Senior Ryan Hubbard ranks 10th in career receiving yards at Davidson.
Wildcats Kick Off 2007 Season Sept. 1
8/26/2007 2:41:25 PM | Football
Marc Gignac
It had been three long sub-par seasons when the Davidson College football team snapped the stretch and posted a 6-4 record last year, its first campaign above the .500 mark since going 7-3 in 2002. For the seniors on the team, it was a nice sendoff, but for the returners to the 2007 squad, it was a taste of possibility.
That sniff of winning football was what the Wildcats needed to work extra hard in the spring and summer and return this fall poised to prove that last year was not just a fluke.
“Last season was a great stepping stone, but the challenges continue to be there,” said head coach Tripp Merritt. “You need a little luck. You need to have the ball bounce your way and stay injury free, and we were able to do that last year.”
Davidson had four games decided by six points or less and was 2-2 in those contests. Two were decided by a single point, and one was an overtime loss. The 'Cats learned what it takes to win close games, and Merritt believes he has started to build a program where the upperclassmen get a majority of the playing time while the young guys have a chance to develop.
“The sign of a healthy program is to not have to rely heavily on your freshman class,” he said. “We have that with the exception of a few areas so that gives those young athletes a chance to develop in the weight room and on the field.”
The key to the season will likely come down to the big boys on the offensive and defensive line. While Merritt thinks his starters can compete with anybody, he likes to rotate a lot of players to keep guys fresh. In order to do that, some younger, and to this point, unproven players will have to step up.
“We have depth at almost every position, but the play of the offensive and defensive line will be important to our success,” said Merritt. “Developing our younger guys up front will be a key to our season.”
The Wildcats have proven depth at a number of positions, including wide receiver and in the defensive secondary. Throw in a quarterback who ranked fifth in Division I FCS in passing a season ago, and the pieces are there for Davidson to take another step forward in 2007.
“We have enough experience in other places to have a chance to build on last season,” said Merritt. “One thing you can be sure of – we'll play hard, we'll play smart and we'll play together.”
Offensive Line
The Wildcat offense was explosive in 2006, averaging 29.5 points a game, and if they hope to experience that success this season, it will start on the offensive line. Three of the five starters return, but the newcomers are a pair of sophomores. Their development is paramount to Davidson's chances.
“It's an area of concern because we lived and died with three great seniors last season, and they left really two key spots that need to be filled in center and guard positions,” said Merritt.
Anchoring the left side will be senior tackle George Zoeckler (6-3, 260 lbs.) and senior guard Zach Jakob (6-3, 305 lbs.). Zoeckler, a two-year starter, was named All-PFL Honorable Mention last season while Jakob played in all 10 games and made six starts. The other returning starter is junior right tackle Will Nolte (6-7, 315 lbs.), who started nine games and played in all 10 contests.
A pair of sophomores will compete for playing time at center, and Shane Purvis (6-1, 270 lbs.), who saw action in three games, enters camp first on the depth chart. Classmate Reed Ryan (6-0, 250 lbs.) will challenge for the starting position.
Mark Iafrate (6-1, 275 lbs.), another sophomore who played in three games as a rookie, is penciled in as the starter at right guard. Senior Nick DiLuzio (6-1, 260 lbs.) will challenge for playing time there.
“We are looking for sophomores in Purvis and Iafrate to fill those roles,” said Merritt. “They set the tone in the spring and are set to be starters, but they have big shoes to fill. How well they develop early is really important to our success.”
Quarterback
The top priority for the offensive line will be protecting senior Ryan Alexander, a second-team All-Pioneer Football League selection a season ago. The Wildcats love to get the ball in the hands of their talented receiving corps, and Alexander averaged 37.7 pass attempts in 2006. If they can give him time, he has proven the ability to pick apart defenses.
Alexander ranked sixth in the FCS in total offense, fifth in passing and 35th in passing efficiency. The senior set school records for total offense and passing yardage. As a second-year starter, his role will increase, and the coaching staff will give him more ability to change things up at the line of scrimmage.
“Ryan is the guy who makes us go,” said Merritt. “He has matured physically and mentally as a player, and we're giving him more freedom to make changes at the line. He's one of the sharper guys I have been around and very astute at seeing the big picture both pre and post snap.”
Adding depth will be fellow senior Matt McGreevy. He has played in 14 career games and owns a .615 completion percentage.
“Matt has proven to be a more than adequate back-up,” said Merritt. “He is a tremendous competitor and has accepted his role on this team.”
