Top two new DE starters but they are in good shape 2014 PENN STATE RESULTS 2015 PENN STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 5-7-1) Offense A.30 Ucf W +2 26-24 o45' QB Christian Hackenburg (6-4, 240, Jr.) Trace McSorley (6-0, 195, Fr.) S.06 AKRON W -14 21-3 u51 RB Akeel Lynch (6-0, 220, Jr.) Johnathan Thomas (5-11, 220, Fr.) S.13 Rutgers L -3' 13-10 u52' WR DaeSean Hamilton (6-1, 215, So.) Chris Godwin (6-2, 210, So.) S.20 MASS. W -27 48-7 o47' WR Geno Lewis (6-1, 210, Jr.) Juwan Johnson (6-4, 215, Fr.) S.27 N'WESTERN L -10' 6-29 u47' WR Saeed Blacknall (6-3, 215, So.) Gregg Garrity (5-9, 160, Jr.) O.11 Mich. L +2 13-18 u41' TE Kyle Carter (6-3, 245, Sr.) (6-6, 255, So.) O.25 OHIO ST. W +14 24-31 o52' TE Adam Breneman (6-4, 255, So.) Jonathan Holland (6-4, 240, Fr.) N.01 MARYLAND L -3' 19-20 u47' C Angelo Mangiro (6-3, 315, Sr.) Wendy Laurent (6-2, 295, Jr.) N.08 Indiana L -6' 13-7 u44' LG Brendan Mahon (6-4, 320, So.) Derek Dowrey (6-3, 315, Jr.) N.15 TEMPLE W -11 30-13 o40 RG Brian Gaia (6-3, 305, Jr.) Chasz Wright (6-7, 320, Fr.) N.22 Illinois L -6 14-16 u44' LT Paris Palmer (6-7, 285, Jr.) Chance Sorrell (6-5, 285, Fr.) N.29 MICH. ST. L +13' 10-34 p44 RT Andrew Nelson (6-5, 310, So.) Brendan Brosnan (6-6, 300, Fr.) PK Joey Julius (5-11, 245, Fr.) Chris Gulla (6-0, 205, So.) D.27 Boston Col. W +2' 31-30 o40' Defense DE Garrett Sickels (6-4, 265, So.) Evan Schwan (6-6, 260, Jr.) 2014 Penn State Final Stats DE Carl Nassib (6-6, 270, Sr.) Torrence Brown (6-3, 260, Fr.) Penn State Opp DT Anthony Zettel (6-4, 280, Sr.) Parker Cothren (6-5, 295, So.) Points per game 21 19 DT Austin Johnson (6-4, 325, Jr.) Tarow Barney (6-1, 310, Sr.) LB Nyeem Wartman-White (6-1, 245, Jr.) Gary Wooten (6-2, 240, Jr.) 1st Downs 249 190 LB Brandon Bell (6-1, 235, Jr.) Ben Kline (6-2, 240, Sr.) Rush Att 451 443 LB Jason Cabinda (6-1, 250, So.) (6-1, 235, Fr.) Rush Yards 1325 1302 FS Jordan Lucas (6-0, 200, Sr.) Malik Golden (6-1, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 2.9 2.9 SS Marcus Allen (6-2, 210, So.) (6-1, 205, So.) Pass Comp 276 215 CB Trevor Williams (6-1, 200, Sr.) Garrett Taylor (6-0, 200, Fr.) Pass Att 497 406 CB Grant Haley (5-9, 190, So.) John Reid (5-10, 185, Fr.) NB Christian Campbell (6-1, 190, So.) Daquan Worley (5-10, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 3034 2317 P Daniel Pasquariello (6-0, 205, So.) Chris Gulla (6-0, 205, So.) Had Int 15 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 335 278

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 65 473 yards a year ago. Fellow senior Jehu Chesson lettermen and Mario Ojemudia. Big Ten East Division #4 is another returning starter, but he posted a mere None of the four projected starters look to be 14 receptions in 2014. Soph Freddy Canteen is the standouts, but all four, along with quality sub only other returnee who is ticketed for major play- Willie Henry, picked up at least three sacks a year MICHIGAN ing time here as Coach Harbaugh will almost cer- ago so the rebuilt D-line still looks rock solid. (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 tainly turn to several newcomers, the best of Star middle linebacker is gone, but COACH: Brady Hoke Returning 50 whom appear to be redshirt freshmen Maurice the other two LBs return plus the Wolverines also STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 Ways and Drake Harris, as well as highly-touted get back former OLB regular Desmond Morgan Defense 6 true frosh recruit Brian Cole, who we project as who will replace Ryan in the middle this year. On GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #38 an immediate starter. Coach Harbaugh loved to the outside, the starters will again be James Ross The Wolverines suffered through a trying sea- use his tight ends in the passing game when he and Joe Bolden, the latter of whom picked up 102 son in 2014 as this once proud program endured a was head man at Stanford and Michigan has some tackles a year ago. Lettermen Ben Gedeon and rare losing season. Unfortunately, there have been talented TEs like , A.J. Williams and Royce Jenkins-Stone head up a not overly talent- a few losing seasons in recent years and that’s led Khalid Hill, provided of course that Hill can ed group of reserve linebackers. to some coaching changes at a program which bounce back from major knee surgery. In the secondary, the Wolverines have strong used to be known for its incredible stability. So Despite last year’s modest rushing numbers, talent and amazing depth at the safety positions, Brady Hoke is out after a promising start to his this team actually has superb talent at running but they are short on proven bodies at cornerback. tenure, but a terrible finish and Michigan fans are back, boasting four potential starters in the quar- That situation will be aided somewhat by gradu- rejoicing that the school finally convinced the tet of Derrick Green, Ty Isaac, DeVeon Smith and ate transfer Wayne Lyons (Stanford) who should beloved Jim Harbaugh to return to his alma mater. Drake Johnson. Green was off to a great start as form a strong CB combo with incumbent regular Now Harbaugh is a very weird and very intense the #1 guy last year before going down with a sea- . Michigan has a number of solid guy, so we’re not talking about lovable figures son-ending injury, while Smith then went on to proven players at safety, but all of them looked like Bo Schembechler or Lloyd Carr, but he has lead the team with 519 yards rushing and six TDs. bad next to talented redshirt freshman Jabrill always won wherever he’s gone. And Harbaugh Isaac is a large and talented transfer from USC Peppers this spring. faces a major challenge here! who looked great this spring, while Johnson is the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Things have The biggest problem last year was an offense most explosive of the foursome but has also bat- a chance to be better this year, but we are still with a mediocre ground attack and an absolutely tled multiple injuries. The fullback is back in style somewhat skeptical of the Michigan attack dreadful passing game, though much of the blame with Harbaugh as head man and that role is filled where the blocking is awful and the receivers for both fell on what was arguably the worst by solid senior Joe Kerridge. are mediocre. It would be nice progress to earn offensive line in school history! With Devin We would like to tell you that the O-line was some sort of bowl bid this season. Gardner finally graduating after a hideous senior terrible last year, but it was actually worse than 2015 Michigan Schedule season, this team needs a new QB and heir appar- that! Four starters return and it looks like there ent Shane Morris has been awful when given the will be four seniors in the first string unit this 9/3 at Utah chance to play the last two seasons. A former blue year, but these are the same guys who have been 9/12 OREGON STATE chip recruit, Morris has looked completely lost so bad in recent seasons. Soph left tackle Mason 9/19 UNLV Cole is the hope for the future, but the former prep and is running out of time to avoid being called a 9/26 BYU total flop. That’s why we feel Morris will be beat- all-star struggled badly as a ‘14 frosh starter. It 10/3 at Maryland en out this fall by graduate transfer Jake Rudock will be interesting to see if this unit performs any who was the starting QB for Iowa the past two better under Harbaugh’s new power offense. 10/10 NORTHWESTERN seasons. Rudock is not the most talented guy in Despite last year’s losing record, Michigan 10/17 MICHIGAN STATE the world, but he is a competent leader who can actually played very good defense for most of the 10/31 at Minnesota get the job done if you BLOCK for him. True ‘14 campaign. And they probably will again pro- 11/7 RUTGERS vided they can replace some quality defensive frosh recruits and Alex Malzone rep- 11/14 at Indiana resent the future at this position. ends who have graduated. Seniors 11/21 at Penn State Michigan is really hurting at wide receiver as and shared one DT role a year ago the only reasonably productive returnee here is but both are projected to be starters this time 11/28 OHIO STATE senior Amara Darboh who caught 36 passes for around, while the rebuilt DE crew is headed up by 2014 MICHIGAN RESULTS 2015 MICHIGAN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.30 APP. ST. W -34 52-14 o54 QB Jake Rudock (6-3, 210, Sr.) Shane Morris (6-3, 210, Jr.) S.06 Notre Dame L +3' 0-31 u57 RB Derrick Green (5-11, 235, Jr.) Ty Isaac (6-3, 240, Jr.) S.13 MIAMI-O. L -33 34-10 u52 FB Joe Kerridge (6-0, 250, Sr.) Wyatt Shallman (6-3, 245, Jr.) S.20 UTAH L -3' 10-26 u54 WR Amara Darboh (6-2, 220, Sr.) Maurice Ways (6-4, 205, Fr.) WR Jehu Chesson (6-3, 210, Sr.) Drake Harris (6-4, 180, Fr.) S.27 MINN. L -11' 14-30 o43 WR Brian Cole (6-2, 195, Fr.) Freddy Canteen (6-1, 185, So.) O.04 Rutgers W +2' 24-26 o46 TE Jake Butt (6-6, 250, Jr.) A.J. Williams (6-6, 285, Sr.) O.11 PENN ST. W -2 18-13 u41' C Graham Glasgow (6-6, 305, Sr.) Patrick Kugler (6-5, 300, Jr.) O.25 Mich. St. L +17 11-35 u48 LG Ben Braden (6-6, 335, Sr.) Blake Bars (6-5, 285, Sr.) N.01 INDIANA W -7 34-10 u52' RG Kyle Kalis (6-5, 295, Sr.) David Dawson (6-4, 310, Jr.) N.08 Northwestern L -1' 10-9 u41' LTMason Cole (6-5, 290, So.) Logan Tuley-Tillman (6-7, 310, Jr.) N.22 MARYLAND L -5' 16-23 u42' RT Erik Magnuson (6-6, 300, Sr.) Juwann Bushell-Beatty (6-6, 320, So.) PK Andrew David (5-8, 170, Fr.) Kenny Allen (6-3, 220, Sr.) N.29 Ohio St. W +21 28-42 o52' Defense DE Taco Charlton (6-6, 275, Jr.) Lawrence Marshall (6-4, 245, Fr.) 2014 Michigan Final Stats DE Mario Ojemudia (6-3, 255, Sr.) Henry Poggi (6-4, 275, So.) Michigan Opp DT Chris Wormley (6-4, 300, Sr.) Willie Henry (6-2, 315, Sr.) Points per game 21 22 DT Ryan Glasgow (6-4, 300, Sr.) (6-4, 325, So.) LB Joe Bolden (6-3, 235, Sr.) Royce Jenkins-Stone (6-2, 240, Sr.) 1st Downs 222 199 LB Desmond Morgan (6-1, 240, Sr.) Ben Gedeon (6-3, 245, Jr.) Rush Att 425 440 LB James Ross (6-1, 235, Sr.) Allen Gant (6-2, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1954 1412 FS (6-1, 205, Fr.) Jeremy Clark (6-4, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.6 3.2 SS (6-2, 210, Sr.) Delano Hill (6-0, 205, Jr.) Pass Comp 189 205 CB Jourdan Lewis (5-10, 180, Jr.) Ross Taylor-Douglas (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Att 326 343 CB Wayne Lyons (6-1, 195, Sr.) Keith Washington (6-2, 175, Fr.) NB (6-2, 180, Jr.) Dymonte Thomas (6-2, 195, Jr.) Pass Yds 2042 2324 P Kenny Allen (6-3, 220, Sr.) Kyle Seychel (6-2, 175, So.) Had Int 18 5 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 333 311

66 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL combined for another 64 receptions. There is a pass rusher Turay actually led the team with 7.5 Big Ten East Division #5 major hole to fill at tight end with the loss of Tyler QB sacks despite coming off the bench. Kroft, but Coach Flood will hope to find an ade- At linebacker, the Knights are in good shape on quate replacement from a group which includes the outside where vets Steve Longa and Quentin RUTGERS lettermen Nick Arcidiacono and Matt Flanagan. Gause are a pair of solid, holdover regulars. (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 Injuries forced the Knights to use a host of Longa led the team last year with 102 tackles COACH: Kyle Flood Returning 52 players at tailback last year, but when healthy the from his role on the weak side, while Gause added STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 starter here will almost surely be senior Paul 72 on the strong side. In the middle, redshirt frosh Defense 5 James who was heading for a huge ‘14 season Brandon Russell looked to be the new starter in GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #67 before suffering a severe knee injury. In just four spring drills, but he will be challenged by JUCO The Scarlet Knights were shockingly competi- games last year, James ran for 363 yards and five newcomer Isaiah Johnson. tive in their first season in the Big Ten as this club TDs but he’ll need to prove that his surgically There is major work to do in the secondary clawed and scratched its way to eight victories, repaired knee is truly healthy. But Rutgers has where three starters must be replaced and Coach amazing depth here as they welcome back four including a very impressive bowl win over a FAR Flood will rebuild around junior corners Nadir other running backs who started games a year ago more talented North Carolina squad. You really Barnwell and who shared a start- in the quartet of Robert Martin, Justin Goodwin, ing role a year ago, but both will be in the lineup have to tip your cap to Head Coach Kyle Flood Josh Hicks and Desmon Peoples. This foursome this season. Lettermen Delon Stephenson and for the job he’s done here since the overall talent combined to rush for another 1,649 yards and 13 Davon Jacobs look to be the new safeties, but level is simply not up to Big Ten standards. But TDs in 2014 so this team can run the football a bit after soph CB Dre Boggs, the backups here are all now more than half of last year’s starting lineup even when standout James is on the sideline. redshirt freshmen or true frosh recruits! has departed, and despite winning eight games, Three starters must be replaced from last year’s GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team the Scarlet Knights were often blown out last year “tough guy” offensive line which seemed to shock overachieved a bit in 2014 and we would not be and were actually outgained by their combined Big Ten foes with their physical nature at times. shocked to see Rutgers take a nosedive in the opposition by a very wide margin. Rutgers fans The only returnees here are right guard Chris wrong direction in 2015. The lack of a proven may not enjoy the 2015 campaign as much as they Muller and left tackle Keith Lumpkin, the latter of QB and a weaker O-line will hurt the offensive enjoyed last season! whom could push for All-Big Ten honors this sea- production and there are still major worries on Coach Flood will need to find a new QB this son. Based on spring drills, look for juniors J.J. the defensive side of the ball, not to mention an year with the graduation of long-time regular Denman and Derrick Nelson to take over at right alarming lack of depth up and down the roster. Gary Belt who had a very nice final season for tackle and center, respectively, while the vacancy We are forecasting a losing season in 2015! this club. Based on spring practice, it looks like at left guard is filled by soph Dorian Miller. The soph Chris Laviano is just barely ahead of LSU lack of proven O-line depth is somewhat scary so 2015 Rutgers Schedule transfer Hayden Rettig, while unheralded redshirt several redshirt freshmen will need to step up. 9/5 NORFOLK STATE frosh Gio Rescigno could be the wild card in the Lost in last year’s solid record was the fact that 9/12 WASHINGTON STATE race for the starting quarterback job this fall. Rutgers was one of the worst teams in the nation Laviano did play sparingly off the bench last year when it came to stopping the run as enemy ball 9/19 at Penn State but was NOT impressive which is why we feel his carriers racked up a whopping 5.5 yards per carry 9/26 KANSAS grip on the #1 job is at best tenuous heading into in 2014. That’s not entirely surprising when you 10/10 MICHIGAN STATE the start of the ‘15 campaign. consider the lack of size up front as Rutgers did 10/17 at Indiana While there are huge worries at quarterback, not start a player who weighed over 265 pounds in 10/24 OHIO STATE whoever starts will have the luxury of working ‘14. That will change this year with soph with one of the premier wideouts in the Big Ten in Sebastian Joseph joining incumbent Darius 10/31 at Wisconsin senior Leonte Carroo, who a year ago hauled in a Hamilton at the DT posts, while the ends will be 11/7 at Michigan team-best 55 passes for 1,086 yards and 10 TDs as split up between the trio of Djwany Mera, 11/14 NEBRASKA he averaged just a shade under 20 yards per grab! Quanzell Lambert and . Tackle 11/21 at Army While Carroo leads the way, the Knights do have Hamilton is the star here despite his less than ideal other proven wide receivers like Andre Patton, size on the inside as he racked up six sacks and 12 11/28 MARYLAND and John Tsimis who a year ago hits for minus yardage a year ago. Designated 2014 RUTGERS RESULTS 2015 RUTGERS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 7-6) Offense A.28 Wash. St W +8 41-38 o61 QB Chris Laviano (6-3, 210, So.) Hayden Rettig (6-3, 205, So.) S.06 HOWARD L -37 38-25 o57 TB Paul James (6-0, 205, Sr.) Josh Hicks (5-10, 205, So.) S.13 PENN ST. W +3' 10-13 u52' FB Sam Bergen (6-0, 240, Sr.) Kevin Marquez (6-1, 235, Jr.) S.20 Navy W +6' 31-24 u55' WR Leonte Carroo (6-1, 205, Sr.) John Tsimis (6-0, 185, Jr.) S.27 TULANE W -13 31-6 u52' WR Andre Patton (6-4, 200, Jr.) (6-6, 210, Jr.) O.04 MICH. L -2' 26-24 o46 WR Janarion Grant (5-11, 175, Jr.) Rashad Blunt (6-1, 180, Fr.) O.18 Ohio St. L +21' 17-56 o63 TE Nick Arcidiacono (6-5, 240, Jr.) Matt Flanagan (6-6, 235, So.) O.25 Nebraska W +19' 24-42 o60' C Derrick Nelson (6-3, 290, Jr.) Brian Stonkus (6-4, 260, So.) N.01 WISCONSIN L +12' 0-37 u51' LG Dorian Miller (6-3, 290, So.) Tariq Cole (6-6, 315, Fr.) N.15 INDIANA W -8 45-23 o54' RG Chris Muller (6-6, 305, Jr.) Jacquis Webb (6-5, 310, Fr.) N.22 Mich. St. L +23' 3-45 u57 LTKeith Lumpkin (6-8, 310, Sr.) Zack Heeman (6-7, 275, Fr.) N.29 Maryland W +8 41-38 o53' RT J.J. Denman (6-6, 300, Jr.) Marcus Applefield (6-6, 295, Fr.) PK Kyle Federico (6-0, 190, Sr.) David Bonagura (6-0, 230, So.) D.26 N. Carolina W +3' 40-21 u69 Defense DE Djwany Mera (6-4, 260, Sr.) Donald Bedell (6-4, 240, Fr.) 2014 Rutgers Final Stats DE Quanzell Lambert (6-1, 250, Jr.) Kemoko Turay (6-6, 240, So.) Rutgers Opp DT Darius Hamilton (6-4, 265, Sr.) Julian Pinnix-Odrick (6-5, 265, Jr.) Points per game 27 30 DT Sebastian Joseph (6-4, 290, So.) Kevin Wilkins (6-3, 290, Fr.) LB Steve Longa (6-1, 225, Jr.) Deonte Roberts (6-2, 215, Fr.) 1st Downs 241 276 LB Brandon Russell (6-1, 220, Fr.) Isaiah Johnson (6-2, 225, Jr.) Rush Att 489 499 LB Quentin Gause (6-1, 220, Sr.) T.J. Taylor (6-3, 210, So.) Rush Yards 2114 2760 FS Delon Stephenson (5-11, 190, Jr.) Andre Hunt (6-0, 190, So.) Avg Rush 4.3 5.5 SS Davon Jacobs (6-0, 195, Jr.) Kiy Hester (6-0, 205, Fr.) Pass Comp 199 241 CB Nadir Barnwell (5-11, 185, Jr.) Blessuan Austin (6-1, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 357 402 CB Anthony Cioffi (6-0, 185, Jr.) Brian Verbitski (6-0, 175, Jr.) NB Dre Boggs (5-11, 175, So.) Isaiah Wharton (6-1, 200, Fr.) Pass Yds 2956 2996 P Tim Gleeson (6-2, 195, Sr.) Joey Roth (6-0, 175, Sr.) Had Int 13 7 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 390 443

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 67 Booth and Simmie Cobbs combined for another linebackers in the one-two punch of T.J. Simmons Big Ten East Division #6 15 receptions off the bench last year, while anoth- and who combined for 118 tackles er guy who could have an impact here is UAB a season ago. Lettermen Zach Shaw and Clyde transfer Marqui Hawkins. Other new faces who Newton currently lead the way at outside line- INDIANA could earn instant playing time at wideout include backer, but several players could end up in the (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 redshirt frosh Coray Keel, JUCO transfer Camion starting lineup here come September. COACH: Kevin Wilson Returning 51 Patrick and true freshmen Leon Thornton, Mike The secondary was shaky last year and could STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Majette and Nick Westbrook. Seniors Anthony be downright awful in 2015 with the loss of three Defense 5 Corsaro and Michael Cooper split time as the starters. The lone returning regular is safety GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #71 starter at tight end last year, but may get jumped Antonio Allen who led the team with 74 tackles a The Hoosiers struggled again last season as over by soph Jordan Fuchs this season. year ago, also picking off two passes. Sophs they posted a modest 4-8 record. Head Coach The ground game was terrific last year, but Chase Dutra and Tony Fields look like two more Kevin Wilson’s tenure at Indiana began with great they will be stung here by the early NFL exit of promising players at safety, but there are massive optimism, but after four seasons Wilson’s record Tevin Coleman who ran for over 2,000 yards a question marks at the cornerback spots. Injury- stands at a pathetic 14-34 and the whispers out of year ago. Soph Devine Redding is the top returnee prone senior Kenny Mullen is the most experi- Bloomington suggest that the 2015 campaign will here, but he will almost surely be jumped over by enced corner, but will likely play nickel with be Wilson’s last at the school unless he can some- UAB transfer Jordan Howard who ran for nearly sophs Donovan Clark and Rashard Fant taking how win enough games to earn some sort of 1,600 yards for his old team last year. Howard over as the new CB regulars this fall. minor bowl invite. While that level of success is will be eligible immediately because of the unfor- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This should potentially attainable, it will be a very tough road tunate situation where the UAB program was shut again be one of the weakest teams in the Big as the Hoosiers hope to compete in a Big Ten down by Alabama officials. Ten. The loss of All-American running back Conference which seems to be on the rise again Four starters are back on the O-line and this Tevin Coleman is enormous, and while UAB after some down years. group did a nice job of run blocking, but really transfer Jordan Howard will help ease the pain The Indiana passing game suffered a total col- struggled in pass protection other than right guard a little bit, it will prove nearly impossible to lapse last year as injuries and ineffective play at and left tackle Jason Spriggs. The fully replace Coleman’s stellar offensive pro- quarterback led to the Hoosiers passing for a mere other incumbent regulars here are center Jake duction. On defense, the Hoosiers have a lot of 141 yards per contest. Senior vet is Reed and right tackle Ralston Evans, while the hard workers with modest talent along the the starter here if healthy and he was once a rising one new face up front will be left guard Dimitric front seven, but the young and untested sec- star for Indiana, but he has regressed badly over Camiel. Juniors Jacob Bailey and Wes Rogers ondary will get torched this year. All of this the latter stages of his career. Limited to just five head up an otherwise young O-line bench. adds up to yet another losing season. starts by injury, Sudfeld completed 101 of 167 The defense made some modest improvement 2015 Indiana Schedule passes (61%) for 1,151 yards and just six TDs last year, but now Coach Wilson must replace six against three interceptions. When Sudfeld was departed starters. The only really experienced 9/5 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS hurt, the Hoosiers turned to athletic but erratic area will be along the defensive front wall where 9/12 FLORIDA INTL. soph Zander Diamont, but he looked completely three starters and two former starters return, 9/19 WESTERN KENTUCKY though most of the experienced bodies are at tack- lost as he completed just 64 of 132 passes (48%) 9/26 at Wake Forest for 515 yards and a mere ONE touchdown versus le and Indiana still needs help on the flanks. 10/3 OHIO STATE four interceptions. Others who could get a look at Senior Nick Mangieri is the only really battle- QB include junior Nate Boudreau and redshirt tested end and he recorded just two sacks a year 10/10 at Penn State freshman Danny Cameron. ago. In the middle, the Hoosiers have a quartet of 10/17 RUTGERS The play at wide receiver was a huge disap- proven performers led by promising soph Nate 10/24 at Michigan State pointment last year and may get even worse in Hoff who led the club with just 3.5 QB sacks as a 11/7 IOWA surprise ‘14 frosh starter. The play inside should 2015 with the loss of Shane Wynn who caught 11/14 MICHIGAN almost three times as many passes in ‘14 as any be fairly strong, but the lack of an outside pass 11/21 at Maryland other wideout. Soph J-Shun Harris returns as a rush my definitely hurt this team in 2015. starter but had just 18 catches and averaged less At linebacker, two new outside starters must be 11/28 at Purdue than 10 yards per grab in 2014. Sophs Dominique found, but the Hoosiers do have two solid middle 2014 INDIANA RESULTS 2015 INDIANA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 INDIANA ST. L -30' 28-10 u70' QB Nate Sudfeld (6-5, 240, Sr.) Zander Diamont (6-1, 175, So.) S.13 B. Green L -7' 42-45 o74 RB Jordan Howard (6-1, 225, Jr.) Devine Redding (5-10, 195, So.) S.20 Missouri W +13' 31-27 u70' WR J-Shun Harris (5-8, 170, So.) Ricky Jones (5-10, 185, Jr.) S.27 MARYLAND L -3 15-37 u70' WR Dominique Booth (6-1, 200, So.) Andre Booker (5-11, 185, Sr.) WR Simmie Cobbs (6-4, 215, So.) Camion Patrick (6-2, 210, Jr.) O.04 N. TEXAS W -13 49-24 o59' WR Marqui Hawkins (6-2, 220, So.) Leon Thornton (6-1, 195, Fr.) O.11 Iowa L +3' 29-45 o54 TE Anthony Corsaro (6-3, 250, Sr.) Michael Cooper (6-5, 260, Sr.) O.18 MICH. ST. L +16 17-56 o59' C Jake Reed (6-4, 290, Sr.) Wes Rogers (6-4, 300, Jr.) N.01 Mich. L +7 10-34 u52' LG Dimitric Camiel (6-7, 320, Jr.) (6-3, 310, Fr.) N.08 PENN ST. W +6' 7-13 u44' RG Dan Feeney (6-4, 305, Jr.) Jacob Bailey (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.15 Rutgers L +8 23-45 o54' LT Jason Spriggs (6-7, 310, Sr.) Tim Gardner (6-5, 310, Fr.) N.22 Ohio St. W +35' 27-42 o66' RTRalston Evans (6-4, 295, Sr.) DeAndre Herron (6-5, 305, Jr.) PK Griffin Oakes (5-10, 200, So.) Aaron Del Grosso (5-10, 200, So.) N.29 PURDUE W -2' 23-16 u55' Defense DE Nick Mangieri (6-5, 270, Sr.) Robert McCray (6-2, 275, So.) 2014 Indiana Final Stats DE Shawn Heffern (6-6, 275, Jr.) Nile Sykes (6-2, 245, Fr.) Indiana Opp DT Darius Latham (6-5, 305, Jr.) Ralph Green (6-5, 315, Jr.) Points per game 25 33 DT Nate Hoff (6-2, 300, So.) Adarius Rayner (6-2, 300, Sr.) LB Zack Shaw (6-3, 250, Sr.) Greg Cooch (6-2, 250, So.) 1st Downs 226 266 LB T.J. Simmons (6-0, 235, Jr.) Tegray Scales (6-0, 225, So.) Rush Att 539 450 LB Clyde Newton (6-1, 230, Jr.) Marcus Oliver (6-1, 240, So.) Rush Yards 3163 2192 FS Antonio Allen (5-10, 205, Jr.) Tony Fields (5-11, 205, So.) Avg Rush 5.9 4.9 SS Chase Dutra (6-1, 205, So.) Kiante Walton (6-2, 210, So.) Pass Comp 168 271 CB Rashard Fant (5-10, 175, So.) Laray Smith (6-0, 190, So.) Pass Att 313 440 CB Donovan Clark (5-10, 180, So.) Arthur Jones (5-10, 190, So.) NB Kenny Mullen (5-10, 180, Sr.) Will Dawkins (5-11, 200, Fr.) Pass Yds 1697 3013 P Erich Toth (6-3, 210, Sr.) Nick Campos (6-0, 190, Jr.) Had Int 9 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 405 434

68 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL had 20 catches despite being at best the third frosh blue chippers Adam McLean and Keiron Big Ten East Division #7 option. He should assume a much larger role this Howard. year, as should Amba Etta-Tawo who had 10 The completely rebuilt LB corps will likely catches off the bench. But the most likely #1 feature promising soph Jermaine Carter in the MARYLAND option this year is senior Levern Jacobs, who was middle, flanked by lettermen Cavon Walker and (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 25 a starter back in 2013 before having to sit out all Jalen Brooks, an athletic pair who has yet to do all COACH: Randy Edsall Returning 34 of last season. Jacobs’ little brother Taivon could that much at the college level. Carter really STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 also have an impact in 2015. Also keep a close impressed us off the bench as a ‘14 rookie and we Defense 4 eye on true frosh recruits Jahrvis Davenport and feel he will be a breakout player this season. The GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #75 D.J. Moore. At tight end, lettermen Andrew Isaacs LB depth is comprised of program veterans who Head Coach Randy Edsall and his Terrapins and P.J. Gallo will again run one-two, but they are strictly backup material at best. put together their second consecutive 7-6 record combined for a mere FOUR catches in 2014! Maryland’s best defensive depth is likely at in 2014, but last year’s erratic performance was The rushing attack never really got it going last safety where returning regulars Anthony Nixon nowhere near as impressive as this club turned in season as no running back reached even 500 yards and Sean Davis are fairly solid, and fellow senior back in 2013. Despite having a veteran squad on the ground. Veterans Brandon Ross and Wes A.J. Hendy is a proven reserve. Davis and Nixon loaded with returning players, the Terps were a Brown were big-time recruits coming out of high combined for 177 tackles a year ago. Things are LOT weaker last year even though their record school, but both players have been huge flops thus far worse at corner where undersized William was exactly the same as it had been the prior sea- far at Maryland. A year ago, Ross and Brown Lively is so-so as the one returning starter and son. In fact, considering how badly this team was combined for 775 yards and nine TDs, but neither senior Alvin Hill has struggled badly in the past. outgained by its collective opposition, it was of them averaged better than four yards per carry. The backup cornerbacks are mostly untested something of a minor miracle that this club won Wide receiver Jacquille Veii was moved to run- sophomores who are complete unknowns. seven games a year ago. Now with most of last ning back this spring to add some competition for Maryland was fortunate enough to have one of year’s starting lineup gone, Maryland may be these two, plus true frosh speedster Ty Johnson the best kickers in the nation last year in Brad headed for a very tough year in the improved Big also enters the picture this fall. When the Terps go Craddock, who converted on 18 of 19 field goal Ten Conference. with a fullback, junior Kenneth Goins will again tries including a 57-yarder to win a game! While he was surely one of the most erratic and get the nod. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The lack of frustrating players in the country, long-time QB Three starters are back on the offensive line, talent here will start to show with the loss of 25 regular C.J. Brown has finally used up all of his though there were some position changes as lettermen from last year’s squad. Maryland eligibility and the Terps will need a new signal Coach Edsall looks to make room for highly- will need a few breaks just to make a run at a caller this year. Brown led the team in both pass- regarded redshirt frosh tackles Damian Prince and .500 record this season and that won’t be easy. ing and rushing a year ago, so he was a huge part Derwin Gray. Seniors Andrew Zeller and Ryan 2015 Maryland Schedule of the Terrapin attack. Senior Caleb Rowe is the Doyle are the incumbents on the right side, while heir apparent and he’s played quite a bit over the former walk-on Michael Dunn will likely move 9/5 RICHMOND past few seasons when Brown was injured, from left tackle to left guard this fall. 9/12 BOWLING GREEN though he too has been somewhat prone to getting The defense suffered massive graduation loss- 9/19 SOUTH FLORIDA es during the off-season, especially at linebacker hurt in his career. Athletic junior Perry Hills and 9/26 at West Virginia untested soph Shane Cockerville also return, but where three starters and three keys subs are gone! 10/3 MICHIGAN we feel both will be swept away by the arrival of As a result, Coach Edsall opted to make a move Oklahoma State transfer Daxx Garman who will this spring from a 3-4 look to a 4-3 setup which 10/10 at Ohio State be eligible right away. Garman started several allows talented outside ‘backers like Yannick 10/24 PENN STATE games for the Cowboys last year and he’s a real Ngakoue and Jesse Aniebonam to move up to 10/31 at Iowa threat to Rowe’s hold on the #1 job. defensive end roles. Ngakoue was a big-play 11/7 WISCONSIN machine in 2014 when he recorded 13.5 stops for The Terps lose a pair of NFL-caliber wide 11/14 at Michigan State receivers in and which negative yardage and six sacks. Senior Quinton 11/21 INDIANA really stings, but the talent level here is still pret- Jefferson and soph David Shaw are likely to take ty decent despite a lack of proven depth. Senior over at defensive tackle, while two new D-liners 11/28 at Rutgers Marcus Leak started nine games a year ago and expected to make an immediate splash are true 2014 MARYLAND RESULTS 2015 MARYLAND DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 6-5-1) Offense A.30 J. MADISON W -23 52-7 NL QB Caleb Rowe (6-3, 215, Sr.) Daxx Garman (6-2, 205, Sr.) S.06 S. Florida L -12' 24-17 u53' RB Brandon Ross (5-10, 205, Sr.) Wes Brown (6-0, 210, Jr.) S.13 W. VIRGINIA L -3' 37-40 o60' WR Marcus Leak (6-0, 215, Sr.) D.J. Moore (5-10, 185, Fr.) S.20 Syracuse W +2 34-20 p54 WR Levern Jacobs (5-11, 185, Sr.) (6-2, 210, So.) S.27 Indiana W +3 37-15 u70' WR Amba Etta-Tawo (6-1, 205, Jr.) Will Ulmer (6-0, 195, Fr.) O.04 OHIO ST. L +7' 24-52 o59' WR Taivon Jacobs (5-10, 165, So.) Jahrvis Davenport (5-10, 185, Fr.) O.18 IOWA W -4' 38-31 o46' TE Andrew Isaacs (6-2, 240, Jr.) P.J. Gallo (6-3, 250, Jr.) O.25 Wisconsin L +10' 7-52 o57 C Evan Mulrooney (6-4, 300, Sr.) Brendan Moore (6-3, 295, Fr.) N.01 Penn St. W +3' 20-19 u47' LG Michael Dunn (6-5, 310, Jr.) JaJuan Dulaney (6-3, 295, So.) N.15 MICH. ST. L +11 15-37 u58' RG Andrew Zeller (6-5, 315, Sr.) Mike Minter (6-3, 310, So.) N.22 Mich. W +5' 23-16 u42' LT Damian Prince (6-4, 325, Fr.) Quarvez Boulware (6-2, 285, Fr.) N.29 RUTGERS L -8 38-41 o53' RTRyan Doyle (6-4, 310, Sr.) Derwin Gray (6-5, 315, Fr.) PK Brad Craddock (6-0, 190, Sr.) Adam Greene (5-11, 185, So.) D.30 Stanford L +14 21-45 o47 Defense DE (6-2, 250, Jr.) Adam McLean (6-3, 280, Fr.) 2014 Maryland Final Stats DE Jesse Aniebonam (6-4, 250, So.) Roman Braglio (6-3, 270, Jr.) Maryland Opp DT (6-3, 290, Sr.) Keiron Howard (6-4, 285, Fr.) Points per game 29 30 DT David Shaw (6-4, 310, So.) Kingsley Opara (6-4, 310, So.) LB Cavon Walker (6-2, 255, Jr.) Avery Thompson (6-3, 230, Sr.) 1st Downs 227 291 LB Jermaine Carter (6-0, 240, So.) Abner Logan (6-1, 240, Jr.) Rush Att 428 584 LB Jalen Brooks (6-2, 235, So.) Brock Dean (6-0, 230, Jr.) Rush Yards 1584 2625 FS Sean Davis (6-1, 200, Sr.) A.J. Hendy (6-1, 210, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.7 4.5 SS Anthony Nixon (6-0, 205, Sr.) Elvis Dennah (6-2, 210, So.) Pass Comp 225 253 CB William Likely (5-7, 175, Jr.) Daniel Ezeagwu (6-0, 200, So.) Pass Att 418 456 CB Alvin Hill (6-0, 200, Sr.) Josh Woods (6-1, 200, So.) NB Jarrett Ross (5-9, 205, Jr.) Milan Collins (6-0, 205, So.) Pass Yds 2863 3046 P Lee Strader (6-2, 225, Fr.) Nick Rubinowicz (6-3, 210, Fr.) Had Int 14 9 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 342 436

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 69 2014, but the three combined for just 16 recep- shape at the OLB spots where vet is Big Ten West Division #1 tions and will need to fare a lot better this year if rock solid and explosive is a rising they hope to see major playing time again. Sophs star for the Badgers. Last year these two com- George Rushing and Krenwick Sanders are next bined for 30 tackles for losses and 10.5 QB sacks. WISCONSIN in line and may push over the vets this fall. At On the inside, junior and redshirt (11-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 tight end, vet Austin Traylor is a strong blocker freshman T.J. Edwards looked up to the task as COACH: Paul Chryst Returning 46 who catches very few passes, but soph Troy the new starters this spring. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 Fumagalli had 13 receptions as a ‘14 frosh and The secondary looks to be outstanding as safe- Defense 6 looks to have a very bright future, as does true ty Michael Caputo is a legitimate All-American GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #16 frosh blue chipper Kyle Penniston. contender and Wisconsin also has two of the top For a team that wins a LOT of games, All-World running back Melvin Gordon ran for cover corners in the Big Ten in the duo of Darius Wisconsin certainly seems to burn through head 2,587 yards and 29 TDs last season, but wisely Hillary and Sojourn Shelton. In ‘14, Caputo led coaches! First it was Bret Bielema who stunned jumped ship early for NFL riches. But shed no the team with 106 tackles and four fumble recov- Badger fans by leaving for Arkansas, then at the tears for the Badger ground game which still has eries, while CBs Hillary and Shelton were bril- end of last year Gary Andersen jumped ship for explosive junior who came off the liant pass defenders. There’s a parade of quality Oregon State! Now it’s bad enough to lose bench last year to run for 949 yards and nine TDs! safeties waiting in the wings here led by soph Bielema to a “lateral” move, but for Andersen to The big question is who will be the top backup as Lubern Figaro who looks like a future star. The willfully leave for a MUCH weaker program is Wisconsin always alternates here since the run it depth in the secondary is absolutely awesome! just downright goofy! So former offensive coordi- so much. was the #2 guy this GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Badgers nator Paul Chryst was lured back to take over here spring, but may be challenged by true frosh new- are definitely a bit weaker than they were last after a solid stint as the head man at Pittsburgh comers Jordan Stevenson and Bradrick Shaw. year as the loss of Melvin Gordon and three and we would be very surprised if Chryst didn’t is one of the best fullbacks around. superb offensive linemen will wreak havoc stick around for several seasons. But if Coach The great O-line lost three strong starters and with the powerful ground attack. And we are Chryst hopes to keep Wisconsin as the perennial the Badgers will rebuild around All-Big Ten can- also not overly impressed with the defensive Top 25 power they have been in recent years, he didates Dan Voltz at center and Tyler Marz at left line at this point. However, the running game will need to jump start a passing attack which was tackle. Senior vet Ray Ball will be one guard, but will still be quite strong and the defensive back downright dreadful a season ago. the other two spots are up for grabs with redshirt eight is very deep and talented. Another win- We felt the prior coaching staff took a good freshmen and Jaden Gault are ning record and bowl invite are a foregone con- gamble last year when they demoted mediocre early picks to win the starting roles. This will be clusion, but this team is not likely to match last QB Joel Stave in favor of athletic former safety the youngest offensive line Wisconsin has fielded year’s gaudy 11-win record. Tanner McEvoy, but we were both proven wrong in MANY years, so watch out here. 2015 Wisconsin Schedule as McEvoy was terrible as a passer and eventual- Wisconsin used to be known for powerhouse ly replaced by Stave. Both are back, but neither is defensive linemen (think J.J. Watt) but last year’s 9/5 vs. Alabama a good solution which is why Coach Chryst may group was rather pedestrian and the 2015 unit 9/12 MIAMI-OHIO eventually turn to third stringer Bart Houston this promises to be no better. Junior Arthur Goldberg 9/19 TROY takes over on the nose after sharing the starting year. Overall, Stave and McEvoy combined for 14 9/26 HAWAII TD passes and 16 interceptions, completing under role a year ago, while the ends will be sophs Alec 10/3 IOWA 55% of their passes and made almost no big plays James and Chikwe Obasih, a pair of talented ath- downfield. McEvoy did run for 574 yards and six letes who did not offer much in the way of pro- 10/10 at Nebraska TDs, but the offense is simply too predictable duction a year ago. Lettermen James Adeyanju, 10/17 PURDUE when he’s on the field. Connor Sheehy and Jake Keefer will alternate in 10/24 at Illinois The only pass catcher who did a good job in on the outside, while massive redshirt freshman 10/31 RUTGERS Jeremy Patterson adds size at nose guard. ‘14 was junior who caught twice as 11/7 at Maryland many passes as he anyone else, hauling in 55 balls The emphasis on defense has changed greatly 11/21 NORTHWESTERN for 772 yards and three TDs. Lettermen Jordan over recent years and the result has been MUCH Fredrick, Robert Wheelwright and Reggie Love improved pass defense. The Badgers will need 11/28 at Minnesota all got a shot at the other starting wideout role in two new inside linebackers, but they are in great 2014 WISCONSIN RESULTS 2015 WISCONSIN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 11-3 PSR: 7-7 O-U: 8-6) Offense A.30 Lsu W +4' 24-28 o49' QB Joel Stave (6-5, 225, Sr.) Tanner McEvoy (6-6, 225, Sr.) S.06 W. ILLINOIS L -40' 37-3 u54 RB Corey Clement (5-11, 220, Jr.) Dare Ogunbowale (5-11, 190, Jr.) S.20 B. GREEN W -26' 68-17 o63' FB Derek Watt (6-2, 240, Sr.) Derek Straus (6-0, 235, Sr.) S.27 S. FLORIDA L -34 27-10 u51 WR Alex Erickson (6-0, 200, Jr.) Reggie Love (6-3, 215, Jr.) O.04 Northwestern L -7' 14-20 u47' WR Jordan Fredrick (6-4, 215, Sr.) Robert Wheelwright (6-2, 205, Jr.) O.11 ILLINOIS L -26' 38-28 o58' WR George Rushing (6-1, 190, So.) Krenwick Sanders (6-1, 195, So.) O.25 MARYLAND W -10' 52-7 o57 TE Austin Traylor (6-3, 250, Sr.) (6-5, 250, So.) N.01 Rutgers W -12' 37-0 u51' C Dan Voltz (6-3, 315, Jr.) Jon Dietzen (6-5, 335, Fr.) N.08 Purdue W -17 34-16 u53 LG Ray Ball (6-7, 325, Sr.) Micah Kapoi (6-4, 325, Fr.) N.15 NEBRASKA W -6 59-24 o56 RG Michael Deiter (6-5, 320, Fr.) George Panos (6-5, 305, Fr.) N.22 Iowa L -9' 26-24 u50' LTTyler Marz (6-5, 325, Sr.) Walker Williams (6-7, 320, Jr.) N.29 MINN. L -15' 34-24 o50 RT Jaden Gault (6-6, 315, Fr.) Hayden Biegel (6-6, 305, So.) D.06 Ohio St. L -4 0-59 o54' PK Rafael Gaglianone (5-11, 235, So.) Jack Russell (6-0, 180, Sr.) J.01 Auburn W +6' 34-31 o64 Defense DE Chikwe Obasih (6-2, 270, So.) Jake Keefer (6-3, 275, Sr.) 2014 Wisconsin Final Stats DE Alec James (6-3, 265, So.) Connor Sheehy (6-5, 280, So.) Wisconsin Opp NG Arthur Goldberg (6-3, 295, Jr.) Jeremy Patterson (6-3, 330, Fr.) Points per game 35 21 LB Vince Biegel (6-4, 245, Jr.) Jesse Hayes (6-3, 230, Sr.) LB Leon Jacobs (6-2, 235, Jr.) Nick Thomas (6-2, 230, Fr.) 1st Downs 308 206 LB T.J. Edwards (6-1, 230, Fr.) Jack Cichy (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Att 648 492 LB Joe Schobert (6-2, 240, Sr.) Keelon Brookins (5-10, 215, So.) Rush Yards 4482 1765 FS Lubern Figaro (6-0, 180, So.) Austin Hudson (6-2, 205, So.) Avg Rush 6.9 3.6 SS Michael Caputo (6-1, 215, Sr.) Leo Musso (5-10, 195, Jr.) Pass Comp 177 170 CB Darius Hillary (5-11, 190, Sr.) Derrick Tindal (5-11, 175, So.) Pass Att 322 347 CB Sojourn Shelton (5-9, 180, Jr.) Serge Trezy (6-1, 220, Jr.) NB Devin Gaulden (5-10, 190, Sr.) (6-1, 210, So.) Pass Yds 2082 2352 P Drew Meyer (6-3, 190, Sr.) Bart Houston (6-4, 220, Jr.) Had Int 16 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 469 294

70 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL late in his ‘14 frosh season and ended up with 23 linebacker where the key guys are two players Big Ten West Division #2 grabs for 321 yards and four scores. Pierson-El who continue to gain and lose their starting roles looks to have a very bright future here. Seniors (David Santos and Josh Banderas) and Michael Moore and Turner are solid but unspectacular Rose-Ivey who continues to deal with a severe NEBRASKA vets, as is classmate Taariq Allen. One of the knee problem. Freshmen Dedrick Young and (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 “movers” this spring was Brandon Reilly who may help, but this area is a huge COACH: Mike Riley Returning 60 played sparingly in the past, but looked extreme- headache for the new coaching staff. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 ly comfortable in the new offensive scheme. The top dog in the secondary is safety Nate Defense 6 Juniors and Sam Cotton are again Gerry who picked off five passes and finished GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #36 the one-two punch at tight end, but they function second on the club with 88 tackles. Senior Daniel The Bo Pelini Era came to a crash landing at mostly as run blockers. Davie is the other returning starter and he’s a the end of the 2014 regular season as Nebraska Nebraska loses All-American running back decent cover corner, but nothing special. Battling announced it was moving on with a new head Ameer Abdullah, but they do bring back two solid for the vacant safety slot next to Gerry are letter- coach. As we expressed a year ago, we were vets here in bruising Imani Cross and speedy men Byerson Cockrell and LeRoy Alexander, stunned that Pelini lasted as long as he did in light Terrell Newby. Cross ran for 384 yards a year ago while the other CB regular will likely be senior of his considerable efforts to isolate himself from and Newby added another 297 yards on the . There’s also solid depth here and the Nebraska fan base, but it’s tough to fire a guy ground as they also combined for an impressive several talented true freshmen coming on board. who wins at least nine games every year! But 10 TDs off the bench. While Cross has played GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: An incorrect Pelini is out and has been replaced by the “anti- more in the past, we feel Newby is probably a bet- general consensus has emerged that this team Pelini” as former Oregon State head man Mike ter fit in the new offense. Soph Adam Taylor also has fallen off in recent years due to their lack Riley takes over at this school. Riley had some made significant strides here in the spring. Senior of big passing numbers in today’s pass-happy great early success at OSU, but it will be interest- Andy Janovich handles the fullback chores. era. Nothing could be further from the truth. ing to see how he fares in a new recruiting area of Up front, the Huskers bring back both starting Nebraska averaged 38 points per game last the country at a high-profile program that looks at tackles in the duo of Alex Lewis and Zach Sterup, year so the problem was NOT on offense. The winning as a god-given right!!! but they will need to replace all three interior O- big issue here is the AWFUL run defense which It will be interesting to see how Coach Riley line regulars this fall. At center, it looks like Ryne explains why the Cornhuskers play “Fire handles the offense as he never favored a running Reeves beat out Paul Thurston for starting honors, Hydrant” to Wisconsin’s “Dog” every time quarterback at Oregon State, but he inherits one while senior Chongo Kondolo has definitely they play the physical Badgers! It will take here in junior Tommy Armstrong who rushed for earned one of the two vacancies at guard. But the time for Mike Riley to change things here, so 705 yards and six TDs a year ago. As a thrower, second OG spot is almost totally up for grabs as Nebraska will be nothing special this season. Armstrong completed 184 of 345 passes (53%) junior Dylan Utter did not impress in the spring. 2015 Nebraska Schedule for 2,695 yards and 22 touchdowns against 12 Coach Riley will take a long look at redshirt frosh interceptions. Armstrong is not a pure passer, nor guards Tanner Farmer and D.J. Foster. 9/5 BYU is potential backup redshirt freshman A.J. Bush, The defensive line features two all-league can- 9/12 SOUTH ALABAMA but the Cornhuskers do have one true dropback didates in DT and DE Greg 9/19 at Miami-Florida McMullen, but the overall depth of talent here is threat in redshirt frosh Zach Darlington. So if the 9/26 SOUTHERN MISS offense sputters early, don’t be too shocked if still somewhat modest by former Nebraska stan- 10/3 at Illinois Coach Riley gives Darlington a chance to see dards. Collins was a breakout star last year with what he could do in a dramatically altered attack. 45 tackles including 14 hits for negative yardage 10/10 WISCONSIN The wide receivers would likely embrace a and 4.5 QB sacks, while McMullen added 54 10/17 at Minnesota new emphasis on throwing the football and stops and seven sacks. Vets Vincent Valentine and 10/24 NORTHWESTERN Nebraska does have some nice talent here led by Kevin Williams are solid as the other key players 10/31 at Purdue at defensive tackle, but the talent drop off at DE is the foursome of Jordan Westerkamp, DeMornay 11/7 MICHIGAN STATE Pierson-El, Alonzo Moore and Jamal Turner. huge behind McMullen. The other veterans here 11/14 at Rutgers Westerkamp is coming off a very nice season in do not impress, so Coach Riley may turn to new which he caught 44 balls for 747 yards and five faces like redshirt frosh . 11/27 IOWA TDs, while soph Pierson-El emerged as a starter The biggest weakness for this club is surely at 2014 NEBRASKA RESULTS 2015 NEBRASKA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 FLA. ATL. W -21' 55-7 o51 QB Tommy Armstrong (6-1, 220, Jr.) Zack Darlington (6-2, 205, Fr.) S.06 McNEESE ST. L -34 31-24 u66 TB Terrell Newby (5-10, 200, Jr.) Imani Cross (6-1, 240, Sr.) S.13 Fresno St. W -13 55-19 o61 FB Andy Janovich (6-1, 235, Sr.) Harrison Jordan (5-10, 230, So.) S.20 MIAMI-FLA. W -7' 41-31 o55' WR Jordan Westerkamp (6-0, 195, Jr.) Jamal Turner (6-1, 190, Sr.) S.27 ILLINOIS W -21' 45-14 u64 WR DeMornay Pierson-El (5-9, 185, So.) Brandon Reilly (6-1, 195, Jr.) O.04 Mich. St. W +7 22-27 u58 WR Alonzo Moore (6-2, 195, Jr.) Taariq Allen (6-3, 200, Sr.) O.18 Northwestern W -6' 38-17 o53' TE Cethan Carter (6-4, 245, Jr.) Sam Cotton (6-4, 250, Jr.) O.25 RUTGERS L -19' 42-24 o60' C Ryne Reeves (6-3, 300, Sr.) Paul Thurston (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.01 PURDUE L -22' 35-14 u61 LG Dylan Utter (6-1, 290, Jr.) D.J. Foster (6-3, 310, Fr.) N.15 Wisconsin L +6 24-59 o56 RG Chongo Kondolo (6-4, 300, Sr.) Tanner Farmer (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.22 MINN. L -9' 24-28 u53 LTAlex Lewis (6-6, 295, Sr.) David Knevel (6-9, 310, So.) N.28 Iowa W +1 37-34 o54 RTZach Sterup (6-8, 320, Sr.) Givens Price (6-4, 310, Sr.) PK Drew Brown (5-11, 180, So.) Mauro Bondi (6-0, 210, Sr.) D.27 So. Calif. W +7 42-45 o62' Defense DE Greg McMullen (6-3, 280, Jr.) Ross Dzuris (6-3, 250, Jr.) 2014 Nebraska Final Stats DE Jack Gangwish (6-2, 265, Sr.) Joe Keels (6-3, 265, Sr.) Nebraska Opp DT Maliek Collins (6-2, 300, Jr.) Kevin Williams (6-2, 280, Sr.) Points per game 38 26 DT Vincent Valentine (6-3, 320, Jr.) Kevin Maurice (6-3, 280, Jr.) LB David Santos (6-0, 225, Sr.) Marcus Newby (6-1, 235, So.) 1st Downs 290 246 LB Josh Banderas (6-2, 235, Jr.) Luke Gifford (6-3, 220, Fr.) Rush Att 587 488 LB Michael Rose-Ivey (5-11, 240, Jr.) Dedrick Young (6-1, 220, Fr.) Rush Yards 3123 2312 FS Byerson Cockrell (6-1, 185, Sr.) LeRoy Alexander (6-0, 195, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.3 4.7 SS Nate Gerry (6-2, 205, Jr.) Kieron Williams (6-0, 195, So.) Pass Comp 190 214 CB Daniel Davie (6-1, 190, Sr.) Eric Lee (5-11, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 359 441 CB Jonathan Rose (6-1, 195, Sr.) Avery Anderson (6-0, 170, Fr.) NB (6-1, 185, So.) Chris Jones (6-0, 170, So.) Pass Yds 2757 2676 P Sam Foltz (6-1, 200, Jr.) Mauro Bondi (6-0, 210, Sr.) Had Int 12 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 452 384

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 71 legit all-league contender after a ‘14 season which tions. These two combined for a modest 89 tack- Big Ten West Division #3 included 36 grabs for 392 yards and three scores. les despite being in the first string lineup for most Veteran WRs Matt VandeBerg and Jacob Hillyer of last season. Soph is expected to will be asked to do a lot more this year, but might claim the other vacant LB role, but seniors Cole IOWA also be skipped over on the pecking order by Fisher and Travis Perry are also very much in the (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 promising redshirt frosh Jay Scheel. hunt for playing time in this area. COACH: Kirk Ferentz Returning 40 The Hawkeyes lose starting running back Mark While there are concerns at linebacker and STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 Weisman, but they still have two very experi- defensive tackle, the Hawkeyes have no such Defense 7 enced backs in Jordan Canzeri and LeShun worries in the secondary provided they can avoid GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #47 Daniels Jr., both of whom may be more talented injuries at the safety position. That’s because The Iowa program has been pretty much stuck than Weisman. Last year, Canzeri ran for 494 Iowa has two of the top cornerbacks in the Big in neutral in recent seasons which has caused yards off the bench including a 100-plus yard Ten in Desmond King and , plus a many Hawkeye fans to turn on long-time Head effort in the bowl loss. Daniels is a great combo of very solid free safety in Jordan Lomax. King had Coach Kirk Ferentz, who has now been the top speed and power and has all the physical tools to 64 tackles and three interceptions a year ago and dog at this school for 17 years. Ferentz has had be a standout. Sophs Akrum Wadley and Jonathan should make a strong push for all-conference hon- some really great moments including two Big Ten Parker combined for another 327 yards rushing ors this season, while Mabin has great speed for titles and some big-time bowl bids, but overall off the bench as ‘14 freshmen and they add nice his size on the other corner. There’s also strong there has been a lot of winning records and minor depth at running back. At fullback, Iowa has two depth at the CB position led by Maurice Fleming bowl invites even when it looked like Iowa had very solid proven veteran performers in Macon and Sean Draper. With soph Miles Taylor taking the talent to go further. And unless we miss our Plewa and Adam Cox. over at strong safety, the only real worry is the guess, the 2015 campaign figures to bring more of Up front, Iowa loses two terrific tackles includ- lack of proven depth behind Taylor and Lomax at the same “close but not really all that close” run at ing All-American , but they do the two safety spots. Big Ten supremacy. return all three interior starters as center Austin GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Iowa is still The Hawkeyes got pretty good quarterback Blythe will again be flanked by guards Jordan probably good enough to fashion a winning play out of starter Jake Rudock the past two sea- Walsh and Sean Welsh. Lettermen Eric Simmons record and earn some form of minor bowl sons, but when Coach Ferentz announced over the and Mitch Keppy also provide nice depth at the invite, but the overall talent level here is simply winter that Rudock would be benched in 2015 in three inside posts. However, things are FAR less not good enough to compete with the Ohio favor of junior C.J. Beathard, the solid Rudock clear at tackle where it looks like little-used sophs States of the world. And if the Hawkeyes suffer announced he was transferring to Big Ten rival Boone Myers and will be the two an upset or two, they could just find themselves Michigan where he will be immediately eligible new starters. staring up at a rare losing record. as a graduate student! The Wolverines will truly On the defensive line, Iowa needs to replace 2015 Iowa Schedule thank Iowa as Rudock did a really good job last two quality tackles but they still have two of the year, completing 213 of 345 passes (62%) for better defensive ends in the league in the senior 9/5 ILLINOIS STATE 2,436 yards and 16 TDs against just five intercep- duo of Drew Ott and Nate Meier. Ott was an All- 9/12 at Iowa State tions. Beathard actually played quite a bit off the Big Ten choice in 2014 as he recorded 57 tackles, 9/19 PITTSBURGH 12 hits for minus yardage and eight QB sacks. A bench a year ago as he completed 52 of 92 passes 9/26 NORTH TEXAS (57%) for 645 yards and five TDs against two new face to keep an eye on defensive end is tall 10/3 at Wisconsin interceptions, plus he also ran for 156 yards on redshirt freshman Matt Nelson who we feel will just 28 carries. The decision to go with Beathard eventually be a star here. On the inside, juniors 10/10 ILLINOIS over Rudock seems to be about his increased and Faith Ekakitie were expected 10/17 at Northwestern mobility. Talented redshirt frosh Tyler Wiegers to be the new starters, but soph Nathan Bazata 10/31 MARYLAND will be the top backup this season. was one of the surprise players of the spring. 11/7 at Indiana Even with two returning starters, this team will The receiving corps will revolve around a host 11/14 MINNESOTA of seniors, the best of whom is returning regular be painfully young at linebacker as it looks like 11/21 PURDUE who a year ago hauled in 43 passes three sophomores will comprise the starting trio. for 596 yards and three scores. Senior tight end Both Bo Bower and Josey Jewell were starters as 11/27 at Nebraska Jake Duzey was not a starter last year, but he’s a ‘14 freshman, but neither played up to expecta- 2014 IOWA RESULTS 2015 IOWA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 7-6) Offense A.30 N. IOWA L -17' 31-23 o40' QB C.J. Beathard (6-2, 210, Jr.) Tyler Wiegers (6-4, 225, Fr.) S.06 BALL ST. L -18' 17-13 u52' RB Jordan Canzeri (5-9, 195, Sr.) LeShun Daniels Jr. (6-0, 225, Jr.) S.13 IOWA ST. L -12' 17-20 u49' FB Macon Plewa (6-2, 245, Sr.) Adam Cox (5-11, 235, Jr.) S.20 Pitt. W +6' 24-20 u46' WR Tevaun Smith (6-2, 205, Sr.) Andrew Stone (5-11, 175, Sr.) S.27 Purdue W -9 24-10 u47 WR Matt VandeBerg (6-1, 185, Jr.) Jay Scheel (6-1, 195, Fr.) O.11 INDIANA W -3' 45-29 o54 WR Jacob Hillyer (6-4, 215, Sr.) Jerminic Smith (6-1, 175, Fr.) O.18 Maryland L +4' 31-38 o46' TE Jake Duzey (6-4, 250, Sr.) Henry Krieger Coble (6-4, 250, Sr.) N.01 N'WESTERN W -3' 48-7 o43' C (6-3, 290, Sr.) Eric Simmons (6-2, 295, Sr.) N.08 Minnesota L -1' 14-51 o43' LG Sean Welsh (6-3, 290, So.) Ross Reynolds (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.15 Illinois W -4' 30-14 u54 RG Jordan Walsh (6-4, 295, Sr.) Mitch Keppy (6-5, 300, Jr.) LT Boone Myers (6-5, 300, So.) (6-5, 295, Jr.) N.22 WISCONSIN W +9' 24-26 u50' RT Ike Boettger (6-6, 305, So.) Keagan Render (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.28 NEBR. L -1 34-37 o54 PK Marshall Koehn (6-0, 200, Sr.) Mick Ellis (5-10, 180, So.) J.02 Tennessee L +3' 28-45 o51' Defense DE Drew Ott (6-4, 275, Sr.) Matt Nelson (6-8, 270, Fr.) 2014 Iowa Final Stats DE Nate Meier (6-2, 255, Sr.) Parker Hesse (6-3, 245, Fr.) Iowa Opp DT Jaleel Johnson (6-4, 310, Jr.) Faith Ekakitie (6-3, 290, Jr.) Points per game 29 26 DT Nathan Bazata (6-2, 290, So.) Kyle Terlouw (6-4, 290, Jr.) LB Bo Bower (6-1, 230, So.) Cole Fisher (6-2, 240, Sr.) 1st Downs 280 219 LB Josey Jewell (6-2, 230, So.) Travis Perry (6-3, 235, Sr.) Rush Att 514 495 LB Ben Niemann (6-3, 225, So.) Aaron Mends (6-0, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 2120 2188 FS Jordan Lomax (5-10, 205, Sr.) Anthony Gair (6-2, 210, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.1 4.4 SS Miles Taylor (6-0, 195, So.) Brandon Snyder (6-1, 210, Fr.) Pass Comp 265 189 CB Desmond King (5-11, 200, Jr.) Sean Draper (6-0, 190, Sr.) Pass Att 437 352 CB Greg Mabin (6-2, 200, Jr.) Marcel Joly (5-11, 185, Fr.) NB Maurice Fleming (6-0, 205, Jr.) Solomon Warfield (6-0, 180, So.) Pass Yds 3081 2287 P Connor Kornbrath (6-6, 245, Sr.) Dillon Kidd (6-2, 215, Sr.) Had Int 7 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 400 344

72 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL mation this year and use a fullback more often er. The rest of the DE contigent is comprised of Big Ten West Division #4 than not. Soph Duke Anyanwu will try to be the veterans who haven’t really started in the past. new pass catching tight end, while senior Lincoln At linebacker, the Gophers need a new middle Pisek will be the run blocking TE. The problem is man but they do welcome back two fairly decent MINNESOTA at wide receiver where Coach Kill needs to find outside ‘backers in the combo of DeVondre (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 ANY production from key returnees K.J. Maye, Campbell and Jack Lynn, who a year ago com- COACH: Jerry Kill Returning 48 and Eric Carter who combined bined for 132 tackles and four sacks. However, STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 for a mere 32 receptions a year ago! Hopefully for both of these guys were pushed for first string sta- Defense 7 Gopher fans, this team can get some wideout pro- tus in the spring by rising soph Jonathan Celestin GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #48 duction from promising redshirt freshmen Isaiah who is more solid as a run defender. In the mid- The Golden Gophers have been rock solid the Gentry and Melvin Holland. dle, soph Everett Williams won the vacant job this last few seasons as we really love the job that The ground attack was fabulous last year but spring but watch out for heralded true frosh Head Coach Jerry Kill has done at this school. now Minny must replace All-American David prospect Jaylen Waters. Minnesota is not exactly an easy sell on the Cobb who ran for over 1,600 yards then bolted We really like the look of the Gopher sec- recruiting front, but Coach Kill has brought in early for the NFL. Lettermen Rodrick Williams ondary where Minny welcomes back a pair of decent players and has done an AMAZING job of and Berkley Edwards played pretty well off the solid cornerbacks in Eric Murray and Briean developing that modest talent once he gets his bench in limited roles last year and they are the Boddy-Calhoun, plus a pair of proven veteran hands on those kids. The best example of getting early favorites to be the featured running back in safeties in Antonio Johnson and Damarius Travis more from less is best demonstrated by the fact 2015. However, Coach Kill will also consider who shared one starting role a season ago. But that the Gophers have beaten Nebraska in each of promising redshirt freshmen Rodney Smith and both of these guys will have trouble keeping a the last two seasons, and when you compare Jeff Jones. Solid senior Miles Thomas will take on starting role in ‘15 as Minny also has talented financial resources between the two programs, a bigger role this season as the main fullback. soph Duke McGhee, highly-touted JUCO transfer then Nebraska should NEVER lose to the The strength of the offense will be along the Ace Rogers and true frosh blue chip recruit Dior Gophers...ever! But now Coach Kill has been offensive line where technically only three Johnson who is a rare 4-Star for the Gophers! stung by the early NFL exits of his two offensive starters are back, but the Gophers have no fewer GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: There is a stars, running back David Cobb and tight end than six players with at least 10 career starts! lot to like about the way Minnesota goes about Maxx Williams, which leaves a huge hole in what There were major position changes this spring as its business under Jerry Kill, but there are lim- was already a rather modest attack. Coach Kill moved people around to find the best its to what you can do with no passing game This team has two outstanding running QBs, possible combination as Ben Lauer and Jonah and so-so run defense. Another bowl bid is pos- but we’re not sure if there is a legitimate passer on Pirsig who shared one tackle job a year ago will sible, but not truly guaranteed this year. the roster. Incumbent starter Mitch Leidner is a both be in the 2015 lineup. Senior tackle Josh 2015 Minnesota Schedule tough kid who runs well and gets the tough Campion moves inside to guard where he’ll team yardage in the Red Zone, but he has yet to prove with rock solid classmate Joe Bjorklund, while 9/3 TCU that he can direct a real passing attack. In 2014, former Ohio State transfer Brian Bobek takes 9/12 at Colorado State Leidner completed just 122 of 237 passes (51%) over at center. Seniors Jon Christenson and Foster 9/19 KENT STATE Bush both have double digit starts in their career for 1,798 yards and 11 TDs against eight inter- 9/26 OHIO U. ceptions, plus he also ran for 452 yards and 10 and head up an outstanding O-line bench. 10/3 at Northwestern more touchdowns. Soph is an The pass defense was excellent last year, but even better runner than Leidner having rushed for the Gophers were surprisingly vulnerable to the 10/10 at Purdue 235 yards off the bench last year in very limited run when they played quality teams a year ago. 10/17 NEBRASKA time, but he’s even worse as a pure passer! And that may the case again despite the return of 10/31 MICHIGAN Gopher fans are hoping that true frosh recruit former DT regular Scott Ekpe who missed all but 11/7 at Ohio State one game in ‘14 due to injury. Soph Steven Demry Croft can be the true dual-threat quarter- 11/14 at Iowa back this offense needs in the future. Richardson looks to have long term potential next 11/21 ILLINOIS The loss of All-American tight end Maxx to Ekpe, while senior Theiren Cockran heads up a Williams and two other quality TEs means the modest group of defensive ends. Cockran had 11/28 WISCONSIN Gophers will scrap the double-tight end base for- four sacks a year ago, but was a poor run defend- 2014 MINNESOTA RESULTS 2015 MINNESOTA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.28 E. ILLINOIS W -17 42-20 u63 QB Mitch Leidner (6-4, 240, Jr.) Chris Streveler (6-2, 230, So.) S.06 MTSU L -15' 35-24 o50 RB Rodrick Williams (5-11, 230, Sr.) Berkley Edwards (5-9, 195, So.) S.13 Tcu L +16' 7-30 u49' WR K.J. Maye (5-10, 200, Sr.) Isaiah Gentry (6-4, 205, Fr.) S.20 S. JOSE ST. W -9 24-7 u50 WR Drew Wolitarsky (6-3, 220, Jr.) Melvin Holland (6-3, 200, Fr.) S.27 Mich. W +11' 30-14 o43 WR Eric Carter (5-11, 190, So.) Hunter Register (6-5, 200, Fr.) O.11 N'WESTERN W -3' 24-17 u44 TE Duke Anyanwu (6-4, 245, So.) Lincoln Pisek (6-4, 270, Sr.) O.18 PURDUE L -13 39-38 o48' FB Miles Thomas (5-11, 250, Sr.) Tyler Hartmann (6-3, 255, Jr.) O.25 Illinois L -5 24-28 u55 C Brian Bobek (6-2, 300, Sr.) Connor Mayes (6-5, 320, So.) N.08 IOWA W +1' 51-14 o43' LG Joe Bjorklund (6-5, 300, Sr.) Jon Christenson (6-4, 305, Sr.) N.15 OHIO ST. W +12' 24-31 u56 RG Josh Campion (6-5, 310, Sr.) Isaac Hayes (6-2, 310, Jr.) N.22 Nebraska W +9' 28-24 u53 LTBen Lauer (6-7, 310, Jr.) Chad Fahning (6-6, 295, So.) N.29 Wisconsin W +15' 24-34 o50 RT Jonah Pirsig (6-9, 325, Jr.) Foster Bush (6-5, 320, Sr.) PK (6-6, 245, So.) Andrew Harte (6-0, 195, So.) J.01 Missouri L +4' 17-33 o47 Defense DE Theiren Cockran (6-6, 260, Sr.) Alex Keith (6-3, 255, Sr.) 2014 Minnesota Final Stats DE Hendrick Ekpe (6-5, 245, Jr.) Gaelin Elmore (6-6, 265, So.) Minnesota Opp DT Steven Richardson (6-0, 295, So.) Robert Ndondo-Lay (6-5, 275, Sr.) Points per game 28 24 DT Scott Ekpe (6-4, 295, Jr.) Andrew Stelter (6-4, 275, So.) LB DeVondre Campbell (6-5, 245, Sr.) Jonathan Celestin (6-1, 225, So.) 1st Downs 238 253 LB Everett Williams (6-1, 235, So.) Jaylen Waters (6-1, 230, Fr.) Rush Att 599 476 LB Jack Lynn (6-3, 240, Jr.) DeNiro Laster (6-4, 230, So.) Rush Yards 2801 2271 FS Antonio Johnson (6-0, 215, Sr.) Duke McGhee (6-1, 210, So.) Avg Rush 4.7 4.8 SS Damarius Travis (6-2, 215, Sr.) Ace Rogers (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 127 233 CB Eric Murray (6-0, 200, Sr.) Craig James (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Att 254 406 CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun (5-11, 190, Sr.) Cavante Johnson (5-11, 200, Fr.) NB Jalen Myrick (5-10, 210, Jr.) Dior Johnson (6-2, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 1844 2515 P Peter Mortell (6-2, 195, Sr.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 195, Fr.) Had Int 9 15 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 357 368

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 73 like the Big Ten. Senior Cameron Dickerson also his job by the return of former DT regular Sean Big Ten West Division #5 has good size, but he produced a modest 24 recep- McEvilly who missed all of last year due to tions as a starter in 2014. Lettermen Miles Shuler injury. And Coach Fitzgerald has added some stel- and Mike McHugh are battling for the third start- lar true frosh D-liners like Trent Goens, Jordan NORTHWESTERN ing wideout role this fall and they combined for Thompson and . (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 32 receptions off the bench a year ago. Of the At linebacker, the Cats must replace standout COACH: Pat Fitzgerald Returning 62 other returning players at wideout, the only one to Chi Chi Ariguzo, but they do bring back two guys STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 really stand out in spring practice was soph who started for much of last year in vet Drew Defense 9 Solomon Vault who might be a good candidate to Smith and soph Anthony Walker, the latter of GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #56 break out in 2015. Tight end Dan Vitale might not whom could eventually develop into a star at the Only a few short years ago, Northwestern was look to athletic, but he caught 40 passes a year middle linebacker post as he’s a great athlete with on the rise as a national program and young Head ago and remains an important part of the Wildcat solid speed. Junior Joseph Jones and Jaylen Prater Coach Pat Fitzgerald was one of the rising stars of passing game. are battling for the third LB role, but there’s a the profession, turning down multiple high-pro- Northwestern had trouble running the football major drop-off in depth after the first four guys in file programs to remain at his alma mater. But early last season, but things really picked up once this area. things have changed dramatically over the past they handed the running back job to then-frosh Cornerbacks Nick VanHoose and Matthew two seasons as Northwestern has gone 5-7 in each Justin Jackson, who would go on to run for a Harris are the key returnees in the secondary and of the last two years and people are no longer team-leading 1,187 yards and 10 TDs. Jackson they head into a third consecutive season as the mentioning Fitzgerald’s name when a big-time lacks ideal physical strength, but he’s very quick starting combo here. A year ago, VanHoose and job becomes available! And now Coach Fitz will and looks to have a real understanding of how to Harris combined for 129 tackles and four inter- need to prove that his program is not mired in wait for his blocks. Redshirt freshman Auston ceptions and while not stars, they are both legit mediocrity as it has appeared to be over the course Anderson stood out among the other running Big Ten caliber corners. At safety, Traveon Henry of the past two seasons. backs this spring and now figures to be the top and Godwin Igwebuike should prove adequate Northwestern will need a new starting quarter- backup behind Jackson in ‘15. and the overall depth in the secondary is decent. back this year as has graduating The offensive line was a major disappointment GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is following a highly disappointing final season at last season, but Coach Fitzgerald made major better than it looked for most of the past two this school. There was a three-way battle for the changes this spring in an effort to shore things up. seasons, though the overall depth of talent on #1 job this spring between ‘14 backup Zack Incumbent guard regular Geoff Mogus was the roster is not where we thought it was a cou- Oliver, redshirt freshman and moved out to left tackle where he’ll protect the ple seasons ago. Still, Northwestern should get former blue chip recruit Matt Alviti. Much to QB’s blind side, while returning regulars Matt back on the winning side in 2015. everyone’s surprise, the easy winner turned out to Frazier (RG) and Eric Olson (RT) will comprise 2015 Northwestern Schedule be redshirt frosh Thorson who most folks proba- the right side of the blocking unit. The two new bly would have rated third heading into the starters will be soph Brad North at center and ver- 9/5 STANFORD spring. But Thorson showed the best arm of the satile junior Adam DePietro manning the left 9/12 EASTERN ILLINOIS group and his mobility was far better than expect- guard slot. There is plenty of veteran depth on the 9/19 at Duke interior, but the backup tackles are very young ed. Alviti was once a big-time recruit when he 9/26 BALL STATE first came to Northwestern, but he has yet to make and totally untested. 10/3 MINNESOTA a strong impression and still has a lot to prove as With nine starters back, we feel the Wildcat the top backup. Senior Oliver completed 30 of 57 defense will be much improved in 2015. Up front, 10/10 at Michigan passes for 367 yards off the bench as the top back- senior ends Deon Lowry and Deonte Gibson will 10/17 IOWA up in 2014 and he brings some experience. be the key guys and they will be asked to supply 10/24 at Nebraska While two of three starters are gone at wide a lot more pass rush than they did a year ago. 11/7 PENN STATE Lowry did lead the team with four sacks, but this receiver, the Wildcats get a big lift here from the 11/14 PURDUE healthy return of senior Christian Jones, a stand- team managed just 17 sacks as a team and that fig- 11/21 at Wisconsin out in 2012 and 2013 who missed all of last year ure needs to go way up in ‘15. Both defensive due to injury. In 2013, Jones caught 54 passes and tackles are back as well in the duo of Greg Kuhar 11/28 at Illinois he has the size to be a major weapon in a league and C.J. Robbins, though one could be pushed for 2014 NORTHWESTERN RESULTS 2015 NORTHWESTERN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.30 CALIFORNIA L -10' 24-31 u62' QB Clayton Thorson (6-4, 210, Fr.) Matt Alviti (6-0, 200, So.) S.06 N. ILLINOIS L -7 15-23 u58' RB Justin Jackson (5-11, 185, So.) Auston Anderson (5-9, 180, Fr.) S.20 W. ILLINOIS L -26 24-7 u46' WR Christian Jones (6-3, 230, Sr.) Austin Carr (6-1, 195, Jr.) S.27 Penn St. W +10' 29-6 u47' WR Cameron Dickerson (6-3, 210, Sr.) Pierre Youngblood-Ary (6-3, 185, Sr.) WR Miles Shuler (5-10, 180, Sr.) Solomon Vault (5-10, 190, So.) O.04 WISCONSIN W +7' 20-14 u47' WR Mike McHugh (6-3, 200, Jr.) Stephen Buckley (6-0, 190, Jr.) O.11 Minnesota L +3' 17-24 u44 TE Dan Vitale (6-2, 235, Sr.) Garrett Dickerson (6-3, 250, So.) O.18 NEBRASKA L +6' 17-38 o53' C Brad North (6-2, 285, So.) Ian Park (6-4, 290, Jr.) N.01 Iowa L +3' 7-48 o43' LG Adam DePietro (6-5, 295, Jr.) Connor Mahoney (6-4, 295, Jr.) N.08 MICH. W +1' 9-10 u41' RG Matt Frazier (6-4, 295, Sr.) Shane Mertz (6-8, 310, Sr.) N.15 N. Dame W +17' 43-40 o53 LT Geoff Mogus (6-5, 305, Sr.) Tommy Doles (6-6, 275, Fr.) N.22 Purdue W +1 38-14 o51' RT Eric Olson (6-6, 290, Jr.) Blake Hance (6-5, 280, Fr.) N.29 ILLINOIS L -7' 33-47 o52 PK Jack Mitchell (6-3, 210, Jr.) (6-5, 230, So.) Defense DE (6-6, 280, Sr.) Xavier Washington (6-1, 240, So.) 2014 Northwestern Final Stats DE Deonte Gibson (6-3, 270, Sr.) Trent Goens (6-3, 250, Fr.) Northwestern Opp DT C.J. Robbins (6-5, 295, Sr.) Max Chapman (6-3, 270, Sr.) Points per game 23 25 DT Greg Kuhar (6-3, 310, Jr.) Sean McEvilly (6-5, 300, Sr.) LB Drew Smith (6-1, 225, Sr.) Jaylen Prater (6-0, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 244 244 LB Anthony Walker (6-1, 225, So.) Brett Walsh (6-1, 225, So.) Rush Att 486 481 LB Joseph Jones (6-1, 230, Jr.) (6-2, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 1639 2039 FS Traveon Henry (6-1, 220, Sr.) Kyle Queiro (6-3, 200, So.) Avg Rush 3.4 4.2 SS Godwin Igwebuike (6-0, 205, So.) Terrance Brown (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 261 220 CB Nick VanHoose (6-0, 190, Sr.) Marcus McShepard (5-11, 195, So.) Pass Att 455 397 CB Matthew Harris (5-11, 180, Jr.) Keith Watkins (5-11, 180, So.) NB Parker Westphal (6-1, 190, Fr.) Trae Williams (5-11, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 2598 2572 P Hunter Niswander (6-5, 230, So.) Mason Weissenhofer (6-2, 190, Fr.) Had Int 14 15 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 353 384

