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Priority shopping Lines, linebacker and running back top JCSU recruiting list Published Thursday, January 31, 2008
by Herbert L. White
Every year, Johnson C. Smith football coach Daryl McNeil is looking for one thing: size.
Johnson C. Smith and defensive end Marshall Banks (96) struggled to stop opponents in 2007 due to a lack of run support caused in party by injuries at nose guard.
File Photo/Curtis Wilson This year, he really needs it.
“We’re always looking to get bigger,†McNeill said.
The Golden Bulls were overmatched for most of 2007, especially on defense, where opponents ran through them with regularity. JCSU was near the bottom of the CIAA in nearly every defensive category against the run. Part of the reason was a season-ending injury to nose tackle William Burgess. But last year’s concerns about a light but quick linebacker corps turned out to be accurate, too.
The offensive line needs some beefing up as well, with three starters graduating from a unit that barely broke 3 yards per rushing attempt.
With National Signing Day on Feb. 5, here’s a look at the Bulls based on last year’s roster and where they’ll likely target for upgrades.
Defensive line: Top priority. This group took a major hit before the opening kickoff when Burgess blew out his knee during preseason drills.
Without the 330-pounder plugging the middle, Smith lacked inside presence. B.L. Williams, a Savannah State transfer who played the final two games of 2007, gives the Bulls depth should Burgess recover fully.
Alvin Pope and Marshall Banks are solid at end, but a speed rusher will have a good chance at moving into the starting lineup.
Linebackers: High priority. Top tackler Fred Williams is gone, and the Bulls were extremely light inside. With no run-stuffing presence, opponents didn’t have to worry about going around Smith – plowing over them worked just fine.
Secondary: High priority. All-America cornerback De’Audra Dix and bookend Fred Hoskins are seniors; junior safety Steven Williams has another season.
Quarterback: Set with three-year incumbent Carlton Richardson, but what comes next?
Richardson passed for a career-best 1,668 yards and 11 scores in establishing himself as the clear-cut team leader. But he’ll need help to get the Bulls back into West Division contention.
Freshmen Ryan Carter and Joshua Battle are capable runners, but haven’t proven themselves as passers – a necessity in McNeil’s offense.
Running back: Need area. Marco Kirven’s gone after breaking a leg as a senior, which leaves Kevin Allen (104 carries, 434 yards, 5 TDs) as the incumbent. It’s been years since Smith had a game-breaker at tailback, which would take pressure off the passing game. A healthy Allen would give JCSU a good start.
Offensive line: High priority. The Bulls were among the worst rushing teams in the CIAA and Williams often had to run when flushed out of pocket last year. Anchors Ralph Manns, Curtis Dorsey and Robert Peterson are seniors, so there’ll be wholesale change when spring drills get under way. Jeremiah Brown, a 6-4, 310-pound sophomore from Wilmington, Del., was the prize line recruit from 2007. He’ll get a chance to show it in ‘08.
Receiver: Set. Jeremy Franklin, a redshirt freshman playing the position for the first time, was all-CIAA after leading the league in catches. He should be even better with sophomore experience. Travis Lee, a transfer from South Carolina, was held out last year. If he delivers on the potential coaches see in him, JCSU could have the league’s best passing attack."
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