Ryan Alexander is back again to lead Davidson.
Wildcats Open Football Season Saturday at UNC Pembroke
9/1/2008 4:20:30 PM | Football
2008 season preview
An overview
Tripp Merritt's goal to make Davidson a consistent championship contender in the tough Pioneer Football League has progressed to the point that the Wildcats have an excellent chance in 2008 of fielding their third straight winning team.
With eight starters back on both offense and defense, including a record-setting, experienced quarterback, Davidson has more than a fighting chance to compete successfully against the best in the PFL.
After going 4-6 and 1-2 in the PFL with his first Davidson team, Merritt's program has put together successive 6-4 seasons that includes a cumulative 9-5 record within its conference. That's pretty heady stuff around here – and this could be Merritt's best Davidson team.
Of course, trying to predict a college football season is akin to forecasting mountain weather. The whole picture can change in a matter of minutes. For Davidson, as with most teams, a key will be the health of the team over the long season. If the Wildcats can somehow escape serious injuries to key players, this has the possibilities of a season to savor.
There is cautious enthusiasm in the Davidson camp. No cockiness, but a quiet confidence is present. The Wildcats believe in themselves and the approach they take to winning.
“We feel we've closed the gap on some of the Pioneer League's best teams,” Merritt said. “Our kids are at the point now that they think they can compete with anybody.”
Veteran defensive coordinator Meade Clendaniel is a football guy, careful with his words and not given to hyperbole. Still, he says, “I'd be disappointed if we're not better than we were last year.”
A new element is being introduced into the Davidson plan for the 2008 season. Mike Clark, Davidson's talented offensive coordinator for eight seasons, left last winter to become head football coach at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., his alma mater. Taking his place is Ryan Heasley, who coached as an assistant at highly successful Division III Washington University in St. Louis. Heasley's love for football, and his eagerness to teach it, overflows. He has the energy of a hummingbird and the toughness of a leather saddle.
After going through his first spring practice with the Wildcats, Heasley was impressed. “Our kids are smart and have an excellent attitude,” he said. “We will be an up-tempo offense and our practices will be set on go, go, go.”
The luxury of having 16 starters back should help the Wildcats weather a tough schedule that sees them play four of their first five games and six of their first eight on the road. The good news is that the last three games will be at home, at a time when the Wildcats hope to be in contention for a PFL championship.
Davidson's PFL road games will take them to Morehead State, Valparaiso, Drake, and Campbell. PFL home games will be against Jacksonville on Homecoming, and versus Dayton, San Diego and Butler. It's a home schedule that should delight Davidson's football community.
Non-conference games for the 'Cats feature games at UNC Pembroke and Lenior-Rhyne along with a November home game against Marist.
Davidson's offense will be led by senior quarterback Ryan Alexander, who is an extraordinary player. Clendaniel's defense will be full of blitzes and surprises, with veteran players up front and less experience but good talent in the secondary. And the special teams, which are an important part of Davidson's overall scheme, should again cause nightmares for opponents.
Eighty-three players reported for August practice, as Merritt and his staff, featuring hard work and a positive outlook, have increased the number of players on the roster. The players came to camp in excellent shape and with high expectations. But let's face it, almost all teams are optimistic and harbor lofty dreams in the preseason.
Can Davidson get the job done on the field? Answers will unfold as the heat of September slowly turns into the cold of November. It's a long season and there will be unexpected turns, but the Wildcats are excited. Here's why.
The offense
Ryan Heasley, the new offensive coordinator, made a rather seamless transition from Washington University to Davidson. Both colleges feature small, close-knit communities and academic demands that are not compromised for athletes. Heasley knows all about winning, as he worked for head coach Larry Kindbom at Washington, who has put together 17 straight winning seasons.
“The priorities at both schools are the same,” Heasley says. “Academics first, both schools get great kids who have a chance at a great education, and football is important at both places. I'm excited to be a part of the Davidson program.”
That excitement is enhanced by the presence of Alexander, a 6-3 senior with a strong arm and a knack for making winning plays. He was injured in the season opener last year and missed the next two games. He came back packing the ferocity of a winter storm, passing for 2,238 yards and 18 touchdowns. He holds Davidson career records for most passing yards, most total yards, most touchdown passes and most completions. He gives the 'Cats a unique offensive weapon.
“I love Ryan's personality,” Heasley said. “He's smart as a player, a real student of the game. He can help us get out of a bad play into a good one, so we can do a lot of changing with him in the game.”