74 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL mark heading into 2015. In just nine games a year Bentley completely transformed the run defense Big Ten West Division #6 ago, Anthrop caught 38 passes for 616 yards and for this club with their physical play. Both of four touchdowns. Juniors DeAngelo Yancey and these guys check in north of 250 pounds, and Cameron Posey showed promise as freshmen two while they may be a step slow by Big Ten stan- PURDUE years ago, but suffered through sophomore dards, they look like quality players going for- (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 slumps and combined for just 31 receptions in ward. The third LB regular will again be speedy COACH: Darrell Hazell Returning 50 2014 despite both starting a host of games. The Jimmy Herman who also does a decent job STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 only real new faces in the wideout equation are against the run and can also drop back in pass Defense 7 JUCO transfer Anthony Mahoungou and convert- coverage. The issue here is that there is a massive GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #69 ed quarterback Bilal Marshall. Purdue also has lack of proven depth at linebacker. It’s pretty hard for Purdue fans to get excited lost three solid senior tight ends to graduation. The biggest potential weakness on defense is in about a 3-9 record, but the honest truth is that this The losses were very heavy at running back the secondary where Purdue loses two good team was much improved a year ago. Now grant- where explosive vets Akeem Hunt and Raheem safeties and there were major changes here during ed, a lot of that improvement was simply a result Mostert are both gone. These two combined for the off-season. It now looks like undersized bat- of not being as amazingly inept as this club was 1,478 yards rushing and 66 receptions last year. tler Frankie Williams will now move from corner- back in 2013, but considering how bad things The new featured back figures to be promising back to strong safety where he has played at times have been here in recent years, any progress is soph Keyante Green who ran for 199 yards off the in the past. Williams collected 74 tackles and reason for modest celebration. Head Coach bench as the #3 back in ‘14. Fellow sophs D.J. three interceptions a year ago, but we feel he Darrell Hazell still looks completely lost to us Knox and David Yancey are slated to be the top belongs at cornerback. But for now he will pair at when we watch him on the sidelines, but the backups here, but watch out for true frosh recruit safety with junior Robert Gregory, while the CBs Boilermakers ran the ball a lot better last year and Markell Jones. will be incumbent regular Anthony Brown and their defense was far more physical than it had The strength of the Purdue offense is definitely junior Leroy Clark. Several freshmen will also been the previous season. But taking the leap to up front where the blocking corps brings back all push for playing time in this area. the next level may prove difficult this season. five starters led by senior center Robert Kugler, GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This is a Coach Hazell made a quarterback change after who now has 31 career starts heading into his tough club to figure since Purdue has been SO a few games in 2014 and he stood by the decision final season. Kugler will again be flanked by bad in recent years, but there are some things for the rest of the year as became junior guards Jordan Roos and Jason King, while to like here and the Boilermakers should be the starter over classmate . In terms the tackle posts feature incumbents J.J. Prince and improved for a second straight year. The Big of wins and statistics, these two were remarkably David Hedelin. While there are no All-Americans Ten is still too tough to assume a winning similar but by the end of the ‘14 campaign it here, this unit is among the better O-lines in the record, but Purdue isn’t hopeless in 2015. became pretty clear that Appleby would be the Big Ten, and if Purdue enjoys shocking success 2015 Purdue Schedule guy going forward. As a result, Etling transferred this year, it will likely be because of this group. to LSU during the off-season and Appleby instead The defense was improved last season as this 9/6 at Marshall competed with redshirt freshman unit was far tougher and more physical than it had 9/12 INDIANA STATE this spring. It wasn’t supposed to be a close com- been in recent seasons. Junior defensive tackles 9/19 VIRGINIA TECH Jake Replogle and RaZahn Howard set the tone petition, but Blough played far better than expect- 9/26 BOWLING GREEN ed and once again Purdue may be facing a QB up front, while senior Ryan Watson is a solid 10/3 at Michigan State controversy in 2015. Last year, Appleby complet- reserve DT working behind the starters. Replogle ed 144 of 272 passes (53%) for 1,449 yards and posted 40 tackles, 10.5 hits for minus yardage and 10/10 MINNESOTA 10 TDs against 11 interceptions, plus he also ran three sacks a year ago which raised the issue this 10/17 at Wisconsin for 198 yards and five scores. Blough was a pleas- spring of whether or not he should be moved out- 10/31 NEBRASKA ant surprise this spring and may now push for first side to defensive end. That might make sense 11/7 ILLINOIS since there are some concerns at DE as both string status. 11/14 at Northwestern The Boilermakers really have only one impact starters must be replaced and the only player here 11/21 at Iowa player at wide receiver and unfortunately senior who inspires much confidence is Gelen Robinson. Danny Anthrop suffered a very serious knee Purdue struck gold at linebacker last year as 11/28 INDIANA injury late last year and is something of a question freshmen Danny Ezechukwu and JaWhaun 2014 PURDUE RESULTS 2015 PURDUE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 W. MICH. L -10 43-34 o52' QB Austin Appleby (6-5, 240, Jr.) David Blough (6-1, 205, Fr.) S.06 C. MICH. L -3' 17-38 o53' RB Keyante Green (5-9, 220, So.) D.J. Knox (5-7, 200, So.) S.13 Notre Dame W +29 14-30 u59' WR Danny Anthrop (6-0, 190, Sr.) Anthony Mahoungou (6-4, 205, So.) S.20 S. ILLINOIS W -3 35-13 u53 WR DeAngelo Yancey (6-2, 225, Jr.) Trae Hart (5-10, 170, So.) WR Cameron Posey (6-1, 185, Jr.) Bilal Marshall (6-2, 195, Jr.) S.27 IOWA L +9 10-24 u47 WR Dan Monteroso (6-3, 195, Jr.) Myles Norwood (6-0, 170, So.) O.04 Illinois W +9' 38-27 o56 TE Matt Burke (6-6, 240, So.) (6-5, 240, Fr.) O.11 MICH. ST. W +21 31-45 o50' C Robert Kugler (6-3, 295, Sr.) Kirk Barron (6-2, 305, Fr.) O.18 Minnesota W +13 38-39 o48' LG Jason King (6-4, 310, Jr.) Jason Tretter (6-6, 325, So.) N.01 Nebraska W +22' 14-35 u61 RG Jordan Roos (6-4, 315, Jr.) Martesse Patterson (6-3, 345, Fr.) N.08 WISCONSIN L +17 16-34 u53 LTDavid Hedelin (6-5, 300, Sr.) Cameron Cermin (6-5, 305, Jr.) N.22 N'WESTERN L -1 14-38 o51' RT J.J. Price (6-6, 300, Jr.) Corey Clements (6-8, 420, Sr.) PK Paul Griggs (6-1, 200, Sr.) Brian Bravo (6-2, 190, Fr.) N.29 Indiana L +2' 16-23 u55' Defense DE Gelen Robinson (6-1, 250, So.) Shayne Henley (6-3, 250, Jr.) 2014 Purdue Final Stats DE Evan Panfil (6-5, 265, Jr.) Antoine Miles (6-2, 240, So.) Purdue Opp DT Jake Replogle (6-5, 275, Jr.) Ryan Watson (6-2, 300, Sr.) Points per game 24 32 DT RaZahn Howard (6-3, 315, Jr.) Michael Rouse (6-4, 305, Sr.) LB Danny Ezechukwu (6-2, 250, So.) Andy James Garcia (6-0, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 207 268 LB JaWhaun Bentley (6-2, 260, So.) Garrett Hudson (6-3, 240, So.) Rush Att 402 504 LB Jimmy Herman (6-4, 230, Jr.) Wayne Cook (6-2, 225, Fr.) Rush Yards 1886 2305 FS Robert Gregory (6-1, 220, Jr.) Evan Feichter (6-0, 195, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.7 4.6 SS Frankie Williams (5-9, 195, Sr.) Austin Logan (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 233 223 CB Anthony Brown (5-11, 190, Sr.) Evyn Cooper (6-2, 190, Fr.) Pass Att 434 390 CB Leroy Clark (5-10, 190, Jr.) Michael Little (6-0, 170, Fr.) NB DaWan Hunte (5-9, 185, So.) Tim Cason (5-11, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 2249 2687 P Thomas Meadows (6-0, 185, Sr.) Joe Schopper (6-0, 190, Fr.) Had Int 16 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 345 416

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 75 star for this club. But Dudek suffered a serious defensive tackle role. The depth up front is noth- Big Ten West Division #7 knee injury this spring and there’s a very good ing special watch out for JUCO transfer Sean chance that he will not be ready for the start of the Adesanya and true freshman Jamal Milan. ‘15 campaign. That’s a major blow and puts Illinois uses just two linebackers in their base ILLINOIS heavy pressure on guys like Geronimo Allison defense which could be a big part of why they (6-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 and Malik Turner to up their efforts this season. struggle so badly to stop the run! Reliable vets COACH: Tim Beckman Returning 49 Allison and Turner combined for 66 receptions a Mason Monheim and T.J. Neal combined for 209 STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 year ago and they do have some talent. Solid vet tackles, four interceptions and five forced fumbles Defense 8 Justin Hardee is another solid contributor, but a year ago so inactivity wasn’t the problem. And GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #73 after that the wideouts are pretty much a mystery there’s decent depth at linebacker led by juniors The Tim Beckman Era has been something of at this stage. The new tight end will be either LaKeith Walls and Mike Svetina. a disaster so far at Illinois as the first two seasons junior Tyler White or Junior College transfer Three starters are back in the secondary includ- brought a combined 6-18 record and a near play- Andrew Davis. ing safety Taylor Barton who picked up an even er mutiny as a faction of the team felt Coach If Dudek is truly out, the most consistent offen- 100 tackles a year ago. Also back are senior cor- Beckman was dishonest with some of their team- sive threat here will be senior running back Josh nerbacks Eaton Spence and VeAngelo Bentley, mates about injuries and scholarship status. Ferguson, a talented back who hasn’t put up great two guys who are thought to have NFL futures Things got a bit better last year when Illinois ral- numbers only because of the weak blocking up despite their relatively pedestrian play at the col- lied late to sneak into a minor bowl game with a front. A year ago, Ferguson ran for a team-high lege level. Spence and Bentley were decent last very modest 6-6 record, but the Illini then got 735 yards and eight TDs, plus he also caught a year, but both of these guys are too talented to be drilled by non-Power 5 team Louisiana Tech to very impressive 50 passes coming out of the back- merely decent. There are a couple holes to fill at cap off yet another losing season. The bottom line field. The RB depth took some blows during the safety and the early frontrunners are seniors Eric here is that Coach Beckman will need a winning off-season, but the replacements will actually be Finney and , both of whom season in 2015 or he will almost surely end up on more talented as Illinois adds a promising JUCO played a lot off the bench last year. Two “movers” the unemployment line! runner in Henry Enyenihi and a highly-touted true in the secondary battle could be juniors Darius There was something of a quarterback contro- frosh recruit in KeShawn Vaughn. Mosely and Caleb Day. versy last year as the team was split between long- Two starters return up front in talented but GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: An easy time program vet Reilly O’Toole and former injury-plagued Ted Karras and junior Joe Spencer early schedule will help Illinois get off to a good Oklahoma State transfer Wes Lunt. While Lunt who will inside to the vacancy at center this year. start, but the reality of an improved Big Ten saw more action, he was also hurt a lot and was Promising redshirt freshman won will take a heavy toll come October. We are benched in favor of O’Toole in the disastrous the other guard post with a great spring, while the forecasting a losing season in 2015. bowl game. But with O’Toole finally graduating, new tackles figure to be lettermen Austin Schmidt 2015 Illinois Schedule the job belongs to Lunt this season. In 2014, Lunt and Christian DiLauro, both of whom earned completed 153 of 241 passes (64%) for 1,763 starts a year ago when now-departed players were 9/4 KENT STATE yards and 14 TDs against a mere three intercep- injured. Coach Beckman has also brought in sev- 9/12 WESTERN ILLINOIS tions which were FAR better numbers than eral JUCO transfers to compete along the O-line, 9/19 at North Carolina including Connor Brennan, Pat Heath and Jordan O’Toole put up a year ago. The issue with Lunt is 9/26 MIDDLE TENNESSEE his lack of mobility which is a major problem Fagan, all of whom could end up starting. 10/3 NEBRASKA playing for a team with such a weak offensive The defense gave up 34 points per game last line, plus Lunt also seems to get hurt every year. year thanks to a soft run defense which allowed 10/10 at Iowa Redshirt freshman Chayce Crouch looked pretty enemy runners to average better than five yards 10/24 WISCONSIN good this spring, but it would take a total collapse per carry. The front four has good size, but was 10/31 at Penn State for Lunt to lose his hold on the #1 job. still pushed around a bit last season. Incumbent 11/7 at Purdue DE regulars and Ward did The Illini found a diamond in the rough last 11/14 OHIO STATE year with the unexpected emergence of then-frosh combined for 16 tackles for losses and six sacks 11/21 at Minnesota Mike Dudek as one of the top receivers in the Big which isn’t bad. Junior Rob Bain returns at one Ten. Dudek easily led the club with 76 catches for DT spot, while lettermen Teko Powell, Joe Fotu 11/28 NORTHWESTERN 1,038 yards and six TDs as he looks like a future and Jarrod Clements will battle for the other 2014 ILLINOIS RESULTS 2015 ILLINOIS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-7 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 YOUNG. ST. L -12' 28-17 u67' QB Wes Lunt (6-5, 225, Jr.) Chayce Crouch (6-4, 225, Fr.) S.06 W. KENT'KY W -4' 42-34 o67' RB Josh Ferguson (5-10, 200, Sr.) Henry Enyenihi (5-11, 215, Jr.) S.13 Wash. L +13' 19-44 u64' WR Mike Dudek (5-11, 185, So.) Dionte Taylor (6-0, 190, Jr.) S.20 TEXAS ST. L -13 42-35 o62 WR Geronimo Allison (6-4, 205, Sr.) Tyrin Stone-Davis (6-3, 200, Jr.) S.27 Nebraska L +21' 14-45 u64 WR Malik Turner (6-3, 205, So.) Marchie Murdock (6-1, 195, So.) O.04 PURDUE L -9' 27-38 o56 WR Justin Hardee (6-1, 195, Sr.) Sam Mays (6-3, 200, Fr.) O.11 Wisconsin W +26' 28-38 o58' TE Tyler White (6-5, 255, Jr.) Andrew Davis (6-6, 230, Jr.) O.25 MINN. W +5 28-24 u55 C Joe Spencer (6-4, 300, Jr.) Zach Heath (6-4, 300, Jr.) N.01 Ohio St. L +28' 14-55 o65' LG Nick Allegretti (6-4, 305, Fr.) Chris O’Connor (6-5, 300, Sr.) N.15 IOWA L +4' 14-30 u54 RG Ted Karras (6-4, 310, Sr.) Connor Brennan (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.22 PENN ST. W +6 16-14 u44' LT Austin Schmidt (6-6, 300, Jr.) Pat Flavin (6-7, 300, Sr.) N.29 Northwestern W +7' 47-33 o52 RT Christian DiLauro (6-5, 300, So.) Gabe Megginson (6-5, 290, Fr.) PK David Reisner (6-0, 195, Jr.) Taylor Zalewski (6-3, 225, Sr.) D.26 La. Tech L +6' 18-35 u56' Defense DE (6-6, 295, Sr.) Kenny Nelson (6-6, 255, Sr.) 2014 Illinois Final Stats DE Dawuane Smoot (6-3, 265, Jr.) Paul James (6-4, 255, So.) Illinois Opp DT Rob Bain (6-3, 305, Jr.) Joe Fotu (6-3, 285, Sr.) Points per game 26 34 DT Teko Powell (6-3, 300, Jr.) Jarrod Clements (6-3, 295, Jr.) LB Mason Monheim (6-1, 235, Sr.) Mike Svetina (6-2, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 248 292 LB T.J. Neal (6-1, 235, Jr.) LaKeith Walls (6-2, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 413 617 NS Eric Finney (6-0, 220, Sr.) James Crawford (6-2, 220, So.) Rush Yards 1527 3109 NS Taylor Barton (6-1, 215, Jr.) Caleb Day (6-1, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 3.7 5.0 NS Clayton Fejedelem (6-1, 200, Sr.) Jevaris Little (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Comp 287 214 CB Eaton Spence (6-0, 190, Sr.) Jaylen Dunlap (6-1, 190, So.) Pass Att 470 370 CB VeAngelo Bentley (5-10, 190, Sr.) Davontay Kwaaning (5-11, 190, Sr.) NB Darius Mosely (5-11, 190, Jr.) Darwyn Kelly (6-1, 210, So.) Pass Yds 3247 2824 P Ryan Frain (6-2, 220, Jr.) Ryan Tucker (6-3, 185, Fr.) Had Int 12 7 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 367 456

76 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL lanky junior Corey Robinson who is a big-time are rock solid performers, but the Midwest Independent #1 pro prospect. Last year, Robinson came off the real star is weak sider Jaylon Smith who will like- bench to catch 40 balls for 539 yards and five ly be a first-team All-American this season. A scores. Veterans C.J. Prosise and Amir Carlisle year ago, Smith racked up 112 tackles and 3.5 QB NOTRE DAME combined for another 52 receptions and five TDs sacks as he’s one of the best all-around lineback- (0-0-0) LETTERMEN Lost 14 off the bench in ‘14, plus the Irish also add some ers in the nation. Sophs Greer Martini and Nyles COACH: Brian Kelly Returning 42 brilliant true frosh wideouts like Miles Boykin Morgan are the next great Notre Dame LBs! STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 and Equan St. Brown. At tight end, the modest The secondary gets a lift from the return of for- Defense 10 returning lettermen will almost surely be kept on mer CB regular KeiVarae Russell who is back GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #12 the bench by the arrival of heralded true frosh after a suspension which sidelined him in 2014. The Fighting Irish were a Top Ten for the first blue chipper Alize Jones. Russell, and Devin Butler should be half of the 2014 campaign, but a narrow lose to The Irish were erratic running the football last solid on the corners, plus versatile nickel man then #1 Florida State sent Notre Dame into a com- year, but there is no denying the talent at the run- is also a valuable player. At safe- plete tailspin from which they ultimately never ning back spot where returnees Tarean Folston ty, incumbent starters Elijah Shumate and Max really recovered. The Irish were 6-0 heading into and Greg Bryant will again lead the way. Folston Redfield are strong run defenders who need to the big showdown with FSU, but they would win easily led the team with 175 carries for 889 yards improve in pass coverage. Also watch out for just two games the rest of the way...a narrow win and six TDs, while Bryant added 289 yards and soph safety who could be an over Navy and a close bowl victory against LSU three TDs while averaging well over five yards impact player for the Irish if he can shake off the when Coach Brian Kelly stunned everyone by per carry. Backup wideout C.J. Prosise also damage from a severe knee injury. benching starting QB Everett Golson in favor of worked out at running back this spring, while GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Irish then-frosh . The move worked better Coach Kelly may also take a long look at talented are better than they looked late last year and than expected and set in place a series of events true freshmen and Josh Adams. should be back in the national Top 25 in 2015. that took place this past spring. The O-line had some breakdowns last year and We like Zaire at quarterback and he’s got a ton Golson, the long-time starter and star, was rel- will try to rally around the returning starting trio of talent to work with at the offensive skill posi- egated to second string this spring and ironically of Nick Martin, Ronnie Stanley and Steve Elmer. tions, so if the blocking holds up, the offense ended up transferring to Florida State! That means Seniors Martin and Stanley are the leaders here could be outstanding. On defense, there are Zaire will be the full-time starter in 2015 and he and could be honors candidates if they can take still some worries in the secondary and about brings a dynamic athleticism to the position, their game to the next level. Based on spring drills the pass rush, but this unit is far better than it though he has yet to fully prove himself as a pock- it looks like soph tackle Mike McGlinchey and looked last season. It should be a good year for et passer. Overall last year, Zaire completed 21 of redshirt frosh guard will be the Notre Dame fans. 35 passes for 266 yards, but he also ran for 187 two new starters. The depth up front is very tal- 2015 Notre Dame Schedule yards and was named MVP of the Music City ented, but also very inexperienced. Bowl mainly on the strength of his brilliant run- The Notre Dame defense played really well 9/5 TEXAS ning ability. The Notre Dame offense will look a early last season, but this group suffered a shock- 9/12 at Virginia LOT different with Zaire at the helm, but his tran- ing collapse over the second half of the 2014 9/19 GEORGIA TECH campaign. Things should be FAR better in ‘15 sition as a passer should be aided by the fact that 9/26 MASSACHUSETTS the Irish have a plethora of talent at the wide with the return of 10 starters, including all seven 10/3 at Clemson receiver position. With Golson gone, DeShone up front. But Coach Kelly needs to get a LOT Kizer is expected to be the top backup, but we feel more pass rush from incumbent DE regulars 10/10 NAVY if Zaire were to get hurt the Irish would instead go Sheldon Day and Romeo Okwara who combined 10/17 SOUTHERN CAL with heralded true freshman Brandon Wimbush. for a modest five sacks in 2014. Defensive tackles 10/31 at Temple The star at wide receiver is junior Jarron Jones and are also quite tal- 11/7 at Pittsburgh ented, but as a group this starting front four did who exploded onto the national scene last year 11/14 WAKE FOREST with 76 catches for 1,094 yards and a whopping not play up to expectations last year. There’s some 11/21 at Boston College 15 touchdowns. Senior Chris Brown is another promising sophomores in reserve up front. returning starter who a year ago hauled in 39 pass- The Irish are in superb shape at linebacker 11/28 at Stanford es for 548 yards, while the third option here is where middle man Joe Schmidt and strong sider 2014 NOTRE DAME RESULTS 2015 NOTRE DAME DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 9-4) Offense A.30 RICE W -20' 48-17 o52 QB Malik Zaire (6-0, 210, So.) Brandon Wimbush (6-2, 215, Fr.) S.06 MICH. W -3' 31-0 u57 RB Tarean Folston (5-9, 215, Jr.) Greg Bryant (5-10, 205, So.) S.13 Purdue L -29 30-14 u59' WR Will Fuller (6-0, 180, Jr.) Amir Carlisle (5-10, 195, Sr.) S.27 Syracuse W -9' 31-15 u51' WR Chris Brown (6-2, 195, Sr.) Torii Hunter Jr. (6-0, 190, So.) O.04 STANFORD W +2' 17-14 u46' WR Corey Robinson (6-5, 215, Jr.) Miles Boykin (6-3, 225, Fr.) O.11 N. CAROLINA L -16' 50-43 o64 WR C.J. Prosise (6-1, 220, Jr.) Equan St. Brown (6-5, 190, Fr.) O.18 Fla. St. W +10 27-31 o56' TE Alize Jones (6-5, 230, Fr.) (6-5, 245, So.) N.01 Navy L -14 49-39 o54' C Nick Martin (6-4, 305, Sr.) Sam Mustipher (6-2, 305, Fr.) N.08 Ariz. St. L +2' 31-55 o60' LG Quenton Nelson (6-4, 325, Fr.) Alex Bars (6-6, 320, Fr.) N.15 N'WSTRN L -17' 40-43 o53 RG Steve Elmer (6-6, 320, Jr.) John Montelus (6-4, 310, So.) LTRonnie Stanley (6-6, 320, Sr.) Hunter Bivin (6-6, 305, So.) N.22 LOUISVILLE L -3 28-31 o52 RT Mike McGlinchey (6-7, 310, So.) Mark Harrell (6-4, 310, Jr.) N.29 So. Cal L +6' 14-49 o62' PK Justin Yoon (5-11, 185, Fr.) John Chereson (5-9, 180, So.) D.30 Lsu W +7' 31-28 o52' Defense DE Romeo Okwara (6-4, 260, Sr.) Andrew Trumbetti (6-3, 260, So.) 2014 Notre Dame Final Stats DE Sheldon Day (6-2, 285, Sr.) Grant Blankenship (6-4, 255, So.) Notre Dame Opp DT Jarron Jones (6-5, 315, Jr.) Jacob Matuska (6-4, 295, So.) Points per game 33 29 DT Isaac Rochell (6-3, 290, Jr.) Jay Hayes (6-3, 290, So.) LB Jaylon Smith (6-3, 235, Jr.) Tevon Coney (6-0, 225, Fr.) 1st Downs 309 278 LB Joe Schmidt (6-0, 235, Sr.) Nyles Morgan (6-1, 240, So.) Rush Att 484 525 LB James Onwualu (6-1, 220, Jr.) Greer Martini (6-3, 240, So.) Rush Yards 2073 2225 FS Max Redfield (6-1, 200, Jr.) Nicky Baratti (6-1, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.3 4.2 SS Elijah Shumate (6-0, 215, Sr.) Drue Tranquill (6-1, 225, So.) Pass Comp 277 249 CB Cole Luke (5-11, 190, Jr.) Nick Watkins (6-0, 200, So.) Pass Att 463 413 CB KeiVarae Russell (5-11, 190, Sr.) Devin Butler (6-0, 195, Jr.) NB Matthias Farley (5-11, 205, Sr.) Shaun Crawford (5-9, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 3711 3029 P Tyler Newsome (6-3, 205, Fr.) Justin Yoon (5-11, 185, Fr.) Had Int 14 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 445 404

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 77 grabs for 758 yards and three TDs, while junior Coach Babers will need to replace two of three MAC East Division #1 Ronnie Moore also enjoyed a breakout season starters at linebacker as the only incumbent is with 56 receptions for 690 yards and five TDs. undersized outside man James Sanford who Former starters and Chris Gallon picked up 71 tackles and 2.5 QB sacks a year ago. BOWLING GREEN also return from injuries as Bowling Green will Sophs Nate Locke and Austin Valdez have the (8-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 10 feature five prominent pass catchers who would inside track on the two vacant starting LB roles, COACH: Dino Babers Returning 46 start for almost any team in the league. but also watch out for redshirt freshman Jalen STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 And this team is every bit as loaded at running Dingle and true frosh newcomer Matt Finkler, Defense 4 back where Bowling Green has two potential both of whom could be ticketed for immediate GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #63 1,000-yard rushers in Travis Greene and Fred playing time this fall. The Falcons have the good fortune to play in Coppet. Greene saw his personal numbers drop In the secondary, three new starters must be the MAC’s East Division which is why no one from his brilliant 2013 campaign, but he still ran found though that is somewhat misleading since noticed that this team was nowhere NEAR as for a team-high 949 yards and 12 TDs a year ago senior Darrell Hunter and soph Nick Johnson good in 2014 as it had been in recent seasons. while also catching 27 balls coming out of the pretty much shared one starting cornerback job a First-year Head Coach Dino Babers looked com- backfield. Coppet saw a larger role in the ground year ago. Both will be starters in 2015, while the pletely lost on the sidelines and the Bowling game as he ripped off 764 yards and six TDs new safeties figure to be returning letter winners Green defense went from the best unit in the despite his non-starter status. And just for good Isaiah Gourdine and Dernard Turner. Lettermen MAC to among the worst in the entire nation. Of measure third string running back Andre Givens Will Watson and Clint Stephens figure to be the course, the Falcons still earned a trip to the league added another 479 yards rushing and eight more key subs in the secondary this year, plus the title game by virtue of beating the weak teams in touchdowns in 2014! Bowling Green coaches are extremely high on their division, though they might not have fin- The situation up front is every bit as good as all true frosh DBs Antonyo Sotolongo and Jamari ished in the top four in the West Division! And five O-line starters are back including All-MAC Bozeman. now Coach Babers and his staff need to prove that guard Alex Huettel who is one of the top blockers GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team last year’s semi-collapse was not indicative of in the league. Junior tackles Jacob Bennett and will be much improved and may again rule the where this club is headed in 2015. Logan Dietz have now started 28 straight games MAC’s East Division, but Bowling Green will The Falcons suffered a major blow in the sec- for the Falcons, while the other returning regulars not return as league champs until they bolster ond game of last season when starting QB Matt up front are center Tim McAuliffe and guard Ben a defense which got pushed all over the field in Johnson went down with a season-ending injury. Steward. And as good as the starting five looks to 2014. But the Falcons have more than enough Johnson had been terrific back in 2013 when he be, there is also superb depth along the offensive offensive punch to carve out another winning led Bowling Green to a league title and his loss front wall for a definite team strength. season and some sort of bowl appearance. was surely a major blow. Second stringer James So far there’s been nothing but good news as 2015 Bowling Green Schedule Knapke replaced Johnson and did a pretty nice job you examine the Bowling Green offense, but overall, completing 280 of 483 passes (58%) for things take a major turn in the wrong direction 9/5 at Tennessee 3,173 yards and 15 TDs against 12 interceptions. once you contemplate a Falcon defensive unit 9/12 at Maryland And while some folks are predicting that Knapke which allowed 34 points per game and nearly 500 9/19 MEMPHIS yards per contest in total offense in 2014! And this will hold onto the job in 2015, we feel this team 9/26 at Purdue will turn back to the gunslinger Johnson who was just ONE year removed from leading the 10/3 at Buffalo brings a “swagger” to the Bowling Green huddle MAC in Total Defense back in 2013! The leaders that they lacked last season. The long term answer up front are badly undersized defensive tackles 10/10 MASSACHUSETTS here though is blue chip true frosh recruit James Taylor Royster and Gus Schwieterman who a year 10/17 AKRON Morgan, one of the top recruits in school history. ago combined for 96 tackles and 3.5 QB sacks. 10/24 at Kent State The Falcons struck it big at wide receiver last And while that’s decent production for two inside 11/4 OHIO U. guys, their lack of size can hurt against power year as then-frosh Roger Lewis immediately 11/11 at Western Michigan emerged as one of the premier wideouts in the running attacks. Seniors Bryan Baird and Zach 11/17 TOLEDO MAC. Lewis ended up catching a team-best 73 Colvin will try to provide some outside pass rush, passes for 1,093 yards and seven scores. Tiny vet- but neither has done much in the past. Several true 11/24 at Ball State eran slot man Ryan Burbrink added another 64 freshmen will get a long look up front in 2015. 2014 BOWLING GREEN RESULTS 2015 BOWLING GREEN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-6 PSR: 5-8-1 O-U: 7-7) Offense A.29 W. Kentucky L -7 31-59 o62 QB Matt Johnson (6-0, 225, Sr.) James Knapke (6-2, 220, Jr.) S.06 VMI W -38 48-7 u63 RB Travis Greene (5-10, 185, Sr.) Fred Coppet (5-9, 190, Jr.) S.13 INDIANA W +7' 45-42 o74 WR Roger Lewis (6-1, 200, So.) Chris Gallon (6-4, 230, Sr.) S.20 Wisconsin L +26' 17-68 o63' WR Ryan Burbrink (5-8, 185, Sr.) Herve Coby (6-0, 180, Sr.) S.27 Mass. L -5' 47-42 o71' WR Ronnie Moore (5-9, 170, Jr.) Teo Redding (6-1, 165, So.) O.04 BUFFALO L -3' 36-35 u77 WR Gehrig Dieter (6-3, 205, Jr.) Deric Phouthavong (6-3, 190, Fr.) O.11 Ohio U W -1 31-13 u65' TE Derek Lee (6-4, 255, Sr.) Hunter Folkertsma (6-5, 240, So.) O.18 W. MICH. L -2' 14-26 u69 C Tim McAuliffe (6-0, 275, So.) J.J. Beggan (6-3, 305, Jr.) N.04 Akron W +4 27-10 u60 LG Ben Steward (6-6, 300, So.) Clark Clancy (6-4, 290, So.) N.12 KENT ST. L -14 30-20 u54' RG Alex Huettel (6-4, 310, Sr.) Spencer (6-2, 315, Sr.) N.19 Toledo P +7 20-27 u56 LT Jacob Bennett (6-5, 335, Jr.) Christian Piazza (6-6, 290, Sr.) N.28 BALL ST. L -10 24-41 o57' RT Logan Dietz (6-5, 300, Jr.) (6-4, 325, So.) D.05 N. Illinois L +5' 17-51 o63' PK Tyler Tate (6-0, 185, Sr.) Nick Fields (5-9, 225, So.) D.20 S. Alabama W +2' 33-28 o54 Defense DE Bryan Baird (6-4, 245, Sr.) Shannon Smith (6-0, 280, So.) 2014 Bowling Green Final Stats DE Zach Colvin (6-3, 285, Sr.) Malik Brown (6-4, 255, So.) Bowling Green Opp DT Gus Schwieterman (6-2, 265, So.) Mike Minns (5-10, 315, Jr.) Points per game 30 34 DT Taylor Royster (5-10, 260, Sr.) Izaah Lunsford (6-3, 300, Jr.) LB Austin Valdez (6-0, 230, So.) Aaron Banks (6-2, 220, So.) 1st Downs 311 366 LB Nate Locke (5-11, 230, So.) Matt Finkler (6-3, 235, Fr.) Rush Att 556 568 LB James Sanford (6-1, 200, Jr.) Jalen Dingle (6-1, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 2422 2830 FS Dernard Turner (6-0, 190, Sr.) Antonyo Sotolongo (6-0, 195, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.4 5.0 SS Isaiah Gourdine (6-2, 200, Jr.) Nilijah Ballew (6-0, 205, So.) Pass Comp 317 353 CB Darrell Hunter (5-9, 180, Sr.) Clint Stephens (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Att 547 588 CB Nick Johnson (6-2, 180, So.) Trevahn Beery (6-0, 170, Fr.) NB Will Watson (5-11, 180, Sr.) Matt Robinson (5-8, 175, So.) Pass Yds 3639 4080 P Joe Davidson (6-7, 220, So.) Anthony Farinella (6-2, 190, Sr.) Had Int 13 16 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 433 494

78 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL solid off the bench in ‘14 with 24 catches for 326 and . Poling was a stunning stand- MAC East Division #2 yards. Other returning players hoping for more out as a ‘14 frosh as he led Ohio with 89 tackles production in 2015 include sophs Robbie Walker and three interceptions, while also tying for the and Herman Brunis, but the guy to keep a close club lead with five sacks! Johnson was also a big OHIO U. eye on here is highly-regarded true frosh new- play machine as he recorded 67 tackles, 10.5 hits (6-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 comer Elijah Ball. Starting tight end Troy Mangen for minus yardage, 3.5 QB sacks and two inter- COACH: Frank Solich Returning 50 returns to duty after catching 19 balls in 2014. ceptions. And while the starting trio is superb, STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 The ground game got off to a very slow start there’s also promising depth led by sophs Cody Defense 8 last year as all the veteran running backs strug- Grilliot and Chad Moore. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #86 gled. Things eventually turned around when The secondary struggled for much of the 2014 The Bobcats were slightly more competitive Coach Solich went to unheralded freshman A.J. campaign, but the hope here is that things will be than we expected a year ago, though we were cor- Ouellette, who literally came out of nowhere to better this time around with the return of senior rect in our forecast that they would fail to earn a run for a team-high 785 yards and seven TDs starters Devin Bass, Ian Wells and Devin Jones. bowl invite for the first time in a few years. Head despite being FOURTH string when the season Wells is probably the best of those three, but none Coach Frank Solich has built a solid, above aver- started. Senior DazMond Patterson is also back of those guys set the world on fire a season ago. age MAC program at this school as Ohio is gen- after running for 390 yards a year ago, while The one vacancy at safety is being fought over by erally competitive against most league foes. And Coach Solich will also take long looks at redshirt lettermen Toran Davis and Aaron Macer, while now the Bobcats bring back most of last year’s frosh runners Papi White and . senior nickel man Brett Layton was pushing hard starting lineup and Ohio may be poised to make a The strength of this year’s offense should be its for a starting role at cornerback this spring. This move back up the MAC ladder in 2015. blocking corps which brings back all five starters, suspect unit may also get a lift this fall from the Injuries and erratic play led Coach Solich to including the senior threesome of Mike Lucas, arrival of several true frosh defensive backs, the use two starting quarterbacks a year ago, but we Mike McQueen and Lucas Powell who have best of whom look to be Deontai Williams and are fairly certain that senior Derrius Vick will beat already combined for 66 starts in their Ohio Jeff Christian. out junior J.D. Sprague in 2015. Vick won the careers. Underclassmen Troy Watson and Jake GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Ohio looks starting job last year and probably would have Pruehs will again lineup on the right side, with to be a much improved team this year, though stayed as the #1 guy for the entire season if he Lucas and McQueen to the left of center Powell, it may prove harder than you might expect to hadn’t gotten hurt, then played poorly after com- the latter of whom may be the one guy here who significantly improve upon last year’s 6-6 ing back too soon. Overall, Vick completed 94 of could push for All-MAC honors this season. record. If a passing game emerges and the sec- 160 passes (59%) for 1,156 yards and eight TDs JUCO transfer Josh Cooper adds further depth to ondary holds up, the Bobcats could turn out to against four interceptions, plus he also flashed a solid reserve O-line crew led by guard Nick be the surprise team in the MAC in 2015. major skill as a runner with 390 yards rushing. Gibbons and tackle Jared McCray. 2015 Ohio U. Schedule Sprague had some decent moments, but overall he The run defense was pretty solid last year as completed just 98 of 202 tosses (49%) for 1,236 Ohio foes averaged less than four yards per carry, 9/3 at Idaho yards and just three TDs against five intercep- though this D-line will need to prove itself all 9/12 MARSHALL tions, though he too showed some running skills over again as the Bobcats break in two new defen- 9/19 SE LOUISIANA sive tackles in senior lettermen Brandon Purdum with 264 yards on the ground. While we think 9/26 at Minnesota Vick is the clear #1 this year, there has even been and Watson Tautuiaki, both of whom played a lot 10/3 at Akron talk out of Ohio that both Sprague and Vick could off the bench the last two seasons. On the outside, eventually be pushed aside in favor of promising the Bobcats have three solid proven juniors in 10/10 MIAMI-OHIO redshirt freshman Joey Duckworth. , and Kurt Laseak. 10/17 WESTERN MICHIGAN Junior wide receiver Sebastian Smith was the Sayles is the best run defender of the three, while 10/24 at Buffalo team’s leading pass catcher a year ago with just 31 Basham tied for the team lead with five sacks last 11/4 at Bowling Green year and Laseak wasn’t far behind with four QB catches for 385 yards and two TDs. He returns as 11/10 KENT STATE a starter at wideout along with soph Brendan traps of his own. 11/17 BALLSTATE Cope who had just 17 catches, though he did aver- The Bobcats don’t have ideal size at line- age close to 18 yards per reception. The one new backer, but they have fast playmakers led by the 11/24 at Northern Illinois starter here will be junior Jordan Reid, who was incumbent trio of , Blair Brown 2014 OHIO UNIVERSITY RESULTS 2015 OHIO UNIVERSITY DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-6 PSR: 4-7-1 O-U: 3-9) Offense A.30 Kent St. W +2' 17-14 u47' QB Derrius Vick (6-1, 200, Sr.) J.D. Sprague (6-1, 200, Jr.) S.06 Kentucky L +13 3-20 u52' RB A.J. Ouellette (5-10, 195, So.) Dazmond Patterson (5-7, 180, Sr.) S.13 Marshall L +21 14-44 o57' WR Sebastian Smith (6-3, 185, Jr.) Herman Brunis (6-0, 170, So.) S.20 IDAHO L -13 36-24 o56' WR Brendan Cope (6-2, 190, So.) Kawmae Sawyer (6-0, 195, Sr.) WR Jordan Reid (6-3, 200, Jr.) Ian Dixon (5-7, 170, Sr.) S.27 E. ILLINOIS W -7' 34-19 u61' WR Robbie Walker (5-9, 180, So.) Elijah Ball (6-1, 180, Fr.) O.04 C. Mich. L +4 10-28 u47 TE Troy Mangen (6-5, 255, Jr.) Mason Morgan (6-6, 260, So.) O.11 B. GREEN L +1 13-31 u65' C Lucas Powell (6-3, 300, Sr.) Zach Adams (6-4, 275, So.) O.18 AKRON W +3 23-20 u44 LG Mike Lucas (6-4, 315, Sr.) Josh Cooper (6-2, 310, Jr.) O.25 W. Mich. L +9' 21-42 o52 RG Jake Pruehs (6-2, 285, So.) Nick Gibbons (6-5, 305, Jr.) N.05 BUFFALO W -4 37-14 u55' LTMike McQueen (6-6, 290, Sr.) Joe Lowery (6-6, 290, So.) N.18 N. ILLINOIS L +2' 14-21 u51' RTTroy Watson (6-6, 295, Jr.) Jared McCray (6-5, 320, So.) PK Josiah Yazdani (5-10, 220, Sr.) Matt Amicone (5-6, 170, Jr.) N.25 Miami-O. P -3 24-21 u53 Defense DE Tarell Basham (6-4, 250, Jr.) Trent Smart (6-3, 250, So.) 2014 Ohio U. Final Stats DE Casey Sayles (6-3, 270, Jr.) Kurt Laseak (6-4, 240, Jr.) Ohio U. Opp DT Watson Tautuiaki (6-2, 305, Sr.) Cleon Aloese (6-0, 300, So.) Points per game 21 25 DT Brandon Purdum (6-3, 275, Sr.) Tony Porter (6-1, 290, So.) LB Jovon Johnson (6-0, 220, Sr.) Marcus Collins (6-0, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 233 246 LB Quentin Poling (6-0, 220, So.) Cody Grilliot (6-0, 220, So.) Rush Att 470 414 LB Blair Brown (6-0, 230, Jr.) Chad Moore (6-0, 200, So.) Rush Yards 1969 1595 FS Toran Davis (6-0, 210, Jr.) Aaron Macer (6-0, 195, Sr.) Avg Rush 4.2 3.9 SS Devin Jones (6-1, 205, Sr.) Nathan Carpenter (5-9, 205, Sr.) Pass Comp 202 255 CB Ian Wells (5-11, 205, Sr.) Kylan Nelson (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Att 375 434 CB Devin Bass (5-9, 190, Sr.) Curtis Brunson (5-10, 165, So.) NB Brett Layton (5-11, 180, Sr.) Jeff Christian (5-10, 175, Fr.) Pass Yds 2474 3137 P Mitch Bonnstetter (5-11, 190, Sr.) Joseph Yazdani (5-10, 220, Sr.) Had Int 9 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 370 394

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 79 ability to get open deep. Sophs Austin Wolf and field as he stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of 99 MAC East Division #3 Josh Smith add some decent depth, but Akron will tackles, 14.5 hits for negative yardage, four sacks also need to make room for promising JUCO and three forced fumbles! Vets John Rachal and transfer Michael Means who is expected to make Dylan Evans give this team two more battle-test- AKRON an immediate impact as a pass catcher. Things are ed linebackers, but after that it’s pretty much all (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 25 completely unsettled at tight end which is why we untested freshmen. COACH: Terry Bowden Returning 47 expect Coach Bowden to run a ton of four-wide In the secondary, the Zips have two pretty solid STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 receiver sets in 2015. cover corners in Kris Givens and DeAndre Scott, Defense 5 At running back, returning co-regular Conor plus they add another talented cover guy in JUCO GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #90 Hundley is battling talented Colorado State trans- transfer Chris Bivins who is slated to be the nick- Akron got off to a good start last year and stood fer Donnell Alexander for the starting role. The el man this year, but could end up getting moved at 4-2 halfway through the season, but things fell sturdy Hundley ran for 540 yards and four TDs in to safety where Coach Bowden faces some uncer- apart over the second half of the year and the Zips ‘14 while sharing the #1 job with the now-gradu- tainty heading into the fall. For now, soph Jerome would just one more contest the rest of the way. ated Jawon Chisholm. Hundley averaged 5.2 Lane and converted CB Bryce Cheek are the like- There is no denying that Head Coach Terry yards per carry so he’s a pretty good option here, ly starters at safety. Bowden has done a strong job of completely but Alexander is clearly the more talented runner The kicking game is a strength as punter Zach upgrading the talent level at this school as the so look for him to see a lot of carries as well. Tiny Paul is solid and kicker Robert Stein is superb. Zips have gone from a winless team to a very but speedy junior Hakeem Lawrence could make GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Zips are competitive squad over his first three seasons at this a three-way battle due to his big play ability. a pretty decent team this year, certainly capa- the school. But not as Bowden goes into year four, The news is good up front where four senior ble of winning enough games to get back to a there is talk in the MAC that the Zips may be starters return to anchor what should be a strong bowl game for the first time in a VERY long ready to make some big noise in 2015! offensive line. Guards Dylan Brumbaugh and time. Coach Bowden has dramatically The Zips welcome back a three-year starter at Tommy Brown are definitely the best of this improved this roster over the past few years, quarterback in senior Kyle Pohl, but based on his bunch, but tackles Quaison Osborne and Isaiah but Akron is still not quite to the level where surprising lack of improvement last year, there is Williams are also pretty decent by MAC stan- they can legitimately compete for a league title. a LOT of talk coming out of Akron that Pohl may dards. And while soph Stephen Ericksen should We feel this team has enough talent on both get beaten out in 2015 by either Pitt transfer prove adequate as the new center, the lack of qual- sides of the ball to carve out a rare winning TraVon Chapman or soph Tommy Woodson, the ity depth here could be a big problem if any of the record, but we think Akron fans dreaming of a latter of whom saw a lot of action off the bench a projected starters were to get injured. MAC Championship may be getting a bit year ago. Overall in ‘14, Pohl completed 208 of The defensive front wall gets a major infusion ahead of themselves! 383 passes (54%) for 2,189 yards and just nine of big-time talent this year with the arrival of high 2015 Akron Schedule TDs against eight interceptions, while Woodson profile transfers Rodney Coe (Iowa State) and connected on 76 of 143 attempts (53%) for 806 Jamal Marcus (Ohio State), both of whom project 9/5 at Oklahoma yards and five TDs against six interceptions. For as immediate starters and potential standouts. Coe 9/12 PITTSBURGH Pohl, those numbers are worse than what he put and hard-working vet Cody Grice could be 9/19 SAVANNAH STATE dynamic in the middle, while Marcus and SeVon up as a sophomore back in 2013. While Woodson 9/26 at Louisiana-Lafayette is more mobile, he’s not as athletic as newcomer Pittman gives Akron two explosive and athletic 10/3 OHIO U. Chapman who has the arm and speed to be a true pass rushers. But just as it as on the O-line, the star if he can ever get his act together after a dis- lack of strong depth here could be an issue. 10/10 at Eastern Michigan appointing start to his career at Pittsburgh. The Zips already have an impact linebacker in 10/17 at Bowling Green While Akron lost their top two pass catchers senior Jatavis Brown, but now they’ve added 10/31 CENTRAL MICHIGAN from last year, the Zips are still in pretty good another one in Washington State transfer Darryl 11/7 at Massachusetts Monroe, who shocked Mike Leach at his former shape at wide receiver with the return of steady 11/14 at Miami-Ohio veteran contributors like Andrew Pratt, Mykel school by graduating a year early and leaving for 11/21 BUFFALO Traylor-Bennett, Fransohn Bickley and Imani Akron where he will be eligible right away. The Davis who a year ago combined for 101 recep- athletic Monroe should make a lethal combo with 11/27 KENT STATE tions, though only Traylor-Bennett showed the Brown, who a year ago was simply all over the 2014 AKRON RESULTS 2015 AKRON DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 3-8-1 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.28 HOWARD W -25' 41-0 u53 QB Kyle Pohl (6-3, 220, Sr.) TraVon Chapman (6-1, 210, So.) S.06 Penn St. L +14 3-21 u51 RB Conor Hundley (5-10, 215, Sr.) Donnell Alexander (5-11, 220, Sr.) S.20 MARSHALL L +10 17-48 o60 WR Andrew Pratt (6-2, 200, Sr.) Michael Means (6-2, 200, Jr.) S.27 Pitt. W +20' 21-10 u52 WR Mykel Traylor-Bennett (6-3, 205, Jr.) Austin Wolf (6-3, 205, So.) WR Fransohn Bickley (5-6, 150, Jr.) Josh Smith (6-1, 190, So.) O.04 E. MICH. P -25 31-6 u50 WR Imani Davis (5-9, 180, Sr.) KaVon Wilson (5-11, 185, Fr.) O.11 MIAMI-O. L -14' 29-19 u55 TE Newman Williams (6-2, 240, Fr.) Tyler Fitzpatrick (6-5, 220, Jr.) O.18 Ohio U L -3 20-23 u44 C Stephen Ericksen (6-3, 305, So.) Montel Jordan (6-2, 310, Fr.) O.25 Ball St. L -2' 21-35 o50 LG Dylan Brumbaugh (6-5, 310, Sr.) Michael Casimos (6-2, 305, Jr.) N.04 BOWL. GREEN L -4 10-27 u60 RG Tommy Brown (6-4, 310, Sr.) Kyle Ritz (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.11 Buffalo L -3' 24-55 o51 LT Isaiah Williams (6-3, 295, Sr.) Scott Boyett (6-7, 315, Sr.) N.18 MASS. W -8 30-6 u47 RTQuaison Osborne (6-3, 300, Sr.) Andrew Bohan (6-3, 295, Sr.) PK Robert Stein (5-8, 170, Sr.) Tom O’Leary (5-11, 175, So.) N.28 Kent St. L -3' 24-27 o41' Defense DE SeVon Pittman (6-3, 270, Jr.) Richard Dorvilus (6-1, 240, Sr.) 2014 Akron Final Stats DE Jamal Marcus (6-2, 245, Jr.) Alfonso Horner (6-3, 225, Sr.) Akron Opp DT Rodney Coe (6-3, 305, Sr.) Darius Copeland (6-1, 265, Jr.) Points per game 23 23 DT Cody Grice (5-11, 285, Sr.) Brock Boxen (6-2, 275, Fr.) LB Jatavis Brown (5-11, 220, Sr.) Travonte Junius (6-3, 215, Fr.) 1st Downs 260 255 LB John Rachal (5-11, 225, Jr.) Ulysses Gilbert (6-1, 225, Fr.) Rush Att 363 457 LB Darryl Monroe (6-1, 235, Sr.) Dylan Evans (6-2, 215, Sr.) Rush Yards 1484 1783 FS Bryce Cheek (6-0, 195, Sr.) Zach Guiser (6-0, 195, So.) Avg Rush 4.1 3.9 SS Jerome Lane (6-3, 215, So.) Cory Morrow (6-0, 205, Jr.) Pass Comp 284 225 CB Kris Givens (5-11, 175, Sr.) John Senter (5-7, 165, Sr.) Pass Att 528 402 CB DeAndre Scott (5-11, 180, Jr.) Kyron Brown (6-1, 170, Fr.) NB Chris Bivins (5-11, 185, Jr.) Jason Williams (6-3, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 2995 2670 P Zach Paul (6-3, 220, Sr.) Kyle Foster (6-2, 185, Fr.) Had Int 14 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 373 371

80 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Michel and Jalen Williams combined for another promising soph Shane Huber was absolutely bril- MAC East Division #4 50 receptions, but both could get jumped over on liant in spring practice after bouncing back from a the pecking order this year by lanky soph Shakur severe knee injury. Huber will pair at inside line- Nesmith who has a ton of raw talent. With the loss backer with leading tackler Jovan Santos-Knox UMASS of solid tight end Jean Sifrin, Coach Whipple will who was all over the field last year with 143 tack- (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 10 de-emphasize the fullback position this year and les, three forced fumbles and two sacks. While COACH: Mark Whipple Returning 55 he has moved incumbent FB regular Rodney Huber and Santos-Knox look to be really good in STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 Mills to tight end this spring. Mills was terrific the middle, outside ‘backers Kassan Messiah and Defense 9 last year with 30 catches for 489 yards and five Trey Seals are also decent vets who combined for GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #102 TDs and we look for him to have a big final sea- 121 tackles and 5.5 QB sacks last year. There’s It may seem silly to say about a 3-9 squad, but son for the Minutemen. also decent depth at linebacker. the fact is that Massachusetts may have been the The ground game is still light years behind the The secondary had some major problems last most improved team in the country last year. Back passing attack, but with a more experienced year, but the foundation is here for a decent group in 2013 this team was terribly uncompetitive and blocking corps, the running game should be better with the return of four senior starters who simply was lucky to win even a single game, but last year this season. The top RBs last year were Shadrach must get better as they gain experience. Corners this club not only won three games, they also lost Abrokwah and Lorenzo Woodley who combined Randall Jette and Trey Dudley-Giles combined five other narrow contests by a touchdown or loss. for 993 yards rushing and 12 TDs, but this club for seven interceptions and generally held off the To give you the best stat to demonstrate the level also has former starter Jamal Wilson who sat out big plays, but still gave up far too many comple- of improvement here, consider the fact that nearly all of last season with a knee injury. When tions. Jette has the chance to be one of the better UMass scored more than DOUBLE the points the Minutemen go “heavy” the fullback job goes cover corners in the MAC if he gets his act togeth- they had the previous season. to junior Matt Tuleja. er. At safety, Khary Bailey-Smith and Joe Colton The biggest reason for the improvement last The O-line was awfully young last year and will again be the starters and they aren’t the most year was the stellar play at quarterback as now all five starters return, though there is only talented players around. Soph Jackson Porter is Marshall transfer Blake Frohnapfel came in and one senior here in center Matt Sparks. Junior the only current backup with a chance to move up gave this attack a HUGE lift. Frohnapfel showed guards Fabian Hoeller and Michael Boland will into a starting position. a big arm and tremendous poise in the pocket as again flank Sparks in the middle, while the out- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is he completed 241 of 437 passes (55%) for 3,345 side tackle jobs will again go to Tyrell Smith and poised for a breakout season. The non-league yards and 23 TDs against 10 interceptions which promising soph Elijah Wilkinson, the latter of slate is even tougher than last year, but the is more than double the passing yardage this team whom started all 12 games as a raw freshman in Minutemen are ready to move up the MAC put up the prior season. And Frohnapfel put up 2014. Former starters John Bruns and Tyshon standings in a big way this season! those numbers despite working with a terrible Henderson head up the reserve O-line crew. 2015 Massachusetts Schedule running game, and even missed two full games While the passing game makes this team look and parts of two others due to injury! The bottom like a rising power, the UMass defense still has a 9/12 at Colorado line here is that as long as Frohnapfel is under LONG road to respectability. The 3-4 defensive 9/19 TEMPLE center, this team will rarely be overmatched scheme is setup on a “bend but don’t break” phi- 9/26 at Notre Dame losophy, but this concept rarely worked a year against MAC opposition! Soph Austin Whipple 10/3 FLORIDA INTL. will again serve as the top backup and he was pre- ago. Up front, ends Peter Angeh and Sha-Ki 10/10 at Bowling Green dictably overmatched as a freshman when he was Holmes combined for just three sacks and are forced to start two games. But Whipple, the head probably a bit on the small side for players in a 3- 10/17 KENT STATE coach’s son, does have some long term promise. 4 scheme. Senior Robert Kitching takes over as 10/24 TOLEDO The Minutemen also have one of the top wide the new starter at nose guard and he did a very 10/31 at Ball State receivers in the league in senior , good job off the bench last year while filling in at 11/7 AKRON all three spots. Redshirt frosh Jake Largay and who had to be so pleased to be working with a real 11/14 at Eastern Michigan quarterback after a couple of seasons with high Chris Carter bring badly-needed size and will be 11/21 MIAMI-OHIO school caliber QBs throwing his way. In ‘14, given every opportunity to earn key roles in ‘15. Sharpe caught a team-high 85 passes for 1,281 If there’s a strength on defense it is definitely at 11/27 at Buffalo yards and seven TDs. Fellow seniors Marken linebacker where three senior starters return and 2014 MASSACHUSETTS RESULTS 2015 MASSACHUSETTS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 8-4 O-U: 8-4) Offense A.30 BOST. COL. L +17 7-30 u47' QB Blake Frohnapfel (6-6, 240, Jr.) Austin Whipple (6-1, 205, So.) S.06 COLO. W +17' 38-41 o49' RB Shadrach Abrokwah (5-9, 205, Jr.) Lorenzo Woodley (6-1, 215, Jr.) S.13 Vanderbilt W +16 31-34 o46' WR Tajae Sharpe (6-3, 200, Sr.) Shakur Nesmith (6-5, 200, So.) S.20 Penn St. L +27 7-48 o47' WR Marken Michel (5-10, 185, Sr.) Elgin Long (5-10, 185, Sr.) WR Jalen Williams (6-4, 200, Sr.) Lamarriel Taylor (6-2, 185, Fr.) S.27 B. GREEN W +5' 42-47 o71' TE Rodney Mills (6-2, 220, Sr.) Brandon Howard (6-5, 265, Sr.) O.04 Miami-O. W +4 41-42 o58 FB Matt Tuleja (6-2, 260, Sr.) Jordan Fiske (6-3, 245, Fr.) O.11 Kent St. W +2 40-17 o56 C Matt Sparks (6-4, 300, Sr.) Josh Bruns (6-5, 305, Sr.) O.18 E. MICH. W -15 36-14 u63 LG Fabian Hoeller (6-3, 295, Jr.) Lukas Kolter (6-4, 325, So.) O.25 Toledo W +17' 35-42 o70' RG Michael Boland (6-7, 315, Jr.) Dimitri Angelas (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.12 BALL ST. W -3' 24-10 u65 LTTyrell Smith (6-5, 315, Jr.) Tyshon Henderson (6-7, 340, Jr.) N.18 Akron L +8 6-30 u47 RTElijah Wilkinson (6-5, 325, So.) Ryan Johnson (6-5, 320, Sr.) N.28 BUFFALO L +3 21-41 o55 PK Blake Lucas (5-9, 170, Sr.) Michael Caggiano (5-11, 165, Fr.) Defense DE Peter Angeh (6-2, 265, Jr.) Enock Asante (6-3, 270, Jr.) 2014 Massachusetts Final Stats DE Sha-Ki Holmes (6-4, 275, So.) Chris Carter (6-4, 280, Fr.) UMass Opp NG Robert Kitching (6-2, 310, Sr.) Jake Largay (6-6, 310, Fr.) Points per game 27 33 LB Kassan Messiah (6-4, 245, Sr.) DaSean Downey (6-5, 245, So.) LB Jovan Santos-Knox (6-2, 240, Sr.) Steve Casali (6-2, 235, So.) 1st Downs 267 281 LB Shane Huber (6-3, 250, So.) John Robinson-Woodgett (6-2, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 388 492 LB Trey Seals (6-4, 240, Sr.) Peter Ngobidi (6-2, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1312 2301 FS Khary Bailey-Smith (6-2, 195, Sr.) Charan Singh (6-2, 195, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.4 4.7 SS Joe Colton (5-10, 195, Sr.) Zeke Edmonds (6-1, 200, So.) Pass Comp 269 269 CB Randall Jette (5-11, 185, Sr.) Jesse Monteiro (5-11, 175, So.) Pass Att 492 442 CB Trey Dudley-Giles (5-11, 185, Sr.) Jordin Hamilton (5-9, 185, So.) NB Jackson Porter (6-1, 195, So.) Jaurice Jones (6-1, 190, Jr.) Pass Yds 3741 3069 P Logan Laurent (6-3, 210, So.) Jack Coveney (6-1, 180, Fr.) Had Int 13 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 421 448

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 81 scored a pair of long touchdowns. Off the bench, tackles and four sacks. Neither Franklin nor MAC East Division #5 vet Devin Campbell plays both wide receiver and Alozie will be an all-league type player, but they running back on third downs and he pitched in look to be the top performers on this defense in with 24 catches and four more TDs last season. At 2015. The MLB post is up for grabs, but we give BUFFALO tight end, vets Matt Weiser and the edge to former walk-on Nick Gilbo who is a (5-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 will again run one-two on the depth chart after slow but persistent run defender. Converted COACH: Lance Leipold Returning 43 combining for 25 receptions in 2014. safeties Brandon Berry and C.J. Stancil add depth STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Buffalo’s best offensive weapon is likely run- at linebacker along with seniors Kyril Threats and Defense 4 ning back Anthone Taylor, who exploded onto the Travis Pitzonka. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #109 scene a year ago with 282 carries for 1,403 yards The secondary could turn into a total disaster The Bulls were unable to duplicate their 2013 and 12 touchdowns. Taylor has the size, speed and this year as cornerback Boise Ross is the lone success as Buffalo struggled to a losing record power to be a dominant runner in a league like the returning regular, though former CB starter just one year after a breakout season. No one MAC where the linebackers are often a tad small. Marqus Baker will also try to bounce back from could blame a Buffalo offense which scored over Same goes for top notch backup Jordan Johnson injury. The situation at safety is a complete mys- 32 points per game, but the defense was awful and who ran for 361 yards off the bench a year ago tery once you get past soph Andrews Dadeboe. the kicking game was among the worst in the and like Taylor averaged a solid five yards per GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is entire nation. In fact, the Bulls’ kicking game def- carry. Vet Kendall Patterson takes over at the full- headed for another down year. The talent level initely cost this team at least a game or two which back position. on the roster took a major nosedive over the is the difference between a winning season and a There are some huge holes to fill on the offen- last two recruiting classes of the losing record. So Head Coach Jeff Quinn is out sive line and the new coaching staff will hope to Era and it will likely take two to three years and has been replaced by Lance Leipold, the rebuild around returning seniors John Kling and before Coach Leipold can hope to get things Division 3 legend who led Wisconsin-Whitewater Robert Blodgett who will again comprise the right fully turned around here at Buffalo. The Bulls to an amazing 109-6 record in his eight seasons at side of the blocking unit. Promising soph Brandon do have a pretty good quarterback in Joe that school! Manosalvas takes over at center, but both left side Licata and an excellent running back in Lost in last year’s losing season was the fact roles are almost completely up for grabs even Anthone Taylor, not to mention a few solid that veteran QB Joe Licata was absolutely bril- after spring drills. Seniors Dillon Guy and Todd wide receivers, but the blocking unit is very liant for a second consecutive year. Despite a cou- Therrien battle at left guard, while redshirt frosh weak and the entire defensive group is just ple critical Red Zone turnovers that hurt Buffalo a Matt Murphy competes with soph Albert McCoy lacking at every level. We feel Buffalo is almost year ago, Licata was terrific overall as he com- at the critical left tackle slot. certainly headed to a second consecutive losing pleted 224 of 345 passes for 2,647 yards and an The defensive gave up a scary number of big season in 2015. impressive 29 touchdowns against 11 intercep- plays last year and Coach Leipold will institute a 2015 Buffalo Schedule tions. And while Licata offers nothing as a runner, completely new scheme here in 2015 as Buffalo he is rarely sacked as he tends to get rid of the ball moves from an attacking 3-4 to a conservative 4- 9/5 ALBANY very quickly under pressure. Fellow senior Tony 3 formation. The problem is an alarming lack of 9/12 at Penn State Daniel returns as a steady backup, while the long proven performers up front as the only guy who 9/19 at Florida Atlantic inspires much confidence is junior Brandon term replacement here looks to be promising red- 9/26 NEVADA shirt frosh Chris Merchant. Crawford who was second on the team with just 10/3 BOWLING GREEN The Bulls lose a good veteran wideout in three sacks a year ago. Massive sophs Chris Ford Devon Hughes, but there’s still three proven per- and Xavier Davis add some interior size, but nei- 10/17 at Central Michigan formers here in the trio of Ron Willoughby, Jacob ther played very well in ‘14 so junior Max Perisse 10/24 OHIO U. Martinez and Marcus McGill. Willoughby was a may move inside this fall. Of the other defensive 10/29 at Miami-Ohio surprise star last year as he led the team with 50 ends on the roster, the only really good-looking 11/5 at Kent State young prospect is hard-working redshirt freshman catches for 771 yards and nine TDs, while soph 11/11 NORTHERN ILLINOIS Martinez added 28 grabs and three scores as a true Corey Henderson. 11/21 at Akron freshman slot receiver in 2014. Senior McGill At linebacker, the Bulls welcome back two vet- added another 22 receptions and showed home eran starters on the outside in Jarrett Franklin and 11/27 MASSACHUSETTS run ability as he averaged 16 yards per grab and Okezie Alozie, who a year ago combined for 98 2014 BUFFALO RESULTS 2015 BUFFALO DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-6 PSR: 5-6 O-U: 7-4) Offense A.30 DUQUESNE L -27' 38-28 o47' QB Joe Licata (6-2, 230, Sr.) Tony Daniel (6-5, 210, Sr.) S.06 Army L +3' 39-47 o52' TB Anthone Taylor (5-10, 210, Sr.) Jordan Johnson (6-0, 220, Jr.) S.12 BAYLOR L +33' 21-63 o69' FB Kendall Patterson (6-0, 245, Sr.) Glynn Molinich (5-11, 240, So.) S.20 NORFOLK W -24' 36-7 u43' WR Ron Willoughby (6-4, 200, Sr.) Malcolm Robinson (6-1, 200, Jr.) WR Jacob Martinez (6-2, 190, So.) Jamarl Eiland (5-10, 200, So.) S.27 MIAMI-O. W -7 35-27 o55 WR Marcus McGill (6-1, 225, Sr.) Devin Campbell (5-11, 205, Sr.) O.04 B. Green W +3' 35-36 u77 TE Matt Weiser (6-5, 245, Sr.) Mason Schreck (6-5, 250, Jr.) O.11 E. Mich. L -14' 27-37 o57 C Brandon Manosalvas (6-4, 310, So.) Skylar Hartley (6-1, 325, Fr.) O.25 C. MICH. L +5 14-20 u57 LG Dillon Guy (6-4, 335, Sr.) Todd Therrien (6-1, 285, Sr.) N.05 Ohio U L +4 14-37 u55' RG Robert Blodgett (6-5, 315, Sr.) Dan Collura (6-6, 295, Jr.) N.11 AKRON W +3' 55-24 o51 LT Matt Murphy (6-7, 305, Fr.) Albert McCoy (6-4, 290, So.) N.19 KENT ST. CANCELLED RT John Kling (6-7, 325, Sr.) Andy Fidler (6-6, 290, Fr.) PK Adam Mitcheson (6-1, 190, Fr.) Tyler Grassman (6-1, 195, Sr.) N.28 Mass. W -3 41-21 o55 Defense DE Brandon Crawford (6-2, 275, Jr.) Solomon Jackson (6-1, 240, So.) 2014 Buffalo Final Stats DE Corey Henderson (6-4, 270, Fr.) Randy Anyanwu (6-2, 235, Fr.) Buffalo Opp DT Max Perisse (6-4, 280, Jr.) (6-4, 275, So.) Points per game 32 32 DT Chris Ford (6-2, 315, So.) Xavier Davis (6-2, 305, So.) LB Jarrett Franklin (6-0, 220, Jr.) C.J. Stancil (5-11, 210, Jr.) 1st Downs 244 202 LB Nick Gilbo (6-1, 225, Sr.) Kyril Threats (6-2, 225, Sr.) Rush Att 443 451 LB Okezie Alozie (6-0, 220, Sr.) Brandon Berry (6-0, 210, Jr.) Rush Yards 1965 1927 FS Ryan Williamson (6-0, 185, So.) Houston Glass (6-0, 205, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.4 4.3 SS Andrews Dadeboe (6-1, 200, So.) William Rembert (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 235 149 CB Boise Ross (6-0, 185, Jr.) Terrance Wilson (5-9, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 367 295 CB Marqus Baker (5-10, 180, Sr.) Cameron Lewis (5-11, 170, Fr.) NB Brandon Williams (5-10, 170, Fr.) Jordan Collier (5-10, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 2855 2448 P Tyler Grassman (6-1, 195, Sr.) Adam Mitcheson (6-1, 190, Fr.) Had Int 12 2 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 438 398

82 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL veteran depth, but one new face to watch out for tackles and two sacks despite missing three full MAC East Division #6 is massive redshirt freshman Chris Hudson, who games and parts of two others due to injury. A is built like a defensive end but has nice hands and healthy Kern was second-team All-MAC in 2013. good ball skills. The new tight end figures to be Vet Josh Dooley will be the new third starter here MIAMI-OHIO soph Ryan Smith who posted just three catches off this year and there’s also some decent depth in the (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 13 the bench a year ago. LB corps. COACH: Chuck Martin Returning 39 There are major question marks at running In the secondary, Miami has two solid safeties STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 back where the most experienced performer is in Heath Harding and Brison Burris, plus lanky Defense 8 junior Spencer McInnis who a year ago ran for cornerback Marshall Taylor is also back for GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #119 just 246 yards and averaged well under four yards another year of action. Harding was a surprise Usually a 2-10 record isn’t reason for much per carry. With no impressive veterans here, starter last season and responded with a team-best celebration, but last year’s Miami squad had a lot Coach Martin may take a very long look at red- 98 tackles and two interceptions, while former to be excited about as they were very quietly one shirt freshmen Alonzo Smith and Kenny Young, regular Burris sat out all of last year due to injury. of the most improved teams in the country. Back not to mention true frosh newcomers Maurice There’s strong depth at safety led by Jay Mastin in 2013, the Red Hawks were arguably the worst Thomas and Leonard Ross. and Tony Reid, but after incumbent regular Taylor team in the nation, averaging a mere 226 yards Up front, the Red Hawks welcome back just the situation at cornerback remains a total mys- per game in total offense and scoring barely 10 two starters in left guard Trevan Brown and right tery heading into the 2015 campaign. points per contest! But under new Head Coach tackle Collin Buchanan, though projected center GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Red Chuck Martin, the Miami attack came to life and regular Brandyn Cook was actually a first stringer Hawks made quite a bit of progress last season the Red Hawks more than doubled their scoring back in 2013 before losing his job a year ago. as this team was far more competitive than it total in 2014 and nearly tripled their passing There are big shoes to fill at left tackle where the had been under the previous coaching staff. yardage from the previous season! But now departed Zach Lewis was really good as a pass But we feel Miami is going to plateau in 2015 as Coach Martin must replace exactly half of his blocker last season. Soph Zach Hovey and red- the loss of standout QB Andrew Hendrix will starting lineup, so making the same kind of leap in shirt freshman Jordan Rigg, a converted tight end, be very difficult to overcome, especially in light effectiveness in ‘15 will prove rather difficult. will get first crack at replacing Lewis this fall. The of the very modest talent at the offensive skill The Miami attack revolved entirely around two-deep is littered with untested vets and fresh- positions and the severe lack of proven block- quarterback Andrew Hendrix last year as the for- men so the blocking looks very rather suspect. ers up front. Defensively, this will be the best mer Notre Dame transfer threw for nearly 3,300 The defense should be much improved this team Miami has fielded in quite some time, but yards and also finished second on the team in year, especially up front where all four regulars that won’t be enough to carry this team to any- rushing. With Hendrix gone and former top back- are back including the talented outside duo of thing more than two or three victories in ‘15. up Austin Gearing moving to defensive end this Bryson Albright and J’Terius Jones. In 2014, 2015 Miami-Ohio Schedule year, there are HUGE worries at this position. At Albright racked up 55 tackles and a team-high six the moment, senior Drew Kummer is probably QB sacks, while Jones wasn’t far behind with 50 9/5 PRESBYTERIAN slightly ahead of soph Tom Tupa Jr., but don’t stops and five sacks of his own. On the inside, 9/12 at Wisconsin count out redshirt freshman Gus Ragland or true incumbent regulars Jimmy Rousher and Mitch 9/19 CINCINNATI Winters don’t make a lot of plays and have only frosh recruit Billy Bahl. 9/26 at Western Kentucky This team best offensive area might be at wide adequate size as run stoppers. Sizeable sopho- 10/3 at Kent State receiver where returning starters Jared Murphy more Ikeem Allen is pushing for a starting role at and Rokeem Williams combined for 77 receptions defensive tackle, while depth on the outside is 10/10 at Ohio U. and seven TDs in 2014. Murphy is a solid posses- bolstered by the arrival of former QB Austin 10/17 NORTHERN ILLINOIS sion-type receiver, while Williams has showed the Gearing who was switched to defensive end in 10/24 at Western Michigan speed to get open deep as he averaged nearly 20 spring drills. 10/29 BUFFALO There’s no major talents at linebacker, but the yards per grab last season. The new third starting 11/7 EASTERN MICHIGAN wideout figures to be rising soph Sam Martin who Red Hawks do have some nice, hard-working 11/14 AKRON as a ‘14 frosh hauled in 22 balls for 321 yards and players here led by returning regulars Joe Donlan five scores while working off the bench. Letter and Kent Kern. Donlan picked up 77 tackles and 11/21 at Massachusetts winners Fred McRae and Alvonta Jenkins add three sacks a year ago, while Kern recorded 69 2014 MIAMI-OHIO RESULTS 2015 MIAMI-OHIO DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 7-4-1 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.30 MARSHALL W +24 27-42 o61 QB Drew Kummer (6-3, 210, Sr.) Tom Tupa Jr. (6-4, 220, So.) S.06 E. KENT'KY L -4' 10-17 u46' RB Spencer McInnis (5-9, 210, Jr.) Damon Washington (5-10, 190, So.) S.13 Mich. W +33 10-34 u52 WR Jared Murphy (5-10, 180, Jr.) Alvonta Jenkins (6-1, 210, Sr.) S.20 Cincinnati W +29 24-31 u61' WR Rokeem Williams (6-1, 205, Jr.) Chris Hudson (6-6, 255, Fr.) WR Sam Martin (6-3, 190, So.) Sam Shisso (6-5, 215, Jr.) S.27 Buffalo L +7 27-35 o55 WR Fred McRae (5-10, 180, Jr.) James Gardner (6-3, 200, Fr.) O.04 MASS. L -4 42-41 o58 TE Ryan Smith (6-4, 260, So.) Orlando David (6-3, 255, Sr.) O.11 Akron W +14' 19-29 u55 C Brandyn Cook (6-3, 305, Sr.) Mitch Palmer (6-4, 285, Fr.) O.18 N. Illinois W +13 41-51 o57 LG Trevan Brown (6-4, 310, Sr.) Randy Heideman (6-6, 305, So.) O.25 KENT ST. W -6 10-3 u53 RG Terry Davis (6-4, 290, Jr.) Sam Smith (6-4, 285, Fr.) N.01 W. MICH. L +6' 10-41 u56 LT Zach Hovey (6-5, 260, So.) Jordan Rigg (6-5, 265, Fr.) N.15 C. Mich. W +18' 27-34 o48' RTCollin Buchanan (6-5, 315, Jr.) Ryan Callen (6-5, 275, Jr.) PK Kaleb Patterson (5-10, 170, Sr.) Justin Martin (6-4, 230, Fr.) N.25 OHIO U P +3 21-24 u53 Defense DE J’Terius Jones (6-3, 250, Jr.) Austin Gearing (6-5, 220, Jr.) 2014 Miami-Ohio Final Stats DE Bryson Albright (6-5, 245, Sr.) Matt Smallbone (6-4, 235, So.) Miami-Ohio Opp DT Mitch Winters (6-5, 285, Sr.) A.J. Burdine (6-2, 285, Jr.) Points per game 22 32 DT Jimmy Rousher (6-2, 290, Jr.) Ikeem Allen (6-1, 305, So.) LB Joe Donlan (6-0, 230, Sr.) Grant Niemiec (6-0, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 246 278 LB Kent Kern (6-1, 240, Sr.) Nate Gerbus (6-1, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 358 472 LB Josh Dooley (6-0, 230, Sr.) Zach Smerciak (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Yards 1171 2399 FS Heath Harding (5-10, 185, Jr.) Tony Reid (6-1, 195, So.) Avg Rush 3.3 5.1 SS Brison Burris (5-11, 190, Sr.) Jay Mastin (6-2, 215, Jr.) Pass Comp 226 242 CB Marshall Taylor (6-3, 200, Jr.) Falon Lee (5-9, 185, Jr.) Pass Att 468 392 CB Bert Birdsall (5-11, 165, So.) Kelvin Cook (5-10, 180, Fr.) NB Buchi Okafor (6-1, 200, Jr.) Joshua Allen (6-0, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 3333 2812 P Christian Koch (6-0, 180, Sr.) Justin Martin (6-4, 230, Fr.) Had Int 10 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 375 434

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 83 receptions off the bench last year and they will vie last year due to injury. MAC East Division #7 for larger roles in 2015, while other players who There’s not much to like about the Kent State expect to be a factor as pass catchers this year roster, but this team does have some solid talent include Charles Chandler, redshirt freshman and depth at the linebacker position. Incumbent KENT STATE Johnny Woods and West Virginia transfer Connor starters Matt Dellinger and Elcee Refuge com- (2-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 Arlia. Junior Brice Fackler takes over as the new bined for 147 tackles despite often giving way to COACH: Paul Haynes Returning 44 starting tight end. their backups a year ago. And there’s superb depth STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 The ground attack was highly unproductive here led by the letter-winning trio of Darius Defense 7 last season as Kent State failed to record even Redmond, DeVante Strickland and Marques GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #121 1,000 yards as a team in 2014. The blocking up Moore. Kent State has been a VERY tough place for front was awful, but it also really hurt when bat- The secondary is a mixed bag as the Golden coaches to win over the past 40-plus years, ever tering ram runner Trayion Durham went down Flashes have two of the better safeties in the since the legendary Don James took off for with a season-ending injury before he even car- league in the duo of and Jordan Washington and closed out his Hall of Fame ried the ball once. Durham ran for over 2,000 Italiano, but the play at cornerback has been truly career. But in 2012, this school had a shocking combined yards over the previous two seasons so dreadful over the last two seasons. Holley was a breakout year and made it all the way to the MAC if he can come back at 100 percent it would be a human tackle machine last year as he easily led title game. And then-Head Coach Darrell Hazell big lift for this club. With Durham out, the much the club with a whopping 137 tackles, while parlayed that one season into the head job at smaller Nick Holley served as the starter and he Italiano added 96 tackles and a team-best three Purdue where he has predictably taken a weak ran for just 516 yards and three TDs. Kent State interceptions. Redshirt frosh Erik Simpson won program and made it worse! But Kent State has has also added a very promising true frosh run- the third safety job this spring and he’s a nice- completely collapsed the past two seasons under ning back in P.J. Simmons who turned down some looking prospect. At cornerback, former Ohio current Head Coach Paul Haynes as the Golden SEC and ACC schools to play here! State transfer Najee Murray was shockingly bad Flashes have won just six games combined over Four starters return up front so hopefully the last year and soph Demetrius Monday was simply the two years of the Haynes Era. And things do blocking will get better in 2015. Still, the only too raw to get the job done properly as a 2014 NOT figure to get any better in 2015. senior in the starting lineup is likely to be guard freshman. Several true freshmen will get a look With virtually no ground game to fall back on Anthony Pruitt who is the one new face in the this season. last year, starting quarterback Colin Reardon was starting five. If there’s a strength here, it’s on the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: It will be often a sitting duck for blitzers as he dropped back left side where Wayne Scott and Reno Reda have another long season at Kent State. The defense to pass far too often in obvious passing situations. been starting since early in their freshmen sea- is bad and the offense is worse. This team will Overall, Reardon completed 228 of 400 passes sons. The other incumbent regulars are center be lucky to avoid the league basement. (57%) for 2,466 yards and 14 TDs against an ugly Alex Nielsen and right tackle Brock Macaulay, 2015 Kent State Schedule 16 interceptions. Reardon has shown some talent, while the top O-line subs look to be Nathan but he has also shown an inability to throw the Puthoff and Tad . 9/4 at Illinois ball deep and he makes a lot of mistakes even for The defensive line is a problem and the lack of 9/12 DELAWARE STATE a guy who was under constant pressure last sea- a pass rush last year bordered on ludicrous. As a 9/19 at Minnesota team, Kent State had exactly SIX sacks last sea- son. Soph Nathan Strock was a big recruit, but he 9/26 MARSHALL looked awful as the second string QB last year. son and not ONE of them came from the defen- 10/3 MIAMI-OHIO Kent State lost two superb pass catchers to sive linemen! The new defensive ends will need graduation in wideout Chris Humphrey and All- to do better, but we have seen nothing in the past 10/10 at Toledo MAC tight end Casey Pierce, so the job for QB from guys like Terrence Waugh, Clay Miller and 10/17 at Massachusetts Reardon gets even harder this year. Soph Kris Matthew Sommers to suggest that they can pro- 10/24 BOWLING GREEN White is the top returning wideout with 25 catch- vide any outside pressure. JUCO transfer Anthony 11/5 BUFFALO Johnson may provide some help at defensive end, es last year but nary a single touchdown. Speedy 11/10 at Ohio U. junior Ernest Calhoun picked up 33 catches as the while the starting tackles will again be vet Nate 11/18 CENTRAL MICHIGAN starting slotback, but did not provide the rushing Terhune and soph Jon Cunningham, neither of threat that he had in the past. Lettermen James whom did much a year ago. Former DT regular 11/27 at Akron Brooks and Josh Boyle combined for another 37 Chris Fairchild is also back after missing all of 2014 KENT STATE RESULTS 2015 KENT STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-9 PSR: 5-6 O-U: 5-6) Offense A.30 OHIO U L -2' 14-17 u47' QB Colin Reardon (6-1, 220, Jr.) Nathan Strock (6-2, 185, So.) S.06 S. ALABAMA L +2' 13-23 u52 RB Trayion Durham (6-1, 250, Sr.) Nick Holley (5-10, 200, Sr.) S.13 Ohio St. L +31' 0-66 o48' SB Ernest Calhoun (5-6, 155, Jr.) Connor Arlia (5-9, 185, Sr.) S.27 Virginia L +26' 13-45 o45 WR Kris White (6-1, 210, So.) Josh Boyle (5-9, 175, Sr.) WR James Brooks (5-9, 200, Jr.) Johnny Woods (6-3, 205, Fr.) O.04 N. Illinois W +24' 14-17 u59 WR Charles Chandler (6-2, 200, Jr.) Antwan Dixon (5-8, 170, Fr.) O.11 MASS. L -2 17-40 o56 TE Brice Fackler (6-3, 245, Jr.) Kyle Payton (6-3, 250, Sr.) O.18 ARMY W +3' 39-17 o51' C Alex Nielsen (6-4, 310, Jr.) Nathan Puthoff (6-4, 300, So.) O.25 Miami-O. L +6 3-10 u53 LG Wayne Scott (6-3, 305, Jr.) Jim Katusha (6-5, 290, Sr.) N.04 TOLEDO W +13' 20-30 u57' RG Anthony Pruitt (6-2, 300, Sr.) Tad France (6-4, 290, Jr.) N.12 B. Green W +14 20-30 u54' LTReno Reda (6-6, 295, Jr.) Jake Witucki (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.19 Buffalo CANCELLED RTBrock Macaulay (6-5, 290, So.) Stefano Millin (6-5, 285, Fr.) PK Anthony Melchiori (5-11, 190, Sr.) Brad Miller (5-10, 205, Jr.) N.28 AKRON W +3' 27-24 o41' Defense DE Terrence Waugh (6-1, 260, Jr.) Anthony Johnson (6-5, 245, So.) 2014 Kent State Final Stats DE Matthew Sommers (6-2, 245, So.) Clay Miller (6-4, 275, Sr.) Kent State Opp DT Jon Cunningham (6-0, 295, So.) Chris Fairchild (6-2, 320, Jr.) Points per game 16 29 DT Nate Terhune (6-4, 275, Sr.) Jontey Byrd (5-10, 275, So.) LB Matt Dellinger (6-1, 230, Sr.) DeVante Strickland (6-1, 240, Sr.) 1st Downs 198 241 LB Elcee Refuge (5-9, 230, Jr.) Darius Redmond (6-0, 215, Jr.) Rush Att 277 492 NS Erik Simpson (5-11, 180, Fr.) Kevin Bourne (5-10, 195, So.) Rush Yards 901 2354 NS Nate Holley (5-11, 200, Jr.) Juantez McRae (5-11, 175, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.3 4.8 NS Jordan Italiano (5-10, 210, Sr.) Nick Cuthbert (6-0, 215, Jr.) Pass Comp 244 188 CB Demetrius Monday (5-10, 200, So.) Jimmy May (6-2, 175, Sr.) Pass Att 442 331 CB Najee Murray (5-9, 180, Jr.) Carlos Pickett (5-11, 185, Fr.) NB Marcus Elliott (6-1, 200, So.) Matt Bahr (6-1, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 2570 2379 P Anthony Melchiori (5-11, 190, Sr.) Shane Hynes (5-10, 170, Fr.) Had Int 17 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 316 430

