Building A Career: A NCAA Football Coaching Dynasty

[kblu54]

FIU Individual Stats

Passing

DeMarcus Jean --- 120 - 245 - 2212 yds, 10 TD, 18 INT, sacked 36 times
Ian Wright --- 24 - 48 - 358 yds, 4 TD, 4 INT, sacked 4 times
Will Ferguson --- 8 - 17 - 118 yds, 1 TD, sacked 5 times

Rushing

Casey Simmons --- 203 att. - 931 yds, 7 TD
Ray Brooks --- 84 att. - 419 yds, 4 TD
Justin Peterson --- 90 att. - 333 yds, 4 TD
Patrick Harris --- 15 att. - 59 yds, 1 TD
Alonzo Fisher --- 8 att. - (-1) yds
Jeff Harper --- 1 att. - (-3) yds
Donald Anderson --- 1 att. - (-5) yds
Ian Wright --- 4 att. - (-23) yds
Will Ferguson --- 6 att. - (-41) yds
DeMarcus Jean --- 77 att. - (-281) yds, 1 TD

Receiving

Donald Anderson --- 72 rec. - 1470 yds, 5 TD
Shannon Ernst --- 25 rec. - 227 yds, 1 TD
J.J. Smith --- 20 rec. - 326 yds, 2 TD
Jason Morgan --- 11 rec. - 200 yds, 1 TD
Mike Hamilton --- 9 rec. - 123 yds, 2 TD
Casey Simmons --- 5 rec. - 176 yds, 3 TD
Ray Brooks --- 3 rec. - 53 yds
Malcom Cannon --- 3 rec. - 25 yds
Justin Peterson --- 3 rec. - 71 yds, 1 TD
Eddie Poole --- 1 rec. - 17 yds

Defense

Joel Razzano, SS --- 59 tkls (2 TFL), 1 INT, 5 passes def., 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 blk
Lorenzo Townes, MLB --- 55 tkls (29 TFL), 15 sacks, 1 INT, 3 passes def., 1 FF
Julian Anderson, CB --- 54 tkls (7 TFL), 1 sack, 1 INT, 3 passes def.
Alex Galloway, CB --- 47 tkls (2 TFL), 2 INT, 7 passes def., 2 FF, 1 FR
Andre Paul, CB --- 44 tkls (6 TFL), 6 INT, 4 passes def., 4 TD
Jason Rodgers, DE --- 41 tkls (11 TFL), 5 sacks, 1 FR
Corey Sutton, CB --- 39 tkls (3 TFL), 2 INT, 7 passes def.
Dwyane Nicholson, DT --- 38 tkls (18 TFL), 4 sacks, 1 FF, 1 safety
Roderick Anderson, OLB --- 35 tkls (5 TFL), 3 passes def., 1 FF, 1 FR, 4 blks
Mark Owens, FS --- 32 tkls (2 TFL), 4 INT, 6 passes def., 1 FF, 1 FR
Tyrone Wynn, DT --- 30 tkls (6 TFL), 2 sacks, 2 FF
Adrian Mason, DE --- 29 tkls (12 TFL), 6 sacks, 1 pass def.
Alfred Moore, OLB --- 18 tkls (6 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 passes def., 1 FF, 1 FR, 2 blks
Lonnie Houston, MLB --- 15 tkls (2 TFL), 1 sack
Will Gray, MLB --- 15 tkls (1 TFL), 1 sack, 1 FR
Tyrone Kellner, OLB --- 9 tkls
Jeff Allen, SS --- 8 tkls
Tyree Alexander, CB --- 6 tkls, 2 passes def.
Kyle Morales, FS --- 6 tkls, 1 INT, 1 FF
Mark Hill, DE --- 5 tkls (3 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 blk
Mike Goins, DE --- 2 tkls
Kyle Sanders, DT --- 1 tkl

Kicking

Terence Woodard --- 14/15 FG, 39/39 XP, 81 total pts

Punting

Austin Carroll --- 40 punts - 1696 yds (42.3 avg), 4 in 20

Kickoff Returns

Justin Peterson --- 27 ret. - 748 yds (27.7 avg), 3 TD
Alex Galloway --- 33 ret. - 881 yds (26.7 avg), 2 TD
Shannon Ernst --- 15 ret. - 378 yds (25.2 avg), 1 TD
Jason Morgan --- 8 ret. - 138 yds (17.3 avg)

