EBFL Season Previews (Season 2)

[PurdueBrad]

I don't know if any others will follow suit, but I thought a season preview from each team would be kind of cool. I played an off-line game vs. a much-improved Indiana team to serve as my Spring Game.

Mississippi State Spring Game, Maroon Team Wins 56-35

Junior quarterback Wesley Carroll looks ready to continue last year's big passing numbers. He led the Maroon team to victory today, 25-34 for 277 yards and 4 touchdowns. He did throw one ill-advised pass for an interception but otherwise seems to have improved with another year of maturity.

He was aided by a tremendous rushing day by starting tailback Christian Ducre'. Last year's starting running back carried 28 times for an amazing 254 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ducre' showed a newfound break-away speed and toughness that will be much welcomed. His improvement, as well as some other roster changes, have spawned a new offensive theory.

"We studied Clinton Portis with Washington and hope to use Christian in that same manner. Furthermore, with the shift of running back Anthony Dixon to fullback and freshman speedster Ervin Heard, we've built in a three-headed monster aspect to the backfield," explained Coach Vest.

The Three-Headed Monster was on display, particularly in the passing attack. Ervin Heard, a 94 speed freshman running back, had 6 catches for 73 yards and 1 touchdown. Dixon complemented that with 6 of his own catches for 67 yards and a score. Surprisingly, Ducre' only had 1 catch which likely helped keep his legs fresh for the running attack.

Last year's Freshman All-American Kendrick Cook returns and announced his presence with authority, catching 2 touchdowns. Senior Brandon McRae led the wide receivers with 4 catches. Freshman Mike Gatewood added 2 of his own catches but showed that he will be an important part to the redesigned offense.

The defense came up with 6 sacks (2 from Brandon Cooper, 1 each from Tay Bowser, Trevor Stigers, Kyle Love, and Templeton Hardy) and numerous plays behind the line of scrimmage. John McPhearson, highly regarded freshman 'athlete' recruit, made his debut, intercepting a pass, returning it for twenty-seven yards.

The special teams looked good. Freshman kicker Matt Lawson was perfect on extra point attempts, going 8-8. Ervin Heard also made big plays as the kick returner, running back 3 kicks for 97 yards.

The offense is much-improved over last year, however the defense took some steps backwards due to some key losses. A tough schedule sets this up for a daunting year but the team's goal of a big bowl remains. The likely outcome for the year is 8-4.

Schedule:
@ Middle Tennessee State
LSU
@ West Virginia
@ Auburn
Tennessee
@ Arkansas (human)
@ Kentucky (human)
Alabama
@ University of Central Florida
@ South Carolina
Ole Miss
@ University of North Carolina (human)

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Arkansas Razorbacks
Last Season 13-1 - Ranked #3
Preseason Ranking - #16


Quarterback

Starter: Ryan Mallet - RS So - 86 Ovr
2nd String: Tyler Wilson - RS Fr - 81 Ovr

Mallet started last season as the backup to Casey Dick. But after two games it was clear Mallet was the better of the two. Mallet had a terrific season throwing for over 3300 yards and 35 TD's. He should be even better this season as he looks to improve on those numbers and lower his 13 INT number.

Half Back

Starter: Michael Smith - RS Sr - 88 Ovr
2nd String: De'Anthony Curtis - RS Fr - 86 Ovr

Smith was terrific last season running for 1921 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was asked to do everything for the Razorbacks and when he went down in the Florida game there was no one else to turn to. This season he'll have more help as De'Anthony Curtis steps into the backup role and will see a good amount of carries. Curtis could have contributed last season but the decision was made to redshirt him.

Full Back

Starter: Van Stumon - RS Jr - 84 Ovr

Van was a great lead blocker for Smith and even had the opportunity to carry the ball a few times. Van is a terrific short yardage guy.

Wide Receiver

Starter: Landon Crawford - Sr - 87 Ovr
Starter: Rod Coleman - RS Sr - 82 Ovr
2nd String: Crosby Tuck - RS So - 84 Ovr
2nd String: Jarius Wright - RS Fr - 79 Ovr

Crawford was hurt for a good portion of the season last year and as a result Coleman's numbers were much higher than expected. He should drop back down to earth this season and the ball should be spread out between Crawford, Coleman and Tuck much more.

Tight End

Starter: Grant Freeman - RS So - 83 Ovr
2nd String: Andrew Davie - RS Sr - 81 Ovr

The tight end in the Arkansas offense isn't used for much more than blocking. Davie as the starter last season caught 14 passes. Freeman was the backup last season and caught the ball once.

Left Tackle

Matt Hall - RS Fr - 83 Ovr - 6'10'' 328 lbs

Left Guard

Ray Dominguez - RS Jr - 75 Ovr - 6'4'' 319 lbs

Center

Joey Crossland - RS Sr - 78 Ovr - 6'5'' 327 lbs

Right Guard

Demarcus Love - RS Jr - 86 Ovr - 6'5'' 312 lbs

Right Tackle

Michael Aguirre - RS Sr - 83 Ovr - 6'6'' 311 lbs

Left End

Damario Ambrose - RS So - 84 Ovr

Ambrose didn't see much playing time last season. He does a have a bright future though.

Right End

Adrian Davis - Sr - 89 Ovr

David recorded 9 sacks last season and could improve on that number in his senior year. For Arkansas defense to be succesful Davis is going to have to get to the quarterback.

Defensive Tackle

Lavunce Askew - RS Fr - 80 Ovr
Chris Kiel - Fr - 74 Ovr

One of the weakest spots on the team as we start two freshmen. We may go to more of a 3-4 or play some 3-3-5 so we'll only probably have Askew on the field at most times.

Left Outside Linebacker

Chip Gregory - RS Jr - 88 Ovr

Chip had 58 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions last season.

Middle Linebacker

Wendel Davis - Sr - 89 Ovr

Davis began last year as the starter but lost his spot as the season progressed. I'm hoping things are different this year.

Right Outside Linebacker

Jerry Franklin - So - 82 Ovr

Jerry saw limited playing time last season and will be asked to step up this year.

Cornerback

Jerry Norton - Sr - 92 Ovr
Lucas Miller - RS Sr - 84 Ovr

Norton is one of the fastest players on the team and should a have big season. Miller is a converted receiver moved to cornerback because of a need but he should be solid.

Free Safety

Marvin West - Fr - 88 Ovr

West steps in right away and should be one of the stars on defense. Has great speed and should help out the defense.

Strong Safety

Tom Randle - Fr - 77 Ovr

One of the weaker spots on the team, Randle has a great future ahead of him but we have very little depth at the position.