84 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL speedy soph added 32 more catch- starting just eight games. Oft-injured veterans MAC West Division #1 es off the bench in ‘14. There has been talk of JaKevin Jackson and Austin Lewis return from moving the athletic Phillips to cornerback where injury to give the LB corps a further boost this the Broncos definitely need help, and this switch season, plus sophs Lucas Cherocci and Caleb WESTERN MICH. will be more likely to take place if former starter Bailey add further depth here. (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 12 Timmy Keith is fully back from an injury which The big worry on defense is definitely in the COACH: P.J. Fleck Returning 43 forced him to miss all of last season. Solid senior secondary where the Broncos have two solid STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 Eric Boyden will again be the starter at tight end. proven performers in safety Rontavious Atkins Defense 7 This program struck gold at running back last and cornerback Ronald Zamort, but there are con- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #50 season as true freshman Jarvion Franklin immedi- cerns at the other key spots. Sophs Asantay Perhaps no head coach in the nation has done a ately emerged as one of the top players in the Brown and Deontae Brown (not related) will help better job over the past two years than young P.J. MAC. The physically powerful Franklin was a at safety, as will Notre Dame transfer Justin Fleck has done here at Western Michigan! When workhorse for the Broncos as he carried the ball Ferguson, but there are few answers at cornerback Fleck took over, the roster was almost completely 306 times for 1,551 yards and an amazing 24 beyond Zamort who paced the club with four devoid of talent and the result was a 1-11 disaster touchdowns as he was clearly one of the ten best interceptions a season ago. Based on spring drills, that hurt Bronco fans to the core. But Coach Fleck true freshmen in the country in 2014. Speedy it looks like redshirted JUCO transfer Tyree enjoyed unprecedented success on the recruiting junior Fabian Johnson is the top returning backup Stone-Davis will be the other starting CB, but trail as he convinced a plethora of 3-Star athletes here and a change of pace option, but he could be Coach Fleck will also look closely at true frosh to come play at this tiny school. The result last jumped over by redshirt freshmen Leo Ekwoge defensive backs like Justin Spencer, Davontae year was eight wins and a spot in the MAC title and Jamauri Bogan. Ginwright and Justin Tranquill. game. And though the Broncos closed the season The O-line will feature two of the top offensive GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The non- with two losses, the future here is looking very tackles in the league in and Taylor league schedule is a lot tougher this year as bright indeed! Moton, plus guard James Kristof is a third return- Purdue and Idaho have been replaced by Big Starting quarterback Zach Terrell was one of ing regular here. Soph Chukwuma Okorafor takes Ten powers Michigan State and Ohio State! the most improved players in the MAC last year over at the vacant guard slot, while the new cen- But the Broncos are loaded up to make a seri- as he completed 15 percent more of his attempts ter will be either solid vet Jackson Day or promis- ous run at the MAC Championship this year. and more than doubled his touchdown total! ing true frosh recruit John Keenoy who looked The talent level on both sides of the ball has Overall, Terrell completed 250 of 368 passes shockingly good when he arrived on campus a been on a dramatic rise and this club should (68%!) for 3,443 yards and 26 TDs against just 10 semester early. easily post a second straight winning record interceptions, plus he even ran for 264 yards and The Western Michigan defense was a step and get back to a solid bowl game. three more scores. While Terrell is locked in as behind the offense a year ago, but the front seven 2015 Western Michigan Schedule the starter here, the Broncos came out of spring should be much improved this time around. Up drills uncertain as to their #2 QB as redshirt frosh front, three starters are back including undersized 9/4 MICHIGAN STATE Chance Stewart was still battling soph Cameron tackle Cleveland Smith who led the club with 5.5 9/12 at Georgia Southern Thomas. QB sacks a year ago. Smith’s new DT partner will 9/19 MURRAY STATE be one of two returning lettermen, either David Western Michigan is in great shape in the 9/26 at Ohio State receiving corps as all three starting wideouts and Curle or Nick Matich. The Broncos have four 10/10 CENTRAL MICHIGAN their tight end return. The best of this bunch is solid proven performers at defensive end in the junior wideout Corey Davis, who was All-MAC a quartet of Jarrell McKinney, Nathan Braster, 10/17 at Ohio U. year ago when he hauled in 78 passes for an Andre Turner and . 10/24 MIAMI-OHIO impressive 1,408 yards and an eye-opening 15 At linebacker, this club found a surprise star 10/29 at Eastern Michigan touchdowns! And while Davis is a superstar, it last year in middle man Grant DePalma, a former 11/5 BALL STATE walk-on who pretty much came out of nowhere to was actually slot man who led 11/11 BOWLING GREEN this team with 86 catches a year ago which he car- record 102 tackles and three sacks. The Broncos 11/18 at Northern Illinois ried for 997 yards and six TDs. Solid senior also have a rising star at outside linebacker in Kendrick Roberts is the third incumbent WR and soph , who came in as a ‘14 frosh 11/27 at Toledo he added 32 grabs for 479 yards a year ago, plus and racked up 67 tackles and four sacks despite 2014 WESTERN MICHIGAN RESULTS 2015 WESTERN MICHIGAN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 11-2 O-U: 6-6-1) Offense A.30 Purdue W +10 34-43 o52' QB Zach Terrell (6-1, 210, Jr.) Chance Stewart (6-5, 220, Fr.) S.13 Idaho W +2' 45-33 o59' RB Jarvion Franklin (6-1, 220, So.) Fabian Johnson (5-7, 195, Jr.) S.20 MURRAY ST. W -15 45-14 u72 WR Corey Davis (6-2, 205, Jr.) Michael Henry (5-10, 175, Jr.) S.27 Virginia Tech W +21 17-35 p52 WR Daniel Braverman (5-10, 165, Jr.) Darius Phillips (5-10, 180, So.) O.04 TOLEDO W +5' 19-20 u64' WR Kendrick Roberts (6-3, 205, Sr.) Javonte Seabury (5-9, 170, Fr.) O.11 Ball St. W +1' 42-38 o54' WR Timmy Keith (6-0, 205, Sr.) Kadeem Goulbourne (6-4, 200, Fr.) O.18 B. Green W +2' 26-14 u69 TE Eric Boyden (6-4, 245, Sr.) Lucas Bezerra (6-4, 245, So.) O.25 OHIO U W -9' 42-21 o52 C John Keenoy (6-3, 285, Fr.) Jackson Day (6-3, 295, Jr.) N.01 Miami-O. W -6' 41-10 u56 LG James Kristof (6-3, 300, Sr.) Zach Novoselsky (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.15 E. MICH. W -27 51-7 o56' RG Chukwuma Okorafor (6-6, 310, So.) Curtis Doyle (6-5, 305, So.) N.22 C. Mich. W +1 32-20 u52' LTWillie Beavers (6-4, 310, Sr.) John Jackson (6-2, 320, Sr.) N.28 N. ILLINOIS L -7' 21-31 u58' RTTaylor Moton (6-5, 295, Jr.) Wesley French (6-5, 290, Fr.) PK Andrew Haldeman (5-10, 180, Sr.) Brett Scanlon (6-0, 205, Jr.) D.20 Air Force L -1' 24-38 o59 Defense DE Jarrell McKinney (6-4, 240, Sr.) Andre Turner (6-4, 250, So.) 2014 Western Michigan Final Stats DE Nathan Braster (6-5, 260, So.) Keion Adams (6-2, 260, Jr.) Western Mich. Opp DT Cleveland Smith (6-1, 265, Sr.) Jamar Simpkins (6-2, 280, Jr.) Points per game 34 25 DT David Curle (6-2, 295, Jr.) Nick Matich (6-2, 285, So.) LB Robert Spillane (6-2, 230, So.) Lucas Cherocci (5-11, 220, So.) 1st Downs 269 246 LB Grant DePalma (5-9, 225, Sr.) Austin Lewis (6-3, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 503 470 LB JaKevin Jackson (6-2, 225, Sr.) Caleb Bailey (6-0, 235, So.) Rush Yards 2221 1996 FS Asantay Brown (6-0, 200, So.) Justin Ferguson (6-2, 190, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.4 4.2 SS Rontavious Atkins (6-0, 205, Sr.) Deontae Brown (6-1, 195, So.) Pass Comp 253 222 CB Ronald Zamort (5-10, 170, Sr.) Justin Tranquill (5-10, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 372 412 CB Tyree Stone-Davis (6-3, 200, Jr.) Antoine Stone (5-11, 180, Fr.) NB Justin Spencer (5-8, 190, Fr.) Davontae Ginwright (6-2, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 3475 2829 P (6-0, 205, Sr.) Derrick Mitchell (6-2, 205, Fr.) Had Int 10 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 438 371

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 85 letter winners Chad Beebe and Ezra Saffold also middle man Mays added 77 stops and 10 hits for MAC West Division #2 return, plus NIU has added two outstanding true minus yardage. Folliard had 65 tackles and 3.5 frosh wideouts who may see immediate playing QB sacks off the bench last year and could be time in the duo of Spencer Tears and Steven Lee. headed for a breakout season. There’s also a lot of NO. ILLINOIS At tight end, the new starter is Desroy Maxwell quality depth at linebacker. (11-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 who saw extensive playing time off the bench a In the secondary, cornerbacks Paris Logan and COACH: Rod Carey Returning 49 year ago. Anthony Brooks should be much improved after STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 The Huskies lose a star running back in Cam taking some lumps as the starting CBs in 2014. Defense 8 Stingily, but they have another potential standout Logan made a lot of tackles (77) but his pass cov- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #53 in junior Joel Bouagnon, a bruising runner who erage was often spotty, while Brooks kinda strug- Northern Illinois racked up yet another season racked up 655 yards rushing and five TDs off the gled as a tackler and a pass defender last season. of double digit victories in 2014 as the Huskies bench in 2014. Soph Jordan Huff looks like the Hard-hitting strong safety Marlon Moore led the picked up 11 wins and another league title. Every same kind of runner as the #2 man at this position, club with 99 tackles last year and he’s the defini- year it looks like this club is ready to slip from the but Coach Carey is also extremely high on true tive leader of this group, while the new free safe- MAC elite, but the Huskies continue to win virtu- frosh running backs like D.J. Brown, Marcus ty figures to be promising soph Brandon Mayes. ally ALL of the close games. Last year, these guys Jones and Quintin Hoosman. Watch out for talent- Another soph defensive back to keep a close eye won three league contests by a field goal, but the ed true freshman Daniel Crawford at either full- on is Albert Smalls who is a rare combination of Huskies were blown out in all three of their loss- back or tight end. size and speed, but who has yet to really “find es. Head Coach Rod Carey faces a tough rebuild- There are some serious question marks on the himself” as a player at this stage of his career. ing job on the offensive side of the ball this year, offensive line where Coach Carey will re-tool GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club but the Northern Illinois defense figures to be around returning senior starters Andrew Ness and could again contend for a league title, but there much improved in 2015. Aidan Conlon at center and left guard, respective- are more question marks on offense than there The Huskies played musical quarterbacks early ly. Battling for the three O-line vacancies are the has been in quite some time. The biggest worry last year before finally settling on junior Drew junior foursome of Levon Myers, Josh Ruka, is obviously on the offensive line where just two Hare, who had some bad moments, but overall Lincoln Howard and Ron Brown. But after those senior starters return and there is almost no turned in some really good numbers. Despite a four guys, it’s nothing but freshmen battling for real experience after these two guys. But the mid-season slump, Hare completed 194 of 326 spots on the two-deep so there are some major defense will be a LOT better this time around passes (60%) for 2,322 yards and 18 TDs against worries in this area. and that should mean another strong won-loss a mere TWO interceptions! And in addition to his The NIU defense had some problems a year record and a strong bid to repeat as league solid passing, Hare proved a better runner than ago, but with eight starters back this once-young champs. anyone expected as he carried the ball 159 times unit looks to be much improved in 2015. It will 2015 Northern Illinois Schedule for an even 900 yards and eight more scores! Vets definitely help that DT regulars William Lee and Anthony Maddie and Matt McIntosh earned Corey Thomas are a year older and a year wiser 9/5 UNLV early-season starts last year and they give NIU a after being so-so at best in 2014. Undersized end 9/12 MURRAY STATE pair of very experienced backups here. Perez Ford is an impact player who posted 57 9/19 at Ohio State tackles and five sacks a year ago, while NIU has Graduation claimed standout wideout DaRon 9/26 at Boston College Brown, but the Huskies do get back former All- other small but talented DEs like Cameron 10/3 at Central Michigan MAC pass catcher Tommylee Lewis who missed Clinton-Earl, Ladell Fleming and Austin Smaha. all but two games a year ago due to injury. The Senior vet Ben Compton is another key backup 10/10 BALL STATE undersized but explosive Lewis caught a team- D-liner who can play end or slide inside to tackle 10/17 at Miami-Ohio high 86 passes back in 2013 and he’s also a very on passing downs. 10/24 EASTERN MICHIGAN dangerous runner on reverses and other gimmick At linebacker, seniors Rasheen Lemon and 11/3 at Toledo Boomer Mays both put up big numbers a year ago plays. Sizeable senior is a 11/11 at Buffalo returning regular here and in ‘14 he caught 31 and they get a new LB partner in rising junior 11/18 WESTERN MICHIGAN passes for 445 yards and six TDs, while junior Sean Folliard who was quite good off the bench in Aregeros Turner added 37 receptions as a fre- ‘14. Lemon finished second on the team with 90 11/24 OHIO U. quently used sub last season. Small but talented tackles and added three sacks a year ago, while 2014 NORTHERN ILLINOIS RESULTS 2015 NORTHERN ILLINOIS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 11-3 PSR: 7-7 O-U: 5-9) Offense A.28 PRESBYTER'N W -40 55-3 u60 QB Drew Hare (6-1, 210, Jr.) Anthony Maddie (6-1, 205, Jr.) S.06 Northwestern W +7 23-15 u58' RB Joel Bouagnon (6-2, 225, Jr.) Jordan Huff (5-11, 220, So.) S.13 Unlv W -10 48-34 o61 WR Tommylee Lewis (5-7, 165, Sr.) Chad Beebe (5-9, 180, Jr.) S.20 Arkansas L +14 14-52 o65' WR Juwan Brescacin (6-4, 230, Sr.) Ezra Saffold (5-7, 165, So.) O.04 KENT ST. L -24' 17-14 u59 WR Aregeros Turner (5-11, 175, Jr.) Steven Lee (6-3, 220, Fr.) O.11 C. MICH. L -9 17-34 u57 TE Desroy Maxwell (6-2, 260, Sr.) Shane Wimann (6-4, 250, So.) O.18 MIAMI-O. L -13 51-41 o57 FB Daniel Crawford (6-1, 240, Fr.) Aaron Fischer (5-10, 225, Fr.) O.25 E. Mich. L -20 28-17 u61' C Andrew Ness (6-3, 300, Sr.) Dale Brown (6-3, 300, Fr.) N.05 Ball St. W -3 35-21 u62' LG Aidan Conlon (6-3, 305, Sr.) Ron Brown (6-3, 340, Jr.) N.11 TOLEDO L -4 27-24 u61 RG Josh Ruka (6-5, 305, Jr.) Nathan Veloz (6-4, 335, Fr.) N.18 Ohio U W -2' 21-14 u51' LT Levon Myers (6-5, 300, Jr.) Shane Evans (6-4, 300, Fr.) N.28 W. Mich. W +7' 31-21 u58' RT Lincoln Howard (6-5, 305, Jr.) (6-6, 310, Fr.) D.05 Bowling Green W -5' 51-17 o63' PK Christian Hagan (6-0, 180, So.) Josh Orne (6-0, 225, Jr.) D.23 Marshall L +9' 23-52 o67' Defense DE Perez Ford (6-0, 225, Sr.) Cameron Clinton-Earl (6-1, 255, Sr.) 2014 Northern Illinois Final Stats DE Ladell Fleming (6-0, 230, Jr.) Austin Smaha (6-1, 230, Jr.) No. Illinois Opp DT Corey Thomas (6-2, 310, Jr.) Ben Compton (6-4, 265, Sr.) Points per game 32 26 DT William Lee (6-2, 305, So.) Mario Jones (6-0, 285, Jr.) LB Rasheen Lemon (6-0, 220, Sr.) Bobby Jones (6-0, 220, So.) 1st Downs 319 304 LB Boomer Mays (6-0, 250, Sr.) Jamaal Payton (6-0, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 688 541 LB Sean Folliard (6-2, 230, Jr.) Renard Cheren (6-0, 220, Fr.) Rush Yards 3488 2284 FS Brandon Mayes (5-11, 190, So.) Mycial Allen (5-11, 200, So.) Avg Rush 5.1 4.2 SS Marlon Moore (5-9, 195, Sr.) Jackson Abresch (6-1, 200, So.) Pass Comp 229 265 CB Paris Logan (5-9, 190, Sr.) Mayomi Olootu (5-9, 180, So.) Pass Att 385 456 CB Anthony Brooks (5-11, 195, Jr.) Shawun Lurry (5-8, 175, So.) NB Albert Smalls (6-1, 200, So.) Deion Hallmon (5-10, 175, Fr.) Pass Yds 2689 3199 P Peter Deppe (6-1, 200, Fr.) Andrew Stark (5-10, 180, Fr.) Had Int 3 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 441 392

86 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL up, while soph Cody Thompson looked to be the JuWaun Woodley. Watch out for true frosh recruit MAC West Division #3 “mover” at wide receiver in spring drills. Also Chris Green who could surprise here. watch out for talented JUCO transfer Darrion The secondary was truly AWFUL in 2014 as Landry who turned down some SEC and Big Ten this unit gave up 292 yards per game through the TOLEDO schools to sign with Toledo! The Rockets also air and 37 touchdowns! The biggest problem (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 13 have two excellent tight ends in pass catcher Alex came at cornerback after long-time starters COACH: Matt Campbell Returning 47 Zmolik and run blocker Michael Roberts. Cheatham Norris and Cameron Cole went down STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 Toledo has an embarrassment of riches at the with season-ending injuries leaving the very Defense 8 running back position in the talented foursome of shaky Christian Dukes and Jordan Martin to hold GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #83 Kareem Hunt, Terry Swanson, Damion Jones- down the fort. Things should be a lot better on the Toledo has racked up five straight winning sea- Moore and Marc Remy, all of whom had at least corners this year if Norris and Cole can stay on sons and they’ve done so with a simple, old-fash- one game with 100 yards rushing a year ago! The the field. At safety, UAB transfer ioned formula that’s based on running the football star here, however, is definitely Hunt who explod- joins incumbent starters DeJuan Rogers and Chaz and shutting down the other team’s ground attack. ed onto the national scene in ‘14 with 1,631 yards Whittaker. And there’s also some decent depth at And while they have done this quite well over the rushing and 16 TDs while averaging an insane the safety spots. last five seasons, the Rockets have exactly ZERO eight yards per attempt! Swanson and Jones- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Toledo has league championships to show for their efforts. Moore combined for another 1,192 yards rushing enough offensive fire power to push their way And when you consider that Toledo has signed the and 12 more TDs and none of these guys averaged to the top of the MAC standings this year, but #1 ranked recruiting class in the MAC in each of less than 5.8 yards per carry! their entire season will be made or broken by the past six seasons, it’s time to start talking about Things are nowhere near as pleasant up front the development of the new offensive line and this program as an underachiever despite its con- where Coach Campbell faces the unenviable task the rebuilt secondary. If the new faces up front sistent success. of replacing ALL five offensive line regulars, perform well, the offense could put up some Coach Matt Campbell will have a big decision including two All-MAC picks. The addition of scary numbers. On defense, the Rockets are to make at quarterback this year as he has three Florida State transfer Ruben Carter and touted rock solid against the run, but the porous sec- potential starters to choose from in Phillip Ely, JUCO newcomer Sami Kassem will help a lot at ondary will need a healthy return by its former and Michael Julian, all of whom the guard posts, but the key will be the develop- cornerback regulars if Toledo’s pass defense is started at least one game a year ago. Ely began ment of projected tackle regulars to hold up against top notch competition. last year as the #1 guy and was playing very well and Mike Ebert. The center position is totally up While a sixth straight winning season looks to until going down with a season-ending knee for grabs and there’s really no telling how this be inevitable, league title contention is some- injury late in the second game of the year. Before blocking unit will hold up in 2015. what up in the air. getting hurt, Ely had completed 41 of 68 passes The defensive line was much improved last 2015 Toledo Schedule for 541 yards and four TDs with just one inter- year as the run defense held foes to just 116 yards ception. Woodside took over for most of the year per game on the ground and less than four yards 9/3 STONY BROOK and he too played pretty well as he connected on per carry. Toledo has four solid defensive tackles 9/12 at Arkansas 185 of 296 passes (63%) for 2,263 yards and 19 led by starters and Orion Jones 9/19 IOWA STATE who a year ago combined for 82 tackles and an TDs against eight interceptions. Lanky soph 9/26 ARKANSAS STATE Michael Julian also started a game last year and impressive 19.5 hits for minus yardage. On the 10/3 at Ball State hopes to make this a three-way battle this fall. We flanks, Allen Covington is solid and undersized give Ely a slight edge here. senior Trent Voss was an All-MAC choice in ‘14 10/10 KENT STATE Toledo welcomes back two talented and explo- after racking up 77 tackles and a whopping 15 hits 10/17 EASTERN MICHIGAN sive wide receivers in Alonzo Russell and Corey for negative yardage! 10/24 at Massachusetts Jones, both of whom could push for all-league Both starting linebackers are gone, but the 11/3 NORTHERN ILLINOIS Rockets do get back former LB regular Chase honors this season. The 6-4 Russell hauled in 51 11/10 at Central Michigan passes for 770 yards and a team-high eight TD Murdock who missed nearly all of last year due to 11/17 at Bowling Green catches, while the tiny Jones actually led the club injury. Junior Jaylen Coleman is the best bet to with 68 receptions for 842 yards and five scores. pair with Murdock at the two linebacker posts, but 11/27 WESTERN MICHIGAN Tiny speedster Kishon Wilcher is a proven back- he will be challenged by sophs Zach Quinn and 2014 TOLEDO RESULTS 2015 TOLEDO DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 5-7-1 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 N. HAMP. W -11' 54-20 o63' QB Phillip Ely (6-1, 205, Sr.) Logan Woodside (6-2, 210, Jr.) S.06 MISSOURI L +3' 24-49 o60' RB Kareem Hunt (6-0, 225, Jr.) Terry Swanson (5-9, 185, So.) S.12 Cincinnati L +10 34-58 o58 WR Alonzo Russell (6-4, 205, Sr.) Darrion Landry (6-3, 195, Jr.) S.20 BALL ST. L -14 34-23 u59' WR Corey Jones (5-9, 165, Jr.) Zach Rogers (6-2, 210, Sr.) S.27 C. MICH. W -13 42-28 o58' WR Cody Thompson (6-1, 195, So.) JonVea Johnson (6-0, 185, Fr.) O.04 W. Mich. L -5' 20-19 u64' WR Kishon Wilcher (5-7, 180, Sr.) Darryl Richards (6-3, 185, So.) O.11 Iowa St. L +3 30-37 o61' TE Alex Zmolik (6-5, 250, Sr.) Michael Roberts (6-4, 275, Jr.) O.25 MASS. L -17' 42-35 o70' C (6-6, 295, So.) Nate Jeppesen (6-3, 295, So.) N.04 Kent St. L -13' 30-20 u57' LG Ruben Carter (6-4, 310, Sr.) Bill Weber (6-4, 325, So.) N.11 N. Illinois W +4 24-27 u61 RG Sami Kassem (6-4, 320, Jr.) Paul Perschon (6-6, 310, Jr.) N.19 B. GREEN P -7 27-20 u56 LT Storm Norton (6-8, 310, Jr.) Alex Pfeiffer (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.28 E. Mich. W -23 52-16 o59' RT Mike Ebert (6-6, 290, Jr.) Brant Weiss (6-6, 275, So.) PK Sam Vucelich (5-11, 175, So.) Jameson Vest (5-10, 200, Fr.) J.04 Arkansas St. W -3' 63-44 o68' Defense DE Allen Covington (6-2, 275, Sr.) Keenen Gibbs (6-3, 265, Sr.) 2014 Toledo Final Stats DE Trent Voss (6-3, 225, Sr.) Tre James (6-1, 250, Sr.) Toledo Opp DT Orion Jones (6-2, 285, Sr.) Chris Collins (6-4, 295, Sr.) Points per game 37 31 DT Treyvon Hester (6-4, 305, Jr.) Marquise Moore (6-0, 300, Jr.) LB Chase Murdock (6-0, 225, Sr.) JaWuan Woodley (5-11, 230, So.) 1st Downs 321 283 LB Jaylen Coleman (6-0, 235, Jr.) Zach Quinn (6-3, 225, So.) Rush Att 576 431 NS DeJuan Rogers (6-1, 190, Jr.) Connery Swift (5-11, 210, Jr.) Rush Yards 3333 1511 NS Chaz Whittaker (6-2, 200, Sr.) Delando Johnson (6-2, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.8 3.5 NS Rolan Milligan (5-11, 185, Sr.) Bernard Rogers (5-11, 175, Fr.) Pass Comp 243 293 CB Cheatham Norris (6-0, 195, Sr.) Christian Dukes (5-9, 185, Sr.) Pass Att 397 481 CB Cameron Cole (6-0, 190, Sr.) Jordan Martin (6-2, 205, Jr.) NB Trevon Mathis (5-11, 175, So.) Juwan Haynes (6-0, 190, Sr.) Pass Yds 3044 3792 P Nick Ellis (5-11, 170, Jr.) Michael Julian (6-5, 215, So.) Had Int 9 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 491 408

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 87 tight end, both Dylan Curry and Sam Brunner overall stat sheet pretty well, while Ingle is more MAC West Division #4 have served as starters in the past, but Curry is the of a pure run defender who doesn’t make a lot of better pass receiver and will almost certainly be big plays. Undersized junior Aaron Taylor is also the #1 guy in 2015. back as the third starting linebacker, while Ball BALL STATE The ground attack loses long-time star Jahwan State also has strong depth in this area led by let- (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 Edwards which was expected, but it now looks termen Sean Wiggins and Avery Bailey. COACH: Pete Lembo Returning 48 like his talented backup Horactio Banks will also The secondary figures to be a weak link with STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 miss the 2015 campaign due to a serious knee just two starters back in cornerback Tyree Holder Defense 8 injury. That leaves lettermen Teddy Williamson and injury-plagued safety Martez Hester. Holder GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #94 and Darian Green battling for the starting running started all 12 games a year ago and did a decent As we predicted, the Cardinals took a major back job, though this could turn into a three-way job, while Hester made a lot of plays when he was step backwards in 2014 as they dropped from a battle with the fall arrival of highly-touted true on the field, though he was limited to just five 10-3 record to just 5-7 a year ago. The severe frosh recruit James Gilbert. Neither Williamson starts due to injuries. Soph safety Dedrick graduation losses made this almost inevitable, but nor Green was impressive this spring which could Cromartie and redshirt frosh cornerback Roy now with 18 total returning starters this year, it’s open the door for the promising Gilbert to take Denson will be expected to assume large roles this possible that Ball State could make a major move over immediately as the top rushing threat. fall, as will returning vets like Darius Conaway up the MAC ladder in 2015. But in order for that The offensive line did a decent job last season and David Moore. to happen, Head Coach Pete Lembo will need to and now all five starters are back from a group GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Ball State figure out how to tighten up a leaky run defense which allowed a mere 13 QB sacks in ‘14. That is should be an improved football team in 2015, which really hurt the Cardinals a year ago. a bit misleading since the Ball State offense is though there are still some fairly serious wor- Coach Lembo has a decision to make at quar- predicated on short, quick passing routes, but ries about the defensive side of the ball where terback where in 2014 the Cardinals had two dif- overall this is still a pretty decent unit led by the Cardinals were definitely pushed around a ferent players start six games apiece. Now both senior center Jacob Richard. Flanking Richard little last season. With 10 starters back on soph Jack Milas and junior Ozzie Mann return to will again be fellow seniors Jalen Schlachter and offense, it looks like the Ball State attack action after putting up very similar overall num- Jeremiah Harvey at guard, while the tackle posts should be a lot more productive than it was a bers in ‘14. When healthy, it appeared that Milas are occupied by incumbents Drake Miller and year ago which should yield a few more victo- was considered the starter and in six games, he Steven Bell. There’s also some decent veteran ries this time around. But while some form of completed 115 of 209 passes (55%) for 1,302 depth here, but the talent level overall is modest minor bowl invite is a real possibility, it seems yards and nine TDs against five interceptions, as no BSU O-liner was either first team or second unlikely that the Cardinals will emerge as a while Mann also started six contests, completing team all-conference in 2014. strong candidate for MAC supremacy in 2015. 116 of 197 attempts (59%) for 1,281 yards and 10 The defensive front wall got pushed around 2015 Ball State Schedule TDs against just two interceptions. But Milas is quite a bit in 2014 as Ball State posted just 16 QB definitely the more mobile of the two and based sacks and allowed enemy running backs to aver- 9/3 VMI on spring drills, we feel it’s his job to lose as the age nearly five yards per carry. The leaders up 9/12 at Texas A&M #1 QB this fall. front are seniors Darnell Smith (DT) and Michael 9/19 at Eastern Michigan Ayers (DE) who a year ago combined for 102 Ball State’s strongest offensive position is at 9/26 at Northwestern wide receiver where they have two of the better tackles and six sacks. Fellow seniors Keenan Noel 10/03 TOLEDO pass catchers in the MAC in senior vet Jordan and Osa Igbinosun will be the other D-line Williams and junior KeVonn Mabon. Last year, starters, but neither has been overly effective in 10/10 at Northern Illinois Williams hauled in 56 passes for 753 yards and the past. Cinicnnati transfer Joshua Posley brings 10/17 GEORGIA STATE six scores, while Mabon pitched in with a team- some promising depth to a D-line bench that also 10/24 CENTRAL MICHIGAN best 59 receptions for 717 yards and five more includes nose man Julian Jackson and several tal- 10/31 MASSACHUSETTS ented but raw sophomores. TDs. With better play at quarterback, these two 11/05 at Western Michigan could become major standouts for the Cardinals. If there is a strength on defense, it is likely at 11/17 at Ohio U. Also back are steady senior Chris Shillings and linebacker where Zack Ryan and Ben Ingle fin- tiny but explosive soph Corey Lacanaria, who a ished one-two on the team tackle charts in 2014. 11/24 BOWLING GREEN year ago combined for another 50 catches. At Ryan started all 12 games a year ago and filled the 2014 BALL STATE RESULTS 2015 BALL STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.30 COLGATE L -28 30-10 u61' QB Jack Milas (6-0, 215, So.) Ozzie Mann (6-1, 205, Jr.) S.06 Iowa W +18' 13-17 u52' RB Darian Green (5-8, 175, So.) Teddy Williamson (5-9, 190, Jr.) S.13 INDIANA ST. L -19 20-27 u51 WR KeVonn Mabon (6-1, 215, Jr.) Jordan Hogue (6-0, 175, So.) S.20 Toledo W +14 23-34 u59' WR Jordan Williams (6-2, 225, Sr.) Aaron Hepp (6-1, 185, Jr.) WR Chris Shillings (6-1, 210, Sr.) Efe Scott-Emuakpor (6-3, 205, Jr.) O.04 Army L +2' 24-33 u58' WR Corey Lacanaria (5-8, 170, So.) Cywettnie Brown (6-0, 160, Sr.) O.11 W. MICH. L -1' 38-42 o54' TE Dylan Curry (6-4, 260, Sr.) Sam Brunner (6-2, 250, Jr.) O.18 C. Mich. W +9' 32-29 o54 C Jacob Richard (6-1, 280, Sr.) Alex Joss (6-4, 295, Fr.) O.25 AKRON W +2' 35-21 o50 LG Jeremiah Harvey (6-1, 300, Sr.) Vinnie Palazeti (6-4, 305, So.) N.05 N. ILLINOIS L +3 21-35 u62' RG Jalen Schlachter (6-6, 320, Sr.) Malik King (6-3, 290, Fr.) N.12 Mass. L +3' 10-24 u65 LTDrake Miller (6-5, 300, Jr.) Ian Anderson (6-3, 285, Sr.) N.22 E. MICH. L -18 45-30 o53' RTSteven Bell (6-4, 290, Jr.) Nick Plavchak (6-5, 305, Sr.) PK Alex Egan (5-10, 215, So.) Steve Drida (6-0, 185, So.) N.28 B. Green W +10 41-24 o57' Defense DE Michael Ayers (6-1, 240, Sr.) Anthony Winbush (6-1, 225, So.) 2014 Ball State Final Stats DE Osa Igbinosun (6-1, 260, Sr.) Joshua Posley (6-1, 255, Jr.) Ball State Opp DT Darnell Smith (5-11, 275, Sr.) Kevin Willis (6-2, 295, So.) Points per game 28 27 DT Keenan Noel (6-1, 265, Sr.) Julian Jackson (6-1, 305, Sr.) LB Ben Ingle (6-0, 230, Sr.) Julian Boyd (6-1, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 244 266 LB Zack Ryan (5-10, 225, Jr.) Sean Wiggins (6-2, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 448 475 LB Aaron Taylor (5-11, 210, Jr.) Avery Bailey (6-0, 215, Sr.) Rush Yards 1841 2293 FS Martez Hester (6-2, 205, Jr.) Rontrell Payton (5-11, 185, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.1 4.8 SS Dedrick Cromartie (5-10, 185, So.) DaeShaun Hurley (6-0, 215, Jr.) Pass Comp 232 250 CB Tyree Holder (5-11, 170, Jr.) David Moore (5-9, 170, So.) Pass Att 409 402 CB Darius Conaway (6-0, 180, Jr.) Corey Hall (5-10, 185, Jr.) NB Roy Denson (6-0, 180, Fr.) Lamont McPhatter (5-10, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 2590 2853 P Kyle Schmidt (6-2, 225, Jr.) Alex Egan (5-10, 215, So.) Had Int 7 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 369 429

88 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL es off the bench in 2014 and now steps into a interior D-line spot next to Dean. MAC West Division #5 starting role, while the third wideout role figures The situation at linebacker is a bit of a mystery, to fall to one of three promising sophomores, though one job will almost certainly go to senior either Mark Chapman, Corey Willis or Eric Tim Hamilton who was productive off the bench CENTRAL MICH. Cooper. Watch out for true frosh newcomer in 2014 with 37 tackles. Lettermen Jeff Perry and (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 Brandon Childress, a standout high school QB Nathan Ricketts are the others with experience COACH: John Bonamego Returning 38 who will get a look at wide receiver this fall. At here, but other than that is strictly freshmen in the STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 tight end, senior Ben McCord has been a part- equation at linebacker. Defense 6 time starter the past two seasons and will be the There’s nice talent at the safety positions led by GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #100 main man in 2015. veterans and Tony Annese, but The Central Michigan program endured a very At running back, the Chippewas lose 1,000- there are major concerns at cornerback once you strange off-season when exciting young Head yard rusher Thomas Rawls but do bring back a get past steady senior Brandon Greer. Last year, Coach Dan Enos stunned fans and players alike quartet of experienced backups in the foursome of Annese finished second on the team with 74 tack- by resigning to take a “demotion” as the new Devon Spalding, Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore, les and tied Greer for the club lead with three Offensive Coordinator at Arkansas. While this Martez Walker and Saylor Lavalli. All four have interceptions. Soph Josh Cox will try to fill the came as a shocker to supporters of this program, logged significant action in the past, but the guy other CB role opposite Greer, but after that it’s it’s a really important statement about the state of we feel will turn into the #1 option in 2015 is tal- nothing but newcomers at cornerback including modern college football where the emphasis on ented soph Spalding who ran for 371 yards and JUCO transfer Ray Golden and true freshmen “Power” conferences has dramatically shifted the four scores off the bench as a true freshman last Renardo Pratt and DaQuaun Jamison. way things work. For example, Enos will make season. Walker is also talented but a little on the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Central FAR more money and gain a far better national small side, while Lavalli may see a lot of action as Michigan was a solid club last year and they profile as an Assistant at Arkansas than he did as a goal line runner. don’t figure to fall apart this time around, but the head man at Central Michigan. So the new Up front, three starters are back including All- we feel the Chippewas may take a modest step coach here is John Bonamego, a former CMU MAC center Nick Beamish, who is one of the top backwards in 2015. We like and player who has always said being the head coach players in the league this season. Fellow seniors the running backs, but there’s a lack of proven here was his absolute dream job. But then it was Ramadan Ahmeti and Kenny Rogers are decent pass catchers which will limit the offensive announced in June that Coach Bonamego was performers, while the two vacant O-line roles will effort. The defense should be pretty solid, but a diagnosed with Cancer, so it has been a very likely be filled by guard Connor Collins and tack- lack of talent and depth at cornerback could weird off-season for a team which is coming off a le Derek Edwards. Collins was a frosh starter in prove very harmful. A second straight winning fairly successful 2014 campaign. 2014 before losing his job a year ago, while soph record may prove elusive. Back to lead the Chippewas into battle is junior tackles Edwards and Jack Ford were both high 2015 Central Michigan Schedule QB Cooper Rush, who is coming off an up and profile recruits for Central Michigan. down year which finished with a flurry in a great The defensive effort was much improved last 9/3 OKLAHOMA STATE second half in CMU’s amazing comeback in their year, but if the Chippewas are to duplicate that 9/12 MONMOUTH bowl game. Overall, Rush completed 243 of 382 effort in 2015 they will need to replace two key 9/19 at Syracuse linebackers who have graduated since the end of passes (64%) for 3,157 yards and 27 touchdowns 9/26 at Michigan State against 13 interceptions, though he did absorb 28 2014. There’s a lot of talent up front where tackle 10/3 NORTHERN ILLINOIS sacks so his lack of mobility can be a problem at Jabari Dean is an anchor in the middle of the line times against pressure defenses. Junior Ryan and pass rushers Joe Ostman and Blake Serpa 10/10 at Western Michigan Lamb looks to be the new #2 quarterback in ‘15. cause enemy QBs a lot of headaches. Dean post- 10/17 BUFFALO BULLS Star wide receiver Titus Davis was lost to grad- ed a modest 30 tackles and six hits for minus 10/24 at Ball State uation as were two other key pass receivers, so the yardage in 2014, but his presence on the interior 10/31 at Akron Zips frees up others to make plays. Ostman and Serpa new coaching staff has some work to do in terms 10/10 TOLEDO of rebuilding the receiving corps. The lone return- made big plays all last season as they combined 11/18 at Kent State ing starter in this area is senior Jesse Kroll who a for 22.5 hits for negative yardage and tied for the year ago hauled in 36 passes for 582 yards and team lead with four sacks each. Massive junior 11/27 EASTERN MICHIGAN four scores. Junior Anthony Rice added 30 catch- Shafer Johnson is the best bet to claim the other 2014 CENTRAL MICHIGAN RESULTS 2015 CENTRAL MICHIGAN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 5-8) Offense A.28 CHATT. L -10' 20-16 u53' QB Cooper Rush (6-3, 220, Jr.) Ryan Lamb (6-4, 220, Jr.) S.06 Purdue W +3' 38-17 o53' RB Devon Spalding (5-11, 210, So.) Martez Walker (5-8, 185, Jr.) S.13 SYRACUSE L +6 3-40 u52 WR Jesse Kroll (6-3, 215, Sr.) Eric Cooper (5-11, 195, So.) S.20 Kansas L +4 10-24 u45 WR Anthony Rice (6-0, 185, Jr.) Brandon Childress (6-3, 200, Fr.) S.27 Toledo L +13 28-42 o58' WR Corey Willis (5-10, 170, So.) Winslow Chapman (6-0, 180, Jr.) O.04 OHIO U. W -4 28-10 u47 WR Mark Chapman (6-0, 180, So.) Jamil Sabbagh (5-11, 190, Fr.) O.11 N. Illinois W +9 34-17 u57 TE Ben McCord (6-4, 250, Sr.) Joe Bacci (6-1, 245, Jr.) O.18 BALL ST. L -9' 29-32 o54 C Nick Beamish (6-3, 310, Sr.) J.P. Quinn (6-4, 300, So.) O.25 Buffalo W -5 20-14 u57 LG Connor Collins (6-3, 300, Jr.) Austin Doan (6-4, 305, So.) N.01 E. Mich. W -14' 38-7 u48 RG Kenny Rogers (6-6, 295, Sr.) Shakir Carr (6-4, 310, Fr.) N.15 MIAMI-O. L -18' 34-27 o48' LTRamadan Ahmeti (6-7, 300, Sr.) Jack Ford (6-7, 300, So.) N.22 W. MICH. L -1 20-32 u52' RT Derek Edwards (6-5, 305, So.) Alex Coty (6-4, 305, So.) D.24 W. Kentucky W +3' 48-49 o67' PK Brian Eavey (6-2, 195, Jr.) Ron Coluzzi (5-11, 185, Jr.) Defense DE Joe Ostman (6-3, 250, Jr.) Louis Palmer (6-2, 285, Sr.) 2014 Central Michigan Final Stats DE Blake Serpa (6-3, 255, Sr.) Mitch Stanitzek (6-4, 245, So.) Central Mich. Opp DT Jabari Dean (6-2, 285, Jr.) Chris Kantzavelos (6-3, 275, So.) Points per game 27 25 DT Shafer Johnson (6-1, 345, Jr.) Kelby Latta (6-4, 320, Jr.) LB Tim Hamilton (6-1, 240, Sr.) Malik Fountain (6-2, 230, Fr.) 1st Downs 287 248 LB Nathan Ricketts (6-3, 240, Jr.) Jeff Perry (6-2, 235, So.) Rush Att 504 426 NS Kavon Frazier (6-0, 225, Sr.) Denzel Wimberly (5-10, 200, Sr.) Rush Yards 2018 1598 NS Tony Annese (6-1, 205, Jr.) Jordan Fields (5-11, 190, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.0 3.8 NS Tyree Waller (6-1, 220, So.) Colton Odykirk (6-2, 205, Sr.) Pass Comp 243 249 CB Brandon Greer (6-1, 200, Sr.) Amari Coleman (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Att 382 423 CB Josh Cox (5-11, 195, So.) DaQuaun Jamison (6-0, 185, Fr.) NB Ray Golden (6-1, 190, Jr.) Renardo Pratt (6-1, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 3157 3023 P Ron Coluzzi (5-11, 185, Jr.) Matt Mills (6-3, 185, Sr.) Had Int 13 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 398 356

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 89 ate help from redshirt freshman Lemar Harris and promising redshirt frosh Kyle Rachwal. MAC West Division #6 true frosh newcomers Kezio Snelling, Braylin Four of five starters must be replaced in the Collins and Isaac Holder. The new tight end looks secondary and the most experienced player here is to be junior Cole Gardner who posted just eight soph safety Jason Beck who has exactly eight EASTERN MICH. catches as the top reserve in 2014. career starts. Beck posted 86 tackles as a ‘14 (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 The ground game never really got it going last freshman, but his pass defense was average at COACH: Chris Creighton Returning 24 year and now Coach Creighton must replace his best. Junior DaQuan Pace started a few games at STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 top two running backs from the 2014 squad. The cornerback last year, otherwise the other returnees Defense 7 new #1 guy figures to be converted wide receiver here have been strictly bench players in the past. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #128 Darius Jackson, who played well after moving to That should open the door for a host of new faces, Year One of the Chris Creighton Era went pret- running back late last season as he averaged 4.8 including JUCO transfers Ikie Calderon and Juan ty much as we expected as Eastern Michigan won yards per carry on his 295 yards on the ground. Giraldo. True freshmen newcomers Jaylen Pickett just two games and continued a long streak of Redshirt freshman Shaq Vann and highly-touted and Brody Hoying could end up seeing a lot of ineptitude that has carried through several differ- true frosh recruit Breck Turner will try to push playing time at safety this fall. ent coaching staffs. The long-suffering Eastern Jackson for playing time here. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This Eagles Michigan fans were encouraged at times as the Up front, the Eagles need to replace three are headed for another VERY long season as Eagles did make fewer mistakes under Coach starters and the lack of proven players in this area this team is almost completely devoid of FBS Creighton than they had under the previous is downright alarming. Incumbent guard regulars caliber athletes. Quarterback Reginald Ball coaching staff, but the fact remains that the over- Andrew Wylie and Darien Terrell are a pair of does have some physical tools, but he is lacking all talent level at this program is shockingly weak decent but unspectacular juniors, while lettermen as a downfield passer and EMU’s lack of talent even by modest MAC standards. And while things Matt Thornton and Darian Miles add some further at wide receiver leaves him badly outgunned could get just a bit better this time around, it looks experience. Other than that, the rest of the two- every time he heads into battle. The running to be another long season in Ypsilanti! deep will be filled almost entirely of untested red- backs are raw, but there is talent here. But the Coach Creighton shocked everyone last year shirt freshmen and raw true frosh recruits. the blocking corps looks shaky at best, and by skipping over highly-touted quarterback The defensive line will be one of the most could prove to be downright awful. The picture Brogan Roback and naming athletic, but painful- experienced positions on the team as the Eagles is not much better on defense where this team ly raw freshman Reginald Bell as the starter. Bell bring back all three starters and three other fairly should be improved against the run, but will did not play well and at different points in 2014 he experienced lettermen. The main man up front is really struggle in pass coverage. It’s hard to lost the starting job to the now-departed Rob end Pat O’Connor who is coming off a huge imagine Eastern Michigan winning any more Bolden and also the aforementioned Roback. But breakout season in which he easily led the Eagles than two or three games this season. overall, Bell definitely put up the best numbers of with 7.5 QB sacks and 14 hits for negative 2015 Eastern Michigan Schedule the three as he completed 105 of 184 passes yardage. O’Connor actually had more sacks than (57%) for 1,297 yards and nine TDs against six the rest of this team combined in 2014! The other 9/5 OLD DOMINION interceptions, while also rushing for a team-high returning regulars along the D-line are nose man 9/12 at Wyoming 562 yards and four more scores. In spring drills, Mike Brown and soph end Jeremiah Harris. And 9/19 BALL STATE there’s decent depth here as well. Bell was again the clear #1 over the taller and 9/26 ARMY strong-armed Roback who completed 21 of 41 The Eagles have another semi-standout at line- 10/3 at LSU tosses in limited duty a year ago. backer in senior Great Ibe who led the club with The Eagles didn’t complete a lot of passes last 133 tackles a year ago. Ibe lacks ideal size and he 10/10 AKRON year as senior wideout Dustin Creel led all EMU makes a lot of stops several yards down field, 10/17 at Toledo wide receivers with a mere 24 receptions in ‘14. though he did post 11 hits for minus yardage so he 10/24 at Northern Illinois Creel and fellow senior Kris Strange return as makes some big plays. Fellow senior Hunter Matt 10/29 WESTERN MICHIGAN is another returning linebacker in the odd 3-3-5 starters here, but their production was really low 11/7 at Miami-Ohio last season so the EMU coaches are hoping for big defensive scheme, while the third and final 11/14 MASSACHUSETTS things from Indiana transfer Kevin Davis. The incumbent starting LB is Anthony Zappone who only other returning letterman here is soph Austin registered 90 tackles of his own in 2014. While 11/27 at Central Michigan Stone, so Eastern Michigan will look for immedi- there’s decent veteran depth, watch out for 2014 EASTERN MICHIGAN RESULTS 2015 EASTERN MICHIGAN DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 4-7-1 O-U: 6-5) Offense A.30 MORGAN ST. L -16' 31-28 NL QB Reginald Bell (6-3, 190, So.) Brogan Roback (6-3, 205, Jr.) S.06 Florida L +40 0-65 o55' RB Darius Jackson (6-0, 220, Sr.) Breck Turner (6-0, 195, Fr.) S.13 Old Dominion W +19 3-17 u72' WR Dustin Creel (6-2, 205, Sr.) Lemar Harris (6-2, 185, Fr.) S.20 Mich. St. L +44' 14-73 o52' WR Kris Strange (5-11, 185, Sr.) Kezio Snelling (6-0, 185, Fr.) WR Kevin Davis (5-11, 190, Jr.) Braylin Collins (6-1, 175, Fr.) O.04 Akron P +25 6-31 u50 WR Austin Stone (5-11, 195, So.) Isaac Holder (5-11, 175, Fr.) O.11 BUFFALO W +14' 37-27 o57 TE Cole Gardner (6-5, 255, Jr.) Cody Tuttle (6-3, 230, Jr.) O.18 Mass. L +15 14-36 u63 C Darian Miles (6-2, 280, Sr.) Jake Hurcombe (6-1, 295, Jr.) O.25 N. ILLINOIS W +20 17-28 u61' LG Andrew Wylie (6-6, 315, Jr.) Chris Hendricks (6-5, 280, Fr.) N.01 C. MICH. L +14' 7-38 u48 RG Darien Terrell (6-4, 325, Jr.) Dustin Cole (6-3, 290, So.) N.15 W. Mich. L +27 7-51 o56' LT KaJohn Armstrong (6-4, 280, Fr.) Jeremy Hickey (6-5, 290, Fr.) N.22 Ball St. W +18 30-45 o53' RT Matt Thornton (6-4, 305, Jr.) Dakota Tallman (6-5, 305, Fr.) PK Dylan Mulder (6-0, 190, Sr.) Brendan Renius (6-1, 230, Jr.) N.28 TOLEDO L +23 16-52 o59' Defense DE Pat O’Connor (6-4, 265, Sr.) Aaron Pipkins (6-1, 260, Sr.) 2014 Eastern Michigan Final Stats DE Jeremiah Harris (6-5, 250, So.) Deshai Powell (6-2, 275, So.) Eastern Mich. Opp NG Mike Brown (6-2, 280, Jr.) Derrick Dunlap (6-0, 280, So.) Points per game 15 41 LB Hunter Matt (6-0, 235, Sr.) Nathan Adams (6-1, 225, Jr.) LB Great Ibe (6-0, 215, Sr.) Amos Houston (6-0, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 189 279 LB Anthony Zappone (6-2, 240, Jr.) Kyle Rachwal (6-3, 220, Fr.) Rush Att 459 513 NS Jalen Williams (5-10, 205, Sr.) Brody Hoying (5-11, 185, Fr.) Rush Yards 1654 2687 NS Jason Beck (6-1, 200, So.) Jaylen Pickett (6-0, 195, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.6 5.2 NS Juan Giraldo (5-11, 195, So.) Brandon Bossard (6-2, 210, So.) Pass Comp 167 247 CB DaQuan Pace (5-10, 165, Jr.) Tyrie Mack (5-11, 175, So.) Pass Att 320 374 CB Ray Tillman (5-11, 195, Sr.) Ross Williams (5-11, 170, Fr.) NB Ikie Calderon (5-9, 180, Jr.) Tim Gordon (5-11, 175, Fr.) Pass Yds 1821 3298 P Austin Barnes (5-11, 210, Jr.) Ivan Oraha (5-11, 215, Fr.) Had Int 11 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 290 499

90 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL MICHAEL BLAKE’S CAROLINA SPORTS “RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES” WWW.CSWINS.COM Michael Blake's Carolina Sports - America's #1 Handicapper as Documented by The Sports Monitor 1-800-410-8740 WWW.CSWINS.COM ATLANTIC COAST AND EAST COAST

PREDICTED FINISH ATLANTIC COAST AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CONFERENCE Atlantic Division East Division 1. Florida State 1. Cincinnati 2. Clemson 2. Temple 3. Louisville 3. UCF 4. N.C. State 4. East Carolina 5. Boston College 5. South Florida 6. Syracuse 6. Connecticut 7. Wake Forest AMERICAN ATHLETIC Coastal Division CONFERENCE 1. Georgia Tech West Division 2. Virginia Tech 1. Memphis 3. Pittsburgh 2. Navy 4. North Carolina 3. Houston 5. Duke 4. Tulsa 6. Miami-Fla. 5. Tulane 7. Virginia 6. SMU EAST INDEPENDENT 1. Army

92 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Wilson added 42 receptions for 527 yards and that included 87 tackles and two interceptions, ACC Atlantic Division #1 four scores, but also had a bad case of the drops while the other OLB is pretty much up for grabs. all season long. Soph Ermon Lane had 13 catches There has been talk of moving a DE back to the in a disappointing frosh campaign, but was a mas- spot, but for now soph Tyrell Lyons looks to be FLORIDA STATE sive recruit coming out of high school. There are the guy. (13-1-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 other solid returnees as well, but they could be Two very talented cornerbacks left school a COACH: Jimbo Fisher Returning 37 jumped over by true frosh blue chippers George year early for the NFL, but the Seminoles are still STARTERS RETURNING Offense 3 Campbell and DaVante Phillips. At tight end, tal- in superb shape in the secondary led by versatile Defense 7 ented redshirt freshmen Mavin Saunders and All-American candidate Jalen Ramsey who can GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #7 are battling for the vacant position. play all four positions. Ramsey will likely play a The Era has come to an end at The Noles lose starting running back Karlos corner this year with fellow vets Nate Andrews Florida State and it’s time to take stock of where Williams, but they have a far more explosive and Tyler Hunter teaming at safety. There’s some this two-year period stands in the history of col- player waiting to take over in super soph Dalvin other solid returning players hoping to assume lege football. The Seminoles may have failed in Cook. As a ‘14 frosh, Cook was brilliant off the bigger roles this season, but Coach Fisher will their quest to win back-to-back National Titles, bench with 1,008 yards and eight TDs, plus he also turn loose a host of true frosh blue chippers but FSU has won 27 of their last 28 games over also caught 22 passes. If FSU contends for anoth- who should play heavily right away including the course of 2013 and 2014. And while many are er national title, Cook could emerge as a Heisman Tarvarus McFadden, , Calvin expecting Coach Jimbo Fisher and his crew to contender. Junior Mario Pender is a solid backup, Brewton and A.J. Westbrook. experience a painful rebuilding year in 2015, it but he may get skipped over by blue chip true The kicking game will again be a major help to looks like the Seminoles still have enough talent freshman . Freddie Stevenson will FSU as punter Cason Beatty is rock solid and left to be a major player on the national scene. play fullback in certain run formations. placekicker Robert Aguayo is now a two-time Replacing a legendary figure like Winston will Four senior starters are gone along the O-line, All-American. In 2014, Aguayo converted 27 of not be easy, but the Seminoles now have a quar- but there’s some talented players waiting for their 30 field goal attempts. terback who has already faced a TON of past chance led by soph left tackle GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: FSU haters adversity with the transfer of Everett Golson from who played very well over the second half of the are looking forward to the post-Jameis Era, Notre Dame. Golson once led the Irish to a berth ‘14 campaign. Junior Chad Mavety takes over at but they won’t enjoy 2015 as much as they in the BCS Championship Game and then suf- right tackle, while the guards will be soph Wilson expect. With QB Golson coming on board and fered the pain and humiliation of being kicked out Bell and redshirted JUCO transfer Kareem Are. In brilliant talent at the offensive skill positions, of school for a year, only to work his way back to the middle, soph Ryan Hoefeld and redshirt frosh the Seminoles will again earn a Top Ten stardom only to crash and burn again late in the Alec Eberle are battling for the vacant role. How National Ranking and likely ACC crown. 2014 campaign. And the bottom line here is that the rebuilt blocking unit fares will go a LONG 2015 Florida State Schedule Golson can PLAY and he can play under pressure. way in deciding this team’s success in 2015. Overall for the Irish last year, Golson completed The defensive line took two big hits when stars 9/5 TEXAS STATE 256 of 427 passes (60%) for 3,445 yards and 29 Mario Edwards and Eddie Goldman left a year 9/12 SOUTH FLORIDA TDs against 14 interceptions, plus he also ran for early for the NFL. And while there are no stars 9/18 at Boston College here this year, the Noles can about nine-deep with 456 yards and eight more scores. Golson will be 10/3 at Wake Forest this school’s most mobile QB in a generation. The quality up front. Seniors Nile Lawrence-Sample 10/10 MIAMI-FLORIDA loser of the Golson transfer is solid junior Sean and Derrick Mitchell Jr. head up a solid array of Maguire who had been slated to replace Winston, tackles, while there’s a lot of talent at end led by 10/17 LOUISVILLE but now looks like he will remain on the bench. DeMarcus Walker, and lanky yet 10/24 at Georgia Tech The receiving corps loses a pair of All- explosive soph Lorenzo Featherston. 10/31 SYRACUSE Americans in Rashad Greene (WR) and Nick Senior middle linebacker Reggie Northrup eas- 11/7 at Clemson ily led the club with 122 tackles a year ago and O’Leary (TE), but the overall talent level here is 11/14 N.C. STATE still simply amazing. Soph Travis Rudolph had a he’s again backed up by talented soph Matthew 11/21 CHATTANOOGA terrific frosh campaign and now looks like a Thomas who looks to have a bright future here. on future star after catching 38 balls for 555 yards the outside, senior Terrance Smith is back to 11/28 at Florida and four scores. Speedy junior Jesus “Bobo” reclaim one starting role after a solid ‘14 season 2014 FLORIDA STATE RESULTS 2015 FLORIDA STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 13-1 PSR: 3-11 O-U: 7-7) Offense A.30 Okla. St. L -19 37-31 o63' QB Everett Golson (6-0, 200, Sr.) Sean Maguire (6-3, 225, Jr.) S.06 CITADEL L -57 37-12 u64 RB (6-0, 205, So.) Mario Pender (5-10, 205, Jr.) S.20 CLEMSON L -11 23-17 u55 WR Travis Rudolph (6-2, 190, So.) JaVonn Harrison (6-2, 200, So.) S.27 N. Car. St. L -18 56-41 o60' WR Jesus Wilson (5-9, 185, Jr.) George Campbell (6-3, 185, Fr.) O.04 W. FOREST W -38 43-3 u55 WR Ermon Lane (6-3, 205, So.) DaVante Phillips (6-1, 210, Fr.) O.11 Syracuse L -23' 38-20 o55 WR (5-7, 185, Jr.) (6-4, 200, Fr.) O.18 N. DAME L -10 31-27 o56' TE Ryan Izzo (6-6, 245, Fr.) Mavin Saunders (6-6, 260, Fr.) O.30 Louisville W -4 42-31 o51 C Ryan Hoefeld (6-3, 295, So.) Alec Eberle (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.08 VIRGINIA L -20' 34-20 u55' LG Kareem Are (6-6, 330, Jr.) Ethan Frifth (6-7, 305, Fr.) N.15 Miami-Florida W -2' 30-26 u63 RG Wilson Bell (6-4, 320, So.) Corey Martinez (6-5, 295, Fr.) N.22 BOSTON COL. L -17 20-17 u57' LTRoderick Johnson (6-7, 315, So.) Derrick Kelly (6-5, 310, Fr.) N.29 FLORIDA L -7' 24-19 u53 RT Chad Mavety (6-5, 330, Jr.) Brock Ruble (6-8, 315, Fr.) D.06 Georgia Tech L -4 37-35 o63 PK Roberto Aguayo (6-1, 205, Jr.) Ryan Feely (6-0, 165, Fr.) J.01 Oregon L +9 20-59 o72 Defense DE DeMarcus Walker (6-3, 280, Jr.) Jacob Pugh (6-4, 255, So.) 2014 Florida State Final Stats DE Chris Casher (6-4, 255, Jr.) Lorenzo Featherston (6-7, 240, So.) Florida St. Opp DT Derrick Mitchell Jr. (6-4, 310, Sr.) (6-2, 305, So.) Points per game 34 26 DT Nile Lawrence-Stample (6-1, 325, Sr.) Justin Shanks (6-2, 325, Jr.) LB Terrance Smith (6-4, 235, Sr.) RoDerrick Hoskins (6-2, 235, So.) 1st Downs 322 295 LB Reggie Northrup (6-1, 230, Sr.) Matthew Thomas (6-3, 230, So.) Rush Att 451 573 LB Tyrell Lyons (6-0, 220, So.) Lorenzo Phillips (6-3, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1933 2382 FS Nate Andrews (5-11, 205, Jr.) Derwin James (6-2, 215, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.3 4.2 SS Tyler Hunter (5-11, 205, Sr.) Lamarcus Brutus (6-0, 210, Sr.) Pass Comp 330 248 CB Jalen Ramsey (6-1, 205, Jr.) Trey Marshall (6-0, 205, So.) Pass Att 516 435 CB Tarvarus McFadden (6-2, 195, Fr.) Calvin Brewton (6-0, 175, Fr.) NB Marquez White (6-0, 180, Jr.) Keelin Smith (6-3, 190, Sr.) Pass Yds 4246 3175 P Cason Beatty (6-3, 215, Sr.) Jonathan Hernandez (6-4, 220, So.) Had Int 20 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 441 397

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 93 to earn immediate starting duty at wide receiver! some true frosh recruit . ACC Atlantic Division #2 The established star here is Williams who a year There were heavy losses at linebacker as well ago hauled in 57 passes for a team-high 1,030 and there will be no stars here this year, but the yards and six TDs, while the smaller and quicker Tigers do bring back some solid vets like B.J. CLEMSON Scott was equally brilliant as a ‘14 frosh with 76 Goodson, Korrin Wiggins and Ben Boulware, all (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 29 grabs for 965 yards and eight TDs! Hopper and of whom saw a lot of action off the bench in ‘14. COACH: Dabo Swinney Returning 43 Peake combined for another 39 catches. At tight Goodson and Boulware are solid run defenders, STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 end, Jordan Leggett beat out former starter but the key guy here may be converted safety Defense 3 Stanton Seckinger last year and they both return Wiggins who has the ball skills to be on the field GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #25 in 2015. Together Leggett and Seckinger com- on any down. Watch out for true frosh OLB Chad Dabo Swinney and his Tigers are coming off a bined for 25 receptions last season. Smith who could make a big splash this fall. fourth consecutive season of at least 10 victories The ground attack was sluggish at times last In the secondary, Clemson struck gold last year and Clemson closed out last year in style by exe- year but eventually soph did with the emergence of cornerback Mackensie cuting the Oklahoma Sooners in their bowl game. establish himself as the new #1 guy here. Despite Alexander who was a Freshman All-American Considering all the injuries this team had on a slow start, Gallman rushed for a team-high 769 and looks to be a rising star for the Tigers. Juniors offense a year ago you have to give Coach yards and four TDs as a ‘14 freshman. There’s and T.J. Green should form a solid Swinney and his staff a lot of credit for pulling off plenty of proven reserves here led by the trio of combo at safety, but the real key here will be find- yet another high national ranking. But last year C.J. Davidson, Tyshon Dye and Zac Brooks, all of ing another solid corner to pair with Alexander. was made possible by a brilliant veteran defense whom have started at least one game in their Based on spring drills, it looks like junior Cordrea that was arguably as good as any in the nation in Clemson careers. Talented, but injury-prone Tankersley will be the other CB, but don’t count 2014. And with eight starters and several key subs Adam Choice is yet another option here. out heralded true frosh signee . The gone from that stellar unit, it will be extremely The offensive line is a big source of concern depth in the secondary is pretty young. hard for Clemson to maintain that same level of for Coach Swinney as senior center Ryan Norton GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Tigers stellar play in 2015. is the only returning starter here. Several fresh- are unlikely to match their exploits of recent The focus will move to offense this year and men will get a long look up front and it now seasons with so many key players departing, that means Clemson will need to figure out a way seems likely that heralded true frosh recruit Mitch but the depth of talent on this roster is surely to keep rising star healthy at the Wyatt will start at the all-important left tackle slot good enough to prevent a total collapse. And if quarterback spot, something that will not be easy protecting the quarterback’s blind side. Senior vet the new O-line proves capable of protecting with a rebuilt blocking corps working in front of Joe Gore will start at right tackle, while the new QB Watson, then this team could find them- this kid. Watson took over as the starter early in guards figure to be lettermen Eric Mac Lain and selves back in the national Top 15 again. his true frosh campaign and was absolutely terrif- Tyrone Crowder. If the Tigers suffer a poor season 2015 Clemson Schedule ic before missing several games due to injury. in 2015, it could be because of the inexperience of When healthy, Watson completed 93 of 137 pass- this blocking unit. 9/5 WOFFORD es (68%) for 1,466 yards and 14 TDs against just The defensive front four was brilliant last year 9/12 APPALACHIAN STATE two interceptions, plus he also ran for 200 yards but now Clemson must replace all four starters 9/17 at Louisville including a pair of All-Americans! The good news and five more scores. If the blocking holds up and 10/3 NOTRE DAME he can avoid injury, Watson will be one of the top is that several battle-tested subs do return includ- 10/10 GEORGIA TECH QBs in the country. With Cole Stoudt graduating, ing a new potential All-American in end Shaq the new #2 will be Nick Schuessler, though the Lawson, a big-time talent who posted 11 tackles 10/17 BOSTON COLLEGE future here looks to be true frosh Kelly Bryant. for losses and four sacks off the bench in ‘14. 10/24 at Miami-Florida The Tigers are in very good shape at wide Fellow junior should be solid on the 10/31 at N.C. State receiver with the return of two stars in Mike other flank, plus the Tigers add some brilliant new 11/7 FLORIDA STATE faces at DE including redshirt frosh Richard Williams and Artavis Scott, plus two other solid 11/14 at Syracuse vets in Germone Hopper and . And Yeargin and true frosh blue chip Austin Bryant. 11/21 WAKE FOREST now to make things even better, Clemson adds a Solid vets D.J. Reader and take pair of “can’t miss” prospects in Deon Cain and over at defensive tackle, but one of the two could 11/28 at South Carolina Ray-Ray McCloud, each of whom is good enough eventually get pushed aside by the arrival of awe- 2014 CLEMSON RESULTS 2015 CLEMSON DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 4-9) Offense A.30 Georgia L +8 21-45 o55 QB Deshaun Watson (6-2, 205, So.) Nick Schuessler (6-3, 195, Jr.) S.06 S. CAR. ST. W -33' 73-7 o57' RB Wayne Gallman (6-1, 205, So.) C.J. Davidson (5-10, 200, Sr.) S.20 Fla. St. W +11 17-23 u55 WR Mike Williams (6-4, 210, Jr.) Trevion Thompson (6-2, 195, Fr.) S.27 N. CAROLINA W -14' 50-35 o65' WR Artavis Scott (5-10, 190, So.) Charone Peake (6-2, 205, Sr.) O.04 N. CAR. ST. W -14 41-0 u67 WR Deon Cain (6-1, 190, Fr.) Ray-Ray McCloud (5-9, 180, Fr.) O.11 LOUISVILLE L -9' 23-17 u47' WR Germone Hopper (5-11, 175, Jr.) Shadell Bell (6-2, 195, Fr.) O.18 Boston Col L -5 17-13 u45' TE Jordan Leggett (6-5, 250, Jr.) Stanton Seckinger (6-5, 240, Sr.) O.25 SYRACUSE L -15 16-6 u48 C Ryan Norton (6-3, 285, Sr.) Justin Falcinelli (6-3, 305, Fr.) N.06 Wake Forest L -21 34-20 o42' LG Eric Mac Lain (6-4, 305, Sr.) Taylor Hearn (6-4, 325, Fr.) N.15 Georgia Tech L -2' 6-28 u57' RG Tyrone Crowder (6-2, 330, So.) Maverick Morris (6-4, 295, So.) LT (6-6, 280, Fr.) Jake Fruhmorgen (6-5, 285, Fr.) N.22 GA. ST. L -40 28-0 u57 RT Joe Gore (6-5, 295, Sr.) Jay Guillermo (6-3, 310, Jr.) N.29 S. CAROLINA W -6 35-17 u54 PK Ammon Lakip (5-11, 200, Sr.) Alex Spence (6-2, 190, Fr.) D.29 Oklahoma W +6' 40-6 u49' Defense DE (6-3, 275, Jr.) Richard Yeargin (6-4, 235, Fr.) 2014 Clemson Final Stats DE Kevin Dodd (6-5, 275, Jr.) Austin Bryant (6-4, 255, Fr.) Clemson Opp DT D.J. Reader (6-2, 325, Sr.) Scott Pagano (6-3, 295, So.) Points per game 31 17 DT Carlos Watkins (6-3, 300, Jr.) Christian Wilkins (6-5, 305, Fr.) LB Ben Boulware (6-0, 235, Jr.) Dorian O’Daniel (6-2, 220, So.) 1st Downs 267 185 LB B.J. Goodson (6-0, 240, Sr.) Kendall Joseph (5-11, 225, Fr.) Rush Att 539 453 LB Korrin Wiggins (5-11, 200, Jr.) Chad Smith (6-3, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 1904 1344 FS Jayron Kearse (6-4, 210, Jr.) Jefferie Gibson (6-4, 205, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.5 3.0 SS T.J. Green (6-3, 205, Jr.) Jadar Johnson (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 292 194 CB (5-10, 190, So.) Adrian Baker (5-11, 180, So.) Pass Att 451 388 CB Cordrea Tankersley (6-1, 195, Jr.) Mark Fields (5-10, 190, Fr.) NB Ryan Carter (5-9, 180, So.) Van Smith (6-0, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 3404 2046 P Andy Teasdell (5-11, 185, Jr.) Ammon Lakip (5-11, 200, Sr.) Had Int 12 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 408 261

94 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL passes for 566 yards and three TDs. Soph Charles as Louisville welcomes back two superb starters ACC Atlantic Division #3 Standberry is the best of the other returnees, but in Keith Kelsey and James Burgess, plus they add there is major help on the way from several new- former All-American DeVonte Fields who trans- comers including Texas A&M transfer JaQuay fers in after getting booted out of TCU. Last year, LOUISVILLE Williams who could be an immediate star for this Kelsey and Burgess combined for 158 tackles and (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 club. Also coming on board are JUCO newcomer nine sacks, while Fields was once the Big 12 COACH: Bobby Petrino Returning 42 Paul Harris and Jamari Staples, the latter of whom Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman at STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 comes over from the “killed” program at UAB. At TCU! The rest of the LB corps is filled with solid, Defense 4 tight end, junior Keith Towbridge takes over as proven veterans who can all play. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #31 the new starter after some solid bench work for The secondary could have been a major worry Louisville racked up nine victories in the first the Cards in 2014. heading into the fall, but this unit gets a big shot year of the second Bobby Petrino Era, but the sea- The ground game was a disappointment last in the arm from the addition of Georgia transfers son could have been SO much better if not for a year as Louisville averaged just 3.6 yards per Josh Harvey Clemons and Shaq Wiggins who pair of heartbreaking losses to Florida State and attempt as a team. Back to start at running back is could be immediate stars here if they can stay out Clemson where the Cardinals actually outplayed junior Brandon Radcliff who ran for a team-best of trouble off the field. In spring practice, soph their more high profile opponents before losing 737 yards and 12 TDs despite having to share safety Chucky Williams and redshirt frosh corner the games late in the fourth quarter. And while time with players who have mostly departed. Cornelius Strughill looked future stars as well. there is still a lot of talent here, this team did suf- Soph L.J. Scott ran for 201 yards off the pines as There’s a lot of talent here, but it will take time to fer some fairly heavy personnel losses during the a ‘14 frosh and he’ll push for playing time here develop with four new starters in the lineup. off-season. So while many experts are projecting along with talented JUCO transfer Jeremy Smith. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team Louisville as a legitimate ACC title contender, we There’s more rebuilding to do up front where has an outside chance to challenge Florida believe that rosy forecast may be a stretch. the only returning O-line regulars are right tackle State’s supremacy in the ACC, but for that to Perhaps no team in the country has a more con- Aaron Epps and center Tobijah Hughley, neither happen, they will need to get better than fused situation at quarterback than Louisville who of whom set the world on fire last year. Senior expected play out of their offensive skill posi- could legitimately see four different players start Kelby Johnson is slated to take over at left tackle, tion players. The overall depth of talent took the season as their #1 QB. Junior Will Gardner while the new guard tandem based on spring drills some heavy hits during the off-season, but this started the most games a year ago, completing looks to be comprised of lettermen Skylar Lacy program rebuilt on the fly mostly by accepting 127 of 221 passes (58%) for 1,669 yards and 12 and Pedro Sibiea. Juniors Khalil Hunter and Gabe troubled transfers who most big-name pro- TDs against just three interceptions, but he suf- Ahner head up the second string O-line, but we’re grams would not take due to off-the-field fered a severe knee injury near the end of last sea- not convinced this unit is up to past levels. issues. This could be a Top 25 team in 2015. son and may not be fully ready for the start of the The Louisville defense got a TON of credit 2015 Louisville Schedule 2015 campaign. Soph Reggie Bonnafon played from the national media last year for being among very well at times as a ‘15 frosh, but struggled the best in the nation. And while that was gener- 9/5 vs. Auburn down the stretch and seemed to lose confidence. ally true, the fact is this unit wasn’t quite as good 9/12 HOUSTON Overall, Bonnafon completed 61 of 120 tosses as advertised. The Cardinals were aided by an 9/17 CLEMSON amazing 26 interceptions and actually gave up 22 (51%) for 864 yards and five TDs, plus he ran for 9/26 SAMFORD 164 yards and five scores. Soph Kyle Bolin also points per game, which is very good but not great. 10/3 at N.C. State saw some action as a ‘15 rookie, connecting on 45 The three-man front wall is HUGE for this club as of 78 passes for 716 yards and four scores and he all three projected starters weigh at least 300 10/17 at Florida State looks to be the best passer of the bunch. And to pounds, including All-ACC performer Sheldon 10/24 BOSTON COLLEGE further complicate matters, Penn State transfer Rankins, who a year ago exploded onto the scene 10/30 at Wake Forest Tyler Ferguson made it a four-way battle with a with 53 tackles, 13.5 hits for negative yardage and 11/7 SYRACUSE eight QB sacks. Fellow seniors Pio Vatuvei and strong spring showing!!! 11/14 VIRGINIA Coach Petrino needs to replace most of last DeAngelo Brown are also rock solid and a strong 11/21 at Pittsburgh year’s brilliant receiving corps including high D-line bench gets stronger with the addition of NFL draftee DeVante Parker. The top returnee is JUCO newcomer Drew Bailey. 11/28 at Kentucky junior James Quick who a year ago caught 36 The situation at linebacker is every bit as good 2014 LOUISVILLE RESULTS 2015 LOUISVILLE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 5-8) Offense S.01 MIAMI-FLA. W -3' 31-13 u53' QB Will Gardner (6-5, 220, Jr.) Reggie Bonnafon (6-3, 210, So.) S.06 MURRAY ST. W -36 66-21 o66 RB Brandon Radcliff (5-9, 215, Jr.) L.J. Scott (6-0, 230, So.) S.13 Virginia L -6' 21-23 u47 WR James Quick (6-1, 195, Jr.) Javonte Bagley (6-3, 195, So.) S.20 Fla. Int. W -26' 34-3 u45 WR JaQuay Williams (6-3, 215, Jr.) Paul Harris (6-3, 205, Jr.) S.27 W. FOREST L -21' 20-10 u43 WR Jamari Staples (6-4, 200, Jr.) Devante Peete (6-6, 200, Fr.) O.03 Syracuse W -2 28-6 u46' WR Charles Standberry (6-3, 225, So.) Emonee Spence (6-2, 180, Fr.) O.11 Clemson W +9' 17-23 u47' TE Keith Towbridge (6-5, 265, Jr.) Micky Crum (6-4, 260, Fr.) O.18 N. CAR. ST. L -18 30-18 u48' C Tobijah Hughley (6-3, 290, Sr.) T.C. Klusman (6-3, 280, Jr.) O.30 FLA. ST. L +4 31-42 o51 LG Pedro Sibiea (6-3, 305, Jr.) Khalil Hunter (6-4, 295, Jr.) N.08 Boston Col. W -3 38-19 o45' RG Skylar Lacy (6-6, 310, So.) Gabe Ahner (6-3, 290, Jr.) N.22 Notre Dame W +3 31-28 o52 LT Kelby Johnson (6-7, 300, Sr.) Lukayus McNeil (6-6, 315, Fr.) N.29 KENT'KY L -13 44-40 o52' RTAaron Epps (6-7, 290, Sr.) Danny Burns (6-6, 305, Fr.) PK John Wallace (6-0, 190, Sr.) Jon Brown (5-10, 205, Jr.) D.30 Georgia L +7 14-37 u56' Defense DE Sheldon Rankins (6-2, 305, Sr.) Kyle Shortridge (6-2, 305, So.) 2014 Louisville Final Stats DE Pio Vatuvei (6-2, 300, Sr.) Drew Bailey (6-5, 285, Jr.) Louisville Opp NG DeAngelo Brown (6-0, 320, Sr.) Johnny Richardson (6-3, 325, So.) Points per game 31 22 LB DeVonte Fields (6-4, 245, Jr.) Nick Dawson (6-3, 265, Jr.) LB Keith Kelsey (6-1, 235, Jr.) Stacy Thomas (6-1, 225, So.) 1st Downs 265 199 LB James Burgess (6-0, 230, Sr.) Trevon Young (6-4, 240, Sr.) Rush Att 511 433 LB Keith Brown (6-1, 240, Jr.) Henry Famurewa (6-2, 245, So.) Rush Yards 1855 1429 FS Chucky Williams (6-2, 205, So.) Zykesis Cannon (6-0, 195, So.) Avg Rush 3.6 3.3 SS Josh Harvey Clemons (6-5, 230, Jr.) Jermaine Reve (6-0, 190, Sr.) Pass Comp 237 221 CB Shaq Wiggins (5-10, 175, Jr.) (5-11, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 428 410 CB Cornelius Strughill (5-11, 190, Fr.) Devontre Parnell (5-11, 185, Jr.) NB (5-10, 185, So.) Jarrod Barnes (5-11, 195, Jr.) Pass Yds 3276 2595 P Josh Appleby (6-3, 225, Sr.) John Wallace (6-0, 190, Sr.) Had Int 10 26 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 395 310

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 95 Ramos are the leading candidates to be the other freshman Darian Roseboro. ACC Atlantic Division #4 starter at wideout, but sophs Stephen Louis and At linebacker, soph Jerod Fernandez was a sur- Gavin Locklear are also very much in the picture. prise star as a ‘14 frosh as he collected 78 tackles While there are major worries at wide receiver, and two interceptions. Classmate Airius Moore N.C. STATE N.C. State is in excellent shape at tight end where was terrific off the bench last year and will step (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 seniors David Grinnage and Benson Browne are into a starting role in 2015. A thin LB bench is led COACH: Dave Doeren Returning 43 both superb run blockers. Grinnage is also a threat by juniors Ernie Robinson and Ford Howell. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 over the middle of the field as he hauled in 27 This might prove to be the best secondary in Defense 8 passes for 358 yards and five TDs in 2014. the ACC as all five starters return including hon- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #39 The Wolfpack possess an embarrassment of ors candidate Jack Tocho at cornerback. Tocho N.C. State was one of the most improved teams riches in the backfield where they have one of the and senior Juston Burris form a very tough CB in the country in 2014 as the Wolfpack improved best one-two RB combos in the country in the duo combo, while the Wolfpack are equally loaded at from 3-9 to 8-5 in Coach Dave Doeren’s second of Shadrach Thornton and Matt Dayes, plus they safety with the incumbent threesome of Hakim season at the helm. Included in last year’s record add two enormous blue chip true frosh prospects Jones, (no relation) and Dravious was an impressive victory over UCF in the in Johnny Frasier and Reggie Gallaspy! The main Wright. Hakim Jones led the club with 80 tackles Bitcoin Saint Petersburg Bowl. And the expecta- man here is Thornton who a year ago led the team a year ago, while soph Josh Jones was a surprise tions will be much higher in 2015 as N.C. State with 907 yards rushing and nine TDs, but Dayes starter as a ‘14 freshman and responded with a brings back 15 total starters, including a very tal- was every bit as productive off the bench as he ran team-leading four interceptions. And there’s also ented quarterback and one of the top running for 573 yards and eight scores while also adding solid depth in the secondary led by sophs Shawn backs in the conference. But the program did suf- 32 catches and five more TDs as pass receiver. Boone, and Niles Clark. fer a major blow during the off-season when lead- And Coach Doeren will likely find some carries GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: We were a ing pass catcher Bo Hines stunned N.C. State fans for outstanding true frosh Frasier and Gallaspy. little shocked at how much better N.C. State and coaches alike by announcing he was transfer- Up front, there are two holes to fill at tackle, was last season, but Coach Doeren has done a ring to Ivy League school Yale after his brilliant but the interior O-line trio does return as center really good job on the recruiting trail since freshman campaign in Raleigh! Quinton Schooley will again be flanked by solid coming to this school. We’re not sure if this If N.C. State is to take its game to the next level guards and Tony Adams. Thuney has team is quite ready to truly contend for a as a legitimate ACC title contender, then they will the best chance to be all-league this season, while league title, but there is no doubt that N.C. need talented but erratic QB to soph Adams was a surprise starter as a 2014 frosh. State looks to be on the upswing in the ACC. become the superstar he appears to be on certain At tackle, massive senior Alex Barr takes over on We look for another winning record and a Top occasions. Who is the real Brissett? The guy who the right side, while promising redshirt freshman 25 national ranking is actually within reach. was a star for most of the first half of the 2014 Tyler Jones will draw the unenviable task of pro- 2015 N.C. State Schedule campaign and bowl win over UCF, or the guy who tecting the QB’s blind side at left tackle. The O- passed for less than 100 yards in three different line depth looks to be a bit thin at best. 9/5 TROY games over the second half of last year? Overall, While eight starters are back on the defensive 9/12 EASTERN KENTUCKY Brissett completed 221 of 370 passes (60%) for side of the ball, there is some work to do up front 9/19 at Old Dominion where two key starters have departed. The D-line 2,606 yards and 23 TDs against just five intercep- 9/26 at South Alabama tions, plus he also ran for 529 yards and three will be rebuilt around hard-charging end Mike 10/3 LOUISVILLE more scores. Based on spring drills, it looks like Rose, who a year ago racked up 46 tackles, five lanky redshirt freshman Jalen McClendon will be sacks and a team-high 14 hits for minus yardage. 10/9 at Virginia Tech the new backup quarterback. Soph tackle B.J. Hill stepped up as a starter over 10/24 at Wake Forest The Wolfpack were already suspect at wide the second half of the 2014 campaign and he too 10/31 CLEMSON receiver when things took a turn for the worse this looks to be a rising star for this club, while fellow 11/7 at Boston College sophs , Kenton Gibbs and Justin spring when leading pass catcher Bo Hines opted 11/14 at Florida State to transfer. That leaves junior BraLon Cherry as Jones will all look to play much larger roles after 11/21 SYRACUSE the top returning wideout and in ‘14 he caught a promising frosh seasons in ‘14. Sophs Bradley modest 27 passes for 354 yards and three TDs. Chubb and Pharoah McKever will need to step on 11/28 NORTH CAROLINA Fellow juniors Johnathan Alston and Jumichael the flanks, but also watch out for heralded true 2014 N.C. STATE RESULTS 2015 N.C. STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 GEORGIA SO. L -20' 24-23 u56' QB Jacoby Brissett (6-4, 240, Sr.) Jalen McClendon (6-5, 210, Fr.) S.06 OLD DOM. L -16' 46-34 o66 TB Shadrach Thornton (6-1, 210, Sr.) Matt Dayes (5-9, 205, Jr.) S.13 S. Florida W -1' 49-17 o52 FB (5-11, 240, So.) Max Stoffer (6-1, 235, Fr.) S.20 PRESBY. W -41 42-0 u57' WR BraLon Cherry (5-11, 190, Jr.) Stephen Louis (6-2, 205, So.) S.27 FLA. ST. W +18 41-56 o60' WR Johnathan Alston (6-1, 205, Jr.) Gavin Locklear (5-10, 190, So.) O.04 Clemson L +14 0-41 u67 WR Jumichael Ramos (6-2, 200, Jr.) Elliott Davis (6-1, 185, Fr.) O.11 BOSTON COL. L -3' 14-30 u55 TE David Grinnage (6-5, 275, Sr.) Benson Browne (6-5, 270, Sr.) O.18 Louisville W +18 18-30 u48' C Quinton Schooley (6-4, 310, Sr.) John Tuuta (6-3, 280, Jr.) N.01 Syracuse W +3 24-17 u53 LG Joe Thuney (6-5, 290, Sr.) Bryce Kennedy (6-3, 310, Jr.) N.08 GA. TECH L +3 23-56 o62' RG Tony Adams (6-2, 320, So.) Terronne Prescod (6-5, 340, Fr.) N.15 W. FOREST W -16' 42-13 o45' LT Tyler Jones (6-3, 290, Fr.) Will Richardson (6-6, 315, Fr.) N.29 N. Carolina W +6' 35-7 u70 RT Alex Barr (6-8, 330, Sr.) Tyler Reagan (6-5, 290, So.) PK Kyle Bambard (5-8, 190, Fr.) Jackson Maples (5-10, 195, Fr.) D.26 Ucf W +2 34-27 o49 Defense DE Mike Rose (6-3, 280, Sr.) Darian Roseboro (6-4, 280, Fr.) 2014 N.C. State Final Stats DE Bradley Chubb (6-4, 260, So.) Pharoah McKever (6-6, 260, So.) N.C. State Opp DT B.J. Hill (6-4, 295, So.) Kenton Gibbs (6-2, 300, So.) Points per game 30 27 DT Kentavius Street (6-2, 285, So.) Justin Jones (6-2, 290, So.) LB Jerod Fernandez (6-0, 235, So.) Ernie Robinson (6-1, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 282 269 LB Airius Moore (6-0, 235, So.) Ford Howell (6-1, 240, Jr.) Rush Att 508 521 NS Josh Jones (6-2, 215, So.) Germaine Pratt (6-3, 230, So.) Rush Yards 2659 2189 NS Hakim Jones (6-2, 200, Sr.) Kalen McCain (6-2, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 5.2 4.2 NS Dravious Wright (5-10, 205, Jr.) Malcolm Means (6-1, 205, So.) Pass Comp 224 226 CB Jack Tocho (6-0, 200, Jr.) Niles Clark (5-11, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 381 405 CB Juston Burris (6-1, 210, Sr.) Michael Stevens (5-11, 190, So.) NB Shawn Boone (5-10, 195, So.) Troy Vincent Jr. (5-10, 200, So.) Pass Yds 2652 2661 P A.J. Cole (6-4, 230, Fr.) William Stephenson (6-3, 195, Jr.) Had Int 6 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 409 373

