2004 Football Preview: 2004 Eagles Have New Look and Different Outlook
July 31, 2004

Senior wide receiver Michael Hull will be one of the leaders this season. Hull owns school records for receptions in a game, season and career. Coach Owens said "he'd be a player in the Mid-American Conference and be a very good player. "

Since the end of last football season, the Ashland University football offices have had full length glass doors installed. Over the summer, new equipment was added to the weight room and the Sarver Athletic Complex locker room has been completely redone.

All of that construction, but not one new window was added. That doesn’t make any difference because even without that, the Eagles have a new view of life.

The Eagles begin a new era this season as Lee Owens takes over as the head coach at AU after nine seasons at the University of Akron. Owens brings the spread offense, the 3-4 defense and a never-ending flow of optimism to the program. He inherits a team that returns 34 lettermen and 18 starters (10 on offense, six on defense, plus the kicker and punter). AU was 2-9 last season, 2-8 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

That’s something else Owens and his staff would like to change from last year – that sub-.500 record. Constructing a new team and a new attitude takes time. This year promises to be the first step in that process. The new coaching staff arrived on campus early enough to bring in a deep and talented recruiting class and some of those newcomers will play this year. For that reason, the Eagles will have a different look in 2004 and not just because they’re wearing new uniforms and helmets.

A look at the 2004 Eagles follows.

Defense
The Eagles were one of the GLIAC’s top units a year ago, finishing second in total defense (297.7 ypg.), second in rush defense (112.4 ypg.) and third in pass defense (185.4 ypg.). In the most important defensive category – points allowed – the Eagles were ranked fourth (22.9 ppg.). That unit has lost a couple of standouts – senior All-America defensive back Toure Carter, solid, hard-hitting safety Karl Ransom and defensive lineman Dan Drane, one of the GLIAC’s most improved players in 2003.

Linebacker
State Farm and All-State take a back seat to the AU linebackers when it comes to comprehensive coverage.

“That’s our strongest position on the team, hands down,” noted Owens. “When you look at that position, that’s an impressive group.”

The leader is 6-2, 225-pound junior Devin Conwell. Conwell was a second team All-GLIAC choice last season when he piled up 121 tackles. That’s the most tackles by an AU player since 1996. Conwell was recognized as the GLIAC player of the week twice. He had 17 tackles for loss, five sacks and three interceptions.

“He’s a difference maker,” praised Owens. “He’s tremendously talented and he has cat-like quickness. Devin’s as fast as anyone on our defense. He has a good nose for the football. He gets around blocks, through blocks and over blocks. Devin’s a student of the game. I’ll be shocked if there’s a better linebacker in the conference.”

Conwell will start at one inside linebacker post. The other starter inside figures to be 6-1, 230-pound junior Brady Miller. Injuries limited Miller to three games last season. When he’s healthy he’s a sure tackler and a veteran capable of making big plays.

Depth inside will be provided by 6-1, 240-pound junior Jarrett Fuller and 6-3, 240-pound sophomore Mike Buzzard. Fuller has plenty of experience and he was eighth on the team in tackles last season (31). A player to watch here could be true freshman Brian Joyner. The 6-1, 230-pound rookie is extremely athletic and will be hard to keep off the field as he gains experience.

The starting outside linebackers are 6-1, 245-pound senior Chris Campbell and 6-1, 220-pound sophomore Allen Lattimore. Campbell had 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. Lattimore became a key part of the defense during the second half of last season. He should emerge as a leader on this year’s team.

Chris Todaro, a 6-2, 215-pound senior and Jeremy Crabtree, a 6-3, 235-pound junior, provide experienced relief help outside. Todaro was in on 22 stops last year and Crabtree made 20 tackles.

Defensive Line
Owens would like to see some line drives this fall. The AU head coach isn’t double dipping and working with the AU baseball program. But he’d like to see a defensive line, which lost several starters from last season, drive opposing offensive lines off the ball.

The coaching staff has spent the summer raving about the work in the spring of 6-5, 280-pound senior Jason Reynolds. He’s penciled in as the starter at left defensive end. Reynolds had 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. He’s been a demon in offseason workouts and should bring fire and strength from the end spot.