Experience behind Alexander is limited. Competing for time at backup QB will be two sophomores – Michael Blanchard, 6-2, and Rodney Lasher, 6-1. Blanchard did not play as a freshman, and Lasher played in one game, as a special teams player against San Diego. Both of these young men have talent, but are untested. One or two freshmen could also enter the competition for backup QB. Keeping Alexander healthy is a major goal for the 2008 Wildcats, and an offensive line that allowed only seven sacks a year ago definitely will come in handy.
Heasley says his offense will be designed to fit the skills of his players, with as much balance between the run and pass as feasible. He will use multiple formations, shifts, put people in motion. Anything within reason to confound opposing defenses.
“We want to be as multiple as possible,” he explains. “Our concepts are simple; our looks are complicated. We'll go two backs, empty (backfield), five wides … whatever we have to do to move the ball. We will scheme to get our best players on the field. But I consider attitude to be as important as anything else that we feature on offense.”
Heasley wants, and expects, mental toughness out of his players. He expects to have a resilient team, one that can bounce back from inevitable mistakes and move the ball.
One of Davidson's goals under Coach Merritt is to be successful in running the ball against the best PFL defenses. Last year's offense, with Alexander at quarterback and some dangerous receivers, gained 2,922 yards passing and a respectable 1,221 yards rushing. It produced 31.2 points and 414 yards of offense a game on average.
The 2008 Wildcats will continue to throw the ball from all positions on the field, but they also have some running backs with complementary skills that make the outlook for the ground game bright. Three of them went into fall camp vying for playing time. Chad Barnes, 6-0, 195, senior, is hard-nosed and tough. He had 88 rushes last season for an average of 4.2 yards. Kenny Mantuo, 5-10, 185, sophomore, has vast potential. His 81 rushes last season produced an average gain of 3.9 yards. And Justin Williams, 5-9, 180, sophomore, is a blur with a lot of wiggle. He averaged 5.1 yards a rush last season in gaining 367 yards.
“They are smaller kids who all give us something a little different,” Heasley said. “We'll build packages that sometimes have two of them on the field at the same time.”
The top two players at fullback going into pre-season were Kirk Benedict, 6-0, 235, junior, and Seyi Ayorinde, 6-1, 215, junior. Benedict started 10 consecutive games at fullback last season and demonstrated excellent blocking skills as well as an ability to pick up tough yards on short yardage situations. He also had 19 catches for an average of 9.2 yards. Ayorinde moves to fullback from tailback. He played in seven games in 2007, mostly on special teams. Going into the 2008 season, he has rushed the ball only once in his Davidson career.
Davidson's wide receivers are not particularly big, but they have talent. Heasley says their ability to run precise routes and demonstrate toughness will be vital. He'll play at least four veterans at wide receiver while also taking a look at some of the freshmen at the position.
Kirk Konert, 6-0, 200, senior, has had an excellent Davidson career, including his junior season when he caught 27 passes for an average of 16.2 yards a catch. He's an excellent athlete who also does most of Davidson's punting. Another senior, Myles Potter, 5-10, 175, had 28 catches for 394 yards last season. When they line up opposite each other, they present Alexander with two inviting targets.
Two other wide receivers will also get playing time this fall. Andrew Aldrich, 5-11, 190, junior, played in all 10 games last season and had 16 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown. Mark Hanabury, 5-11, 175, sophomore, played in five games as a freshman but will see more time this season.
“In our up-tempo offense, we look to play all of them, and maybe some freshmen, too,” Heasley says of his wide receivers.
The starter at tight end going into camp was D.J. Singleterry, 6-1, 230, senior, who had a fine junior season as Davidson's starter. He has speed, excellent hands and caught 17 passes for 161 yards last year. His role might well be stepped up a notch this season.
Of course, before anything positive can happen with the offense, the men up front must be exceptional. It's often been said that offensive linemen don't get their names called unless they're caught holding, but they're nevertheless crucial to any team's ability to move the ball.
Davidson's line should be a good one, led by left tackle Will Nolte, 6-7, 320, senior, who is so impressive that many football people think he'll get a chance to play professional football after his Davidson career.
“Will is as athletic as any offensive lineman that I've seen at this level,” said Heasley. “He's a terrific player who leads by example.”
The starting right tackle is expected to be Jason Perillo, 6-4, 290, junior, who is rather inexperienced but a hard worker who will get a chance to shine in a starting role.