96 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Lettermen David Dudeck, Thaddius Smith and physical run-stuffing linebackers in the nation in ACC Atlantic Division #5 Nat Dixon are strictly backup material as well, so middle man , who a year ago reg- the B.C. coaches may take a look at true frosh istered 72 tackles, two sacks and two fumble wideouts Nolan Borgersen and Chase Pankey. recoveries. On the outside, junior Mike Strizak BOSTON COLL. One of the few returning starters for this time is didn’t make a lot of plays last year but does have (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 senior tight end Michael Giacone, but he failed to some potential, while solid junior COACH: Steve Addazio Returning 37 catch even ONE pass in 2014. steps into the other OLB role. Sophs Connor STARTERS RETURNING Offense 3 This team’s top offensive weapon is surely Strachan and Ty Schwab head up the LB depth. Defense 6 sophomore running back Jon Hilliman, who a If there was a weakness last year, it was surely GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #76 year ago exploded onto the scene as a freshman in the secondary and this group looks to be signif- Boston College has dramatically overachieved with 210 carries for 860 yards and a team-high 13 icantly worse in 2015. Versatile senior Justin in each of the past two seasons as teams picked to touchdowns. Hilliman looks like a future standout Simmons is the lone returning regular and he finish near or at the bottom of the ACC standings for this club, but the Eagles have other solid run- started at both cornerback and free safety a year ended up winning seven games and earning back- ning backs like Myles Willis, Marcus Outlow and ago, though he is clearly more comfortable as a to-back bowl invites. Needless to say, this team Tyler Rouse who combined for another 916 yards safety. After Simmons, these get really shaky in a has exceeded expectations by a massive margin in rushing off the bench last season. hurry unless lettermen like John Johnson and each of the past two seasons and Head Coach And while there is talent at running back, it Kamrin Moore have gotten a whole lot better Steve Addazio and his staff deserve a lot of cred- remains to be seen how those runners will fare in since the end of last season. Redshirt freshmen it for getting the absolute most out of this club. 2015 now that Boston College has lost ALL FIVE Cameron Seward and Allen Dawson are the lead- But now with more than half of last year’s start- offensive line starters from last year’s superb ing candidates at the vacant strong safety slot. The ing lineup gone for a second consecutive season, blocking unit. The only player with any starting Eagles really needed help from their freshmen it’s hard to imagine the Eagles shocking the experience in the rebuilt O-line is senior guard class here this year, but this new group of defen- experts for a third straight season. Harris Williams, a starter in 2013 who missed all sive backs is nothing special. The Eagles had a one-hit wonder at quarter- of 2014 due to injury. Williams will now pair at GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Betting back last season in , a graduate guard with promising soph Jon Baker, while against Steve Addazio and his Eagles hasn’t transfer from Florida who was the ideal fit for junior Frank Taylor takes over at center. On the worked out too well the past two years, but we Boston College’s run-based version of the Spread outside, senior Dave Bowen will start on the left think this team is headed for a major rebuild- Offense. Murphy was a terrible passer, but he ran with the all-important right tackle job (the new ing season. In fact, we would be absolutely for 1,184 yards and 11 TDs and he will be sorely QB is a lefty) falling to true frosh recruit Chris shocked if Boston College can avoid a losing missed this season. The heir apparent here is soph Lindstrom who came in a semester early and record in 2015. Darius Wade, a fairly athletic left-hander who quickly won a starting role. No blocking unit in 2015 Boston College Schedule won’t run the ball as well as Murphy, but should the nation will regress more since the end of ‘14. eventually become a better passer. Wade had bet- Fortunately for B.C. fans, things look a little 9/5 MAINE ter be solid as he’s pretty much the only game in better on the defensive side of the football where 9/12 HOWARD town unless B.C. turns to highly-touted but raw six starters are back including tough guy interior 9/18 FLORIDA STATE D-liners Connor Wujciak and Truman Gutapfel. true freshman Elijah Robinson. 9/26 NORTHERN ILLINOIS The Eagles got painfully little production from Wujciak and Gutapfel played brilliant run defense 10/3 at Duke their wide receivers last year and now the top two last season and even combined for 5.5 QB sacks, guys are gone from the ‘14 squad. Soph Charlie so their return should prevent a total collapse on 10/10 WAKE FOREST Callinan is technically a returning starter, but he this side of the ball. On the outside, junior Kevin 10/17 at Clemson had just 13 catches a year ago. Soph Sherman Kavalec picked up 40 tackles, 10.5 hits for minus 10/24 at Louisville Alston is the top returnee with just 16 receptions, yardage and 3.5 QB sacks a year ago, while his 10/31 VIRGINIA TECH new DE partner Malachi Moore was terrific off but he’s painfully small and pretty much catches 11/7 N.C. STATE only screen passes and quick outs. Senior Bobby the bench in ‘14 with four sacks of his own. The 11/21 NOTRE DAME Swigert was once a key starter here in the old depth here is suspect except for promising soph offense, but he has since battled a host of injuries end . 11/28 at Syracuse and will try to give it a go for one more season. The Eagles have one of the biggest and most 2014 BOSTON COLLEGE RESULTS 2015 BOSTON COLLEGE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 Mass. W -17 30-7 u47' QB Darius Wade (6-0, 205, So.) Elijah Robinson (6-2, 190, Fr.) S.05 PITT. L +5 20-30 o49' TB Jon Hilliman (6-0, 225, So.) Myles Willis (5-9, 195, Jr.) S.13 SO. CAL W +17 37-31 o57 FB Bobby Wolford (6-2, 250, Jr.) Sean Burke (5-11, 240, Jr.) S.20 MAINE W -24 40-10 o46' WR Charlie Callinan (6-4, 225, So.) Thaddius Smith (5-9, 175, So.) S.27 COLO. ST. L -7' 21-24 u56' WR Sherman Alston (5-6, 165, So.) David Dudeck (5-11, 195, Sr.) O.11 N. Car. St. W +3' 30-14 u55 WR Bobby Swigert (6-0, 200, Sr.) Nat Dixon (6-3, 185, So.) O.18 CLEMSON W +5 13-17 u45' TE Michael Giacone (6-5, 255, Sr.) Louie Addazio (6-3, 255, Sr.) O.25 Wake Forest L -13' 23-17 u40' C Frank Taylor (6-3, 290, Jr.) Sam Schmal (6-6, 295, Fr.) N.01 Virginia Tech W +3 33-31 o40' LG Jon Baker (6-3, 295, So.) Ryan Conte (6-4, 290, Fr.) N.08 LOUISVILLE L +3 19-38 o45' RG Harris Williams (6-3, 300, Sr.) Jim Cashman (6-7, 305, Jr.) N.22 Fla. St. W +17 17-20 u57' LT Dave Bowen (6-7, 290, Sr.) Anthony Palazzolo (6-5, 330, Fr.) N.29 SYRACUSE W -11' 28-7 u43' RT (6-4, 260, Fr.) James Hendren (6-7, 295, So.) D.27 Penn State L -2' 30-31 o40' PK Alex Howell (6-5, 215, Sr.) Mike Knoll (6-0, 210, So.) Defense DE Kevin Kavalec (6-2, 255, Jr.) Harold Landry (6-3, 245, So.) 2014 Boston College Final Stats DE Malachi Moore (6-7, 275, Sr.) Jack Cottrell (6-4, 250, So.) Boston Coll. Opp DT Connor Wujciak (6-3, 300, Sr.) Mehdi Abdesmad (6-7, 290, Sr.) Points per game 26 21 DT Truman Gutapfel (6-3, 285, Jr.) Noa Merritt (6-0, 270, So.) LB Matt Milano (6-1, 220, Jr.) Ty Schwab (6-1, 225, So.) 1st Downs 248 225 LB Steven Daniels (6-0, 260, Sr.) Connor Strachan (6-2, 230, So.) Rush Att 635 399 LB Mike Strizak (6-2, 240, Jr.) Christian Lezzer (6-0, 215, So.) Rush Yards 3311 1228 FS Justin Simmons (6-3, 205, Sr.) Gabriel McClary (6-3, 205, So.) Avg Rush 5.2 3.1 SS Cameron Seward (6-0, 225, Fr.) Allen Dawson (6-0, 195, Fr.) Pass Comp 135 264 CB John Johnson (6-0, 200, Jr.) Atem Ntantang (5-11, 195, So.) Pass Att 243 423 CB Kamrin Moore (5-11, 195, So.) Jeff Smith (6-0, 165, Fr.) NB (6-1, 185, So.) Michael Walker (5-11, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 1681 2987 P Alex Howell (6-5, 215, Sr.) Mike Knoll (6-0, 210, So.) Had Int 10 9 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 384 324

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 97 year, while fellow junior Alvin Cornelius was one with either Donnie Simmons or Luke Arciniega, ACC Atlantic Division #6 of the surprise standouts of spring drills and will neither of whom did much a year ago. Several likely play a much larger role this season. true frosh D-liners could get a look in 2015. Explosive speed demons Ervin Phillips and At linebacker, the Orange lose two stars and SYRACUSE Brisley Estime will play a hybrid wide receiver/ will rely heavily this year on the play of Marqez (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 running back role in the new scheme and they Hodge and , who shared one start- COACH: Scott Shafer Returning 49 combined for 25 receptions off the bench in ‘14. ing role a season ago. Hodge will play outside STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 At tight end, junior Josh Parris is the returning along with soph Parris Bennett, while Franklin Defense 3 starter but we feel he may get pushed aside in has the talent to be an eventual star in the middle. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #84 favor of JUCO transfer Trey Dunkelberger who As a ‘14 frosh, Franklin had 44 tackles and two If you were a fan of defense, you definitely brings more to the table as a pure receiver. sacks despite making just three starts. Lettermen enjoyed Syracuse games a year ago as no one The Orange are known for their running backs Jonathan Thomas and Oliver Vigille will push for could seem to score on a consistent basis, espe- over the years, but not on this team as juniors playing time and add depth at linebacker. cially in the first half of games. The Syracuse Devante McFarland and George Morris have yet In the secondary, senior CB Julian Whigham is defense was very quietly among the best in the to prove that they can be the #1 option for this the lone returning starter and he’s coming off a country last year, but the Orange offense was so team. McFarland and Morris combined for just poor season as he has never been the same player inept, that the defense generally broke down over 270 yards rushing a year ago, but they will be since he suffered a severe leg injury a few years the second half as they were simply on the field counted on to jump start a ground attack which back. We project that soph Corey Winfield will too often and in poor field position. The 2015 sea- fell asleep for the most part in 2014. Don’t be beat out vet Wayne Morgan for the other CB job, son will likely be pivotal for Head Coach Scott shocked if true freshman Dontae Strickland gets while the early leaders in a very unclear picture at Shafer as this school has a new Athletic Director some carries here this fall. safety look to be sophs Chauncy Scissum and and there is talk that he wants to bring in his own Syracuse will have a veteran blocking unit with Antwan Cordy, along with Rodney Williams. head football coach! four starters returning including senior Rob Trudo GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: It could be a The quarterback position turned into a night- who has 33 career starts and moves from guard to long season up in the Carrier Dome as this mare last season as veteran starter Terrell Hunt center this season. With Trudo in the middle, the looks to be the weakest team at Syracuse since first struggled with the new offensive system and guards will be incumbent Nick Robinson and the infamous Greg Robinson Era. Other than then eventually was lost for the season with a bro- promising redshirt freshman Aaron Roberts, perhaps Wake Forest, it’s hard to picture this ken leg. The good news is that Hunt is now while the tackles will be the solid but unspectacu- club winning any of its ACC games. The Cuse healthy and last year’s ludicrous, screen-happy lar duo of Ivan Foy and Omari Palmer. The key will do very well to avoid a second consecutive offense went away with the firing of OC George here will be the pass blocking as this group strug- losing season and save Coach Shafer’s job! McDonald. Before getting hurt last year, Hunt gled a bit in that area a year ago, though having 2015 Syracuse Schedule completed 83 of 145 passes (57%) for 983 yards the more mobile Hunt back at quarterback will but just ONE touchdown, though he did rush for surely help this group. The depth here is a huge 9/4 RHODE ISLAND 292 yards and six TDs as his mobility is a HUGE question mark. 9/12 WAKE FOREST positive for this otherwise punchless attack. The defense was terrific last year, but now just 9/19 CENTRAL MICHIGAN three starters are back and there are major worries Sophs A.J. Long and Austin Wilson started games 9/26 LSU in Hunt’s absence and many now feel that Long everywhere, especially at defensive tackle where 10/10 at USF will be the QB of the future here after completing Syracuse not only loses both starters, but had 89 of 165 passes (54%) for 935 yards and four three other players at the position unexpectedly 10/17 at Virginia TDs. But with Hunt back, we are expecting Cuse leave the team since the end of 2014. Wayne 10/24 PITTSBURGH to redshirt Long and go with Wilson as the #2. Williams transferred and both Isaiah Johnson and 10/31 at Florida State Coach Shafer needs to figure out how to get Marcus Coleman were forced to retire from foot- 11/7 at Louisville ball due to injuries! That leaves retread senior increased production from his wide receivers this 11/14 CLEMSON year, though Syracuse does have what looks to be John Raymon as one DT regular and the other 11/21 at N.C. State a rising star in soph Steve Ishmael, who as a true being one of two redshirt freshmen, either Kayton frosh caught 27 passes for 415 yards and three Samuels or . On the outside, Ron 11/28 BOSTON COLLEGE TDs. Junior Ben Lewis added 24 receptions last Thompson looks like a rising star and he’ll pair 2014 SYRACUSE RESULTS 2015 SYRACUSE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 2-9-1) Offense A.29 VILLAN'VA L -15 27-26 o48' QB Terrell Hunt (6-3, 235, Sr.) Austin Wilson (6-3, 215, So.) S.13 C. Mich. W -6 40-3 u52 RB Devante McFarlane (6-0, 195, Jr.) George Morris (6-0, 190, Jr.) S.20 MARYLAND L -2 20-34 p54 WR Steve Ishmael (6-2, 185, So.) Brisley Estime (5-9, 180, Jr.) S.27 Notre Dame L +9' 15-31 u51' WR Ben Lewis (6-2, 210, Jr.) Jamal Custis (6-5, 225, So.) WR Alvin Cornelius (6-1, 195, Jr.) Sean Avant (5-10, 205, So.) O.03 LOUISVILLE L +2 6-28 u46' WR Ervin Phillips (5-11, 180, So.) Adly Enoicy (6-5, 230, Fr.) O.11 FLA. ST. W +23' 20-38 o55 TE Josh Parris (6-4, 250, Jr.) Trey Dunkelberger (6-5, 240, So.) O.18 Wake Forest W -5' 30-7 u43' C Rob Trudo (6-3, 305, Sr.) Jason Emerich (6-3, 290, Jr.) O.25 Clemson W +15 6-16 u48 LG Nick Robinson (6-5, 285, Sr.) Alex Hayes (6-2, 305, So.) N.01 N. CAR. ST. L -3 17-24 u53 RG Aaron Roberts (6-4, 270, Fr.) Seamus Shanley (6-1, 280, Sr.) N.08 DUKE L +4 10-27 u52 LTIvan Foy (6-5, 285, Sr.) Michael Lasker (6-4, 310, Sr.) N.22 Pitt. L +7' 7-30 u51 RT Omari Palmer (6-3, 325, Jr.) Jamar McGloster (6-7, 310, So.) PK Cole Murphy (6-3, 195, So.) Ryan Norton (5-11, 190, Sr.) N.29 Boston Col L +11' 7-28 u43' Defense DE Ron Thompson (6-3, 255, Jr.) Amir Ealey (6-4, 230, Fr.) 2014 Syracuse Final Stats DE Donnie Simmons (6-2, 260, Sr.) Luke Arciniega (6-4, 250, Jr.) Syracuse Opp DT John Raymon (6-5, 305, Sr.) Steven Clark (6-2, 300, Fr.) Points per game 17 24 DT Kayton Samuels (6-0, 310, Fr.) Chris Slayton (6-4, 290, Fr.) LB Marqez Hodge (6-0, 220, Jr.) Oliver Vigille (6-2, 230, Sr.) 1st Downs 202 240 LB Zaire Franklin (6-0, 240, So.) Troy Henderson (6-1, 215, Fr.) Rush Att 424 393 LB Parris Bennett (6-0, 220, So.) Jonathan Thomas (6-1, 210, So.) Rush Yards 1750 1671 FS Chauncy Scissum (6-2, 210, So.) Rodney Williams (5-10, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.1 3.4 SS Antwan Cordy (5-8, 180, So.) (6-3, 185, Fr.) Pass Comp 207 225 CB Julian Whigham (6-1, 190, Sr.) Cornell Hudson (5-11, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 383 345 CB Corey Winfield (6-1, 185, So.) Juwan Dowels (5-10, 180, Fr.) NB Wayne Morgan (5-11, 190, Sr.) Daivon Ellison (5-9, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 2209 2519 P (6-5, 225, Sr.) Cole Murphy (6-3, 195, So.) Had Int 17 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 330 349

98 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Brent and several freshmen. Of the newcomers, sacks a year ago, while middle man added 101 ACC Atlantic Division #7 keep a close eye on redshirt frosh Cortez Lewis tackles, 12 hits for minus yardage and four sacks and true frosh recruit Steven Claude. The best of his own. Sophs Jaboree Williams and Grant news in the receiving corps is surely at tight end Dawson add nice depth in this area. WAKE FOREST where soph Cam Serigne came out of nowhere Graduation claimed some terrific corners, but (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 last year to be an immediate star as a ‘14 frosh, the secondary will be rebuilt around solid safety COACH: Dave Clawson Returning 37 leading the Demon Deacons with 54 receptions Ryan Janvion, who actually led the team with 115 STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 for 531 yards and five TDs! tackles a year ago. Janvion and Thomas Brown Defense 7 The running game was an absolute joke last should form a very potent combo at safety, but the GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #91 year as Wake Forest backs averaged a mere 1.3 key here will be the development of new CB reg- Wake Forest was a terrible offensive team back yards per carry! Sophs Isaiah Robertson and ulars Brad Watson and Josh Okonye. There’s in 2013, but that weak unit was a downright pow- Dezmond Worthan combined for 415 yards rush- some promising youngsters here, but it may take erhouse compared to what the Demon Deacons ing as the top two rushers in 2014, but neither is some time for this unit to come together after los- put on the field in 2014! It was truly shocking assured of a starting role this time around. The ing three very solid starters. how bad this offense was a year ago, especially talk out of Wake Forest is that Coach Clawson The kicking game is a huge positive for this when it came to running the football as Wake may turn to one of two highly-regarded true frosh club as kicker Mike Weaver made good on 15 of Forest ran for just 479 yards all season long, or runners, either Rocky Reid or Matt Colburn. 19 field goal tries as a ‘14 frosh and punter about the same as Melvin Gordon did for Three starters return along the offensive line Alexander Kinal is one of the best in the nation at Wisconsin in ONE game last year! The combina- with one major position change as right tackle his position. A year ago, Kinal averaged about 44 tion of a raw true frosh quarterback playing Dylan Intermann has been moved to right guard yards per boot and had ZERO touchbacks the behind a painfully weak offensive line proved for the ‘15 campaign. Intermann will pair at guard entire season! painful to watch, but second-year Head Coach with fellow incumbent starter Josh Harris, while GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Deacons Dave Clawson had to be encouraged by the fact the center will again be soph Alique Terry provid- will be a much improved club in 2015, though that this club still managed to win three games in ed he can hold off a challenge from redshirt fresh- that improvement is unlikely to manifest itself 2014 despite having the worst offense in the man Ryan Anderson. Former starter Tyler as many more victories. The weak offensive nation by a wide, wide margin! Hayworth provides depth at three interior posts, line and a lack of skill position talent will hurt Starting quarterback was thrown while it looks like the new tackles will be untest- soph QB Wolford, but the defense is definitely to the wolves as a true freshman last year, and ed redshirt freshmen and Phil good enough to compete at the ACC level. after a rough start, he actually played fairly well. Haynes. This group was AWFUL in 2014 and While another losing record seems certain, Overall, Wolford completed 214 of 367 passes can’t help but be at least somewhat improved. things do seem to be moving forward here. (58%) for 2,037 yards and 12 TDs and 14 inter- Lost in last year’s woeful offensive showing 2015 Wake Forest Schedule ceptions. While those numbers don’t sound all was that the Wake Forest defense was actually that great, you need to remember that Wolford quite respectable. While there were severe losses 9/3 ELON was playing with ZERO running game and work- in the secondary during the off-season, the front 9/12 at Syracuse ing behind a blocking unit which allowed him to seven should be fairly decent in 2015. Incumbent 9/19 at Army D-liners Josh Banks and Wendell Dunn combined be sacked on nearly 50 occasions! In time with a 9/26 INDIANA better supporting cast, this kid could be a good for 15 hits for minus yardage, while senior Tylor 10/3 FLORIDA STATE quarterback. Heralded true frosh recruit Kyle Harris is a big physical presence in the middle of Kearns has the talent to challenge Wolford as he the line. Soph Duke Ejiofor has claimed the one 10/10 at Boston College gains experience. vacancy up front and a host of talented redshirt 10/17 at North Carolina Graduation claimed Wake Forest’s top two freshmen are also set to debut this fall. 10/24 N.C. STATE wide receivers, but the Deacons do have one The strength of the defense will be at line- 10/30 LOUISVILLE backer this season where all three starters and two starter back in solid junior Jared Crump who 11/14 at Notre Dame caught 32 balls a year ago. Juniors Jonathan very solid subs return to action. The leaders here 11/21 at Clemson Williams and Tyree Harris are next in line to are Brandon Chubb and , while the claim the two vacant starting roles, but they will third starter will again be solid senior Hunter 11/28 DUKE be challenged by South Carolina transfer K.J. Williams. Chubb picked up 109 tackles and three 2014 WAKE FOREST RESULTS 2015 WAKE FOREST DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.28 La.-Monroe L +1' 10-17 u45 QB John Wolford (6-1, 205, So.) Kyle Kearns (6-2, 190, Fr.) S.06 GARD.-WEBB L -21' 23-7 u38 RB Isaiah Robinson (5-10, 215, So.) Dezmond Worthan (6-0, 205, So.) S.13 Utah St. W +15 24-36 o44 WR Jared Crump (6-3, 195, Jr.) Cortez Lewis (6-1, 200, Fr.) S.20 ARMY W +2' 24-21 u47' WR Jonathan Williams (6-3, 185, Jr.) Tabari Hines (5-10, 165, Fr.) WR Tyree Harris (6-3, 185, Jr.) Steven Claude (6-1, 185, Fr.) S.27 Louisville W +21' 10-20 u43 WR K.J. Brent (6-4, 195, Sr.) Scotty Washington (6-4, 195, Fr.) O.04 Fla. St. L +38 3-43 u55 TE Cam Serigne (6-3, 245, So.) Devin Pike (6-6, 250, So.) O.18 SYRACUSE L +5' 7-30 u43' C Alique Terry (6-1, 310, So.) Ryan Anderson (6-6, 295, Fr.) O.25 BOSTON COL. W +13' 17-23 u40' LG Josh Harris (6-4, 310, Jr.) Patrick Osterhage (6-4, 300, Fr.) N.06 CLEMSON W +21 20-34 o42' RG Dylan Intermann (6-5, 310, Sr.) Tyler Hayworth (6-4, 325, Jr.) N.15 N. Car. St. L +16' 13-42 o45' LT Phil Haynes (6-4, 280, Fr.) Nick Luedeke (6-5, 270, Fr.) N.22 VA. TECH W +14' 6-3 u38' RT Justin Herron (6-5, 290, Fr.) Will Smith (6-5, 290, So.) PK Mike Weaver (6-1, 180, So.) Adam Centers (6-0, 195, So.) N.29 Duke L +18' 21-41 o44' Defense DE Wendell Dunn (6-3, 250, So.) Chris Stewart (6-3, 260, Fr.) 2014 Wake Forest Final Stats DE Duke Ejiofor (6-4, 275, So.) Rashawn Shaw (6-3, 255, Fr.) Wake Forest Opp DT Josh Banks (6-4, 270, Jr.) Sheldon Lewinson (6-2, 265, Jr.) Points per game 15 26 DT Tylor Harris (6-4, 305, Sr.) Zeek Rodney (6-1, 295, So.) LB Brandon Chubb (6-1, 245, Sr.) Jaboree Williams (6-0, 240, So.) 1st Downs 172 231 LB Marquel Lee (6-3, 235, Jr.) Grant Dawson (6-1, 225, So.) Rush Att 383 501 LB Hunter Williams (6-0, 225, Sr.) Zack Wary (6-4, 225, Fr.) Rush Yards 479 2192 FS Ryan Janvion (5-11, 190, Jr.) Zach Dancel (6-0, 205, Sr.) Avg Rush 1.3 4.4 SS Thomas Brown (6-3, 220, Jr.) Jalen Letter (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Comp 225 211 CB Brad Watson (6-0, 190, Jr.) John Armstrong (5-9, 165, Jr.) Pass Att 385 348 CB Josh Okonye (6-0, 200, So.) Deonte Davis (5-10, 185, Jr.) NB Thomas Dillon (5-10, 180, So.) Dionte Austin (5-11, 160, Fr.) Pass Yds 2116 2239 P Alexander Kinal (6-4, 205, Sr.) Mike Weaver (6-1, 180, So.) Had Int 14 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 216 369

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 99 es. Junior Michael Summers is technically a and Jabari Hunt-Days will need to prove that they ACC Coastal Division #1 returning starter because Tech likes him as a can make it as every down defensive tackles. blocker, but he caught just 10 balls a year ago and Georgia Tech’s best all-around defender might often left on passing downs. Guys like Summers, be speedy outside linebacker P.J. Davis, who in GEORGIA TECH Ricky Jeune and Antonio Messick will need to ‘14 registered a team-high 119 tackles, four sacks (11-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 step up their respective games in a big way this and three forced fumbles. Senior Tyler Marcodes COACH: Paul Johnson Returning 50 season. Several true freshmen will also get a look is nothing special as the other OLB, while the new STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 here, the best of whom might be Harland Howell. middle man will be one of two veteran lettermen, Defense 9 The backfield has been seriously depleted by either Anthony Harrell or Beau Hankins. There’s GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #15 graduation, especially at fullback where long-time decent depth at linebacker as well, but the only Georgia Tech got off to a modest start in 2014, players like Zach Laskey and Synjyn Days are star here remains P.J. Davis. including back-to-back losses to two teams they gone after combining for almost 1,800 yards and There’s a ton of veteran, individual talent in the should have beaten in North Carolina and Duke. 18 TDs a year ago. Junior Marcus Allen won the secondary, but for some reason this group gives But over the latter stages of the 2014 campaign, spring battle for the vacant fullback job, but he’ll up a lot more pass yardage than you would this club was playing as well as anyone in the have major competition this fall from the arrival expect. Senior CBs D.J. White and Chris Milton country as the Rambling Wreck’s last four games of graduate transfer Patrick Skov from Stanford both look good enough to play at the NFL level, included victories over Clemson and SEC powers who appears to be an ideal fit in this scheme. The as do senior safeties Jamal Golden and Demond Georgia and Mississippi State, plus a VERY nar- “A-Backs” will also be new, though one guy who Smith, but the stats don’t bear that out. Golden row loss to powerful Florida State in the ACC title did play a decent amount last year was senior and White tied for the team lead with four pass game. The bottom line here is that this team was Broderick Snoddy who carried the ball just 28 thefts a year ago. The depth here is very raw, but WAY better than people realized in 2014 and now times but racked up 283 yards! If run correctly, definitely quite talented as well. look poised to make a major run at the ACC this offense creates major space for the “pitch GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is crown in 2015. man” so the A-Backs need only be REAL fast and tough to figure because of so many new faces in Head Coach Paul Johnson has made his entire they will rack up big numbers. the backfield, but QB Thomas is a superstar career successful on the premise that his modified Up front, Tech loses All-ACC guard Shaq and the offensive line looks good, so it might Wishbone offense is virtually unstoppable if exe- Mason, but other than that everyone else is back just be “plug and play” at the running back cuted properly, and he has been proven correct for from a group which played very well in 2014. positions. We view Georgia Tech as a major the most part. The Georgia Tech offense is basi- Seniors Bryan Chamberlain and Trey Braun do a threat to win the ACC this year and a likely cally a hybrid of the old Wishbone and the mod- terrific job on the left side, while the two other Top 15 club, perhaps even higher if the new ern Spread, but it has been murder on average rock solid incumbents are right tackle Errin Joe offensive skill position starters perform well. defenses over the years, and even the great and center Freddie Burden. Massive Shamire 2015 Georgia Tech Schedule defenses have had some issues. The trigger man Devine takes over at right guard, while the depth once again will be speedy junior quarterback here is young but promising. 9/3 ALCORN STATE Justin Thomas, a guy with the speed of a world While the offense was awesome in 2014, the 9/12 TULANE class sprinter and an excellent understanding of defense had some problems at times, especially 9/19 at Notre Dame against quality opposition. But nine starters are when to keep and when to pitch out. Last year, 9/26 at Duke Thomas carried the ball 190 times for 1,086 yards back here and this group should be somewhat 10/3 NORTH CAROLINA and eight touchdowns, plus he also completed 96 improved in 2015. The key here will be outside of 187 passes (51%) for 1,719 yards and 18 TDs pass rush from the defensive ends, the best of 10/10 at Clemson against just six interceptions! While 51 percent is whom is talented soph KeShun Freeman who led 10/17 PITTSBURGH not great, Thomas averaged nearly 18 yards per the team with a modest 4.5 QB sacks as a ‘14 10/24 FLORIDA STATE completion so he was also a shockingly good frosh. Players like Rod Rook-Chungong, Tyler 10/31 at Virginia Stargel and Antonio Simmons will need to pro- passer. Senior vet Timmy Byerly is an adequate 11/12 VIRGINIA TECH backup behind Thomas. vide Freeman with more help this season. Inside, 11/21 at Miami-Florida The Yellow Jackets lose two solid wideouts to senior is a hard-working vet who graduation, so Coach Johnson will need to find picked up 36 tackles and three sacks a year ago. 11/28 GEORGIA some new pass catchers to make up for those loss- At the other DT posts, vets like Patrick Gamble 2014 GEORGIA TECH RESULTS 2015 GEORGIA TECH DEPTH CHART (SUR: 11-3 PSR: 10-4 O-U: 8-6) Offense A.30 WOFFORD L -28 38-19 o49' QB Justin Thomas (5-11, 190, Jr.) Timmy Byerly (6-0, 215, Sr.) S.06 Tulane W -9' 38-21 o55' RB Marcus Allen (6-2, 225, Jr.) Patrick Skov (6-1, 235, Sr.) S.13 GEORGIA SO. L -17 42-38 o54 AB Broderick Snoddy (5-9, 190, Sr.) Clinton Lynch (6-0, 185, Fr.) S.20 Virginia Tech W +7' 27-24 u52' AB Isiah Willis (5-9, 195, Jr.) Mikell Lands-Davis (5-11, 205, Fr.) O.04 MIAMI-FLA. W -1' 28-17 u58 AB C.J. Leggett (5-10, 210, Fr.) Omahri Jarrett (5-10, 180, Fr.) O.11 DUKE L -3' 25-31 u59' WR Michael Summers (6-1, 200, Jr.) Antonio Messick (6-3, 195, So.) O.18 N. Carolina L +1' 43-48 o70 WR Ricky Jeune (6-3, 215, So.) Harland Howell (6-2, 200, Fr.) O.25 Pitt. W +3' 56-28 o55' C Freddie Burden (6-3, 305, Jr.) Andrew Marshall (6-4, 275, Fr.) N.01 VIRGINIA W -3' 35-10 u53' LG Trey Braun (6-5, 295, Sr.) Eason Fromayan (6-4, 290, So.) N.08 N. Car. St. W -3 56-23 o62' RG Shamire Devine (6-7, 365, So.) Gary Brown (6-3, 290, Fr.) N.15 CLEMSON W +2' 28-6 u57' LTBryan Chamberlain (6-4, 295, Sr.) Trey Klock (6-4, 280, Fr.) N.29 Georgia W +12' 30-24 u66 RT Errin Joe (6-3, 315, Sr.) Chris Griffin (6-6, 285, So.) D.06 Florida St. W +4 35-37 o63 PK (6-3, 205, Jr.) Shawn Davis (6-2, 200, Fr.) D.31 Miss. St. W +6' 49-34 o61' Defense DE KeShun Freeman (6-2, 240, So.) Antonio Simmons (6-3, 235, So.) 2014 Georgia Tech Final Stats DE Rod Rook-Chungong (6-3, 245, Jr.) Tyler Stargel (6-3, 250, Jr.) Georgia Tech Opp DT Patrick Gamble (6-5, 290, Jr.) Jabari Hunt-Days (6-3, 285, Sr.) Points per game 38 26 DT Adam Gotsis (6-5, 285, Sr.) Francis Kallon (6-5, 300, Jr.) LB Tyler Marcodes (6-4, 235, Sr.) Terrell Lewis (6-2, 230, So.) 1st Downs 350 300 LB Anthony Harrell (6-2, 240, Sr.) Beau Hankins (6-1, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 790 463 LB P.J. Davis (5-11, 220, Jr.) Domonique Noble (6-2, 215, Sr.) Rush Yards 4789 2346 FS Jamal Golden (6-0, 195, Sr.) Lawrence Austin (5-9, 185, So.) Avg Rush 6.1 5.1 SS Demond Smith (6-0, 195, Sr.) Shaun Kagawa (5-11, 205, So.) Pass Comp 106 282 CB Chris Milton (5-11, 190, Sr.) Lynn Griffin (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Att 203 448 CB D.J. White (5-11, 190, Sr.) Step Durham (5-11, 190, So.) NB Lance Austin (5-10, 190, So.) A.J. Gray (6-1, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 1882 3412 P Ryan Rodwell (6-2, 190, Jr.) Grant Aasen (6-2, 190, Fr.) Had Int 6 18 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 477 411

100 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL for a starting role this fall, while other lettermen sacks in 2014! No team in the country features a ACC Coastal Division #2 returning at wide receiver include Kevin Asante better DE combo than Nicolas and Ekanem. and Deon Newsome. This team strongest and Things are nowhere near as good at linebacker deepest position is definitely at tight end where where Deon Clarke is a major force, but the rest VIRGINIA TECH senior Ryan Malleck is a strong, proven starter of the LBs are nothing special. In ‘14, Clarke (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 and soph Bucky Hodges is one of the rising stars racked up 74 tackles, 11 hits for minus yardage COACH: Frank Beamer Returning 58 in the ACC, plus the Hokies also get back former and five sacks. The new LBs who will need to STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 starter Kalvin Cline who missed all of 2014 due to step up their games this year are Ronny Vandyke Defense 7 injury. Malleck caught 24 passes a year ago to go and Andrew Motuapuaka, but there is also a GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #24 with his strong blocking, while Hodges was an decent chance that Coach Beamer will turn to Virginia Tech got off to a great start last year immediate star as a ‘14 frosh as he came off the some of his freshmen in this area. with their early September upset of eventual bench to catch 45 passes for 526 yards and seven Virginia Tech is loaded in the secondary as National Champion Ohio State, but the middle of touchdowns! Hodges looks like a future All- they have an All-American candidate at corner- the season turned into an absolute nightmare for American for this school. back in Kendall Fuller, plus two other outstanding the Hokies and after a loss to lowly Wake Forest, There is a ton of uncertainty surrounding the cover corners in Brandon Facyson and Chuck it looked like there would be no bowl game for ground game as ultra-talented sophs Marshawn Clark, all three of whom figure to eventually play this proud program. But Head Coach Frank Williams and Shai McKenzie may not be on the on Sundays. Fuller and Facyson have been start- Beamer rallied his troops to sneak into a bowl field for very different reasons. Williams suffered ing together since early in their freshman season, game at 6-6 and then earn a winning season with a severe knee injury which may or may not take but Facyson got hurt last year which opened the an impressive win over Cincinnati. That gives away his 2015 season, while McKenzie is facing door for Clark who was every bit as good. The Virginia Tech some momentum heading into serious criminal charges which may keep him picture isn’t quite as awesome at safety, but there 2015, though there are college football observers from playing as well. That means former starters are some promising players ready to step into the who say the game has passed the aging Coach J.C. Coleman and will likely be two vacant starting roles. Beamer. We shall see this season! the top ball carriers this season. Coleman ran for GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Hokies Back to start at quarterback is former Texas 533 yards a year ago, but lacks the explosion of should be a much improved team this year and Tech transfer Michael Brewer who endured an up guys like Williams and McKenzie. could be VERY improved if they can get all of and down first season with the Hokies. Overall, Three starters are gone along the offensive line, their running backs on the field. Georgia Tech Brewer completed 262 of 441 passes (59%) for though the rebuilding here is not as bad as you will be pretty hard to beat in the ACC Coastal 2,692 yards and 18 TDs, but he was also picked might think since guys like Wyatt Teller and Wade Division this year, but the Hokies are the best off on 15 occasions and lost four fumbles, so he Hansen did start a few games a year ago. In fact, bet to do so among the other contenders. was definitely mistake-prone in his first season we feel soph guard Teller will be the team’s best 2015 Virginia Tech Schedule with the Hokies. Brewer cemented his hold on the blocker this year. The other new face is soph cen- #1 job this spring by again beating out junior ter Eric Gallo, while the two incumbents are 9/7 OHIO STATE Brenden Motley, but the QB of the future here is juniors Jonathan McLaughlin and Augie Conte. 9/12 FURMAN undoubtedly true frosh blue chipper Dwayne There’s some decent veteran depth in this area. 9/19 at Purdue Defense has always been the name of the game Lawson who Virginia Tech would like to let red- 9/26 at East Carolina shirt his first season. at Virginia Tech and even in a modest 7-6 season, 10/3 PITTSBURGH Coach Beamer showed a lot of courage last the Hokies held foes to just 20 points per game in year by handing over his starting wide receiver ‘14. All four starters are back on the D-line, plus 10/9 N.C. STATE jobs to two raw freshmen and the decision really the Hokies also get back former DT regular 10/17 at Miami-Florida paid dividends as both Isaiah Ford and Cam Luther Maddy who was lost to injury early last 10/24 DUKE Phillips turned into strong frosh campaigns. Ford season. Maddy will be rock solid inside along 10/31 at Boston College with Corey Marshall and Nigel Williams, but the was an immediate standout as he hauled in a 11/12 at Georgia Tech team-leading 56 passes for 709 yards and six TDs, real talent is on the outside where speed rushers 11/21 NORTH CAROLINA while Phillips added 40 catches and three more Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem were outstanding scores. Former starter Demitri Knowles comes a year ago. This dynamic duo combined for 125 11/28 at Virginia back after missing all of 2014 and he could push tackles, 33 hits for minus yardage and 18.5 QB 2014 VIRGINIA TECH RESULTS 2015 VIRGINIA TECH DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 3-8-1) Offense A.30 WM. & MARY W -23 34-9 NL QB Michael Brewer (6-1, 200, Sr.) Brenden Motley (6-4, 230, Jr.) S.06 Ohio St. W +11 35-21 o47 TB J.C. Coleman (5-7, 195, Sr.) Trey Edmunds (6-1, 225, Jr.) S.13 E. CAROLINA L -10 21-28 u54 FB Sam Rogers (5-10, 225, Jr.) Jerome Wright (6-2, 235, Jr.) S.20 GA. TECH L -7' 24-27 u52' WR Isaiah Ford (6-1, 180, So.) Kevin Asante (6-0, 190, Sr.) S.27 W. MICH. L -21 35-17 p52 WR (6-1, 200, So.) Deon Newsome (5-11, 190, So.) O.04 N. Carolina W -2' 34-17 u59' WR Demitri Knowles (6-1, 180, Sr.) Charley Meyer (6-1, 215, Jr.) O.16 Pitt. L -1' 16-21 u45 TE Ryan Malleck (6-5, 250, Sr.) Bucky Hodges (6-6, 250, So.) O.23 MIAMI-FLA. L +2' 6-30 u48 C Eric Gallo (6-2, 295, So.) Kyle Chung (6-3, 285, So.) N.01 BOSTON COL. L -3 31-33 o40' LG Wyatt Teller (6-6, 295, So.) Alston Smith (6-2, 295, Jr.) N.15 Duke W +4 17-16 u47' RG Augie Conte (6-6, 300, Jr.) Colt Petit (6-3, 295, Fr.) N.22 W. Forest L -14' 3-6 u38' LT Jonathan McLaughlin (6-5, 310, Jr.) Darius Redman (6-4, 285, Sr.) N.28 VIRGINIA W +1' 24-20 o40 RT Wade Hansen (6-5, 300, Sr.) Parker Osterloh (6-8, 345, So.) PK Joey Slye (5-10, 225, So.) Carson Wise (5-9, 160, Fr.) D.27 Cincinnati W +2' 33-17 u51 Defense DE Dadi Nicolas (6-4, 240, Sr.) Seth Dooley (6-5, 245, So.) 2014 Virginia Tech Final Stats DE Ken Ekanem (6-3, 245, Jr.) Darius Fullwood (6-3, 240, Fr.) Virginia Tech Opp DT Corey Marshall (6-2, 265, Sr.) (6-3, 290, So.) Points per game 24 20 DT Luther Maddy (6-1, 295, Sr.) Nigel Williams (6-2, 290, Jr.) LB Deon Clarke (6-2, 215, Sr.) Raymon Minor (6-2, 220, Fr.) 1st Downs 261 216 LB Andrew Motuapuaka (6-0, 225, So.) Jamieon Moss (6-1, 215, So.) Rush Att 507 484 LB Ronny Vandyke (6-4, 220, Sr.) Holland Fisher (6-1, 190, Fr.) Rush Yards 1923 1882 FS C.J. Reavis (6-1, 205, So.) Desmond Frye (6-2, 200, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.8 3.9 SS Donovan Riley (5-11, 210, Sr.) Anthony Shegog (6-2, 215, So.) Pass Comp 271 183 CB Kendall Fuller (6-0, 200, Jr.) (6-0, 160, So.) Pass Att 456 384 CB Brandon Facyson (6-2, 185, So.) Shawn Payne (6-2, 195, Fr.) NB Chuck Clark (6-0, 210, Jr.) Jahque Alleyne (6-1, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 2826 2587 P A.J. Hughes (6-1, 195, Sr.) Mitchell Ludwig (5-11, 195, Jr.) Had Int 15 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 365 344

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 101 Boyd, but there’s no doubt that wide receiver an impact defender in terms of making big plays. ACC Coastal Division #3 depth is a huge source of worry for Pitt. There are On the outside, it looks like Nicholas Grigsby has no such problems at tight end where the Panthers claimed one starting role, while the other OLB job bring back two superb starters in J.P. Holtz and will go to either Mike Caprara or Bam Bradley. PITTSBURGH devastating blocker Jaymar Parrish. Holtz was How these outside linebackers fare will be critical (6-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 second on the team last year with 21 catches and to the development of the 2015 defense. COACH: Pat Narduzzi Returning 47 four TDs, while Parrish lined up all over the field The secondary was up and down last season STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 and was arguably the premier lead blocker of any and could be again unless talented but erratic cor- Defense 7 tight end/fullback in the country in 2014! nerbacks Lafayette Pitts and Avonte Maddox play GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #40 The superstar on this team is bruising running up to their full potential. For a guy with 38 career Pitt has been searching endlessly for the right back James Conner, who might just emerge as a starts, Pitts still makes a ton of key mistakes, coach to bring them back to the glory years of longshot Heisman contender in 2015. Last year, while the talented Maddox can be a liability at Johnny Majors and Jackie Sherrill, but so far no the massive Conner blasted his way to 298 carries times due to his lack of size. At safety, Pitt has one has been able to pull off that feat. The latest for 1,765 yards and a whopping 26 TDs! Conner three solid but unspectacular vets to rotate at the to try and leave was Paul Chryst, who stayed here was the ACC Player of the Year as a sophomore two spots in the trio of Reggie Mitchell, Terrish for 3 break-even seasons only to jump ship for and he might just quietly be the best player in the Webb and Pat Amara. Help could arrive in the Wisconsin when that vacancy became available. entire country this time around. And there’s also form of several true freshmen, the best of whom So the new man on the hot seat here at Pitt is ener- amazing depth at running back led by lettermen is cornerback Jordan Whitehead. getic former Michigan State assistant Pat Chris James and Rachid Ibrahim who combined The Panthers have a strong kicker in vet Chris Narduzzi, a young and intense head coach who for another 710 yards rushing off the bench in ‘14. Blewitt who made 16 of 21 field goals in 2014. has done a tremendous job as an assistant. It may Up front, there’s some work to do on the right GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is take some time to build a national power, but even side where Pitt lost two All-ACC performers, but likely on its way to another bowl invite, but the in 2015 the Panthers should be a highly competi- the left side combo of Adam Bisnowaty (LT) and real question is can Coach Narduzzi take this tive squad with the return of 15 starters from a Dorian Johnson (LG) now appears ready to step program to the next level? Well, if a second club which fared better statistically than their up into their own level of stardom. Pitt also has a pass catcher emerges to pair with Boyd and the final won-loss record might indicate. pair of highly experienced centers in Alex Officer defense makes improvement in terms of mak- The Panthers broke in a new starting QB last and Artie Rowell, both of whom have at least 10 ing big plays, then Pitt could emerge as the sur- year and junior Chad Voytik did a solid if not career starts in the middle. Talented soph Jaryd prise team in the ACC this year. We look for spectacular job. Overall, Voytik completed 176 of Jones-Smith is all set to take over at right tackle, the Panthers to win anywhere from seven to 287 passes (61%) for 2,233 yards and 16 TDs while the vacant right guard job is being fought nine games in 2015! against seven interceptions, plus he showed over by redshirt freshmen Alex Bookser and Mike 2015 Pittsburgh Schedule shocking mobility as he also ran for 466 yards and Herndon. The O-line depth appears solid. three scores. Voytik will never be a star, but he’s a For Pitt to take the next leap as a truly quality 9/5 YOUNGSTOWN STATE good fit in Pitt’s ground-oriented attack. Redshirt team, they will need to get better pass rush out of 9/12 at Akron freshman Adam Bertke was the top backup this the big boys up front. Hope for this rests mainly 9/19 at Iowa on the shoulders of soph Rori Blair, a raw talent spring, but will likely be pushed aside this fall in 10/3 at Virginia Tech favor of either Tennessee transfer Nathan who posted a team-best five sacks off the bench in 10/10 VIRGINIA Peterman or true frosh recruit Ben DiNucci. 2014 despite fairly limited playing time. The rest The Panthers have one of the nation’s truly of the ends are mediocre at best, as senior tackle 10/17 at Georgia Tech elite wide receivers in Tyler Boyd, but Coach incumbents Khaynin Mosley-Smith and Darryl 10/24 at Syracuse Narduzzi needs to find another solid player (or Render. There’s decent DT depth led by Tyrique 10/29 NORTH CAROLINA two) at the wide receiver position this year. In ‘14, Jarrett and Justin Moody, but none of these four 11/7 NOTRE DAME provide any big play potential. Boyd hauled in nearly FOUR times as many pass- 11/14 at Duke es as any other Pitt player as he caught 78 balls for At linebacker, middle man Matt Galambos 11/21 LOUISVILLE 1,281 yards and eight TDs. Junior Dontez Ford returns to reclaim one role, but the Panthers will and redshirt freshman Elijah Zeise are the guys need to find two new starters on the outside. 11/27 MIAMI-FLORIDA most likely to step up as the second option behind Galambos posted 72 tackles last year, but was not 2014 PITTSBURGH RESULTS 2015 PITTSBURGH DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-7 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.30 DELAWARE W -24 62-0 o59' QB Chad Voytik (6-1, 205, Jr.) (6-2, 225, Jr.) S.05 Boston Col. W -5 30-20 o49' RB James Conner (6-2, 250, Jr.) Chris James (5-11, 210, So.) S.13 Fla. Int. L -25' 42-25 o46' WR Tyler Boyd (6-2, 190, Jr.) Zach Challingsworth (6-2, 190, So.) S.20 IOWA L -6' 20-24 u46' WR Dontez Ford (6-2, 205, Jr.) Jester Weah (6-3, 205, So.) S.27 AKRON L -20' 10-21 u52 WR Elijah Zeise (6-2, 195, Fr.) Chris Wuestner (6-2, 205, Jr.) O.04 Virginia W +5' 19-24 u46' TE J.P. Holtz (6-4, 245, Sr.) Scott Orndoff (6-5, 260, Jr.) O.16 VA. TECH W +1' 21-16 u45 TE Jaymar Parrish (6-2, 270, Jr.) Devon Edwards (6-4, 260, So.) O.25 GA. TECH L -3' 28-56 o55' C Alex Officer (6-4, 335, So.) Artie Rowell (6-2, 315, Sr.) N.01 DUKE L -3' 48-51 o50 LG Dorian Johnson (6-5, 300, Jr.) Carson Baker (6-5, 330, So.) N.15 N. Carolina L +2 35-40 o67 RG Alex Bookser (6-6, 295, Fr.) Mike Herndon (6-4, 320, Fr.) N.22 SYRACUSE W -7' 30-7 u51 LTAdam Bisnowaty (6-6, 310, Jr.) John Guy (6-7, 290, Jr.) N.29 Miami-Florida W +10 35-23 o56' RT Jaryd Jones-Smith (6-7, 335, So.) Aaron Reese (6-5, 315, So.) J.02 Houston L -4 34-35 o54 PK Chris Blewitt (5-9, 185, Jr.) (6-5, 210, So.) Defense DE Shakir Soto (6-3, 270, Jr.) Ejuan Price (6-0, 255, Sr.) 2014 Pittsburgh Final Stats DE Rori Blair (6-4, 235, So.) Zach Poker (6-4, 240, So.) Pittsburgh Opp DT Khaynin Mosley-Smith (6-0, 310, Sr.) Justin Moody (6-3, 285, So.) Points per game 32 26 DT Darryl Render (6-2, 280, Sr.) Tyrique Jarrett (6-3, 335, Jr.) LB Nicholas Grigsby (6-1, 225, Sr.) Anthony McKee (6-2, 205, Fr.) 1st Downs 308 246 LB Matt Galambos (6-2, 245, Jr.) Quintin Wirginis (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Att 610 465 LB Mike Caprara (6-0, 225, Jr.) Bam Bradley (6-2, 230, Jr.) Rush Yards 3243 2091 FS Reggie Mitchell (6-0, 190, Jr.) Terrish Webb (5-11, 185, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.3 4.5 SS Patrick Amara (6-2, 195, So.) Jevonte Pitts (5-11, 205, Jr.) Pass Comp 188 199 CB Lafayette Pitts (5-11, 195, Sr.) Malik Henderson (6-0, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 308 372 CB Avonte Maddox (5-9, 165, So.) Phillipie Motley (5-10, 170, Fr.) NB Ryan Lewis (6-0, 195, Jr.) Jordan Whitehead (5-10, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 2417 2586 P Ryan Winslow (6-5, 210, So.) Nick Goldsmith (6-2, 210, Fr.) Had Int 7 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 435 360

102 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL while Davis, the only senior of the foursome, total tackles! Coach Chizik will need to get better ACC Coastal Division #4 added 41 grabs for 470 yards and six scores. efforts out of DTs like Justin Thomason, Nazair Howard was brilliant off the bench with 42 catch- Jones and Tyler Powell. Don’t be surprised if sev- es for 455 yards and two TDs, while Hollins eral frosh D-liners get a look here this fall. NO. CAROLINA emerged as a major deep threat last year as he Middle man Jeff Schoettmer is the lone return- (6-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 averaged almost 18 yards per grab, hauling in 35 ing regular at linebacker and he should fare a lot COACH: Larry Fedora Returning 47 passes for 613 yards and a team-best eight touch- better in the new defensive scheme. The other two STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 downs. Promising soph added 15 linebacker jobs were totally up for grabs this Defense 6 catches off the bench last year and could give spring, but it looks like the two new starters will GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #44 UNC yet another quality option at wide receiver. come from the trio of Shakeel Rashad, Cayson It’s weird how some coaches get a reputation With the graduation of the top three tight ends Collins and Joe Jackson. It’s really hard to say as being “good” and regardless of results they from last year, Coach Fedora has moved former how the revamped LB corps will fare this year, seem to escape major criticism. In this case, we starting wideout Kendrick Singleton to the posi- but Coach Chizik is counting on big things. are referring to UNC head man Larry Fedora who tion and he’ll share time with impressive redshirt In the secondary, three of four starters return came to this school with a reputation as an offen- freshman Brandon Fritts. but ALL three of these guys were relegated to sec- sive genius, but we have not been overly The running game was nothing special last ond string status during spring drills as Coach impressed with the results so far. In fact, you year, but the Tar Heels do have three pretty decent Chizik let everyone know what he thought of the could make a pretty good argument that no head backs in the trio of T.J. Logan, Elijah Hood and UNC pass defense! So guys like Brian Walker, coach in the country has gotten “less from more” Romar Morris who combined for 1,119 yards Dominquie Green and Desmond Lawrence will than Larry Fedora over the past few years. It’s rushing and 11 TDs. Logan has the speed to be a apparently go the bench in favor of Sam Smiley, somewhat ridiculous that a team with this talent big play guy for this club and Morris is a decent Malik Simmons and M.J. Stewart. And the fourth level is a mere 13-13 over the last two seasons and vet, but the player we like long term is soph Hood and final starter here will seemingly be true frosh it is high time that Coach Fedora gets things who has better size to work between the tackles. newcomer J.K. Britt who enrolled in school a turned around at North Carolina! All five starters return up front, though the Tar semester early and impressed immediately. One guy who can’t be blamed for last year’s 6- Heels made a change in the spring as incumbent GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The defense 7 record is quarterback Marquise Williams, who left tackle John Ferranto was beaten out by rising is still a joke with or without Gene Chizik at without much national fanfare, turned in one of soph Bentley who has a far greater upside. the helm, especially in the secondary which the better QB seasons in the nation in 2014. Junior Jon Heck has a chance to be a star at right gave up 31 TDs a year ago. The offense should Williams not only completed 270 of 428 passes tackle as he improved a lot over the course of the allow UNC to win enough games to get back to (63%) for 3,068 yards and 21 TDs against nine ‘14 campaign, while guards Caleb Peterson and some sort of minor bowl game this season. interceptions, but he also managed to lead the Tar Landon Turner are solid if not spectacular. Junior 2015 North Carolina Schedule Heels with 788 yards rushing and 13 more TDs on Lucas Crowley holds over at center and the top the ground! Basically, Williams was the entire subs here are lettermen Will Dancy, Jared Cohen 9/3 vs. South Carolina UNC offense for large chunks of last season and and Brad Henson. 9/12 NORTH CAROLINA A&T if North Carolina’s defense were not so awful, this There’s not much to say about a defense which 9/19 ILLINOIS gave up 39 points per game last year despite being kid would have gotten the recognition he so rich- 9/26 DELAWARE ly deserves. The Tar Heels also have a very tal- loaded with former high profile recruits who have 10/3 at Georgia Tech ented backup QB in soph Mitch Trubisky, who totally flopped at the college level. Major changes saw some decent playing time off the bench as a are on the way as UNC hired former Auburn head 10/17 WAKE FOREST ‘14 frosh when he completed 42 of 78 passes for coach Gene Chizik as their new defensive coordi- 10/24 VIRGINIA 459 yards and five TDs against four interceptions. nator and he has moved away from last year’s soft 10/29 at Pittsburgh The Tar Heels are in superb shape at wide 4-2-5 defense to a traditional 4-3 look where line- 11/7 DUKE backers are back in vogue. Up front, the DE jobs receiver where they bring back their top four pass 11/14 MIAMI-FLORIDA catchers from a year ago in the quartet of Ryan will be divided up among Dajaun Drennon, Junior 11/21 at Virginia Tech Switzer, Quinshad Davis, and Bug Gnonkonde and designated pass rusher Jessie Howard. The speedy and elusive Switzer led the Rogers, the latter of whom actually led the team 11/28 at N.C. State club with 61 catches for 757 yards and four TDs, with 5.5 QB sacks in 2014 despite having just 10 2014 NORTH CAROLINA RESULTS 2015 NORTH CAROLINA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-7 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.30 LIBERTY L -31 56-29 NL QB Marquise Williams (6-2, 225, Sr.) Mitch Trubisky (6-3, 220, So.) S.06 S. DIEGO ST. L -15 31-27 u60 RB T.J. Logan (5-10, 190, Jr.) Elijah Hood (6-0, 220, So.) S.20 E. Carolina L +2 41-70 o67' WR Ryan Switzer (5-10, 185, Jr.) Austin Proehl (5-10, 175, So.) S.27 Clemson L +14' 35-50 o65' WR Quinshad Davis (6-4, 220, Sr.) Damien Washington (6-1, 195, Sr.) O.04 VA. TECH L +2' 17-34 u59' WR Mack Hollins (6-4, 210, Jr.) Jordan Fieulleteau (6-3, 210, So.) O.11 Notre Dame W +16' 43-50 o64 WR Bug Howard (6-4, 210, Jr.) Devin Perry (6-2, 195, Fr.) O.18 GA. TECH W -1' 48-43 o70 TE Kendrick Singleton (6-2, 220, Sr.) Brandon Fritts (6-4, 245, Fr.) O.25 Virginia W +7 28-27 u63 C Lucas Crowley (6-3, 290, Jr.) Will Dancy (6-4, 305, Sr.) N.01 Miami-Florida L +15' 20-47 u68 LG Caleb Peterson (6-5, 300, Jr.) Jared Cohen (6-3, 310, So.) N.15 PITT. W -2 40-35 o67 RG Landon Turner (6-4, 325, Sr.) Brad Henson (6-5, 290, So.) N.20 Duke W +6 45-20 u66' LT Bentley Spain (6-6, 300, So.) John Ferranto (6-5, 300, Jr.) N.29 N. CAR. ST. L -6' 7-35 u70 RT Jon Heck (6-6, 305, Jr.) William Sweet (6-7, 300, Fr.) PK Nick Weiler (6-0, 190, Jr.) Freeman Jones (6-0, 200, Fr.) D.26 Rutgers L -3' 21-40 u69 Defense DE Dajaun Drennon (6-4, 255, So.) Jessie Rogers (6-4, 270, Sr.) 2014 North Carolina Final Stats DE Junior Gnonkonde (6-4, 260, Jr.) Mikey Bart (6-3, 270, Jr.) No. Carolina Opp DT Justin Thomason (6-4, 295, Sr.) Jeremiah Clarke (6-5, 315, Fr.) Points per game 33 39 DT (6-5, 295, So.) Tyler Powell (6-4, 290, So.) LB Shakeel Rashad (6-2, 235, Sr.) (6-1, 220, So.) 1st Downs 311 316 LB Jeff Schoettmer (6-1, 235, Sr.) Dan Mastromatteo (6-2, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 496 599 LB Cayson Collins (6-1, 235, So.) Joe Jackson (6-2, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1973 3126 FS Sam Smiley (5-11, 190, Sr.) Donnie Miles (5-11, 210, So.) Avg Rush 4.0 5.2 SS J.K. Britt (6-0, 195, Fr.) Dominquie Green (5-11, 190, Jr.) Pass Comp 315 230 CB Malik Simmons (5-11, 190, Sr.) Desmond Lawrence (6-1, 185, Jr.) Pass Att 509 392 CB M.J. Stewart (5-11, 200, So.) Brian Walker (5-11, 190, Jr.) NB Allen Artis (6-1, 205, So.) Kedrick Davis (5-10, 180, Jr.) Pass Yds 3614 3346 P Corbin Daly (6-3, 200, Fr.) Joey Mangili (6-3, 210, Jr.) Had Int 13 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 430 498

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 103 catcher near the goal line. At wide receiver, senior year with a knee injury, plus converted safety ACC Coastal Division #5 vet Max McCaffrey is the lone returning regular Dwayne Norman looked terrific at his new posi- and he had 37 catches for 385 yards and three tion this spring. Brown and Norman will give scores in ‘14. Lettermen Johnell Barnes and Duke one of the fastest LB combos in the league, DUKE Anthony Nash are next in line to assume the plus there’s spectacular depth here led by promis- (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 vacant starting roles, but you should watch out for ing sophs Chris Holmes and Zavier Carmichael. COACH: David Cutcliffe Returning 51 talented redshirt freshmen Chris Taylor and The five-man secondary returns intact led by STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 Trevon Lee. hard-hitting safeties DeVon Edwards and Jeremy Defense 6 Even losing former leading rusher Josh Snead, Cash, both of whom could push for all-league GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #49 the Blue Devils have amazing depth and talent at honors in 2015. These two guys were all over the Head Coach David Cutcliffe has done a truly the running back position. Starter Shaq Powell ran field a year ago as they combined for an amazing amazing job at this school as Duke has now won for a team-best 618 yards last year as Duke defi- 244 tackles, 10 sacks and four interceptions! The a combined 19 games over the past two seasons. nitely likes to rotate its running backs. Speedy other three starters here are the junior trio of And how has this modestly talented crew fared so soph Shaun Wilson was right behind Powell with Deondre Singleton, and Bryon well in recent years? Try out this stat. In 2014, 598 yards on the ground, while fellow soph Fields, all of whom had some rough moments in Duke led the nation in fewest allowed tackles for Joseph Ajeigbe was also productive off the bench. ‘14, but should be much improved now that they loss, while also ranking first in the ACC in fewest And to really improve things this year, former have some badly-needed experience. sacks allowed per passing attempt. You can sum- starter Jela Duncan is also back from a suspension The kicking game is a major weapon for Duke marize it by saying that Duke NEVER beats itself which sidelined him in 2014 and he has over as punter Will Monday is rock solid and kicker and that’s about the best thing you can say about 1,500 career rushing yards at Duke. Ross Martin a potential All-American. a football coach and his staff. But now Duke loses The offensive line was fabulous last year, but GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Blue some of their few stars to graduation and it will be now Duke must replace All-American Laken Devils may be a bit weaker than they have been difficult for Coach Cutcliffe to sustain the same Tomlinson and All-ACC . But the the previous two years, but anyone who is level of success in 2015. Blue Devils still have an all-leaguer up front in expecting a total collapse this season is proba- Long-time starting QB Anthony Boone has senior center , plus two other solid bly headed for disappointment because Duke is finally moved on and will be replaced by junior incumbents in Casey Blaser and . still a pretty decent squad. The offense will be Thomas Sirk who played VERY well off the Battle-tested vet Cody Robinson has claimed one less explosive, but will control games with a bench a year ago. Sirk rarely threw the ball as he vacancy for sure, while it looks like soph Gabe power ground attack. And while the defensive served as a Wildcat and Goal Line quarterback, Brandner will be the new left tackle. The depth front seven has slipped, this looks like the best but when he did throw he completed 10 of 14 here is adequate, but youthful. secondary of the David Cutcliffe Era. passes with three touchdowns. But Sirk did his The biggest concern heading into 2015 will be 2015 Duke Schedule best work running the football as he rushed for along the defensive line where three of four 238 yards and an eye-opening eight TDs! If for starters have graduated. Duke will rebuild around 9/3 at Tulane some reason Sirk should struggle, the Blue Devils returning DT regular Carlos Wray, who a year ago 9/12 N.C. CENTRAL also have soph Parker Boehme who was actually posted a modest 39 tackles and 1.5 QB sacks. 9/19 NORTHWESTERN Undersized junior A.J. Wolf won the other tackle a bigger recruit than Sirk coming out of high 9/26 GEORGIA TECH school. job this spring, but will be pushed by younger, 10/3 BOSTON COLLEGE The receiving corps loses All-ACC performer much heavier players like redshirt freshman Jamison Crowder, but the Blue Devils will get Quaven Ferguson. On the outside, seniors Kyler 10/10 at Army back the services of former All-ACC tight end Brown and Britton Grier have played a LOT off 10/24 at Virginia Tech Braxton Deaver who sat out the entire 2014 cam- the bench in their respective careers but finally get 10/31 MIAMI-FLORIDA paign due to a knee injury. A healthy Deaver had a chance to start in 2015. 11/7 at North Carolina Duke uses just two linebackers in their base 46 catches and four TDs back in 2013 and he’s a 11/14 PITTSBURGH huge weapon over the middle of the field. With defense and the talent level here is superb even 11/21 at Virginia Deaver out last year, fellow senior David Reeves with the loss of All-ACC performer David Helton. served as the starting TE and while had just 13 That’s because former All-ACC pick Kelby 11/28 at Wake Forest catches, he’s a better blocker and a physical pass Brown is back in 2015 after sitting out all of last 2014 DUKE RESULTS 2015 DUKE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 9-4 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.30 ELON W -38 52-13 NL QB Thomas Sirk (6-4, 215, Jr.) Parker Boehme (6-2, 220, So.) S.06 Troy L -18' 34-17 u64' RB Shaq Powell (5-10, 205, Sr.) Shaun Wilson (5-9, 180, So.) S.13 KANSAS W -14 41-3 u56 WR Max McCaffrey (6-2, 195, Sr.) Terrence Alls (6-1, 180, So.) S.20 TULANE W -17 47-13 o55 WR Johnell Barnes (6-0, 175, Jr.) Trevon Lee (6-1, 175, Fr.) S.27 Miami-Florida L +6 10-22 u60 WR Chris Taylor (6-1, 170, Fr.) Ryan Smith (5-7, 165, Jr.) O.11 Georgia Tech W +3' 31-25 u59' WR Anthony Nash (6-5, 200, Jr.) T.J. Rahming (5-9, 160, Fr.) O.18 VIRGINIA W -2' 20-13 u50' TE Braxton Deaver (6-5, 245, Sr.) David Reeves (6-5, 255, Sr.) N.01 Pitt. W +3' 51-48 o50 CMatt Skura (6-4, 305, Sr.) Austin Davis (6-4, 285, So.) N.08 Syracuse W -4 27-10 u52 LG Lucas Patrick (6-4, 305, Sr.) Jake Sanders (6-5, 330, Fr.) N.15 VA. TECH L -4 16-17 u47' RG Cody Robinson (6-3, 300, Sr.) Tanner Stone (6-6, 300, Jr.) N.20 N. CAROLINA L -6 20-45 u66' LT Gabe Brandner (6-6, 275, So.) Sterling Korona (6-7, 295, So.) N.29 W. FOREST W -18' 41-21 o44' RTCasey Blaser (6-5, 290, Jr.) Christian Harris (6-6, 295, Fr.) PK Ross Martin (5-10, 185, Sr.) Danny Stirt (5-10, 165, Jr.) D.27 Arizona St. W +7' 31-36 o65 Defense DE Kyler Brown (6-4, 245, Sr.) Deion Williams (6-0, 235, Sr.) 2014 Duke Final Stats DE Britton Grier (6-1, 245, Sr.) Allen Jackson (6-5, 260, Jr.) Duke Opp DT Carlos Wray (6-2, 290, Sr.) Mike Ramsay (6-2, 295, So.) Points per game 32 22 DT A.J. Wolf (6-4, 275, Jr.) Quaven Ferguson (6-2, 305, Fr.) LB Kelby Brown (6-2, 230, Sr.) Zavier Carmichael (6-0, 215, So.) 1st Downs 286 285 LB Dwayne Norman (6-1, 215, Sr.) Chris Holmes (6-2, 215, So.) Rush Att 492 564 NS DeVon Edwards (5-9, 180, Jr.) Corbin McCarthy (5-10, 200, Jr.) Rush Yards 2364 2508 NS Jeremy Cash (6-2, 205, Sr.) Evrett Edwards (5-11, 190, So.) Avg Rush 4.8 4.4 NS Deondre Singleton (5-11, 185, Jr.) Christian Conway (5-10, 200, Sr.) Pass Comp 268 235 CB Breon Borders (6-0, 175, Jr.) Zach Muniz (5-11, 170, So.) Pass Att 471 421 CB Bryon Fields (5-11, 180, Jr.) T.J. Douglas (6-1, 185, So.) NB Alonzo Saxton (5-11, 170, So.) Phillip Carter (6-1, 195, So.) Pass Yds 2814 2688 P Will Monday (6-4, 210, Sr.) Danny Stirt (5-10, 165, Jr.) Had Int 8 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 398 400

104 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL frosh, so his 23-catch and zero touchdown perfor- Coach Golden needs to find some outside pass ACC Coastal Division #6 mance was a complete mystery. Lettermen Herb rushers before the start of the season! Waters and combined for another At linebacker, the Canes technically bring back 41 catches last season and will push for starting two starters, but both Tyriq McCord and Raphael MIAMI-FLORIDA roles, as will senior Rashawn Scott who is back Kirby will be playing new positions this year. (6-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 after sitting out all of last year. One new face who McCord started at defensive end in ‘14 and picked COACH: Al Golden Returning 42 could have an impact at wide receiver is lanky up 48 tackles and three sacks, while Kirby moves STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 true freshman Lawrence Cager. At tight end, from outside linebacker to the middle in 2015. Defense 5 junior Standish Dobard is slated to be the new Speedy junior Jermaine Grice figures to be the GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #52 starter but will be challenged by soph Christopher other OLB opposite McCord, while depth at line- Last season had to be extremely frustrating for Herndon and JUCO transfer Jerome Washington. backer comes from lettermen Darrion Owens, Miami Head Coach Al Golden as he saw a veter- The ground game was highly productive last Juwon Young and Marques Gayot. an team squander a strong start and lose its final year, but now Miami will need to get used to life Miami’s secondary allowed just 14 TD passes four contests to finish at just 6-7. While the without Duke Johnson as the All-American run- last year and there’s nice talent here even with the volatile Golden gets Miami to a bowl game every ning back is off to the NFL a year early. The ultra- loss of two key starters. The Canes have three cor- year, that is clearly not enough at a school which talented Johnson ran for 1,652 yards and 10 TDs nerbacks with past starting experience in Artie was once the dominant power in the world of col- last season, plus he also caught 38 passes for 421 Burns, Tracy Howard and Corn Elder, while lege football. Last year’s club actually dominated yards so he will be impossible to replace. But the Miami is also very experienced at safety with the its combined opposition on a statistical level, so to Canes do have two solid RBs in the duo of Gus threesome of Deon Bush, Jamal Carter and Dallas finish with a losing record was simply inexcus- Edwards and Joseph Yearby who came off the Crawford. Bush is coming off the best all-around able. Now Golden will have to do a lot of rebuild- bench to combine for 858 yards and seven TDs in year of these six guys as he recorded 53 tackles, ing if he hopes to avoid yet another mediocre sea- 2014. Coach Golden will also need to find room two sacks and two interceptions. The talent level son in Miami. for true frosh blue chipper Mark Walton. here gets a big boost from the arrival of highly- While there are a lot of question marks on both There is huge rebuilding to do on the O-line touted true frosh DBs like Michael Jackson, sides of the ball, the quarterback position is not where two starters have graduated, one left early and Sheldrick Redwine. one of them as soph Brad Kaaya looks to be a ris- for the NFL and yet another was kicked off the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Canes ing star for the Hurricanes. Kaaya was thrown to team during the Summer! The lone incumbent is always get more attention than they deserve the wolves as a raw freshman in ‘14 and he guard Danny Isidora who gets a new OG partner from the national media and this will again be responded brilliantly as he completed 221 of 378 this year in junior Alex Gall. It looks like soph the case in 2015. This team will be lucky to get passes (59%) for 3,198 yards and 26 TDs against Nick Linder has won out at center, while the two back to another bowl game this season! 12 interceptions. The only negative on Kaaya is tackle spots will be divided up between the soph 2015 Miami-Florida Schedule that he showed an alarming lack of running abili- trio of Trevor Darling, K.C. McDermott and ty for a guy who is actually a good athlete, though Sunny Odogwu. This could turn out to be Miami’s 9/5 BETHUNE-COOKMAN he does get rid of the ball quickly in the pocket weakest blocking unit in several years. 9/11 at Florida Atlantic which does help. It looks like athletic redshirt The defense made great progress last year 9/19 NEBRASKA despite the team’s mediocre record, but now freshman Malik Rosier will beat out program vet 10/1 at Cincinnati Gary Crow for the second string QB job. Coach Golden must replace six key starters on 10/10 at Florida State The Canes bring back five members of their this side of the ball. Up front, the Canes have a receiving corps who have started at least four nice rotation of defensive tackles led by the trio of 10/24 CLEMSON games in their respective careers, but graduation Calvin Heurtelou, and Courtel 10/17 VIRGINIA TECH has claimed all-star tight end Clive Watford and Jenkins, but the lack of pressure off the flanks 10/31 at Duke explosive deep threat who were far may severely limit the overall performance of the 11/7 VIRGINIA front four. The top four defensive ends coming and away Kaaya’s top two targets a year ago. 11/14 at North Carolina Juniors Stacy Coley and were out of spring drills combined for exactly ZERO 11/21 GEORGIA TECH starters for most of last season, but they endured sacks last season, though in fairness to this group shockingly poor seasons as they combined for just two of them, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Jelani 11/27 at Pittsburgh 48 receptions. Coley was a breakout star as a ‘13 Hamilton, sat out the entire 2014 campaign. But 2014 MIAMI-FLORIDA RESULTS 2015 MIAMI-FLORIDA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-7 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 4-9) Offense S.01 Louisville L +3' 13-31 u53' QB Brad Kaaya (6-4, 210, So.) Malik Rosier (6-1, 215, Fr.) S.06 FLORIDA A&M L -46 41-7 u60 RB Joseph Yearby (5-9, 195, So.) Gus Edwards (6-2, 230, Jr.) S.13 ARK ST. W -16 41-20 o52' WR Stacy Coley (6-1, 190, Jr.) Rashawn Scott (6-2, 205, Sr.) S.20 Nebraska L +7' 31-41 o55' WR Malcolm Lewis (6-0, 190, Jr.) Tyre Brady (6-3, 205, So.) S.27 DUKE W -6 22-10 u60 WR Herb Waters (6-2, 195, Sr.) D’Mauri Jones (6-4, 200, Jr.) O.04 Georgia Tech L +1' 17-28 u58 WR Braxton Berrios (5-9, 185, So.) Lawrence Cager (6-5, 200, Fr.) O.11 CINCINNATI W -16' 55-34 o61' TE Standish Dobard (6-4, 265, Jr.) Christopher Herndon (6-4, 255, So.) O.23 Virginia Tech W -2' 30-6 u48 C Nick Linder (6-3, 300, So.) Hunter Knighton (6-6, 300, So.) N.01 N. CAROLINA W -15' 47-20 u68 LG Alex Gall (6-5, 310, Jr.) Hunter Wells (6-6, 320, Sr.) N.15 FLA. ST. L +2' 26-30 u63 RG Danny Isidora (6-4, 325, Jr.) Joe Brown (6-4, 335, Fr.) N.22 Virginia L -4' 13-30 u46' LT Trevor Darling (6-5, 320, So.) Jahair Jones (6-4, 330, So.) N.29 PITT. L -10 23-35 o56' RT Sunny Odogwu (6-8, 325, So.) K.C. McDermott (6-6, 315, So.) PK (5-10, 180, So.) Jon Semerene (6-0, 205, So.) D.27 S. Carolina L -3' 21-24 u62 Defense DE Jelani Hamilton (6-5, 300, Jr.) Chad Thomas (6-5, 265, So.) 2014 Miami-Florida Final Stats DE Trent Harris (6-2, 250, So.) Al-Quadin Muhammad (6-3, 260, So.) Miami-Fla. Opp DT Calvin Heurtelou (6-3, 315, Sr.) Courtel Jenkins (6-1, 315, So.) Points per game 29 24 DT Ufomba Kamalu (6-6, 295, Sr.) Michael Wyche (6-4, 325, Sr.) LB Tyriq McCord (6-3, 240, Sr.) Darrion Owens (6-3, 240, So.) 1st Downs 258 249 LB Raphael Kirby (6-1, 235, Sr.) Juwon Young (6-2, 245, So.) Rush Att 446 498 LB (6-1, 210, Jr.) Marques Gayot (6-1, 220, So.) Rush Yards 2345 1878 FS Jamal Carter (6-1, 210, Jr.) Jaquan Johnson (5-11, 190, Fr.) Avg Rush 5.3 3.6 SS Deon Bush (6-1, 205, Sr.) Dallas Crawford (5-10, 200, Sr.) Pass Comp 227 229 CB Artie Burns (6-0, 195, Jr.) Michael Jackson (6-1, 195, Fr.) Pass Att 391 397 CB Tracy Howard (5-11, 190, Sr.) Sheldrick Redwine (6-2, 190, Fr.) NB Corn Elder (5-10, 185, Jr.) Ryan Mayes (6-1, 205, Fr.) Pass Yds 3249 2498 P Justin Vogel (6-4, 210, Jr.) Ryan Holowesko (6-3, 200, Sr.) Had Int 12 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 430 330