The starter at right defensive end could be Matt Baughman, a 6-5, 245-pound sophomore. At nose tackle, the Eagles are expected to turn to 6-1, 245-pound sophomore Kyle Zelazny. Baughman and Zelazny are underclassmen who are anxious to make names for themselves. They’ll have every opportunity to do that in fall camp.

The other player with experience up front is 6-2, 275-pound senior Phil Gallo, who figures to see time at defensive end. After that, the Eagles must bank on the rapid maturation of youngsters. That group will include some true freshmen.

“We need two or three freshmen to get in the mix,” explained Owens. “You have to keep fresh legs on the defensive line. You have to work a rotation. At least two players need to step up.”

Two names to watch in that group are 6-5, 230-pound freshman Brandon Baxter and 6-1, 240-pound sophomore Jake Grove.

Secondary
The (Toure) Carter Administration is over. Carter, named a first team All-America cornerback by three organizations last season, is out of eligibility. The same goes for Ransom,a hard-hitting safety who likened football to a demolition derby.

The good news is that Aaron O’Reilly returns at free safety. The 5-11, 205-pound senior has been second on the team in tackles each of the last two seasons and was an honorable mention All-GLIAC selection in 2003. He’s coming off a year that saw him make 71 tackles and pick off a pair of passes.

“He has to be the quarterback back there,” Owens said. “He has great instincts, he plays intelligently and he gets everyone lined up.”

The starting job at strong safety is up in the air. One candidate is 5-11, 195-pound sophomore Zane Nance. Two freshmen, 6-0, 205-pound Kyle Calvert and 6-3, 200-pound Nick McCombs, could force their way into the picture.

The Eagles will be looking for several youngsters to make an impression at cornerback. As for the returnees, sophomore Chris Holland threw his 6-0, 195-pound frame around the field with a vengeance last season. He had 20 tackles and many of those were of the bone-rattling variety.

“I love the way he hits,” said Owens.

Holland is projected to start at right corner with 5-10, 185-pound junior Earl Clark listed as the favorite to start on the left side. Clark has received plenty of playing time over the last two seasons and could be ready to take his game to a new level.

Sam Morant, a 5-11, 180-pound freshman, Justin Hood, a 5-9, 175-pound rookie and Ronnie Smith, a 5-11, 165-pound freshman will all get long looks at cornerback. If they can provide instant help, there may be some position juggling in the secondary.

Offense
Points were hard to come by for AU in 2003. Ashland tallied 15.7 ppg., a year ago and scored more than 30 points just once. The Eagles have veterans returning at nearly every position and the hope is that they will show signs of maturing in 2004. A new way of doing business – the spread offense – could also help boost productivity.

Quarterback
Nick Strance was a little like Lewis and Clark in 2003 – he was traveling where few before him had gone.

Strance took over at quarterback in the fourth game of the season due to an injury to starter John Szabo. He became the first true freshman to play quarterback for AU since 1992. The 6-2, 205-pound Willard, OH, native gave a good account of himself, completing 119 of 236 passes (50.4 percent) for 1,098 yards and three touchdowns. The hope is that he can build upon those numbers and the lessons he learned last season. The sophomore goes into camp as the starter. But, there’s plenty to be learned about Strance and the quarterback position.

“It’s probably the biggest question on our team at the most important position on the team,” admitted Owens. “Nick is the clear choice as the starter. He needs to make great strides. The offseason and preseason camp are crucial.”

Even though he’s only a sophomore, Strance has the most experience of anyone on the roster. After Strance, the coaches will look at 6-1, 205-pound freshman Kyle Johann, 6-2, 210-pound sophomore Mark Workman and 6-1, 185-pound true freshman Thom Abbott. The backup spot will be decided in fall camp.

Running Back
The Eagles will show plenty of Hart and Sole at tailback. Seniors Antwan Hart and Jason Schwalm give the Eagles an effective one-two punch. Hart may be the faster of the two and has more breakaway potential while Schwalm prefers to give defenders a good look at the bottom of his shoes, running over and through tacklers.

A year ago, the 5-11, 200-pound Hart gained 706 yards and averaged 3.9 ypc. Schwalm was good for 661 yards and averaged 5.0 ypc. Schwalm was sixth in the league in rushing and Hart was seventh. Having those two means the Eagles should always have a fresh back in the game. It also means that even though Owens has had high profile passing teams in the past he’s not adverse to running the football.

