2002 Football Preview: Keller Hopes to Sow Seeds of Success
July 23, 2002

In Ohio, growing season normally begins in April. Ashland University football coach Gary Keller will be planting in August, in the midst of what’s normally the hottest, driest time of the year.

When fall camp opens in August, Keller will be sowing the seeds of what he hopes will be another winning season. There is a lot of growing to do – AU must replace 10 starters from last season’s 6-5 unit. Yet Keller, in his ninth season as Ashland’s head coach, doesn’t foresee a drought. There are young players who need to grow and mature, but most of those players have been in the system a year or two serving in backup roles.

“It’s going to be how fast we get this team to come together and grow,” said Keller when asked about the key to success in 2002. “It’s just a matter of getting everyone focused on the same page and playing together. These guys have been recruited to play football here. They’re excited about the opportunity. As coaches we’re excited too.”

A preview of this year’s AU team can be found below.

Offense
The 2001 Eagles set a school record for total offense, churning out 411.2 ypg. AU scored more than 40 points twice and had 30 or more points four times. The Eagles were extremely successful on the ground, averaging 128.8 ypg. rushing while finishing third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in that department. The only team with a better total offense mark was Grand Valley State, the GLIAC champ and the NCAA Division II runnerup.

The Eagles did a good job protecting their quarterbacks, too. Ashland led the GLIAC in sacks against (11). The one area that was a concern was turnover margin. The Eagles were sixth in a 12-team league with a +1 figure. But in three of AU’s losses – setbacks to Wayne State, Michigan Tech and Northwood – a propensity to give the ball away cost the Eagles dearly.

The coaching staff hopes that this year’s team can do a better job of protecting the football. That will be emphasized from the first day of fall camp.

Quarterback
Junior Matt McCullough and sophomore John Szabo both saw action last season. McCullough opened the year as the starter and held that job until the final two games when Szabo was inserted into the lineup. Szabo was 2-0 as the starter and didn’t throw an interception. He goes to camp as the starter.

“He’s not a flashy quarterback, but he’s a quarterback who can get the job done,” said Keller of the 6-5, 210-pound Szabo. “He has the presence to make good decisions, he’s a cool customer. Last year, John got his feet wet.”

Szabo didn’t sink – he completed 24 of 39 passes (61.5 percent) for 346 yards and two touchdowns.

McCullough (6-3, 210) completed 118 of 233 passes (50.6 percent) for 1,696 yards. He had 13 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Even though he didn’t start the final two games last season, he remains a factor in the battle for the starting job. He’s physically tough and is a fine all-around athlete.

“He’s stronger now and he’s grown,” offered Keller. “He’s not writing himself off. He believes he can be the starter. He has a renewed sense of drive. That’s good. We have two guys who are good quarterbacks.”

A third option could be 6-2, 190-pound fifth-year senior Jon Hunek, who has shown steady improvement over the last year.

“He’s done some nice things,” said Keller.

Running Back
Not since Dallas was winning the weekly Nielsen ratings has a J.R. had a ride like this. Senior running back J.R. McCoy is an All-America candidate and on the short list of the top backs in the country. McCoy owns the two best single-season rushing totals in school history. Last year, he led the GLIAC in rushing, gaining 1,415 yards on 302 carries. The senior starts the 2002 season third on Ashland’s career rushing list with 3,106 yards. He needs 838 yards to become the career leader.

“J.R. has a knack for gaining yards, of finding the seams,” said Keller. “J.R. has the ability to gain tough yards. He’s durable. A lot of guys have great vision, but they don’t gain yards. J.R.’s not a flashy back and he’s not a big back (5-10, 185). But on the football field he’s a real solid player.”

Redshirt freshman Jeremy Mulkey (6-0, 218) and junior Joe Provenazano (5-10, 197) will play behind McCoy. A year ago AU had the luxury of spelling McCoy with senior Marcus Mitchell, who gained 825 yards and averaged 5.4 ypc. It’s hoped that Mulkey and Provenzano can be effective enough to give McCoy an occasional breather.

