2001 Football Preview

5/17/2001 4:06:00 PM | Football

Middle Tennessee fans, supporters and alumni have had their sights set on the 2001 football season since November 4, 1999 - the day when officials announced the Blue Raiders would become a member of the Sun Belt Conference. By joining a league so early in their I-A infancy, the Blue Raiders have an immediate chance for a league title, individual honors and a spot in a postseason bowl game on national television. The excitement wasn't all about I-A football anymore. It quickly changed to championships and bowl games, and who better to take the Blue Raiders to the top than head coach Andy McCollum. On November 4 the talk was "Andy will have had three recruiting classes and his system will be firmly entrenched in all the players". Well, 2001 is here and the Blue Raiders are focused on making it a year to remember. "This is a great challenge for this program and an even better opportunity after two years as a I-A Independent," McCollum stated. "The league will be highly competitive despite this being the first year of play, but I definitely feel we have a chance of being there at the end. We work everyday to improve and now we hope to take another stride in the right direction after last season." McCollum and the Blue Raiders will be the first to tell you that in order to accomplish their goals in 2001, the hard work and determination exemplified over the past two years will have to be elevated even more. Championships are not won on paper or what you did the previous year. "We will have to be at our best every game and every down if we expect to compete for a championship," McCollum said. "I believe we have a strong nucleus returning, but we have to execute, win the takeaway-giveaway department and stay away from injuries if we have any hopes of playing past November 17." Making that Dec. 18 bowl game in New Orleans is a strong possibility for the Blue Raiders as they return seven starters on offense, six on defense and all of their special teams players. Highlighting the returnees on an offense that ranked 16th nationally a year ago will be 1,000-yard rusher Dwone Hicks, the school's all-time leading receiver in Kendall Newson, record-setting signal-caller Wes Counts and all-star tackle Brandon Westbrook. In all, 21 lettermen are back on an offense that scored over 40 points a school record five times. Defensively, the Blue Raiders continue to show improvement. With playmakers like Tanaka Scott, Anthony Hood and Jykine Bradley back in the fold, the 2001 unit expects to be one of the best in the Sun Belt. As for special teams, both kickers and all returners from a year ago are back to give Middle Tennessee one of its best units in recent memory. "The bottom line is that we try to improve a little each year," McCollum noted. "Hopefully, we will be able to continue doing that. Obviously we are very ambitious for the 2001 season, but that is the case every year. We are always positive and believe strongly in what we do." Following is an in-depth preview of each position: OFFENSE Explosive, exciting and unpredictable best describe Middle Tennessee's high scoring, fast break offense. The unit is coming off a record-setting season where the Blue Raiders were rated 16th nationally in total offense with 433 yards a game and 32 points. With seven starters returning, including every skill player, the offense could set even more marks in the record book this fall. The team, however, will have to quickly mold together an offensive line that lost four starters. "We have more competition at each position than we've had since I arrived," McCollum said. "Our challenge offensively will be how quickly our line play comes together. We're bigger and more athletic up front, but it remains to be seen how cohesive the unit will be. That's something that will take time, but hopefully not too much time." The Blue Raider offense, under the direction of coordinator Larry Fedora, has quietly become one of the best overall units in the country. Easily mistaken as a pass happy attack, the Blue Raiders were a very balanced team in 2000 by averaging 239 yards through the air and 194 yards on the ground. The biggest improvement from year one to year two came in the rushing department where the Blue Raiders added 83 more yards per contest. "We set out to really improve our running game a year ago because we knew it was the only way to win football games," Fedora said. "The emphasis started in the spring and carried over last fall. Now we have to build on that success, which I think we can do with the return of Hicks, Don Calloway, Jamison Palmer and the addition of Rashard Lee." The aforementioned running backs are only a small portion of the tasty cuisine offered up by this exciting offense. If the ball is not in their hands, it will surely be in one of many on that side of the ball who can make the big play. Among those are Newson, Tyrone Calico, Hansford Johnson, and Kerry Wright. The key ingredient on offense, as always, will be the play from the man under center. The capable Counts and Jason Johnson will once again wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Counts is Mr. Reliable who can pick a defense apart with the short passing game, while Johnson can step in and