Punt Returns

Justin Peterson --- 4 ret. - 22 yds (5.5 avg)
Alex Galloway --- 6 ret. - 29 yds (4.8 avg)
Shannon Ernst --- 4 ret. - 13 yds (3.3 avg)
Jason Morgan --- 1 ret. - 3 yds (3.0 avg)

FIU Team Stats & Rankings

Offense

Total YPG: 338.5 (82nd in NCAA)
Pass YPG: 223.9 (51st)
Rush YPG: 114.5 (88th)
PPG: 28.2 (52nd)
Pass TD: 15 (110th)
Rush TD: 17 (42nd)
1st Downs: 194 (79th)
Redzone Scoring %: 69% (96th)
3rd Down Conversions: 33% (108th)
Turnover Differential: -9 (102nd)

Defense

Total YPG: 368.7 (69th)
Pass YPG: 241.0 (86th)
Rush YPG: 127.6 (55th)
Pts Against: 38.6 (118th)
Sacks: 39 (4th)
Interceptions: 19 (45th)
Fumble Recoveries: 8 (45th)
Redzone Scoring %: 69% (23rd)

[superjames1992]

Just chiming in to say that I'm following!

Tough year, but hopefully you can get it turned around next season. You were 2-5 in Sun Belt play, so there's something to build on.

Forgive me if this has already been asked, but is this on NCAA 08 or NCAA 07?

Quote: Originally Posted by Deuce2223

Don't know if you saw but I moved my Hoops thread over to here, because 2k forums layouts suck.

Indeed they do!!! I used to like the layout in the past, but the new layout makes me want to vomit. I'll still post on and read the legacies over there, but I just don't get how they butchered the layout so badly.

I still have my 2K8 legacy going, BTW, it's just on hold a bit I guess.

[kblu54]

I am playing on NCAA 08... I'm glad to see you guys are following, I love how the old 2k sports forum guys are always checking up on each other haha...

I loved ur Boston Colonials dynasty, you should start that up again haha...

[kblu54]

Seven FIU players earn All-Sun Belt honors
FIU Football News

Despite a tough 3-9 campaign for the Golden Panthers in their 1st year under head coach Kyle Borland, seven FIU players were honored for their on-field efforts with All-Sun Belt spots.

4 players earned were named to the 1st team, led by top WR Donald Anderson. Anderson was a major force in the FIU passing game, pulling in 72 receptions for an incredible 1470 yards, which was tops in the nation. Anderson also led FIU with 5 TD receptions. Anderson posted season highs with 13 receptions for 215 yards in a 39-36 double overtime loss to rival and Sun Belt champion Florida Atlantic.

Also named to the 1st team was CB Andre Paul, K Terence Woodard and RB/KR Justin Peterson. Paul was a scoring machine despite playing on the defensive side of the ball, taking 4 of his 6 interceptions to the end zone. Paul was also 5th on the team in tackles with 44, including 6 for a loss.

Woodard was nearly automatic for the Golden Panthers, converting 14-of-15 field goal attempts on the year and nailing all 39 of his extra point attempts. Woodard's 93.3 field goal percentage was tops in the nation.

Peterson was an all-purpose force for the Golden Panthers, scoring on the ground, through the air and returning kicks this season. Peterson scored 8 times during the season, including 3 kickoff return TDs to earn his 1st team All-Sun Belt spot. Peterson also ran for 333 yards and 4 TDs and had 71 receiving yards and a TD.

3 other Panther players were named to the All-Sun Belt 2nd team, highlighted by RB Casey Simmons and MLB Lorenzo Townes. Simmons, despite missing 4 games due to injury, was a force in FIU's new spread option attack, falling just short of the 1000-yard mark on the season. Simmons piled up 931 rushing yards, 176 receiving yards and scored 10 TDs, including 7 on the ground to lead the team. Simmons diced a tough Kansas team for 243 yards and 2 TDs in the Panthers' stunning 38-9 upset of the Jayhawks.

Townes was a surprising defensive force for FIU from the all-important middle linebacker spot. Sent on blitzes often, Townes led the nation in sacks with 15 and was 2nd in tackles for loss with 29. Townes was a constant disruption in opponent's backfields and really set the tone for FIU's aggressive defense.

The other 2nd team spot belonged to senior CB Alex Galloway. Galloway, despite missing 3 games due to suspension, responded beautifully in the 2nd half of the season. A force on defense and on special teams, Galloway was a great senior leader. Galloway was 4th on the team in tackles with 47, recorded 2 interceptions and was tied for the team lead with 7 passes defended. Galloway also returned 2 kickoffs for TDs.