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 105 men and both look to have bright futures. There time at this position. ACC Coastal Division #7 are other returning vets here, but watch out for Last year’s brilliant group of linebackers was true frosh recruits Myles Robinson and David wiped out by graduation and all three of these Eldridge. At tight end, the battle for the vacant guys will be on NFL roster as we head into the VIRGINIA slot is between senior Rob Burns and redshirt fall. Based on spring drills, the new starting three- (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 freshman Evan Butts, though Stanford transfer some looks to be Zach Bradshaw and Mark Hall COACH: Mike London Returning 43 Charlie Hopkins hopes to be a factor as well. on the outside, with promising soph STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 The Cavaliers lose their top two running backs stationed in the middle. Of the three, Kiser’s 15 Defense 5 and Coach London is hoping that former blue tackles were the most anyone accumulated a sea- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #59 chip recruit can finally start to son ago so how this trio fares is anyone’s guess. The Mike London Era hasn’t exactly been an live up to the hype he received when he came out That could open the door for heralded true frosh overwhelming success at Virginia as this program of the prep ranks. Now a junior, Mizzell has just linebackers like Jahvoni Simmons, C.J. Stalker has won just 23 games over his first five seasons 464 yards rushing over his first two seasons at and Dominic Sheppard. at the school. In fact, we figured if Coach London UVA, though he did shine as a pass receiver last There’s solid talent in the secondary led by didn’t get to a bowl game last year, the school year with 39 receptions coming off the bench. soph free safety Quin Blanding who was a break- would have a new head coach in 2015, but Former walk-on Daniel Hamm and redshirt frosh out star as a ‘14 freshman with a team-high 123 London survived to fight another day. And to be Jordan Ellis were fighting it out for the #2 RB role tackles and three interceptions. Blanding’s new fair to this guy, the 2014 Cavaliers were in fact a this spring. When the Cavs use a fullback, either safety partner will be one of two lettermen, either much improved club, especially on the defensive Connor Wingo-Reeves or Vincent Croce will Kelvin Rainey or Wilfred Wahee, while the Cavs side of the football. But much of last year’s senior again get the nod. have three proven cornerbacks in the trio of Tim dominated lineup is gone and Virginia will have a Up front, the strength of the O-line will be at Harris, Demetrious Nicholson and Maurice tough time building upon last year’s progress. tackle where juniors Michael Mooney and Eric Canady. Harris and Canady were solid as the Coach London opened up the QB competition Smith are returning regulars, but will be pushed starters in 2014, while Nicholson was a starter this spring and incumbent #1 Greyson Lambert for first string status this fall by former starter Jay back in ‘13 before missing last year due to injury. was swept away by his more athletic backup Matt Whitmire and impressive redshirt freshman Jake GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Cavs Johns. In 2014, Lambert completed 154 of 261 Fieler, the latter of whom looked at times this are definitely better than they were a few years passes (59%) for 1,632 yards and just 10 TDs spring to be the team’s best offensive lineman. ago, but they have lost too many key guys to against 11 interceptions, while Johns saw a ton of Senior guard Ross Burbank is a third returning make any kind of a real move up the ACC lad- action as the backup, completing 89 of 162 tosses regular up front, while the two new faces in the der in 2015. It seems possible that yet another (55%) for 1,109 yards and eight TDs against just starting five figure to be junior center Jackson losing season is on the way here. five interceptions, plus Johns averaged nearly five Matteo and junior guard Ryan Doull. The depth is 2015 Virginia Schedule yards per carry as a runner. With Johns taking great at tackle, but weak on the interior. over as the new starter, Lambert got frustrated and The UVA defense made amazing strides last 9/5 at UCLA opted to transfer out of school leaving untested year and was definitely in the top half of all ACC 9/12 NOTRE DAME redshirt freshman Corwin Cutler as the top back- defenses in 2014. But now six key starters are 9/19 WILLIAM & MARY gone including five of the top six tacklers and up. But then the Cavaliers picked up a veteran QB 9/25 BOISE STATE over the summer when Connor Brewer (Arizona) three pass rushers who combined for 24 sacks a 10/10 at Pittsburgh came in as a Graduate transfer. season ago! Coach London will rebuild around Virginia welcomes back its top pass catcher in senior incumbents Mike Moore (DE) and David 10/17 SYRACUSE senior Canaan Severin, who a year ago hauled in Dean (DT) who a year ago combined for 76 tack- 10/24 at North Carolina 42 passes for 578 yards and five TDs. Severin will les and 17 hits for negative yardage. Senior vet 10/31 GEORGIA TECH get two new wideout partners this year are the Kwontie Moore moves into the other DE role, but 11/7 at Miami-Florida after him things get really thin at defensive end early favorites were promising sophs Andre 11/14 at Louisville Levrone and Doni Downing, though they were unless some of the freshmen produce right away. 11/21 DUKE severely challenged this spring by North Carolina At tackle, Dean’s new partner will be junior transfer T.J. Thorpe. Levrone and Downing com- Donte Wilkins, though promising soph Andrew 11/28 VIRGINIA TECH bined for 32 receptions off the pines as ‘14 fresh- Brown is also very much in the battle for playing 2014 VIRGINIA RESULTS 2015 VIRGINIA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 7-5 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.30 UCLA W +20' 20-28 u55 QB Matt Johns (6-5, 210, Jr.) Connor Brewer (6-2, 210, Sr.) S.06 RICHMOND W -15 45-13 o52 RB Taquan Mizzell (5-10, 195, Jr.) Daniel Hamm (5-10, 190, So.) S.13 LOUISVILLE W +6' 23-21 u47 WR Canaan Severin (6-2, 215, Sr.) Doni Downing (6-1, 215, So.) S.20 Byu W +14' 33-41 o48 WR Andre Levrone (6-2, 210, So.) Keeon Johnson (6-3, 210, Jr.) WR T.J. Thorpe (6-0, 205, Sr.) Kyle Dockins (6-3, 220, Jr.) S.27 KENT ST. W -26' 45-13 o45 TE Rob Burns (6-7, 260, Sr.) Evan Butts (6-4, 245, Fr.) O.04 PITT. L -5' 24-19 u46' FB Connor Wingo-Reeves (6-3, 240, Jr.) Vincent Croce (6-4, 270, Sr.) O.18 Duke L +2' 13-20 u50' C Jackson Matteo (6-5, 295, Jr.) Jack McDonald (6-5, 290, So.) O.25 N. CAROLINA L -7 27-28 u63 LG Ryan Doull (6-5, 300, Jr.) John Pond (6-3, 320, Sr.) N.01 Georgia Tech L +3' 10-35 u53' RG Ross Burbank (6-4, 300, Sr.) Sean Karl (6-6, 305, Jr.) N.08 Fla. St. W +20' 20-34 u55' LTMichael Mooney (6-6, 295, Jr.) Jay Whitmire (6-6, 300, Sr.) N.22 MIAMI-FLA. W +4' 30-13 u46' RTEric Smith (6-5, 305, Jr.) Jake Fieler (6-5, 300, Fr.) PK Ian Frye (6-6, 215, Sr.) Dylan Sims (6-0, 190, So.) N.28 Virginia Tech L -1' 20-24 o40 Defense DE Mike Moore (6-4, 275, Sr.) Trent Corney (6-3, 250, Sr.) 2014 Virginia Final Stats DE Kwontie Moore (6-2, 290, Sr.) Darrious Carter (6-4, 240, Fr.) Virginia Opp DT David Dean (6-1, 295, Sr.) Andrew Brown (6-4, 290, So.) Points per game 26 24 DT Donte Wilkins (6-1, 305, Jr.) Andre Miles-Redmond (6-4, 285, Jr.) LB Mark Hall (6-2, 240, Jr.) C.J. Stalker (6-2, 225, Fr.) 1st Downs 241 225 LB Micah Kiser (6-2, 245, So.) Jahvoni Simmons (6-0, 230, Fr.) Rush Att 451 431 LB Zach Bradshaw (6-3, 230, Jr.) Malcolm Cook (6-1, 215, So.) Rush Yards 1653 1448 FS Quin Blanding (6-1, 215, So.) Mason Thomas (6-0, 200, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.7 3.4 SS Kelvin Rainey (6-1, 200, Jr.) Wilfred Wahee (5-10, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 248 218 CB (6-0, 185, Sr.) Divante Walker (5-10, 175, Jr.) Pass Att 432 394 CB (6-2, 200, Jr.) Darious Latimore (5-10, 165, Fr.) NB Demetrious Nicholson (5-11, 185, Sr.) T.J. Griffin (5-10, 165, Fr.) Pass Yds 2837 2790 P Nicholas Conte (6-3, 225, Jr.) James Coleman (6-2, 210, Jr.) Had Int 16 15 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 374 353

106 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL eight TDs, while steady vet Max Morrison added the other will likely go to either redshirt frosh AAC East Division #1 45 receptions in 2014. Coach Tuberville has gone or JUCO transfer Hakeem to a four-wideout look much of the time and the Allonce. The D-line depth is a major issue. #4 guy here is Chris Moore who specializes in the The lack of proven players continues at line- CINCINNATI big play. A year ago, Moore averaged over 22 backer where the only really experienced player is (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 yards per grab as he hauled in 30 passes for 673 Eric Wilson who posted 30 tackles off the bench COACH: Tommy Tuberville Returning 42 yards and eight TDs! Solid senior vets Johnny in ‘14. Lightly-used seniors Clemente Casseus STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 Holton and Alex Chisum combined for another 51 and Kevin Brown are also pushing for starting Defense 5 receptions and seven more touchdowns, so the roles here along with JUCO transfer Antonio GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #45 depth here is truly outstanding. When Cinci uses Kinard. Several true freshmen could get a look at Cincinnati got off to a dreadful last year and a tight end, the role is filled by D.J. Dowdy who linebacker this fall including Matthew Draper and stood at just 2-3 after five games, but somehow is a solid blocker with decent hands. Bryce Jenkinson. Coach Tommy Tuberville rallied his troops and While the Bearcats lose their starting running In the secondary, safety is a stronghold as all the Bearcats would go on to post seven straight back, they still welcome back three solid options three starters are back in the trio of Zach Edwards, wins before closing the year with a loss to at this position in Hosey Williams, Tion Green Leviticus Payne and Andre Jones. Edwards was a Virginia Tech in their bowl game. Ultimately, it and Mike Boone. Williams began last year as the breakout star last year with a whopping 121 tack- was a second consecutive 9-4 record for this club #1 guy before going down with a season-ending les and two interceptions. Payne is a versatile and they are now 18-8 with Tuberville at the injury and he’s been a solid player for Cinci in the player with cornerback skills who also can excel helm. And now armed with a powerful passing past. Green was also off to a good start in ‘14 playing close to the line of scrimmage. On the attack led by one of the best quarterbacks in the before he too went down with a season-ending corners, Grant Coleman is a returning starter and nation, the Bearcats take dead aim at a league injury. Boone was thrust into a key role as a fresh- his new partner this year figures to be senior championship and a potential Top 25 national man last year with all those injuries and he Adrian Willy, a former regular who sat out all of ranking. responded with 650 yards and nine TDs, averag- last season due to injury. The overall depth in the With some heavy graduation losses on defense, ing better than six yards per attempt. secondary is so-so at best. if the Bearcats are to win their league title this Three starters are back along the offensive line GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team year they will need a huge (and healthy!) season and there will be one important position switch has some major defensive problems, but the from standout QB Gunner Kiel. The bad news for this year as senior Parker Ehringer moves from rest of the American Conference may be just Cincinnati fans is that Kiel has shown a disturbing guard to the all-important left tackle position weak enough for Cincinnati to still emerge as tendency to get injured. The good news is that he where he replaces departed all-league Eric Lefeld. the team to beat. The whole key will be the con- is a truly dynamic pure passer, who a year ago Ehringer and fellow senior Justin Murray will tinued good health of QB Gunner Kiel! completed 233 of 390 passes (60%) for 3,254 form a potent combo at tackle, while Deyshawn 2015 Cincinnati Schedule yards and 31 touchdowns against 13 intercep- Bond is back to reclaim first string status at cen- tions. And while he takes a few too many sacks, ter. The new guards figure to be junior Ryan 9/5 ALABAMA A&M Kiel can actually run a bit at times and rushed for Leahy and JUCO newcomer DeLonte Murray, but 9/12 TEMPLE 142 yards as well last season. There are some pro- there are major concerns about the depth along the 9/19 at Miami-Ohio offensive line so injuries must be avoided. gram veterans behind Kiel, but our money is on 9/24 at Memphis talented redshirt freshman as the There are some major worries on the defensive 10/1 MIAMI-FLORIDA new #2 quarterback this season. side of the football where Cinci brings back many There is talent and depth at the wide receiver players in the secondary, but the front six has been 10/16 at BYU position as the Bearcats bring back SIX seniors decimated by graduation. The lone returning reg- 10/24 CONNECTICUT who will again comprise one of the deepest pass ular up front is end Silverberry Mouhon who was 10/31 UCF catching crews in the country. The best of this rock solid a year ago with 46 tackles and four 11/7 at Houston sacks. Soph Mark Wilson is expected to claim the group is speedy Shaq Washington, the former 11/14 TULSA transfer from Ohio State who a year ago caught a DE role opposite Mouhon, but don’t count out 11/20 at South Florida team-high 66 passes for 761 yards and four TDs. redshirt freshman Landon Brazile or highly-tout- Lanky Mekale McKay was quite explosive last ed true frosh recruit Bryan Wright. In the middle, 11/28 at East Carolina year as he hauled in 44 balls for 725 yards and junior Alex Pace has claimed one DT role while 2014 CINCINNATI RESULTS 2015 CINCINNATI DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 7-5-1 O-U: 5-8) Offense S.12 TOLEDO W -10 58-34 o58 QB Gunner Kiel (6-4, 210, Jr.) Hayden Moore (6-3, 195, Fr.) S.20 MIAMI-O. L -29 31-24 u61' RB Hosey Williams (5-9, 200, Sr.) Mike Boone (5-10, 205, So.) S.27 Ohio St. L +17 28-50 o61 WR Shaq Washington (5-9, 175, Sr.) Johnny Holton (6-3, 190, Sr.) O.04 MEMPHIS L -3' 14-41 u64 WR Mekale McKay (6-6, 195, Sr.) Alex Chisum (6-3, 195, Sr.) O.11 Miami-Florida L +16' 34-55 o61' WR Max Morrison (6-1, 175, Sr.) Nate Cole (6-1, 195, Jr.) O.18 Smu W -13' 41-3 u62 WR Chris Moore (6-1, 190, Sr.) Kahlil Lewis (6-0, 180, Fr.) O.24 S. FLORIDA W -10 34-17 u60 TE D.J. Dowdy (6-4, 245, Jr.) Tyler Cogswell (6-4, 250, So.) O.31 Tulane W -5' 38-14 u56 C Deyshawn Bond (6-2, 300, Jr.) David Niehaus (6-1, 290, So.) N.13 E. CAROLINA W +2 54-46 o70 LG Ryan Leahy (6-6, 295, Jr.) Evan Mallory (6-5, 315, Fr.) N.22 Connecticut W -9' 41-0 u55' RG DeLonte Murray (6-5, 315, Jr.) Luke Callahan (6-5, 280, Fr.) N.29 Temple W -7 14-6 u57' LTParker Ehringer (6-7, 315, Sr.) (6-5, 270, So.) D.06 HOUSTON P -7 38-31 o57 RT Justin Murray (6-5, 300, Sr.) Chad West (6-6, 295, Sr.) PK Andrew Gantz (5-9, 160, So.) Sam Geraci (6-3, 220, So.) D.27 Va. Tech L -2' 17-33 u51 Defense DE Silverberry Mouhon (6-4, 255, Sr.) Landon Brazile (6-6, 235, Fr.) 2014 Cincinnati Final Stats DE Mark Wilson (6-3, 230, So.) Bryan Wright (6-4, 240, Fr.) Cincinnati Opp DT Alex Pace (6-2, 295, Jr.) Hakeem Allonce (6-6, 290, Jr.) Points per game 34 27 DT Cortez Broughton (6-3, 285, Fr.) Chris Burton (6-3, 275, So.) LB Eric Wilson (6-2, 225, Jr.) Antonio Kinard (6-3, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 310 287 LB Kevin Brown (6-1, 210, Sr.) Clemente Casseus (6-1, 230, Sr.) Rush Att 454 501 NS Leviticus Payne (5-10, 195, Sr.) Mike Tyson (6-2, 200, Jr.) Rush Yards 2035 2388 NS Zach Edwards (5-11, 190, Jr.) Carter Jacobs (6-1, 195, So.) Avg Rush 4.5 4.8 NS Andre Jones (6-1, 200, Jr.) Tyrell Gilbert (6-1, 200, Fr.) Pass Comp 294 276 CB Grant Coleman (6-0, 180, Jr.) Aaron Brown (5-11, 175, So.) Pass Att 491 454 CB Adrian Witty (5-10, 190, Sr.) Chris Murphy (5-10, 180, So.) NB (6-0, 185, So.) J.J. Pinckney (6-3, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 3947 3320 P Sam Geraci (6-3, 220, So.) Andrew Gantz (5-9, 160, So.) Had Int 14 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 460 439

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 107 used to play for the Florida Gators takes over as tile Matakevich has led the team in tackles the last AAC East Division #2 the new starter. three seasons and has posted nearly 400 career The running game never got going last year as stops! Middle man Nate D. Smith is a hard hitter the Owls averaged just under 108 yards per game and solid run defender, while the Owls have four TEMPLE rushing as team. Returnees Jahad Thomas and other battle-tested junior LBs in the quartet of (6-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 13 Jamie Gilmore combined for 613 yards rushing as Avery Williams, Stephaun Marshall, Jarred COACH: Matt Rhule Returning 47 frequently-used subs last year and they have the Alwan and Rob Dvoracek. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 inside track on the starting running back job. But In the secondary, cornerback Tavon Young Defense 10 there’s also an excellent chance that Coach Rhule leads the way after picking off a team-high four GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #60 may turn to a trio of highly-regarded true frosh passes in 2014. Talented soph Sean Chandler was The 2014 Owls were one of the least balanced recruits here in T.J. Simmons, Chapelle Cook and a surprise starter as a ‘14 frosh and he looks to be teams in the nation as they featured a tough, rock Ryquel Armstead. Simmons is a rare 4-Star signee a future standout for the Owls as the other CB. At solid defense and one of the weaker offensive who turned down SEC schools to play for Temple. safety, Temple has three seniors with past starting units in the country. Head Coach Matt Rhule has The offensive line was a total disaster last year experience in the trio of Alex Wells, Will Hayes installed his personal touch of “toughness” on this as the run blocking was way below average and and Boye Aromire. And perhaps the biggest news team, though it hasn’t yet rubbed off on his offen- the pass blocking was almost laughable at times. in this area is the arrival of blue chip true frosh sive line which was simply AWFUL a year ago. P.J. Walker is one of the most mobile QBs in the prospect Kareem Ali Jr., a HUGE recruit who Still, this team won six games with almost no country and he prevented a huge sack total, but he stunned everyone by choosing to play at Temple. offensive production so the foundation is here for spent most of the season running for his life. All GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: We are pret- a winning season and bowl invite if the blocking five starters were supposed to return, but then left ty optimistic about this team’s chances in 2015. unit can just rise from terrible to respectable! tackle got kicked out of school on Temple has a talented young quarterback in Quarterback P.J. Walker was absolutely incred- criminal charges leaving senior center Kyle P.J. Walker and a suddenly deep and talented ible once he took over as a freshman starter back Friend as the only really reliable performer here. stable of running backs. The wide receivers are in 2013, but he suffered through a bit of the Incumbent starters Brendan McGowan, Shahbaz mediocre and the offensive line is still a major sophomore jinx last season as a weak running Ahmed and Eric Lofton will need to get a lot bet- question mark, but the Owls should score more game and terrible offensive line really hampered ter to keep their jobs in 2015. Soph Semaj Reed often than they did a year ago. On defense, this his progress. Walker ended up completing just and redshirt freshman Aaron Ruff will be expect- team is in good shape at every position and 203 of 381 passes (53%) for 2,317 yards and 13 ed to provide help here as could several others. they may feature one of the best front sevens in TDs against 15 interceptions while also rushing While the offense remains highly suspect, there the nation! We expect Temple to post a winning for 324 yards and three more scores. As a 2014 are few worries on defense where 10 starters are record and make some noise in the American! frosh, Walker had 20 TD passes and just eight back from last year’s rock solid group. Senior 2015 Temple Schedule interceptions in only eight games so he is clearly defensive tackles Hershey Walton and Matt a far better player than he showed a year ago. The Ioannidis are big-time run stoppers in the middle, 9/5 PENN STATE new second string QB will be either soph Tim but they will have to fight hard to retain starting 9/12 at Cincinnati DiGiorgio or Elon transfer John Loughery. roles with the arrival of blue chip JUCO transfer 9/19 at UMass Greg Webb who is considered one of the top ten The Owls lose standout wide receiver Jalen 10/2 at Charlotte Fitzpatrick, but do bring back two senior starters JUCO prospects in the nation! On the outside, 10/10 TULANE here in John Christopher and Brandon Shippen. juniors Praise Martin-Oguike and Finch Unfortunately, these two combined for just 36 can bring a lot of heat in terms of pass rush, plus 10/17 UCF receptions and one touchdown a year ago. Junior there is superb depth at the DE slots as well. The 10/22 at East Carolina lettermen Keith Kirkwood, Romond Deloatch, underrated Martin-Oguike led the team with 7.5 10/31 NOTRE DAME Nate Hairston and Khalif Herbin all got a chance QB sacks last season. 11/6 at SMU And while the D-line is deep and talented, to see major game action last year, but none of the 11/14 at South Florida four did much to win over their coaches. That’s Temple’s best player is undoubtedly weak side 11/21 MEMPHIS why Temple may take a very long look at true outside linebacker Tyler Matakevich, a legit All- frosh wideouts like Patrick Anderson and Delvon American candidate who heads into the final sea- 11/28 CONNECTICUT Randall. At tight end, junior Colin Thompson who son of what has been a brilliant career. The versa- 2014 TEMPLE RESULTS 2015 TEMPLE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-6 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 4-7-1) Offense A.28 Vanderbilt W +10' 37-7 u50 QB P.J. Walker (6-1, 200, Jr.) John Loughery (6-4, 225, Jr.) S.06 NAVY L +3 24-31 u58 RB Jahad Thomas (5-10, 170, Jr.) T.J. Simmons (6-1, 200, Fr.) S.20 DELAWARE ST. W -39' 59-0 o50 WR John Christopher (5-10, 185, Sr.) Nate Hairston (6-0, 185, Jr.) S.27 Connecticut W -6' 36-10 p46 WR Brandon Shippen (5-11, 190, Sr.) Khalif Herbin (5-7, 170, Jr.) WR Keith Kirkwood (6-3, 210, Jr.) Brodrick Yancy (5-11, 185, So.) O.11 TULSA L -17 35-24 o58 WR Romond Deloatch (6-4, 225, Jr.) Patrick Anderson (6-4, 215, Fr.) O.17 Houston L +8' 10-31 u52' TE Colin Thompson (6-4, 250, Jr.) Saledeem Major (6-3, 255, Sr.) O.25 Ucf L +7 14-34 o45' C Kyle Friend (6-2, 305, Sr.) Aaron Ruff (6-4, 295, Fr.) N.01 E. CAROLINA W +8' 20-10 u59 LG Shahbaz Ahmed (6-3, 290, Sr.) Brian Carter (6-3, 285, So.) N.07 MEMPHIS W +7' 13-16 u49' RG Brendan McGowan (6-4, 300, Jr.) Leon Johnson (6-6, 300, So.) N.15 Penn St. L +11 13-30 o40 LT Semaj Reed (6-7, 290, So.) Adrian Sullivan (6-5, 275, So.) N.29 CINCINNATI L +7 6-14 u57' RTEric Lofton (6-5, 300, Sr.) James McHale (6-6, 300, Fr.) PK Austin Jones (5-10, 190, So.) Jim Cooper (6-1, 195, Jr.) D.06 Tulane W -2' 10-3 u42' Defense DE Praise Martin-Oguike (6-2, 250, Jr.) Brandon Chudnoff (6-2, 250, Sr.) 2014 Temple Final Stats DE Sharif Finch (6-4, 235, Jr.) Avery Ellis (6-2, 235, Jr.) Temple Opp DT Hershey Walton (6-4, 305, Sr.) Averee Robinson (6-1, 285, Jr.) Points per game 23 18 DT (6-4, 285, Sr.) Greg Webb (6-2, 315, Jr.) LB Tyler Matakevich (6-1, 230, Sr.) Rob Dvoracek (6-2, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 182 233 LB Nate D. Smith (6-0, 230, Sr.) Jarred Alwan (6-1, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 369 509 LB Avery Williams (5-10, 205, Jr.) Stephaun Marshall (5-11, 200, Jr.) Rush Yards 1293 1922 FS Alex Wells (6-0, 205, Sr.) Khiry Lucas (6-2, 200, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.5 3.8 SS Will Hayes (5-9, 195, Sr.) Boye Aromire (6-0, 195, Sr.) Pass Comp 214 216 CB Tavon Young (5-10, 180, Sr.) Samuel Benjamin (6-0, 195, Jr.) Pass Att 403 367 CB Sean Chandler (5-11, 175, So.) Artrel Foster (6-0, 175, So.) NB Kareem Ali Jr. (5-10, 175, Fr.) Anthony Davis (5-11, 180, So.) Pass Yds 2408 2243 P Alex Starzyk (6-3, 205, So.) Tyler Mayes (6-2, 200, Sr.) Had Int 16 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 308 347

108 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL ing players who figure to see ANY playing time at defensive tackle who should help control enemy AAC East Division #3 wide receiver as the other key figures here will be ground attacks. newcomers. Redshirt freshman TreQuan Smith Coach O’Leary spent spring drills ranting and was one of the stars of spring drills and he looks raving to the media about how terrible his rebuilt UCF to be a major factor in 2015, as does highly- linebacking corps was all spring! Soph Chequan (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 regarded true frosh recruit Tristan Payton. At tight Burkett and senior Errol Clarke shared one out- COACH: George O’Leary Returning 35 end, lettermen Kevin Miller and Cal Bloom are side ‘backer post a year ago, but both figure to be STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 the leading candidates to claim the vacant starting in the starting lineup this fall unless they continue Defense 4 role, though Miller had just two receptions a year to anger Coach O’Leary. In the middle, projected GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #64 ago and Bloom caught zero balls in ‘14. starter Domenic Spencer had a poor spring and The Golden Knights still managed nine wins in The ground game was shockingly weak last might be beaten out by former walk-on Justin what was supposed to be a rebuilding year and season as UCF struggled with their blocking all McDonald. Virginia transfer Demeitre Brim will this gives you some kind of idea of how good a year long. But there’s actually decent talent at push for a starting OLB role and several true job Head Coach George O’Leary has done at this running back led by the trio of , freshmen may also get a look here. school. Last year’s squad lost an NFL first round Dontravious Wilson and Micah Reed, who The UCF secondary was among the best in the QB and several other quality skill position per- accounted for most of last year’s team rushing country last year, but now all four starters are formers, but there was no problem as the focus totals. Starter Stanback led the way with 697 gone. Juniors , Drico Johnson, shifted to defense where the Golden Knights were yards rushing and 10 TDs, while Wilson and Reed Jared Henry and D.J. Killings were all key subs absolutely brilliant a year ago. UCF finished fifth combined for another 570 yards in 2014. If UCF last year and will look to assume much larger in the country in total defense last year as this is to avoid a bit of a drop-off in 2015, they will roles in 2015, though to some extent they were team gave up a mere 299 yards per game in ‘14. need the ground attack to be much improved. overshadowed by new faces this spring. Redshirt But now Coach O’Leary needs to replace some Coach O’Leary was forced to change O-line freshmen Chris Williams, Kyle Gibson and Tre key players on defense if UCF hopes to remain starters quite a bit last year as the blocking was far Neal all made a strong impression, as did hard- the dominant program in the American. worse than expected. But now four starters do hitting soph Jordan Franks. Starting quarterback Justin Holman endured an return, though the UCF coaches insist that all five GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Knights up and down first season as the #1 guy, but he has jobs are still up for grabs as we head into the fall. will be weaker than they’ve been in recent a ton of talent and should eventually develop into Senior guards Tarik Cook and Joey Grant are two years, but this team will not suffer a total col- a quality passer for the Golden Knights. Holman guys who simply must get better, while the two lapse. So while there will likely be no league made a ton of key mistakes last year, but overall other incumbent regulars are massive tackle title this season, we still look for UCF to post he completed 223 of 392 passes (57%) for 2,952 Chavis Dickey and undersized center Jason Rae. another winning record in 2015. yards and 23 touchdowns against 14 intercep- Chester Brown is the early leader at the open left 2015 UCF Schedule tions, plus he also ran for 189 yards and three tackle slot, while other players who could figure scores. While Holman should improve as the prominently in the O-line equation include Aaron 9/3 FLORIDA INTL. starter, the Knights also have a talented backup in Evans, Colby Watson and Tate Hernly. 9/12 at Stanford former Boise State transfer Nick Patti, who is a On defense, the Golden Knights look to be in 9/19 FURMAN good shape up front, but there are major worries deadly runner who brings an added dimension to 9/26 at South Carolina the UCF attack when he’s on the field. at linebacker and the entire secondary must be 10/3 at Tulane Coach O’Leary faces one of the biggest chal- replaced, so there is a ton of work to do here. lenges of his career as he tries to rebuild a wide There are no stars on the D-line, but three solid 10/10 CONNECTICUT receiver corps that was absolutely decimated dur- starters are back in the trio of Thomas Niles, Luke 10/17 at Temple ing the off-season with three key seniors graduat- Adams and Demetris Anderson, plus key backups 10/24 HOUSTON ing and superstar Breshad Perriman leaving a year are also returning in Jamiyus Pittman, Miles Pace 10/31 at Cincinnati and Lance McDowell. The key guys in terms of early to enter the NFL Draft. Sturdy soph Jordan 11/7 at Tulsa Akins is expected to be the next star here and he’s the pass rush are Niles and Pace who combined 11/19 EAST CAROLINA coming off a modest frosh campaign in which he for 13.5 QB sacks a year ago and should fare even caught 12 passes. Junior Taylor Oldham and con- better this time around. Anderson, Pittman and 11/27 SOUTH FLORIDA verted QB Pete DiNovo are the only other return- McDowell form an imposing physical trio of 2014 UCF RESULTS 2015 UCF DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 7-6) Offense A.30 Penn St. L -2 24-26 o45' QB Justin Holman (6-4, 215, Jr.) Nick Patti (5-11, 205, Jr.) S.13 Missouri L +10' 10-38 u54' RB William Stanback (6-1, 230, Jr.) Dontravious Wilson (5-10, 220, Jr.) S.20 BETH.-COOK. W -27' 41-7 u50' WR (6-3, 235, So.) Chris Davis (6-0, 175, Fr.) O.02 Houston W +2' 17-12 u50 WR Taylor Oldham (6-2, 195, Jr.) Pete DiNovo (6-2, 210, So.) O.09 BYU W -3 31-24 o45' WR TreQuan Smith (6-1, 205, Fr.) Cameron Stewart (6-3, 190, Fr.) O.18 TULANE L -19 20-13 u44 WR Tristan Payton (6-0, 190, Fr.) Derren Wilson (6-3, 195, Fr.) O.25 TEMPLE W -7 34-14 o45' TE Kevin Miller (6-4, 255, Sr.) Cal Bloom (6-3, 265, Jr.) N.01 Connecticut L -10 29-37 o39' C Jason Rae (5-11, 295, Jr.) Tate Hernly (6-3, 300, So.) N.14 TULSA W -19 31-7 u54' LG Tarik Cook (6-2, 295, Sr.) Aaron Evans (6-5, 290, So.) N.22 SMU W -28 53-7 o48 RG Joey Grant (6-3, 290, Sr.) Colby Watson (6-5, 305, Jr.) N.28 S. Florida W -11 16-0 u42' LT Chester Brown (6-5, 330, Jr.) (6-4, 295, Fr.) D.04 E. Carolina W +7 32-30 o55 RTChavis Dickey (6-4, 320, So.) Charles Sprenkel (6-4, 300, So.) PK Matthew Wright (6-1, 180, Fr.) Connor O’Sullivan (6-1, 215, So.) D.26 N. CAR. ST. L -2 27-34 o49 Defense DE Thomas Niles (6-2, 270, Sr.) Seyvon Lowry (6-3, 255, So.) 2014 UCF Final Stats DE Luke Adams (6-4, 255, Jr.) Miles Pace (6-1, 260, Sr.) UCF Opp DT Demetris Anderson (6-1, 310, Sr.) Tony Guerad (6-3, 300, So.) Points per game 28 19 DT Jamiyus Pittman (6-0, 300, So.) Lance McDowell (6-4, 305, Sr.) LB Chequan Burkett (6-2, 230, So.) Mark Rucker (5-9, 215, Jr.) 1st Downs 266 225 LB Domenic Spencer (5-10, 230, Sr.) Justin McDonald (6-2, 215, Jr.) Rush Att 526 428 LB Errol Clarke (6-3, 235, Jr.) Demeitre Brim (6-3, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1668 1356 FS Drico Johnson (6-1, 210, Jr.) Tre Neal (6-1, 200, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.2 3.2 SS Jared Henry (6-0, 210, Jr.) Jordan Franks (6-3, 225, So.) Pass Comp 233 243 CB Shaquill Griffin (6-1, 205, Jr.) D.J. Killings (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 416 441 CB Chris Williams (6-0, 190, Fr.) Brandon Scott (6-0, 185, Fr.) NB Kyle Gibson (5-11, 190, Fr.) Rashard Causey (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 3059 2525 P Caleb Houston (6-1, 210, Jr.) Mac Loudermilk (6-1, 225, Fr.) Had Int 15 18 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 364 299

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 109 larger roles after lettering as freshmen, while a sophs Jordan Williams and Joe Allely, both of AAC East Division #4 new face expected to make an immediate splash at whom played well off the bench as ‘14 freshmen. wide receiver is true frosh Deondre Farrier. Junior Devaris Brunson could also push for a first While the Pirates have lost a solid starter at string role and he heads up a solid reserve corps. EAST CAROLINA running back, they still have two very talented While the run defense was superb last season, (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 runners in senior vet Chris Hairston and soph the Pirates were occasionally vulnerable to aerial COACH: Ruffin McNeill Returning 61 Marquez Grayson. Hairston was second on the attack and Coach McNeill would like to tighten STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 team last year with 528 yards rushing and aver- up the secondary this year. He will rebuild around Defense 5 aged well over six yards per attempt, while the incumbent senior regulars Domonique Lennon GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #79 promising Grayson added 289 yards and five TDs (FS) and Josh Hawkins (CB), the latter of whom East Carolina is coming off another winning off the bench as a ‘14 frosh. Lettermen Anthony easily led the club with five interceptions a year season and bowl appearance, something which Scott and Cory Hunter add further depth here. ago. Junior Terrell Richardson is the obvious has become pretty much an annual ritual at this East Carolina’s best offensive player this year choice to take over at the vacant strong safety school over much of the past decade or so. But might just be left tackle Ike Harris, a legitimate post, while the second cornerback job will go to there was no doubt that the ‘14 Pirates were a bit pro prospect who should be an all-league pick either Rocco Scarfone or DaShaun Amos, both of weaker than they had been the previous season again this season. Harris and fellow senior Quincy whom saw extensive action off the pines in 2014. and now East Carolina will find out what life’s McKinney form an imposing duo on the left side Versatile soph Travon Simmons was one of the like without record-setting QB Shane Carden, of the offensive line, while on the right side “movers” here in spring practice. who finally graduated after a brilliant career at Dontae Levingston is a decent returning regular GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Pirates this school. Keeping the Pirates near the top of the and soph Larry Williams takes over at the vacant are a tough team to figure this year because we standings in the American may prove difficult for right guard slot. Former OG regular J.T. Boyd are talking about a program which is used to Head Coach Ruffin McNeill and his staff. moves over to take over at center this season, winning and has decent talent up and down the There is a three-way battle going on for the though if he remains at guard, senior C.J. Struyk roster. But the loss of Shane Carden is huge for right to replace Carden under center, though we has also started at times in the past. There’s pret- a team which puts in the air as often as East are fairly confident that this role will eventually ty good depth here as well led by injury-prone for- Carolina, plus they also lost three of their top go to talented sophomore who mer OT regular Tre Robertson. four pass catchers. We feel this team is headed served as the top backup in 2014. But Benkert How well the D-line plays this year will likely for a finish right around the .500 mark as the only attempted 10 passes last year, so he’s still yet revolve around the healthy return of former DE schedule is a bit tougher than it was a season to prove anything at the college level. Juniors regular Terrell Stanley, a former standout who ago, but if the new QB gets the job done, then Blake Kemp and Cody Keith are also very much missed all of the 2014 campaign due to injuries the Pirates should go “bowling” again. in the picture for the starting quarterback job, suffered in a car accident that nearly caused his 2015 East Carolina Schedule especially the redshirted JUCO Kemp who looks death. If Stanley is back at 100%, then the ECU to be a very accurate passer. defensive line will be a LOT better than it was a 9/05 TOWSON Graduation claimed some excellent wide year ago. He and incumbent regular Johnathon 9/12 at Florida receivers including All-American Justin Hardy White could be dynamic on the flanks, while 9/19 at Navy junior Demetri McGill takes over in the middle. who had 121 catches and 10 TDs a year ago! The 9/26 VIRGINIA TECH new main man in this area will be junior Isaiah There’s also pretty solid depth here. 10/03 at SMU Jones, who a year ago hauled in 81 passes for 830 The linebacker position is critical in ECU’s yards and five scores. The other returning starter defensive scheme and the Pirates have one of the 10/10 at BYU in the four-wideout setup is junior Davon Grayson better ‘backers in the American in senior inside 10/17 TULSA who picked up 25 receptions in ‘14, while size- man Zeek Bigger, who a year ago racked up an 10/22 TEMPLE able senior Bryce Williams had 18 catches and incredible 140 tackles and added two intercep- 10/30 at Connecticut tions. Bigger and senior outside man Montrose four TDs off the bench a year ago. Junior Jimmy 11/07 SOUTH FLORIDA Williams (no relation) has the inside track and the Overton (68 tackles, 11.5 hits for minus yardage 11/19 at UCF fourth and final starting role after pitching in with and three sacks) should both make a strong bid for 22 receptions in 2014. Sophs Trevon Brown, all-league honors in their final season. Based on 11/28 CINCINNATI Terrell Green and Quay Johnson will also assume spring drills, the two new starters here look to be 2014 EAST CAROLINA RESULTS 2015 EAST CAROLINA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 NC CENTRAL W -39' 52-7 o57' QB Kurt Benkert (6-3, 220, So.) Blake Kemp (6-1, 210, Jr.) S.06 S. Carol. W +15' 23-33 u64' RB Chris Hairston (6-0, 200, Sr.) Marquez Grayson (6-1, 200, So.) S.13 Virginia Tech W +10 28-21 u54 WR Isaiah Jones (6-1, 170, Jr.) Deondre Farrier (6-0, 185, Fr.) S.20 N. CAROLINA W -2 70-41 o67' WR Davon Grayson (6-2, 200, Jr.) Terrell Green (6-4, 190, So.) O.04 SMU L -40 45-24 o58' WR Bryce Williams (6-6, 245, Sr.) Quay Johnson (5-10, 170, So.) O.11 S. Florida L -16' 28-17 u57 WR Jimmy Williams (5-11, 180, Jr.) Steve Baggett (6-5, 225, So.) O.23 CONN. L -28 31-21 u55' WR Trevon Brown (6-2, 210, So.) Brandon Bishop (5-11, 190, Jr.) N.01 Temple L -8' 10-20 u59 C J.T. Boyd (6-4, 305, Jr.) C.J. Struyk (6-2, 300, Sr.) N.13 Cincinnati L -2 46-54 o70 LG Quincy McKinney (6-4, 315, Sr.) Will Foxx (6-2, 315, Sr.) N.22 TULANE W -19' 34-6 u60' RG Larry Williams (6-4, 340, So.) Brandon Smith (6-8, 340, So.) N.28 Tulsa L -18 49-32 o69' LTIke Harris (6-7, 305, Sr.) Stewart Hinson (6-7, 300, Sr.) D.04 UCF L -7 30-32 o55 RTDontae Livingston (6-4, 295, Sr.) Tre Robertson (6-5, 310, Sr.) PK Davis Plowman (5-10, 185, Jr.) Connor Torruella (5-10, 170, Jr.) J.03 Florida L +7 20-28 u56' Defense DE Johnathon White (6-4, 295, Sr.) K’Hadree Hooker (6-1, 300, Jr.) 2014 East Carolina Final Stats DE Terrell Stanley (6-2, 270, Sr.) Fred Presley (6-3, 300, Jr.) East Carolina Opp NG Demetri McGill (6-1, 310, Jr.) Darius Commissiong (6-2, 290, Jr.) Points per game 36 26 LB Montrose Overton (6-3, 225, Sr.) Yiannis Bowden (6-5, 220, Fr.) LB Zeek Bigger (6-2, 230, Sr.) Cameron White (5-11, 215, Jr.) 1st Downs 378 262 LB Jordan Williams (6-0, 215, So.) Devaris Brunson (6-1, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 433 437 LB Joe Allely (6-1, 240, So.) Reece Speight (6-3, 240, Jr.) Rush Yards 2094 1453 FS Domonique Lennon (6-2, 205, Sr.) Travon Simmons (5-10, 185, So.) Avg Rush 4.8 3.3 SS Terrell Richardson (6-0, 210, Jr.) Blake Norwood (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Comp 402 284 CB Josh Hawkins (5-10, 190, Sr.) DaShawn Benton (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 637 500 CB Rocco Scarfone (5-11, 185, Sr.) Travis Phillips (5-11, 180, So.) NB DaShaun Amos (6-1, 185, Jr.) Bobby Fulp (6-4, 195, So.) Pass Yds 4835 3322 P Worth Gregory (6-3, 215, Jr.) Jim Squatriglia (6-2, 240, Fr.) Had Int 11 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 533 367

110 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Whitehead. At tight end, vet Sean Price is back as took some major lumps, but in theory this group AAC East Division #5 the starter but he picked up just 14 receptions a should be much improved in 2015 with four year ago and seems to get worse every year. starters and several promising reserves back for The team’s best offensive player is definitely more action. The leaders here are vets Johnny SO. FLORIDA running back , who a year ago Ward, Jamie Byrd and Nate Godwin, but the real (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 17 exploded onto the AAC scene with 202 carries for talent may lie with sophs like Tajee Fullwood, COACH: Willie Taggart Returning 50 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns as a true fresh- Lamar Robbins, Devin Abraham and Deatrick STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 man. Mack figures to be the anchor of this attack Nichols. Byrd and Ward tied for the team lead last Defense 7 for the rest of his USF career. Fellow soph year with a mere two interceptions each. And GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #107 D’Ernest Johnson also showed some talent off the more promising depth was added in the 2015 Year Two of the Willie Taggart showed some bench last year and he’ll again be Mack’s top freshmen class as Coach Taggart enjoyed a great improvement as the Bulls went from 2-10 to a backup. Soph Kennard Swanson will again start at deal of success in signing top notch defensive slightly more respectable 4-8 a year ago. But the the fullback position. back prospects like Ronnie Hoggins, Khalid improved record was offset by the overall team Up front, senior guards Brynjar Gudmundsson McGee, Malik Vaccaro-Dixon, Chris Barr and stats which were every bit as hideous as the pre- and Thor Jozwiak are back for another year of Trevon Sands. Cornerback Hoggins had offers vious season. Sure, the offense improved from starting duty, but Coach Taggart will need to find from the likes of Big Ten power Wisconsin and terrible to mildly inept, but the usually solid a new center and a pair of new tackles. In the mid- Big 12 power TCU. defense took a major step backwards, especially dle, it looks like soph Cameron Ruff has beaten GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Bulls over the second half of the year. South Florida out redshirt frosh Michael Galati, while the new are being touted as a much improved club this continues to be a program that proves recruiting starters at tackle figure to be program veterans season in most quarters, but we would strong- ranks have almost nothing to do with future suc- Mak Djulbegovic and Kofi Amichia, a pair of ly disagree with that projection. The offense cess as this school consistently signs one of the players who have not impressed in the past. JUCO was still pretty weak last year and figures to be highest-rated freshmen classes in their league! transfer Glen Bethel may also prove to be a major even worse in 2015 with virtually no legitimate How bad are things going at USF? Their once factor at offensive tackle if he can get eligible by talent at the quarterback, wide receiver or heavily-recruited starting QB got so frustrated the start of the regular season. offensive tackle positions. In fact, there are that he transferred to Western Kentucky during A weak pass rush really limited the defense a very few FBS programs in the country that the off-season! And with Mike White now gone, year ago and things don’t figure to get any better have weaker talent at QB, WR and OT than Coach Taggart will turn to either retread veteran in 2015 now that leading sack man Reshard Cleatt South Florida! Things are a bit better on Steven Bench or athletic but utterly lost soph has graduated. Senior Eric Lee does return to start defense, but that will not prevent another los- Quinton Flowers. We don’t like either of these at end but he failed to record even a single sack ing season and low conference finish. options, but we would go with Flowers as at least last season, while the rest of the DEs rank from 2015 South Florida Schedule his ability to run with the football would bring mediocre to completely unproven at the college another dimension to an otherwise moribund level. Things are a bit better at defensive tackle 9/5 FLORIDA A&M offensive system. where lettermen Derrick Calloway and Deadrin 9/12 at Florida State The Bulls had exactly ONE reliable pass catch- Senat should at least form a competent duo in 9/19 at Maryland terms of stuffing the run. er last season and now Andre Davis has graduat- 10/2 MEMPHIS ed, taking with him seven of the team’s 11 TD The Bulls use only two linebackers in their 10/10 SYRACUSE receptions in 2014. The top returnee is junior base defense and will utilize even fewer three LB Rodney Adams who picked up 23 catches off the formations in the new defensive scheme in ‘15. 10/17 at Connecticut bench a year ago and he’s likely to claim one But there are some veterans here led by incum- 10/24 SMU starting role this fall, with the other falling to bent starters Nigel Harris and Auggie Sanchez, 10/31 at Navy promising but inexperienced soph Ryeshene plus they have battled-tested backups at line- 11/7 at East Carolina backer in players like Tashon Whitehurst and Bronson who had just three catches as a ‘14 frosh. 11/14 TEMPLE Transfers A.J. Legree (Kentucky) and Austin LeGrande Harley. Last year, Harris easily led the 11/20 CINCINNATI Aikens (Western Kentucky) could also end up team with 95 tackles though he had a mere 2.5 pushing for starting duty this fall, as could red- hits for minus yardage. 11/27 at UCF shirt freshmen Stanley Clerveaux and tiny Chase The secondary was very young last season and 2014 SOUTH FLORIDA RESULTS 2015 SOUTH FLORIDA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.30 W. CAROLINA L -26 36-31 o48' QB Quinton Flowers (6-0, 220, So.) Steven Bench (6-2, 220, Sr.) S.06 MARYLAND W +12' 17-24 u53' TB Marlon Mack (6-0, 200, So.) D’Ernest Johnson (5-10, 210, So.) S.13 N. CAR. ST. L +1' 17-49 o52 FB Kennard Swanson (6-0, 240, So.) Conan Hamilton (6-0, 235, Sr.) S.19 CONN. W -2' 17-14 u43' WR Rodney Adams (6-1, 190, Jr.) Stanley Clerveaux (6-3, 200, Fr.) WR Ryeshene Bronson (6-3, 195, So.) Austin Aikens (6-0, 180, Jr.) S.27 Wisconsin W +34 10-27 u51 WR A.J. Legree (6-1, 195, Jr.) Chase Whitehead (5-9, 170, Fr.) O.11 E. CAROLINA W +16' 17-28 u57 TE Sean Price (6-3, 250, Sr.) Elkanah Dillon (6-5, 240, Fr.) O.18 Tulsa W -2 38-30 o50' C Cameron Ruff (6-3, 310, So.) Michael Galati (6-3, 290, Fr.) O.24 Cincinnati L +10 17-34 u60 LG Thor Jozwiak (6-4, 325, Sr.) Jeremi Hall (6-5, 335, So.) N.01 HOUSTON L +8 3-27 u44' RG Brynjar Gudmundsson (6-4, 300, Sr.) Dominique Threatt (6-1, 315, Jr.) N.15 Smu L -10' 14-13 u48' LT Kofi Amichia (6-4, 290, Jr.) Benjamin Knox (6-6, 285, Fr.) RT Mak Djulbegovic (6-5, 290, Sr.) Clavion Nelson (6-3, 300, Jr.) N.22 Memphis W +19' 20-31 o46 PK Emilio Nadelman (5-6, 175, So.) Michael Hill (5-9, 175, Sr.) N.28 UCF L +11 0-16 u42' Defense DE Eric Lee (6-3, 250, Sr.) Marlon Gonzalez (6-4, 255, Fr.) 2014 South Florida Final Stats DE Josh Black (6-2, 235, So.) Mike Love (6-4, 250, So.) So. Florida Opp DT Derrick Calloway (6-2, 295, Jr.) James Hamilton (6-2, 315, Sr.) Points per game 17 27 DT (6-1, 300, So.) Kevin Bronson (6-4, 270, Fr.) LB Nigel Harris (6-0, 220, Jr.) Tashon Whitehurst (6-3, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 182 258 LB Auggie Sanchez (6-2, 245, So.) LeGrande Harley (6-1, 230, Sr.) Rush Att 376 487 NS Nate Godwin (5-10, 205, Jr.) Hassan Childs (6-0, 190, Jr.) Rush Yards 1295 2195 NS Jamie Byrd (5-11, 185, Sr.) Malik Vaccaro-Dixon (6-4, 195, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.4 4.5 NS Devin Abraham (5-9, 185, So.) Tajee Fullwood (6-2, 205, So.) Pass Comp 179 250 CB Johnny Ward (6-0, 180, Jr.) (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Att 364 363 CB Lamar Robbins (6-2, 200, So.) Torrel Saffold (5-10, 180, Sr.) NB Kendall Sawyer (6-1, 180, So.) (6-0, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 2361 2642 P Mattias Ciabatti (6-0, 190, Sr.) Eric Briggs (6-2, 200, Fr.) Had Int 11 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 305 403

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 111 2014, but based on spring practice seemed to be Stewart set the tone for this defense, Vann with his AAC East Division #6 running behind soph Thomas Lucas. And since quiet intensity and Stewart with his constant state Coach Diaco will likely use more three-wideout of rage on the field. A year ago, Vann led the team looks this season, the Huskies will need to get with 105 tackles, while Stewart was close behind CONNECTICUT immediate contributions from several true frosh with 94 stops including 10.5 hits for negative (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 13 wide receivers this fall, the best of whom look to yardage and two sacks. The other two LB roles COACH: Bob Diaco Returning 52 be Tyraiq Beals and Frank Battle. At tight end, vet will go to Junior Joseph and Luke Carrezola, a STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 Sean McQuillan seems to regress every year as pair of sophomores who played quite well off the Defense 7 the starter so watch out for soph Alec Bloom to pines as ‘14 freshmen. In fact, Joseph’s 41 tackles GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #116 possibly take his starting role in 2015. placed him sixth on the team last year despite his The first year of the Bob Diaco Era was every There’s a three-way battle for the starting run- reserve status. Lettermen Vontae Diggs and Jon bit as bad as we envisioned as UConn fans learned ning back role between incumbent regular Max Hicks add nice depth at the linebacker position. very quickly that despite his strong credentials as DeLorenzo and promising sophs Ron Johnson The secondary won’t scare anyone, but this an assistant coach at big-name programs, Bob and Arkeel Newsome. DeLorenzo started for most group held up reasonably well in ‘14 considering Diaco does NOT walk on water. As UConn fans of last year rushing for just 343 yards, while the alarming lack of pass rush by the big boys up are starting to discover, it is not easy to recruit and Johnson actually led the team off the bench with front. The leader here is safety Andrew Adams win consistently at this school and they were 429 yards and three TDs. Newsome is the most who a year ago racked up 96 tackles and a team- somewhat spoiled by the initial success they talented of the three, but he saw his playing time high four interceptions. Fellow safety regular Obi enjoyed as a program when former Coach Randy dramatically reduced as a ‘14 frosh after suffering Melifonwu is also back, while the cornerback Edsall was taking them to bowl games on a regu- four early-season fumbles last season. Junior combo will be comprised of incumbent regular lar basis. And while Coach Diaco may eventually Jazzmar Clax does a decent job as the lead block- Jhavon Williams and promising soph Jamar get things turned around here, it doesn’t figure to er at fullback. Summers. The overall depth in the secondary is happen any time soon considering the disturbing The offensive line really struggled last year, suspect at best. lack of talent up and down the roster. especially when it came to run blocking as UConn GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club is The Connecticut offense was really bad back in backs averaged a mere 3.3 yards per carry. And still going nowhere in the AAC this season, but 2013 and actually got worse in Diaco’s first sea- now just three starters return here in senior guard there’s no doubt that the Huskies have enough son as the Huskies gained a mere 277 yards per Tyler Samra and the tackle combo Richard Levy defense to ease their way back towards game in total offense and scored just 15.5 points and Andreas Knappe. We feel Levy and Knappe respectability. So while yet another losing sea- per contest. The quarterback position has been a have a chance to develop into really nice pass son seems very likely, UConn will win more complete disaster here in recent years and the blockers, but their run blocking leaves a lot to be than two games in 2015. Huskies will make yet another change under cen- desired. Sophomores Thomas Hopkins and Ryan 2015 Connecticut Schedule ter in 2015 as the new starter will be North Crozier won the two vacant O-line roles this Carolina State transfer Bryant Shirreffs. Junior spring, though Crozier suffered a summer injury 9/3 VILLANOVA Tim Boyle began spring drills as the #1 guy, but which may limit his play early in the season. 9/12 ARMY he had played poorly off the bench the last two The Huskies will move from a 4-3 look to a 3- 9/19 at Missouri 4 defense this season and that’s a smart move con- seasons and was quickly beaten out by the more 9/26 NAVY athletic Shirreffs who will bring the added dimen- sidering their defensive line personnel which 10/2 at BYU sion of mobility to the UConn attack. Still, tends to be big, lumbering and not much in terms Shirreffs is at best a question mark heading into of edge pass rush. Vets Julian Campenni and 10/10 at UCF this season given his lack of experience and errat- Mikal Myers will share time at nose guard giving 10/17 SOUTH FLORIDA ic passing skills. UConn two pretty effective inside run stuffers 10/24 at Cincinnati Coach Diaco will need to find two new starting who a year ago combined for 66 tackles and three 10/30 EAST CAROLINA sacks. Senior Kenton Adeyemi has bulked up a lot wideouts, the one of the two spots will almost 11/7 at Tulane surely go to junior Noel Thomas, who played since the end of last season and he’ll pair on the 11/21 HOUSTON extensively off the bench last year with 26 catch- outside of the 3-4 front wall with promising soph es for 305 yards and four scores. Junior Dhameer Folorunso Fatukasi. 11/28 at Temple Bradley added 15 receptions off the bench in Senior linebackers Marquise Vann and Graham 2014 CONNECTICUT RESULTS 2015 CONNECTICUT DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 2-10 O-U: 5-6-1) Offense A.29 BYU L +16 10-35 u53 QB Bryant Shirreffs (6-1, 220, So.) Tim Boyle (6-3, 220, Jr.) S.06 STONY BRK L -16' 19-16 u41' TB Ron Johnson (5-11, 220, So.) Max DeLorenzo (5-11, 215, Sr.) S.13 BOISE ST. L +16 21-38 o49 FB Jazzmar Clax (5-11, 250, Jr.) William Weyrauch (5-10, 225, Jr.) S.19 S. Florida L +2' 14-17 u43' WR Noel Thomas (6-1, 195, Jr.) Brian Lemelle (5-10, 165, Jr.) WR Thomas Lucas (6-2, 205, So.) Tyraiq Beals (6-0, 180, Fr.) S.27 TEMPLE L +6' 10-36 p46 WR Dhameer Bradley (5-10, 175, Jr.) Frank Battle (6-5, 190, Fr.) O.11 Tulane L +3' 3-12 u42 TE Sean McQuillan (6-3, 250, Sr.) Alec Bloom (6-7, 260, So.) O.23 E. Carolina W +28 21-31 u55' C Ryan Crozier (6-4, 295, So.) Kyle Bockeloh (6-3, 300, Jr.) N.01 UCF W +10 37-29 o39' LG Thomas Hopkins (6-6, 310, So.) Brendan Vechery (6-6, 300, So.) N.08 Army L -4' 21-35 o48 RG Tyler Samra (6-2, 290, Sr.) Zach Rugg (6-3, 295, Jr.) N.22 CINCINNATI L +9' 0-41 u55' LTRichard Levy (6-6, 310, Jr.) Steve Hashemi (6-6, 275, So.) N.29 Memphis L +23' 10-41 o44 RT Andreas Knappe (6-8, 310, Jr.) Dalton Gifford (6-4, 310, Sr.) PK Bobby Puyol (5-10, 175, Jr.) Michael Tarbutt (6-0, 180, Fr.) D.06 SMU L -12 20-27 o43' Defense DE Kenton Adeyemi (6-4, 290, Sr.) Cole Ormsby (6-3, 260, So.) 2014 Connecticut Final Stats DE Folorunso Fatukasi (6-4, 300, So.) Sheriden Lawley (6-4, 265, Fr.) Connecticut Opp NG Julian Campenni (6-0, 305, Sr.) Mikal Myers (6-1, 330, Jr.) LB Graham Stewart (6-1, 230, Sr.) Vontae Diggs (6-2, 220, So.) Points per game 16 30 LB Marquise Vann (6-0, 230, Sr.) Jon Hicks (6-2, 240, Jr.) 1st Downs 178 243 LB Junior Joseph (6-1, 245, So.) Matthew Walsh (6-1, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 395 482 LB Luke Carrezola (6-3, 250, So.) Cameron Stapleton (6-4, 250, So.) Rush Yards 1296 2038 FS (6-3, 215, Jr.) Junior Lee (6-0, 210, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.3 4.2 SS Andrew Adams (6-0, 200, Sr.) Ellis Marder (6-1, 195, Jr.) Pass Comp 185 229 CB Jhavon Williams (5-10, 195, Sr.) Brice McAllister (5-11, 195, So.) CB Jamar Summers (6-0, 180, So.) Aaron Garland (5-11, 195, Fr.) Pass Att 341 389 NB John Green (5-10, 180, Jr.) Javon Hadley (5-10, 165, Jr.) Pass Yds 2032 2505 P Justin Wain (6-3, 210, Jr.) Bobby Puyol (5-10, 175, Jr.) Had Int 12 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 277 379

112 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL man, while two of the “movers” this spring were when JUCO transfer Mike Edwards arrives on AAC West Division #1 Proctor’s soph classmates Anthony Miller and campus. Edwards and fellow JC newcomer Phil Mayhue. Memphis has also added a very tal- Demarco Montgomery are expected to have a big ented true frosh wideout in Jaelon Oglesby, so the impact along the defensive front wall in ‘15. MEMPHIS depth here is strong. Same with the depth at tight The Tigers lose three solid linebackers, but the (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 end where Cross is backed up solid lettermen depth here is likely good enough to overcome COACH: Justin Fuente Returning 55 Daniel Montiel and Robby Young. these severe losses. Lanky Jackson Dillon is the STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 Coach Fuente has to come up with a new fea- one returning starter here and he picked off 43 Defense 3 tured running back but he has several promising tackles and four sacks from his OLB post a year GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #42 options led by the threesome of Jarvis Cooper, ago. Dillon’s new outside partner will be soph We definitely “nailed” our forecast for this Sam Craft and Doroland Dorceus, all of whom Noah Robinson who added 25 tackles and two team last year when we boldly predicted that bring something different to the table. Cooper is a sacks off the bench as a ‘14 frosh, while the two Memphis would enjoy a breakout year and go big, plodding back who blasted his way to 378 inside roles are filled by solid lettermen Wynton from 3-9 to a bowl appearance. The Tigers were yards and five TDs off the bench a year ago. Craft McManis and Leonard Pegues. There is also perhaps even a bit better than we expected as they is an explosive speed demon with homerun abili- promising depth at linebacker. racked up 10 victories, including a win over a ty who has worked at both running back and wide If there’s a soft spot here it is likely to be in the very good BYU team in their bowl. Memphis receiver the last two seasons. In ‘14, he caught 18 secondary where three starters are gone and there could have legitimately won every game but one passes but also ran for 331 yards and three scores. are some fairly significant worries at cornerback last season as the only club to soundly defeat the Dorceus was limited to four games last year due once you get past junior Dontrell Nelson. In order Tigers was SEC power Ole Miss. But now Coach to injury, but when he did play he was quite effec- to shore things up on the corners, Coach Fuente Justin Fuente will need to adequately replace tive with 237 yards and four TDs. has added JUCO transfers , Ty eight starters on defense if he hopes to keep this Four of five starters are back along the O-line Northern and Deandre Jordan who compete with club at or near the top of the AAC standings. and the one vacancy is now in very safe hands some shaky returnees. Things are better at safety Memphis has an emerging star at quarterback thanks to the late-summer graduate transfer of where returning starter Reggis Ball heads up a in lanky junior who is already an former Louisville starter Ryan Mack, who will decent group of returning players that also adds accomplished passer and a shockingly effective immediately take over and be a likely force at JUCO newcomer DaShaughn Terry. runner who uses his large frame to be a very right tackle. Senior left tackle Taylor Fallin has 24 GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team impactful goal line option. Overall last year, career starts and looks poised for a big final sea- will not fall apart as many expect. We look for Lynch completed 259 of 413 passes (63%) for son, while the other returning starters up front are Memphis to easily post another winning record 3,031 yards and 22 TDs against just nine inter- solid performers Tyler Uselton, Gabe Kuhn and and work their way back to a bowl game. ceptions, plus he also ran for another 321 yards Michael Stannard. There’s also great depth here 2015 Memphis Schedule and a team-best 13 touchdowns! Lynch still has led by former starter Micah Simmons, Tony Mays room to get better and with a weaker defense in and soph Zach Collins who is pushing Stannard 9/5 MISSOURI STATE town, he will be asked to produce more offense in for the starting role at right guard. 9/12 at Kansas 2015. Former JUCO transfer Jason Stewart is the Memphis had one of the most underrated 9/19 at Bowling Green defensive units in the country last year, but it top backup but he played sparingly in 2014. 9/24 CINCINNATI There are no standouts in the receiving corps, remains to be seen how this group will fare with 10/2 at South Florida but the Tigers do have several decent wide the loss of eight starters. However, the fact that receivers and also a rock solid tight end in senior Coach Fuente used his backups a lot last year will 10/17 MISSISSIPPI vet Alan Cross. A year ago, Cross caught 28 pass- pay dividends in 2015 as several battle-tested 10/23 at Tulsa es for 373 yards and four TDs, but he figures to be players are ready to step up. Up front, Laterius 10/31 TULANE an even bigger part of the passing attack this time Brady and Ernest Suttles shared one DE role a 11/7 NAVY year ago, but both figure to be in the starting line- around. Steady seniors Mose Frazier and Tevin 11/14 at Houston Jones are returning starters at wideout and in ‘14 up this fall and both appeared adequate in 2014. 11/21 at Temple they combined for 80 receptions and six TDs. Junior Donald Pennington earned the vacant nose Soph Roderick Proctor showed a lot of promise guard role over Cortez Crosby with a good spring, 11/28 SMU off the bench last year with 27 catches as a fresh- but that could definitely change come September 2014 MEMPHIS RESULTS 2015 MEMPHIS DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 7-5-1) Offense A.30 AUST. PEAY W -37 63-0 o42' QB Paxton Lynch (6-7, 230, Jr.) Jason Stewart (6-3, 205, Jr.) S.06 Ucla W +23 35-42 o56' RB Sam Craft (6-0, 210, Jr.) Jarvis Cooper (6-1, 250, So.) S.20 MTSU W -12 36-17 u60' WR Mose Frazier (5-11, 185, Sr.) Phil Mayhue (6-3, 205, So.) S.27 Mississippi L +20' 3-24 u59 WR Tevin Jones (6-2, 220, Sr.) Daniel Hurd (6-2, 215, Jr.) O.04 Cincinnati W +3' 41-14 u64 WR Roderick Proctor (5-11, 165, So.) Drew Bishop (6-0, 185, Jr.) O.11 HOUSTON L -7' 24-28 o48' WR Anthony Miller (5-11, 190, So.) Jaelon Oglesby (5-11, 175, Fr.) O.25 Smu W -23 48-10 o50 TE Alan Cross (6-1, 245, Sr.) Robby Young (6-4, 255, So.) O.31 TULSA L -24' 40-20 p60 C Gabe Kuhn (6-4, 295, So.) Micah Simmons (6-3, 295, Sr.) N.07 Temple L -7' 16-13 u49' LG Tyler Uselton (6-3, 310, Sr.) Trevon Tate (6-4, 280, Fr.) N.15 Tulane W -9 38-7 u47' RG Michael Stannard (6-2, 280, Jr.) Zach Collins (6-4, 285, So.) N.22 S. FLORIDA L -19' 31-20 o46 LTTaylor Fallin (6-6, 325, Sr.) Christopher Roberson (6-7, 325, Jr.) N.29 CONN. W -23' 41-10 o44 RT Ryan Mack (6-5, 305, Sr.) Tony Mays (6-4, 305, Jr.) PK Jake Elliott (5-10, 165, Jr.) Spencer Smith (6-1, 175, So.) D.22 Byu W -1' 55-48 o56 Defense DE Laterius Brady (6-2, 275, Jr.) DeMarco Montgomery (6-3, 260, Jr.) 2014 Memphis Final Stats DE Ernest Suttles (6-5, 255, So.) Ricky Hunter (6-3, 275, Sr.) Memphis Opp NG Donald Pennington (6-2, 295, Jr.) Mike Edwards (6-1, 305, Jr.) Points per game 36 20 LB Jackson Dillon (6-6, 235, Jr.) Genard Avery (6-1, 245, So.) LB Leonard Pegues (5-11, 240, Sr.) Shareef White (6-1, 230, So.) 1st Downs 294 245 LB Wynton McManis (6-1, 225, Sr.) Tyler Charrette (6-2, 210, Jr.) Rush Att 594 465 LB Noah Robinson (6-4, 235, So.) Curtis Akins (6-2, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 2476 1580 FS Reggis Ball (5-11, 210, Sr.) Dion Witty (5-10, 190, Sr.) Avg Rush 4.2 3.4 SS DaShaughn Terry (6-0, 185, Jr.) Chris Worley (5-11, 195, Jr.) Pass Comp 262 264 CB Dontrell Nelson (6-1, 170, Jr.) Arthur Maulet (5-11, 195, Jr.) Pass Att 418 494 CB Chauncey Lanier (5-10, 185, Jr.) Ty Northern (6-1, 190, Jr.) NB Anthony Young (6-0, 195, So.) Deandre Jordan (6-1, 200, Jr.) Pass Yds 3076 2964 P Spencer Smith (6-1, 175, So.) Nick Jacobs (6-1, 190, So.) Had Int 9 17 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 427 350

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 113 fullback spot which is critical in the Navy offense, don’t count out Tyler Goble, Myles Davenport AAC West Division #2 but the Midshipmen do have some experience at and Ryan Harris. On the outside, the two new slotback in the form of DeBrandon Sanders, starters figure to be D.J. Palmore and William Demond Brown and Dishan Romine who com- Tuider, the latter of whom did make three starts a NAVY bined for 467 yards rushing off the bench a year year ago when others were injured. (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 ago. Coach Niumatalolo always seems to come up Three starters are back in the secondary includ- COACH: Ken Niumatalolo Returning 46 with several small, quick slotbacks who can make ing the very competent cornerback combo of STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 explosive plays off the edge while the QB and the Brendon Clements and Quincy Adams, who last Defense 6 FB do the tough work over the middle. When year combined for 133 tackles. Clements has to be GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #61 Navy passes, the main threat is talented junior considered one of the better cover corners in the Navy racked up its 13th bowl appearance in 14 Jamir Tillman who easily led the club with 20 American this season. At safety, former CB regu- years last season and capped off another good catches for 386 yards and three scores last season. lar Kwazel Bertrand is rock solid at one position, year with a victory over a far more talented San The passing game was “off” a bit in 2014, but but Navy needs to find a replacement for depart- Diego State squad in the Poinsettia Bowl. All five should be better this time around. ed standout Parrish Gaines. Senior Lorentez losses the Midshipmen suffered last year came at Coach Niumatalolo will need to rebuild a bit Barbour is the early leader, but this position is an the hands of bowl teams and not one of those along the offensive line, though he has two out- area of concern for the Navy coaching staff. clubs blew Navy out, including eventual National standing building blocks in senior vets E.K. Binns GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Navy Champion Ohio State who led Navy by only 3 and Joey Gaston who will again lineup at left finally joins a formal conference this year as points entering the fourth quarter before winning guard and right tackle, respectively. Fellow they begin playing Football only in the by 17 points. But some fairly severe graduation seniors Blaze Ryder and Ben Tamburello appear American, where the schedule will be slightly losses have raised at least some minor doubts certain to claim two of the three vacancies after tougher, but probably “doable” for this pro- about Navy’s ability to remain successful in 2015. being key subs a season ago, while the only real- gram under most circumstances. But this The Navy offense continues to be the Triple ly “open” battle is at left tackle where Blake year’s team did lose a lot to graduation and the Option attack which is a modified form of the Copeland and Brandon Greene are battling. This Middies may be a bit weaker than they were a 1970’s Wishbone Offense and this particular group will prove critical to Navy’s continued suc- year ago despite the continued presence of scheme still gives teams fits almost five decades cess in 2015 and if the O-line falters, they will be superstar QB Keenan Reynolds. We may be in since its invention. This club has the ideal trigger in big trouble. the minority opinion here, but we feel even man for their run-oriented attack in senior Keenan Navy protects a small and suspect defense with with a tougher schedule this team will squeeze Reynolds who has been a four-year starter and their ball-control offense, but they do have an out enough victories to get back to a bowl game may leave school as Navy’s greatest player since “impact” defensive lineman this year in end Will in 2015. the heyday of Roger Staubach. While Reynolds Anthony who a year ago racked up an impressive 2015 Navy Schedule saw his passing numbers drop a bit last year with 67 tackles and 11 hits for negative yardage. Big a brand new receiving corps, he continued to senior Bernard Sarra does a decent job as the nose 9/05 COLGATE dominate on the ground as he carried the ball 250 man, but Navy needs to find some other produc- 9/19 EAST CAROLINA times for 1,191 yards and a whopping 23 TDs, tive ends to pair with Anthony this year. Letter 9/26 at Connecticut winners A.K. Akpunku and Amos Mason are the while also passing for 843 yards and six more 10/03 AIR FORCE scores with a mere three interceptions. Reynolds best candidates to emerge here in 2015, but the 10/10 at Notre Dame already has 64 career rushing touchdowns! Junior front three may struggle at times against the bet- Tago Smith returns as the #2 quarterback and he ter clubs on the Navy schedule. 10/24 TULANE played very well in a limited role last year. Last year’s strong linebacking corps took some 10/31 SOUTH FLORIDA The entire stable of starting running backs has heavy hits from graduation as three of four 11/07 at Memphis graduated, but Navy still has some fairly battle- starters are gone. The one incumbent regular is 11/14 SMU inside ‘backer Daniel Gonzales, who in 2014 pret- tested runners here. Senior fullback Chris Swain 11/21 at Tulsa has been a big-time contributor off the bench the ty much came out of nowhere to collect 86 tack- 11/27 at Houston past two seasons and in 2014 he ran for 693 yards les and a team-leading three interceptions. Based and four TDs while averaging nearly seven yards on spring drills, it looks like promising soph 12/12 vs. Army per carry! There’s a lack of proven depth at the Micah Thomas will claim the other ILB post, but 2014 NAVY RESULTS 2015 NAVY DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 4-8) Offense A.30 OHIO ST. L +15 17-34 u54 QB Keenan Reynolds (5-11, 195, Sr.) Tago Smith (5-10, 205, Jr.) S.06 Temple W -3 31-24 u58 FB Chris Swain (6-1, 245, Sr.) Quinton Ezell (6-1, 240, Sr.) S.13 Texas St. W -9 35-21 u57 SB DeBrandon Sanders (5-7, 165, Sr.) Calvin Cass Jr. (5-10, 200, Jr.) S.20 RUTGERS L -6' 24-31 u55' SB Demond Brown (5-9, 205, Sr.) Toneo Gulley (5-8, 200, Jr.) S.27 W. KENT'KY L -8 27-36 u66' SB Dishan Romine (5-11, 185, Jr.) Kendrick Mouton (6-0, 195, Jr.) O.04 Air Force L -3' 21-30 u56' WR Jamir Tillman (6-4, 210, Jr.) Thomas Wilson (6-1, 200, Sr.) O.11 VMI L -38 51-14 NL WR Brandon Colon (6-4, 205, So.) Marc Meier (5-11, 190, Sr.) O.25 S. JOSE ST. W -9 41-31 o54 C Blaze Ryder (5-11, 270, Sr.) Maurice Morris (6-2, 315, Jr.) N.01 Notre Dame W +14 39-49 o54' LG E.K. Binns (6-3, 285, Sr.) Adam West (6-3, 290, Jr.) N.15 GA. SO. W -3 52-19 o62 RG Ben Tamburello (6-2, 275, Sr.) Evan Martin (6-3, 280, So.) LT Blake Copeland (6-4, 260, Jr.) Brandon Greene (6-3, 265, Sr.) N.28 S. Alabama L -8' 42-40 o54 RTJoey Gaston (6-5, 285, Sr.) Robert Lindsey (6-4, 260, So.) D.13 Army L -16 17-10 u56 PK Austin Grebe (6-0, 195, Sr.) Nick Sloan (6-0, 190, Sr.) D.23 S. Diego St. W +3 17-16 u53 Defense DE Will Anthony (6-1, 250, Sr.) Sean Reaver (6-4, 255, Sr.) 2014 Navy Final Stats DE A.K. Akpunku (6-3, 245, Sr.) Amos Mason (6-1, 250, Jr.) Navy Opp NG Bernard Sarra (6-1, 305, Sr.) Patrick Forrestal (6-4, 305, Jr.) Points per game 32 27 LB William Tuider (6-2, 215, Jr.) Josiah Powell (6-3, 220, Jr.) LB Daniel Gonzales (6-2, 230, Jr.) Tyler Goble (6-2, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 270 279 LB Micah Thomas (6-1, 235, So.) Myles Davenport (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Att 727 522 LB D.J. Palmore (6-3, 235, So.) Ted Colburn (6-3, 230, Jr.) Rush Yards 4395 2582 FS Lorentez Barbour (6-1, 195, Sr.) (6-4, 205, So.) Avg Rush 6.0 4.9 SS Kwazel Bertrand (6-0, 190, Sr.) Daiquan Thomasson (6-0, 205, Jr.) Pass Comp 62 247 CB Brendon Clements (5-11, 190, Jr.) Shelley White (5-10, 190, Sr.) Pass Att 130 379 CB Quincy Adams (5-11, 195, Sr.) Cameron Bryant (5-10, 190, Jr.) NB Myer Krah (5-11, 200, Sr.) Elijah Merchant (5-10, 180, So.) Pass Yds 1058 2668 P Gavin Jernigan (6-3, 205, Sr.) Alex Barta (6-3, 205, Jr.) Had Int 5 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 420 404

114 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL solid recruits here like Romello Booker, Elton replace standout Efrem Oliphant who posted 136 AAC West Division #3 Dyer, Latrell Martin and Terry Mark. For the first tackles in 2014. Lettermen and time in nearly a decade, Houston will use a tight Davonte Thomas are battling for the right to end on offense this year and the role will likely be replace Oliphant in the middle. HOUSTON filled by JUCO transfer Rusty Clark. Houston again has one of the deepest and most (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 The Cougars are in superb shape at running effective secondaries in the country. Not only do COACH: Returning 37 back where starter Kenneth Farrow is one of the all four starters come back from a group which STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 best backs in the country and top sub Ryan nabbed 19 interceptions, but the depth here is Defense 6 Jackson is a strong contributor off the bench. In truly awesome as Houston can 8 or 9 deep with GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #65 2014, Farrow carried the ball 186 times for 1,037 quality. Strong safety Adrian McDonald forced The Cougars are coming off back-to-back 8-5 yards and 14 TDs, while Jackson added 112 car- eight turnovers on his way to all-league honors in seasons and closed out the 2014 campaign with a ries for 610 yards and five scores. Both of these 2014, while teammates Trevon Stewart (FS) and bowl win over ACC foe Pittsburgh, but somehow guys averaged well over five yards per carry and William Jackson were second-team all-league a Head Coach Tony Levine got shipped off to the should truly thrive in the new offensive scheme! year ago. Veteran corners Brandon Wilson and unemployment line heading into 2015! While True frosh blue chipper Tyreik Gray may also get Lee Hightower were also rock solid last season, Levine never matched the great success that Art some carries as 2015 rookie. but may end up losing playing time to stellar soph Briles and Kevin Sumlin had at this school, his Three starters must be replaced on the offen- who recorded 48 tackles and firing seems a bit harsh considering his solid sive line and the new coaching staff will rebuild three interceptions off the pines as a ‘14 frosh. If showing the last two seasons. Replacing Levine is around returning regulars Alex Cooper and Ben Houston hopes to match last year’s success, this former Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Dew at right tackle and left guard, respectively. group will need to be dominant again. Herman who helped guide the Buckeyes to a Also returning to a starting role he once occupied GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Cougs National Championship a year ago. Herman is left tackle Zach Johnson, who was a first team- will be a bit weaker than they were in 2014 inherits a good, but not great team at Houston. er in 2013 before missing all of last year with a mainly because of all the losses along the offen- Coach Herman’s Ohio State offenses always severe knee injury. It looks like junior Mac Long sive and defensive lines. That said, the new enjoyed the luxury of a quarterback who can run will take over at center with the final starting role coaching staff looks impressive and there is and the Cougars certainly have that with speedy going to Oklahoma transfer Kyle Marrs. Others still plenty of talent in the backfield and in the Greg Ward Jr. who emerged as the #1 guy here with a chance to start up front include lettermen superb secondary. We look for Houston to fin- over the course of the ‘14 campaign. Overall, Damian Parris and Emeka Okafor. ish somewhere around the .500 mark this sea- Ward completed 177 of 263 passes (67%!) for The biggest worry for Coach Herman will def- son, perhaps a bit better if the tremendous sec- 2,010 yards and 12 TDs against seven intercep- initely be along the defensive line where three ondary can continue to force lots of turnovers. tions, plus he also ran for 573 yards and six more starters and three key reserves are gone from last 2015 Houston Schedule scores. Ward’s emergence led to the benching and year’s solid unit. Junior DT B.J. Singleton is the eventual transfer of solid starter John O’Korn and lone incumbent starter and he had just 22 tackles 9/5 TENNESSEE TECH it now looks like Ward is a rising star for the and one sack in 2014. Senior Tommie Mark used 9/12 at Louisville Cougars. With O’Korn leaving, the new backup to be a starter at defensive tackle back in 2013, 9/26 TEXAS STATE but he struggled a lot and got buried on the depth QB figures to be Utah transfer Adam Schulz who 10/3 at Tulsa actually did start three games at his previous chart last year. But Singleton and Mark are the 10/8 SMU school a few years back. only really experienced DTs on the current roster. The receiving corps was hit HARD by gradua- On the outside, juniors Cameron Malveaux and 10/16 at Tulane tion as Houston lost three key players, though one Chauntez Jackson were mediocre subs a year ago 10/24 at UCF starter does return in junior who who will now try to be starters. 10/31 VANDERBILT in ‘14 caught 33 passes as the third option. Watch At linebacker, junior Steven Taylor appears on 11/7 CINCINNATI the verge of stardom after a ‘14 season that out for promising soph who had 11/14 MEMPHIS 20 catches off the bench last year and could included 76 tackles, four sacks and three forced 11/21 at Connecticut emerge as the #1 pass catcher for the Cougs this fumbles. Taylor and speedy soph Matthew Adams time around. After that, this group is painfully should form a potent combo on the outside, but 11/27 NAVY inexperienced though there are some one-time the concern is in the middle where Houston must 2014 HOUSTON RESULTS 2015 HOUSTON DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 7-5-1 O-U: 5-8) Offense A.29 UTSA L -10 7-27 u56 QB Greg Ward Jr. (5-11, 180, Jr.) Adam Schulz (6-2, 210, Sr.) S.06 GRAMBLING L -49 47-0 u66 RB Kenneth Farrow (5-11, 220, Sr.) Ryan Jackson (5-10, 190, Sr.) S.11 Byu W +17' 25-33 u61 WR Demarcus Ayers (5-10, 180, Jr.) Elton Dyer (6-2, 185, Fr.) S.20 UNLV W -21' 47-14 u62 WR Steven Dunbar (6-2, 195, So.) Donald Gage (5-11, 185, So.) O.02 UCF L -2' 12-17 u50 WR Derek McLemore (5-10, 185, So.) Latrell Martin (6-1, 200, Fr.) O.11 Memphis W +7' 28-24 o48' WR Romello Booker (6-4, 210, Fr.) Terry Mark (6-2, 185, Fr.) O.17 TEMPLE W -8' 31-10 u52' TE Rusty Clark (6-7, 250, Jr.) Kobe Idumwonyi (6-1, 235, Fr.) N.01 S. Florida W -8 27-3 u44' C Mac Long (6-4, 290, Jr.) Carter Wall (6-4, 295, Sr.) N.08 TULANE L -17 24-31 o45' LG Ben Dew (6-4, 315, Sr.) Emeka Okafor (6-5, 320, Sr.) N.22 TULSA L -20' 38-28 o57' RG Kyle Marrs (6-6, 325, Jr.) Damian Parris (6-6, 295, Sr.) N.28 Smu W -21' 35-9 u50' LT Zach Johnson (6-6, 295, Sr.) Marcus Oliver (6-3, 275, So.) D.06 Cincinnati P +7 31-38 o57 RTAlex Cooper (6-4, 300, Sr.) (6-5, 315, So.) PK Kyle Bullard (5-11, 170, Sr.) Ty Cummings (5-10, 180, Jr.) J.02 PITTSBURGH W +4 35-34 o54 Defense DE Cameron Malveaux (6-6, 270, Jr.) Zack Vaughan (6-4, 250, Fr.) 2014 Houston Final Stats DE Chauntez Jackson (6-4, 265, Jr.) Mason Denley (6-4, 270, Fr.) Houston Opp DT B.J. Singleton (6-4, 295, Jr.) (6-4, 290, So.) Points per game 30 21 DT Tommie Mark (6-2, 290, Sr.) Zorrell Ezell (6-2, 280, Jr.) LB Steven Taylor (6-1, 220, Jr.) Tyus Bowser (6-3, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 286 248 LB Elandon Roberts (6-0, 230, Sr.) Davonte Thomas (6-1, 220, Jr.) Rush Att 495 503 LB Matthew Adams (6-0, 210, So.) D’Juan Hines (6-2, 210, So.) Rush Yards 2391 1863 FS Trevon Stewart (5-9, 190, Sr.) Khalil Williams (6-0, 195, So.) Avg Rush 4.8 3.7 SS Adrian McDonald (5-10, 195, Sr.) Steven Aikens (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 272 230 CB William Jackson (6-1, 185, Sr.) Lee Hightower (6-2, 195, Sr.) Pass Att 450 412 CB Brandon Wilson (6-0, 200, Jr.) Tyler White (5-10, 185, Sr.) NB Howard Wilson (6-1, 180, So.) Earl Foster (6-0, 195, Sr.) Pass Yds 2993 2601 P Logan Piper (6-1, 200, Sr.) Ty Cummings (5-10, 180, Jr.) Had Int 15 19 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 414 343

