‘Riders To Report Friday

Magnolia, Ark.—Southern Arkansas University head football coach Steve Quinn expects approximately 115 candidates to report Friday to begin preparation for the 2003 football season. Quinn returns his staff intact for the third year in offensive coordinator Tommy Laurendine, defensive coordinator Carey Baker, secondary coach Joe Carter and defensive line coach Jason Smelser. The Muleriders, 7-4 last season, have been picked to finish a close third in a tight 12-team Gulf South Conference title chase this season.

The ‘Riders tied for third with a 6-3 record last year in the GSC. Losses in the final two games denied a young SAU team from competing in the NCAA Division II national playoffs. Only three seniors were lost from that team, fullback Scott Schroeder, cornerback Carl Bucknor and wide receiver Jason Bennett. Losses since then, for academic, medical or personal reasons, are running back Rodney Hill, first-team All-GSC linebacker Tim Rose and offensive guards Josh Spittler, Ed Primas and Dude Chisum. All have started at some time in their careers and when not starting, served as dependable backups.

Though the loss of three guards depletes the depth at the position somewhat, Quinn still feels good about his offensive line because of several young red-shirts who have the ability to step forward and contribute.

Even with the losses, SAU still has 18 returning starters, nine on offense and nine on defense, and 36 lettermen back from last season. The ‘Riders return on offense big-play All-America wide receiver Nik Lewis, three-year starting quarterback Ted Williams, second-team All-GSC running back Torrence Jones, fullback Larnelle Sinegal, tight end Ryan Baker, tackles Kelvin Wallace and Bill Parker, guard Kevin Berneathy and center Tim Bezenah.

Back on defense are first-team All-GSC free safety Brian Davis, rover Charles Rollins and cornerbacks Jordan Babineaux and Dez Myers in the secondary, linebackers DeVares Campbell and Keenan Washington, both second-team All-Conference last year, Cedric Brooks and Robert Hooks as down linemen and Dedrick Thompson and Andrekus Dixon at the ends, all seasoned veterans.

Specialty team returnees include kicker Thomas LaToof, punter Tony Grecco, kickoff returner Donald Butler and Lewis will again return punts.

Butler will attempt to replace Hill, who injured a knee, at running back, competing with Don Simpson, who lettered last year as a true freshman. Damian Melancon, who had a record-setting performance last year against Ouachita Baptist University as a red-shirt freshman when Williams was hobbled, will again serve as a backup quarterback along with red-shirt freshman Jabari Woods. Big Brandon Nightingale will push Sinegal for the starting nod at fullback.

Among the strongest challengers for starting roles in the offensive line are James Herrera and Blake Mitchell and Laron Sylvester is experienced at tight end. Juan Bedolla and Edwin Skipper offer Lewis relief at wide receiver.

Lettermen backups on defense are end D.C. Chandler, noseguard Eddie Caldwell, tackle Tirone Curtis, linebackers Darrell Williams and Justin Willis and defensive backs Trey Lewis and David Williams. Darrell Williams, however, may return to fullback where he played in 2001. Drefus Thompson, Dedrick’s younger brother, was to be a strong contender for a starting role at linebacker as a red-shirt freshman before suffering a knee injury that will sideline him this year. Chris Ibezim, SAU’s only junior college addition, is expected to replace Bucknor in the secondary.

Quinn and staff feel good about several red-shirt freshmen they expect to not only contribute, but push some returning starters for starting roles. A handful of true freshmen could possibly play, but will not have to step in and play immediately as much as in the past due to the return of so much experience. The ‘Rider coaches are delighted to have 13 seniors to provide leadership this year compared to only three last season when a late season slump cost them a berth in the national playoffs.

SAU opens the season Thursday, September 4, at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Tex. The first home game for the ‘Riders is September 13 against Texas A&M University-Commerce. Then comes nine consecutive GSC games, starting with the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., September 20.