The Eagles are without both H-backs from 2001 – Eric Slosser and Robert Butler. Now a pair of redshirt freshmen – Jason Schwalm and Kiel Miller – are locked in a battle for the job.

“Jason is probably more of a skilled player,” Keller reported. He’s an Omari Parks (former AU H-back) type of player. He won’t overwhelm people with his size (5-10, 206), but we need to find ways to get the ball in his hands. Kiel Miller (6-1, 224) is more of a true fullback.”

Wide Receiver
The coaching staff spent the last several recruiting seasons working to bolster the depth and overall talent at wide receiver. Like the 18-wheelers that move up and down Route 71 near Ashland, the Eagles believe they have a wide load at wide receiver.

Senior wideout Kevin McMahon lived up to the early forecasts of the coaching staff and became an impact player last season. The 5-10, 180-pound McMahon led the 2001 Eagles in receptions (35) and yards per catch (16.4). He was also the team leader in punt returns (9.3) and second on the club in kick returns (20.0). McMahon developed into a playmaker because he has speed to keep defenses honest and the toughness to navigate the middle of field.

“He’s got to be a leader on the field,” said Keller. “He wants the ball in his hands, he wants to be a factor.”

As a freshman in 2001, John Hall was a factor, catching 24 passes and averaging 11.6 ypc. with three touchdowns. The 6-2, 195-pound sophomore will be asked to build upon those numbers in 2002.

“John is going to be a very good football player,” said Keller. “He’s a very competitive football player. All of our wide receivers are competitive. They just don’t want to catch the football. They want to block, they want to mix it up.”

Michael Hull, a 5-10 180-pound sophomore, caught 10 passes as a rookie. He’s expected to expand those numbers this season. Another wideout who’s expected to contribute is 5-10, 180-pound redshirt freshman Trent Seay.

Offensive Line
This unit has suffered several key losses. Graduation has claimed guard Kent Cramer, the 2001 GLIAC offensive lineman of the year. Another standout guard, John Priestas, also traded in his shoulder pads for a cap and gown.

One of the leaders on this year’s line figures to be junior center Jon Qualls (6-3, 270). Qualls missed all of spring practice with a shoulder injury, but has a clean bill of health heading to camp.

“He’s an all-conference kind of football player,” said Keller. “With Jon, Kent and John last year, we had very good football players up the middle. Jon’s aggressive, tough.”

The Eagles are working on developing depth behind Qualls. Senior J.J. Schmidli (6-4, 284) has already been in the heat of battle. Bret Gordon, a 6-2, 285-pound redshirt freshman, will be added to the rotation this season.

Redshirt frosh Blake Dickson (6-2, 280) is the favorite to nail down the starting job at left guard.

“A lot of people will know him by the end of the season,” Keller promised.

Cloyce Wolfe, a 6-5, 280-pound senior, is expected to back up Dickson and could fill several other spots along the front wall.

Mark Davis, a 6-2, 285-pound sophomore and Schmidli are expected to see the bulk of the time at right guard. Davis was worked into the lineup last year and the coaching staff is anxious to see how he’s progressed.

Veteran Kevin Briggs is penciled in as the starting left tackle. The 6-5, 285-pound senior experienced back problems a year ago was limited in what he could do last spring. If he’s healthy, he’s a lineman who can be counted on to play well.

“He’s a captain,” pointed out Keller. “His peers look at him as a leader. I think he’ll follow through.”

Justin Dorr, a 6-3, 285-pound redshirt freshman, will be asked to spell Briggs. He’s one of those youngsters who’s going to be asked to mature at a rapid rate of speed.

Right tackle belongs to 6-3, 296-pound senior Wally Sonnie. Sonnie joined the offensive line last season after playing along the defensive line his first two years with the Eagles. He was learning on the fly last year and the coaching staff believes he’s ready to flourish as a senior.