The rest of the All-Sun Belt teams are as follows.

All-Sun Belt 1st Team (Offense)

QB: Omar Haugabook, Troy
RB: Reggie Arnold, Arkansas State
RB: Jamario Thomas, North Texas
WR: Donald Anderson, FIU
WR: Joe Williams, Middle Tennessee State
TE: John Horne, Troy
C: Mark Jones, Middle Tennessee State
OG: Justin Leonard, North Texas
OG: Grant Fagan, North Texas
OT: Brian Pugh, Middle Tennessee State
OT: Warren Stanford, UL-Monroe

All-Sun Belt 1st Team (Defense)

DE: Kyle Clay, North Texas
DE: Erik Walden, Middle Tennessee State
DT: Brandon Cook, Florida Atlantic
DT: Anthony Miller, Florida Atlantic
MLB: Alex Bernard, Troy
OLB: Mitchell Alston, Troy
OLB: Reggie Kelly, UL-Monroe
CB: Andre Paul, FIU
CB: Dylan Edwards, Middle Tennessee State
FS: Damon Nickson, Middle Tennessee State
SS: Henry Williams, North Texas

All-Sun Belt 1st Team (Special Teams)

K: Terence Woodard, FIU
P: Lawrence Jones, Florida Atlantic
RET: Justin Peterson, RB, FIU

All-Sun Belt 2nd Team (Offense)

QB: Bill Tyler, Middle Tennessee State
RB: Casey Simmons, FIU
RB: Jordan Winston, Middle Tennessee State
WR: Terrance Carpenter, Troy
WR: Terry Bracken, Troy
TE: William Mills, Florida Atlantic
C: Jonathan Smith, North Texas
OG: J.J. Lowe, Arkansas State
OG: Jason Thurman, Middle Tennessee State
OT: Damien Singletary, UL-Monroe
OT: Victor Mackey, Middle Tennessee State

All-Sun Belt 2nd Team (Defense)

DE: Dustin Davis, Troy
DE: Blake High, Middle Tennessee State
DT: Brian Washington, North Texas
DT: Cody Hardin, Troy
MLB: Lorenzo Townes, FIU
OLB: Lamar Carter, North Texas
OLB: Adrian Haynes, Troy
CB: Alex Galloway, FIU
CB: Bobby Moore, Middle Tennessee State
FS: Khayyam Burns, Arkansas State
SS: Larry Burnette, Florida Atlantic

All-Sun Belt 2nd Team (Special Teams)

K: Bobby Walden, Florida Atlantic
P: Mike Paul, North Texas
RET: Nate Johnson, FS, Troy

[superjames1992]

Quote: Originally Posted by kblu54

I am playing on NCAA 08... I'm glad to see you guys are following, I love how the old 2k sports forum guys are always checking up on each other haha... I loved ur Boston Colonials dynasty, you should start that up again haha...

Yep, always good to check up on each other!

I actually just started a new dynasty today as I just got NCAA 09. It can be found here: http://www.operationsports.com/forum...ncaa-09-a.html

[kblu54]

Bowl Week 1 Results

Poinsettia Bowl --- #23 TCU 33, North Texas 7
New Orleans Bowl --- Cincinnati 35, Middle Tennessee State 25
Papajohns.com Bowl --- Kansas 28, Illinois 25
New Mexico Bowl --- UNLV 34, Notre Dame 28
Las Vegas Bowl --- Washington State 43, #16 Utah 42
Hawaii Bowl --- #15 Boise State 45, Memphis 20

Bowl Week 2 Results

Motor City Bowl --- Florida Atlantic 27, Ohio 17
Holiday Bowl --- #12 Texas 45, Arizona State 7
Champs Sports Bowl --- Georgia Tech 35, Purdue 33
Texas Bowl --- #25 Texas Tech 42, Iowa 21
Emerald Bowl --- #18 Oklahoma State 35, Western Michigan 26
Meineke Car Care Bowl --- #24 Miami 52, USF 21
Autozone Liberty Bowl --- Florida 29, Tulsa 24
Alamo Bowl --- Penn State 38, Kansas State 20
MPC Computers Bowl --- Texas A&M 38, New Mexico 17
PetroSun Independence Bowl --- Tennessee 27, Miami (OH) 10