Wide Receiver
Gone is the favorite target of Davidson quarterbacks in 2006 and the school's all-time leading receiver in terms of yardage, Brett Dioguardi, but a quartet of playmakers are back and ready to equal last year's performance.
Leading the group are seniors Ryan Hubbard and Beaux Jones. Hubbard caught 44 passes for 542 yards and five touchdowns in 2006, and currently ranks 10th in career receiving yards at Davidson. Jones, a converted quarterback, had 46 receptions for 570 yards and five touchdowns in his first campaign at wide receiver.
Junior Myles Potter and sophomore Andrew Aldrich will look to help fill the void left by Dioguardi. Potter has played in 20 career games and caught 23 passes for 257 yards, while Aldrich played in seven of 10 games as a rookie.
“Here again, we lost a guy who was a tremendous playmaker for us, but I like our overall unit of wide receivers better than last year,” said Merritt. “We have solid depth and the ability to make plays from top to bottom.”
Running Backs
This is another position where the 'Cats graduated one of the best backs in school history but bring back a solid core that probably contains more depth from top to bottom. Whereas Davidson's interior running game was a strength in 2006, this year's team may have more speed to turn the corner and exploit the outside.
Junior Chad Barnes will be the likely starter with sophomore Seyi Ayorinde and junior Ryan Zirkle ready to get their share of carries. Barnes rushed 42 times for 209 yards last year and has 140 carries for 672 yards and four touchdowns during his career. Ayorinde played in two games and ran once for two yards as a freshman, while Zirkle has 26 carries for 60 yards in nine career contests.
“The tailback position is wide open, but I like that we're bringing back more speed as a group, which gives us the ability to open the outside run game a little more,” said Merritt.
Sophomore Kirk Benedict is the likely starter at fullback with senior Craig Harasimowicz ready to take some snaps. Benedict played in all 10 games and made seven tackles on special teams, and Harasimowicz saw action in one game.
“Kirk is really developing into a great player and brings some flexibility to play at tailback in short-yardage situations,” said Merritt.
Tight Ends
The 'Cats are deep at tight end with D.J. Singleterry, Quincy Holmer and Aaron Curley, who all earned letters last season, returning.
Singleterry played in all 10 games and caught four passes for 41 yards, while Holmer played in two contests. Curley played in the season finale against Butler.
Defensive Line
Just like on the other side of the ball, depth on the defensive line will be a major key to success on defense. Two seniors have graduated, making for a youth movement up front.
Two-year starter Will Funderburg is the veteran of the crew as a junior. He has 76 career tackles, including 9.5 for loss, in 20 contests.
“It all starts in the middle with Will, said Merritt. “He is the anchor of the defense and has established himself as one of the better nose guards in the league with two great seasons.”
A pair of sophomores in Daniel Hauffe and Aaron Saltzman are slated to start at the defensive tackle positions. Hauffe played in five games in his rookie campaign and tallied three tackles, while Saltzman played in three contests. Merritt is thrilled with their development through spring practice but knows game day can be a different animal.
“They have never been in the fire, so to speak, and their development early is key,” he said. “They both had really, really good springs on the field and in the weight room.”
Linebackers
A good core of veterans return at outside linebacker for the Wildcats, and while the starting inside linebackers have a lot of game experience, Merritt is a little concerned with depth there.
“We relied heavily on upperclassmen and have been hit hard by graduation each of the last two years so this is one area where we may need some freshmen to step up in terms of providing depth,” said Merritt.
Senior Bud Crawford returns on the outside and is coming off consecutive 50-tackle seasons. He has played in 28 career games and recorded 114 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
“Bud is a three-year starter and as good as they get in this league,” said Merritt. “He's hard-nosed and steady, and we expect big things from him this year.”
Senior Duane Gregg and junior Kwame Som-Pimpong enter camp in a tight race for the starting nod on the opposite side, and both will see plenty of action there. Gregg made the move to linebacker following his sophomore campaign and had 15 tackles last season. Som-Pimpong has played in all 20 games during his career and collected 19 tackles.
Senior Chris Hampton and junior Peter Bakke will be first-time starters at inside linebacker, and coach Merritt believes they are more than capable of being difference makers. Hampton played in all 10 games and registered 18 tackles, including one for loss, while Bakke posted 35 tackles in 10 contests a season ago.
Secondary
Typically, the defensive secondary has been a concern for the coaching staff but that is certainly not the case in 2007. A wealth of experienced veterans return for the 'Cats, enabling them to go two-deep at each position.