The center and two guards will be filled by four players who are described by Heasley as “tough guys on the inside who are very competitive,” and all four will see significant playing time. The center is Shane Purvis, 6-1, 285, junior, who started all 10 games last season. He has the savvy to handle the many reads that a center is expected to make. The left guard is Joe Tabler, 6-3, 330, junior, who played in nine games last season and started two of them. Mark Iafrate, 6-1, 280, junior, will be the right guard. He played in nine games in 2007 and started eight of them. Zenus Wilson, 6-3, 310, sophomore will see plenty of action and compete for a starting job as well.
The offense has the potential to put up some lofty numbers. To realize that potential, Heasley says his unit must play at maximum efficiency on each snap. “I ask them to give me everything they have,” the first-year offensive coordinator says. “I want them to be coachable, take care of the ball, and play hard and execute from snap to whistle.”
The defense
If you're looking for song and dance, for loquacity and French pastry, Meade Clendaniel isn't your guy. But if you're looking for a football man – a coach who knows his sport inside and out and loves coaching it – you couldn't find anybody better.
This is Clendaniel's eighth season as Davidson's defensive coordinator. He's coached under Joe Susan, Mike Toop and Tripp Merritt at Davidson and learned from each of them. He's studied the great career of Penn State legend Joe Paterno.
Clendaniel's main focus is on team, and to build a team one must first share credit. That's why any talk with Clendaniel about his defense begins with him heaping praise on his full-time assistant Brett Hayford.
“Coach Hayford is my MVP,” Clendaniel says. “I don't know what I'd do without him.”
Clendaniel and Hayford work together like hands on a clock at 6:30. Hayford coaches the defensive line and Clendaniel the secondary. They study film of each opponent for hours, looking for any little tendency that might help them win on Saturday. Davidson's defense doesn't usually have the biggest or fastest players on the field, so scheming intelligently and taking reasonable risks has to be part of the defensive package. Clendaniel and Hayford put those packages together.
The Wildcats choose a 3-4 defensive alignment, because the scheme best suits their personnel. “The 3-4 allows us to match any offense … triple option, spread, power-I, pro style,” Clendaniel explains. “We have smart football players, which gives us a chance to be very multiple on defense. We feature a lot of different coverages and fronts, and have many blitz packages.”
Davidson's defense yielded an average of 28 points and 395 yards a game last season in producing a winning record of 6-4. The Pioneer Football League has some offensive juggernauts, so defenses are going to yield some points and yardage. That's understood. But it's also believed, at least in these parts, that this year's version of Davidson's defense could be pretty stingy.
Clendaniel watches his words carefully. But he looks at this group and says he'd be disappointed if they aren't improved over last season. There are reasons for that optimism, plenty of reasons, and they begin with a talented, experienced front seven.
Clendaniel admits to being “old school,” which means he wants to stop the run first while doing everything his defense can to get into the head of the opposing quarterback, to make him think instead of just playing.
Davidson's front three on defense should make running a chore for opponents, and is led by nose guard Will Funderburg, 6-1, 265, senior, who has started all 30 of his games as a Wildcat. He's tough, disruptive to the offense, a leader. “He's so outstanding that opponents have to game plan for him,” Clendaniel says.
Funderburg will be joined on the defensive front by tackles Daniel Hauffe, 6-3, 245, junior, who started all 10 games last season, and Alex Griswold, 6-2, 235, junior, who started eight of the 10 games he played in last season. That's three pretty good football players who could cause opponents a smorgasbord of problems.
The four linebackers are talented, smart, experienced and seem ready to make life miserable for opposing offenses. One of the most talented players on the Davidson team is inside linebacker Tyler Lemons, 5-10, 205, junior. He played in the secondary as a freshman, moved over to linebacker and seems primed to be a star. He had 44 tackles last season, and Clendaniel says matter of factly: “His potential is unlimited.”
The other inside backer is Peter Bakke, 6-2, 210, senior, a second-team All-PFL choice who is a bloodhound on the field. He finds the football and makes plays. He started all 10 games last season, compiled 71 tackles including 2.5 sacks. “He's smart, solid. You can count on him,” Clendaniel says.
The outside linebackers also bring talent to the field. One is Will Pickens, 6-0, 225, junior. He played in all 10 games last season on defense and special teams. The other is Daniel Astrop, 6-1, 205, sophomore, who posted 27 tackles, including two for loss, in 10 games. In addition to the talent and experience of those front seven players, Davidson's depth there seems to be as solid as it's been in years.