Bowl Week 3 Results

Armed Forces Bowl --- Arizona 35, Colorado 32
Brut Sun Bowl --- Pittsburgh 45, Oregon State 42
Music City Bowl --- Boston College 31, #17 Arkansas 27
Chick-fil-a Bowl --- #7 Virginia Tech 42, Georgia 14
Insight Bowl --- Michigan State 44, Colorado 41 (OT)
Outback Bowl --- #21 Wisconsin 22, Mississippi State 21
AT&T Cotton Bowl --- #11 Nebraska 35, #20 Alabama 17
Capital One Bowl --- #9 LSU 31, #18 Indiana 28
Gator Bowl --- #25 Florida State 45, #22 Rutgers 21
International Bowl --- North Carolina 35, Northern Illinois 20
GMAC Bowl --- Southern Mississippi 45, Bowling Green 28

BCS Bowl Results

Rose Bowl --- #4 Ohio State 27, #5 UCLA 17

Sugar Bowl --- #10 Hawaii 28, #3 Auburn 17

Fiesta Bowl --- #8 Oklahoma 27, #6 West Virginia 24

Orange Bowl --- #13 Louisville 52, #12 Maryland 24

BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP --- #1 USC 56, #2 Michigan 13

[kblu54]

FIU welcomes 9 new Panthers
FIU Football News

In his first season of recruiting, head coach Kyle Borland didn't have to do much. The Golden Panthers are expected to return 17 of 22 starters and had some good depth across the board, but Coach Borland knew he had to start making some personnel changes.

"We have a good squad here," Coach Borland said. "But in the recruiting field I'm going to start going after 'my guys', guys that fit our style."

Speed is definately the main factor for Coach Borland, needing plenty of it on offense to run his spread option attack. We does have a good amount of fast players on offense, but coaching does not revolve around one or two seasons. Building your future through recruiting is the only way to truly build a good program that can efficiently run your system.

So after graduating 8 seniors, Coach Borland has filled those holes with 9 new players with some surprisingly good talent. The 9 incoming players are highlighted by FB Tyrone Cannon, TEs Mike Smith and Chris Hendrix and ATH Lamont Whitworth.

Cannon, a 4-star prospect out of Georgia, committed to the Panthers during in-season recruiting, enjoying his visits and making his choice following a bye week. Cannon is a strong back who is a solid blocker, something the Panthers need. Cannon, the #6 ranked fullback, is expected to back up starter Patrick Harris.

Despite not using the tight end that much, Coach Borland went out and pulled in two 3-star ends that should make an impact in both the running and passing game. Mike Smith and Chris Hendrix, both out of Florida, bring different elements to the table but bring great talent overall. Smith is a hard-nosed, old-school style tight end, with a big frame and great blocking skills. Hendrix is a more athletic end who excels in the passing game but can block when asked to. Since FIU runs a lot of 2-TE sets, expect both of these guys to make an impact on the program. Smith is expected to redshirt this season while Hendrix should backup senior TE Mike Hamilton.

One of the most intriguing prospect is ATH Lamont Whitworth out of Louisiana. Whitworth wasn't that high on FIU to begin the recruiting process, but following a call from Coach Borland, the Panthers jumped right up to the top of his board. Whitworth has great speed and played several positions in high school, including quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back. It will be interesting to see where Whitworth gets placed, but he is expected to redshirt regardless.

WR Nick Arnold highlights the rest of the Florida-born recruits. Arnold is a great receiver who actually is pretty high in the FIU depth chart, but he will redshirt this season. A pair of guards, a defensive end and a tailback complete the group. Guards Scott Capers and Stewart Faulk are very similar in ability and should provide much-needed depth, DE Brad Gutierrez is a solid talent and should gain some muscle during his redshirt season, and RB Josh Holt is FIU's lowest-ranked prospect but does bring some speed to the table.

Signings

Tyrone Cannon, FB --- **** --- Georgia (#6)
Mike Smith, TE --- *** --- Florida (#34)
Chris Hendrix, TE --- *** --- Florida (#37)
Lamont Whitworth, ATH --- ** --- Louisiana (#46)
Nick Arnold, WR --- ** --- Florida (#95)
Scott Capers, G --- ** --- Florida (#115)
Brad Gutierrez, DE --- ** --- Florida (#119)
Stewart Faulk, G --- ** --- Florida (#136)
Josh Holt, RB --- * --- Florida (#180)

Overall, Coach Borland's first recruiting class was ok. Getting only 9 recruits looks bad, but when you return 62 of 70 players, you really don't need that much. FIU was ranked near the bottom of the class standings.