“I think he’ll have a big year,” predicted Keller. “He’s coming into his own. He’s been a workhorse during his career. We’re looking for him to take his game to another level.”

Two sophomores, 6-3, 242-pound Brian Mong and 6-4, 245-pound Jason Schroeder, are at the top of the depth chart at tight end. Mong played in nine games a year ago.

“We’re excited about Brian,” admitted Keller. “He’s made a lot of progress in his two years. We think he’ll get even better with the chance to play. He was our second tight end a year ago.”

Defense
Before he became AU’s head football coach, Keller was the defensive coordinator under Dr. Fred Martinelli. In that role, he directed some of the best defenses on the NCAA Division II level. For that reason, teaching defense and rebuilding a unit aren’t perceived as headaches by Keller. They are challenges, the kind the AU head coach attacks with gusto.

Keller believes the talent he has on hand is fine. In some areas, the Eagles are untested, but Keller is confident that when this group grows up, it can be very good. The strength of this defense figures to be the secondary. The biggest gaps to fill are at linebacker where two-time GLIAC first teamer Brock Swonguer and rock’em-sock’em Jesse Howard have departed.

Defensive Line/Outside Linebackers
When it comes to line changes, the Eagles are the equal of any NHL entry. Graduation has forced the Eagles to rewrite the depth chart.

At the field end spot, the Eagles will look to 6-0, 235-pound junior Brett Bartlow. Bartlow has shown flashes of brilliance, he had eight tackles for loss and three sacks last season. Those numbers came in eight games and that’s the concern, keeping Bartlow healthy.

“He’s gotten some reps in the past and we feel he can be a successful defensive end,” said Keller. “But he’s been hurt. When he’s played, he’s made plays. He’s a playmaker and that’s the bottom line, making plays. When he’s had the opportunity, he’s come up big.”

Junior Steve Welch is listed behind Bartlow. The 6-2, 230-pound Welch is making the move from offense, but Keller said Welch has progressed nicely and is right on schedule. Thad Schlichter, a 6-3, 258-pound redshirt freshman, missed spring practice, but he’s someone the coaching staff will monitor closely.

At defensive tackle, the Eagles will turn to 6-3, 280-pound senior Brian Morrison.

“He shared time with Zach Kaya last year,” Keller said. “We feel he can be an excellent player. I think he’s ready to take his play to another level.”

Morrison has always tested out as one of AU’s strongest players physically. If he puts everything together this season, the Eagles will have an exceptional interior lineman.

Jason Reynolds, a 6-4, 285-pound sophomore, will push Morrison.

“He’s come a long way,” said Keller. “We would call him a rising star. He’s going to do a lot for us.”

Another tackle with great promise is 6-3, 255-pound junior Dan Drane. He’s expected to start at the other tackle. Last year, Drane provided relief for Bobby Mercer at defensive end and finished the year with 17 tackles and one sack.

“He brings speed and agility,” said Keller. “He’s a pass rusher.”

Joel McKinnon, a 6-8, 270-pound junior and Schlichter, are also in the picture here.

At nose tackle the Eagles’ top two choices are 6-3, 275-pound sophomore Phil Gallo and 6-2, 286-pound senior Kevin Lacey. Over the last seven years the Eagles have been blessed with strength and depth at nose tackle. Keller believes that trend will continue this season. Lacey started in 2000 and Gallo was the starter in 2001. Lacey had 15 tackles and a sack last season and Gallo registered 10 tackles and a sack.

“Lacey’s been nagged with injuries,” reminded Keller. “He had knee surgery last year and it never came back.”

At rover, AU looks to senior David Catanese (6-2, 210). Throughout his career, Catanese has been a solid performer, a player who quietly goes about his job and more often than not, is at the right place at the right time. Catanese was sixth on last year’s team in tackles (49/28 solo). He had 11 tackles for loss and five sacks.