The secondary is another story. There's talent there, yes, but experience is lacking, and depth is not as prevalent as it is with the other seven positions on defense. Davidson lost three prominent senior secondary players from last season. Zach Long started at free safety, Patrick FitzGerald at one cornerback, and Jeff Scott was the nickel back.
Talent is available to fill those positions, but inexperience could be a factor, especially early in the season. Free safety is crucial in the Davidson defense, because he's the guy responsible for getting the defense in the proper alignment. His decisions have to be made in the heat of competition and always under the gun. Matt Guerreri, 5-11, 175, sophomore, will get the nod at free safety. “He could be as good as anyone I've ever had at that position,” Clendaniel said. “He knows our defense and makes most of our defensive adjustments. What he says on the field is law.”
The strong safety is expected to be Matt Easton, 6-2, 215, junior, who averaged a whopping 7.1 tackles a game last season, which was good enough to rank as the second best average by a secondary player in the PFL. Easton also recorded two sacks last year, eight tackles for loss, and had an interception.
One of Davidson's starting cornerbacks will be Matt Mikrut, 5-9, 180, senior, who has made 19 straight starts. He had 31 tackles last season.
The other cornerback position went into fall camp unsettled. Two players were neck and neck coming out of spring ball, and they could end up splitting time at the position this season. Brandon Giles, 6-0, 190, senior, played in all 10 games last season as a defender and special teams player. Harvey Kee, 5-8, 185, sophomore, played in five games in 2007. They're both excellent players and between them hope to make this a position of strength for the Wildcats.
Clendaniel is also not afraid to put freshmen on the field, once he thinks they've earned a chance. Three of them played a lot last season, and as sophomores should play more this year. They are inside linebackers Erich Crowson, 6-0, 205, and Daniel Astrop, 6-1, 205. Outside linebacker Andrew Wohler, 6-3, 210, also a sophomore, is also expected to get field time.
“We have leaders at every position on this defense,” Clendaniel says.
This could be a Davidson defense to remember.
Special teams
Head coach Tripp Merritt coaches Davidson's special teams. He believes that they are so important that he devotes 20 to 25 minutes in each practice to them. “Special teams are usually on the field for 25 to 30 plays a game,” Merritt says. “They can win or lose a game for us.”
Merritt tries to choose players for special teams that aren't full-fledged starters. But when he can't find the necessary talent among the rest of the roster, he doesn't hesitate to put a starter in a special teams situation.
“In choosing players for our special teams,” Merritt says, “I'm looking for players that work hard, have superb determination, give great effort and have the ability to run, hit and stay on their feet.”
Merritt spends much time scouting other teams to see how his special teams should attack each week. He'll take calculated risks, such as an onside kick here and there, and put on the punt block. His Wildcats have run or passed out of field goal and extra point formations. They blocked a punt that proved to be a crucial play in the 24-21 win over Drake last season.
“I want opponents to have to spend practice time worrying about our special teams and what we might do,” Merritt reasons.
Usually, Merritt finds about six players that play on all of the special teams – punt, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return, field goal, PAT, and defense against field goals and PATs. The ones who play on all of those teams are called “The Unit,” and are given skull and crossbones stickers for their helmets.
After finding the nucleus of about six players that play on all the units, he mixes and matches to fill out the other positions.
“We tell our freshmen that the quickest way for them to make an impression and catch our eye is to show up what they can do on special teams,” Merritt said. “It takes a lot of pride and focus to play in this role.”
Davidson's starting punter is expected to be Kirk Konert, who punted last season for a 38.2 average on 23 punts. Merritt likes to have an athlete at punter, which gives him a better chance to get out of bad situations, or to run fakes. Konert is a rugby type punter who can kick it on the run going to his left or right.
Merritt believes in directional punting, as the best way for his team to keep returns to a minimum. Freshman Brenton Goodman, who is more of a conventional punter, might also see action this season as a punter.
Davidson's top man at returning punts and kickoffs will be running back Justin Williams. “He's special,” says Merritt. “He can make you miss in a phone booth.”
Davidson's goal is to pick up a first down – 10 yards – on each punt return.
Kickoffs, field goals and extra points will be handled by Ben Behrendt, sophomore, who had an excellent spring practice. Also getting a look here will be Bo Swanson, a 6-3 freshman with a strong leg.