Second-team All-PFL selection Patrick FitzGerald returns at one corner position. The senior ranked third in the league with four interceptions and now has nine for his career. He has played in 29 career contests and recorded 145 tackles to go along with nine pass break-ups.
Junior Matt Mikrut returns at the opposite corner, where he recorded 43 tackles in 10 games of action last year.
Senior Zach Long returns at the free safety position after missing almost the entire 2006 campaign. He suffered a season-ending injury on the last play of the first quarter in the opener at VMI after tallying 79 tackles, four interceptions and four pass break-ups as a sophomore.
Junior Matt Easton and sophomore Tyler Lemons will compete for playing time at strong safety. Easton had 57 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games, while Lemons was an impact player as a rookie, posting 34 tackles and two interceptions in nine contests. Lemons may see time at inside linebacker as well, depending on how things progress at that position.
Seniors Corey Hutchins and Jeff Scott provide quality depth. Hutchins played in all 10 games and made four tackles, while Scott had 22 tackles in seven contests.
Special Teams
A pair of first-team All-PFL selections graduated, leaving the place-kicking and punting duties wide open.
One returner, who may kick off, place kick and punt, is senior Corey Elder. He has attempted one career field goal, a 24-yarder, which he made as a sophomore. Most of Elder's experience has come on kickoffs, where he has a 46.7 career average in 63 attempts.
“Special teams are certainly a big question mark right now,” said Merritt. “Cody is more than capable and has worked hard to improve.”
Another option for the punting duties is Kirk Konert, a junior who averaged 37.8 yards a punt in 41 attempts as a freshman. Konert also returns as the Wildcats' primary kickoff return specialist, where he set a school record with 616 yards last year.
Hubbard, who averaged 7.4 yards in seven returns last year, and FitzGerald will return punts.
“Patrick is very good on punt return, and we feel good about freshmen being able to help out in various return roles,” said Merritt.
Schedule
The schedule sets up nicely with three non-league games to open the season, followed by an open date, and then the seven-game PFL slate. The Wildcats were picked third in the conference's preseason coaches' poll, the place where they finished in 2006.
The season and home opener will be interesting as Davidson hosts UNC-Pembroke Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. The Braves have brought their football program back to varsity status and have not played a game since the early 1950s.
The league also presents different challenges because Drake, Jacksonville and San Diego all have new head coaches.
“We've been fortunate to maintain consistency in our staff here, which is so important,” said Merritt. “With all the coaching changes in the league, it's going to be wide open. I think San Diego is the team to beat, but the league is so tough from top to bottom, you know that each game is going to be a dogfight and that you are going to get everyone's best.”
That sniff of winning football was what the Wildcats needed to work extra hard in the spring and summer and return this fall poised to prove that last year was not just a fluke.
“Last season was a great stepping stone, but the challenges continue to be there,” said head coach Tripp Merritt. “You need a little luck. You need to have the ball bounce your way and stay injury free, and we were able to do that last year.”
Davidson had four games decided by six points or less and was 2-2 in those contests. Two were decided by a single point, and one was an overtime loss. The 'Cats learned what it takes to win close games, and Merritt believes he has started to build a program where the upperclassmen get a majority of the playing time while the young guys have a chance to develop.
“The sign of a healthy program is to not have to rely heavily on your freshman class,” he said. “We have that with the exception of a few areas so that gives those young athletes a chance to develop in the weight room and on the field.”
The key to the season will likely come down to the big boys on the offensive and defensive line. While Merritt thinks his starters can compete with anybody, he likes to rotate a lot of players to keep guys fresh. In order to do that, some younger, and to this point, unproven players will have to step up.
“We have depth at almost every position, but the play of the offensive and defensive line will be important to our success,” said Merritt. “Developing our younger guys up front will be a key to our season.”
The Wildcats have proven depth at a number of positions, including wide receiver and in the defensive secondary. Throw in a quarterback who ranked fifth in Division I FCS in passing a season ago, and the pieces are there for Davidson to take another step forward in 2007.
“We have enough experience in other places to have a chance to build on last season,” said Merritt. “One thing you can be sure of – we'll play hard, we'll play smart and we'll play together.”
Offensive Line
The Wildcat offense was explosive in 2006, averaging 29.5 points a game, and if they hope to experience that success this season, it will start on the offensive line. Three of the five starters return, but the newcomers are a pair of sophomores. Their development is paramount to Davidson's chances.
“It's an area of concern because we lived and died with three great seniors last season, and they left really two key spots that need to be filled in center and guard positions,” said Merritt.