Top 10 Recruiting Classes

1) Michigan
2) LSU
3) USC
4) Ohio State
5) Nebraska
6) UCLA
7) Maryland
8) Virginia Tech
9) Oklahoma
10) Texas
.
.
.
114) FIU

So as the new guys get welcomed into the FIU program, we look ahead to another great season of Golden Panther football.

[kblu54]

Season Preview: Panthers looking to improve, take next step
FIU Football News

In their 1st season under head coach Kyle Borland, the FIU Golden Panthers finished 3-9 overall and 2-5 in Sun Belt conference play. The Panthers fielded a very competitive offense in their spread option attack, but their unpredictable defense ranked almost dead last in the nation in points given up. The good things we saw last year should carru over, as FIU returns 17 of 22 starters overall, including 9 of 11 on offense. Let's take a look at this year's Golden Panther team.

OFFENSE (Returning Starters = 9)

Quarterbacks (Grade = C)

The FIU offense will once again be led by sophomore redshirt DeMarcus Jean. Jean threw for 2212 yards and 10 TDs as a freshman last year, despite missing the last 2 games due to injury. Jean needs to be much more careful with the ball this year compared to last season (18 interceptions), as he won't get as much leeway as he did as a freshman. Junior Will Ferguson (118 yards, 1 TD), sophomore Ian Wright (358 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT) and freshman redshirt Anthony Banks round out the available crew. Highly-touted athlete Lamont Whitworth was converted into a QB during the offseason and brings a lot of speed to the position, but he will redshirt this season.

Tailbacks (Grade = C+)

FIU returns everybody from a solid group of tailbacks, led by 2nd Team All-Sun Belt selection senior redshirt Casey Simmons. Simmons, despite missing 4 games due to injury, piled up 931 yards rushing and scored 10 TDs (7 rushing) to earn all-conference honors. Expect Simmons to get the bulk of the carries again, but watch out for solid backups senior Justin Peterson (333 yards, 8 total TDs) and junior Ray Brooks (419 yards, 4 TD) to provide a boost.

Fullbacks (Grade = B-)

Junior reshirt Patrick Harris returns as the starter for FIU, after rushing for 59 yards and a TD last year and providing some great blocking for the Panthers' solid crew of tailbacks. Highly-ranked freshman Tyrone Cannon will redshirt this year, meaning Peterson will provide most of the backup duty.

Wide Receivers (Grade = C+)

The biggest group of players on the team got even bigger this offseason with the addition of freshman recruit Nick Arnold, but its talent across the board is rivaled by few. Arnold will redshirt this season, but the players coming back provide a big spark in the passing game. The receivers are led by returning 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection Donald Anderson, who led the nation in receiving yards with 1470 last season. Anderson also led the team in receptions with 72 and TD catches with 5. Shannon Ernst, Jason Morgan and J.J. Smith also return to round out the top receivers after combining for 56 catches for 753 yards and 4 TDs last year.

Tight Ends (Grade = B-)

Senior Mike Hamilton returns to lead a now young but talented group of tight ends. Hamilton caught 9 passes for 123 yards and 2 TDs last year, but he is expected to be more involved in the offense this year. Hamilton is protected by 2 very solid freshman in Mike Smith and Chris Hendrix. Smith will redshirt this year, but expect Hendrix and his athletic build to steal some catches from Hamilton.

Tackles (Grade = C+)

Senior offensive captain Kellen Marcus and junior Steven White return to man the ends of the offensive line, providing pass protection for Jean and edge blocking for the tailbacks. Junior redshirt David Griffin, sophomore redshirt Jose Mackey and freshman redshirt Jason Alvarez will provide backup duty.

Guards (Grade = C)

The only position on the offense that does not have any returning starters, as they look to replace graduating seniors Leonard Jones and Clay Martinez. Returning players junior redshirt Arthur Cwik and sophomore redshirt Fred McNeal will control the interior part of the line. Freshman recruits Scott Capers and Stewart Faulk round out the backups. Faulk will redshirt.

Centers (Grade = C+)

Senior redshirt Dan Massey returns to lead the offensive line, seeming more poised and intelligent than last year. Junior redshirts Tim Owens and Eric Hall will battle it out for the 2nd backup spot.