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 115 a year ago, while further letter-winning depth here parts of two others due to injury, while promising AAC West Division #4 comes from Conner Floyd and Bishop Louie who soph C.J. Gooden probably has the inside track on combined for another 41 receptions in 2014. The the third and final starting LB role. The other new offense will feature far more three and four returnees here are strictly backup material, so TULSA wide receiver sets, so some other players will some true freshmen may get a look this fall. (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 need to step up here in 2015. Former fullback reg- Last year’s dreadful secondary was almost COACH: Phil Montgomery Returning 58 ular Mandel Dixon takes over at the tight end spot completely wiped out by graduation, though the STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 in the revamped offensive scheme. lone returning regular may actually be Tulsa’s Defense 6 The ground attack was somewhat mediocre last best defender in hard-hitting SS Michael Mudoh. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #96 year, though Tulsa did pound out nearly 1,800 In 2014, Mudoh led the team with 113 tackles and The Golden Hurricane are coming off a night- yards on the ground as a team. Bruising vet Zack a mere two interceptions. Converted cornerback marish season that saw them win just two con- Langer led the way last year with 801 yards rush- Will Barrow will likely be the other safety regular tests, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Bill ing and four TDs, while the quicker James here as vet Matt Linscott is best suited to nickel Blankenship. The new head man here will be for- Flanders added another 456 yards and led the club and dime roles, while the new top dogs on the cor- mer Baylor Offensive Coordinator Philip with a 4.5-yard per carry average. Smaller, quick- ners look to be Kerwin Thomas, Darrell Williams Montgomery, who comes to Tulsa with a heavy er backs like Tavarreo Dickerson and D’Angelo and Johnell Celistan. Several freshmen could get rep as an offensive guru. Montgomery walks into Brewer might actually be a better fit in the new a long look at cornerback early in the season! a fairly difficult position as a program that has offensive scheme, so don’t be at all surprised if GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Tulsa was a grown accustomed to winning tries to bounce both of these players get the ball a LOT more than consistent winner for nearly a decade, but the back from their worst season in recent memory. they did a season ago. Golden Hurricane are a mere 5-19 combined Despite the 2-10 record, the Tulsa offense was Up front, Tulsa brings back four starters long- over the past two seasons. This year’s veteran actually much improved last year thanks mainly time senior vets Garrett Stafford (LT) and Dylan team figures to be much improved, though to the emergence of junior quarterback Dane Foxworth (C). Juniors Chris Wallace and Blake there are still massive problems on defense Evans, who made a lot of major mistakes, but Belcher are also back at left guard and right tack- which will severely hamper what figures to be overall put up some big passing numbers. Playing le, respectively. The vacant right guard role will an outstanding offensive unit. The passing all but a couple dozen snaps last year, Evans com- almost certainly go to senior Garrett Gladd who attack should be among the best in this confer- pleted 256 of 462 passes (55%) for 3,102 yards has started a few games in each of the past two ence. We look for Tulsa to move up a few and 23 touchdowns, though he was intercepted 17 seasons. The O-line depth is highly questionable. notches in the American this season and they times which definitely cost the Hurricane in a The new coaching staff has a lot of work to do could even push their overall record near the couple close contests. Veteran Joseph Calcagni on the defensive side of the ball where Tulsa was .500 mark. returns as the top backup here, but the long term just dreadful a year ago. They will attempt to 2015 Tulsa Schedule future at Tulsa will almost certainly be heralded build around a veteran D-line led by end Derrick true frosh recruit Chad President, a rare 4-Star Alexander who easily led the club in ‘14 with 12 9/05 FLORIDA ATLANTIC gem who stunned Big 12 schools by signing with hits for negative yardage and 7.5 QB sacks. 9/12 at New Mexico the Golden Hurricane. In fact, it might not be a Incumbent defensive tackles Derrick Luetjen and 09/19 at Oklahoma Jerry Uwaezuoke are not terrible in the middle, complete shock if the talented President eventual- 10/03 HOUSTON ly unseats Evans as the #1 QB here. plus Tulsa also gets back former DT regular Jesse 10/10 LOUISIANA-MONROE Tulsa is blessed with two of the best wide Brubaker who missed all but one game last season receivers in the American Conference in the duo due to injury. Talented end Jeremy Smith heads up 10/17 at East Carolina of Keevan Lucas and . Lucas is a group of sophomore D-liners who will assume 10/23 MEMPHIS coming off a huge breakout year in which he larger roles this season. 10/31 at SMU caught 101 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 TDs, The big surprise player at linebacker last year 11/07 UCF was soph Craig Suits who came out of nowhere to while Garrett bounced back nicely from a severe 11/14 at Cincinnati injury which kept him out of action in 2013, start 11 games and finish second on the club with 11/21 NAVY catching 47 balls for 698 yards and five scores. 81 tackles and two forced fumbles. Junior Trent Junior Josh Atkinson is another proven pass Martin might have been the team’s top tackler a 11/28 at Tulane catcher as the third option after hauling in 35 balls year ago if he hadn’t missed three full games and 2014 TULSA RESULTS 2015 TULSA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 9-2-1) Offense A.28 TULANE W -5' 38-31 o47 QB (6-1, 220, Jr.) Joseph Calcagni (6-1, 215, Sr.) S.06 OKLAHOMA L +24' 7-52 o58 RB Zack Langer (6-0, 220, Sr.) James Flanders (5-11, 205, Jr.) S.13 Fla Atlantic L -1 21-50 o52' WR Keevan Lucas (5-10, 200, Jr.) Nigel Carter (6-3, 205, So.) S.27 TEXAS ST. L -3 34-37 o66' WR Keyarris Garrett (6-4, 220, Sr.) Bishop Louie (5-10, 170, So.) WR Josh Atkinson (6-2, 210, Jr.) Brodrick Umblance (6-1, 185, So.) O.04 Colo. St. L +17' 17-42 u63' WR Conner Floyd (6-0, 210, Sr.) Justin Hobbs (6-4, 210, Fr.) O.11 Temple W +17 24-35 o58 TE Mandel Dixon (6-2, 240, Sr.) Rob Riederer (6-0, 230, So.) O.18 S. FLORIDA L +2 30-38 o50' C Dylan Foxworth (6-2, 285, Jr.) Zac Uhles (6-3, 275, So.) O.31 Memphis W +24' 20-40 p60 LG Chris Wallace (6-5, 310, Jr.) Billy LaFortune (6-0, 285, Sr.) N.08 SMU L -14 38-28 o57 RG Garrett Gladd (6-4, 305, Sr.) Rob Boyd (6-3, 330, So.) N.14 Ucf L +19 7-31 u54' LT Garrett Stafford (6-5, 305, Sr.) Evan Plagg (6-3, 285, So.) N.22 Houston W +20' 28-38 o57' RTBlake Belcher (6-5, 300, Jr.) Tyler Bowling (6-6, 325, Fr.) PK Redford Jones (5-10, 175, So.) Preston Soper (6-0, 205, So.) N.28 E. CAROLINA W +18 32-49 o69' Defense DE Derrick Alexander (6-2, 285, Sr.) Petera Wilson (6-2, 235, So.) 2014 Tulsa Final Stats DE Jeremy Smith (6-5, 250, So.) Jake Hanks (6-2, 240, So.) Tulsa Opp DT Derrick Luetjen (6-3, 295, Sr.) Jesse Brubaker (6-3, 285, So.) Points per game 25 39 DT Jerry Uwaezuoke (6-3, 295, Jr.) Earl Rollins (6-3, 280, So.) LB Craig Suits (6-0, 220, So.) Matt Hickman (6-0, 230, Jr.) 1st Downs 270 261 LB Trent Martin (6-2, 235, Jr.) Conner Sherwood (6-3, 235, Jr.) Rush Att 477 467 LB C.J. Gooden (6-1, 230, So.) Zik Asiegbu (6-0, 215, Sr.) Rush Yards 1774 2576 FS Will Barrow (5-9, 175, Jr.) Shawn Norman (5-11, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 3.7 5.5 SS Michael Mudoh (5-10, 205, Sr.) Matt Linscott (6-1, 220, Jr.) Pass Comp 263 232 CB Kerwin Thomas (5-10, 175, So.) Jordan Mitchell (6-2, 180, So.) Pass Att 481 374 CB Darrell Williams (5-10, 200, Sr.) Keidrien Wadley (5-11, 170, Fr.) NB Johnell Celistan (6-2, 190, Jr.) (6-1, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 3176 3265 P Dalton Parks (6-3, 210, Jr.) Redford Jones (5-10, 175, So.) Had Int 18 8 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 413 487

116 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL have nice futures here at Tulane. A lack of quality backer. Junior vets Edward Williams and Eric AAC West Division #5 depth at wide received could be remedied by the Thomas are back to split time at the other LB post arrival of promising true frosh recruit Darius and they combined for 68 tackles in 2014. There’s Williams, a local New Orleans product who was not much else in the way of proven depth here. TULANE recruited by some big-name schools. At tight end, Tulane uses a five-man secondary in their base (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 soph Charles Jones Jr. looks to be a rising star for defense and they lost some good players here dur- COACH: C.J. Johnson Returning 47 Tulane after catching 21 passes with three TDs as ing the off-season. But they still have a pair of STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 a frosh starter in 2014. potential honors candidates in veteran safety Defense 7 The main man on the ground will be yet anoth- Darion Monroe and soph CB Parry Nickerson. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #117 er sophomore as Tulane will rely heavily on tal- Last year, Monroe racked up 73 tackles and two The Green Wave were surprise bowl gamers ented second-year man Sherman Badie, who a interceptions, while Nickerson was one of the top back in 2013, but the house of cards came tum- year ago ran for a team-high 688 yards and aver- freshman corners in the nation as he picked off six bling down a year ago as Tulane struggled to a aged a nifty 5.7 yards per attempt. Versatile junior passes. Juniors Leonard Davis and Richard Allen disappointing 3-9 record. Head Coach C.J. Lazedrick Thompson split time between running are the only vets here, so several redshirt fresh- Johnson has actually done a pretty good job since back and fullback last year rushing for 533 yards, men and true frosh will need to play immediately. taking over here as Tulane has become a lot more but based on spring drills it looks like he will line- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Green competitive under his watch, but the bottom line up mostly at fullback this season. Third down spe- Wave are not as awful on the offensive side of is that he has still won only 12 games over his first cialist is an explosive back off the ball as they appeared to be late last season, four seasons at the school. Things could get a bit the bench and as a 2014 frosh he ran for 452 yards but Tulane will still struggle badly to score on better this time around, but not much! and three TDs, while also catching an impressive a consistent basis. Quarterback Tanner Lee The Tulane offense struggled out of the gate 30 balls coming out of the backfield. has raw talent, but as last year showed he still last season and then got nothing but worse as the Four starters are back on the O-line, though left has a very long way to go. A veteran O-line year progressed! In fact, the Green Wave failed tackle Arturo Uzdavinis is the lone senior up may help a little, but there are still too many score more than SEVEN points in their final three front. Junior Nathan Shienle is rock solid in the holes on offense. The defense is obviously a lot contests in 2014, so obviously there’s room for middle and he will again be flanked by classmates better, but there are some huge holes to fill in major improvement on the offensive side of the Colton Hanson and Chris Taylor. The only new the secondary which is why we think Tulane football. Talented soph quarterback Tanner Lee face in the starting five is massive soph right tack- will be no better overall on defense than it was had some nice moments as a frosh starter, but le Kenneth Santa Marina. The second string O- in 2014 and may actually be slightly weaker. overall his initial campaign had to be considered line is largely untested with three redshirt fresh- That all adds up to a second straight losing a major flop for a guy who was a major recruit for men taking on key roles. record for the Green Wave. Tulane. Overall, Lee completed 185 of 336 pass- There is better talent on the defensive side of 2015 Tulane Schedule es (55%) for 1,962 yards and just 12 TDs against the ball led by hard-charging end Royce LaFrance 14 interceptions, plus he was nowhere near as who posted a team-high six sacks and 11 hits for 9/03 DUKE mobile as had been advertised as he had just 11 minus yardage a year ago. Sophs Darren Williams 9/12 at Georgia Tech positive rushing plays all season long! If Lee con- and Ada Aruna are competing for the other DE 9/19 MAINE role opposite LaFrance, while the starting tackles tinues to struggle, junior Devin Powell could push 10/03 UCF him for the #1 QB role this season. will again be Tanzel Smart and Sean Wilson. 10/10 at Temple At wide receiver, soph Teddy Veal was a sur- Smart was arguably the team’s most improved prise starter as a ‘14 freshman and he ended up player a year ago as he recorded 47 tackles and 10/16 HOUSTON catching a team-best 40 balls a year ago, though two sacks, doing an excellent job of clogging 10/24 at Navy he scored just one touchdown and averaged under things up in the middle of the D-line. A thin D- 10/31 at Memphis 10 yards per reception. Fellow sophs Terren line bench is led by senior tackle Corey Redwine. 11/07 CONNECTICUT The Green Wave also have a star at linebacker Encalade and Leondre James are battling for the 11/14 at Army other vacant starting wideout role, though both in undersized battler Nico Marley, who a year ago 11/21 at SMU figure to be on the field more often than not in racked up 82 tackles, two forced fumbles and a 2015. Encalade and James combined for 35 recep- team-best 13.5 hits for minus yardage. If this kid 11/28 TULSA tions off the bench as rookies and both look to had better size, he would be a big-time NFL line- 2014 TULANE RESULTS 2015 TULANE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 5-7) Offense A.28 Tulsa L +5' 31-38 o47 QB Tanner Lee (6-4, 220, So.) Devin Powell (6-3, 230, Jr.) S.06 GA. TECH L +9' 21-38 o55' RB Sherman Badie (6-0, 200, So.) Dontrell Hilliard (6-0, 195, So.) S.13 SE LOUISIANAW -1' 35-20 o54 FB Lazedrick Thompson (6-1, 220, Jr.) Sergio Medina (6-0, 225, Jr.) S.20 Duke L +17 13-47 o55 WR Teddy Veal (5-11, 185, So.) Devon Breaux (6-0, 185, Jr.) WR Terren Encalade (6-0, 195, So.) Darius Williams (6-2, 175, Fr.) S.27 Rutgers L +13 6-31 u52' WR Leondre James (6-0, 175, So.) Andrew Hicks (6-2, 200, Fr.) O.11 CONN. W -3' 12-3 u42 TE Charles Jones Jr. (6-3, 245, So.) Trey Scott (6-2, 215, So.) O.18 Ucf W +19 13-20 u44 C Nathan Shienle (6-5, 315, Jr.) Junior Diaz (6-1, 285, Fr.) O.31 CINCINNATI L +5' 14-38 u56 LG Colton Hanson (6-5, 315, Jr.) Jason Stewart (6-4, 380, So.) N.08 Houston W +17 31-24 o45' RG Chris Taylor (6-2, 315, Jr.) Todd Jacquet (6-5, 290, Jr.) N.15 MEMPHIS L +9 7-38 u47' LTArturo Uzdavinis (6-7, 310, Sr.) John Leglue (6-6, 305, Fr.) N.22 E. Carolina L +19' 6-34 u60' RT Kenneth Santa Marina (6-6, 320, So.) Devon Johnson (6-5, 340, Fr.) PK Andrew DiRocco (6-1, 180, So.) Trevor Simms (6-3, 195, Sr.) D.06 TEMPLE L +2' 3-10 u42' Defense DE Royce LaFrance (6-4, 265, Sr.) Robert Kennedy (6-1, 240, Fr.) 2014 Tulane Final Stats DE Darren Williams (6-4, 250, So.) Ada Aruna (6-5, 250, So.) Tulane Opp DT Tanzel Smart (6-1, 310, Jr.) Corey Redwine (6-1, 305, Sr.) Points per game 16 28 DT Sean Wilson (6-4, 280, So.) Calvin Thomas (6-4, 280, Jr.) LB Nico Marley (5-9, 210, Jr.) Zachery Harris (6-0, 220, So.) 1st Downs 226 246 LB Edward Williams (6-3, 225, Jr.) Eric Thomas (5-10, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 419 447 NS Jarrod Franklin (5-11, 200, So.) William Townsend (6-0, 210, So.) Rush Yards 1746 1895 NS Darion Monroe (5-11, 200, Sr.) Tristan Cooper (5-11, 185, So.) Avg Rush 4.2 4.2 NS Leonard Davis (6-0, 200, Jr.) Richard Carthon (5-7, 200, Sr.) Pass Comp 240 220 CB Parry Nickerson (5-11, 180, So.) (5-11, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 443 377 CB Richard Allen (5-9, 180, Jr.) Jeremie Francis (6-0, 175, Fr.) NB Stephon Lofton (5-11, 185, Fr.) Carlton Williams (6-0, 180, Fr.) Pass Yds 2415 2759 P Peter Picerelli (6-1, 190, Sr.) Logan Hilton (6-1, 185, Sr.) Had Int 18 17 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 347 388

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 117 spring and speedy junior Deion Sanders Jr. has a talent. The situation at defensive end is totally up AAC West Division #6 pretty fair pedigree! The younger Sanders caught in the air, though based on spring drills we are 23 balls off the bench last season but made no big guessing the new starters will be returning letter plays. Newcomers could end up playing a huge winners Andrew McCleneghen and . SMU role at wide receiver this fall as redshirt frosh Several freshmen will get a look along the D-line (1-11-0) LETTERMEN Lost 15 Courtland Sutton earned a starting role with a this season. COACH: Chad Morris Returning 43 good spring, and highly-regarded true frosh There are only two linebackers in the new STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 recruits Kevin Thomas and Xavier Castille are set scheme which works out well since two starters Defense 7 to make their long-awaited debuts this fall. The graduated and former regular Robert Seals has GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #123 new tight end position will be manned by junior been moved to defensive end in the new scheme. The SMU program is coming off a truly night- Jeremiah Gaines. The one sure thing here is senior Jonathan Yenga marish season as the Mustangs got off to a shock- While the running attack came alive when who a year ago collected 65 tackles and two ingly bad start which led to Head Coach June Davis took over at quarterback, most of the yards sacks. Pairing with Yenga will be either Nick Jones announcing his retirement effective imme- came from Davis himself as the traditional ground Horton or Anthony Rhone, while others in the LB diately in September. The Mustangs tried to fight game was beyond weak last year. Incumbent RB equation include Jackson Mitchell, Derek on without their head coach, but the results were regular Prescott Line ran for just 256 yards and Longoria and Caleb Tuiasosopo. not good as SMU would lose 11 straight games to his backups K.C. Nlemchi and Darius Durall pro- There’s not much to cheer about in the sec- start the season. The finally beat a terrible UConn duced almost nothing in reserve roles. While ondary once you get past junior safety Darrion squad to close out the year, but major changes Durall gained some ground on Line with a good Richardson, but SMU does bring back several were clearly on the way. And the school may have spring, it looks like Line will still be the main guy experienced players here like Ajee Montes, Troy laid the foundation for a brighter future as they in 2015 unless he gets a challenge from incoming Castle, Horace Richardson and A.J. Justice. The hired former Clemson assistant Chad Morris to be true frosh prospect Braeden West. “movers” of spring practice were soph cornerback their new head coach and he brings a big-time The blocking up front was terrible last year, but Jesse Montgomery and senior Shakiel Randolph. resume to what once used to be a big-time pro- things simply have to improve in 2015 with the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: While it’s gram. It will be very interesting to see if Morris return of all five O-line starters. The best of this possible that Chad Morris may eventually do can build a big winner here at SMU! bunch is center Taylor Lasecki who already has as promised and return SMU to past glory, we The Mustangs used FOUR different starting 36 career starts under his belt, while classmate feel he has a ROUGH road ahead and it will quarterbacks before settling on junior Matt Davis Kris Weeks is back for his third year as a starter at take more than a few seasons to get things as the number one guy and the new coaching staff right tackle. Junior Chauncey Briggs made nice turned around. Anything more than two or apparently agreed with that decision as Davis was strides over the course of last season at left tack- three wins would be a nice surprise in 2015. named the 2015 starter at the conclusion of spring le, but the guard spots were a definite weakness a 2015 SMU Schedule practice. Overall, Davis completed 89 of 164 season ago. That’s why incumbent regulars Evan passes (54%) for 855 yards and just three TDs Brown and Daniel McCarty are in jeopardy of los- 9/4 BAYLOR against five interceptions, but he did shine as a ing their jobs this fall. Lettermen Taylor Reich 9/12 NORTH TEXAS runner as he rushed for a team-best 613 yards and and Seaver Meyers will push for the OG jobs and 9/19 at TCU head up the reserve O-line crew. four scores. Program vets Garrett Krstich and 9/26 JAMES MADISON Neal Burcham also return at quarterback, but both The defense gave up more than 41 points per 10/3 EAST CAROLINA of these guys are finished as starters and will be game last season, a fact which was often lost in jumped over on the pecking order by promising SMU’s inability to score points of their own. 10/8 at Houston true frosh recruit Ben Hicks. In fact, if Davis gets Coach Morris will move from a 3-4 defense to a 10/24 at South Florida off to a slow start this fall, we expect Hicks to be flexible 4-2-5 that would seem to be a better fit 10/31 TULSA handed the starting QB job. with the personnel here, at least along the back 11/6 TEMPLE seven. The big problems remain up front where The only returning receiver who produced 11/14 at Navy much a year ago is senior Darius Joseph, who returning starters Mason Gentry and 11/21 TULANE caught a team-high 54 passes but managed a mere will try to transition from 3-4 ends to 4-3 tackles. seven yards per reception. Soph Ryheem Malone These guys combined for 78 tackles and six sacks 11/28 at Memphis made a nice impression on the new staff this a year ago so they are not completely devoid of 2014 SMU RESULTS 2015 SMU DEPTH CHART (SUR: 1-11 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 8-4) Offense A.31 Baylor L +33 0-45 u74' QB Matt Davis (6-0, 205, Jr.) Ben Hicks (6-2, 200, Fr.) S.06 North Texas L +2' 6-43 o44' RB Prescott Line (6-0, 235, Jr.) Darius Durall (5-9, 190, So.) S.20 TEXAS A&M L +34 6-58 o59 WR Darius Joseph (5-11, 205, Sr.) Kevin Thomas (6-2, 180, Fr.) S.27 TCU L +31' 0-56 o48 WR Ryheem Malone (5-9, 180, So.) Nate Halverson (5-10, 185, Jr.) WR Courtland Sutton (6-4, 220, Fr.) Xavier Castille (5-11, 195, Fr.) O.04 E. Carolina W +40 24-45 o58' WR Deion Sanders Jr. (5-7, 180, Jr.) Shelby Walker (6-0, 165, So.) O.18 CINCINNATI L +13' 3-41 u62 TE Jeremiah Gaines (6-2, 250, Jr.) Dylan Dickman (6-0, 225, So.) O.25 MEMPHIS L +23 10-48 o50 C Taylor Lasecki (6-2, 295, Sr.) William Barns (6-2, 285, So.) N.08 Tulsa W +14 28-38 o57 LG Daniel McCarty (6-3, 285, Jr.) Seaver Meyers (6-5, 295, Jr.) N.15 S. FLORIDA W +10' 13-14 u48' RG Evan Brown (6-3, 310, So.) Taylor Reich (6-6, 310, Sr.) N.22 Ucf L +28 7-53 o48 LT Chauncey Briggs (6-6, 315, Jr.) Christian Chamagua (6-5, 285, Jr.) N.28 HOUSTON L +21' 9-35 u50' RTKris Weeks (6-5, 315, Sr.) Bodnar Antunovic (6-6, 290, Sr.) PK Josh Williams (5-11, 190, Fr.) Jackson Koonce (6-1, 170, So.) D.06 Connecticut W +12 27-20 o43' Defense DE Justin Lawler (6-4, 255, So.) Michael Scott (6-4, 230, Fr.) 2014 SMU Final Stats DE Andrew McCleneghen (6-5, 265, Sr.) Robert Seals (6-5, 230, Sr.) SMU Opp DT Zach Wood (6-3, 265, Sr.) Zelt Minor (6-2, 285, Jr.) Points per game 11 41 DT Mason Gentry (6-6, 290, So.) Jarvis Pruitt (6-3, 260, Jr.) LB Joseph Yenga (6-1, 220, Sr.) Jackson Mitchell (6-0, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 176 302 LB Nick Horton (6-2, 240, Jr.) Anthony Rhone (6-0, 220, So.) Rush Att 362 541 NS Shakiel Randolph (6-4, 220, Sr.) Jordon Williams (6-1, 200, Fr.) Rush Yards 1204 2829 NS Darrion Richardson (6-0, 215, Jr.) Jordan Wyatt (6-0, 180, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.3 5.2 NS Troy Castle (5-11, 205, Sr.) A.J. Justice (6-1, 220, Jr.) Pass Comp 230 230 CB Horace Richardson (6-0, 205, Jr.) William Jeanlys (6-2, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 430 364 CB Jesse Montgomery (6-1, 185, So.) J.R. Richardson (5-9, 185, Jr.) NB Ajee Montes (6-0, 200, Jr.) Rodney Clemons (6-0, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 2024 3164 P Jackson Koonce (6-1, 170, So.) Josh Williams (5-11, 190, Fr.) Had Int 14 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 269 499

118 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL as none of the players on the current two-deep three interceptions, while King added 63 tackles East Independent #1 have over 100 career rushing yards. For now, it and a team-leading five QB sacks. While things looks like juniors and Elijah St. look great on the inside, the outside linebackers Hilaire will be the new starters, though converted are FAR more suspect as the new projected ARMY defensive back Joey Giovannelli also made a starters Bayle Wolf and Seth Combs barely saw (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 solid push this spring. The rest of the slotbacks are any playing time at all in 2014. The only really COACH: Jeff Monken Returning 55 a total mystery. At wide receiver, junior Edgar promising player among the LB reserves is soph STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 Poe led the team with a grand total of TEN recep- Scott Washle, but he plays inside. Defense 6 tions in 2015 so the Cadets don’t exactly light it The secondary is led into battle by cornerback GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #120 up with their passing attack! On the rare occasions Josh Jenkins who is one of the best players on the Army continued their struggles in 2014 as the when they use a tight end, senior Kelvin White Army roster. A year ago, Jenkins had 63 tackles Cadets went 4-8 in the first year of the Jeff fills the role. and four interceptions and he’s one of the few ath- Monken Era as a two-decade trend of losing foot- The offensive line has gotten a lot bigger since letes on this roster who can match up with most ball continues for this program. It doesn’t seem to Coach Monken has assumed control of the pro- FBS talent. Senior Chris Carnegie is back as the matter who occupies the head coaching chair as gram, thus ending a 20-year trend at Army where other CB, while classmate Michael McFadden coach after coach comes here with grandiose players were seemingly discouraged from gaining looks to be the new nickel man this year. At safe- plans for getting things turned around, but it never too much weight due to their post-football careers ty, soph Rhyan England became a starter late in seems to happen. Monken came to Army from as soldiers. The poster boy for this new philoso- 2014 and he looks like a keeper as the full-time Georgia Southern with a strong background in the phy is senior center Matt Hugenberg, who over FS starter for the Cadets. Former starting wide kind of Option Football that you need to play to the last two years has gained 45 pounds to give receiver Xavier Moss was moved to safety this succeed at a service academy, so there’s at least Army a rare 300-pound blocker. Hugenberg is spring and quickly won the SS role, while veteran some hope that the current coaching staff can get rock solid in the middle and he will be flanked by depth at safety comes from lettermen Tevin Long things turned around in the future. But the truth is guards Stefan Moreau and Jaryn Villegas, who and Luke Proulx. that this program still has a long way to go! shared one starting role a year ago but will both be GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Army has a Army will have a new starting QB this year in the regular lineup in 2015. On the outside, tough road to hoe once again this season as the and it was widely expected that senior A.J. Schurr senior Drew Hennessy is back at left tackle, while talent level here is among the weakest in all of would definitely be the #1 option. Schurr played a the main he replaced last year, Justin Gilbert, FBS. This attack needs quality running backs lot off the bench last year, completing just 12 of slides over to right tackle after missing all of 2014 and now they are all gone, plus the rebuilt 28 passes for 242 yards, though he was far more due to injury. The depth here is small and decid- defensive line looks very weak. It looks like effective as a runner with 41 carries for 340 yards edly underwhelming physically. another long and painful year at Army. and three TDs. But something strange happened The biggest concern on a team full of concerns 2015 Army Schedule in spring practice as Schurr was seriously chal- is along the defensive line where all three of last lenged for the starting job by speedy soph Ahmad year’s mediocre starters have graduated and the 9/4 FORDHAM Bradshaw and converted wide receiver Matthew likely replacements are undersized and inexperi- 9/12 at Connecticut Kaufmann, the latter of whom looked shockingly enced. The most experienced player here is senior 9/19 WAKE FOREST nose man T.J. Atimalala, who appeared in all 12 good as a pure passer despite his lack of experi- 9/26 at Eastern Michigan games off the bench last year but made just FOUR ence under center. For now, it looks like Schurr 10/3 at Penn State has fought off the challengers, but stay tuned here tackles. Soph end John Voit did flash some ability 10/10 DUKE if Army gets off to a slow start this fall. in his limited playing time as a freshman, but The situation in the backfield is truly dire as other than that there’s not much here unless guys 10/17 BUCKNELL Army loses its top six running backs from last like Jordan Smith and Andrew McLean step up. 10/24 at Rice season including 1,000-yard rusher Larry Dixon. There’s some better news at linebacker, espe- 11/7 at Air Force cially on the inside where Army has two of their Coach Monken will have two decent fullbacks to 11/14 TULANE work with in Matt Giachinta and Aaron Kemper, best defenders in the junior combo of Jeremy 11/21 RUTGERS who a year ago combined for 294 yards rushing Timpf and Andrew King. Timpf came out of off the bench. But the situation at the critical slot- nowhere last year to record a team-high 117 tack- 12/12 vs. Navy back position is pretty much a complete disaster les, including 14.5 hits for minus yardage and 2014 ARMY RESULTS 2015 ARMY DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 5-7 O-U: 7-5) Offense S.06 BUFFALO W -3' 47-39 o52' QB A.J. Schurr (6-0, 210, Sr.) Ahmad Bradshaw (5-11, 200, So.) S.13 Stanford L +28' 0-35 u53 SB Joe Walker (5-11, 200, Jr.) Egbezien Obiomon (5-11, 205, So.) S.20 Wake Forest L -2' 21-24 u47' SB Elijah St. Hilaire (5-9, 195, Jr.) John Trainor (5-11, 180, So.) S.27 Yale L -14' 43-49 o64 SB Joey Giovannelli (6-0, 215, Sr.) Louis Napoles (5-6, 170, So.) FB Matt Giachinta (6-1, 225, Sr.) Aaron Kemper (5-6, 215, Jr.) O.04 BALL ST. W -2' 33-24 u58' WR Edgar Poe (6-4, 225, Jr.) DeAndre Bell (6-1, 220, Sr.) O.11 RICE L +1' 21-41 o60 WR Kelvin White (6-3, 245, Sr.) Jeff Ejekam (6-1, 190, So.) O.18 Kent St. L -3' 17-39 o51' C Matt Hugenberg (6-4, 310, Sr.) Joshua Boylan (6-2, 255, So.) N.01 AIR FORCE L +3 6-23 u55 LG Jaryn Villegas (6-2, 295, So.) Bryce Holland (6-2, 265, So.) N.08 CONN. W +4' 35-21 o48 RG Stefan Moreau (6-3, 290, Jr.) Mike Houghton (6-4, 260, So.) N.15 W. Kentucky L +8 24-52 o71 LTDrew Hennessy (6-6, 280, Sr.) Corey Hobbs (6-0, 245, Sr.) N.22 FORDHAM W +3' 42-31 o67' RT Justin Gilbert (6-5, 275, Sr.) Ryan Alexander (6-1, 255, Sr.) PK Daniel Grochowski (6-1, 230, Sr.) Mitchell Howard (6-1, 185, Jr.) D.13 Navy W +16 10-17 u56 Defense DE John Voit (6-3, 240, So.) Shawn Lemoto (6-3, 260, Jr.) 2014 Army Final Stats DE Jordan Smith (6-3, 255, Jr.) Evan Finnane (6-2, 260, Sr.) Army Opp NG T.J. Atimalala (5-11, 270, Sr.) Andrew McLean (6-4, 270, So.) Points per game 25 33 LB Bayle Wolf (6-0, 210, So.) Blake Goddard (5-11, 200, So.) LB Jeremy Timpf (6-1, 225, Jr.) Scott Washle (6-1, 230, So.) 1st Downs 216 261 LB Andrew King (6-0, 235, Jr.) Justin Fahn (6-1, 215, Sr.) Rush Att 665 436 LB Seth Combs (6-0, 220, Jr.) Alex Aukerman (6-1, 210, So.) Rush Yards 3558 2316 FS Rhyan England (5-10, 190, So.) Tevin Long (5-11, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 5.4 5.3 SS Xavier Moss (6-2, 200, Jr.) Luke Proulx (5-10, 200, Sr.) Pass Comp 50 244 CB Josh Jenkins (6-0, 195, Jr.) Steven Johnson (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 105 362 CB Chris Carnegie (6-0, 200, Sr.) Jared Rogers (5-8, 180, Sr.) NB Michael McFadden (6-1, 195, Sr.) Gervon Simon (5-11, 205, Jr.) Pass Yds 747 2854 P Alex Tardieu (6-4, 225, Sr.) Zach Potter (6-2, 170, Fr.) Had Int 2 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 359 431

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 119 WEST AND ROCKIES

PREDICTED FINISH PAC-12 CONFERENCE MOUNTAIN WEST North Division CONFERENCE 1. Oregon Moutain Division 2. Stanford 1. Boise State 3. California 2. Utah State 4. Washington 3. Air Force 5. Washington State 4. Colorado State 6. Oregon State 5. New Mexico South Division 6. Wyoming 1. Southern Cal West Division 2. Arizona State 1. San Diego State 3. UCLA 2. Nevada 4. Utah 3. Fresno State 5. Arizona 4. San Jose State 6. Colorado 5. Hawaii 6. UNLV WEST INDEPENDENT 1. BYU

120 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL hauled in 43 passes for 639 yards and six scores, played a lot off the bench in ‘14, either Tui Talia PAC 12 North Division #1 while the most talented pass catchers for the or T.J. Daniel. The D-line will be rock solid, but Ducks are actually sophs Devon Allen and Darren not quite as good as it was last season. Carrington who were terrific as ‘14 freshmen. At linebacker, the Ducks bring back a trio of OREGON Allen started right away and caught 41 balls for solid senior starters in Rodney Hardrick, Tyson (13-2-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 684 yards and seven TDs, while Carrington came Coleman and Joe Walker, but the big plays last COACH: Mark Helfrich Returning 55 off the bench to record 37 receptions for 704 year actually came from reserves Torrodney STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 yards and four scores. Unfortunately, both of Prevot and Christian French who combined for Defense 6 these guys are at least minor question marks head- 11.5 QB sacks off the bench in 2014! This year, GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #9 ing into the fall as Allen battles a lingering knee French figures to move into a starting role at out- The Ducks made yet another spirited run at a problem and Carrington may end up serving a side linebacker where he’ll pair with Coleman, National Championship, but once again came up suspension for off-the-field issues. But there are while Hardrick and Walker will again station at short as they lose in the first ever NCAA Playoff also some really good freshmen waiting in the the two inside ‘backer posts. Finals when they were pushed all over the field by wings here. At tight end, long-time regular The big worry this year will be in the sec- the Ohio State Buckeyes. This is now the second will miss the ‘15 campaign as he ondary where three excellent starters must be time in the last decade that Oregon lost in the tries to battle back from a gruesome leg injury and replaced. Junior Reggie Daniels is the lone return- national title game and this is clearly one of the he’ll be replaced by solid junior . ing regular and he should pair with talented soph premier programs in the nation at this point. But The Ducks are also loaded at running back to form a potent combo at safety, now Coach Mark Helfrich and his staff are going where soph Royce Freeman is a potential All- plus there’s decent depth at that position. But to find out what life will be like in the post- American and former starter Thomas Tyner an things are less certain at cornerback once you get Marcus Mariota Era. amazingly talented backup. Freeman exploded on past promising soph Chris Seisay who saw a ton With superstar QB Mariota off to the NFL a the scene as a ‘14 frosh with 1,365 yards and 18 of action as a ‘14 frosh. Things were suspect year early, there will be a major quarterback con- TDs, while Tyner added 573 yards and five TDs. enough here this spring that speedy wideout troversy this year as Oregon must decide between And Coach Helfrich will also need to find work Charles Nelson was moved to cornerback and program vet Jeff Lockie, talented redshirt fresh- for true frosh blue chipper Taj Griffin. immediately earned a starting role. man Morgan Mahalak and Eastern Washington There’s some rebuilding to do up front where GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Ducks transfer . Lockie was the top back- three O-line regulars have graduated, though will be weaker than they were in recent years, up last year and looked pretty good as a passer, Oregon does get back former left tackle starter but they may still have enough to hold off but Oregon has used running quarterbacks in the who was once a rising superstar Stanford in their division and carve out yet past and Lockie does NOT have the kind of speed for the Ducks. But Johnstone has now had two another Top 10 national ranking. to add that dimension to the Oregon attack. major knee surgeries in the last three years and he 2015 Oregon Schedule Mahalak battled injuries in his redshirt year and must prove that he’s still a quality player. The looked very rusty this spring. So our money is on other returning regulars are the right side combo 9/5 EASTERN WASHINGTON the athletic Adams who has already enjoyed a of Cameron Hunt and Tyrell Crosby, while the 9/12 at Michigan State brilliant career at Eastern Washington and looks two new faces figure to be sophs Doug Brenner 9/19 GEORGIA STATE and Jake Pisarcik. There are some veterans in to be an ideal fit in this particular offensive sys- 9/26 UTAH tem. Adams would be a good one-year fit as the reserve, but not typical Oregon-level talent. 10/3 at Colorado future here looks to be heralded true frosh recruit While six starters return on defense, the Ducks Travis Waller. did lose some really good players here including 10/10 WASHINGTON STATE All three starters and some talented subs reside a pair of All-Americans. The good news is that a 10/17 at Washington at wide receiver so whoever ends up at quarter- solid nucleus still returns led by senior end 10/29 at Arizona State back will have a LOT to work with. The main guy DeForest Buckner, who will make his own run at 11/7 CALIFORNIA All-American honors this season after a ‘14 cam- here is former star running back 11/14 at Stanford who made a great transition to wide receiver last paign that included a whopping 80 tackles and 11/21 SOUTHERN CAL year as he caught a team-best 74 passes for 1,003 four sacks which is amazing for a 3-4 DE. Nose yards and six TDs. Tall junior Dwayne Stanford is guard Alex Balducci is also back, while the vacant 11/27 OREGON STATE another rock solid incumbent who a year ago DE slot will go to one of two lettermen who both 2014 OREGON RESULTS 2015 OREGON DEPTH CHART (SUR: 13-2 PSR: 9-5-1 O-U: 7-7-1) Offense A.30 S. DAKOTA L -52 62-13 o62' S.06 MICH. ST. W -13 46-27 o56' QB Vernon Adams (5-11, 200, Sr.) Jeff Lockie (6-2, 205, Jr.) S.13 WYOMING L -43' 48-14 u64 RB Royce Freeman (5-11, 230, So.) Thomas Tyner (5-11, 215, Jr.) S.20 Wash. St L -23' 38-31 u77 WR Byron Marshall (5-10, 200, Sr.) (5-10, 190, Jr.) O.02 ARIZONA L -23 24-31 u82 WR Dwayne Stanford (6-5, 205, Jr.) Jalen Brown (6-1, 200, Fr.) O.11 Ucla W -2' 42-30 p72 WR Devon Allen (6-0, 185, So.) Alex Ofodile (6-3, 200, Fr.) O.18 WASH. W -20' 45-20 o64' WR Darren Carrington (6-2, 195, So.) (5-11, 205, Fr.) O.24 California P -18 59-41 o79 TE Evan Baylis (6-6, 250, Jr.) (6-4, 250, Jr.) N.01 STANFORD W -7' 45-16 o55' C Doug Brenner (6-2, 305, So.) Matt Pierson (6-6, 290, Sr.) N.08 Utah W -9 51-27 o61 LG Jake Pisarcik (6-2, 300, So.) Zach Okun (6-3, 330, Fr.) N.22 COLO. W -32' 44-10 u74 RG Cameron Hunt (6-4, 290, Jr.) Haniteli Lousi (6-5, 310, Sr.) N.29 Oregon St. W -20 47-19 u67 LT Tyler Johnstone (6-6, 295, Sr.) Elijah George (6-5, 290, So.) D.05 Arizona W -14' 51-13 u72' RTTyrell Crosby (6-5, 310, So.) Evan Voeller (6-5, 290, So.) J.01 Florida St. W -9 59-20 o72 PK Aidan Schneider (6-4, 235, So.) Matt Wogan (6-2, 210, Jr.) J.12 Ohio St. L -6' 20-42 u74' Defense DE DeForest Buckner (6-7, 290, Sr.) (6-5, 290, So.) 2014 Oregon Final Stats DE Tui Talia (6-5, 285, Sr.) T.J. Daniel (6-6, 280, Jr.) Oregon Opp NG Alex Balducci (6-4, 310, Sr.) Austin Maloata (6-1, 300, So.) Points per game 45 24 LB Tyson Coleman (6-1, 235, Sr.) Torrodney Prevot (6-3, 225, Jr.) LB Rodney Hardrick (6-1, 245, Sr.) Danny Mattingly (6-5, 245, So.) 1st Downs 406 349 LB Joe Walker (6-2, 240, Sr.) Jimmie Swain (6-2, 235, So.) Rush Att 644 587 LB Christian French (6-5, 250, Sr.) Eddie Heard (6-3, 245, Jr.) Rush Yards 3518 2481 FS Tyree Robinson (6-4, 205, So.) Khalil Oliver (6-0, 200, Fr.) Avg Rush 5.5 4.2 SS Reggie Daniels (6-1, 205, Jr.) Juwaan Williams (6-0, 195, So.) Pass Comp 326 351 CB Chris Seisay (6-1, 190, So.) (5-10, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 474 581 CB Charles Nelson (5-8, 170, So.) Mattrell McGraw (5-10, 185, Fr.) NB Arrion Springs (5-11, 205, So.) Glen Ihenacho (5-11, 185, Fr.) Pass Yds 4687 3964 P Ian Wheeler (6-0, 205, So.) Matt Wogan (6-2, 210, Jr.) Had Int 4 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 547 430

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 121 this spring and he should be a factor as well, plus over in the middle. The rest of the returnees are PAC 12 North Division #2 Coach Shaw will also make room for heralded somewhat mediocre, so a few freshmen may play true frosh wideout Trent Irwin who is expected to right away along the D-line. be an immediate deep threat for this club. This Senior inside linebacker Blake Martinez is the STANFORD team is absolutely loaded at the tight end spot leader on defense and he’s coming off a huge ‘14 (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 27 where soph Austin Hooper was a breakout star as campaign that included a team-high 102 tackles, COACH: David Shaw Returning 47 a ‘14 frosh with 40 catches for 499 yards and two 4.5 QB sacks, three interceptions and three forced STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 TDs. After Hooper, the Cardinal also have talent- fumbles! Talented letter winners Noor Davis and Defense 3 ed backup tight ends like Greg Taboada and Kevin Palma are battling for the vacant ILB role GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #13 . next to Martinez, while the starters on the outside The Cardinal “slipped” to 8-5 last season as There’s a great depth of talent at running back, will be the athletic combo of Kevin Anderson and this team lost several heartbreakers and were but we believe Coach Shaw will eventually push Peter Kalambayi. Anderson racked up 52 tackles severely limited by a weak Red Zone offense. But the other solid players aside and go with explosive and 5.5 QB sacks a year ago, while Kalambayi by the end of the 2014 campaign, Stanford was soph Christian McCaffrey as the clear #1 running was amazing off the pines as a ‘14 frosh with 6.5 playing VERY well and this club carries a ton of back. As a true frosh last year, McCaffrey ran for QB sacks as he looks to be a rising standout. The momentum into 2015. Head Coach David Shaw 300 yards and caught 17 passes for 251 more LB depth is also quite strong. does a terrific job here and he’ll be eager to prove yards despite playing very sparingly. This kid If there’s a potential weak link here it will be in that last year’s drop from their usual “double averaged better than seven yards per carry and he the secondary where three starters are gone, digit” victory level was a mere fluke. And now if looks like a future star for the Cardinal. 2014 including a graduate transfer and another guy who Shaw can adequately rebuild one of the truly elite starter Remound Wright is also back after running quit to pursue a Baseball career. Senior corner defenses in the country, the Cardinal will take for a team-best 601 yards and 11 TDs last season, Ronnie Harris is the top returnee and he’ll pair at dead aim at unseating the Oregon Ducks as league plus Stanford also has speedy Barry Sanders Jr. CB with promising soph Terrence Alexander. Vets champs in the rugged PAC-12. who ran for another 315 yards a year ago and has Kodi Whitfield and Calvin Chandler will try to Back to run the Stanford attack is senior QB some pretty fair genetic traits! get the job done as the new safeties, but look for , who has been the starter here since Up front, All-American tackle left true freshmen to have an impact here. late in his freshman campaign. In 2014, Hogan school early to enter the NFL Draft, but four qual- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team completed 232 of 352 passes (66%) for 2,792 ity starters do return from a group which made should be back in the national rankings in a big yards and 19 TDs against eight interceptions, plus humongous strides over the course of the 2014 way this season. If the rebuilt secondary gets he also ran for 295 yards and five more scores. season. Seniors Kyle Murphy and Joshua Garnett the job done, Stanford could emerge as the This was an excellent performance by Hogan as should make a push for all-league honors in their team to beat in the Pac-12 this season. he returned to the stellar showing he made as a final season, plus juniors Graham Shuler and 2015 Stanford Schedule sophomore after a so-so junior year in 2013. The Johnny Caspers are also strong proven players. top backup will be ultra-talented redshirt frosh Soph Casey Tucker will be the final starter here 9/5 at Northwestern Keller Chryst, who is a far better pure passer than and there’s also superb depth led by vets Nick 9/12 UCF Hogan and ultimately may become an absolute Davidson and Brendon Austin. 9/19 at Southern Cal Stanford was a national top five defense last superstar for this club once Hogan graduates. 9/25 at Oregon State The Cardinal have three very solid proven season, but now eight starters must be replaced 10/3 ARIZONA wide receivers in the trio of Devon Cajuste, which will not be easy. The good news here is that Francis Owusu and Michael Rector. The explo- the depth of talent in this program is quite good, 10/15 UCLA sive Cajuste caught 34 passes for 557 yards and especially on defense. All three D-line starters 10/24 WASHINGTON six TDs, while Rector added 24 catches for 324 will be new, but we feel senior end Aziz Shittu is 10/31 at Washington State yards and two scores coming off the bench. We ready for a breakout year in his final season. 11/7 at Colorado Shittu was once a 5-Star recruit who struggled look for Rector to continue to come off the bench 11/14 OREGON this year as Owusu is the likely starter due to his badly early in his career, but he looked great in the 11/21 CALIFORNIA strong blocking skills and he’s better than the 11 spring and should be big-time this year. Redshirt receptions he accumulated a year ago. Redshirt freshman will likely start oppo- 11/28 NOTRE DAME freshman Isaiah Brandt-Sims made major strides site Shittu, while soph takes 2014 STANFORD RESULTS 2015 STANFORD DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 3-9) Offense A.30 UC DAVIS W -42 45-0 NL QB Kevin Hogan (6-4, 230, Sr.) Keller Chryst (6-5, 235, Fr.) S.06 SO. CAL L -3 10-13 u54 RB Christian McCaffrey (6-0, 200, So.) Remound Wright (5-9, 205, Sr.) S.13 ARMY W -28' 35-0 u53 FB Daniel Marx (6-2, 250, Fr.) Reagan Williams (6-3, 235, Fr.) S.27 Wash. L -7' 20-13 u48 WR Devon Cajuste (6-4, 230, Sr.) Isaiah Brandt-Sims (5-11, 175, Fr.) O.04 Notre Dame L -2' 14-17 u46' WR Francis Owusu (6-3, 215, Jr.) Trent Irwin (6-2, 185, Fr.) O.10 WASH. ST. W -16' 34-17 u53 WR Michael Rector (6-1, 185, Jr.) Rollins Stallworth (6-4, 210, Sr.) O.18 Ariz. St. L -3' 10-26 u54 TE Austin Hooper (6-4, 250, So.) Greg Taboada (6-5, 245, So.) O.25 ORE. ST. W -13 38-14 o43 C Graham Shuler (6-4, 290, Jr.) Jesse Burkett (6-4, 290, Fr.) N.01 Oregon L +7' 16-45 o55' LG Joshua Garnett (6-5, 325, Sr.) Brendon Austin (6-6, 295, Sr.) N.15 UTAH L -9 17-20 u42 RG Johnny Caspers (6-4, 300, Jr.) Brandon Fanaika (6-3, 325, Fr.) N.22 California W -6 38-17 u56 LTKyle Murphy (6-7, 300, Sr.) Nick Davidson (6-7, 290, Jr.) N.28 Ucla W +6 31-10 u49' RT Casey Tucker (6-6, 305, So.) David Bright (6-3, 295, So.) D.30 MARYLAND W -14 45-21 o47 PK Conrad Ukropina (6-1, 190, Sr.) Charlie Beall (6-2, 215, Fr.) Defense DE Aziz Shittu (6-3, 280, Sr.) Brennan Scarlet (6-4, 265, Sr.) 2014 Stanford Final Stats DE Solomon Thomas (6-3, 275, Fr.) Jordan Watkins (6-5, 265, Jr.) Stanford Opp NG Harrison Phillips (6-4, 275, So.) Nate Lohn (6-3, 270, Sr.) Points per game 27 16 LB Kevin Anderson (6-4, 245, Sr.) Luke Kaumatule (6-7, 275, Sr.) LB Blake Martinez (6-2, 250, Sr.) Jordan Perez (6-2, 210, Fr.) 1st Downs 266 219 LB Noor Davis (6-4, 245, Jr.) Kevin Palma (6-2, 255, So.) Rush Att 477 443 LB Peter Kalambayi (6-3, 245, So.) Joey Alfieri (6-3, 230, Fr.) Rush Yards 2064 1358 FS Calvin Chandler (6-2, 190, So.) Ben Edwards (6-0, 200, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.3 3.1 SS Kodi Whitfield (6-2, 205, Sr.) Dallas Lloyd (6-3, 215, Jr.) Pass Comp 248 245 CB Ronnie Harris (5-10, 175, Sr.) Alijah Holder (6-2, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 381 430 CB Terrence Alexander (5-10, 180, So.) Alameen Murphy (5-11, 185, Fr.) NB RaChard Pippens (6-2, 195, Sr.) Frank Buncom (6-1, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 2988 2313 P Alex Robinson (6-0, 210, So.) Jake Bailey (6-2, 190, Fr.) Had Int 8 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 389 282

122 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Darius Powe combined for another 69 receptions backer where all three starters are back including PAC 12 North Division #3 and eight scores, so the depth of veteran talent at outside man Michael Barton, who was definitely wide receiver is simply amazing. And to make the team’s top defender in 2014 when he collect- matters even more interesting, Cal also added a ed 80 tackles and two sacks. Fellow incumbents CALIFORNIA pair of blue chip true frosh wideouts in Jaylinn Hardy Nickerson Jr. and Jalen Jefferson are also (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 Hawkins and Carlos Strickland, each of whom is athletic players who should bring more to the COACH: Sonny Dykes Returning 58 considered good enough to play right away. table this season. Sophs and STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 The ground game was much improved last year Raymond Davison also have shown promise. Defense 8 thanks to the emergence of Daniel Lasco as one of The secondary was dreadful last season and GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #54 the top running backs in the league. Lasco went looks fairly suspect again despite the return of The Golden Bears were one of the more from being a backup to a guy who carried the ball three starters. The key here is at cornerback where improved teams in the country last season as Cal 210 times for 1,115 yards and 12 TDs, plus he guys like Cameron Walker and Cedric Dozier went from just 1-11 in 2013 to a far more also caught 33 balls coming out of the backfield. simply must get better, plus nickel corner Darius respectable 5-7 in 2014. In fact, it took a season- Tiny speed demon Khalfani Muhammad served as White also needs to step up his game. Sophs ending three-game losing streak to deny Cal its the top backup a year ago, but may get jumped Caleb Coleman and Darius Allensworth will also first bowl game in four years so this program over on the pecking order in 2015 by talented get a look this fall. At safety, Stefan McClure will made a lot of progress last season. Head Coach soph Vic Enwere who was one of the standouts of reclaim one starting role, while the other is likely Sonny Dykes and offensive coordinator Tony spring practice while Muhammad was running to go to either JUCO transfer Derron Brown or Franklin continue to stun enemy defensive backs Track. Enwere is a big, physical back who would converted QB Luke Rubenzer. Injury-prone with their pass-happy offense, and if the Golden bring a new dimension to the Cal attack. Griffin Piatt is also in the hunt at safety. Bears can ever figure out a way to play some pass Senior guard Jordan Rigsbee is the veteran GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team defense of their own, then California might really along the O-line, but the brightest spots on this could surprise a lot of folks in 2015 as Cal has make some noise even in the rugged PAC-12! group are definitely the incumbent left side an offense which will be really tough to stop The Golden Bear attack produced 38 points per combo of juniors Steven Moore (LT) and Chris this season. Quarterback Jared Goff is the game and 346 yards per contest through the air as Borrayo (LG). Moore has had a nagging shoulder ideal trigger man for this attack and there’s junior quarterback Jared Goff continued his problem which has limited his development, but solid offensive talent up and down the roster. development into one of the elite players in the he has shown signs at times of emerging as an all- But the defense is still way behind and that will conference. Last season, Goff completed 316 of league caliber left tackle. The new center will be likely prevent the Golden Bears from making 509 passes (62%) for 3,973 yards and 35 TDs junior Matt Cochran who played a lot off the any really major move up the PAC-12 ladder in against just seven interceptions. And while his bench last year, while the vacant right tackle post 2015. Still, a bowl invite is very possible. lack of mobility in the pocket can be a hindrance will go to either senior Brian Farley or soph 2015 California Schedule at times, Goff is clearly one of the best pure Vinnie Johnson. passers in the nation and should be headed for an But while the picture on offense is extremely 9/5 GRAMBLING NFL career. Athletic backup QB Luke Rubenzer bright, the Bears still have massive problems on 9/12 SAN DIEGO STATE was moved to safety this spring in an effort to the defensive side of the field. This is most evi- 9/19 at Texas dent in the secondary, but the defensive line is shore up the defense, so redshirt freshman Chase 9/26 at Washington Forrest steps into the second string QB role. nothing to write home about either despite the 10/3 WASHINGTON STATE Even with the early NFL exit of Chris Harper, presence of several very experienced veteran the Bears are absolutely loaded at wide receiver players. Seniors Mustafa Jalil, Todd Barr and 10/10 at Utah where senior starters Bryce Treggs and Stephen Trevor Kelly all started several games last year, 10/22 at UCLA Anderson are the team leaders, but junior Kenny plus Cal also gets back former DE regular Kyle 10/31 SOUTHERN CAL Lawler is definitely the most talented pass catch- Kragen who sat out 2014 due to injury. But these 11/7 at Oregon four seniors have done very little in the past and er on the roster. A year ago, Lawler led the club 11/14 OREGON STATE with 54 receptions for 701 yards and nine touch- same goes for the other returnees here. JUCO 11/21 at Stanford downs, while Treggs and Anderson combined for transfer DeVante Wilson and Wake Forest transfer another 98 catches for 1,244 yards and 11 TDs. James Looney may help a bit in 2015. 11/28 ARIZONA STATE Fellow seniors Maurice Harris, Trevor Davis and If there’s a strength on defense it’s at line- 2014 CALIFORNIA RESULTS 2015 CALIFORNIA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 7-4-1 O-U: 7-5) Offense A.30 Northwestern W +10' 31-24 u62' QB Jared Goff (6-4, 210, Jr.) Chase Forrest (6-3, 190, Fr.) S.06 SACTO. ST. W -27 55-14 o67' RB Daniel Lasco (6-0, 210, Sr.) Khalfani Muhammad (5-7, 170, Jr.) S.20 Arizona W +8' 45-49 o70 WR Bryce Treggs (5-11, 185, Sr.) Darius Powe (6-3, 220, Sr.) S.27 COLO. L -14 59-56 o66 WR (6-3, 195, Jr.) Raymond Hudson (6-3, 235, So.) WR Stephen Anderson (6-3, 220, Sr.) Jack Austin (6-3, 210, So.) O.04 Wash. St. W +3 60-59 o73' WR Maurice Harris (6-2, 195, Sr.) (6-0, 180, Fr.) O.11 WASH. L -3' 7-31 u69' WR Trevor Davis (6-2, 180, Sr.) Carlos Strickland (6-4, 200, Fr.) O.18 UCLA W +7 34-36 u74 C Matt Cochran (6-3, 300, Jr.) Addison Ooms (6-4, 285, Fr.) O.24 OREGON P +18 41-59 o79 LG Chris Borrayo (6-3, 305, Jr.) J.D. Hinnant (6-4, 290, So.) N.01 Oregon St. W +4 45-31 o67' RG Jordan Rigsbee (6-4, 305, Sr.) Michael Trani (6-3, 295, Fr.) N.13 So. Cal W +14' 30-38 u71' LT Steven Moore (6-6, 305, Jr.) Dominic Granado (6-5, 290, Jr.) N.22 STANFORD L +6 17-38 u56 RT Brian Farley (6-7, 285, Sr.) Vinnie Johnson (6-5, 295, So.) PK Matt Anderson (5-11, 185, So.) Franklyn Cervenka (5-10, 170, Jr.) N.29 BYU L -3' 35-42 o72' Defense DE Todd Barr (6-2, 250, Sr.) Kyle Kragen (6-2, 245, Sr.) 2014 California Final Stats DE DeVante Wilson (6-6, 260, Jr.) Noah Westerfield (6-3, 245, So.) California Opp DT Mustafa Jalil (6-3, 300, Sr.) Tony Mekari (6-1, 280, So.) Points per game 38 40 DT James Looney (6-3, 285, Jr.) Trevor Kelly (6-2, 300, Sr.) LB Michael Barton (6-0, 230, Jr.) Jake Kearney (6-3, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 319 332 LB Hardy Nickerson Jr. (6-0, 225, Jr.) Devante Downs (6-3, 245, So.) Rush Att 440 436 LB Jalen Jefferson (6-2, 235, Sr.) Raymond Davison (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Yards 1790 1735 FS Derron Brown (6-2, 195, So.) Luke Rubenzer (6-0, 190, So.) Avg Rush 4.1 4.0 SS Stefan McClure (5-11, 200, Sr.) Griffin Piatt (6-3, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 329 356 CB Cedric Dozier (5-10, 180, Jr.) Darius Allensworth (5-11, 190, So.) Pass Att 535 544 CB Cameron Walker (5-11, 180, Jr.) Caleb Coleman (6-0, 185, So.) NB Darius White (6-1, 180, Sr.) Quentin Tartabull (6-0, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 4152 4406 P Cole Leininger (6-1, 200, Sr.) Noah Beito (6-0, 190, Jr.) Had Int 10 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 495 512

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 123 here, but after these two the key players will be all ows. Sophomores and Azeem PAC 12 North Division #4 freshmen. Pettis is a guy to keep an eye on after a Victor look to have a bright future as the new promising ‘14 frosh campaign that included 17 starting duo at inside linebacker, while vets Joe receptions off the bench. With so few proven wide Mathis and look to be at least ade- WASHINGTON receivers, Coach Petersen will use a host of dou- quate at the OLB posts. Bierria had 30 tackles off (8-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 ble tight end formations in 2015. Senior starter the bench last year and looks to be a guy who is COACH: Chris Petersen Returning 46 Joshua Perkins had 25 catches and three scores going to make a lot of big plays for this defense, STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 last year, while lettermen Darrell Daniels and while Victor is a typical sturdy run stopper. Defense 4 David Ajamu add key depth. The painfully young secondary took a pretty GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #62 The Huskies figure to run the ball a lot more severe beating last year and figures to get even The Washington fans were expecting a big lift this year with the lack of experience at QB and less help from the pass rushers this time around. when Head Coach Chris Petersen came over from WR, though the rebuild blocking corps may limit There’s definitely talent here, but we are talking Boise State, but the Huskies tread water in 2014 the ground attack despite some solid talent at the about a group where the top four cornerbacks are as they won eight games and were beaten by running back position. The returning starter here ALL sophomores, as is the starting free safety Oklahoma State in their bowl game. And with the is junior Dwayne Washington, a sturdy between Budda Baker. Baker posted 80 tackles as a frosh loss of so many critical players since the end of the tackles runner who in ‘14 led the team with starter and looks to have a great future, as does last season, this team may be headed in the wrong 697 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Soph corner Sidney Jones who added 61 tackles and direction in 2015. In fact, with the unexpected Lavon Coleman is another physical runner who two interceptions a year ago. Sophs Naijiel Hale loss of his top two quarterbacks in addition to wasn’t far behind Washington last year as he ran and Darren Gardenhire are two other promising severe graduation losses, the ultra-successful for 565 yards despite his second string status. And corners who played extensively as 2014 freshmen Coach Petersen may just be staring at the first los- senior vet Deontae Cooper gives the team anoth- and will be key guys this time around ing season of his glorious coaching career! er proven runner who pitched in with 285 yards GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: We may be In theory, the Huskies should have had too off the bench a year ago. out on a limb with this prediction, but we feel many quality quarterbacks heading into this year, There are some worries up front where three Washington is headed for a disastrous 2015 but with starter Cyler Miles announcing his retire- starters must be replaced and there are no stars to campaign. We love Chris Petersen as a coach, ment from football due to a hip injury and talent- be found. Senior guard Dexter Charles is the most but he has never been in this situation where he ed backup Troy Williams transferring, this team is reliable player and he’s a returning regular along is so totally outgunned on nearly every front. suddenly in a major bind. That’s because former with soph tackle . Senior vet Unless the ground game proves to be outstand- top notch recruit Jeff Lindquist looked utterly lost Siosifa Tufunga takes over at center, while the ing, the Huskies may be headed for their first last season and redshirt freshman K.J. Carta- other two vacancies figure to be filled by junior losing season in a few years. Samuels is a borderline prospect at best. That lettermen (LT) and Shane 2015 Washington Schedule could tempt Coach Petersen to bypass this duo in Brostek (RG). The O-line depth is amazingly thin favor of true frosh blue chipper Jake Browning, and young. 9/4 at Boise State but the Huskies would really like to redshirt that While the offensive line could be a problem, 9/12 SACRAMENTO STATE prospect and build for the future. We look for the defensive line will almost certainly be a huge 9/19 UTAH STATE concern as all four starters are gone and the Lindquist as the starter this fall, but if he gets 9/26 CALIFORNIA Huskies will switch from a 4-3 look to a 3-4 benched in favor of Browning, then you know 10/8 at Southern Cal Coach Petersen thinks his team will be good! defensive scheme in 2015. Soph Elijah Qualls has The receiving corps took several major hits the talent to be an impact player on the nose, but 10/17 OREGON during the off-season thanks to graduation, the retread seniors Taniela Tupou and Jarett Finau do 10/24 at Stanford transfer of Kendyl Taylor and a serious injury not inspire much confidence on the flanks. That 10/31 ARIZONA which will sideline potential star John Ross for could open the door for redshirt frosh Jaylen 11/7 UTAH Johnson and heralded true frosh recruit Benning the entire season! The lone proven returnee at 11/14 at Arizona State wide receiver is senior Jaydon Mickens, who a Potoae. 11/21 at Oregon State year ago hauled in a team-high 60 passes for 617 While just one starter is back at linebacker, yards and four TDs. Sophs and there is some reason for optimism in this area as 11/27 WASHINGTON STATE Brayden Lenius figure to be the other starters some talented young players do lurk in the shad- 2014 WASHINGTON RESULTS 2015 WASHINGTON DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-6 PSR: 7-7 O-U: 4-10) Offense A.30 Hawaii L -17' 17-16 u56 QB Jeff Lindquist (6-3, 245, Jr.) Jake Browning (6-2, 185, Fr.) S.06 E. WASH. L -15 59-52 o62' RB Dwayne Washington (6-2, 225, Jr.) Lavon Coleman (5-11, 225, So.) S.13 ILLINOIS W -13' 44-19 u64' WR Jaydon Mickens (5-11, 175, Sr.) Isaiah Renfro (6-2, 195, Fr.) S.20 GA. ST. L -34' 45-14 u70 WR Dante Pettis (6-0, 185, So.) (5-10, 190, Sr.) S.27 STANFORD W +7' 13-20 u48 WR Brayden Lenius (6-5, 220, So.) Andre Baccellia (5-11, 170, Fr.) O.11 California W +3' 31-7 u69' TE Joshua Perkins (6-4, 235, Sr.) David Ajamu (6-5, 255, So.) O.18 Oregon L +20' 20-45 o64' TE Darrell Daniels (6-4, 235, Jr.) (6-4, 250, Fr.) O.25 ARIZ. ST. L +3' 10-24 u60' C Siosifa Tufunga (6-3, 315, Sr.) Michael Kneip (6-5, 305, Jr.) N.01 Colo. W -3' 38-23 o57 LG Dexter Charles (6-5, 315, Sr.) Dane Crane (6-3, 290, So.) N.08 UCLA L +6 30-44 o53' RG Shane Brostek (6-4, 305, Jr.) Jesse Sosebee (6-5, 315, Fr.) N.15 Arizona W +9 26-27 u60 LT Jake Eldrenkamp (6-5, 300, Jr.) Andrew Kirkland (6-4, 300, So.) N.22 ORE. ST. W -6' 37-13 u53' RTColeman Shelton (6-4, 295, So.) Kaleb McGary (6-7, 295, Fr.) N.29 Wash. St W -3' 31-13 u64 PK Cameron Van Winkle (5-10, 185, Jr.) (6-2, 205, So.) J.02 Oklahoma St. L -6' 22-30 u56' Defense DE Taniela Tupou (6-2, 295, Sr.) Benning Potoae (6-4, 275, Fr.) 2014 Washington Final Stats DE Jaylen Johnson (6-2, 270, Fr.) Jarett Finau (6-3, 275, Sr.) Washington Opp NG Elijah Qualls (6-1, 305, So.) Greg Gaines (6-1, 310, Fr.) Points per game 30 25 LB Joe Mathis (6-2, 250, Jr.) Psalm Wooching (6-4, 230, Jr.) LB Keishawn Bierria (6-1, 225, So.) Scott Lawyer (6-2, 230, Sr.) 1st Downs 280 316 LB Azeem Victor (6-3, 240, So.) Sean Constantine (6-2, 230, So.) Rush Att 607 529 LB Travis Feeney (6-4, 225, Sr.) D.J. Beavers (6-2, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 2640 1737 FS Budda Baker (5-10, 180, So.) Brandon Beaver (6-0, 195, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.3 3.3 SS Kevin King (6-3, 185, Jr.) Brian Clay (6-1, 205, Sr.) Pass Comp 255 343 CB Sidney Jones (6-0, 180, So.) (6-1, 200, So.) Pass Att 400 539 CB Naijiel Hale (5-10, 185, So.) Austin Joyner (5-10, 190, Fr.) NB Darren Gardenhire (5-11, 185, So.) Ezekiel Turner (6-2, 200, Jr.) Pass Yds 2801 4012 P Korey Durkee (6-4, 250, Sr.) Tristan Vizcaino (6-2, 205, So.) Had Int 6 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 389 411

124 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 656 yards and nine touchdowns. Speedy little looks to be a future star for this club. In ‘14, PAC 12 North Division #5 soph Robert Lewis had 41 grabs off the bench as Allison finished second on the team with 78 tack- a ‘14 frosh and should put up massive pass catch- les and 3.5 QB sacks, while Palacio added 57 ing stats this time around. The Cougars also get tackles and a team-high 6.5 sacks. Pelluer did not WASH. STATE back former starter Gabe Marks who sat out all of become a starter until the final month of the sea- (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 last season, but after the projected starting four, son but played very well after he did. The key sub COACH: Mike Leach Returning 41 the depth here is a lot weaker than a normal Mike at linebacker is vet Ivan McClennan who posted STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 Leach-coached squad. 4.5 QB sacks off the bench last season. Defense 7 The running game was non-existent a year ago In the secondary, things look to be adequate at GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #78 as Washington State picked up a mere 478 yards safety, but the Cougars are in rough shape at cor- The Cougars made a surprising bowl appear- and five TDs on the ground over the course of the nerback where the most experienced players are ance in 2013, but this team came crashing back to entire season! Starting running back Jamal raw sophomores Charleston White and Marcellus earth with a 3-9 record last season. The big culprit Morrow ran for just 351 yards and failed to post Pippins who shared one CB job last season. At in last year’s collapse was turnovers as this club even a single rushing touchdown, but he did prove safety, Taylor Taliulu and Darius Lemora return as actually outgained its collective opposition by a to be an excellent pass receiver as he caught 61 starters and the third role will go to either soph fairly substantial margin only to see the losses balls coming out of the backfield. Second stringer Isaac Dotson or JUCO newcomer Shalom Luani. mount. Granted, the statistical inconsistency is a Gerard Wicks is a more physical runner who pro- The Cougars have also added some promising bit misleading since Washington State racked up a duced four of the club’s five rushing TDs in 2015. true freshmen who could have an immediate LOT of that yardage when they were already The blocking unit does a decent job in pass impact including cornerbacks Sean Harper Jr. and hopelessly far behind, but the offensive success protection but looks completely lost when it Darrien Molton, as well as safety Kameron had to at least bring some satisfaction to offensive comes to run blocking. The strength here is on the Powell. guru Mike Leach who at times seems more con- left side where tackle Joe Dahl and guard Gunnar GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club cerned with putting up big passing numbers than Eklund enter their third consecutive season as has a chance to improve upon last year’s poor winning football games! starters. Juniors Eduardo Middleton and Riley 3-9 showing, but anyone expecting a breakout The Huskies actually caught something of a Sorensen are also back as starters at right guard year from the Cougars is likely headed for break late last season when long-time starting QB and center, respectively. The lone vacancy up major disappointment. The passing yards may Connor Halliday went down with a season-ending front is filled by promising soph Cole Madison, look impressive, but this team can’t run the injury because it enabled Coach Leach to get but there are major concerns about the overall ball and they can’t stop anyone on defense. We some reps for 2015 starter who depth along the offensive line. look for the Cougars to end up on the wrong replaces the graduated Halliday. Overall last year, While the offense scored a lot of points last side of .500 for a ninth straight season. Falk completed 156 of 243 passes (64%) for year and should again fare pretty well despite 2015 Washington State Schedule 1,859 yards and 13 TDs against seven intercep- some heavy losses, the Washington State defense tions which are decent numbers for a freshman continues to be one of the worst in the country. 9/5 PORTLAND STATE seeing his first action. Falk looks to have all the The Cougars gave up just a shade under 40 points 9/12 at Rutgers physical tools to be a very successful QB in a sys- per game in 2014 and this group will have to get 9/19 WYOMING a whole lot better if Coach Leach hopes to get tem that is very friendly to quarterback numbers. 10/3 at California Redshirt freshman Peyton Bender figures to be back to a bowl game in 2015. Up front, senior 10/10 at Oregon the top backup, but the long term future here may Destiny Vaeao is the lone returning regular and he prove to be true frosh recruit Tyler Hilinski. posted all of 14 tackles a year ago! Senior Darryl 10/17 OREGON STATE The Cougars lose standout receivers Vince Paulo won the other DE job in spring practice, 10/24 at Arizona Mayle and Isiah Myers who combined for 184 while the nose guard duties will likely be split up 10/31 STANFORD receptions a year ago, but they still bring back two between lettermen and Robert 11/7 ARIZONA STATE Barber. Keep a close eye on true frosh newcomer extremely productive pass catchers in veterans 11/14 at UCLA and Dom Williams. In 2014, Thomas Toki who looks to be an impact player. 11/21 COLORADO Cracraft caught 66 balls for 771 yards and eight Things are better at linebacker where seniors TDs despite missing three games due to injury, Jeremiah Allison and Kache Palacio bring a lot of 11/27 at Washington while the explosive Williams added 43 catches for experience to the field, plus soph Peyton Pelluer 2014 WASHINGTON STATE RESULTS 2015 WASHINGTON STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.28 RUTGERS L -8 38-41 o61 QB Luke Falk (6-4, 205, So.) Peyton Bender (6-0, 190, Fr.) S.05 Nevada L -3' 13-24 u67 RB Jamal Morrow (5-8, 190, So.) Gerard Wicks (5-11, 220, So.) S.13 PORTLAND ST. W -23' 59-21 o67 WR River Cracraft (6-0, 200, Jr.) Calvin Green (5-10, 175, So.) S.20 OREGON W +23' 31-38 u77 WR Dom Williams (6-2, 200, Sr.) John Thompson (5-7, 190, Jr.) WR Robert Lewis (5-9, 165, So.) Christopher Dimry (6-6, 210, Jr.) S.27 Utah W +13' 28-27 u64 WR Gabe Marks (6-0, 190, Jr.) Kyle Sweet (6-0, 185, Fr.) O.04 CALIFORNIA L -3 59-60 o73' WR Tyler Baker (5-10, 180, Sr.) Daniel Lilienthal (6-2, 205, Sr.) O.10 Stanford L +16' 17-34 u53 C Riley Sorensen (6-4, 325, Jr.) Carlos Freeman (6-3, 310, So.) O.25 ARIZONA L +2' 37-59 o73' LG Gunnar Eklund (6-7, 305, Sr.) Cody O’Connell (6-8, 360, So.) N.01 SO. CAL L +8' 17-44 u67 RG Eduardo Middleton (6-5, 315, Jr.) Moritz Christ (6-5, 320, Sr.) N.08 Oregon St. W +8' 39-32 o60 LT Joe Dahl (6-4, 305, Sr.) Andre Dillard (6-5, 270, Fr.) N.22 Ariz. St. L +15 31-52 o71' RT Cole Madison (6-5, 305, So.) Jacob Seydel (6-6, 290, Sr.) PK Quentin Breshears (6-0, 200, Sr.) Matt Abramo (6-2, 170, Fr.) N.29 WASH. L +3' 13-31 u64 Defense DE Darryl Paulo (6-2, 265, Sr.) Hercules Mataafa (6-2, 250, Fr.) 2014 Washington State Final Stats DE Destiny Vaeao (6-4, 305, Sr.) Thomas Toki (6-1, 310, Fr.) Wash. State Opp NG Daniel Ekuale (6-3, 290, So.) Robert Barber (6-3, 315, Jr.) Points per game 32 39 LB Jeremiah Allison (6-2, 225, Sr.) Ivan McClennan (6-4, 240, Sr.) LB Kache Palacio (6-2, 235, Sr.) Chandler Leniu (6-0, 255, Fr.) 1st Downs 326 256 LB Peyton Pelluer (6-0, 230, So.) Aaron Porter (6-2, 230, Jr.) Rush Att 243 430 NS Darius Lemora (5-11, 195, So.) Colton Teglovic (6-0, 190, Jr.) Rush Yards 478 1748 NS Taylor Taliulu (5-11, 210, Sr.) Shalom Luani (6-1, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 2.0 4.1 NS Isaac Dotson (6-1, 215, So.) Willie Roach (6-1, 205, Jr.) Pass Comp 510 276 CB Charleston White (5-10, 180, So.) Pat Porter (5-9, 165, So.) Pass Att 771 429 CB Marcellus Pippins (5-10, 170, So.) Sean Harper Jr. (6-1, 175, Fr.) NB David Bucannon (6-0, 200, Jr.) Darrien Molton (5-10, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 5732 3559 P Erik Powell (6-1, 185, So.) Mitchell Cox (6-0, 205, Jr.) Had Int 18 3 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 518 442

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 125 other returning starter at wideout and he turned in junior letterman Luke Hollingsworth and JUCO PAC 12 North Division #6 a highly promising frosh season in ‘14 with 35 transfer Leo Fuimaono. grabs for 578 yards and six scores. Soph Hunter Things are even less certain at linebacker Jarmon is favored to be the new third starter here where the Beavers’ best players this spring were OREGON STATE and he picked up 20 receptions off the bench as a unheralded soph Darrell Songy and redshirt fresh- (5-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 ‘14 freshman. The depth at wide receiver is pret- man Bright Ugwoegbu who are now slated to be COACH: Gary Andersen Returning 43 ty much a complete mystery. At tight end, Caleb the new starters at outside linebacker. The feeling STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 Smith was one of two starters in the old offensive among OSU coaches is that Ugwoegbu can devel- Defense 2 scheme but will likely be the only TE to start in op into the big-time edge pass rusher that this GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #95 2015. Smith and his projected backup Ricky Ortiz team so desperately needs. At inside linebacker, Oregon State is coming off a down season as combined for 32 receptions a year ago. the new starters figure to be Rommel Mageo and the Beavers struggled to a 5-7 mark a year ago, The main man for the ground game will be vet Caleb Saulo, while it is truly anyone’s guess who but then things seemingly got even worse in the Storm Woods, who in 2014 ran for a team-high the second team LBs will be this fall. off-season when long-time head coach Mike 766 yards and five TDs despite sharing time with In the secondary, senior cornerback Larry Scott Riley jumped ship to take the top job at Nebraska. the now-departed . Woods will be is a solid veteran who gives OSU one proven pass Riley was the most successful coach here in backstopped by lettermen Chris Brown and cover guy, but after that things get pretty dicey. school history, so it was feared that his exit would Damien Haskins, neither of whom did all that Promising redshirt freshman Dwayne Williams signal a return to the SAD years of the 1970’s and much off the bench a year ago. But the new looked good in the spring, while the new safeties 1980’s when Oregon State was the laughing stock coaching staff likes to run the ball a LOT more look to be lettermen Cyril Noland-Lewis and of college football. But the school stunned every- than the old one, so one should expect this team to Justin Strong. The depth here is non-existent. one by stealing Gary Andersen away from the place a much larger emphasis on the ground GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Beavers Wisconsin Badgers! And while we find it truly attack this season. are headed for a down year. The offense will be incomprehensible that Andersen would leave a Up front, four starters return plus OSU also without stellar QB Sean Mannion for the first great job like Wisconsin for the constant dog fight gets back former All PAC-12 guard Isaac time in four years and the blocking corps was to recruit at Oregon State, we are quite happy for Seumalo who missed the entire ‘14 campaign due so-so at best last season. But the real issue is on the Beaver fans out there! to injury. Seumalo will start at guard along with defense where nine starters are gone from a The bad news here is that things might just get rising soph Fred Lauina who was one of the unit which didn’t exactly set the world on fire worse before they get better. Sure, there are eight “movers” of spring practice, while former guard in 2014. Looking at the schedule, we do not see starters back on offense, but the defense was pret- regular Gavin Andrews has been relegated to the a lot of victories looming on the horizon and ty much gutted by graduation and on offense, the bench after a poor performance a season ago. there may not be ANY in league play! Beavers must replace four-year quarterback regu- Senior vet Josh Mitchell will again hold forth at 2014 Oregon State Schedule lar Sean Mannion who had over 13,000 career center, while juniors Dustin Stanton and Sean passing yards for this club! And with backup Luke Harlow are the incumbent regulars at center. This 9/4 WEBER STATE Del Rio transferring to Florida, Coach Anderson group had trouble pass protecting last year, so it 9/12 at Michigan will be forced to go with one of three freshmen at will be interesting to see how they fare with a raw 9/19 SAN JOSE STATE freshmen working under center. this key position in 2015. For now, it looks like 9/25 STANFORD redshirt frosh Nick Mitchell was running ahead of The defense was desecrated by graduation over 10/10 at Arizona classmate Marcus McMaryion, but don’t count the off-season and the new coaching staff will out true freshman Seth Collins who enrolled in move from a traditional 4-3 setup to a flexible 3- 10/17 at Washington State school a semester early and did not look lost in 4 look. The problem is that there is almost noth- 10/24 COLORADO spring drills. ing in the way of proven players along the front 10/31 at Utah The biggest loser with the drop-off at QB may seven, the most experienced being seniors Jaswha 11/7 UCLA James and Lavonte Barnett who shared a defen- prove to be speedy wideout Victor Bolden, who 11/14 at California was a star with Mannion at the helm but may sive end role a season ago. Based on spring drills 11/21 WASHINGTON catch a lot less passes working with a frosh QB. A it now looks like James and Barnett will flank fel- year ago, Bolden easily led the club with 72 low senior Jalen Grimble on the new three-man 11/27 at Oregon catches for 798 yards. Soph Jordan Villamin is the front wall, but also very much in the picture are 2014 OREGON STATE RESULTS 2015 OREGON STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 5-7 PSR: 2-10 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 PORT. ST. L -33 29-14 u63' QB Nick Mitchell (6-2, 195, Fr.) Seth Collins (6-3, 190, Fr.) S.06 Hawaii L -9' 38-30 o59 RB Storm Woods (6-0, 205, Sr.) Chris Brown (5-10, 205, Jr.) S.20 S. DIEGO ST. W -10 28-7 u59 WR Victor Bolden (5-9, 175, Jr.) Xavier Hawkins (5-7, 180, So.) S.27 So. Cal L +8' 10-35 u55' WR Jordan Villamin (6-4, 235, So.) Malik Gilmore (6-3, 220, Jr.) WR Hunter Jarmon (5-11, 200, So.) Datrin Guyton (6-5, 185, Fr.) O.04 Colo. L -6 36-31 o55 WR Rahmel Dockery (5-10, 180, Jr.) Paul Lucas (5-10, 175, Fr.) O.16 UTAH L +2 23-29 u53 TE Caleb Smith (6-6, 265, Sr.) Ricky Ortiz (6-0, 240, Jr.) O.25 Stanford L +13 14-38 o43 C Josh Mitchell (6-3, 310, Sr.) Mason Johnson (6-2, 300, Fr.) N.01 CALIFORNIA L -4 31-45 o67' LG Fred Lauina (6-4, 315, So.) Kammy Delp (6-3, 340, Fr.) N.08 WASH. ST. L -8' 32-39 o60 RG (6-4, 310, Jr.) Gavin Andrews (6-6, 345, Sr.) N.15 ARIZ. ST. W +7' 35-27 o61' LT Sean Harlow (6-4, 300, Jr.) Bobby Keenan (6-6, 285, Sr.) N.22 Wash. L +6' 13-37 u53' RT Dustin Stanton (6-5, 290, Jr.) Will Hopkins (6-7, 275, So.) PK Garrett Owens (5-9, 185, So.) Ian Crist (5-10, 180, Jr.) N.29 OREGON L +20 19-47 u67 Defense DE Lavonte Barnett (6-3, 265, Sr.) Luke Hollingsworth (6-3, 270, Jr.) 2014 Oregon State Final Stats DE Jaswha James (6-2, 265, Sr.) Ali Robins (6-2, 290, Sr.) Oregon State Opp NG Jalen Grimble (6-2, 295, Sr.) Leo Fuimaono (6-3, 305, Jr.) Points per game 26 32 LB Darrell Songy (6-0, 225, So.) Kyle Haley (6-0, 220, Jr.) LB Rommel Mageo (6-2, 235, Jr.) Manase Hungalu (6-0, 230, So.) 1st Downs 249 264 LB Caleb Saulo (6-1, 235, Jr.) Christian Folau (6-1, 245, Fr.) Rush Att 376 412 LB Bright Ugwoegbu (6-1, 215, Fr.) Jonathan Willis (6-1, 210, Fr.) Rush Yards 1417 1898 FS Cyril Noland-Lewis (6-1, 210, Jr.) Brandon Arnold (5-11, 200, So.) Avg Rush 3.8 4.6 SS Justin Strong (5-9, 195, So.) Adam Soesman (6-1, 205, Fr.) Pass Comp 290 256 CB Larry Scott (5-11, 195, Sr.) Dashon Hunt (5-8, 190, So.) Pass Att 472 435 CB Dwayne Williams (5-9, 180, Fr.) Charles Okonkwo (6-1, 190, So.) NB Devin Chappell (6-2, 200, Jr.) Kendall Hill (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Yds 3305 2977 P Mitch Seeley (5-10, 185, So.) Nick Porebski (5-10, 190, Jr.) Had Int 8 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 394 406