Merritt has a shoe box in the locker room, and he asks his players to write a note telling him why they should be on the kickoff cover team. He looks for players that can run, have the discipline to stay in lanes, can stay on their feet and get off blocks. He gets 40 or 50 applications for these jobs. “The answers they give me on that sheet of paper are important in me choosing members for the team,” Merritt says.
“Special teams should be a weapon,” Merritt said. “That's what we're striving for. We may fake a punt, try an onside kick, put on an all-out punt block effort. The mantra for our special teams is, 'Making Things Happen.' “
Davidson's goal for special teams: be aggressive, exciting, fearless, and make things happen that can help them win games.
“We take a lot of pride in our special teams, and spend a lot of practice time on them,” Merritt said. “After all, those guys are on the field for about one-third of a football game.”
Tripp Merritt's goal to make Davidson a consistent championship contender in the tough Pioneer Football League has progressed to the point that the Wildcats have an excellent chance in 2008 of fielding their third straight winning team.
With eight starters back on both offense and defense, including a record-setting, experienced quarterback, Davidson has more than a fighting chance to compete successfully against the best in the PFL.
After going 4-6 and 1-2 in the PFL with his first Davidson team, Merritt's program has put together successive 6-4 seasons that includes a cumulative 9-5 record within its conference. That's pretty heady stuff around here – and this could be Merritt's best Davidson team.
Of course, trying to predict a college football season is akin to forecasting mountain weather. The whole picture can change in a matter of minutes. For Davidson, as with most teams, a key will be the health of the team over the long season. If the Wildcats can somehow escape serious injuries to key players, this has the possibilities of a season to savor.
There is cautious enthusiasm in the Davidson camp. No cockiness, but a quiet confidence is present. The Wildcats believe in themselves and the approach they take to winning.
“We feel we've closed the gap on some of the Pioneer League's best teams,” Merritt said. “Our kids are at the point now that they think they can compete with anybody.”
Veteran defensive coordinator Meade Clendaniel is a football guy, careful with his words and not given to hyperbole. Still, he says, “I'd be disappointed if we're not better than we were last year.”
A new element is being introduced into the Davidson plan for the 2008 season. Mike Clark, Davidson's talented offensive coordinator for eight seasons, left last winter to become head football coach at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., his alma mater. Taking his place is Ryan Heasley, who coached as an assistant at highly successful Division III Washington University in St. Louis. Heasley's love for football, and his eagerness to teach it, overflows. He has the energy of a hummingbird and the toughness of a leather saddle.
After going through his first spring practice with the Wildcats, Heasley was impressed. “Our kids are smart and have an excellent attitude,” he said. “We will be an up-tempo offense and our practices will be set on go, go, go.”
The luxury of having 16 starters back should help the Wildcats weather a tough schedule that sees them play four of their first five games and six of their first eight on the road. The good news is that the last three games will be at home, at a time when the Wildcats hope to be in contention for a PFL championship.
Davidson's PFL road games will take them to Morehead State, Valparaiso, Drake, and Campbell. PFL home games will be against Jacksonville on Homecoming, and versus Dayton, San Diego and Butler. It's a home schedule that should delight Davidson's football community.
Non-conference games for the 'Cats feature games at UNC Pembroke and Lenior-Rhyne along with a November home game against Marist.
Eighty-three players reported for August practice, as Merritt and his staff, featuring hard work and a positive outlook, have increased the number of players on the roster. The players came to camp in excellent shape and with high expectations. But let's face it, almost all teams are optimistic and harbor lofty dreams in the preseason.
Can Davidson get the job done on the field? Answers will unfold as the heat of September slowly turns into the cold of November. It's a long season and there will be unexpected turns, but the Wildcats are excited. Here's why.
The offense
Ryan Heasley, the new offensive coordinator, made a rather seamless transition from Washington University to Davidson. Both colleges feature small, close-knit communities and academic demands that are not compromised for athletes. Heasley knows all about winning, as he worked for head coach Larry Kindbom at Washington, who has put together 17 straight winning seasons.
“The priorities at both schools are the same,” Heasley says. “Academics first, both schools get great kids who have a chance at a great education, and football is important at both places. I'm excited to be a part of the Davidson program.”
That excitement is enhanced by the presence of Alexander, a 6-3 senior with a strong arm and a knack for making winning plays. He was injured in the season opener last year and missed the next two games. He came back packing the ferocity of a winter storm, passing for 2,238 yards and 18 touchdowns. He holds Davidson career records for most passing yards, most total yards, most touchdown passes and most completions. He gives the 'Cats a unique offensive weapon.