throw the long ball with accuracy. It's a combination that kept defensive coordinators extra busy during game week. "We have two very experienced quarterbacks," Fedora said. "It's a luxury not a lot of teams have. If one is having an off day then we can bring the other one in to hopefully add some spark. They are both very competitive and push each other every day in practice, which only helps make our team better." The Blue Raiders know, however, that they will only be as good as the guys up front. The coaching staff feels they recruited better athletes on the line than what they lost, but it will all be a matter of how quickly they gel as a group. "We finished last year with one of the top offenses in the country and I feel we can be even better in 2001," Fedora added. "If we can eliminate turnovers and stay healthy this offense has a chance to be better than a year ago." Following is a position-by-position look at the Blue Raider offense: QUARTERBACKS The platoon system of seniors Counts and Johnson are back to lead one of the more productive offenses in school history. The pair took nearly every snap under center a year ago with Counts starting nine games and Johnson getting the nod on two occasions. The player who was hot and moved the offense from game-to-game earned most of the snaps and plans for 2001 will carry the same philosophy. Counts, who owns 15 school records, is the most accurate passer in Blue Raider football history with a 63.2 career completion percentage. The lefty has tossed more 300-yard and 200-yard passing games than any signal-caller ever at Middle Tennessee and with the weapons he has at receiver the total should only increase in 2001. Regarded as a student of the game because of his preparation and hard work, Counts led the quarterback duo a year ago with 1,536 passing yards and eight touchdowns. In a win over South Florida, Counts threw a career best four touchdown passes to go along with 226 passing yards. In a three-game stretch against Mississippi State, Connecticut and South Florida, Counts registered a combined 680 yards and accounted for seven of his eight touchdown strikes. Johnson, a transfer from NW Mississippi Community College, was equally productive during his time running the Blue Raider offense. The Newport News, VA, native, who once caught passes in high school from Michael Vick, threw for over 1,000 yards in his first season with the Blue Raiders and completed 61 percent of his passes. Two-and-0 as a starter in 2000, Johnson saved his best game for last when he rallied MT to an overtime win against Louisiana-Lafayette in the regular season finale to preserve the programs first winning campaign as a I-A member. Johnson completed 16 of 24 passes for a career-high 226 yards in the win over ULL, including a 17-yard touchdown run in the first extra period. Behind Counts and Johnson will be another strong battle for the third spot between veteran Lance Phillips and redshirt freshman Kevin Searcy. Phillips, a senior, has not seen any significant playing time under center since transferring from Mississippi in 1999. The Smyrna, TN, native has exceptional arm strength and the tools to step in and play. After a solid two seasons learning the offense, Phillips should be more comfortable in the system in 2001. Searcy has really benefited from sitting out the 2000 campaign. The College Park, GA, native has come back more knowledgeable of the offense, stronger and confident. A super athlete, Searcy has a quick release and is known for his playmaking ability. RUNNING BACKS If there is a position you could term "loaded" it would have to be here. The Blue Raiders are deep, talented, and have as much quality at this spot as any team in the nation. Headlining this group will be 1,000-yard rusher Dwone Hicks, who enters his junior year as a Doak Walker Award candidate. Hicks had a breakout year in 2000 by registering 1,277 rushing yards (15th nationally), a school record 126 points (3rd in nation) and eight 100-yard rushing games. The Huntsville, AL, native gained national attention last year after ripping Louisiana Tech for 311 yards and six touchdowns. It was the most rushing yards in a single game at Middle Tennessee and was the second most recorded in all of football last season. Behind Hicks will be sophomore Don Calloway, who is coming off a solid freshman year. The former Georgia State Player of the Year showed his mettle in the final game of the season when he had to take over for an injured Hicks versus ULL. Against the Ragin' Cajuns, Calloway had a game to remember with 108 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and 136 yards and one score through the air. For the year, the Colquitt, GA, native was second on the team in rushing with 420 yards (5.1 per carry) and seven touchdowns. Calloway catches the ball well out of the backfield, is shifty and doesn't mind running over a defender. Also back in the mix is last year's starter to begin the season, Jamison Palmer. The senior led the Blue Raiders in rushing in 1999 and started the 2000 opener at Illinois before suffering a season ending knee injury. Palmer, who owns a career best 183-yard rushing performance, is the type back that can get outside and turn the corner. The St. Louis, MO, native is also a weapon