http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060914/SPORTS0604/609140425/1038
Now there's proof of the improvement Tennessee State's offense has made since last season.
A check of the Ohio Valley Conference statistical leaders after two games shows TSU quarterback Antonio Heffner, a transfer from South Carolina, at the top in passing. Heffner is averaging 218 passing yards per game and has completed 27 of 48 passes.
And, even though Heffner has bolstered the passing attack, which finished ranked fifth as a team in the conference last year, the rushing game has not suffered. Running back Javarris Williams, the OVC freshman of the year last year, currently is second in the league in rushing, averaging 122 yards per game.
"I told Javarris that once we spread (opposing defenses) out it would open up the run for him," said first-year offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss. "Defenses can't afford to key on him like they did before. He's getting nice chunks of yardage most of the times he carries the ball."
Williams, with 244 yards on 39 carries, trails the OVC leader Tim Holloman (246 yards) from Southeast Missouri by just 2 yards. Williams is ranked 16th nationally.
TSU finished last in the OVC in total offense as a team in 2005 with an average of 277.8 yards per game. Currently, the Tigers are third (351.5 yards per game).
Coach James Webster said Heffner already has given the offense the lift he expected.
"Antonio Heffner is a smart and intelligent player who is dedicated to the game of football," Webster said. "He spends an enormous amount of time with Fred Kaiss learning the game. He is not a real vocal guy off the football field; he's not a real vocal guy on the football field. But he demands attention by the leadership qualities that he has. He's come in, and he's brought a winning attitude to our football team."
Wright is ready: Kaiss said he likely would get running back Terrence Wright, a highly touted freshman, more involved Saturday when TSU meets Jackson State in the Heritage Classic in Memphis. Wright is the second-fastest player on the team behind wide receiver Mike Mason. Wright has carried the ball only once and lost a yard.
Banks is better: Starting right offensive guard Eugene Banks, who missed the first two games with a sprained ankle, returned to the practice field this week and could see action against Jackson State.
Starting defensive end Maurice Davis, however, likely won't return. He is still hampered by a sprained ankle he suffered in the opening game against Alabama A&M.
? MIKE ORGAN
Now there's proof of the improvement Tennessee State's offense has made since last season.
A check of the Ohio Valley Conference statistical leaders after two games shows TSU quarterback Antonio Heffner, a transfer from South Carolina, at the top in passing. Heffner is averaging 218 passing yards per game and has completed 27 of 48 passes.
And, even though Heffner has bolstered the passing attack, which finished ranked fifth as a team in the conference last year, the rushing game has not suffered. Running back Javarris Williams, the OVC freshman of the year last year, currently is second in the league in rushing, averaging 122 yards per game.
"I told Javarris that once we spread (opposing defenses) out it would open up the run for him," said first-year offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss. "Defenses can't afford to key on him like they did before. He's getting nice chunks of yardage most of the times he carries the ball."
Williams, with 244 yards on 39 carries, trails the OVC leader Tim Holloman (246 yards) from Southeast Missouri by just 2 yards. Williams is ranked 16th nationally.
TSU finished last in the OVC in total offense as a team in 2005 with an average of 277.8 yards per game. Currently, the Tigers are third (351.5 yards per game).
Coach James Webster said Heffner already has given the offense the lift he expected.
"Antonio Heffner is a smart and intelligent player who is dedicated to the game of football," Webster said. "He spends an enormous amount of time with Fred Kaiss learning the game. He is not a real vocal guy off the football field; he's not a real vocal guy on the football field. But he demands attention by the leadership qualities that he has. He's come in, and he's brought a winning attitude to our football team."
Wright is ready: Kaiss said he likely would get running back Terrence Wright, a highly touted freshman, more involved Saturday when TSU meets Jackson State in the Heritage Classic in Memphis. Wright is the second-fastest player on the team behind wide receiver Mike Mason. Wright has carried the ball only once and lost a yard.
Banks is better: Starting right offensive guard Eugene Banks, who missed the first two games with a sprained ankle, returned to the practice field this week and could see action against Jackson State.
Starting defensive end Maurice Davis, however, likely won't return. He is still hampered by a sprained ankle he suffered in the opening game against Alabama A&M.
? MIKE ORGAN