Anchoring the left side will be senior tackle George Zoeckler (6-3, 260 lbs.) and senior guard Zach Jakob (6-3, 305 lbs.). Zoeckler, a two-year starter, was named All-PFL Honorable Mention last season while Jakob played in all 10 games and made six starts. The other returning starter is junior right tackle Will Nolte (6-7, 315 lbs.), who started nine games and played in all 10 contests.
A pair of sophomores will compete for playing time at center, and Shane Purvis (6-1, 270 lbs.), who saw action in three games, enters camp first on the depth chart. Classmate Reed Ryan (6-0, 250 lbs.) will challenge for the starting position.
Mark Iafrate (6-1, 275 lbs.), another sophomore who played in three games as a rookie, is penciled in as the starter at right guard. Senior Nick DiLuzio (6-1, 260 lbs.) will challenge for playing time there. “We are looking for sophomores in Purvis and Iafrate to fill those roles,” said Merritt. “They set the tone in the spring and are set to be starters, but they have big shoes to fill. How well they develop early is really important to our success.”
Quarterback
The top priority for the offensive line will be protecting senior Ryan Alexander, a second-team All-Pioneer Football League selection a season ago. The Wildcats love to get the ball in the hands of their talented receiving corps, and Alexander averaged 37.7 pass attempts in 2006. If they can give him time, he has proven the ability to pick apart defenses.
Alexander ranked sixth in the FCS in total offense, fifth in passing and 35th in passing efficiency. The senior set school records for total offense and passing yardage. As a second-year starter, his role will increase, and the coaching staff will give him more ability to change things up at the line of scrimmage.
“Ryan is the guy who makes us go,” said Merritt. “He has matured physically and mentally as a player, and we're giving him more freedom to make changes at the line. He's one of the sharper guys I have been around and very astute at seeing the big picture both pre and post snap.”
Adding depth will be fellow senior Matt McGreevy. He has played in 14 career games and owns a .615 completion percentage.
“Matt has proven to be a more than adequate back-up,” said Merritt. “He is a tremendous competitor and has accepted his role on this team.”
Wide Receiver
Gone is the favorite target of Davidson quarterbacks in 2006 and the school's all-time leading receiver in terms of yardage, Brett Dioguardi, but a quartet of playmakers are back and ready to equal last year's performance.
Leading the group are seniors Ryan Hubbard and Beaux Jones. Hubbard caught 44 passes for 542 yards and five touchdowns in 2006, and currently ranks 10th in career receiving yards at Davidson. Jones, a converted quarterback, had 46 receptions for 570 yards and five touchdowns in his first campaign at wide receiver.
Junior Myles Potter and sophomore Andrew Aldrich will look to help fill the void left by Dioguardi. Potter has played in 20 career games and caught 23 passes for 257 yards, while Aldrich played in seven of 10 games as a rookie.
“Here again, we lost a guy who was a tremendous playmaker for us, but I like our overall unit of wide receivers better than last year,” said Merritt. “We have solid depth and the ability to make plays from top to bottom.”
Running BacksThis is another position where the 'Cats graduated one of the best backs in school history but bring back a solid core that probably contains more depth from top to bottom. Whereas Davidson's interior running game was a strength in 2006, this year's team may have more speed to turn the corner and exploit the outside.
Junior Chad Barnes will be the likely starter with sophomore Seyi Ayorinde and junior Ryan Zirkle ready to get their share of carries. Barnes rushed 42 times for 209 yards last year and has 140 carries for 672 yards and four touchdowns during his career. Ayorinde played in two games and ran once for two yards as a freshman, while Zirkle has 26 carries for 60 yards in nine career contests.
“The tailback position is wide open, but I like that we're bringing back more speed as a group, which gives us the ability to open the outside run game a little more,” said Merritt.
Sophomore Kirk Benedict is the likely starter at fullback with senior Craig Harasimowicz ready to take some snaps. Benedict played in all 10 games and made seven tackles on special teams, and Harasimowicz saw action in one game.
“Kirk is really developing into a great player and brings some flexibility to play at tailback in short-yardage situations,” said Merritt.
Tight Ends
The 'Cats are deep at tight end with D.J. Singleterry, Quincy Holmer and Aaron Curley, who all earned letters last season, returning.
Singleterry played in all 10 games and caught four passes for 41 yards, while Holmer played in two contests. Curley played in the season finale against Butler.
Defensive Line
Just like on the other side of the ball, depth on the defensive line will be a major key to success on defense. Two seniors have graduated, making for a youth movement up front.
Two-year starter Will Funderburg is the veteran of the crew as a junior. He has 76 career tackles, including 9.5 for loss, in 20 contests.