in the passing game where he has 28 career receptions in 12 outings. The unknown of this group is the most heralded. Sophomore Rashard Lee, who sat out 1999, steps on the field for the Blue Raiders with a load of credentials and unlimited talent. Lee, from Brunswick, GA, hit the practice field for just one week last year but it was enough to show coaches he has the skills to be a very special player in year's to come for Middle Tennessee. Lee came out of high school as a USA Today all-American and was rated the No. 1 athlete in Georgia by various recruiting services. Also competing at the position will be walk-on C.J. Pinson. "Everybody knows what Dwone did last year and we have three more behind him that are capable of doing the same thing," Fedora said. "I'm excited about this bunch because they are very talented, all athletic, can catch the football and are all very coachable." FULLBACKS Since McCollum arrived in 1998 this position has been labeled inexperienced, but that is not the case in 2001. Two lettermen return to a position that has been in the starting lineup only twice in 22 games. Senior Jason Spray, the 2000 Lifter of the Year, started twice and had just six carries and two receptions in 2001. A vastly improved blocker, Spray had a total of 25 rushing yards, but was instrumental on a number of long runs by Hicks. Competing with Spray for playing time will be John Madrick out of Covington, KY. Madrick is in his second season at the position after moving over from linebacker. Madrick did not see any action in 2001. RECEIVERS If the running back position is the most talented, then the receiving corps is a very close second. In this offense, the receivers make everything go. They are key in the running game because they spread the field and extend the defense. "If the receivers are not performing, then our offense does not work," said Fedora. It's unlikely the Blue Raiders will have any problem performing since their top six pass catchers return from a year ago, including the seventh rated receiving duo in the nation in Kendall Newson and Tyrone Calico. An all-America and Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year candidate, Newson will hold down the "Y" (slot) spot for the third straight season. Newson, the school's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and 100-yard games, is coming off a record-setting season with 74 catches for 945 yards. The Decatur, GA, native was 10th nationally in receptions per game and 25th in receiving yards per contest. Against Illinois (Big Ten), Maryland (ACC) and Mississippi State (SEC), Newson combined for 28 receptions and 415 yards, including a nine-catch, 180-yard effort versus the Bulldogs. "Kendall Newson is the most fierce competitor I have ever seen on the field," McCollum said. "He lines up everyday to win, and most of the time he does. He possesses the mentality you want your entire team to have." Behind Newson will be sophomore Hashem Joyner, who hails from College Park, GA. Joyner, who sat out 2000 due to academic requirements, is an extremely talented athlete who brings big play capabilities to the position. Also competing at "Y" will be Rondell Newson, the younger brother of Kendall. The "X" position will be manned by Calico, an all-conference candidate. Along with increased strength and confidence, the biggest change followers will see in the Millington, TN, native in 2001 will be his jersey number. After two years of donning the number 27, Calico is knocking off a digit and will wear the number seven like he did in high school. Calico, the second all-time leading receiver at MT, hauled in 47 catches for 752 yards last year, including two 100-yard games. To get a better feel for his talent all someone has to do is ask Mississippi State all-American Fred Smoot, who Calico beat for two scores a year ago. One score against the Bulldogs came from 42 yards out when he snared a pass one-handed on the sideline, split three defenders, and raced to the endzone. Playing behind Calico will be senior Nick Payne out of Florissant, MO. Payne, who only has two catches in his career, has made improvements each season and has the ability to be more of a factor in 2001. Also battling for playing time at the position will be walk-on Ryan Edmiston. Expected to start at the "Z" (flanker) position will be Mr. Versatility, Hansford Johnson. The senior from Norcross, GA, is coming off a year where he did about everything offensively except kick field goals. In 2001, Johnson was third on the team in receptions with 31, was the third leading ground gainer with 245 yards or 20.4 per carry, and completed 3-of-4 passes for 89 yards and two scores. Johnson, who also returned punts and kickoffs, became the first Blue Raider to score touchdowns by rushing, passing and receiving in the same season since Jonathan Quinn in 1995. Backing up Johnson will be former walk-on Sean Saylor. The Louisville, KY, product was placed on scholarship this past spring after a solid 2000 season. The junior did not register a reception last season, but was one of the more effective blockers among the receiving corps. Against Illinois, Saylor won the team's knockdown award with 12. One of the big surprises last year, David Youell, returns as the front runner for the "H" (slot) position. Youell, a junior from Sevierville, TN, collected a career best 30 receptions for 252 yards in 2000 and had at least one catch in all 11 games. Known for his precise route running and sure hands, Youell is a hard-nosed competitor who has seen action in 22 straight games. Pushing Youell will be sophomore Kerry Wright, who sat out 2000 due to academic requirements. Wright, the No. 21 rated receiver in the country coming out of high school, will be hard pressed to keep off the field. The East Point, GA, native practiced the first two weeks of camp last August and had moved all the way to the top spot on the depth chart. Also in the hunt for playing time at the "H" spot will be redshirt freshman Alvin Norris and junior P.J. Johnson. The tight end spot will be a battle between junior Lucas Frost and sophomore Brett Bucher. Frost, from Jonesboro, GA, saw action in all 11 games last season, including three as a starter. Despite not catching a pass in 2000, Frost has developed as a solid blocker. Bucher, a transfer from N.C. State who hails from Huntsville, AL, played in five games last year and earned one start. Junior Reggie Polk, out of Douglasville, GA, is also in the mix. Don't be surprised by the time fall camp rolls around that left tackle Jonathan Proby makes the move to tight end. OFFENSIVE LINE The most important positions on offense are the five guys up front that do all the dirty work. The Blue Raiders' lofty offensive rankings materialized last year because of the guys in the trenches. Unfortunately, four of the five starters graduated, so a major overhaul will take place. The good news is that the top lineman on the team returns in left tackle Brandon Westbrook. A candidate for all-Sun Belt Conference honors, Westbrook missed the final game of the season after suffering a broken leg in the first quarter against South Florida. The Cumming, GA, native, who could go down as the top offensive lineman in school history by the time he graduates, totaled 85 knockdowns a year ago and was named the team's Lineman of the Week on two occasions and earned Most Physical honors three times. The sophomore, who did not go through contact in the spring, is expected to be 100 percent this fall. Behind Westbrook will be Proby and redshirt freshman Seth Grabo. Proby, out of Madison, GA, moved to the offensive line last season after playing two years on the defensive line. Proby, who played behind all-star Barry Hall, was in on just 48 snaps the entire season, but was also very instrumental on special teams. Grabo, from Ft. Walton, FL, sat out the 2000 campaign in order to gain more strength and knowledge of the schemes. A highly rated wrestler in high school, Grabo has turned some heads the past six months and hopes to make a major contribution in 2001. Left guard will be wide-open with the early favorites being newcomer Preston Portley, David Coy and Jonathan Barry. Portley, who inked with the Blue Raiders last December, has played only three years of football with the last two being at Ft. Scott (KA) Community College. Portley, an all-conference performer at FSCC, is expected to make a major impact up front this season. Coy, who is also listed as the front runner at left tackle, could figure prominently at guard by the time the season gets underway. The Wentzville, MO, native played primarily at guard a year ago, seeing action in 10 games and earning a start against Connecticut at left guard. For the season, Coy played 162 snaps and recorded 20 knockdowns, including a season best five against Louisiana-Lafayette. Barry, a two-year letterwinner, has played in just two games the past two years, but has been on the travel squad where he has gained valuable experience. The center position will also be up for grabs with the departure of Mr. Steady himself, Brock Lillis. Lillis started all 11 games and graded out better than 75 percent in eight contests, while earning Lineman of the Week honors a team best five times. Competing for starting time in the middle will be junior Glen Elarbee, newcomer Nathan Blasi and sophomore Josh Willoughby. Elarbee, a native of Carrollton, GA, has played in just 12 career games as a reserve and played a personal best 48 snaps in 2000. Battling Elarbee will be mid-term signee Blasi, a junior college all-American from Butler Co. CC. Blasi, who hails from Wichita, KS, was rated the 12th best player in the Jayhawk Conference and is expected to make a major push to take over the starting duties vacated by Lillis. Also in the mix at center will be sophomore Josh Willoughby from nearby Antioch, TN. Willoughby, who has struggled with injuries since he arrived on campus, is making the move to center after spending most of his career at guard. After a solid spring playing left guard, Willoughby could easily return to that position. On the right side, veteran Kevin Pascoe is the favorite to start at guard. Other than Westbrook, Pascoe is the only lineman with starting experience. The Palmetto, FL, native started four times a year ago and averaged 33 snaps a game, while winning the team's "Best Finisher" and "Lineman of the Week" honors after the Maryland and UAB contests, respectively. Putting up a fight for Pascoe's spot will be newcomer Bill Brasch, who enrolled in school this past