126 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL be the #3 or slot receiver. Rogers had 21 catches Jefferson could also be a factor on the D-line. PAC 12 South Division #1 and four TDs off the bench last year and like There is some work to do at linebacker where Smith he has the talent to be a star. The sure-hand- USC loses two key starters, but do bring back an ed Mitchell was terrific as the new slot man this all-league caliber player in outside man Sua SOUTHERN CAL spring. Explosive cornerback Adoree Jackson also Cravens, who a year ago made the move from (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 plays some wide receiver on passing downs, but a safety to linebacker and responded with 68 tack- COACH: Returning 60 rather thin WR bench gets a major shot in the arm les, 17 hits for minus yardage and five sacks! STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 from the addition of heralded JUCO transfers Junior pass rusher Scott Felix will likely claim the Defense 8 DeQuan Hampton and Isaac Whitney. Lettermen other OLB slot, with the ILB slots manned by GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #10 Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick and Bryce Dixon are bat- incumbent Anthony Sarao and former starter The first year of the Steve Sarkisian Era was tling for the open tight end role. Lamar Dawson who missed all of last season due generally considered a success as USC racked up At tailback, the Trojans lose superstar Buck to injury. While there’s decent veteran depth at nine victories against a tough schedule, including Allen to an early NFL exit and bring back only linebacker, they will likely be swept aside by the a bowl win over Nebraska in a game the Trojans two scholarship players here in Justin Davis and arrival of heralded true frosh LB recruits like Osa had won easily before almost blowing it at the Tre Madden, the latter of whom sat out last year Masina, John Houston, Cameron Smith and end. The USC offense was just terrific last year, due to injury. Davis was the top backup in 2014 Porter Gustin, all four of whom are good enough though the pass defense was so bad that it severe- when he rushed for 595 yards and four TDs, but to start from day one on campus! ly limited what the Trojans could do against the Madden was also a key guy in the past. But both The much-maligned secondary will also need better clubs on their schedule. But now a host of of these guys may get shoved aside at some point to make room for true frosh blue chippers Iman HUGE defensive recruits come to town and USC by true frosh blue chipper Ronald Jones who Marshall and Isaiah Langley, while soph corner fans are starting to talk very seriously about a looks to be a can’t miss prospect. USC also has Adoree Jackson is another very talented player in PAC-12 title this season. two outstanding fullbacks in the one-two senior this area. Key returnees who must improve dra- Quarterback Cody Kessler made enormous punch of Soma Vainuku and Jahleel Pinner. matically this season include Leon McQuay, John strides last year as he went from a solid player to All five offensive line starters are back includ- Plattenburg and Kevon Seymour. one of the top QBs in the country. Kessler might ing All-American candidate Max Tuerk at center. GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: If the true even have an outside shot at the Heisman this year Tuerk will again be flanked by talented soph OGs freshmen are as good as advertised, then USC after a 2014 season that included 315 of 452 pass- Viane Talamaivao and Toa Lobendahn, the latter has a great chance to be the team to beat in this es (70%!) for 3,826 yards and an amazing 39 of whom is incredibly valuable because of his year’s PAC-12 race. The offense is dynamic touchdowns against a mere five interceptions! ability to credibly play all five O-line positions. with talent to spare and a strong defensive The “knock” on Kessler is that he’s not mobile at At tackle, junior Chad Wheeler is an honors con- showing will mean a high national ranking! all, but who cares when a guy can throw the ball tender if he can ever stay healthy, while massive with this kind of strength and accuracy. Talented has the potential to be a force on the 2015 Southern Cal Schedule soph Max Browne will again be the top backup right side. And there’s tremendous depth here led 9/5 ARKANSAS STATE and he too looks to have major talent as a drop- by sophs Khaliel Rodgers and Damien Mama. 9/12 IDAHO back passer. While the run defense was adequate last year, 9/19 STANFORD the Trojans had an awful time stopping the pass The receiving corps suffered two enormous 9/26 at Arizona State blows when All-American and #3 and now lose All-American D-liner Leonard 10/8 WASHINGTON wideout George Farmer both jumped ship a year Williams to the NFL a year early. But major help early to enter the NFL Draft. But the talent level is on the way up and down the defensive lineup as 10/17 at Notre Dame here is still top notch led by soph JuJu Smith, who no fewer than NINE true freshmen will have a 10/24 UTAH is coming off a brilliant true frosh campaign that legit chance to crack the two-deep this fall, and a 10/31 at California few of these guys may be immediate stars. One of included 54 catches for 724 yards and five TDs. 11/7 ARIZONA those is true frosh D-liner who Smith looks to be the next in a very long line of 11/13 at Colorado tremendous USC wide receivers. Junior Darreus will push for a starting role up front where USC 11/21 at Oregon Rogers is another very talented player who is like- features four solid but unremarkable seniors in ly to claim the other starting wideout role this fall Delvon Simmons, , Claude Pelon 11/28 UCLA with sure-handed soph Steven Mitchell likely to and Greg Townsend Jr. True freshman Noah 2014 SOUTHERN CAL RESULTS 2015 SOUTHERN CAL DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 FRESNO ST. W -21 52-13 o58 QB Cody Kessler (6-1, 210, Sr.) Max Browne (6-5, 220, So.) S.06 Stanford W +3 13-10 u54 TB Justin Davis (6-1, 195, Jr.) Tre Madden (6-1, 225, Sr.) S.13 Boston Col L -17 31-37 o57 FB Soma Vainuku (6-0, 270, Sr.) Jahleel Pinner (5-11, 240, Sr.) S.27 ORE. ST. W -8' 35-10 u55' WR JuJu Smith (6-2, 210, So.) Adoree Jackson (5-11, 185, So.) O.04 ARIZ. ST. L -12 34-38 o68 WR Darreus Rogers (6-2, 215, Jr.) DeQuan Hampton (6-4, 220, Jr.) O.11 Arizona L -2' 28-26 u66' WR Steven Mitchell (5-10, 185, So.) Isaac Whitney (6-4, 195, Jr.) O.18 COLO. W -20' 56-28 o61 TE Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (6-4, 250, Jr.) Bryce Dixon (6-4, 245, So.) O.25 Utah L -1 21-24 u51' C Max Tuerk (6-6, 290, Sr.) Richie Wenzel (6-2, 285, So.) N.01 Wash. St W -8' 44-17 u67 LG Toa Lobendahn (6-3, 285, So.) Khaliel Rodgers (6-3, 315, So.) N.13 CALIFORNIA L -14' 38-30 u71' RG Viane Talamaivao (6-3, 330, So.) Damien Mama (6-5, 370, So.) N.22 Ucla L +4 20-38 u62' LT Chad Wheeler (6-7, 280, Jr.) Nico Falah (6-4, 285, So.) N.29 N. DAME W -6' 49-14 o62' RT Zach Banner (6-9, 350, Jr.) Quinn Bassler (6-6, 285, Fr.) D.27 Nebraska L -7 45-42 o62' PK Alex Wood (5-10, 175, Jr.) Matt Boermeester (6-0, 185, So.) Defense DE Delvon Simmons (6-5, 295, Sr.) Rasheem Green (6-4, 290, Fr.) 2014 Southern Cal Final Stats DE Claude Pelon (6-4, 295, Sr.) Greg Townsend Jr. (6-3, 275, Sr.) Southern Cal Opp NG Antwaun Woods (6-1, 325, Sr.) Cody Temple (6-2, 310, Sr.) Points per game 36 25 LB Scott Felix (6-2, 230, Jr.) Porter Gustin (6-5, 240, Fr.) LB Anthony Sarao (6-0, 220, Sr.) Osa Masina (6-3, 235, Fr.) 1st Downs 308 302 LB Lamar Dawson (6-1, 230, Sr.) Michael Hutchings (6-1, 215, Jr.) Rush Att 524 453 LB Sua Cravens (6-1, 225, Jr.) John Houston (6-3, 215, Fr.) Rush Yards 2092 1734 FS Leon McQuay (6-1, 190, Jr.) Chris Hawkins (5-11, 185, So.) Avg Rush 4.0 3.8 SS John Plattenburg (5-11, 185, So.) Matt Lopes (5-11, 185, So.) Pass Comp 318 322 CB Kevon Seymour (6-0, 185, Sr.) Isaiah Langley (5-11, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 460 548 CB Adoree Jackson (5-11, 185, So.) Jonathan Lockett (5-11, 175, So.) NB Iman Marshall (6-1, 195, Fr.) Ryan Dillard (5-9, 185, Sr.) Pass Yds 3856 3569 P Kris Albarado (5-10, 200, Sr.) Reid Budrovich (6-0, 180, Fr.) Had Int 5 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 458 408

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 127 but also caught 62 passes for 688 yards with 12 picked up 94 tackles and two sacks of his own. PAC 12 South Division #2 combined touchdowns. Look for Foster to be an The fourth LB regular this year will be either red- immediate standout at his new position. Senior shirt freshman Ishmael Murphy-Richardson or Gary Chambers and soph Ellis Jefferson figure to promising JUCO transfer Davon Durant, provid- ARIZONA STATE be the other starters, but watch out for redshirted ed of course the latter is finally reinstated by (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 26 JUCO transfer Eric Lauderdale. At tight end, school officials following his arrest on minor COACH: Todd Graham Returning 45 returnees Kody Kohl and Grant Martinez hold assault charges. There’s also great LB depth led STARTERS RETURNING Offense 5 sway, but ASU has also added talented JUCO by , D.J. Calhoun and Alani Latu. Defense 8 newcomer Raymond Epps. The talent level at cornerback is extremely GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #18 The Sun Devils were able to move Foster over high as starters Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi The Sun Devils have won 10 games in each of to wide receiver thanks to the emergence of soph Brown are both considered future NFL players the last two seasons as mercenary Head Coach Demario Richard as the next great running back at and top backups Armand Perry and Solomon Todd Graham may have finally found a home this school. As a 2014 frosh, Richard ran for 478 Means may also end up playing at the next level down in the Arizona desert. Last year’s squad suf- yards and four TDs despite playing moderately one day. Carrington picked up 58 tackles and fered one blowout loss to UCLA, otherwise this off the bench in support of Foster. Fellow soph three sacks a year ago, while Brown tied for the team had a legitimate chance to win every game also looks like a potential star, team lead with three interceptions and played stel- on the 2014 schedule. And while some top notch while other running backs who should get carries lar pass defense. At safety, Jordan Simone fin- players have departed since the end of last season, include redshirted JUCO transfer DeChavon ished second on the team with 100 tackles a year it looks like Arizona State has enough returning Hayes and true frosh blue chipper Jason Lewis. ago and his new partner is soph James Johnson. starters and quality newcomers to stay very close Up front, Coach Graham will need to find two GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Sun to the top of the heap in the very tough PAC-12. new starting tackles, but he welcomes back the Devils are a major threat to win it all in the In fact, with Oregon and UCLA losing their great strong interior trio of guards Christian Westerman PAC-12 this season. There are some minor con- quarterbacks to early NFL exists, you can make a and Vi Teofilo who will again flank All-PAC-12 cerns about the depth of production at wide strong case that the Sun Devils are the team to center Nick Kelly. At tackle, lettermen William receiver and the defensive line is still somewhat beat in the PAC-12 this season! McGehee and Evan Goodman are expected to be modest, but overall the talent level on this ros- Arizona State lost its QB too as Taylor Kelly the new starters, but both could be pushed by ter is quite good. The Sun Devils get Oregon has finally graduated, but the difference here is promising redshirt freshmen Sam Jones and and USC at home this year and avoid Stanford that ASU has a VERY experienced senior waiting Quinn Bailey. Junior Stephon McCray is the only so the schedule is favorable. Look for a high to take on the job in Mike Bercovici, who started proven reserve up front. Top 25 ranking and a strong run at a league several games while Kelly was hurt in 2014. There are no standouts on the ASU defensive title in 2015. Overall, Bercovici completed 115 of 186 passes line, but the Sun Devils can legitimately go six or 2015 Arizona State Schedule (62%) for 1,445 yards and 12 TDs against just seven deep with solid players up front. Ends four interceptions. While Bercovici lacks Kelly’s Edmond Boateng, Tashon Smallwood and Vili 9/5 vs. Texas A&M running skills, he is actually a far better pure pass- Latu combined for 69 tackles and 6.5 QB sacks 9/12 CAL POLY er than the guy he replaces so there is no issue last year, while senior vets Demetrius Cherry and 9/19 NEW MEXICO Mo Latu both have a lot of experience manning with the transition here. Redshirt frosh Manny 9/26 SOUTHERN CAL Wilkins looks like a talented backup, but the the middle at nose guard. While there are no stars 10/3 at UCLA future here is likely heralded true freshman recruit here, the ASU front wall should be improved Brady White who is the #2 rated pro style QB to overall this season. 10/10 COLORADO enter the college ranks this season. Arizona State is in superb shape at linebacker 10/17 at Utah The receiving corps was badly hurt during the where three starters are back including rising star 10/29 OREGON off-season by the early NFL exit of superstar Laiu Moeakiola, who in ‘14 came out of nowhere 11/7 at Washington State to record 72 tackles, 10.5 hits for minus yardage, Jalen Strong and the season-ending injury which 11/14 WASHINGTON took out starting wideout Cameron Smith. While five sacks and two forced fumbles. Fellow junior 11/21 ARIZONA several solid players still return here, the new star Salamo Fiso also turned a big ‘14 campaign with will be converted running back D.J. Foster, an 83 tackles, 11 hits for minus yardage and 3.5 QB 11/28 at California amazing player who in 2014 ran for 1,081 yards sacks, while steady senior Antonio Longino 2014 ARIZONA STATE RESULTS 2015 ARIZONA STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 8-5) Offense A.28 WEBER ST. L -46 45-14 u65' QB Mike Bercovici (6-1, 205, Sr.) Manny Wilkins (6-2, 185, Fr.) S.06 New Mexico W -24 58-23 o68 RB Demario Richard (5-10, 210, So.) Kalen Ballage (6-3, 220, So.) S.13 Colo. L -15' 38-24 u68' WR D.J. Foster (5-11, 205, Sr.) Frederick Gammage (5-10, 180, Jr.) S.25 UCLA L +4 27-62 o65 WR Gary Chambers (6-4, 210, Sr.) Jalen Harvey (6-0, 200, Fr.) O.04 So. Cal W +12 38-34 o68 WR Ellis Jefferson (6-4, 210, So.) Eric Lauderdale (6-2, 190, Jr.) O.18 STANFORD W +3' 26-10 u54 TE Grant Martinez (6-5, 235, So.) Raymond Epps (6-5, 240, So.) O.25 Wash. W -3' 24-10 u60' TE Kody Kohl (6-3, 230, Jr.) Thomas Hudson (6-5, 235, Fr.) N.01 UTAH L -6' 19-16 u58' C Nick Kelly (6-2, 295, Sr.) Stephon McCray (6-2, 310, Jr.) N.08 N. DAME W -2' 55-31 o60' LG Christian Westerman (6-4, 305, Sr.) Jack Powers (6-6, 290, So.) N.15 Oregon St. L -7' 27-35 o61' RG Vi Teofilo (6-3, 310, Sr.) Devin Goodman (6-1, 290, Sr.) LT Evan Goodman (6-4, 305, Jr.) Sam Jones (6-5, 300, Fr.) N.22 WASH. ST. W -15 52-31 o71' RT William McGehee (6-6, 310, Sr.) Quinn Bailey (6-5, 310, Fr.) N.28 Arizona L +1' 35-42 o65 PK (6-1, 185, Jr.) Matt Kirwan (6-2, 210, Sr.) D.27 Duke L -7' 36-31 o65 Defense DE Edmond Boateng (6-3, 270, Jr.) Emanuel Dayries (6-3, 305, So.) 2014 Arizona State Final Stats DE Tashon Smallwood (6-0, 275, So.) Vili Latu (6-2, 265, Jr.) Arizona St. Opp NG Demetrius Cherry (6-5, 300, Sr.) Mo Latu (6-2, 360, Sr.) Points per game 37 28 LB Ismael Murphy-Richardson (6-4, 220, Fr.) Davon Durant (6-2, 240, Jr.) LB Antonio Longino (6-2, 230, Sr.) Alani Latu (6-2, 240, So.) 1st Downs 301 261 LB Salamo Fiso (6-1, 235, Jr.) Christian Sam (6-1, 225, So.) Rush Att 508 511 LB Laiu Moeakiola (6-1, 220, Jr.) D.J. Calhoun (6-0, 215, So.) Rush Yards 2194 2046 FS Jordan Simone (6-0, 195, Sr.) Chad Adams (5-9, 185, So.) Avg Rush 4.3 4.0 SS James Johnson (6-1, 200, So.) DeAndre Scott (5-9, 185, So.) Pass Comp 281 269 CB Lloyd Carrington (6-0, 195, Sr.) Solomon Means (6-0, 175, Sr.) Pass Att 467 453 CB Kweishi Brown (6-0, 205, Sr.) Ronald Lewis (5-11, 185, So.) NB Armand Perry (6-0, 190, So.) Stanley Norman (5-10, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 3556 3376 P (6-1, 195, Jr.) Mike Bercovici (6-1, 205, Sr.) Had Int 9 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 442 417

128 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL and remains a very reliable short range option their 2015 frosh class, but both Keisean Lucier- PAC 12 South Division #3 over the middle of the field. Top notch reserves South and Rick Wade are so thin that they may Thomas Duarte and Mossi Johnson combined for end up as rush linebackers in the 3-4 setup. another 49 receptions and six TDs last season so The Bruins have two potential all-leaguers at UCLA the depth here is undeniably potent. The tight end linebacker in versatile junior Myles Jack and (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 spot was pretty much phased out over the last two speedy outside rusher Deon Hollins, the latter of COACH: Jim Mora Jr. Returning 51 seasons, but may come back into vogue in 2015 whom easily led the club with nine QB sacks a STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 with the arrival of highly-touted true frosh recruit year ago. Jack is an incredible physical specimen Defense 8 Chris Clark. who will again play both inside and outside in the GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #20 The running game was much improved last 3-4 formation. The other starting LBs figure to be It is amazing how different 10-3 records can season as junior Paul Perkins emerged as one of Isaako Savaiinaea and Kenny Young, both of feel based on pre-season expectations! The 2013 the top running backs in the country. Perkins aver- whom need to make more plays this year if they Bruins were 10-3 and it was considered a huge aged better than six yards per carry as he ripped hope to hang onto their starting roles. The veteran success, but when UCLA went 10-3 last year, it off 1,575 yards and nine TDs, while also catching depth is “ok” but definitely nothing special. was thought to be a significant flop! But the truth 26 balls coming out of the backfield. Sophs Nate The Bruins have a problem in the secondary is that last year’s team was actually somewhat Starks and Craig Lee were battling for the #2 run- similar to their issues at offensive tackle. In this lucky to win 10 games as UCLA won a number of ning back job all spring, but there’s an excellent case, the Bruins have a host of smaller players very close games where the Bruins did not play up chance that both will be skipped over on the depth who all look like cornerbacks and the lack of a big to their full potential. Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. chart this fall with the arrival of highly-regarded physical safety hits against the running game and got this program all fired up in his first few sea- true frosh newcomer Soso Jamabo. The Bruins the pass defense wasn’t as good as you would sons, but the Bruins did not appear to have the used the fullback far more often last year and the have expected considering UCLA basically start- same kind of intensity a year ago. And it better role was filled by junior Nate Iese. ed four cornerbacks a year ago. return in 2015 now that superstar QB Brett The blocking corps was erratic as always last and Jaleel Wadood are the best of a relatively Hundley has taken his talented act to the NFL. year, but there is hope for a better future here with mediocre crew in this area. With Hundley gone, Coach Mora will need to four returning starters and three other players with GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Bruins decide on a new starting quarterback and he at least some starting experience. The only senior have a chance to make it three straight years shocked all observers by announcing this spring here is center and he’s also the only with double digit victories, but we have our that program vet Jerry Neuheisel was ahead of UCLA lineman with a chance at all-league honors reservations. While a bunch of starters return, former big-time recruit Asianti Woulard. And that in 2015. The problem here is that the other four we are talking about a team with a true frosh led to Woulard transferring as word leaked out of projected starters are all probably best-suited to QB and a very suspect blocking corps. UCLA that Neuheisel would NOT in fact be the play the guard position and there may be no true 2015 UCLA Schedule starter come September, but instead Coach Mora tackles in the likely starting five. Caleb Benenoch would immediately hand the #1 job to blue chip and Conor McDermott will man the tackles, while 9/5 VIRGINIA true freshman . Many feel that Rosen and will func- 9/12 at UNLV is the best true frosh QB to enter the college ranks tion at guard. The rest of the O-liners have not 9/19 BYU been overly impressive in the past. this year and it will surely be interesting to see 9/26 at Arizona how this very talented passer performs behind a The defense was definitely a step behind the 10/3 ARIZONA STATE blocking unit which has given up a lot of sacks in offense last season and that may be the case again recent seasons. in ‘15. UCLA’s best defensive lineman remains 10/15 at Stanford Rosen will have some immensely talented junior Eddie Vanderdoes who has developed into 10/22 CALIFORNIA wide receivers at his disposal, the best of whom is a solid player, but has not become the absolute 10/31 COLORADO All-PAC-12 performer Jordan Payton, who a year superstar he was supposed to be when he came 11/7 at Oregon State out of high school. Undersized junior Takkarist ago hauled in a team-high 67 passes for 954 yards 11/14 WASHINGTON STATE and seven TDs. Soph Eldridge Massington has a McKinley will be the other defensive end, while 11/21 at Utah huge upside and as a ‘14 frosh he produced 25 juniors Kenny Clark and will again catches for 367 yards and three scores, while divide up playing time at nose guard. The Bruins 11/28 at Southern Cal senior slot man Devin Fuller had 59 receptions added two brilliant defensive end prospects in 2014 UCLA RESULTS 2015 UCLA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 5-7-1) Offense A.30 Virginia L -20' 28-20 u55 QB Josh Rosen (6-4, 210, Fr.) Jerry Neuheisel (6-1, 200, Jr.) S.06 MEMPHIS L -23 42-35 o56' RB Paul Perkins (5-11, 200, Jr.) Nate Starks (5-11, 205, So.) S.13 Texas L -8 20-17 u50' WR Jordan Payton (6-1, 215, Sr.) Thomas Duarte (6-3, 225, Jr.) S.25 Ariz. St. W -4 62-27 o65 WR Eldridge Massington (6-3, 210, So.) Alex Van Dyke (6-3, 215, So.) O.04 UTAH L -13 28-30 u64 WR Devin Fuller (6-0, 195, Sr.) Austin Roberts (6-2, 215, Fr.) O.11 OREGON L +2' 30-42 p72 WR Mossi Johnson (6-0, 185, So.) Kenneth Walker (5-10, 180, Jr.) O.18 California L -7 36-34 u74 FB Nate Iese (6-3, 250, Jr.) Taylor Lagace (6-1, 215, Jr.) O.25 Colo. L -14 40-37 o67 C Jake Brendel (6-4, 290, Sr.) Josh Wariboko (6-3, 315, Fr.) N.01 ARIZONA W -6' 17-7 u70' LG Alex Redmond (6-5, 300, Jr.) Kenny Lacy (6-4, 285, So.) N.08 Wash. W -6 44-30 o53' RG Scott Quessenberry (6-4, 285, Jr.) (6-3, 280, So.) N.22 SO. CAL W -4 38-20 u62' LTConor McDermott (6-9, 295, Jr.) Poasi Moala (6-4, 275, So.) N.28 STANFORD L -6 10-31 u49' RTCaleb Benenoch (6-5, 305, Jr.) Zach Bateman (6-7, 320, Jr.) PK Kaimi Fairbairn (6-0, 185, Sr.) Adam Searl (6-0, 185, So.) J.02 Kansas St. W +1 40-35 o60 Defense DE Eddie Vanderdoes (6-3, 305, Jr.) Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (6-2, 265, So.) 2014 UCLA Final Stats DE Takkarist McKinley (6-4, 240, Jr.) (6-4, 275, So.) UCLA Opp NG Kenny Clark (6-3, 310, Jr.) Eli Ankou (6-3, 300, Jr.) Points per game 34 28 LB Myles Jack (6-1, 235, Jr.) Aaron Wallace (6-3, 245, Sr.) LB Kenny Young (6-1, 230, So.) (6-0, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 304 295 LB Isaako Savaiinaea (6-2, 235, Jr.) Cameron Judge (6-1, 220, Jr.) Rush Att 557 505 LB Deon Hollins (6-0, 225, Jr.) Kene Orjioke (6-4, 240, Jr.) Rush Yards 2724 1923 FS Jaleel Wadood (5-10, 180, So.) Dechaun Holiday (6-2, 210, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.9 3.8 SS Randall Goforth (5-10, 185, Jr.) Tahaan Goodman (6-1, 190, Jr.) Pass Comp 298 306 CB Fabian Moreau (6-0, 195, Sr.) Stephen Johnson (5-11, 190, Fr.) Pass Att 435 497 CB Marcos Rios (6-0, 175, Jr.) Denzel Fisher (6-1, 180, Fr.) NB Ishmael Adams (5-8, 190, Jr.) John Johnson (5-9, 175, So.) Pass Yds 3358 3258 P Matt Mengel (6-2, 210, Sr.) Adam Searl (6-0, 185, So.) Had Int 6 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 468 399

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 129 this spring, but also watch out for newcomers like Whittingham are solid players, the potential star PAC 12 South Division #4 redshirt freshman Raelon Singleton and JUCO here is Norris who in ‘14 pitched in with a team- transfer Deniko Carter. While there’s some talent best 116 tackles and four sacks. The lack of qual- here, the Utes really only have two proven players ity depth at linebacker is a huge worry here. UTAH in Scott and Patrick, the latter of whom was In the secondary, the Utes suffered an unex- (9-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 29 forced to sit out spring practice due to injury. At pected blow when star cornerback Dominique COACH: K. Whittingham Returning 61 tight end, junior Siale Fakailoatonga looks to be Hatfield got kicked out of school this summer for STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 the new starter, but he had just two receptions a armed robbery! Juniors Reginald Porter and Defense 7 year ago. Justin Thomas will try to hold down the fort on GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #29 Utah’s best player is definitely senior running the corners, while the starting safeties will be Utah was one of the surprise teams of the 2014 back Devontae Booker, who came in a year ago Tevin Carter and . Carter missed season as the Utes racked up nine victories against from the Junior College ranks and just absolutely several games last year due to injury which is a rather difficult schedule, which has led some exploded onto the national scene with 1,512 yards what lot then-frosh Williams walk into the start- folks to project a high national ranking for Utah in rushing and 10 TDs, not to mention 43 catches ing lineup in 2014. Converted wide receiver Brian 2015. We’re not so sure as we’ve dug a bit deep- coming out of the backfield! The depth behind Allen will likely be a key sub in the secondary, as er and discovered a team which was actually out- Booker is also first rate as senior Bubba Poole is will Wyoming transfer Jason Thompson. gained by its collective opposition a year ago and a former starter and speedy sophomore Troy Utah may have the best special teams play in won three very, very close games that likely McCormick an explosive youngster off the bench. the country this year and both punter Tom Hackett should not have gone their way, including narrow Despite having just one senior in the projected and placekicker Andy Phillips could make a run at wins over traditional PAC-12 powers USC and starting O-line, the Utah blocking corps actually All-American honors again. Hackett averaged a UCLA. Head Coach Kyle Whittingham does welcomes back four starters from a year ago. whopping 46.7 yards per boot in ‘14, while return a very strong nucleus, but the Utes may That’s because a few of the veterans got hurt over Phillips converted 23 of 28 field goal tries. find it hard to improve upon last year’s gaudy 9-4 the course of 2014 and some of the younger play- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team record. ers were forced into action. The lone senior up may end up being much better than it was a Back to run the show for Utah is lanky senior front is center Siaosi Aiono and he’s actually year ago and still not surpass the nine wins quarterback Travis Wilson, a strange-looking gan- being challenged for his first string status by Utah racked up in 2014. The schedule is again gly player who looks like he would be slow as junior Hiva Lutui! The starting guards will again rather difficult, but this team is VERY well hell, but runs better than 95 percent of the QBs in be Isaac Asiata and Salesi Uhatafe, while junior stocked on both sides of the football. With a the country. Overall last year, Wilson completed tackle J.J. Dielman will move from the right side few breaks again, Utah could easily attain a 190 of 313 passes (61%) for 2,170 yards and 18 to the left side in 2015. That leaves junior Sam high national ranking. TDs against just five interceptions, plus he also Tevi as the new right tackle, while others pushing 2015 Utah Schedule ran for 309 yards and five scores as his running for key roles include senior vet Andrew Albers ability is a surprising part of the Utah attack. and talented redshirt frosh . 9/3 MICHIGAN Fellow senior Kendall Thompson was a very solid In addition to running back Booker, the Utes 9/12 UTAH STATE backup last year as he completed 32 of 52 tosses have another All-American candidate in defensive 9/19 at Fresno State end Hunter Dimick, who a year ago racked up 55 for 324 yards and earned one start in place of an 9/26 at Oregon tackles, 14.5 hits for negative yardage and 10 QB injured Wilson. But the long term answer here is 10/10 CALIFORNIA probably strong-armed soph Conner Manning. sacks. Converted linebacker Jason Fanaika moves 10/17 ARIZONA STATE The Utes lose two solid starting wideouts and into the other DE slot this year, plus Utah also has an excellent tight end to graduation, but they do solid vet Pita Taumoepenu and UCLA transfer 10/24 at Southern Cal welcome back leading pass catcher Kenneth Kylie Fitts competing for time at defensive end. 10/31 OREGON STATE Scott, who a year ago hauled in 48 passes for 506 Promising sophs Lowell Lotulelei and Filipo 11/7 at Washington Mokofisi will be the starting DT combo with yards and four scores. The other two starting WR 11/14 at Arizona roles are totally up for grabs, though the prime steady vet Clint Shepard in reserve. 11/21 UCLA contenders appear to be lettermen Jameson Field, The second line of defense will likely feature a Delshawn McClellon and Tim Patrick. Sophs trio of seniors as the starters in Gionni Paul, Jared 11/28 COLORADO Kenric Young and Monte Seabrook made strides Norris and Jason Whittingham. While Paul and 2014 UTAH RESULTS 2015 UTAH DEPTH CHART (SUR: 9-4 PSR: 9-4 O-U: 4-9) Offense A.28 IDAHO ST. W -41 56-14 o56 QB Travis Wilson (6-7, 235, Sr.) Kendall Thompson (6-2, 195, Sr.) S.06 FRESNO ST. W -13 59-27 o64' RB Devontae Booker (5-11, 215, Sr.) Troy McCormick (5-9, 175, So.) S.20 Mich. W +3' 26-10 u54 WR Kenneth Scott (6-3, 210, Sr.) Kenric Young (6-0, 195, So.) S.27 WASH. ST. L -13' 27-28 u64 WR Jameson Field (5-11, 185, So.) Deniko Carter (6-4, 180, Jr.) O.04 Ucla W +13 30-28 u64 WR Delshawn McClellon (5-9, 175, Jr.) Monte Seabrook (5-10, 185, So.) O.16 Oregon St. W -2 29-23 u53 WR Tim Patrick (6-5, 205, Sr.) Raelon Singleton (6-3, 205, Fr.) O.25 SO. CAL W +1 24-21 u51' TE Siale Fakailoatonga (6-4, 255, Jr.) Evan Moeai (6-2, 240, Sr.) N.01 Ariz. St. W +6' 16-19 u58' C Siaosi Aiono (6-2, 305, Sr.) Hiva Lutui (6-1, 295, Jr.) N.08 OREGON L +9 27-51 o61 LG Isaac Asiata (6-4, 315, Jr.) Lo Falemaka (6-4, 305, So.) N.15 Stanford W +9 20-17 u42 RG Salesi Uhatafe (6-4, 315, So.) Nick Nowakowski (6-1, 295, Jr.) N.22 ARIZONA L -4' 10-42 u54 LTJ.J. Dielman (6-5, 295, Jr.) Andrew Albers (6-7, 305, Sr.) N.29 Colo. L -9 38-34 o56' RT (6-5, 300, Jr.) Jackson Barton (6-6, 310, Fr.) PK Andy Phillips (5-10, 205, Jr.) Jon Halliday (6-0, 195, Sr.) D.20 Colorado St. W -3 45-10 u57' Defense DE Hunter Dimick (6-3, 270, Jr.) Pita Taumoepenu (6-1, 240, Jr.) 2014 Utah Final Stats DE Jason Fanaika (6-3, 270, Sr.) Kylie Fitts (6-4, 270, Jr.) Utah Opp DT Lowell Lotulelei (6-2, 310, So.) Clint Shepard (6-2, 285, Sr.) Points per game 31 25 DT Filipo Mokofisi (6-3, 285, So.) Stevie Tuikolovatu (6-1, 320, Jr.) LB (6-2, 235, Sr.) Christian Drews (6-1, 235, So.) 1st Downs 253 270 LB Gionni Paul (5-10, 225, Sr.) Marcus Sanders-Williams (5-11, 215, Jr.) Rush Att 565 507 LB Jason Whittingham (6-2, 245, Sr.) Tanner Larsen (6-3, 225, So.) Rush Yards 2475 1909 FS Marcus Williams (6-0, 190, So.) Jason Thompson (6-1, 210, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.4 3.8 SS Tevin Carter (6-1, 210, Sr.) Andre Godfrey (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Comp 229 267 CB Justin Thomas (5-8, 180, Jr.) Casey Hughes (5-11, 185, Fr.) Pass Att 378 450 CB Reginald Porter (5-11, 185, Jr.) Boobie Hobbs (5-10, 175, So.) NB Brian Allen (6-3, 200, Jr.) Kyle Fulks (5-9, 175, Jr.) Pass Yds 2570 3206 P Tom Hackett (5-11, 195, Sr.) Andy Phillips (5-10, 205, Jr.) Had Int 8 12 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 388 394

130 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL who in 2014 led the team with 73 catches for 163 tackles, 29 hits for negative yardage, six PAC 12 South Division #5 1,019 yards and nine touchdowns. Solid vets Trey forced fumbles and 14 QB sacks! Those numbers Griffey and David Richards will also look for are not a misprint. Solid juniors Cody Ippolito and larger roles this season after combining for 54 Derrick Turituri both started several games last ARIZONA catches off the bench a season ago. And some of year and combined for 96 tackles in ‘14. Fellow (10-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 the younger wideouts impressed enough this junior Jake Matthews also started a few games COACH: Returning 44 spring that former WR regular DaVonte Neal was last season and played very well this spring. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 moved to the defensive secondary. Battling for the Just two of five starters are back in the sec- Defense 6 vacant tight end role are lettermen Josh Kern and ondary, though one of those returning is all-league GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #34 Trevor Wood, neither of whom had even a single candidate William Parks, who a year ago record- The Wildcats are coming off a superb season catch last year, though Kern looked really good in ed 81 tackles and 13 hits for minus yardage. Soph that included an early-season win over eventual the Spring Game. Jarvis McCall started as a freshman and showed NCAA Playoff Finalist Oregon. Granted, the Arizona’s best offensive weapon is running signs of one day being a true shutdown corner, Ducks got their revenge on Arizona in the PAC-12 back Nick Wilson, who is coming off an explo- while classmate Cam Denson figures to be his title game and the season ended on a down note sion of a season in which he carried the ball 236 new CB partner in ‘15. The move of DaVonte with a bowl loss to Boise State, but overall it was times for 1,375 yards and 16 TDs despite often Neal to the secondary helps a little, but there are a very successful season for Head Coach Rich having to give up carries to a now-departed back- still some major question marks here. Rodriguez and his squad. And now the big ques- up. Little-used vet Jared Baker came out of spring GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Many are tion for Arizona fans is whether or not this pro- as the #2 running back, but redshirt frosh wideout predicting a huge year for the Wildcats as they gram can take the jump to the next level and Jonathan Haden may also see some carries and his return a strong nucleus from last year’s 10-win become a serious contender for a berth in the 2015 future may eventually be in the backfield. club, but we see a few more weak spots than College Football Playoffs! Just two starters are back on the O-line and this most of the analysts. Consider that Arizona Quarterback Anu Solomon endured an up and is the biggest reason we don’t share all of the rosy barely outgained its collective opposition last down freshman season, but overall he definitely outlooks for Arizona in 2015. The Wildcats, who year and their offense, which was so good over- cemented his position as the #1 guy here despite lost two superb tackles to graduation, will try to all in terms of stats, would go through mad- some wobbles at times. Solomon completed 313 rebuild around incumbent guard regulars Cayman dening periods where they simply could not of 540 passes (58%) for 3,793 yards and 28 TDs Bundage and Jacob Alsadek, plus new right tack- move the football. So while we expect another against just nine interceptions which are amazing le Lene Maiava has also played a lot off the pines strong season and solid bowl bid, we do not numbers for a first-year frosh starter. But he also in the past. The other new starter figure to be for- expect Arizona to take its game to the next level had some terrible moments like in the loss to mer walk-on Carter Wood at center and Cal trans- in 2015. UCLA where it looked like Solomon was so rat- fer Freddie Tagaloa at left tackle. The depth here 2015 Arizona Schedule tled that he could not complete a simple 3-yard is a complete mystery. pass on multiple occasions. Athletic former LSU The three-man front wall brings back two 9/3 UTSA transfer Jerrard Randall will be the top backup starters, though it looks like there will be a change 9/12 at Nevada this season and his greatest skill comes when he at nose guard as ‘14 regular Sani Fuimaono was 9/19 NORTHERN ARIZONA replaced this spring by the smaller and far quick- runs with the football. 9/26 UCLA Coach Rodriguez likes to use a ton of small, er soph Parker Zellers. Solid vet Reggie Gilbert is 10/3 at Stanford quick wide receivers and if everyone is healthy an impact player on one flank, but no one is quite and eligible, this will be a team strength. But sure what to expect from players like Jeff Worthy 10/10 OREGON STATE speedy junior Nate Phillips, a former starter, is and Calvin Allen now that they have bigger roles. 10/17 at Colorado still trying to nurse his way back from a severe JUCO newcomers Anthony Fotu and Timmy 10/24 WASHINGTON STATE knee injury and troubled junior Samajie Grant Hamilton will push for playing time here. 10/31 at Washington The strength of this defense will surely be at may end up getting suspended again following yet 11/7 at Southern Cal another arrest. Grant had 45 catches and six TDs linebacker where middle man Scooby Wright is a 11/14 UTAH a year ago, while Phillips had 25 grabs over the one-man wrecking crew and arguably the best first half of last season before getting hurt. The defensive player in the nation. A year ago, Wright 11/21 at Arizona State most reliable player here is junior Cayleb Jones put up absolutely laughable stats as he collected 2014 ARIZONA RESULTS 2015 ARIZONA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-4 PSR: 7-7 O-U: 4-9-1) Offense A.29 UNLV W -23 58-13 o59' QB Anu Solomon (6-2, 205, So.) Jerrard Randall (6-1, 185, Sr.) S.04 Utsa L -7' 26-23 u55 RB Nick Wilson (5-10, 200, So.) Jared Baker (5-8, 195, Sr.) S.13 NEVADA L -18' 35-28 u64' WR Cayleb Jones (6-3, 215, Jr.) Nate Phillips (5-7, 180, Jr.) S.20 CALIFORNIA L -8' 49-45 o70 WR Samajie Grant (5-9, 180, Jr.) Tyrell Johnson (5-7, 160, So.) O.02 Oregon W +23 31-24 u82 WR Trey Griffey (6-3, 195, Jr.) Tony Ellison (5-11, 180, Fr.) O.11 SO. CAL W +2' 26-28 u66' WR David Richards (6-4, 215, Sr.) Jonathan Haden (5-6, 185, Fr.) O.25 Wash. St W -2' 59-37 o73' TE Josh Kern (6-5, 230, Jr.) Trevor Wood (6-5, 255, So.) N.01 Ucla L +6' 7-17 u70' C Carter Wood (6-2, 280, Sr.) Zach Hemmila (6-3, 295, Jr.) N.08 COLO. W -17' 38-20 u70 LG Cayman Bundage (6-2, 285, Sr.) Kaige Lawrence (6-3, 290, Sr.) N.15 WASH. L -9 27-26 u60 RG Jacob Alsadek (6-7, 300, So.) Levi Walton (6-3, 285, Fr.) N.22 Utah W +4' 42-10 u54 LT Freddie Tagaloa (6-8, 320, Jr.) Layth Friekh (6-5, 280, Fr.) N.28 ARIZ. ST W -1' 42-35 o65 RT Lene Maiava (6-5, 305, Sr.) T.D. Gross (6-6, 290, Jr.) D.05 Oregon L +14' 13-51 u72' PK Casey Skowron (5-10, 165, Sr.) Josh Pollack (5-10, 180, Fr.) D.31 BOISE ST. L -3 30-38 p68 Defense DE Reggie Gilbert (6-4, 265, Sr.) Anthony Fotu (6-2, 275, Jr.) 2014 Arizona Final Stats DE Calvin Allen (6-6, 270, So.) Jeff Worthy (6-2, 290, Sr.) Arizona Opp NG Parker Zellers (6-1, 255, So.) Sani Fuimaono (6-1, 290, Jr.) LB Cody Ippolito (6-2, 245, Jr.) Marquis Ware (6-0, 230, Fr.) Points per game 35 28 LB Scooby Wright (6-1, 250, Jr.) Derrick Turituri (6-1, 265, Jr.) 1st Downs 346 337 LB Jake Matthews (6-3, 225, Jr.) DeAndre Miller (6-3, 230, So.) Rush Att 575 581 NS Jamar Allah (6-1, 190, Sr.) Tellas Jones (6-0, 190, Jr.) Rush Yards 2546 2377 NS William Parks (6-1, 195, Sr.) Carter Hehr (5-10, 190, So.) Avg Rush 4.4 4.1 NS DaVonte Neal (5-10, 175, Jr.) Anthony Lopez (5-11, 210, Sr.) Pass Comp 320 349 CB Jarvis McCall (6-2, 185, So.) Devon Brewer (5-10, 170, Fr.) Pass Att 564 534 CB Cam Denson (5-11, 170, So.) (6-2, 190, Jr.) NB Devin Holiday (5-10, 165, Jr.) Paul Magloire (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Yds 3945 3937 P Drew Riggelman (6-2, 215, Sr.) Anu Solomon (6-2, 205, So.) Had Int 10 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 464 451

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 131 around 11 yards per catch, but he still manages to The other returning DTs are very shaky which PAC 12 South Division #6 score touchdowns on a regular basis so this guy is could open things for JUCO newcomers Jordan better than he gets credit for. The rest of the wide Carrell and Leo Jackson. receivers are all speedy but badly undersized, the Colorado’s best defensive players are lineback- COLORADO best of whom is soph Shay Fields who as a ‘14 ers Addison Gillam and Kenneth Olugbode who (2-10-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 frosh caught 50 passes for 486 yards and four in 2014 finished one-two on the team tackle COACH: Mike MacIntyre Returning 52 scores. Soph Bryce Bobo should be the third charts. Gillam actually slipped a bit from his bril- STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 starter this year and he adds some badly needed liant frosh campaign, but still managed 79 tackles Defense 8 height to a group which tends to be too short by and 3.5 QB sacks, while Olugbode led the way GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #81 PAC-12 standards. Bobo had 23 catches and three with 83 tackles in his first year as a starter. The Year Two of the Mike MacIntrye did not go as TDs off the bench as a ‘14 freshman. Junior Sean rest of the linebackers don’t inspire much confi- well as hoped as the Buffaloes slipped from 4-8 to Irwin will be the new starter at tight end, a posi- dence, which is why we were a little shocked 2-10 after making enormous progress in 2013. tion which has become far less important in the when there was talk this spring that Colorado The 2-10 record was a massive disappointment to new offensive scheme the last few years. might move to a 3-4 defense in 2015. Coach MacIntrye and the long-suffering fans of The ground attack was somewhat improved Three starters are back in the secondary includ- this program are still waiting patiently for a return last season, but there’s still plenty of room for ing safety Tedric Thompson who might be a star to the glory days of the 1980’s and 1990’s when things to get better in 2015. Senior Christian for this team if he can ever stay healthy. Junior Colorado was consistently one of the top teams in Powell led the club with just 448 yards rushing moves to corner after playing out the country. But hidden beneath last year’s 2-10 and four TDs a year ago, while backups Michael of place at safety last year, while vet Kenneth record were some major positives, though almost Adkins and Phillip Linsday combined for another Crawley is back as the other CB. This group took ALL of those positives came on the offensive side 789 yards off the bench. Coach MacIntyre is obvi- a pretty severe beating last season! of the football as the Buffaloe defense continued ously a strong believer in alternating his running GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: While we to be one of the worst in the nation. In fact, it’s backs to keep everyone fresh. like Mike MacIntrye as a coach, we feel he just kinda hard to believe that a team which averaged Up front, Colorado will need two new starting took on too much here at Colorado as it will 29 points per game last year could only win two guards but center Alex Kelley does return in the surely take several years to build a winner at games, but that’s what Colorado did in 2014! middle, as do both tackle regulars in the combo of this school which has been so down for so long. While there wasn’t a lot to cheer about last Stephane Nembot and Jeromy Irwin. None of the And playing in the PAC-12 might not be the year, things generally weren’t boring thanks to the three will be making reservations on the All-PAC- best fit as far as recruiting here over the long play of starting quarterback Sefo Liufau, who 12 team anytime soon! Based on spring drills, it haul either. It looks like another long year. kept “chucking and ducking” despite less than looks like the new OG regulars figure to be letter- 2015 Colorado Schedule ideal blocking up front. Overall, Liufau complet- men Shane Callahan and Gerrad Kough, though ed 325 of 498 passes (65%) for 3,200 yards and they will be pushed by junior Sully Wiefels. The 9/3 at Hawaii 28 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. While O-line play is still nothing special, but it has 9/12 MASSACHUSETTS Liufau has learned how to get rid of the ball very improved dramatically the past two years. 9/19 vs. Colorado State Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the quickly to avoid sacks, this does limit his ability 9/26 Nicholls State defensive line which was truly dreadful last sea- to consistently get the ball down field, plus he still 10/3 OREGON has a tendency to force the ball at times which son in pretty much every aspect of the game. The 10/10 at Arizona State leads to interceptions. However, he is definitely Colorado coaches feel young ends Jimmie Gilbert an above average QB by PAC-12 standards and and Derek McCartney do have some potential as 10/17 ARIZONA clearly Colorado’s best player. Junior Jordan pass rushers after combining for seven sacks a 10/24 at Oregon State Gehrke returns as the top backup QB. year ago, but both played poor run defense. 10/31 at UCLA Juniors Samson Kafovalu and Tyler Henington sat Liufau’s favorite target will again be sure- 11/7 STANFORD handed senior , who a year ago out last season but return in ‘15 to compete for 11/13 SOUTHERN CAL hauled in a whopping 106 passes for 1,198 yards starting roles outside. On the inside, seniors Justin and 12 touchdowns! The knock on Spruce is that Solis and have been major flops 11/21 at Washington State he’s primarily a possession receiver who doesn’t despite great size and now Tupou may miss this 11/28 at Utah get open down field which is he averages only season as he deals with criminal assault charges. 2014 COLORADO RESULTS 2015 COLORADO DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-10 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 7-5) Offense A.29 Colo. St. L -2' 17-31 u59 QB Sefo Liufau (6-4, 230, Jr.) Jordan Gehrke (6-1, 195, Jr.) S.06 Mass. L -17' 41-38 o49' RB Christian Powell (6-0, 230, Sr.) Michael Adkins (5-10, 195, Jr.) S.13 ARIZ. ST. W +15' 24-38 u68' WR Nelson Spruce (6-1, 195, Sr.) Devin Ross (5-9, 170, So.) S.20 HAWAII W -8' 21-12 u60 WR Shay Fields (5-11, 170, So.) Elijah Dunston (6-0, 185, So.) WR Bryce Bobo (6-2, 190, So.) Joseph Hall (5-9, 165, So.) S.27 California W +14 56-59 o66 WR Donovan Lee (5-8, 170, So.) Jay MacIntrye (5-10, 185, Fr.) O.04 ORE. ST. W +6 31-36 o55 TE Sean Irwin (6-3, 245, Jr.) Hayden Jones (6-6, 245, Fr.) O.18 So. Cal L +20' 28-56 o61 C Alex Kelley (6-2, 305, Jr.) Jonathan Huckins (6-3, 305, So.) O.25 UCLA W +14 37-40 o67 LG Shane Callahan (6-6, 300, Jr.) Sully Wiefels (6-3, 300, Jr.) N.01 WASH. L +3' 23-38 o57 RG Gerrad Kough (6-4, 295, So.) Colin Sutton (6-4, 290, So.) N.08 Arizona L +17' 20-38 u70 LT Jeromy Irwin (6-5, 295, Jr.) Sam Kronshage (6-5, 285, So.) N.22 Oregon L +32' 10-44 u74 RT Stephane Nembot (6-7, 300, Sr.) Ed Caldwell (6-5, 300, Jr.) PK Diego Gonzalez (5-11, 210, Jr.) Chris Graham (6-3, 220, So.) N.29 UTAH W +9 34-38 o56' Defense DE Derek McCartney (6-3, 245, So.) Samson Kafovalu (6-5, 250, Jr.) 2014 Colorado Final Stats DE Jimmie Gilbert (6-4, 235, Jr.) Tyler Henington (6-2, 250, Jr.) Colorado Opp DT Josh Tupou (6-3, 325, Sr.) Leo Jackson (6-3, 285, So.) Points per game 29 39 DT Justin Solis (6-1, 305, Sr.) Jordan Carrell (6-3, 280, Jr.) LB Kenneth Olugbode (6-0, 215, Jr.) Travis Talianko (6-1, 215, Jr.) 1st Downs 296 271 LB Addison Gillam (6-3, 225, Jr.) Ryan Severson (5-10, 210, Jr.) Rush Att 451 437 LB Christian Shaver (6-3, 235, So.) Deaysean Rippy (6-2, 225, Jr.) Rush Yards 1855 2458 FS Evan White (6-2, 195, So.) Ryan Moeller (6-0, 205, So.) Avg Rush 4.1 5.6 SS Tedric Thompson (6-0, 200, Jr.) Afolabi Laguda (6-2, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 348 244 CB (6-1, 180, Sr.) (6-3, 185, Jr.) Pass Att 545 408 CB Chidobe Awuzie (6-0, 190, Jr.) Yuri Wright (6-1, 170, Jr.) NB John Walker (5-9, 175, Jr.) Marques Mosley (6-0, 185, Jr.) Pass Yds 3415 3074 P Alex Kinney (6-0, 195, Fr.) Chris Graham (6-3, 220, So.) Had Int 15 3 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 439 461

132 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL Colby Pearson will also look for larger roles this Taele gives the Cougars another proven player at West Independent #1 season after combining for 26 receptions off the end. Junior Travis Tuiloma is a major run stuffer pines a year ago. One new face who could be tick- at the nose guard position. eted for a heavy role is redshirted JUCO transfer At linebacker, senior vets Jherremya Leuta- BYU Nick Kurtz who has the size/speed combination to Douyere and Manoa Pikula are favored to start on (8-5-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 be a major impact player for BYU. Coach the inside, while more talented sophs Fred Warner COACH: B. Mendenhall Returning 47 Mendenhall will have a big hole to fill at tight end and Sione Takitaki are expected to get the nod on STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 with the graduation of long-time starter Devin the outside. None of these four had even 50 tack- Defense 7 Mahina, though the BYU coaches are very high les a year ago. Also pushing for starting roles at GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #41 on redshirt freshman Steven Richards. linebacker are lettermen , Austin The Cougars got off to a great start last year Star running back Jamaal Williams was limited Heder, Sae Tautu and Troy Hinds. and stood at 4-0 heading into a big matchup with to five starts with a knee injury last year, but when Juniors Michael Davis (CB) and in-state rival Utah State. But then the season healthy he picked up 518 yards rushing and four (FS) are returning starters in the secondary, but imploded as outstanding run-oriented quarterback TDs. Williams should be ready to go for the start neither played overly well in ‘14. Sophs Jordan went down with a broken leg and the of the ‘15 campaign, though he did sit out all Preator and Micah Hannemann are also battling entire year was thrown into disarray. Eventually, spring. Junior Algernon Brown is a big, physical for starting CB roles, while JUCO transfer Eric star running back Jamaal Williams would also go runner who can also lead block and he ran for 324 Takenaka is slated to be the new strong safety. down and Coach Bronco Mendenhall was forced yards off the bench last season. Seniors Nate GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The percep- to completely change his scheme and go with a Carter and Adam Hine combined for another 444 tion among casual fans is that BYU has slipped pass-happy offensive playbook. The result was a yards off the bench in ‘14 and they add valuable a little bit in recent years because they no modest 8-5 record for a team which looked like a depth in the backfield. longer have the overwhelming offense they powerhouse at the start of the season. But now if Three full-time regulars are back on the offen- once had in their glory years. This perception QB Hill is back at 100 percent, the Cougars could sive line, plus BYU also has three other players is completely wrong. This team averaged 37 be much improved in 2015. up front who started games a year ago. The best of points per game and still lost five games a year The loss of Taysom Hill was a massive blow to this group is probably left guard Kyle Johnson ago and they did this despite playing superb this club last year. Before getting hurt, Hill had who has earned 20 starts over his first two seasons run defense. The real problem is a VERY leaky completed 88 of 132 passes (67%) for 975 yards here, while senior tackle is also pass defense which killed the Cougars a year and seven TDs against three interceptions, but his very experienced. Soph center Tejan Koroma was ago and may do so again in 2015. If BYU is to real skill comes when he runs with the football. In a surprise starter as a ‘14 frosh, while his more be a Top 25 team this year, they will need to fig- just four games and another quarter in the fifth, talented classmates Ulli Lapuaho and Tuni ure out how to stop enemy passers. Hill carried the ball 87 times for 460 yards and a Kanuch also earned multiple starts as freshmen. 2015 BYU Schedule team-high eight touchdowns! If fully healthy, this The depth here is not as good as you are used to guy is an absolute force as a runner and he’s not seeing for BYU offensive linemen. 9/5 at Nebraska all that bad as a passer either! If Hill were to get On defense, the front seven did a rock solid job 9/12 BOISE STATE hurt, the new QB would almost certainly be high- against the run but did not provide enough pass 919 at UCLA rush at times which really hurt a shaky group of ly-touted redshirt freshman Tanner Mangum who 9/26 at Michigan has recently returned from a two-year Mormon defensive backs. All three D-line starters return, 10/2 CONNECTICUT Mission. but one of them will surely be sent to the bench in BYU got a nice break when star wideout Mitch 2015 since BYU has moved former DE standout 10/10 EAST CAROLINA Mathews decided to wait on the NFL for a year back up front after a year spent 10/16 CINCINNATI and return to school. In 2014, Mathews caught a out of position at outside linebacker. While 10/24 WAGNER team-best 73 passes for 922 yards and nine TDs. Kaufusi still led the team with seven sacks last 11/6 at San Jose season, he often looked lost at an OLB spot so it The other returning starter at wideout is junior 11/14 at Missouri Mitchell Juergens who picked up 28 catches for was a smart move by the Cougars to move him 11/21 FRESNO STATE 424 yards and four TDs, while senior Terenn back to defensive end this year. That means either Houk is also back after catching 21 balls off the Graham Rowley or Remington Peck will work off 11/28 at Utah State bench in 2014. Lettermen Devon Blackmon and the bench this year, while fellow senior Logan 2014 BYU RESULTS 2015 BYU DEPTH CHART (SUR: 8-5 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 9-4) Offense A.29 Connecticut W -16 35-10 u53 QB Taysom Hill (6-2, 235, Sr.) Tanner Mangum (6-3, 200, Fr.) S.06 Texas W -1 41-7 o46 RB Jamaal Williams (6-0, 210, Sr.) Nate Carter (5-9, 185, Sr.) S.11 HOUSTON L -17' 33-25 u61 RB Algernon Brown (6-1, 230, Jr.) Adam Hine (6-1, 210, Sr.) S.20 VIRGINIA L -14' 41-33 o48 WR Mitch Mathews (6-6, 215, Sr.) Nick Kurtz (6-6, 205, Jr.) O.03 UTAH ST. L -21 20-35 o51' WR Mitchell Juergens (5-10, 185, Jr.) Devon Blackmon (6-1, 185, Sr.) O.09 Ucf L +3 24-31 o45' WR Terenn Houk (6-5, 225, Sr.) Colby Pearson (6-0, 195, Jr.) O.18 NEVADA L -11 35-42 o57 TE Steven Richards (6-3, 235, Fr.) Tanner Balderree (6-2, 250, So.) O.24 Boise St. L +6' 30-55 o57' C Tejan Koroma (6-0, 285, So.) Parker Dawe (6-3, 290, Jr.) N.01 Mtsu W -3 27-7 u63' LG Kyle Johnson (6-4, 305, Jr.) Manu Mulitalo (6-2, 375, Jr.) N.15 UNLV L -26 42-23 o62' RG Tuni Kanuch (6-3, 325, So.) Jaterius Gulley (6-3, 350, Fr.) N.22 SAVANNAH W -61' 64-0 u74 LTRyker Mathews (6-6, 320, Sr.) Brad Wilcox (6-7, 305, Jr.) N.29 California W +3' 42-35 o72' RT Ulli Lapuaho (6-7, 335, So.) Austin Hoyt (6-7, 280, Fr.) PK Trevor Samson (5-11, 185, Sr.) Moose Bingham (5-10, 180, Jr.) D.22 Memphis L +1' 48-55 o56 Defense DE Bronson Kaufusi (6-7, 265, Sr.) Remington Peck (6-4, 275, Sr.) 2014 BYU Final Stats DE Graham Rowley (6-4, 280, Sr.) Logan Taele (6-2, 280, Sr.) BYU Opp NG Travis Tuiloma (6-2, 285, Jr.) Kesni Tausinga (6-1, 310, So.) Points per game 37 28 LB Fred Warner (6-3, 230, So.) Sae Tautu (6-3, 235, Jr.) LB Manoa Pikula (6-1, 235, Sr.) Austin Heder (6-2, 235, Jr.) 1st Downs 325 282 LB Jherremya Leuta-Douyere (6-1, 240, Sr.) Harvey Langi (6-2, 240, Jr.) Rush Att 567 483 LB Sione Takitaki (6-2, 240, So.) Troy Hinds (6-5, 235, So.) Rush Yards 2363 1584 FS Kai Nacua (6-1, 210, Jr.) Chris Badger (6-1, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.2 3.3 SS Eric Takenaka (5-10, 205, Jr.) Grant Jones (6-5, 210, So.) Pass Comp 289 318 CB Michael Davis (6-2, 285, Jr.) Michael Shelton (5-9, 180, Fr.) Pass Att 483 549 CB Jordan Preator (6-0, 185, So.) Garrett Juergens (5-10, 185, Jr.) NB Micah Hannemann (6-0, 185, So.) Dayan Lake (5-11, 190, Fr.) Pass Yds 3623 3506 P Taylor Parker (6-3, 195, Fr.) Chasen Brown (6-0, 175, Fr.) Had Int 12 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 461 392

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 133 State transfer Rick Smith will push for a starting Gray. Weaver has been terrific his first two sea- MWC Mountain Div. #1 wideout role, plus there’s some other promising sons, but it was Vallejo who emerged as a star in depth at the position. And speaking of depth, the 2014 with a team-high 100 tackles, 16.5 hits for Broncos are absolutely loaded at tight end where minus yardage and three sacks. BOISE STATE soph Jake Roh is a rising star and former starters The five-man secondary is not as awesome as (12-2-0) LETTERMEN Lost 14 Holden Huff and Alec Dhaenens are excellent the front line, but this group is still above average COACH: Bryan Harsin Returning 49 backups. Roh caught 35 passes for 408 yards as a with team leader Darian Thompson back at safety STARTERS RETURNING Offense 9 ‘14 frosh and could play an even larger role as he and the return of feisty corners and Defense 8 gains experience. And Coach Harsin will also . Boise also gets a big lift from GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #23 need to find playing time for redshirt frosh Chase the arrival of two highly-touted JUCO transfers in Boise State slipped a tiny bit back in 2013 and Blakley who may be the best of the bunch! the duo of Kameron Miles and Raymond Ford, there were some worries that things might fall Superstar running back Jay Ajayi jumped ship plus the Broncos also get back former starting apart after the exit of tremendous head coach a year early for the NFL Draft which is a major nickel man who sat out all of last Chris Pedersen, but the Broncos came roaring blow to the ground game. Ajayi ran for over 1,800 year due to injury. Safeties Chanceller James, back under Bryan Harsin last year. This team yards and 28 TDs last season! Devan Demas and Dillon Lukehart and Dylan Sumner-Gardner look racked up 12 victories in 2014 including a win converted wide receiver Jeremy McNichols are well-prepared to take on much larger roles this over Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl as Coach Harsin the leading candidates to replace Ajayi. Both will season. Overall, this defense figures to be much made some people quickly forget about the previ- see plenty of carries and watch out for the speedy improved in 2015. ous coaching staff. And now Boise State is armed McNichols who may be the most explosive play- GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Boise State with 17 returning starters, 49 total lettermen and a er on this roster. Redshirt freshman Cory Young may be a quarterback and a running back very strong recruiting class as local fans have will also push for field time at running back. away from a perfect season! So if someone already begun talk of an undefeated season! The situation along the offensive line is simply steps up big-time at these two positions, then The Broncos have had some erratic play at amazing as all five starters and all five second this club could make short work of a fairly dif- quarterback in recent seasons, though the now stringers return to action. The leader here is All- ficult schedule that includes Washington at graduated Grant Hedrick did play very well as a MWC center Travis Henry, while the left side of home and road trips to BYU and Utah State. senior despite making several key mistakes. The the line is also top shelf led by guard Travis But the talent level on both sides of the football new #1 guy is talented but erratic soph Ryan Averill and tackle Rees Odhiambo, the latter of is the best it has been since the glory years of Finley who struggled a bit as the top backup in whom may be an all-league this season. Juniors Kellen Moore and a run at the National title. 2014. But Finley has a lot of talent, so the gener- Steven Baggett and Mario Yakoo are rock solid on Boise looks to be a surefire Top 25 team this al consensus in Boise is that he’ll be at least ade- the right side and the depth here is outstanding. season and a likely major bowl participant. quate as the new starter. The rest of the returnees Eight starters are back on defense including 2015 Boise State Schedule here are not impressive, so if Finely should falter pass rushing demon Kamalei Correa, who came look for Coach Harsin to hand over the offense to out of nowhere last year to record 59 tackles, 19 9/4 WASHINGTON heralded true frosh recruit , the hits for minus yardage and 12 QB sacks! Correa is 9/12 at BYU nephew of former NFL star Mark Rypien. a legit All-American candidate this year and he 9/18 IDAHO STATE gets even more help on the outside with the return The Boise offense includes a ton of short, 9/25 at Virginia of former standout Tyler Horn, who sat out the quick passes and they have the ideal pass catcher 10/3 HAWAII for that role in tiny speed demon Shane Williams- entire ‘14 campaign due to injury. Junior Gabe Rhodes, who in ‘14 hauled in a team-leading 68 Perez adds nice depth at the DE posts, plus Boise 10/10 at Colorado State passes for 585 yards and seven TDs. This kid was has several talented redshirt frosh ends ready to 10/16 at Utah State so efficient last year that he was only “targeted” make their debuts this year. On the inside, vets 10/24 WYOMING on 76 occasions but still managed 68 catches Armand Nance and Sam McCaskill are strong run 10/31 at UNLV defenders and the DT depth is also quite solid. which is insane! Junior Thomas Sperbeck also 11/14 NEW MEXICO came up with a breakout season in 2014 as he The Broncos go back and forth between using 11/20 AIR FORCE caught 51 balls for 877 yards and three scores, two and three linebackers, but they are truly while fellow junior Chaz Anderson is also back as loaded at the position with the quartet of Tanner 11/27 at San Jose State the third returning starter here. Talented Arizona Vallejo, Ben Weaver, Joe Martarano and Tyler 2014 BOISE STATE RESULTS 2015 BOISE STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 12-2 PSR: 8-6 O-U: 9-4-1) Offense A.28 Mississippi L +10 13-35 u53 QB Ryan Finley (6-4, 200, So.) Brett Rypien (6-2, 185, Fr.) S.06 COLO. ST. W -9 37-24 o55 RB Devan Demas (5-8, 180, Jr.) Jeremy McNichols (5-9, 200, So.) S.13 Connecticut W -16 38-21 o49 WR Shane Williams-Rhodes (5-6, 170, Sr.) Troy Ware (6-2, 195, Sr.) S.20 LA.-LAF. W -17' 34-9 u61 WR Thomas Sperbeck (6-0, 180, Jr.) D.J. Dean (6-1, 195, So.) S.27 Air Force L -13 14-28 u57' WR Chaz Anderson (5-10, 185, Jr.) A.J. Richardson (6-0, 210, Fr.) O.04 Nevada W -4 51-46 o52' WR Rick Smith (5-9, 175, Jr.) Sean Modster (5-11, 190, Fr.) O.17 FRESNO ST. L -17 37-27 o62' TE Jake Roh (6-3, 225, So.) Holden Huff (6-6, 230, Sr.) O.24 BYU W -6' 55-30 o57' C Marcus Henry (6-3, 300, Sr.) Mason Hampton (6-3, 285, So.) N.08 New Mexico L -18' 60-49 o61 LG Travis Averill (6-3, 305, Jr.) Kellen Buhr (6-1, 295, Jr.) N.15 S. DIEGO ST. L -14 38-29 o57 RG Mario Yakoo (6-4, 330, Jr.) Archie Lewis (6-3, 285, So.) N.22 Wyoming W -13' 63-14 o52' LTRees Odhiambo (6-4, 305, Sr.) Eli McCullough (6-5, 295, So.) N.29 UTAH ST. W -9' 50-19 o55' RTSteven Baggett (6-3, 295, Jr.) Jerhen Ertel (6-6, 285, Sr.) D.06 FRESNO ST. L -23 28-14 u69 PK Tyler Rausa (5-9, 195, Jr.) Blake Gonzalez (5-9, 180, Fr.) D.31 Arizona W +3 38-30 p68 Defense DE Kamalei Correa (6-3, 250, Jr.) Gabe Perez (6-4, 240, Jr.) 2014 Boise State Final Stats DE Tyler Horn (6-5, 275, Sr.) Jabril Frazier (6-4, 240, Fr.) Boise State Opp DT Armand Nance (6-0, 315, Sr.) Justin Taimatuia (6-0, 300, Sr.) Points per game 40 27 DT Sam McCaskill (6-3, 260, Jr.) Elliot Hoyte (6-4, 275, Jr.) LB Tanner Vallejo (6-1, 230, Jr.) Tyler Gray (6-4, 230, Sr.) 1st Downs 338 258 LB Ben Weaver (6-0, 235, Jr.) Joe Martarano (6-3, 230, So.) Rush Att 609 516 NS Chanceller James (6-2, 215, Jr.) Dylan Sumner-Gardner (6-1, 195, So.) Rush Yards 2994 1996 NS Darian Thompson (6-2, 210, Sr.) Evan Tyler (6-1, 185, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.9 3.9 NS Kameron Miles (6-1, 210, So.) Dillon Lukehart (6-1, 210, Sr.) Pass Comp 310 280 CB Donte Deayon (5-9, 155, Sr.) Cameron Hartsfield (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Att 451 488 CB Jonathan Moxey (5-10, 190, Jr.) Raymond Ford (5-10, 175, Jr.) Pass Yds 3926 3260 NB Mercy Maston (5-11, 200, Sr.) Ladarryl Blair (5-11, 180, Fr.) P Sean Wale (6-2, 185, Jr.) Isaac Dodd (6-1, 190, Fr.) Had Int 15 22 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 494 375

134 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL who a year ago combined for 117 catches and sophomore he recorded 123 tackles, 16.5 hits for MWC Mountain Div. #2 nine touchdowns. Former starter Brandon negative yardage, seven sacks and five forced Swindall also returns after missing the ‘14 cam- fumbles! Senior vets L.T. Filiaga and Jordan paign due to injury and he’ll compete with fellow Baldomero are rock solid on the outside, but UTAH STATE senior Devonte Robinson who had 24 catches off Coach Wells will also need to find room for for- (10-4-0) LETTERMEN Lost 18 the bench last year. There’s also strong depth at mer All-MWC pass rusher who COACH: Matt Wells Returning 42 wide receiver, plus tight end Wyatt Houston is missed all of 2014 with a knee injury. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 also back after posting 19 grabs a year ago. The talent parade continues in the secondary Defense 6 While the starter has graduated at running where the Aggies bring back three of five return- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #55 back, the Aggies do welcome back highly produc- ing starters including the cornerback combo of Utah State continued its recent run of success tive sub LaJuan Hunt who ran for 540 yards off Daniel Gray and , the latter of whom in 2014 as the Aggies racked up 10 more victories the pines as a ‘14 freshman. Hunt will be backed was terrific as a frosh starter in ‘14. Underrated including another bowl win as Utah State domi- up this year by solid vet Rashad Hall and talented junior Devin Centers leads the way at safety nated UTEP in the New Mexico Bowl. And it was JUCO transfer Devante Mays, plus Utah State where there are some solid veterans waiting to fill a great season for Head Coach Matt Wells as his uses a lot of gimmick running plays which also two vacant starting roles, however the vets may Aggies overcame a nasty run of injuries which feature speedy wideout JoJo Natson and starting be pushed aside in favor of promising redshirt forced them to use all sorts of new players in the linebacker Nick Vigil who combined for another freshmen Jontrell Rocquemore and Aaron Wade. starting lineup over the course of the 2014 cam- 650 yards rushing on trick plays in 2014! Another key performer here is nickel corner paign. And now Coach Wells and his Aggies will Up front, the Aggies lose All-MWC left tackle Bryant Hayes, who covers the slot well and is a be out to prove that they can compete with the Kevin Whimpey but bring back all four starters dangerous blitzer in the pass rush. Boise State Broncos for the Mountain West title besides him. The strength this year will be on the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team after Boise ripped this club a year ago. right side where Jake Simonich and Taani Fisilau has a real chance to walk off with the MWC The Aggies are one of the few teams in the will form a potent run blocking combo, while the title this season, but they will need to maintain country that can legitimately claim to have three other returning regulars are left guard Tyshon a lot better health than they have the last two returning starters at the quarterback position! Mosley and center Austin Stephens. The new left seasons when injuries were a horrible problem. That’s because long-time #1 guy Chuckie Keeton tackle will be either JUCO newcomer Preston If the offense can go back to what it was a few got hurt early last year, as did his replacement Brooksby or redshirt freshman Cody Boyer. years ago, the Utah State defense should again Darell Garretson, which forced #3 Kent Myers to Junior Austin Albrecht heads up a solid reserve O- be as good as anyone in this league. We look for start six games including the bowl win over line corps. another outstanding won-loss record and a UTEP. That means Utah State has three different Utah State has consistently boasted one of the spirited run at the league championship. QBs who have all guided this team to at least one best defensive lines in the country over the last 2015 Utah State Schedule bowl win over the last three seasons! If healthy, three or four years and this should again be the the athletic Keeton is the starter here but he has case in 2015 even with the loss of all-leaguers like 9/3 SOUTHERN UTAH now missed almost two full seasons since he was B.J. Larsen and Elvis Kamana-Matagi. But the 9/12 at Utah the best player in this conference back in 2012. depth of talent here is very impressive as Utah 9/19 at Washington State will still have no fewer than six proven per- Keeton can run or throw with equal skill, but he 10/3 COLORADO STATE will need to prove that his surgically repaired formers on their three-man front wall, including 10/10 at Fresno State knee is truly healthy this season. If not, then end Jordan Nielsen and nose man Travis Seefeldt Garretson has proved to be a strong replacement who could be the new standouts here in ‘15. As a 10/17 BOISE STATE and in 2014 he completed 91 of 135 passes (67%) team, the Aggies collected a whopping 50 QB 10/24 at San Diego State for 1,140 yards and eight TDs against just three sacks last season even though no one player 10/31 WYOMING interceptions before being lost for the season due reached double digits!!! 11/7 at New Mexico The star of the Utah State defense will be All- to injury. Athletic soph Myers filled in very nice- 11/14 at Air Force ly, but if Keeton and Garretson are healthy in American candidate Zach Vigil, who now 11/21 NEVADA 2015 then Myers will move to wide receiver. becomes the main man here with the graduation At wide receiver, the Aggies have two top of his older brother Nick to the NFL. Zach is actu- 11/28 BYU notch senior vets in Hunter Sharp and JoJo Natson ally the more talented of the two and as a 2014 2014 UTAH STATE RESULTS 2015 UTAH STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-4 PSR: 7-7 O-U: 8-6) Offense A.31 Tennessee L +4' 7-38 u51' QB Chuckie Keeton (6-2, 210, Sr.) Darell Garretson (6-0, 200, Jr.) S.06 IDAHO ST. L -36 40-20 o52 RB LaJuan Hunt (5-8, 195, So.) Rashad Hall (6-1, 215, Sr.) S.13 WAKE FORESTL -15 36-24 o44 WR Hunter Sharp (6-0, 200, Sr.) Kent Myers (6-0, 195, So.) S.20 Ark St. L +2' 14-21 u49' WR JoJo Natson (5-7, 160, Sr.) Andrew Rodriguez (5-10, 185, Jr.) O.03 Byu W +21 35-20 o51' WR Devonte Robinson (6-2, 190, Sr.) Braelon Roberts (6-3, 190, So.) O.11 AIR FORCE W -7' 34-16 o49 WR Brandon Swindall (6-4, 205, Sr.) Zach Van Leeuwen (6-1, 185, Fr.) O.18 Colo. St. W +5' 13-16 u55 TE Wyatt Houston (6-5, 255, Jr.) Landon Horne (6-3, 235, Jr.) O.25 UNLV L -17 34-20 o51 C Austin Stephens (6-3, 305, Jr.) Andrew Chen (6-3, 280, So.) N.01 Hawaii W -2' 35-14 o41' LG Tyshon Mosley (6-5, 290, So.) Jarom Ioane (6-6, 315, So.) N.07 Wyoming W -7 20-3 u46 RG Taani Fisilau (6-2, 295, Sr.) Brandon Taukeiaho (6-4, 315, So.) N.15 N. MEXICO L -19' 28-21 u54 LT Preston Brooksby (6-5, 285, Jr.) Cody Boyer (6-6, 275, Fr.) N.21 S. JOSE ST. W -14 41-7 o46' RT Jake Simonich (6-5, 295, Jr.) Austin Albrecht (6-5, 295, Jr.) N.29 Boise St. L +9' 19-50 o55' PK Jake Thompson (6-0, 215, Jr.) Brock Warren (6-2, 180, Jr.) D.20 Utep W -10 21-6 u45 Defense DE Jordan Nielsen (6-5, 275, Sr.) Siua Taufa (6-1, 270, Jr.) 2014 Utah State Final Stats DE Ricky Aliifua (6-3, 275, Jr.) John Taylor (6-2, 270, Sr.) Utah State Opp NG Travis Seefeldt (6-2, 300, Sr.) David Moala (6-2, 300, Sr.) Points per game 27 20 LB Kyler Fackrell (6-5, 250, Sr.) Torrey Green (6-2, 230, Sr.) LB Nick Vigil (6-2, 230, Jr.) Jarom Baldomero (6-0, 235, Sr.) 1st Downs 243 267 LB L.T. Filiaga (6-0, 240, Sr.) Ian Togiai (6-2, 250, So.) Rush Att 512 558 NS (6-1, 210, Sr.) Jontrell Rocquemore (6-2, 200, Fr.) Rush Yards 2521 1830 NS Devin Centers (5-9, 200, Jr.) Aaron Wade (6-2, 200, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.9 3.3 NS Kelvin Lee (5-10, 185, Sr.) Marquan Ellison (5-11, 185, Jr.) Pass Comp 243 265 CB Jalen Davis (5-10, 170, So.) Deshane Hines (5-10, 180, Sr.) Pass Att 389 489 CB Daniel Gray (5-11, 180, Jr.) Tyler Floyd (5-9, 185, Sr.) NB Bryant Hayes (5-9, 175, Sr.) Austin Cheney (5-9, 190, Jr.) Pass Yds 2782 3155 P Aaron Dalton (6-4, 220, Fr.) Jake Thompson (6-0, 215, Jr.) Had Int 11 19 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 379 356