“It all starts in the middle with Will, said Merritt. “He is the anchor of the defense and has established himself as one of the better nose guards in the league with two great seasons.”
A pair of sophomores in Daniel Hauffe and Aaron Saltzman are slated to start at the defensive tackle positions. Hauffe played in five games in his rookie campaign and tallied three tackles, while Saltzman played in three contests. Merritt is thrilled with their development through spring practice but knows game day can be a different animal.
“They have never been in the fire, so to speak, and their development early is key,” he said. “They both had really, really good springs on the field and in the weight room.”
LinebackersA good core of veterans return at outside linebacker for the Wildcats, and while the starting inside linebackers have a lot of game experience, Merritt is a little concerned with depth there.
“We relied heavily on upperclassmen and have been hit hard by graduation each of the last two years so this is one area where we may need some freshmen to step up in terms of providing depth,” said Merritt.
Senior Bud Crawford returns on the outside and is coming off consecutive 50-tackle seasons. He has played in 28 career games and recorded 114 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
“Bud is a three-year starter and as good as they get in this league,” said Merritt. “He's hard-nosed and steady, and we expect big things from him this year.”
Senior Duane Gregg and junior Kwame Som-Pimpong enter camp in a tight race for the starting nod on the opposite side, and both will see plenty of action there. Gregg made the move to linebacker following his sophomore campaign and had 15 tackles last season. Som-Pimpong has played in all 20 games during his career and collected 19 tackles.
Senior Chris Hampton and junior Peter Bakke will be first-time starters at inside linebacker, and coach Merritt believes they are more than capable of being difference makers. Hampton played in all 10 games and registered 18 tackles, including one for loss, while Bakke posted 35 tackles in 10 contests a season ago.
Secondary
Typically, the defensive secondary has been a concern for the coaching staff but that is certainly not the case in 2007. A wealth of experienced veterans return for the 'Cats, enabling them to go two-deep at each position.
Second-team All-PFL selection Patrick FitzGerald returns at one corner position. The senior ranked third in the league with four interceptions and now has nine for his career. He has played in 29 career contests and recorded 145 tackles to go along with nine pass break-ups.
Junior Matt Mikrut returns at the opposite corner, where he recorded 43 tackles in 10 games of action last year.
Senior Zach Long returns at the free safety position after missing almost the entire 2006 campaign. He suffered a season-ending injury on the last play of the first quarter in the opener at VMI after tallying 79 tackles, four interceptions and four pass break-ups as a sophomore.
Junior Matt Easton and sophomore Tyler Lemons will compete for playing time at strong safety. Easton had 57 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games, while Lemons was an impact player as a rookie, posting 34 tackles and two interceptions in nine contests. Lemons may see time at inside linebacker as well, depending on how things progress at that position.
Seniors Corey Hutchins and Jeff Scott provide quality depth. Hutchins played in all 10 games and made four tackles, while Scott had 22 tackles in seven contests.
Special TeamsA pair of first-team All-PFL selections graduated, leaving the place-kicking and punting duties wide open.
One returner, who may kick off, place kick and punt, is senior Corey Elder. He has attempted one career field goal, a 24-yarder, which he made as a sophomore. Most of Elder's experience has come on kickoffs, where he has a 46.7 career average in 63 attempts.
“Special teams are certainly a big question mark right now,” said Merritt. “Cody is more than capable and has worked hard to improve.”
Another option for the punting duties is Kirk Konert, a junior who averaged 37.8 yards a punt in 41 attempts as a freshman. Konert also returns as the Wildcats' primary kickoff return specialist, where he set a school record with 616 yards last year.
Hubbard, who averaged 7.4 yards in seven returns last year, and FitzGerald will return punts.
“Patrick is very good on punt return, and we feel good about freshmen being able to help out in various return roles,” said Merritt.
Schedule
The schedule sets up nicely with three non-league games to open the season, followed by an open date, and then the seven-game PFL slate. The Wildcats were picked third in the conference's preseason coaches' poll, the place where they finished in 2006.
The season and home opener will be interesting as Davidson hosts UNC-Pembroke Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. The Braves have brought their football program back to varsity status and have not played a game since the early 1950s.
The league also presents different challenges because Drake, Jacksonville and San Diego all have new head coaches.
“We've been fortunate to maintain consistency in our staff here, which is so important,” said Merritt. “With all the coaching changes in the league, it's going to be wide open. I think San Diego is the team to beat, but the league is so tough from top to bottom, you know that each game is going to be a dogfight and that you are going to get everyone's best.”
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