January. Brasch, out of Jones, OK, transferred to Middle Tennessee from Northeast Oklahoma A&M where he earned all-conference accolades. At tackle, the previously mentioned Coy appears to be the front runner. Coy has a lot of experience at guard, but has the quickness and footwork to excel at tackle. Also vying for time at tackle will be sophomores Gary Sanders and Chris Scott. Sanders has not played in two seasons, but has been impressing coaches recently with his progress. Scott is a walk-on from Chattanooga, TN, who has great size and a terrific attitude. DEFENSE Middle Tennessee's offense has earned most of the glory the past two seasons, but it has been the play of the defense that has keyed much of the success. After a tough 1999 campaign, the Blue Raider defense improved 31 spots in the NCAA rankings last year and look to make even bigger strides in 2000 with six returning starters. The Blue Raiders will be more experienced, faster, and more confident, but will have one slight change. With new defensive coordinator Steve Davis, the Blue Raiders will move from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3. Davis, known for his defensive coaching, gives Middle Tennessee new energy and enthusiasm that will be welcomed for this talented group. "We have showed a lot of improvement from year one to year two, but we have to continue," McCollum said. "We have improved with size and speed and now need to work on our personality and that's where our leaders have to step up. We should be better because now our talented freshmen from last year are sophomores." DEFENSIVE LINE Last year's surprising newcomer, Tanaka Scott, will anchor the line from his left end position. Poised for a banner season, Scott tormented quarterbacks his junior year by leading the Blue Raiders in sacks, tackles for loss, and hurries. The Mobile, AL products speed and tenacity should only improve with a year's experience under his belt. Behind Scott will be senior Wes Stephens, who started five games a year ago. The Nashville, TN, native recorded 18 tackles last season while playing the "bandit" spot for the first time. In the middle, big Jerry Vanderpool inherits the tackle spot. A highly rated recruit from nearby Nashville, TN, Vanderpool progressed so much in 2000 the coaches nearly put him in the lineup. The redshirt year has only made Vanderpool stronger and more knowledgeable, and now all he needs is playing time. Behind Vanderpool will be walk-ons Joe Moos and Anthony Haley, while a couple of this year's recruits will also figure prominently. Moos, a dedicated athlete who excels in the weight room, is undersized but is regarded as one of the toughest players on the team. Over at the other tackle slot will be junior Curtis Daniely from Forsyth, GA. Daniely played in 10 games last season, but managed only 13 tackles. Coaches are hoping Daniely steps up his play and gets in the lineup because of his size and talent for the position. Battling Daniely will be junior Steve Ellison, who is making the move to tackle after playing fullback a year ago. Walk-on Brandon Graham is also competing at tackle. Anthony Hood, out of Hempstead, TX, is the favorite at right end. One of the top defensive players on the team the last half of 2000, Hood played in every game, including the last five as a starter. The former JUCO all-American averaged over 20 snaps a game and totaled 19 tackles and two sacks last year and could easily be on the all-conference team at season's end. Pushing Hood will be newcomer Sam Smith from Gulf Coast CC. LINEBACKERS A position that continues to improve in the Andy McCollum era hopes to take another major step in 2001 with three of four starters returning. Like the defensive line, two or more signees will impact a couple of the linebacker spots by the time the season gets underway. The two inside positions have 2000 starters Scott Brown and Chris Gatlin back in the fold. Brown, a starter in 10 of the 11 games he played last year, was fourth on the team in tackles with 60 from his "mike" position. The senior, from Lincolnton, GA, was one of the team's most improved players a year ago and hopes to build on that momentum in 2001. Battling Brown will be senior Billy Durham from Marietta, GA. A starter the first two games of 2000, Durham played in all 11 games and totaled six tackles. A key member on special teams, Durham was in on a season best 45 snaps at linebacker against Illinois. Also at "mike" will be junior Randy Arnold from Nashville, TN. Arnold, who had a solid 2000 fall camp, started slowly which led to limited playing time as a sophomore. Alongside Brown will be senior Louis Kemp from Gadsden, AL. A former walk-on, Kemp has only been playing the position for one season after making the move from fullback in the spring of 2000. Last season, Kemp played in all 11 games and earned two starts on his way to ranking 10th on the team in tackles. Behind Kemp is redshirt freshman Chris Hough. Hough, out of Lovejoy, GA, sat out the 2000 campaign to get bigger and stronger. If off-season workouts are any indication, Hough could make a lot of noise in his first Blue Raider season. The "sam" linebacker spot will be manned by sophomore Michael Woods, who is making the move to linebacker from safety. Woods, out of