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 135 also gets major help from tiny speed demon in 2014, but they do bring back two very solid MWC Mountain Div. #3 Garrett Brown and tight end . Last starters in inside man Connor Healy and speedy year, with defenses keying on Robinette, Brown outside man Dexter Walker. Healy was second on caught 36 balls for 535 yards and six TDs. Tight the team with 90 tackles and three sacks a year AIR FORCE end Griffin added 16 grabs for 307 yards and four ago, while Walker excels as a pass defender and is (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 24 more scores. And there’s even some decent depth basically an extra safety when Air Force needs COACH: Troy Calhoun Returning 36 in the receiving corps! one. Healy’s little brother Patrick Healy will line- STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 Air Force is also in superb shape at running up next to him at inside linebacker this fall, while Defense 4 back where they have several strong ball carriers, the other OLB figures to be junior Ryan Watson. GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #70 the best of whom is junior Jacobi Owens who is Another impact player for Air Force is hard- Air Force absolutely shocked us last year by coming off a breakout season in which he rushed hitting strong safety Weston Steelhammer, who a winning 10 games just one year after losing 10 for a team-leading 1,054 yards and five TDs. year ago filled up the stat sheet to the tune of 61 contests in 2013! Even though we all witnessed it Speedy Devin Rushing ran for another 356 yards tackles, six interceptions, three sacks and two last season, it’s still difficult to believe just how and three scores, while the Air Force also has a fumble recoveries! Classmate Hayes Linn has much this team improved from 2013 to 2014 as pair of bruising runners in the duo of Shayne claimed the other safety role, while it looks like the Flyboys were better in virtually every statisti- Davern and D.J. Johnson who look like lineback- the new cornerbacks will be Gavin McHenry and cal category than they had been the previous sea- ers rather than running backs! Davern blasted his Kalon Baker. McHenry is the big question mark son. You really have to give Head Coach Troy way to 513 yards and eight TDs, while Johnson here as he is a former starter who has the talent to Calhoun and his staff a ton of credit as they got added another 330 yards and tied Davern for the be a big-time player, but has consistently gotten in absolutely everything out of this Air Force squad team lead with eight touchdowns of his own! trouble as a cadet. If he’s ruled ineligible, his spot in 2014, including an easy bowl victory over The biggest question mark on offense is up in the lineup will likely go to junior Jesse Western Michigan. But what, if anything, can the front where Coach Calhoun needs to replace three Washington. Falcons do for an encore? departed starters. Seniors Matt Rochell (LT) and GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team Well, for starters the Falcons get a new first A.J. Ruechel (RG) are the two incumbents along was easy to root for last year as Air Force string quarterback this year as Kale Pearson has the O-line, while one vacant slot will definitely go shocked the college football world. And while finally graduated after a solid, but often injury- to junior Colin Sandor at left guard. The other two the Falcons will not fall apart this season, it plagued career. The new #1 man will be junior starting spots are somewhat up for grabs, but may prove almost impossible for the Flyboys to Nate Romine who actually started several games based on spring drills it looks like senior Sevrin match last year’s 10-3 success. Still, we feel Air as a 2014 freshman when Pearson was hurt. Based Remmo has won out at right tackle and junior Force has an excellent shot at another winning on what we have seen, Romine will be the best Dylan Vail has come pretty much out of nowhere record and minor bowl invite. pure passer Air Force has had in decades, but he to take over at center. The depth here is an 2015 Air Force Schedule will also be the weakest runner the Flyboys have unknown commodity at best. had under center in a long, long time. If Coach The Air Force defense made incredible strides 9/5 MORGAN STATE Calhoun gets fed up with Romine’s inability to last year as they went from one of the worst in the 9/12 SAN JOSE STATE make plays with his feet, he may turn to other country to a very solid unit, especially against the 9/19 at Michigan State run. But now seven starters must be replaced, so more traditional Air Force QBs like senior Carson 10/3 at Navy Roberts or athletic soph Tyler Williams who will this group may get off to a slower start in 2015. 10/10 WYOMING also get a look at wide receiver this year. The Falcons do have one impact player on the This is the best receiving corps Air Force has defensive line in senior end Alex Hansen, who a 10/17 at Colorado State had since the glory years of Dee Dowis and junior year ago collected 56 tackles, 10 hits for minus 10/24 FRESNO STATE Jalen Robinette is probably the greatest wide yardage and 3.5 QB sacks. Samual Byers leads a 10/31 at Hawaii receiver in school history and he still has two collection of juniors battling for the second defen- 11/7 ARMY sive end role, while the new nose guard is junior years left to play! Despite working in a heavily 11/14 UTAH STATE run-oriented attack, the large and very athletic David Harris who was absolutely terrific off the 11/20 at Boise State Robinette caught a team-high 43 passes for 806 bench last season. yards and four TDs a year ago. This kid has the At linebacker, the Falcons lose a fantastic play- 11/28 at New Mexico kind of talent that plays on Sundays! Robinette er in Jordan Pierce who had a “sick” senior season 2014 AIR FORCE RESULTS 2015 AIR FORCE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.30 NICHOLLS W -24 44-16 u69' QB Nate Romine (5-11, 195, Jr.) Karson Roberts (6-0, 195, Sr.) S.06 Wyoming L -1 13-17 u51 RB Jacobi Owens (6-0, 205, Jr.) Devin Rushing (5-10, 185, Sr.) S.13 Ga. St. L -11' 48-38 o63 RB Shayne Davern (6-0, 240, Jr.) Paco Solano (5-11, 210, Sr.) S.27 BOISE ST. W +13 28-14 u57' RB D.J. Johnson (5-10, 235, Jr.) Brenton Washington (5-11, 205, So.) O.04 NAVY W +3' 30-21 u56' WR Jalen Robinette (6-4, 215, Jr.) Alex Ludowig (5-11, 175, Sr.) O.11 Utah St. L +7' 16-34 o49 WR Garrett Brown (5-9, 180, Sr.) Tyler Williams (5-10, 185, So.) O.18 N. MEXICO L -9' 35-31 o57' TE Garrett Griffin (6-4, 240, Sr.) Riley Huff (6-3, 235, Sr.) N.01 Army W -3 23-6 u55 C Dylan Vail (6-2, 280, Jr.) Jordan Tyler (6-2, 265, So.) N.08 Unlv W -5' 48-21 o57 LG Colin Sandor (6-2, 275, Jr.) Jackson Wilson (6-3, 280, Jr.) N.15 NEVADA W -3 45-38 o53' RG A.J. Ruechel (6-1, 265, Sr.) Alexander Norton (6-2, 290, So.) N.21 San Diego St L +6 14-30 u49' LTMatt Rochell (6-3, 270, Sr.) Luke Brantley (6-4, 255, Sr.) N.28 COLO. ST. W +7' 27-24 u62 RT Sevrin Remmo (6-3, 255, Sr.) Allen Caunitz (6-4, 255, Jr.) PK Drew Oehrle (6-0, 175, Sr.) Brett Dunn (5-10, 190, Sr.) D.20 W. Michigan W +1' 38-24 o59 Defense DE Alex Hansen (6-3, 260, Sr.) Jalen Lacy (6-4, 250, Jr.) 2014 Air Force Final Stats DE Samual Byers (6-5, 260, Jr.) Kellen Cleveland (6-4, 240, Jr.) Air Force Opp NG David Harris (6-0, 270, Jr.) Santo Coppola (6-4, 285, So.) Points per game 32 24 LB Ryan Watson (6-3, 240, Jr.) Jacob Onyechi (6-1, 200, Jr.) LB Connor Healy (6-0, 235, Sr.) Claude Alexander (6-1, 220, Jr.) 1st Downs 287 249 LB Patrick Healy (6-1, 225, Jr.) D.J. Dunn (6-2, 220, Jr.) Rush Att 796 461 LB Dexter Walker (6-0, 210, Sr.) John Fior (6-1, 215, So.) Rush Yards 3550 1763 FS Hayes Linn (6-0, 185, Jr.) Brodie Hicks (6-2, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.5 3.8 SS Weston Steelhammer (6-2, 200, Jr.) Tyler Weaver (6-1, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 117 239 CB Gavin McHenry (6-0, 180, Sr.) Jayce Webster (5-9, 155, So.) Pass Att 206 434 CB Kalon Baker (6-0, 185, Sr.) James Jones IV (6-0, 170, Fr.) NB Jesse Washington (6-0, 185, Jr.) Roland Lapido (5-10, 185, Jr.) Pass Yds 1893 3369 P Brett Dunn (5-10, 190, Sr.) Drew Oehrle (6-0, 175, Sr.) Had Int 4 10 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 419 395

136 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL who was brilliant off the bench as a 2014 frosh. Two of three starters are gone at linebacker, but MWC Mountain Div. #4 Despite modest playing time, Williams hauled in the Rams do welcome back a rising star in speedy 30 passes for 430 yards and three scores. Other weak side man who picked up 51 promising sophs are also in the hunt for playing tackles and a team-best 6.5 QB sacks in ‘14. COLORADO ST. time at wide receiver. The Rams are in excellent Juniors Kevin Davis and Deonte Clyburn won the (10-3-0) LETTERMEN Lost 19 shape at tight end where incumbent starter Steven two vacant starting roles in spring practice, while COACH: Mike Bobo Returning 43 Walker caught 30 balls with four TDs in 2014, but others in the hunt for playing time at linebacker STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 may end up getting pushed back to the bench by this fall include some letter winners, as well as Defense 8 the arrival of former TE regular Kivon Cartwright redshirt freshman Josh Watson and JUCO new- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #80 who missed all but one game a year ago due to comer Deshon Mayes. Colorado State is coming off a hugely success- injury. Back in 2013, Cartwright was a rising star All four starters and several key subs are back ful season in which they won 10 games, though who scored six touchdowns. in the secondary including team leader Trent the Rams were “exposed” a bit near the end of the Superstar running back Dee Hart jumped ship Matthews who picked off three passes from his year as they finished out with a loss to Air Force a year early for the NFL leaving seniors Treyous free safety post in 2014. Fellow senior Kevin and a humiliating blowout in the bowl game Jarrells and Jasen Oden as the heirs apparent. Pierre-Louis will again be the other safety, while against Utah. But the attention at this school led to Jarrells and Oden combined for 726 yards rushing the cornerback posts once again belong to vets the SEC taking notice as head coach Jim and eight TDs off the bench last year so neither is Tyree Simmons and Preston Hodges. Former McElwain was lured away by the Florida Gators, overmatched. Purdue transfer Dalyn Dawkins starting corner DeAndre Elliott will likely fill the which is not entirely surprising since McElwain made some big noise in spring practice and there nickel role this season, while other key reserves in was once an SEC assistant at Alabama under Nick is talk in Fort Collins that the new coaching staff this area include Nick Januska, Kevin Nutt, Shun Saban. And the new head man here is also an SEC may prefer Dawkins over the returnees. Johnson and Justin Sweet. guy as former Georgia assistant and quarterback Up front, CSU loses just two starters, but one GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team Mike Bobo takes over as the new head coach here of them was All-American which is will be weaker than it was a year ago as we feel at Colorado State. Expectations are high and it a major blow. Right tackle Sam Carlson and right the Rams have very little chance of duplicating will NOT be easy to match last year’s success. guard Fred Zerblis will now be the key guys up last year’s impressive success. New Head The new coaching staff faces the unenviable front, plus the Rams have two centers with past Coach Mike Bobo may prove to be a good long task of replacing star quarterback Garrett Grayson starting experience in Kevin O’Brien and Jake term hire, but he walks into a very tough situ- who very quietly may have been the most under- Bennett. Junior Nick Callender should be fine at ation here as expectations are unrealistically rated player in the country over the past two sea- left guard, but there are worries at left tackle high. Colorado State will do well to earn a sons. Grayson threw for over 4,000 yards and 32 where no obvious favorite has emerged to replace third consecutive bowl invite. TDs a year ago and now takes his act to the NFL the rock solid Sambrailo. The depth here is also 2015 Colorado State Schedule where he should make a roster in 2015. Soph Nick somewhat suspect. Stevens is the heir apparent, but looked to be Lost in last year’s 10-3 record was the fact that 9/5 SAVANNAH STATE locked in a fairly tight battle with redshirt fresh- the CSU defense definitely slipped a bit from the 9/12 MINNESOTA man Coleman Key in spring drills. Even if one of year before. The new coaching staff has altered 9/19 COLORADO the defensive setup significantly and the good these two guys proves to be a solid starter, they 9/26 at UTSA news here is the Rams are loaded with seniors on will not come close to matching what Grayson did 10/3 at Utah State a year ago. this side of the ball. But incumbent DT regulars All-American Rashard Higgins leads the way Terry Jackson and Justin Hansen did not provide 10/10 BOISE STATE at wide receiver and he’s a fabulous talent, though much in the way of production last season, and 10/17 AIR FORCE it remains to be seen how he’ll fare in ‘15 with a senior end Joe Kawulok led all D-liners with a 10/31 SAN DIEGO STATE modest 3.5 QB sacks. It’s hoped that converted brand new QB. A season ago, Higgins caught 96 11/7 at Wyoming outside linebacker Steven Michel can provide passes and led the entire nation with 1,750 receiv- 11/14 UNLV ing yards and 17 TD catches! Senior Joe Hansley more outside pass rush at defensive end as he was added 35 receptions for 540 yards as a solid fairly productive off the bench in ‘14. Two key 11/21 at New Mexico starter in 2014, but he may get skipped over in the subs here are senior end Martavius Foster and 11/28 at Fresno State pecking order by talented soph JUCO newcomer Darnell Thompson. 2014 COLORADO STATE RESULTS 2015 COLORADO STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 10-3 PSR: 8-5 O-U: 6-7) Offense A.29 Colo. W +2' 31-17 u59 QB Nick Stevens (6-3, 190, So.) Coleman Key (6-4, 220, Fr.) S.06 Boise St. L +9 24-37 o55 TB Treyous Jarrells (5-7, 185, Sr.) Jasen Oden (5-11, 220, Sr.) S.13 UC DAVIS W -22' 49-21 o55 FB Nuuvali Faapito (6-0, 230, Jr.) Danny Nwosu (6-3, 250, So.) S.27 Boston Col W +7' 24-21 u56' WR Rashard Higgins (6-2, 190, Jr.) Elroy Masters (6-2, 210, So.) O.04 TULSA W -17' 42-17 u63' WR Joe Hansley (5-10, 180, Sr.) Jordan Vaden (6-3, 190, So.) O.11 Nevada W -2' 31-24 u64' WR Xavier Williams (6-4, 215, So.) Deionte Gaines (5-8, 175, So.) O.18 UTAH ST. L -5' 16-13 u55 TE Steven Walker (6-2, 240, Sr.) Kivon Cartwright (6-4, 245, Sr.) O.25 WYOMING L -19 45-31 o54' C Kevin O’Brien (6-3, 300, Sr.) Jake Bennett (6-3, 295, So.) N.01 San Jose St W -6' 38-31 o56' LG Nick Callender (6-5, 330, Jr.) Jordan Finley (6-3, 290, Sr.) N.08 HAWAII W -20' 49-22 o57' RG Fred Zerblis (6-3, 295, Jr.) Colby Meeks (6-4, 300, Fr.) N.22 N. MEXICO W -21 58-20 o65' LT Zack Golditch (6-6, 290, So.) Trae Moxley (6-5, 300, So.) N.28 Air Force L -7' 24-27 u62 RT Sam Carlson (6-4, 295, Sr.) Blake Nowland (6-6, 310, So.) PK Wyatt Bryan (6-0, 175, Fr.) Berto Garcia (5-7, 195, So.) D.20 Utah L +3 10-45 u57' Defense DE Joe Kawulok (6-6, 260, Sr.) Martavius Foster (6-4, 270, Sr.) 2014 Colorado State Final Stats DE Steven Michel (6-1, 235, Sr.) Johnny Schupp (6-5, 275, Jr.) Colorado St. Opp DT Terry Jackson (6-1, 280, Sr.) Josh Lovingood (6-4, 290, So.) Points per game 34 25 DT Justin Hansen (6-5, 305, Sr.) Darnell Thompson (6-4, 280, Jr.) LB Cory James (6-0, 240, Sr.) Bryan Ohene-Gyeni (6-1, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 299 293 LB Deonte Clyburn (6-1, 230, Jr.) Kiel Robinson (6-2, 225, So.) Rush Att 435 529 LB Kevin Davis (6-3, 235, Jr.) Josh Watson (6-2, 235, Fr.) Rush Yards 2071 2610 FS Kevin Pierre-Louis (6-1, 215, Sr.) Willie Udofia (6-1, 200, Sr.) Avg Rush 4.8 4.9 SS Trent Matthews (6-3, 210, Sr.) Nick Januska (6-2, 210, Sr.) Pass Comp 286 238 CB Tyree Simmons (5-11, 185, Jr.) Kevin Nutt (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Att 447 433 CB Preston Hodges (5-11, 200, Jr.) Shun Johnson (5-11, 170, So.) NB DeAndre Elliott (6-1, 185, Sr.) Justin Sweet (5-10, 190, So.) Pass Yds 4181 2915 P Hayden Hunt (5-11, 210, Jr.) Sam Fleugge (6-0, 165, So.) Had Int 7 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 481 425

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 137 mere eight receptions a year ago. One new face D’Avanzo. And Coach Davie will also take a look MWC Mountain Div. #5 who could make an impact at wideout is JUCO at Junior College D-liners like Jack Ziltz, Johnny transfer Delane Hart-Johnson, though it remains Williams and Christopher Lewis. to be seen how much New Mexico will throw the New Mexico’s best defender may be line- NEW MEXICO ball this year. Starting tight end Reece White does backer Dakota Cox, who a year ago easily led the (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 21 a nice job as a blocker, but had just eight catches club with 116 tackles. Cox will play outside in the COACH: Bob Davie Returning 54 all last year. new 3-3-5 alignment and his OLB partner will be STARTERS RETURNING Offense 7 The Lobos have excellent talent at running Ryan Langford, who started seven games a season Defense 7 back led by returning starters Jhurell Pressley and ago. Undersized but promising soph Kimmie GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #104 Teriyon Gipson, who are two of the most explo- Carson will take over in the middle after putting The New Mexico program has been making sive players in the Mountain West. A year ago, up 62 tackles as a part-time starter in ‘14. The top slow, but steady progress ever since Bob Davie Pressley carried the ball 114 times for 1,083 yards subs here are lettermen Donnie White, Michael came out of retirement to take over the head and 12 touchdowns as he averaged an amazing Arredondo and Richard Winston. coaching duties here. The Lobos have not been to 9.5 yards per carry! Fellow speed demon Gipson The new five-man secondary will feature three a bowl game in nearly a decade, but the 2015 carried it 150 times for 809 yards and eight returning regulars in the trio of Javon Boatright, squad could actually make a run at a post-season scores, while backups Romell Jordan and David Markel Byrd and Cranston Jones. Soph Byrd invite if Coach Davie can figure out how to shore Anaya pitched in with another 344 yards rushing showed the most potential of these three a year up a New Mexico defense that was pushed all off the bench. Pressley is a very talented guy who ago, but it was the undersized Jones who paced over the field a season ago. And while there are may have a real future at the NFL level one day. the club with three interceptions. Safeties Ryan still major defensive deficiencies, the ability to The O-line did a very nice job with the run Santos and Ricky Bennett are expected to be the run the ball and control the clock may enable this blocking last season, though the Lobos do lose other starters here, while one new face to keep a team to beat several of the weaker clubs on their two all-conference caliber blockers this year. close eye on is redshirted JUCO transfer Lee 2015 schedule. Senior Eddie Mahina is the new leader up front Crosby. JUCO corner Marquez Mackey may also Coach Davie made a change at quarterback at and he may end up playing both guard and center end up pushing for a starting role this fall. mid-season last year and it proved to be a good this season depending on which other players step GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Lobos decision as the smaller, faster Lamar Jordan up come September. Tackles Garrett Adcock and could end up having a really solid offense as we proved to be a better solution than veteran Cole Reno Henderson are the other two incumbent reg- love their talent at running back and we feel Gautsche, who was a very good power runner but ulars here, while senior Dillon Romine was a soph QB Jordan is a lot better than people really struggled as a passer. While Gautsche had backup last year but has played a lot UNM in the think. The defense, however, may prevent a run for 322 yards over the first six games, he had past. Same goes for former tackle regular Johnny run at the elusive bowl invite. completed a mere 12 passes during that time! But Vizcaino who missed all of last year due to injury. 2015 New Mexico Schedule Jordan was far more effective throwing the foot- How things lineup this fall will depend on the ball, completing 59 of 112 tosses (53%) for 895 progress of soph Toye Adewon and JUCO trans- 9/5 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ST. yards and six TDs against five interceptions, plus fer Tevita Fonua. 9/12 TULSA he also ran for 612 yards and three scores. With The New Mexico defense got pushed all over 9/18 at Arizona State the field last year as enemy offenses racked up a Gautsche being moved to tight end, you would 9/26 at Wyoming think Jordan had a firm lock on the first string job whopping 519 yards per game on their way to 36 10/3 NEW MEXICO STATE here, but Coach Davie has made mention that points per contest. Coach Davie has made a move JUCO newcomer Austin Apodaca could be given to a new 3-3-5 defensive scheme this year, but the 10/10 at Nevada a chance to play along with Jordan. Apodaca big problem here may simply be a basic lack of 10/17 HAWAII began his career at Washington State and is con- talent. Juniors William Udeh and Cole Juarez will 10/24 at San Jose State sidered an even better passer than Jordan. again divide up time at nose guard, while class- 11/7 UTAH STATE mate Nik D’Avanzo is the team’s best all-around The Lobos have not thrown the ball too much 11/14 at Boise State in their modified Option Attack in recent years, defensive lineman. A year ago, D’Avanzo picked 11/21 COLORADO STATE but they do need two new starters at wide receiv- up 52 tackles and a team-high 4.5 QB sacks. er. The likely candidates are lettermen Marquis Sophs Kene Okonkwo and Garret Hughes are the 11/28 AIR FORCE Bundy and Dameon Gamblin who combined for a early favorites to start on the flank opposite 2014 NEW MEXICO RESULTS 2015 NEW MEXICO DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 6-6 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.30 UTEP L -8 24-31 u63' QB Lamar Jordan (5-10, 185, So.) Austin Apodaca (6-2, 200, Jr.) S.06 ARIZ. ST. L +24 23-58 o68 RB Jhurell Pressley (5-10, 200, Sr.) David Anaya (5-9, 195, Sr.) S.20 N. Mex St L -3' 38-35 o63' RB Teriyon Gipson (5-8, 180, Jr.) Romell Jordan (5-8, 185, So.) S.26 FRESNO ST. L +5' 24-35 u69 WR (6-4, 210, Sr.) Ridge Jones (5-10, 170, Jr.) WR Dameon Gamblin (5-10, 175, Jr.) Delane Hart-Johnson (6-4, 200, So.) O.04 Utsa W +17 21-9 u54' WR Carlos Wiggins (5-8, 170, Sr.) Anu Somoye (6-2, 185, Fr.) O.10 S. DIEGO ST. L +4' 14-24 u52 TE Reece White (6-1, 230, Sr.) Chris Edling (6-3, 240, Sr.) O.18 Air Force W +9' 31-35 o57' C Toye Adewon (6-3, 320, So.) Aaron Jenkins (6-1, 310, Fr.) N.01 Unlv W +1 31-28 u61' LG Eddie Mahina (6-4, 300, Sr.) Tevita Fonua (6-3, 295, Jr.) N.08 BOISE ST. W +18' 49-60 o61 RG Dillon Romine (6-6, 295, Sr.) Draven Taylor (6-2, 305, Jr.) N.15 Utah St. W +19' 21-28 u54 LTReno Henderson (6-4, 275, Jr.) Izrael Castellanos (6-4, 280, Fr.) N.22 Colo. St. L +21 20-58 o65' RT Garrett Adcock (6-2, 295, Jr.) Johnny Vizcaino (6-2, 300, Jr.) PK Zack Rogers (5-9, 195, Sr.) (5-11, 185, So.) N.29 WYOMING W -4 36-30 o61' Defense DE Nik D’Avanzo (6-3, 285, Jr.) Jack Ziltz (6-2, 290, Jr.) 2014 New Mexico Final Stats DE Kene Okonkwo (6-3, 275, So.) Garrett Hughes (6-1, 275, So.) New Mexico Opp NG William Udeh (6-0, 295, Jr.) Cole Juarez (6-2, 305, Jr.) Points per game 28 36 LB Dakota Cox (6-0, 235, Jr.) Donnie White (6-1, 230, Jr.) LB Kimmie Carson (6-0, 205, So.) Michael Arredondo (6-1, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 205 306 LB Ryan Langford (6-4, 230, Sr.) Richard Winston (6-3, 225, Sr.) Rush Att 586 554 NS Ryan Santos (5-10, 180, Jr.) Geoff Smelser (6-1, 225, So.) Rush Yards 3725 3228 NS Markel Byrd (5-11, 190, So.) Juwan Jones (6-0, 200, Fr.) Avg Rush 6.4 5.8 NS Ricky Bennett (6-0, 210, So.) Jacob Girgle (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Comp 76 217 CB Cranston Jones (5-8, 180, Sr.) Isaiah Brown (5-11, 180, Jr.) Pass Att 149 359 CB Jadon Boatright (5-10, 175, Jr.) Marquez Mackey (5-11, 175, Jr.) NB Lee Crosby (5-11, 195, Jr.) Daniel Henry (6-1, 170, Jr.) Pass Yds 1069 2995 P Zack Rogers (5-9, 195, Sr.) Sam Gentry (6-6, 245, Jr.) Had Int 6 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 400 519

138 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL will turn to promising true frosh wideouts like One starter is back in outside ‘backer Lucas MWC Mountain Div. #6 C.J. Johnson, Justice Murphy, Dameko Doddles Wacha who registered a modest 52 stops a year and Joseph Parker. At tight end, junior Jacob ago and had just four tackles for losses. The other Hollister shared the starting role in ‘14 and could OLB will likely be Malkaam Muhammad, a little- WYOMING develop into a big factor in the passing game this used senior who has never started a game at this (4-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 28 year. Hollister, a former JUCO transfer, caught 17 level. Things are even less impressive in the mid- COACH: Craig Bohl Returning 33 passes for 244 yards last season. dle where the leading contenders for the open job STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 Coach Bohl loved to run the football during his are program vets Eric Nzeocha and Devin Defense 4 days at North Dakota State and he will do the McKenna who combined for exactly ONE tackle GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #112 same here if his offensive line proves adequate. a year ago! The first year of the Craig Bohl Era went pret- The Cowboys have two very good running backs Things are not quite as uncertain in the sec- ty much as expected as Wyoming was unable to in senior Shaun Wick and soph Brian Hill, who a ondary despite the return of just one starter, break out and finished at 4-8. We were shocked year ago combined for 1,549 yards rushing and 13 though there is still an alarming lack of proven when Coach Bohl left his “no-lose” situation at touchdowns. Valuable third string RB D.J. May players in this area. Soph safety Tim Kamana was North Dakota State to take on this rather tough was moved to defensive back this spring so junior a starter for most of his ‘14 frosh campaign, but rebuilding job here at Wyoming. And Bohl has Josh Tapscott or highly-touted true frosh recruit he posted just 44 tackles and one interception. certainly found things harder at this school as it’s Kellen Overstreet will also get some carries as the Juniors Xavier Lewis and D.J. May are also push- very tough to consistently recruit at Wyoming and third option here. ing for starting roles at safety along with redshirt there are some pretty good programs in the Three starters return along the offensive line, freshmen Adam Pilapil and Chavez Pownell. On Mountain West Conference like Boise State and but this group struggled for much of last year and the corners, lettermen Robert Priester and Tyran Utah State, for example. Now Coach Bohl will try there were rumors of major changes this spring. Finley were expected to be the new starters, but to turn things around as the Cowboys head into For example, incumbent center Rafe Kiely was on they might have been pushed aside this spring by the 2015 campaign. the verge of losing his job to the much lighter and promising redshirt freshmen C.J. Jennings and Coach Bohl spent the spring looking at new younger Charlie Renfree. The other returning reg- Anthony Makransky. quarterbacks as there were no fewer than six ulars are the left side combo of GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This club potential candidates fighting for the vacant start- (LG) and Ryan Cummings (LT), while the new has way too many holes to hope for any major ing role. But as it turned out, the fight was over right side starters will be soph Taylor Knestis at move up the MWC ladder in 2015. We like the before it started as Indiana transfer Cameron right tackle and converted defensive lineman Troy running backs and the defensive line, but other Coffman was far and away the best of the chal- Boyland at right guard. There are several redshirt than that, there’s not much here. It looks like a lengers for the job. Coffman looked really good freshmen who could also be a factor here this fall. fourth straight losing season at Wyoming. this spring and that makes sense considering he The defense was hit very hard by graduation as 2015 Wyoming Schedule was blocked by some pretty decent QBs before he just four starters are back on this side of the foot- decided to leave the Hoosiers. JUCO transfer . The best of the returnees is definitely defen- 9/5 NORTH DAKOTA Allen also distanced himself from the other can- sive end Eddie Yarbrough who should make a 9/12 EASTERN MICHIGAN didates and he was named the top backup behind pretty strong push for all-conference honors in 9/19 at Washington State ‘15 after racking up 63 tackles, 10.5 hits for neg- Coffman heading into the fall. 9/26 NEW MEXICO Graduation claimed both solid starting wide ative yardage and four QB sacks a season ago. 10/3 at Appalachian State receivers so there’s some pretty big rebuilding to Junior run stuffer Uso Olive is another returning do here. The good news is that junior letter win- starter up front and he’ll pair at the DT posts with 10/10 at Air Force ners and Jake Maulhardt did a nice undersized junior Chase Appleby. On the outside, 10/17 NEVADA job off the bench last year and should prove more senior Siasi Halaapiapi is the most likely DE part- 10/24 at Boise State than adequate as the new projected starters. In ner for Yarbrough. There is an alarming lack of 10/30 at Utah State depth along the D-line so several redshirt fresh- 2014, Gentry and Maulhardt combined for 53 11/7 COLORADO STATE receptions off the bench and appear capable of men will get some run here led by Jonathan 11/14 at San Diego State putting up some very nice numbers if the QB play Kongbo and Sidney Malauulu. proves solid. The rest of the veterans here are The situation at linebacker is not good as five 11/28 UNLV beyond suspect, so it seems likely that Wyoming of the top seven players from last year are gone. 2014 WYOMING RESULTS 2015 WYOMING DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-8 PSR: 4-8 O-U: 7-5) Offense A.30 MONTANA L -6 17-12 u59 QB Cameron Coffman (6-2, 190, Sr.) Josh Allen (6-5, 215, So.) S.06 AIR FORCE W +1 17-13 u51 TB Shaun Wick (5-10, 215, Sr.) Brian Hill (6-1, 205, So.) S.13 Oregon W +43' 14-48 u64 FB Drew Van Maanen (6-1, 225, So.) Jordan Ellis (6-2, 230, Jr.) S.20 FLA. ATL. L -3' 20-19 u47' WR Tanner Gentry (6-2, 200, Jr.) C.J. Johnson (6-2, 185, Fr.) WR Jake Maulhardt (6-6, 215, Jr.) Justice Murphy (6-1, 185, Fr.) S.27 Mich. St. L +28 14-56 o48 WR Tom Thornton (6-1, 205, Jr.) Dameko Doddles (6-2, 185, Fr.) O.11 Hawaii L +6 28-38 o45 TE (6-4, 235, Jr.) Tyree Mayfield (6-3, 230, Fr.) O.18 S.J. ST. L +2' 20-27 o46' C Rafe Kiely (6-3, 310, Sr.) Charlie Renfree (6-3, 275, So.) O.25 Colo. St. W +19 31-45 o54' LG Chase Roullier (6-4, 295, Jr.) Richard Bettencourt (6-3, 285, Fr.) N.01 Fresno St. W +14' 45-17 o58 RG Troy Boyland (6-2, 300, Sr.) Cole Turner (6-4, 290, Fr.) N.07 UTAH ST. L +7 3-20 u46 LTRyan Cummings (6-5, 295, So.) Eli Moody (6-3, 265, Jr.) N.22 BOISE ST. L +13' 14-63 o52' RT Taylor Knestis (6-5, 290, So.) Kurtis Stirneman (6-5, 275, So.) PK Justin Martin (5-10, 180, Jr.) Tristan Bailey (6-1, 190, Fr.) N.29 New Mexico L +4 30-36 o61' Defense DE Eddie Yarbrough (6-3, 255, Sr.) Trevor Meader (6-4, 240, So.) 2014 Wyoming Final Stats DE Siasi Halaapiapi (6-2, 255, Sr.) Jonathan Kongbo (6-6, 255, Fr.) Wyoming Opp DT Uso Olive (6-1, 305, Jr.) Dalton Fields (6-3, 275, So.) Points per game 21 33 DT Chase Appleby (6-0, 265, Jr.) Sidney Malauulu (6-3, 285, Fr.) LB Lucas Wacha (6-1, 220, Jr.) Luis Bach (6-2, 210, Fr.) 1st Downs 221 252 LB Eric Nzeocha (6-3, 220, Jr.) Devin McKenna (6-2, 225, Sr.) Rush Att 448 465 LB Malkaam Muhammad (6-0, 230, Sr.) Will Tutein (6-2, 215, Jr.) Rush Yards 1838 2436 FS Tim Kamana (5-11, 200, So.) Adam Pilapil (6-1, 185, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.1 5.2 SS Xavier Lewis (6-0, 195, Jr.) D.J. May (5-11, 205, Jr.) Pass Comp 212 214 CB Robert Priester (5-9, 170, So.) Ryone Winters (6-0, 180, So.) Pass Att 375 325 CB C.J. Jennings (5-10, 180, Fr.) Tyran Finley (5-9, 180, Sr.) NB Anthony Makransky (5-10, 180, Fr.) Chavez Pownell (5-11, 195, Fr.) Pass Yds 2733 2733 P Ethan Wood (6-3, 175, Jr.) Tristan Bailey (6-1, 190, Fr.) Had Int 10 3 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 381 431

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 139 men here are not overly impressive which is why Sanchez and Barrett combined for 75 tackles and MWC West Division #1 we believe tiny true frosh speed demon Desean 17 hits for minus yardage last season. Soph Holmes could be ticketed for huge playing time Dakota Turner and JUCO newcomer Randy Ricks from the minute he sets foot on campus. Holmes can provide more pass rush off the bench. SAN DIEGO ST. is a 4-Star prospect who turned down some huge Two of three starters are gone at linebacker, but (7-6-0) LETTERMEN Lost 20 schools to play at San Diego State. Converted QB the talent level here is still quite good led by COACH: Rocky Long Returning 38 Chase Favreau could also be a factor at wide incumbent OLB regular , who is STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 receiver this season. At tight end, vet Daniel coming off a breakout year in which he recorded Defense 8 Brunskill offers little as a pass receiver but is a 83 tackles, 11 hits for minus yardage, four sacks GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #66 devastating run blocker. and four interceptions! The Aztecs are also hoping The Aztecs were not one of the most exciting The Aztecs are a power running team in their for a healthy return from former All-MWC mid- teams in the nation last year, but as Head Coach heart and soul which is why it’s almost funny that dle linebacker Jake Fely who has missed most of Rocky Long has proven at this school, you can they start one of the smaller running backs in the the last two seasons due to a severe knee injury. still win more often than you lose if you utilize the nation in Donnel Pumphrey, who a year ago was And a solid group of returning LBs must fend off old-fashioned strategy of running the football and one of the most productive players in the nation as challenges from JUCO transfer Austin Thayer and playing good defense. And that was definitely the he carried the ball 276 times for 1,867 yards and true frosh blue chipper Kyahva Tezino who turned case last year as San Diego State was a terribly 20 TDs! Pumphrey is a very small guy with a down USC and UCLA to play here! inefficient passing team, but they ran the ball very huge heart who despite his narrow frame does The secondary is absolutely loaded as SDSU well and held opponents to 333 yards per game in most of his damage between the tackles in an area has one of the top CB combos in the nation in the total offense. The end result was a fifth straight normally reserved for big, physical backs. The duo of and J.J. Whitaker, plus winning season, though it should be noted that the other key running back here is senior Chase Price three rock solid safeties in the trio of Malik Smith, Aztecs beat only one quality team (Air Force) all who ripped off another 674 yards rushing and five Naim McGee and Trey Lomax. Whitaker and season long. Now Coach Long hopes to get this TDs as Pumphrey’s backup in ‘14. Rugged full- Kazee combined for a modest four interceptions team to another level, but he will need a passing back Adam Roberts has graduated, but senior last year, but they are both top notch cover guys. attack to achieve that goal. Dakota Turner was every bit as good as the #2 FB The depth here is also extremely solid led by San Diego State suffered through terrible QB last season. Brandon Porter and Billy Vaughn Jr. play last season as ‘14 starter Quinn Kaehler had Three starters are back along the O-line, GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: We like this a dreadful final year for the Aztecs. But help is though there is a possibility that solid right guard team’s defense a lot. And with a decent QB definitely on the way here led by big-time trans- regular Darrell Greene may be suspended for a finally on the roster, San Diego State should fers Maxwell Smith (Kentucky) and Daniel few early contests. Greene and Nico Siragusa make a legit run at the MWC title this year. Rodrigues (Oregon), who should skip over form a terrific run-blocking combo inside, while 2015 San Diego State Schedule returnees Nick Bawden and Christian Chapman. incumbent Pearce Slater and new starter Kwayde And based on spring practice, it now appears a Miller are rock solid at tackle. The only concern 9/5 SAN DIEGO virtual certainty that Smith will be the #1 guy and is at center where either Arthur Flores or Austin 9/12 at California he really was pretty good during his days at Maass need to prove that they can get the job 9/19 SOUTH ALABAMA done. The O-line depth gets a lift from the UAB Kentucky when he was able to avoid injuries. 9/26 at Penn State Smith should be a massive improvement over the transfer Ryan Krum and JUCO Ryan Pope. 10/3 FRESNO STATE departed Kaehler. Rodrigues has more natural tal- The unique 3-3-5 defense was very solid last ent than Smith, but he looked lost at times this year and should be even better this time around 10/10 at Hawaii spring and was being pushed for the backup job with eight returning starters, including all five in 10/17 at San Jose State by redshirt frosh Chapman. what promises to be one of the better defensive 10/23 UTAH STATE The wide receivers didn’t produce much last backfields in the nation. Up front, solid vets Jon 10/31 at Colorado State Sanchez and are back to start on the year, but this crew should benefit greatly from the 11/14 WYOMING improved play at quarterback this season. Juniors outside of the three-man front wall, while talented 11/21 at UNLV Lloyd Mills and Eric Judge are better than the former USC transfer Christian Heyward will be a combined 46 receptions they produced in 2014. force on the nose. Heyward played a lot off the 11/28 NEVADA After Mills and Judge, the other returning letter- bench last year and can be dominant at times. 2014 SAN DIEGO STATE RESULTS 2015 SAN DIEGO STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 1-12) Offense A.30 N. ARIZONA W -17' 38-7 u49' QB Maxwell Smith (6-5, 235, Sr.) Jake Rodrigues (6-3, 215, Jr.) S.06 N. Carolina W +15 27-31 u60 RB Donnel Pumphrey (5-9, 170, Jr.) Chase Price (5-8, 200, Sr.) S.20 Oregon St. L +10 7-28 u59 FB Dakota Gordon (5-10, 235, Sr.) Sal Jeppi (5-9, 220, Fr.) S.27 UNLV L -18 34-17 u56 WR Lloyd Mills (5-10, 170, Jr.) Desean Holmes (5-9, 170, Fr.) O.03 Fresno St. L +3 13-24 u58 WR Eric Judge (6-1, 190, Jr.) Mikah Holder (6-0, 175, So.) O.10 New Mexico W -4' 24-14 u52 WR Jemond Hazely (6-1, 190, Sr.) Chase Favreau (6-1, 200, So.) O.18 HAWAII W -8 20-10 u47' TE (6-5, 255, Jr.) David Wells (6-5, 250, So.) N.01 Nevada L +3' 14-30 u48' C Arthur Flores (6-5, 305, Jr.) Austin Maass (6-4, 290, So.) N.08 IDAHO L -20' 35-21 u57' LG Nico Siragusa (6-5, 325, Jr.) William Tuihalamaka (6-5, 350, Fr.) N.15 Boise St. W +14 29-38 o57 RG Darrell Greene (6-4, 315, Sr.) Robert Craighead (6-3, 270, Sr.) N.21 AIR FORCE W -6 30-14 u49' LT Kwayde Miller (6-7, 310, Jr.) Ryan Pope (6-7, 320, So.) N.29 S. JOSE ST. W -14' 38-7 u46' RT Pearce Slater (6-7, 335, Sr.) Ryan Krum (6-4, 335, Jr.) PK Donny Hageman (6-1, 170, Sr.) John Baron (5-11, 175, Fr.) D.23 NAVY L -3 16-17 u53 Defense DE Jon Sanchez (6-2, 265, Sr.) Dakota Turner (6-3, 240, So.) 2014 San Diego State Final Stats DE Alex Barrett (6-3, 265, Jr.) Micah Seau (6-3, 260, Jr.) San Diego St. Opp NG Christian Heyward (6-3, 300, Sr.) Sergio Phillips (6-2, 285, So.) Points per game 25 20 LB Calvin Munson (6-1, 235, Jr.) Austin Thayer (6-5, 230, Jr.) LB Jake Fely (5-10, 220, Sr.) Fred Melifonwu (6-5, 235, So.) 1st Downs 252 235 LB Daryl Dunlop (6-2, 220, So.) Kyahva Tezino (6-1, 220, Fr.) Rush Att 517 522 NS Naim McGee (6-0, 200, Jr.) Brandon Porter (5-11, 195, Jr.) Rush Yards 2809 2001 NS Malik Smith (6-0, 190, Jr.) Fred Trevillion (6-2, 190, So.) Avg Rush 5.4 3.8 NS Trey Lomax (5-11, 185, So.) Kendrick Mathis (6-0, 195, Jr.) Pass Comp 183 198 CB J.J. Whitaker (5-10, 180, Sr.) Billy Vaughn Jr. (6-1, 180, So.) Pass Att 349 355 CB Damontae Kazee (5-11, 180, Jr.) Kalan Montgomery (6-1, 185, So.) NB Pierre Roman (5-8, 165, Sr.) T.J. Hickman (6-0, 190, Sr.) Pass Yds 2319 2321 P Tanner Blain (6-0, 210, Jr.) Jon Weilbacher (6-2, 190, Fr.) Had Int 15 14 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 395 333

140 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL with 33 receptions and four more touchdowns, up 10.5 hits for minus yardage a year ago, while MWC West Division #2 though he is a bit undersized as a run blocker. The Yates gets a new DT partner this fall in either third wideout role will go to one of two lettermen, junior Salesa Faraimo or UCLA transfer Kevin either Wyatt Demps or Brayden Sanchez, neither McReynolds. NEVADA of whom produced much off the bench a season While there’s not much in the way of proven (7-7-0) LETTERMEN Lost 16 ago. Several freshmen will get a look at wide depth at linebacker, the Wolfpack do bring back COACH: Brian Polian Returning 40 receiver, though Nevada may also use more dou- three very experienced players here in the solid STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 ble-tight end formations as soph Matt Moen made senior threesome of Jordan Dobrich, Matthew Defense 6 a strong impression in spring practice. Lyons and Bryan Lane Jr.. These three guys com- GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #77 The ground attack was pretty good last year, bined for 235 tackles a year ago, but will be asked The Wolfpack bounced back from a rare losing though over 1,000 yards and 13 TDs came from to make more big plays this time around. Now season in 2013 to post seven victories and earn a departed QB Fajardo, so there is some work to do that he’ll no longer have to share time in the mid- surprise bowl bid in 2014. And while the season in this area, especially with a weaker offensive dle with the graduated Jonathan McNeal, look for definitely ended on a down note when Nevada line this season. Starting running back Don Dobrich to put up huge numbers in 2015. was nearly shut out in the bowl loss to LA- Jackson ran for 957 yards and seven scores, while There are major problems in the secondary Lafayette, there is no doubt that it was a success- top backup James Butler is also back after rushing where the only returning starter is safety Duran ful second season at the Wolfpack helm for young for 635 yards and five TDs as a ‘14 frosh. But nei- Workman who might end up getting demoted Head Coach Brian Polian, who is trying to follow ther Jackson nor Butler is a gamebreaker who can come September. Soph Kendall Johnson and red- in the rather large foot steps of College Football make things happen with poor blocking, so both shirt freshman Asauni Rufus were the team’s best Hall of Famer Chris Ault. And with a strong of these guys could drop off a bit this year unless defensive backs in the spring, though they techni- nucleus returning on both sides of the football in the rebuild blocking corps proves adequate. cally play the same position. The situation at cor- 2015, the Wolfpack have a good chance at posting Three key starters are gone on the offensive nerback is completely up for grabs as lettermen another winning record this time around. line and the two returning regulars are both and Randy Uzoma will try to be Finding a new starting quarterback to replace sophomores, so Coach Polian has to be somewhat the new starters. departed standout may prove to be concerned with this unit. Soph left tackle Austin GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team the biggest road block to racking up a second con- Corbett does appear to be a rising star, while the may be able to take advantage of some weak secutive winning season. Coach Polian took a other incumbent here is his classmate Joey opposition in their division in the MWC, but look at three candidates this spring and it now Anglemire who moves from guard to tackle this there are major worries here at quarterback appears that junior Tyler Stewart will open as the season. One other surefire starter will be guard and in the secondary. We feel Nevada will new #1 guy in 2015. Stewart never saw the field a Jeremy Macauley, who was a frosh starter back in sneak back into a bowl game this season. year ago, but he did play a bit as a ‘13 freshman 2013 before missing most of last year due to 2015 Nevada Schedule when Fajardo was hurt and he did NOT look injury. But things did not go well at the two other good, so hopefully for Nevada fans this kid has O-line spots this spring and when the dust cleared, 9/3 UC DAVIS made major strides since he last played for the it looks like soph walk-ons Thomas Newton and 9/12 ARIZONA Wolfpack. Redshirt freshman Hunter Fralick Adam Khouri have claimed the other two starting 9/19 at Texas A&M roles which can’t be good news! looks to be ahead of soph Dante Mayes for the 9/26 at Buffalo backup QB role and both of these guys should be The defense was slightly improved last year 10/3 UNLV ready to play considering Stewart’s lack of track and the front seven looks to be quite good this record at the collegiate level. time around, but there are major worries about 10/10 NEW MEXICO While leading pass catcher Richy Turner has things in the secondary. The strength of this unit 10/17 at Wyoming graduated, the Wolfpack do bring back a pair of will be at defensive end where seniors Ian Seau 10/24 HAWAII solid starting wideouts in Jerico Richardson and and should both make a strong run at 11/5 at Fresno State All-MWC honors this season. Seau led the club Hasaan Henderson, plus a fairly productive tight 11/14 SAN JOSE STATE end in Jarred Gipson. A year ago, Richardson with 8.5 QB sacks a year ago, while Jones picked 11/21 at Utah State hauled in 56 passes for 655 yards and three TDs, up five sacks of his own last year despite working while Henderson added 45 receptions for 579 in a reserve capacity. Senior Rykeem Yates is also 11/28 at San Diego State yards and four scores. Tight end Gipson pitched in an impact player at defensive tackle who picked 2014 NEVADA RESULTS 2015 NEVADA DEPTH CHART (SUR: 7-6 PSR: 7-6 O-U: 4-9) Offense A.30 S. UTAH L -21 28-19 u47' QB Tyler Stewart (6-4, 220, Jr.) Hunter Fralick (6-2, 210, Fr.) S.05 WASH. ST. W +3' 24-13 u67 RB Don Jackson (5-10, 210, Sr.) James Butler (5-9, 200, So.) S.13 Arizona W +18' 28-35 u64' WR Jerico Richardson (5-11, 190, Jr.) Andrew Celis (5-11, 185, Fr.) S.27 San Jose St W -6 21-10 u54 WR Hasaan Henderson (6-5, 220, Jr.) Kameron Richardson (6-7, 230, Jr.) O.04 BOISE ST. L +4 46-51 o52' WR Wyatt Demps (6-4, 200, So.) Dominic Christian (6-1, 175, Fr.) O.11 COLO. ST. L +2' 24-31 u64' WR Brayden Sanchez (5-11, 200, Jr.) Victor Gonzalez (6-0, 170, Fr.) O.18 Byu W +11 42-35 o57 TE Jarred Gipson (6-1, 240, Jr.) Matt Moen (6-3, 245, So.) O.25 Hawaii W -2' 26-18 u52 C Thomas Newton (6-1, 255, So.) Nathan Goltry (6-2, 305, Sr.) N.01 S. DIEGO ST. W -3' 30-14 u48' LG Adam Khouri (6-3, 295, So.) Derrick Storm (6-3, 290, Jr.) N.15 Air Force L +3 38-45 o53' RG Jeremy Macauley (6-1, 305, Jr.) Daren Echeveria (6-5, 275, Fr.) N.22 FRESNO ST. L -7 20-40 u63' LT (6-4, 285, So.) Humberto Lopez (6-5, 305, Jr.) N.29 Unlv W -8' 49-27 o63' RT Joey Anglemire (6-3, 280, So.) Jacob Henry (6-4, 270, Jr.) PK Brent Zuzo (5-10, 175, Jr.) Alex Boy (6-3, 195, Jr.) D.20 La.-Laf. L -1 3-16 u62 Defense DE Ian Seau (6-2, 255, Sr.) Patrick Choudja (6-3, 230, So.) 2014 Nevada Final Stats DE Lenny Jones (6-3, 270, Sr.) Malik Reed (6-1, 225, Fr.) Nevada Opp DT Rykeem Yates (6-2, 275, Sr.) Korey Rush (6-1, 265, Fr.) Points per game 29 27 DT Salesa Faraimo (6-2, 275, Jr.) Kevin McReynolds (6-2, 300, Sr.) LB Matthew Lyons (6-2, 230, Sr.) Faigofie Faaituala (6-1, 225, Sr.) 1st Downs 274 316 LB Jordan Dobrich (6-2, 235, Sr.) Alex Bertrando (6-2, 220, Jr.) Rush Att 560 490 LB Bryan Lane Jr. (6-4, 225, Sr.) Travis Wilson (6-1, 205, So.) Rush Yards 2671 2335 FS Kendall Johnson (6-0, 180, So.) Asauni Rufus (6-0, 185, Fr.) Avg Rush 4.8 4.8 SS Duran Workman (6-0, 200, Sr.) L.J. Jackson (6-0, 200, Jr.) Pass Comp 239 330 CB Elijah Mitchell (5-8, 180, Jr.) Elijah Moody (5-11, 175, Fr.) Pass Att 406 501 CB Randy Uzoma (6-1, 205, Jr.) Dameon Barber (5-9, 185, Fr.) NB Tere Calloway (5-10, 190, So.) Jaden Sawyer (6-0, 190, So.) Pass Yds 2498 3477 P Alex Boy (6-3, 195, Jr.) Brayden Sanchez (5-11, 200, Jr.) Had Int 11 13 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 398 447

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 141 they may be skipped over on the depth chart by presence in the middle of the defense, though both MWC West Division #3 several newcomers, the best of whom appear to be players may be a step slow for inside linebackers redshirt freshmen Keyan Williams and KeeSean at this level. On the outside, Ederaine picked up Johnson. At tight end, soph Chad Olsen is the 64 tackles and an impressive 12.5 hits for minus FRESNO STATE returning starter and he will likely play a much yardage last season. The top reserves at line- (6-8-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 larger role this season after producing 13 catches backer look to be returning lettermen Michael COACH: Tim DeRuyter Returning 29 and four touchdowns in 2014. Lazarus, Tobenna Okeke and Justin Green. STARTERS RETURNING Offense 6 Fresno State’s best player is definitely running In the secondary, the Bulldogs bring back both Defense 5 back Marteze Waller, who was a breakout star last starting cornerbacks in the duo of Malcolm GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #89 season as he ran for 1,368 yards and 11 TDs, Washington and Charles Washington, who are not The Bulldogs were a strange team in 2014 as while also catching 27 passes coming out of the related. Soph Malcolm was a little shaky as a ‘14 they ended up playing in a bowl game despite a backfield. Waller averaged better than six yards frosh, but senior Charles racked up 78 tackles and losing record thanks to finishing first in the weak per carry in 2014 and his consistent ground pro- two interceptions a year ago. Nickel man Jamal West Division of the MWC. But Fresno State was duction helped make up for the less than stellar Ellis is also a proven backup who, but after Ellis not at all impressive for most of last year and beat play at the quarterback position last year. The top the top cornerbacks look to be true freshmen Jalen just one team with a winning record before losing backups from ‘14 are gone, so several program Smith and A.J. Greeley. The two vacant safety to Boise State in the league title game. Then the vets got a long look this spring, but we feel the roles are being fought over by the letter-winning Bulldogs were predictably butchered by an under- role will ultimately fall to promising true frosh threesome of Shannon Edwards, Dalen Jones and rated Rice squad in their bowl game and the newcomer Bryson Oglesby. Stratton Brown. While this group won’t be great, nation saw first hand just how much this program Up front, the Bulldogs lose All-MWC pick the secondary could prove adequate if the Fresno had slipped in just one short year. Now Head and will rebuild around a trio of coaches can figure out a way to muster a legiti- Coach Tim DeRuyter will try to prove that last senior incumbents, including the tackle combo of mate pass rush this season. year’s extremely mediocre showing was a fluke. Alex Fifita and Justin Northern. In the middle, GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The West Fresno will need a new starting quarterback senior Bo Bonnheim will again be the starter and Division of the Mountain West isn’t exactly this year as Brian Burrell is gone after one VERY he’ll be flanked by new guard regulars Aaron overwhelming, but we do not feel Fresno State up and down season as the #1 guy. It looks like Mitchell and Jacob Vazquez. The biggest concern is a good candidate to get back to the league soph Zack Greenlee will be the new starter and he here is about the depth as no other letter winners Championship Game. In fact, unless we miss saw some limited action off the bench as a ‘14 return and the second string offensive line will our guess, the Bulldogs could be headed for the freshman. Greenlee had some nice moments this feature four untested redshirt freshmen. very rare circumstance of back-to-back losing spring, but he obviously still has a lot to prove as The Bulldog defense allowed over 32 points seasons. a player at this level. Redshirt freshman Kilton per game last year and now they must replace six 2015 Fresno State Schedule Anderson emerged as the top backup this spring, starters, including their three best players who but the long term answer here will likely be were all-league picks in 2014. The three-man 9/3 ABILENE CHRISTIAN promising true frosh recruit Chason Virgil who front wall will be anchored by senior end Todd 9/12 at Mississippi Coach DeRuyter would like to bring along slow- Hunt who picked up 54 tackles and 2.5 QB sacks 9/19 UTAH a year ago. Fellow senior Claudell Louis will be ly if possible. 9/26 at San Jose State Graduation has claimed some very talented the other DE regular opposite Hunt, while the new 10/3 at San Diego State pass catchers including All-MWC choice Josh nose guard figures to be soph Nathan Madsen. Harper who had nearly 100 catches a year ago. After the projected starting trio, there is a defini- 10/10 UTAH STATE The top returnee here is senior starter Aaron Peck, tive lack of size and proven depth. 10/16 UNLV who in ‘14 caught 32 passes for 419 yards and Seniors and Ejiro Ederaine are 10/24 at Air Force three touchdowns. But the most talented wideout back to start at linebacker, while the two new 11/5 NEVADA starters in this area figure to be juniors Brandon on the roster may prove to be soph Delvon 11/14 at Hawaii Hardaway, who a year ago picked up 23 catches Hughes and Jeff Camilli. Wilson is far and away 11/21 at BYU for 279 yards and two TDs as a sub who earned a the most proven producer of this group and in ‘14 few late-season starts. Vets Justin Johnson and he collected 90 tackles and two interceptions. He 11/28 COLORADO STATE DaMari Scott have disappointed in the past, so and Camilli should provide a strong, physical 2014 FRESNO STATE RESULTS 2015 FRESNO STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 6-8 PSR: 7-7 O-U: 7-7) Offense A.30 So. Cal L +21 13-52 o58 QB Zack Greenlee (6-1, 215, So.) Kilton Anderson (6-2, 220, Fr.) S.06 Utah L +13 27-59 o64' RB Marteze Waller (5-11, 215, Sr.) Bryson Oglesby (6-0, 195, Fr.) S.13 NEBRASKA L +13 19-55 o61 WR Aaron Peck (6-3, 220, Sr.) Darrel Feury (6-0, 195, So.) S.20 S. UTAH W -16' 56-16 o60 WR Delvon Hardaway (6-1, 195, So.) KeeSean Johnson (6-0, 180, Fr.) S.26 New Mexico W -5' 35-24 u69 WR Keyan Williams (5-10, 195, Fr.) DaMari Scott (6-0, 215, Jr.) O.03 S. DIEGO ST. W -3 24-13 u58 WR Justin Johnson (6-1, 210, Sr.) Jamire Jordan (5-11, 170, Fr.) O.10 Unlv L -10 27-30 u65' TE Chad Olsen (6-5, 240, So.) Kyle Riddering (6-4, 245, Fr.) O.17 Boise St. W +17 27-37 o62' C Bo Bonnheim (6-2, 290, Sr.) Ben Simonds (6-4, 285, Fr.) N.01 WYOMING L -14' 17-45 o58 LG Aaron Mitchell (6-2, 300, So.) Jacob Hicks (6-4, 305, Fr.) N.08 S. JOSE ST. W -1 38-24 o58 RG Jacob Vazquez (6-3, 290, Jr.) Micah St. Andrew (6-3, 330, Fr.) N.22 Nevada W +7 40-20 u63' LTAlex Fifita (6-4, 310, Sr.) Bobby Johnson (6-4, 270, Fr.) N.29 HAWAII L -10' 28-21 u61 RT Justin Northern (6-4, 295, Sr.) David Patterson (6-4, 290, So.) D.06 Boise St. W +23 14-28 u69 PK Kody Kroening (5-10, 150, So.) Garrett Swanson (6-0, 230, Sr.) D.24 Rice L +2 6-30 u59' Defense DE Todd Hunt (6-3, 270, Sr.) Kyle Hendrickson (6-4, 270, Fr.) 2014 Fresno State Final Stats DE Claudell Louis (6-7, 295, Sr.) Gabe Newman (6-4, 250, So.) Fresno State Opp NG Nathan Madsen (6-4, 290, So.) Ryan Steele (6-0, 285, So.) Points per game 27 32 LB Ejiro Ederaine (6-3, 235, Sr.) Justin Green (6-3, 205, So.) LB Kyrie Wilson (6-2, 245, Sr.) Michael Lazarus (6-2, 240, So.) 1st Downs 296 279 LB Jeff Camilli (6-2, 255, Jr.) Xavier Ulutu (6-1, 250, So.) Rush Att 566 615 LB Brandon Hughes (6-3, 220, Jr.) Tobenna Okeke (6-2, 240, So.) Rush Yards 2553 2827 FS Shannon Edwards (5-10, 190, Sr.) Stratton Brown (6-2, 200, Jr.) Avg Rush 4.5 4.6 SS Dalen Jones (6-1, 205, Jr.) Alan Wright (6-0, 195, Jr.) Pass Comp 299 243 CB Charles Washington (5-11, 200, Sr.) Anthoula Kelly (5-10, 195, Fr.) Pass Att 530 403 CB Malcolm Washington (6-2, 180, So.) A.J. Greeley (5-11, 175, Fr.) NB Jamal Ellis (5-10, 180, Jr.) Jalen Smith (5-11, 175, Fr.) Pass Yds 3132 3557 P Garrett Swanson (6-0, 230, Sr.) Jimmy Camacho (5-10, 160, Jr.) Had Int 21 9 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 406 456

142 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL who a year ago hauled in a team-high 78 catches frosh defensive linemen like Corey Adolphus and MWC West Division #4 with five touchdowns, but averaged less than nine DeShawn Fortune. yards per reception. Tiny veterans Hansell Wilson At linebacker, junior Christian Tago is a rising and Tim Crawley combined for another 74 catch- star after racking up 96 tackles in 2014, but the SAN JOSE STATE es and four TDs last year, but both of those guy rest of this crew is littered with question marks. (3-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 22 are best-suited to play the slot role due to their Senior middle man Jared Leaf is trying to bounce COACH: Ron Caragher Returning 44 lack of height. In theory, that could open the door back from being badly burned in a fire last sum- STARTERS RETURNING Offense 10 for taller and more talented young wideouts like mer, while soph William Ossai is a good athlete Defense 5 redshirt freshman Justin Holmes and highly-tout- who looked awfully raw last season. The rest of GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #103 ed true frosh recruits Kanya Bell and Colin Baker. the linebackers are strictly backup material. San Jose State slumped to a 3-9 last season as Billy Freeman holds over at tight end and he The secondary put up some awesome numbers this program has taken a major downturn ever caught 19 balls a year ago. last year, though part of that was a result of a since former head coach Mike MacIntyre left for The main man in the rushing attack is senior weak run defense and the fact that San Jose State Colorado. Current head man Ron Caragher has Tyler Ervin who enjoyed a breakout year in ‘14 played a large number of run-oriented teams. But had a rough time here so far, but he did get a lot with a team-best 888 yards rushing and four TDs. there is talent here and the talent level gets a lot of good news on the recruiting trail over the past Former starter Jarrod Lawson battled injuries last better with the addition of highly-regarded true year as San Jose State brings in one of the best season and could push Ervin for the job this year frosh corners Taeon Mason and Dehlon Preston recruiting classes in the MWC. But if San Jose if he can stay healthy, while others in the RB who were recruited by some really big-name State hopes to make a move up the conference equation include sophs Thomas Tucker and schools before inking to play at San Jose State. standings, they will need to figure out how to Brandon Monroe, as well as true frosh newcomer The two returning starters in this area are senior jump start an offense which scored 13 points per Malik Roberson. Junior Shane Smith does a pret- cornerback Jimmy Pruitt and promising soph game LESS in 2014 than they had scored the pre- ty decent job as the lead blocking fullback. Maurice McKnight, who moves to his more nat- vious season. The starting blocking corps will likely feature ural free safety slot after being forced to play cor- Abig part of the problem last season was at four sophomores and a senior, so there are some nerback a year ago. quarterback where the Spartans used three differ- pretty young players up front despite the return of GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: This team is ent starters before settling on senior Joe Gray, four starters. Senior left tackle is probably better than the 3-9 record they post- who wasn’t exactly stellar, but made a LOT less the leader here and he’ll again pair on the left side ed a year ago, but we are still not sold on the mistakes than the now-departed Blake Jurich and with incumbent Jeremiah Kolone. On the right offensive unit, plus the defense did lose six badly undersized Mitch Ravizza. Overall, Gray side, promising soph Nate Velichko was moved starters to graduation. While improved over- completed 210 of 330 passes (64%) for 2,305 from guard to tackle which sends returning starter all, another losing season seems likely. yards and just 11 TDs against nine interceptions, Evan Sarver to the bench and elevates soph guard 2015 San Jose State Schedule which are not terrible numbers, but they are not Chris Gonzalez into the starting five. Keoni what you’re looking for in this team’s modified Taylor will be the new center, but there is an 9/3 NEW HAMPSHIRE version of the West Coast Offense. Gray could alarming lack of proven O-line depth. 9/12 at Air Force definitely be challenged for his job this year by While the offense fell apart last season, the 9/19 at Oregon State defense held up pretty well over the first half of JUCO transfers Kenny Potter and Malik Watson, 9/26 FRESNO STATE the latter of whom actually signed with San Jose the year before fading down the stretch. Up front, 10/3 at Auburn last year but was redshirted in 2014. Both Potter seniors Cedric Lousi (DE) and Tony Popovich and Wilson were nipping at Gray’s heels this (DT) are returning regulars, but they combined 10/10 at UNLV spring and we wouldn’t be surprised if all three of for just three sacks so neither provided much in 10/17 SAN DIEGO STATE these guys saw game action in 2015. the way of big plays. In fact, the Spartans had just 10/24 NEW MEXICO The Spartans reduced their number of three- 12 sacks as a team last year which is totally unac- 11/6 BYU ceptable. Based on spring drills, the two new D- wide receiver sets in 2014 as they more often 11/14 at Nevada went with a traditional attack including a fullback, line starters figure to be junior end Eugene Taylor 11/21 at Hawaii but that will change in ‘15 if the play at quarter- and JUCO tackle Loni Fa, the latter of whom may back improves. San Jose has one of the better turn out to be the team’s best D-liner this year. 11/27 BOISE STATE wideouts in the MWC in junior Tyler Winston, With mediocre vets in reserve, watch out for true 2014 SAN JOSE STATE RESULTS 2015 SAN JOSE STATE DEPTH CHART (SUR: 3-9 PSR: 3-9 O-U: 6-6) Offense A.28 N. DAKOTA W -24' 42-10 u57' QB Joe Gray (6-2, 210, Sr.) Kenny Potter (6-2, 215, Jr.) S.06 Auburn L +33 13-59 o66' RB Tyler Ervin (5-10, 180, Sr.) Jarrod Lawson (5-8, 205, Jr.) S.20 Minnesota L +9 7-24 u50 FB Shane Smith (6-2, 240, Jr.) Chris Dadson (6-0, 250, Jr.) S.27 NEVADA L +6 10-21 u54 WR Tyler Winston (6-2, 195, Jr.) Justin Holmes (6-2, 215, Fr.) WR Hansell Wilson (5-9, 185, Sr.) Chris Kearney (5-11, 200, Sr.) O.04 UNLV W -10 33-10 u57 WR Tim Crawley (5-7, 170, Jr.) Kanya Bell (6-0, 165, Fr.) O.18 Wyoming W -2' 27-20 o46' TE Billy Freeman (6-3, 235, Jr.) (6-5, 235, So.) O.25 Navy L +9 31-41 o54 C Keoni Taylor (6-3, 295, So.) Nick Diaz (6-3, 300, Jr.) N.01 COLO. ST. L +6' 31-38 o56' LG Jeremiah Kolone (6-3, 285, So.) Charles Nelson (6-4, 295, Fr.) N.08 Fresno St. L +1 24-38 o58 RG Chris Gonzalez (6-3, 295, So.) Troy Kowalski (6-5, 270, Fr.) N.15 HAWAII L -10 0-13 u54 LTWes Schweitzer (6-5, 315, Sr.) Kyle Wright (6-7, 295, Jr.) N.21 Utah St. L +14 7-41 o46' RT Nate Velichko (6-7, 305, So.) Evan Sarver (6-5, 285, Jr.) N.29 San Diego St L +14' 7-38 u46' PK Austin Lopez (6-0, 210, Sr.) Michael Carrizosa (5-10, 230, So.) Defense DE Cedric Lousi (6-3, 265, Sr.) Christian Hill (6-4, 260, Sr.) 2014 San Jose State Final Stats DE Eugene Taylor (6-3, 235, Jr.) Isaiah Irving (6-3, 240, Jr.) San Jose St. Opp DT Tony Popovich (6-2, 275, Sr.) Travis Miller (6-4, 295, So.) Points per game 19 29 DT Loni Fa (6-3, 280, Jr.) Keenan Sykes (6-3, 280, Jr.) LB Christian Tago (6-1, 240, Jr.) Alex Manigo (6-0, 225, Jr.) 1st Downs 254 219 LB Jared Leaf (6-2, 240, Sr.) Mark Amann (6-0, 225, Jr.) Rush Att 454 536 LB William Ossai (6-2, 225, So.) Brad Kuh (6-2, 235, Jr.) Rush Yards 1696 2873 FS Maurice McKnight (6-0, 185, So.) Chad Miller (6-0, 180, Fr.) Avg Rush 3.7 5.4 SS Vincente Miles (6-1, 200, Sr.) David Williams (6-0, 200, Fr.) Pass Comp 283 134 CB Jimmy Pruitt (6-0, 205, Sr.) Dehlon Preston (5-9, 170, Fr.) Pass Att 450 241 CB Cleveland Wallace (5-11, 180, Jr.) Dominic Barnes (5-11, 200, Jr.) NB Taeon Mason (6-0, 170, Fr.) Simon Connette (5-11, 205, Sr.) Pass Yds 3038 1414 P Michael Carrizosa (5-10, 230, So.) Austin Lopez (6-0, 210, Sr.) Had Int 14 6 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type*s are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 395 357

2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 143 but could be an impact player at wide receiver this MWC performer. Former big-time transfers MWC West Division #5 fall, while further depth comes from sophs Jeremy Castro (UCLA) and Makani Kema- Ammon Barker and Keelan Ewaliko. Senior vet Kaleiwahea (Arizona) add badly needed athletic Harold Moleni is expected to be the new tight ability, plus there are other solid players here. HAWAII end, though that position has very little impact on In the secondary, both starting corners are back (4-9-0) LETTERMEN Lost 23 the Hawaii offensive scheme. in the duo of NeQuan Phillips and , COACH: Norm Chow Returning 45 The running game was pretty decent at times plus strong safety will also STARTERS RETURNING Offense 8 last year, though it definitely fell off a bit after the reclaim this starting role. The versatile Phillips is Defense 6 now-graduated Joey Iosefa went down with a sea- probably the best of this trio as in ‘14 he produced GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #111 son-ending injury. Juniors Steven Lakalaka and 54 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. The Things have been pretty rough at Hawaii in Diocemy Saint Juste took over as the primary ball one open spot at free safety will likely go to soph recent years as this once proud program has con- carriers and combined for 1,018 yards rushing and Daniel Lewis, while senior nickel man Gaetano sistently been one of the weakest clubs in the five touchdowns. Lakalaka is a bruising runner DeMattei is another key performer in this area. entire Mountain West the past few seasons. And to who works inside the tackles, while Saint Juste The depth here is also promising. make matters even worse, the program has been brings a badly needed element of speed to the GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: Hawaii is losing a ton of money and there has been insane offense. Coach Chow may also find some carries probably headed for yet another losing season. talk that the school might close the doors on foot- for JUCO transfers Melvin Davis and Paul Harris, Unless USC transfer Max Wittek decides to ball in the not-to-distant future. That’s the nearly as well as redshirt frosh D.J. Riggins. wake up and become the superstar he was in impossible situation that aging Head Coach Norm While three offensive line starters are back, the high school, the Hawaii offense will be very Chow finds himself in as he tries to recruit top sheer lack of bodies in this area is a major source mediocre, especially with a weaker blocking notch players to this school, though in all fairness of worry for the Rainbow Warriors. The best of unit up front than this team enjoyed in 2014. it’s not too hard to sell the weather in Hawaii! this bunch is definitely left tackle Ben Clarke, a But there is talent at wide receiver if the block- Incumbent starting QB Ikaika Woolsey was potential all-leaguer who has had a great career at ing holds up and the quarterback play proves erratic at best a year ago, so while he’s still listed Hawaii. The other incumbent starters are center strong. On defense, the back seven is actually as the starter coming out of spring drills, don’t be Brendan Urban and guard Dejon Allen, while pretty darn good, but the lack of size, talent at all shocked if he’s on the bench come based on spring drills the two new starters figure and depth on the defensive line will severely September. In 2014, Woolsey completed 210 of to be sophs Elijah Tupai and John Waa. The only limit this club in 2015. The Rainbow Warriors 416 passes (50%) for 2,538 yards and 13 TDs other returning lettermen here are juniors R.J. will be lucky to match last year’s modest 4-9 against 13 interceptions, plus he only ran for 203 Hollis and Leo Kolomatangi. record this season. yards on 110 carries for a guy supposedly known While there is some decent talent on the defen- 2015 Hawaii Schedule for his speed. So unless Woolsey gets a lot better sive side of the football, none of it exists along the this fall, he will be challenged by USC transfer front wall which will really hurt this team in 2015. 9/3 COLORADO Max Wittek and lanky redshirt freshman Beau In fact, Hawaii will likely field one of the worst 9/12 at Ohio State Reilly, two players who were pretty big recruits defensive lines in the country as the only decent 9/19 UC DAVIS when they came out of the high school ranks. We player up front is Kennedy Tulimasealii who post- 9/26 at Wisconsin ed 40 tackles and 2.5 QB sacks a year ago. After think the talented but troubled Wittek has NFL- 10/3 at Boise State type talent and we’re betting he eventually that, undersized Luke Shawley and David Manoa 10/10 SAN DIEGO STATE emerges as the number one guy here in 2015. did very little at defensive end a year ago and Both starting wide receivers return in the there is NO true nose guard on the roster. 10/17 at New Mexico strong combo of Quinton Pedroza and Marcus The situation is much better at linebacker 10/24 at Nevada Kemp, who a year ago combined for 115 recep- where despite the loss of two solid starters, this 10/31 AIR FORCE team can about 8-deep with quality athletes. tions and six TDs despite playing in a run-first 11/7 at UNLV Seniors Simon Poti and Lance Williams are the attack. If Wittek goes under center, Hawaii will 11/14 FRESNO STATE definitely open up its passing game and both returning starters, plus Hawaii also gets back for- 11/21 SAN JOSE STATE Kemp and Pedroza could see their personal num- mer standout Jerrel Garcia-Williams who sat out bers go way up this season. Talented junior the entire 2014 campaign due to injury. Back in 11/28 LOUISIANA-MONROE Vasquez Haynes sat out last year due to injuries 2013, Garcia-Williams was a borderline All- 2014 HAWAII RESULTS 2015 HAWAII DEPTH CHART (SUR: 4-9 PSR: 6-7 O-U: 5-8) Offense A.30 WASH. W +17' 16-17 u56 QB Ikaika Woolsey (6-1, 210, Jr.) Max Wittek (6-4, 240, Sr.) S.06 ORE. ST. W +9' 30-38 o59 RB Steven Lakalaka (5-10, 220, Jr.) Diocemy Saint Juste (5-8, 180, Jr.) S.13 N. IOWA W -2 27-24 u57 FB Justin Vele (6-0, 245, Sr.) Ryan Tuiasoa (5-11, 215, So.) S.20 Colo. L +8' 12-21 u60 WR (6-4, 185, Jr.) Ammon Barker (6-4, 200, So.) O.04 Rice L +6' 14-28 u57 WR Quinton Pedroza (6-2, 220, Sr.) Keelan Ewaliko (5-11, 175, So.) O.11 WYOMING W -6 38-28 o45 WR Vasquez Haynes (6-2, 215, Jr.) Dylan Collie (5-10, 175, Fr.) O.18 San Diego St L +8 10-20 u47' TE Harold Moleni (6-2, 245, Sr.) Metuisela Unga (6-5, 250, So.) O.25 NEVADA L +2' 18-26 u52 C Brendan Urban (6-1, 295, Sr.) Asotui Eli (6-4, 290, Fr.) N.01 UTAH ST. L +2' 14-35 o41' LG Elijah Tupai (6-4, 270, So.) Leo Kolomatangi (6-5, 280, Jr.) N.08 Colo. St. L +20' 22-49 o57' RG Dejon Allen (6-3, 290, So.) R.J. Hollis (6-4, 285, Jr.) LTBen Clarke (6-3, 285, Sr.) Matt Norman (6-5, 260, Jr.) N.15 San Jose St W +10 13-0 u54 RT John Waa (6-4, 310, So.) Austin Webb (6-8, 310, Fr.) N.22 UNLV L -10' 37-35 o57 PK Aaron Nova (6-0, 190, Jr.) Kainoa McDonald (5-4, 160, Fr.) N.29 Fresno St. W +10' 21-28 u61 Defense DE Kennedy Tulimasealii (6-1, 280, Jr.) David Manoa (6-3, 220, So.) 2014 Hawaii Final Stats DE Luke Shawley (6-3, 245, Sr.) Tolu Fieeiki (6-4, 260, Jr.) Hawaii Opp NG Kory Rasmussen (6-2, 275, Jr.) Penitito Faalologo (5-11, 255, So.) Points per game 21 27 LB Jeremy Castro (6-4, 240, Jr.) Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea (6-3, 240, Jr.) LB Simon Poti (6-0, 220, Sr.) Benetton Fonua (6-0, 245, Sr.) 1st Downs 254 273 LB Jerrel Garcia-Williams (6-2, 235, Jr.) Julian Gener (5-11, 235, Sr.) Rush Att 524 537 LB Lance Williams (6-0, 220, Sr.) Russell Williams (6-1, 225, So.) Rush Yards 1943 2240 FS Daniel Lewis (5-11, 180, So.) Marrell Jackson (6-0, 185, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.7 4.2 SS Trayvon Henderson (6-0, 190, Jr.) Solomon Matautia (6-2, 210, Fr.) Pass Comp 231 243 CB NeQuan Phillips (5-9, 185, Sr.) Dejaun Butler (6-0, 190, Jr.) Pass Att 469 421 CB Nick Nelson (6-0, 190, So.) Jerrell Jackson (6-0, 175, So.) NB Gaetano DeMattei (5-8, 175, Sr.) Jalen Rogers (6-1, 190, Jr.) Pass Yds 2794 3196 P Alexander Trifonovitch (6-1, 180, Fr.) Aaron Novoa (6-0, 190, Jr.) Had Int 14 11 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 364 418

144 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL assume a much larger role this fall, as could at linebacker where two solid starters return, MWC West Division #6 retread seniors Anthony Williams and Aaron including all-conference candidate Tau Lotulelei Criswell. Several true frosh wideouts will also get who led the club with 99 tackles and 10.5 hits for a long look, the best of whom look to be Darren negative yardage a season ago. Senior vet Ryan UNLV Woods, Brandon Presley and . The McAleenan added 70 tackles as another LB regu- (2-11-0) LETTERMEN Lost 27 tight end position went out of style in last year’s lar last year, while promising soph Matt Lea is COACH: Tony Sanchez Returning 45 offense but will be back in vogue with the new slated to be the third and final starter here after a STARTERS RETURNING Offense 4 coaching staff. That means former starters Jake strong frosh campaign in 2014. There’s almost no Defense 4 Phillips and Andrew Price once again become proven depth here, but the starting trio should be GamePlan 2015 National Ranking: #124 viable players for UNLV. rock solid. As we expected, last year proved to be the final The ground game was pretty weak last year In the secondary, the Rebels have three proven season of the Bobby Hauck Era after the Rebels and now the Rebels must replace their leading veterans at safety in the senior threesome of Peni stumbled their way to a 2-11 record. Hauck had rusher. The heir apparent here is definitely vet Vea, Blake Richmond and Kenny Keys, but the one good season where he led UNLV to a rare Keith Whitely, who saw extensive action off the lack of proven players at cornerback is downright bowl appearance, but other than that every single bench last year as he ran for 504 yards on 118 car- alarming. The leader here is the hard-hitting Vea season of the Hauck years was a complete disas- ries. Seniors David Greene and George Naufahu who a year ago filled the overall stat sheet to the ter. And the school went way outside the box with add veteran depth here, but also watch out for tiny tune of 88 tackles, 3.5 QB sacks and two inter- its next head coaching hire as they hired local true frosh speedster Lexington Thomas. Former ceptions. Richmond and Keys are battling for the High School legend Tony Sanchez to take over linebacker Marc Philippi will occupy the new other safety role and both of these guys played this sagging program. Sanchez is a forceful and fullback role, but RB Naufahu may also get a look reasonably well off the bench last season. The sit- enthusiastic guy who makes an impression, but it there this fall. uation at cornerback is just dreadful as the most will be very interesting indeed to see how he han- There will be three new starters on the offen- experienced player here is junior Torry McTyer dles the transition to the college game without sive line and the biggest question mark will be at who had 30 tackles off the bench last year but has first having the benefit of being as assistant at this center where either JUCO transfer Will Kreitler or zero career starts. No cornerback on the current level! redshirt freshman Kayne Boyer will be the new roster has ever started a game at the college level. The first big decision facing Coach Sanchez starter. Incumbent guards Ron Scoggins and Nick GAMEPLAN CONCLUSION: The Rebels will be to decide on a starting quarterback in what Gstrein are both back, though the latter will move are headed for another poor season even if turned out to be a close spring battle between outside to right tackle this year. The other new Coach Sanchez makes a smooth jump from incumbent regular Blake Decker and newly- faces will be soph left tackle Kyle Saxelid and high school to college. Anything more than arrived JUCO transfer Kurt Palandech. Coming junior left guard Eric Noone. Lettermen Patrick three wins would be a nice achievement in ‘15. out of spring, it looked like Decker had just bare- Carroll and J’Ondray Sanders head up the O-line 2015 UNLV Schedule ly held off the newcomer, though Palandech and bench this season. redshirt freshman Kevin Thomson may certainly The Rebel defense was absolutely awful last 9/5 at Northern Illinois get another look this fall. Overall in last year’s 2- year and surely doesn’t figure to be much better in 9/12 UCLA 11 disaster, Decker completed 231 of 401 passes 2015 with three of four D-line starters missing 9/19 at Michigan and nothing of certain value waiting in the wings. (58%) for 2,886 yards and 15 TDs, but he was 9/26 IDAHO STATE also guilty of 18 interceptions and he averaged Senior Sonny Sanitoa is the lone returning regular 10/3 at Nevada barely two yards per carry on his 366 yards rush- up front, but he posted a modest 44 tackles and ing and five TDs. 2.5 QB sacks in ‘14. Junior Iggy Porchia, a con- 10/10 SAN JOSE STATE There wasn’t a lot to cheer about last year, but verted linebacker, won the other DE role opposite 10/16 at Fresno State one huge bright spot was the emergence of fresh- Sanitoa in the spring, but he may eventually be 10/31 BOISE STATE man Devonte Boyd as one of the better wide beaten out by JUCO newcomer Mark Finau. On 11/7 HAWAII the inside, the new coaching staff has shown that receivers in the Mountain West. Now a sopho- 11/14 at Colorado State more, Boyd easily led the team last year with 65 it values size over quickness so 300-pounders Tuli 11/21 SAN DIEGO STATE catches for 980 yards and four TDs. Fellow soph Fakauho and Mike Hughes are projected to be the Kendal Keys also flashed talent off the bench with new DT regulars. 11/28 at Wyoming 24 catches for 310 yards and he’s poised to If there’s a strength on defense, it will surely be 2014 UNLV RESULTS 2015 UNLV DEPTH CHART (SUR: 2-11 PSR: 5-8 O-U: 7-6) Offense A.29 Arizona L +23 13-58 o59' QB Blake Decker (6-2, 205, Sr.) Kurt Palandech (6-1, 190, So.) S.06 N. COLO. L -27 13-12 u59 RB Keith Whitley (5-9, 185, Jr.) David Greene (6-0, 210, Sr.) S.13 N. ILLINOIS L +10 34-48 o61 FB Marc Philippi (5-10, 225, Jr.) George Naufahu (6-0, 220, Sr.) S.20 Houston L +21' 14-47 u62 WR Devonte Boyd (6-1, 175, So.) Aaron Criswell (5-10, 175, Sr.) S.27 S. Diego St. W +18 17-34 u56 WR Kendal Keys (6-3, 200, So.) Darren Woods (6-0, 200, Fr.) O.04 San Jose St. L +10 10-33 u57 WR Anthony Williams (5-11, 190, Sr.) Brandon Presley (6-0, 170, Fr.) O.10 FRES. ST. W +10 30-27 u65' TE Jake Phillips (6-6, 255, Sr.) Andrew Price (6-6, 250, Jr.) O.25 Utah St. W +17 20-34 o51 C Will Kreitler (6-0, 295, Jr.) Kayne Boyer (6-2, 285, Fr.) N.01 N. MEXICO L -1 28-31 u61' LG Eric Noone (6-2, 300, Jr.) Chris Lopez (6-4, 285, So.) N.08 AIR FORCE L +5' 21-48 o57 RG Ron Scoggins (6-3, 335, Sr.) Tom Clarkson (6-6, 290, Jr.) N.15 Byu W +26 23-42 o62' LT Kyle Saxelid (6-7, 275, So.) Patrick Carroll (6-5, 310, Jr.) N.22 Hawaii W +10' 35-37 o57 RTNick Gstrein (6-4, 295, Sr.) J’Ondray Sanders (6-5, 275, So.) PK Jonathan Leiva (5-11, 175, Sr.) Nicolai Bornand (6-1, 225, Jr.) N.29 NEVADA L +8' 27-49 o63' Defense DE Sonny Sanitoa (6-3, 260, Sr.) Joseph Salazar (6-4, 220, Fr.) 2014 UNLV Final Stats DE Iggy Porchia (6-2, 230, Jr.) Mark Finau (6-3, 235, So.) UNLV Opp DT Tuli Fakauho (6-1, 300, Sr.) Dominic Baldwin (6-5, 245, Jr.) Points per game 22 39 DT Mike Hughes (6-3, 300, So.) Wily Salanoa-Alo (6-0, 265, Fr.) LB Tau Lotulelei (6-1, 220, Jr.) Kimble Jensen (6-0, 210, Sr.) 1st Downs 267 313 LB Ryan McAleenan (6-2, 230, Jr.) Trent Langham (6-2, 215, Jr.) Rush Att 466 677 LB Matt Lea (5-10, 215, So.) Najee Johnson (6-4, 220, Sr.) Rush Yards 1679 3820 FS Blake Richmond (6-1, 190, Sr.) Kenny Keys (6-4, 190, Sr.) Avg Rush 3.6 5.6 SS Peni Vea (6-1, 205, Sr.) Troy Hawthorne (6-3, 210, Jr.) Pass Comp 268 194 CB Torry McTyer (6-0, 180, Jr.) JayOnn Myles (5-8, 175, Jr.) Pass Att 498 337 CB Fred Wilson (6-0, 175, Sr.) Charles Henry (6-2, 170, Fr.) NB Brandon Baker (6-1, 175, Sr.) Darius Mouton (5-11, 170, Fr.) Pass Yds 3357 2855 P Logan Yunker (6-2, 200, Sr.) Nicolai Bornand (6-1, 225, Jr.) Had Int 22 7 *Returning Starters are Listed in Bold Type* Off Yds per game 387 514

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146 2015 GamePlan COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2013 GamePlan College Cover.qxd:2013 GamePlan College Covers 2-4.qxd 7/31/2013 9:22 PM Page 3

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