DEFENSE (Returning Starters = 8)

Defensive Ends (Grade = C)

The FIU defense lost one end (Jason Rodgers) due to graduation but return the rest, led by senior Adrian Mason. Mason was solid at the end spot last year, collecting 6 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He is expected to do more this season, but he will be helped out by senior redshirt Mark Hill. Hill beat out highly-touted freshman redshirt Harvey Diggs for the starting job and will man Rodgers' old spot. Hill collected 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss in 2 starts last year.

Defensive Tackles (Grade = C+)

Senior defensive captain Dwayne Nicholson returns to lead a great group of tackles, hoping to replace graduatin senior Tyrone Wynn along the way. Nicholson recorded 18 tackles for loss, which was 2nd on the team, and 4 sacks last season. He is helped out by sophomore redshirt Derek Valentine, who did not see the field last year. Senior Kyle Sanders and freshman redshirts Gabe Moore and Zack Whitworth will provide backup duty.

Outside Linebackers (Grade = C+)

Juniors Roderick Anderson and Alfred Moore return to man the outer edges of the 2nd line of defense. Anderson was a strong force for the Panthers last year, recording 35 tackles (5 for a loss) and 4 blocked kicks. He is expected to take a much bigger role in the defense this season. Moore collected 18 tackles (6 for a loss), 2 sacks, an interception and blocked 2 kicks of his own. The Panthers switch to nickel and dime packages often, meaning Moore does not see the field as much, but he makes the most of his opportunities. Junior Tyrone Kellner and freshman redshirt Courtney Miller round out the rest of the OLBs.

Middle Linebackers (Grade = C)

The lowest-rated position on last year's team got a little better, thanks to 2nd Team All-Sun Belt selection Lorenzo Townes. Townes, now a senior, was a pleasant surprise for the Panthers last year, leading the nation in sacks with 15 and finished 2nd in tackles for a loss with 29. His 55 tackles was 2nd on the team, and Townes is expected to be the same blitzing force he was last year. Juniors Lonnie Houston and Will Gray complete the trio, as they combined for 30 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks last year.

Cornerbacks (Grade = C)

The cornerback group took a big hit with the loss of senior leader and 2nd Team All-Sun Belt pick Alex Galloway to graduation, but the other corners return for another good year. 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection Andre Paul returns as the #1 corner after intercepting 6 passes last year and using his speed to return 4 of them for TDs. Paul also recorded 44 tackles, including 6 for a loss. On the other side of the secondary is another fellow senior in Julian Anderson. Anderson was also a good surprise for the Panthers' D, finishing 3rd on the team in tackles with 54, including 7 for a loss. Anderson also recorded a sack and an interception, and is expecting to take on a much bigger role this year as the #2 man. Sophomore Corey Sutton (39 tackles, 2 INT) and junior Tyree Alexander (6 tackles, 2 passes defended) will occupy the nickel and dime spots, respectively.

Free Safeties (Grade = C)

Junior redshirt Mark Owens returns to his spot after a solid year last year. Owens beat out senior Kyle Morales for the starting job and performed well, collecting 32 tackles and finishing 2nd on the team with 4 interceptions. Owens did not have much competition this year and is expected to own centerfield. Freshman redshirt Eric Doyle will man the backup spot.

Strong Safeties (Grade = B-)

The hard hitting spot of the defense will be manned by 2 seniors this year, led by underrated toughman Joel Razzano. Razzano was all over the field last year, leading the team in tackles with 59. Razzano did more than just tackle though, recording and interception, forcing and recovering 2 fumbles each, blocking a kick and knocking down 5 passes. Razzano is a unsung senior leader of the defense and is expected to play accordingly. Fellow senior Jeff Allen will play backup and also play in quarter defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker (Grade = C+)

Junior redshirt Terence Woodard returns after having an excellent season as the team's field goal specialist. Woodard nailed 14-of-15 field goal attempts last year and was successful on all 39 extra point attempts. For his efforts, he was named to the All-Sun Belt 1st Team, and is expected to be the same clutch kicker again.

Punter (Grade = B-)

Junior Austin Carroll was solid for the Panthers last year (40 punts, 42.3 average, 4 inside the 20) and returns. The Panthers are hoping not to use Carroll as much this year, but he is very dependable if they do need him.

OVERALL

The Panthers have a ton of experience coming back, and with a year of the spread option already under their belts, expect a big improvement from a year ago. They have great talent in the right places and they should climb up the Sun Belt standings faster than expected.