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Mississippi Valley State season outlook
By Mark Alexander
malexander@clarionledger.com
On the run
Mississippi Valley State finished last in the SWAC in rushing offense (62.0 ypg), a stat new offensive coordinator Shawn Gregory would like to improve upon, even though he plans to put the ball up early and often. Smallish Tony Taylor, who saw limited playing time last season, emerged as the top tailback in spring drills and has continued to impress during two-a-days. Courtney Smith, the team's leading rusher last season, is expected to back up Taylor. Brandon Dawson, hampered by injuries last season, returns at fullback. Big Mario Branch, 6 feet 7, 325 pounds, leads an experienced offensive line.
Offensive leaders
Returnees' 2001 stats
Passing
Player C-A-I Yds TDs
Weaver 28-57-2 369 2
Howard 20-47-1 122 1
Rushing
Player Rushes Yds Avg
C. Smith 139 474 3.4
Dawson 42 148 3.5
Howard 29 114 3.9
Receiving
Player Catches Yds TDs
Smith 26 339 2
Davenport 24 275 2
J. Johnson 13 87 1
Defensive leaders
Returnees' 2001 stats
Punting
Player Punts Avg In20 Blk
None - - - -
Punt returns
Player Rets Yds Avg Lng
Washington 3 9 3.0 8
Kickoff returns
Player Rets Yds Avg Lng
Washington 11 216 19.6 59
Grandberry 7 139 19.9 29
Interceptions
Player No. Yds TDs
Grandberry 3 1 1
McDonald 1 6 0
McDonald 1 0 0
Through the air
Gregory plans to employ a pass-happy, no-huddle attack. The question is: Who will direct it? The answer is likely Carey Weaver, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more in the spring game. "It's his job to lose," Gregory said. That said, newcomer Ian Richardson will get a hard look, as will transfer Curtis Kemp. Last year's leading receiver, Terrell Adams, is gone. However, seven experienced receivers return, led by William Smith, Jimmy Davenport, P.J. Washington and O.J. Moore. Newcomer Kendrick Wade also figures to be in the mix.
Against the run
The Delta Devils ranked last in the SWAC in rushing defense a year ago, giving up 201.7 ypg. Their ability to stop the run should improve in new defensive coordinator Sam Washington's stop-the-run-first, 4-3 scheme. Derrick Lee and Raymond Griffin are slated to start at ends along with tackles Damion Williams and Joseph Crear. Cedric McDonald, who led the team in tackles last season, will play at one outside linebacker spot. Daimeon Collins will man the other outside spot. Also watch out for Chris Smith. Isiah Ross and Terrance Spencer will rotate inside.
Against the pass
Only Jackson State gave up more touchdown passes than Valley in the SWAC last season. The Delta Devils' secondary talent has been upgraded, however, with the addition of transfers O'Keefe Henderson and Alan Washington. Jermaine Grandberry, who had a team-leading three interceptions, and Chris Robinson return at safety along with Tedrick Jones, the team's second-leading tackler last season. Sean Hill and Tim Chapman are the probable starters at the cornerback positions.
Special teams
The loss of return man Terrell Adams, punter Russell Griffith and place-kicker Christopher Kipperer leaves a big void in the return game. P.J. Washington, Marcus Triggs, Sean Hill and Tracy Lewis will all get a look here. Freshman Joseph Blanco is expected to handle the place-kicking duties. George Butts is the leading candidate at punter.
Key newcomers
Totten and his staff welcomed 42 newcomers this fall. Some of the newcomers that might have an impact include: QB Ian Richardson, WRs Kendrick Wade and Michael Thomas, LB Chris Smith, and CBs Alan Washington and O'Keefe Henderson. Running backs Victor Williams and Hiawatha Brown might see playing time as freshmen.
Keys to success
Totten won't say how many victories would make his first season a success. After an 0-11 season, there's no where to go but up. The key is not letting the winnable home games like UAPB, Paul Quinn, Prairie View and Alcorn State get away. Obviously, the newcomers must come in and make a difference.
Stumbling blocks
One of Totten's biggest tasks will be to restore the confidence of the players. Road games at Sam Houston State, Jackson State and Southern will be extremely tough. Also, Valley plays 11 straight weeks without an off week.
Did you know?
Mississippi Valley will break out new uniforms this season. Could they possibly resemble the uniforms worn in the Delta Devils' glory days of the mid-1980s?
"I don't know. Maybe," Washington said with a laugh. "It's a surprise."