“I love Ryan's personality,” Heasley said. “He's smart as a player, a real student of the game. He can help us get out of a bad play into a good one, so we can do a lot of changing with him in the game.”
Experience behind Alexander is limited. Competing for time at backup QB will be two sophomores – Michael Blanchard, 6-2, and Rodney Lasher, 6-1. Blanchard did not play as a freshman, and Lasher played in one game, as a special teams player against San Diego. Both of these young men have talent, but are untested. One or two freshmen could also enter the competition for backup QB. Keeping Alexander healthy is a major goal for the 2008 Wildcats, and an offensive line that allowed only seven sacks a year ago definitely will come in handy.
Heasley says his offense will be designed to fit the skills of his players, with as much balance between the run and pass as feasible. He will use multiple formations, shifts, put people in motion. Anything within reason to confound opposing defenses.
“We want to be as multiple as possible,” he explains. “Our concepts are simple; our looks are complicated. We'll go two backs, empty (backfield), five wides … whatever we have to do to move the ball. We will scheme to get our best players on the field. But I consider attitude to be as important as anything else that we feature on offense.”
One of Davidson's goals under Coach Merritt is to be successful in running the ball against the best PFL defenses. Last year's offense, with Alexander at quarterback and some dangerous receivers, gained 2,922 yards passing and a respectable 1,221 yards rushing. It produced 31.2 points and 414 yards of offense a game on average.
The 2008 Wildcats will continue to throw the ball from all positions on the field, but they also have some running backs with complementary skills that make the outlook for the ground game bright. Three of them went into fall camp vying for playing time. Chad Barnes, 6-0, 195, senior, is hard-nosed and tough. He had 88 rushes last season for an average of 4.2 yards. Kenny Mantuo, 5-10, 185, sophomore, has vast potential. His 81 rushes last season produced an average gain of 3.9 yards. And Justin Williams, 5-9, 180, sophomore, is a blur with a lot of wiggle. He averaged 5.1 yards a rush last season in gaining 367 yards.
“They are smaller kids who all give us something a little different,” Heasley said. “We'll build packages that sometimes have two of them on the field at the same time.”
The top two players at fullback going into pre-season were Kirk Benedict, 6-0, 235, junior, and Seyi Ayorinde, 6-1, 215, junior. Benedict started 10 consecutive games at fullback last season and demonstrated excellent blocking skills as well as an ability to pick up tough yards on short yardage situations. He also had 19 catches for an average of 9.2 yards. Ayorinde moves to fullback from tailback. He played in seven games in 2007, mostly on special teams. Going into the 2008 season, he has rushed the ball only once in his Davidson career.
Davidson's wide receivers are not particularly big, but they have talent. Heasley says their ability to run precise routes and demonstrate toughness will be vital. He'll play at least four veterans at wide receiver while also taking a look at some of the freshmen at the position.
Kirk Konert, 6-0, 200, senior, has had an excellent Davidson career, including his junior season when he caught 27 passes for an average of 16.2 yards a catch. He's an excellent athlete who also does most of Davidson's punting. Another senior, Myles Potter, 5-10, 175, had 28 catches for 394 yards last season. When they line up opposite each other, they present Alexander with two inviting targets.
Two other wide receivers will also get playing time this fall. Andrew Aldrich, 5-11, 190, junior, played in all 10 games last season and had 16 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown. Mark Hanabury, 5-11, 175, sophomore, played in five games as a freshman but will see more time this season.
“In our up-tempo offense, we look to play all of them, and maybe some freshmen, too,” Heasley says of his wide receivers.
The starter at tight end going into camp was D.J. Singleterry, 6-1, 230, senior, who had a fine junior season as Davidson's starter. He has speed, excellent hands and caught 17 passes for 161 yards last year. His role might well be stepped up a notch this season.
Of course, before anything positive can happen with the offense, the men up front must be exceptional. It's often been said that offensive linemen don't get their names called unless they're caught holding, but they're nevertheless crucial to any team's ability to move the ball.
“Will is as athletic as any offensive lineman that I've seen at this level,” said Heasley. “He's a terrific player who leads by example.”
The starting right tackle is expected to be Jason Perillo, 6-4, 290, junior, who is rather inexperienced but a hard worker who will get a chance to shine in a starting role.