Valdosta, GA, has unlimited potential and speed, which is why coaches feel he has to be on the field. In 2000, Woods played in all 11 games with most of his time coming on special teams. Behind Woods will be Gatlin. The Spring, TX, native started eight games and was eighth on the team in tackles last season despite battling an aggravating ankle injury the last half of the year. If healthy, Gatlin could make a big impact for the Blue Raider defense in 2001. Also in the mix at "sam" will be walk-on Joey Montalbano, who played in 10 games last year as a member of the kickoff team. Also look for a number of 2001 signees to make a push at the three linebacker spots. SECONDARY A much-improved area for the Blue Raiders, the 2001 squad returns two of four starters. Leading the way will be senior Jykine Bradley, who enjoyed the best season of any player in the secondary a year ago. Bradley, from Knoxville, TN, led Middle Tennessee in interceptions (three), pass breakups (12), and was sixth in tackles (50) from his left corner position. Backing up Bradley will be sophomore Wardell Alsup, who is returning to the secondary after playing receiver in 2000. Alsup, from Murfreesboro, played in all 11 games last season as a receiver and kickoff return specialist but is moving back to the position he was recruited to play. Also looking for time at left corner will be walk-on Montrell Pointer. Sophomore Brandon Lynch, a three-time Special Teams MVP winner last year, joins sophomore Joe McClendon as co-starters at free safety. Lynch, out of Hephzibah, GA, played in nine games as a true freshman and recorded 16 tackles. Despite limited experience at the position, Lynch's speed and cover skills will be a big asset for the Blue Raiders. As a true freshman, McClendon played in all 11 games and started twice en route to being the Blue Raiders' ninth leading tackler. In his first career start last year, the Brunswick, GA, native recorded 13 tackles at No. 20 Mississippi State. McClendon showed the coaches during spring drills that he has a knack for making plays, which could put him on the field a lot in 2001. Speaking of experience, the right side is definitely not lacking in that category. The top three players at right corner all earned quality snaps a year ago. The starter at right corner looks to be the speedy Muhammad Rashada, who showcased his athletic skills in 2000 as the team's kickoff return specialist. Rashada, who is from Augusta, GA, had 17 tackles last season to go along with an interception that he brought back 59 yards. Kendall "Rod" Higgins will vie for playing time behind Rashada. Higgins, one of the fastest players on the team, earned most of his snaps on special teams as a sophomore. The free safety position will be a fierce battle between juniors Kareem Bland and Chris Johnson. Bland, a nine-game starter at free safety in 2000, was third on the team in stops with a career best 66 while also adding a 71-yard interception return. In his two years, Bland is known for his big plays as he owns four career touchdowns. Johnson enters his junior year having picked up nine starts in his career. The Freeport, FL, native, who normally enters the lineup in nickel situations, collected 24 total tackles last season. SPECIALISTS What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time Middle Tennessee was preparing to enter the season with a new kicker, punter and kickoff specialist. In 2001, the kicking game should be a strong suit for the Blue Raiders. Sophomore Brian Kelly, who is coming off a brilliant freshman year, is back to handle the placekicking chores. The Woodstock, GA, product connected on 11 of 13 field goals and 39 of 44 extra points and tallied the most points in school history by a freshman kicker. Kelly, who owns a career long 46 yarder, made the first five field goals of his career, then toward the end of the season he drilled the game-winner against Louisiana-Lafayette in the second overtime. The punting job will once again be in the hands of sophomore Robert Billings. The Collierville, TN, native averaged 37.5 yards a boot, while putting 18 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Most of Billings' opportunities came on a short field, but he proved he could go long by booting three over 50 yards. Billings' top punt traveled 62 yards against UAB. For the third straight year, Hansford Johnson will be fielding punts for the Blue Raiders. The cat-quick Johnson ranked 41st in the country a year ago with an average of 10.4 yards a return. Johnson, who has tallied two 100-yard return games in his career, is the school's fourth all-time leader in punt return yards with 500. Returning kickoffs in 2001 will be sophomore Wardell Alsup and last year's late sensation Muhammad Rashada. Alsup led the Blue Raiders with 15 returns for 292 yards, but it was Rashada that stole the headlines late in the year. Rashada joined the kickoff return team in game eight against Mississippi State and responded with five returns for 136 yards. For the year, Rashada averaged 23.8 yards a return which would have ranked 25th nationally if his attempts were enough to qualify. Mr. Consistency Chris Matusek is back for his fourth straight season as the team's snapper, while the reliable David Youell will hold for field goals.