? Mark Alexander
By Mark Alexander
malexander@clarionledger.com
On the run
Mississippi Valley State finished last in the SWAC in rushing offense (62.0 ypg), a stat new offensive coordinator Shawn Gregory would like to improve upon, even though he plans to put the ball up early and often. Smallish Tony Taylor, who saw limited playing time last season, emerged as the top tailback in spring drills and has continued to impress during two-a-days. Courtney Smith, the team's leading rusher last season, is expected to back up Taylor. Brandon Dawson, hampered by injuries last season, returns at fullback. Big Mario Branch, 6 feet 7, 325 pounds, leads an experienced offensive line.
Offensive leaders
Returnees' 2001 stats
Passing
Player C-A-I Yds TDs
Weaver 28-57-2 369 2
Howard 20-47-1 122 1
Rushing
Player Rushes Yds Avg
C. Smith 139 474 3.4
Dawson 42 148 3.5
Howard 29 114 3.9
Receiving
Player Catches Yds TDs
Smith 26 339 2
Davenport 24 275 2
J. Johnson 13 87 1
Defensive leaders
Returnees' 2001 stats
Punting
Player Punts Avg In20 Blk
None - - - -
Punt returns
Player Rets Yds Avg Lng
Washington 3 9 3.0 8
Kickoff returns
Player Rets Yds Avg Lng
Washington 11 216 19.6 59
Grandberry 7 139 19.9 29
Interceptions
Player No. Yds TDs
Grandberry 3 1 1
McDonald 1 6 0
McDonald 1 0 0
Through the air
Gregory plans to employ a pass-happy, no-huddle attack. The question is: Who will direct it? The answer is likely Carey Weaver, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more in the spring game. "It's his job to lose," Gregory said. That said, newcomer Ian Richardson will get a hard look, as will transfer Curtis Kemp. Last year's leading receiver, Terrell Adams, is gone. However, seven experienced receivers return, led by William Smith, Jimmy Davenport, P.J. Washington and O.J. Moore. Newcomer Kendrick Wade also figures to be in the mix.
Against the run
The Delta Devils ranked last in the SWAC in rushing defense a year ago, giving up 201.7 ypg. Their ability to stop the run should improve in new defensive coordinator Sam Washington's stop-the-run-first, 4-3 scheme. Derrick Lee and Raymond Griffin are slated to start at ends along with tackles Damion Williams and Joseph Crear. Cedric McDonald, who led the team in tackles last season, will play at one outside linebacker spot. Daimeon Collins will man the other outside spot. Also watch out for Chris Smith. Isiah Ross and Terrance Spencer will rotate inside.
Against the pass
Only Jackson State gave up more touchdown passes than Valley in the SWAC last season. The Delta Devils' secondary talent has been upgraded, however, with the addition of transfers O'Keefe Henderson and Alan Washington. Jermaine Grandberry, who had a team-leading three interceptions, and Chris Robinson return at safety along with Tedrick Jones, the team's second-leading tackler last season. Sean Hill and Tim Chapman are the probable starters at the cornerback positions.
Special teams
The loss of return man Terrell Adams, punter Russell Griffith and place-kicker Christopher Kipperer leaves a big void in the return game. P.J. Washington, Marcus Triggs, Sean Hill and Tracy Lewis will all get a look here. Freshman Joseph Blanco is expected to handle the place-kicking duties. George Butts is the leading candidate at punter.
Key newcomers
Totten and his staff welcomed 42 newcomers this fall. Some of the newcomers that might have an impact include: QB Ian Richardson, WRs Kendrick Wade and Michael Thomas, LB Chris Smith, and CBs Alan Washington and O'Keefe Henderson. Running backs Victor Williams and Hiawatha Brown might see playing time as freshmen.
Keys to success
Totten won't say how many victories would make his first season a success. After an 0-11 season, there's no where to go but up. The key is not letting the winnable home games like UAPB, Paul Quinn, Prairie View and Alcorn State get away. Obviously, the newcomers must come in and make a difference.
Stumbling blocks
One of Totten's biggest tasks will be to restore the confidence of the players. Road games at Sam Houston State, Jackson State and Southern will be extremely tough. Also, Valley plays 11 straight weeks without an off week.
Did you know?
Mississippi Valley will break out new uniforms this season. Could they possibly resemble the uniforms worn in the Delta Devils' glory days of the mid-1980s?
"I don't know. Maybe," Washington said with a laugh. "It's a surprise."
? Mark Alexander