“He’s a veteran and he’ll be a captain,” Keller said. “David’s very dependable. Sometimes, I think maybe he’s been overlooked.”

Chad Todaro, a 6-3, 214-pound sophomore, is expected to spell Catanese.

“I think he’s ready to play, to have a better year in terms of numbers,” said Keller.

Inside Linebackers
Keller is a big fan of action films. He likes them at the theatre and he loves them in his office when he’s reviewing game film, which usually is an action flick starring the AU linebackers.

Last year, for example, Swonguer and Howard finished first and second on the team in tackles. Swonguer was third in the league in stops and Howard tied for eighth in tackles.

This year, the starters inside figure to be 6-0, 240-pound sophomore Chris Campbell and 6-0, 240-pound senior Geoff Henry.

“Chris Campbell is ready to play football,” emphasized Keller. “It’s a maturity thing with him. As he matures he’ll get better. He played behind Jesse last year. Geoff’s worked hard to get stronger and bigger.”

Jarrett Fuller, a 6-1 230-pound redshirt freshman and Jeremy Crabtree, a 6-2, 230-pound redshirt frosh, could also force their way into the lineup. Both begin camp as backups, but if they play well that could change.

“We have to get players maturing quickly,” Keller admitted. “We need to get them confidence early in their careers and get them off on the right foot. We’re going to play all four of these players. They can get in there and go hard, they don’t have to play the entire game.”

Secondary
The GLIAC’s become a passing league. Fancy passing is no passing fancy. For that reason, a strong secondary is a must. This year, it would appear the Eagles are fine in the defensive backfield.

The starting cornerbacks are expected to be juniors Jeremy Westbrooks and Toure Carter. The 6-2, 190-pound Westbrooks had 24 tackles and an interception last season. The 5-10, 185-pound Carter finished seventh on the team in tackles (43/30). Last year was his first season on defense. He began his career as running back.

“Both are growing up and maturing as football players,” said Keller. Toure’s fine, very solid. He’s made a lot of gains. I think Jeremy’s an excellent player. Coach (Steve) Clinkscale has really helped him. He’s becoming a steady player.”

Junior Drew Doak could show up at cornerback, but he’s the favorite to start at strong safety. The 6-0, 190-pound Doak has a knack for coming up with the football. He had 35 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble reoveries last season.

Look for 6-0, 187-pound junior Aaron O’Reilly to surface in the secondary scheme too. He’s expected to see most of his time at cornerback. Jeremy Ogle, a 6-0, 200-pound sophomore, is listed as the backup at strong safety. Another name to remember is Carl Ransome, a junior who’s transferring to AU from Grand Rapids Junior College.

At free safety, the Eagles will feature 6-0, 204-pound senior Toby Stepsis, one of the top defensive backs in the conference. Stepsis was third on the team in tackles (63/39 solo) last season. A second team All-GLIAC pick, he also had three interceptions.

“He’s one of our captains,” said Keller. “I think Toby’s an exceptional football player, an all-conference type of player. He’s going to be one of our leaders. I think the leadership of the defense will come from our secondary. We put that challenge to them and they’ve responded.”

Look for 6-0, 180-pound senior Joe Sauder to provide relief for Stepsis. Sauder has also been a regular on special teams.

Special Teams
Who has a toehold on the kicking game? Good question. AU must replace two four-year starters in kicker Matt Pifer and punter Kurt Keplinger. Pifer is AU’s career leader in points and field goals and was an all-conference selection. Keplinger was an honorable mention All-GLIAC choice last season and was one of the league’s best in dropping the ball inside the 20-yardline.

Sophomore Jason Monschein and freshman Justin Dixon are the contenders for the punting job. Monschein has been in the program, Dixon is an all-state player from Florida. The kicking job is expected to go to redshirt freshman Austin Wellock.

The return game is led by McMahon. Carter and Hall are other candidates there.