The center and two guards will be filled by four players who are described by Heasley as “tough guys on the inside who are very competitive,” and all four will see significant playing time. The center is Shane Purvis, 6-1, 285, junior, who started all 10 games last season. He has the savvy to handle the many reads that a center is expected to make. The left guard is Joe Tabler, 6-3, 330, junior, who played in nine games last season and started two of them. Mark Iafrate, 6-1, 280, junior, will be the right guard. He played in nine games in 2007 and started eight of them. Zenus Wilson, 6-3, 310, sophomore will see plenty of action and compete for a starting job as well.
The offense has the potential to put up some lofty numbers. To realize that potential, Heasley says his unit must play at maximum efficiency on each snap. “I ask them to give me everything they have,” the first-year offensive coordinator says. “I want them to be coachable, take care of the ball, and play hard and execute from snap to whistle.”
The defense
If you're looking for song and dance, for loquacity and French pastry, Meade Clendaniel isn't your guy. But if you're looking for a football man – a coach who knows his sport inside and out and loves coaching it – you couldn't find anybody better.
This is Clendaniel's eighth season as Davidson's defensive coordinator. He's coached under Joe Susan, Mike Toop and Tripp Merritt at Davidson and learned from each of them. He's studied the great career of Penn State legend Joe Paterno.
Clendaniel's main focus is on team, and to build a team one must first share credit. That's why any talk with Clendaniel about his defense begins with him heaping praise on his full-time assistant Brett Hayford.
“Coach Hayford is my MVP,” Clendaniel says. “I don't know what I'd do without him.”
The Wildcats choose a 3-4 defensive alignment, because the scheme best suits their personnel. “The 3-4 allows us to match any offense … triple option, spread, power-I, pro style,” Clendaniel explains. “We have smart football players, which gives us a chance to be very multiple on defense. We feature a lot of different coverages and fronts, and have many blitz packages.”
Davidson's defense yielded an average of 28 points and 395 yards a game last season in producing a winning record of 6-4. The Pioneer Football League has some offensive juggernauts, so defenses are going to yield some points and yardage. That's understood. But it's also believed, at least in these parts, that this year's version of Davidson's defense could be pretty stingy.
Clendaniel watches his words carefully. But he looks at this group and says he'd be disappointed if they aren't improved over last season. There are reasons for that optimism, plenty of reasons, and they begin with a talented, experienced front seven.
Clendaniel admits to being “old school,” which means he wants to stop the run first while doing everything his defense can to get into the head of the opposing quarterback, to make him think instead of just playing.
Davidson's front three on defense should make running a chore for opponents, and is led by nose guard Will Funderburg, 6-1, 265, senior, who has started all 30 of his games as a Wildcat. He's tough, disruptive to the offense, a leader. “He's so outstanding that opponents have to game plan for him,” Clendaniel says.
Funderburg will be joined on the defensive front by tackles Daniel Hauffe, 6-3, 245, junior, who started all 10 games last season, and Alex Griswold, 6-2, 235, junior, who started eight of the 10 games he played in last season. That's three pretty good football players who could cause opponents a smorgasbord of problems.
The four linebackers are talented, smart, experienced and seem ready to make life miserable for opposing offenses. One of the most talented players on the Davidson team is inside linebacker Tyler Lemons, 5-10, 205, junior. He played in the secondary as a freshman, moved over to linebacker and seems primed to be a star. He had 44 tackles last season, and Clendaniel says matter of factly: “His potential is unlimited.”
The other inside backer is Peter Bakke, 6-2, 210, senior, a second-team All-PFL choice who is a bloodhound on the field. He finds the football and makes plays. He started all 10 games last season, compiled 71 tackles including 2.5 sacks. “He's smart, solid. You can count on him,” Clendaniel says.
The outside linebackers also bring talent to the field. One is Will Pickens, 6-0, 225, junior. He played in all 10 games last season on defense and special teams. The other is Daniel Astrop, 6-1, 205, sophomore, who posted 27 tackles, including two for loss, in 10 games. In addition to the talent and experience of those front seven players, Davidson's depth there seems to be as solid as it's been in years.
Talent is available to fill those positions, but inexperience could be a factor, especially early in the season. Free safety is crucial in the Davidson defense, because he's the guy responsible for getting the defense in the proper alignment. His decisions have to be made in the heat of competition and always under the gun. Matt Guerreri, 5-11, 175, sophomore, will get the nod at free safety. “He could be as good as anyone I've ever had at that position,” Clendaniel said. “He knows our defense and makes most of our defensive adjustments. What he says on the field is law.”