“We have two seniors with lots of experience,” Owens said. “With two senior tailbacks we’d be foolish not to run the football.”

The Eagles also believe they have capable youngsters waiting in the wings. Two freshmen – 6-0, 185-pound Jon Schroeder and 6-1, 215-pound Josh Hendrix - look to be promising up-and-coming ground gainers.

“We recruited as strong at this position as at any position,” said Owens. “There’s a lot of potential here.”

The coaching staff is looking to sort out the situation at fullback. Steve Lee, a 5-11, 230-pound junior, Ray Kent, a 6-0, 240-pound freshman and Andy Owens, a 6-0, 230-pound freshman, are three options.

Wide Receiver
Neither raw figures or figures of speech do justice to what senior wide receiver Michael Hull has meant to the AU offense. The 5-11, 185-pound Hull owns school records for receptions in a game, season and career. But it’s the characteristics that are the hardest to measure where Hull is the richest.

“We have a proven performer in Michael Hull,” raved Owens. “He’d be a player in the Mid-American Conference and be a very good player. Mike brings class, leadership and a high level of intelligence. He’s such a competitor.”

Hull caught 57 passes a year ago and averaged 10.9 ypc. He’s sure handed and an excellent route runner. What the Eagles are looking to do this year is get him some help on the outside.

Brandon Gilmore, a 6-1, 195-pound sophomore, caught 18 passes last season and averaged a team-best 16.6 ypc. Trent Seay, a 5-11, 195-pound junior, was third on the club with 23 receptions. Bobby Madison is coming off a solid spring session. The 6-3, 215-pound sophomore caught six passes last season.

Jeremy Holland, a 6-3, 220-pound senior, is itching to work his way into the picture here. Holland is making the move from quarterback to wide receiver. He brings good size and speed to the fray.

Offensive Line/Tight End
Multi-tasking has become a much-desired talent to have, especially if you’re a tight end. Many football teams don’t have that luxury, they go with specialty tight ends – one to block and one to catch the football.

AU doesn’t have to go that route. In 6-4, 255-pound junior Brian Mong, the Eagles have a tight end who excels at every aspect of his job description.

“He’s a difference maker,” emphasized Owens. “We need to make sure we get the ball in his hands. He’ll catch the ball and get you yards after the catch. He’s got a chance to play after he’s done here. He’s got that size.”

Mong was second on the team in receptions (27) last season. That number should increase in this year’s offense.

Lee Daniels, a 6-3, 235-pound senior, is listed behind Mong.

The offensive line is anchored by 6-2, 305-pound left guard Blake Dickson. He’s the most experienced member of the front wall and earned All-GLIAC honorable mention plaudits a year ago. He’s backed up by Steve Smelko, a 6-3, 295-pound junior.

At right guard the projected starter is 6-3, 280-pound senior Jason Schroeder. Schroeder has also lined up at tight end during his career.

Back for his second season as the starting center is 6-2, 305-pound junior Bret Gordon. Vince Cashdollar, a 6-2, 310-pound sophomore, heads into camp as Gordon’s understudy.

The starting left tackle figures to be 6-3, 305-pound junior Justin Dorr. Kiel L. Miller, a 6-5, 290-pound sophomore, will work to push Dorr. The leader for the starting job at right tackle is 6-5, 325-pound sophomore Mike Dolfi. Right behind him is Andy Hunter, a 6-7, 330-pound freshman.

All of the projected starters on the line have starting experience in the past. Owens believes this year’s recruiting class has several excellent prospects on the line, too.

Special Teams
What’s the plural of foot? In the case of AU junior kicker Austin Wellock it’s feats.

A year ago, Wellock kicked a school record 50-yard field goal. Two years ago he tied an NCAA Division II single-game record when he kicked six field goals at Wayne State. Wellock’s a solid kicker with experience. He will handle the field goals and extra points. Last year, Wellock nailed eight of 15 field goal attempts and was 19-for-19 on extra points. The veteran could get some help on kickoffs as the coaching staff likes the leg strength of freshman Bill Sauders.

AU returns punter Trevor Wood. The sophomore averaged 35.6 ypp., in 2003. Wood figures to get a push from McCombs, who brings distance and excellent hang time to the Eagles.