The strong safety is expected to be Matt Easton, 6-2, 215, junior, who averaged a whopping 7.1 tackles a game last season, which was good enough to rank as the second best average by a secondary player in the PFL. Easton also recorded two sacks last year, eight tackles for loss, and had an interception.
One of Davidson's starting cornerbacks will be Matt Mikrut, 5-9, 180, senior, who has made 19 straight starts. He had 31 tackles last season.
The other cornerback position went into fall camp unsettled. Two players were neck and neck coming out of spring ball, and they could end up splitting time at the position this season. Brandon Giles, 6-0, 190, senior, played in all 10 games last season as a defender and special teams player. Harvey Kee, 5-8, 185, sophomore, played in five games in 2007. They're both excellent players and between them hope to make this a position of strength for the Wildcats.
Clendaniel is also not afraid to put freshmen on the field, once he thinks they've earned a chance. Three of them played a lot last season, and as sophomores should play more this year. They are inside linebackers Erich Crowson, 6-0, 205, and Daniel Astrop, 6-1, 205. Outside linebacker Andrew Wohler, 6-3, 210, also a sophomore, is also expected to get field time.
“We have leaders at every position on this defense,” Clendaniel says.
This could be a Davidson defense to remember.
Special teams
Head coach Tripp Merritt coaches Davidson's special teams. He believes that they are so important that he devotes 20 to 25 minutes in each practice to them. “Special teams are usually on the field for 25 to 30 plays a game,” Merritt says. “They can win or lose a game for us.”
Merritt tries to choose players for special teams that aren't full-fledged starters. But when he can't find the necessary talent among the rest of the roster, he doesn't hesitate to put a starter in a special teams situation.
Merritt spends much time scouting other teams to see how his special teams should attack each week. He'll take calculated risks, such as an onside kick here and there, and put on the punt block. His Wildcats have run or passed out of field goal and extra point formations. They blocked a punt that proved to be a crucial play in the 24-21 win over Drake last season.
“I want opponents to have to spend practice time worrying about our special teams and what we might do,” Merritt reasons.
Usually, Merritt finds about six players that play on all of the special teams – punt, punt return, kickoff, kickoff return, field goal, PAT, and defense against field goals and PATs. The ones who play on all of those teams are called “The Unit,” and are given skull and crossbones stickers for their helmets.
After finding the nucleus of about six players that play on all the units, he mixes and matches to fill out the other positions.
“We tell our freshmen that the quickest way for them to make an impression and catch our eye is to show up what they can do on special teams,” Merritt said. “It takes a lot of pride and focus to play in this role.”
Davidson's starting punter is expected to be Kirk Konert, who punted last season for a 38.2 average on 23 punts. Merritt likes to have an athlete at punter, which gives him a better chance to get out of bad situations, or to run fakes. Konert is a rugby type punter who can kick it on the run going to his left or right.
Merritt believes in directional punting, as the best way for his team to keep returns to a minimum. Freshman Brenton Goodman, who is more of a conventional punter, might also see action this season as a punter.
Davidson's top man at returning punts and kickoffs will be running back Justin Williams. “He's special,” says Merritt. “He can make you miss in a phone booth.”
Davidson's goal is to pick up a first down – 10 yards – on each punt return.
Kickoffs, field goals and extra points will be handled by Ben Behrendt, sophomore, who had an excellent spring practice. Also getting a look here will be Bo Swanson, a 6-3 freshman with a strong leg.
“Special teams should be a weapon,” Merritt said. “That's what we're striving for. We may fake a punt, try an onside kick, put on an all-out punt block effort. The mantra for our special teams is, 'Making Things Happen.' “
Davidson's goal for special teams: be aggressive, exciting, fearless, and make things happen that can help them win games.
“We take a lot of pride in our special teams, and spend a lot of practice time on them,” Merritt said. “After all, those guys are on the field for about one-third of a football game.”
2026 Davidson Football Spring Zoom Call
Thursday, March 19
WEEK 12: Coaches Corner with Head Coach Saj Thakkar presented by Atrium Health.
Tuesday, November 18
WEEK 11: Coaches Corner with Head Coach Saj Thakkar presented by Atrium Health.
Tuesday, November 11
DC Football The Final Push, A Gridiron Club Check (11-04-25)
Friday, November 07
