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Third & Long: I-AA Position-by-Position Breakdown
By Tony Moss, The Sports Network
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The phrase "skill position" must make them bristle. A football player that doesn’t participate at one of three spots on the field - quarterback, running back, or wide receiver - is relegated to a sort of second-class status in gridiron society, where frequent trips to the end zone provide the only direct route to name recognition. Undervalued during any discussion of the "skill positions" are the other dozen-or-so jobs to be performed on the field, which by association must be referred to as "non- skill" positions.
While allowing that the phrase "skill position" is nonsensical, we will buy into the hypocrisy by once again giving the insulted players in question short shrift. The guys that touch the ball on a regular basis are the ones that sell tickets and newspapers (or boost page impressions, in our case).
The others, the best of which are identified below, will have to settle for limited effusive praise while being relied upon heavily for the contributions that enable that other all-important gridiron concept - victory.
Following is a list of the top returning I-AA players at each position, minus quarterback, running back, and wide receiver (which have previously been evaluated for this series). The number of players listed at each position differs, based primarily on the size of the pool of candidates from which The Sports Network had to choose. For instance, since teams typically play three or four linebackers at a time, we have evaluated the top 20 linebackers in the nation. Inasmuch, since no more than one kicker per team normally sees time in a season, we have evaluated only the top five kickers.
Following the initial list at each position, we have also identified the top returning mid- major standouts.
Ratings are based on a number of factors, including previous All-America and All-Conference selection, previous and relevant statistics, and won-loss record, among others.
CENTERS (5): 1. Elmer McDaniel, Southern Illinois (Sr., 5-11, 305) - All- Gateway First- Teamer aided Salukis finish Top 10 in both I-AA rushing and scoring offense.
2. Jelani Clement, Hampton (Sr., 6-2, 310) - Helped anchor line that enabled Pirates to score nearly 32 points per game in ’03.
3. Corey Stewart, Furman (Jr., 6-2, 280) - A Southern Conference First-Team selection as a sophomore, will this season protect Florida transfer QB Ingle Martin.
4. Steve Izevbizua, Sam Houston State (Sr., 6-1, 315) - First-Team Southland pick paved the way for 1,179 yards from Bearkat running backs Jason Godfrey and Stevie Smith.
5. Brandon Mason, Elon (Sr., 6-3, 250) - Top offensive lineman inherited by new Phoenix coach Paul Hamilton, ranked as club’s lone first-team all- conference selection a year ago.
Mid-Major: Brandon Shaw, Albany (Sr., 6-0, 295).
TACKLES (6): 1. Buster Ashley, Western Kentucky (Sr., 6-4, 300) - Two-time
I- AA All- American bolstered a line that ranked eighth in I-AA rushing in 2003.
2. Rory Hennessey, Yale (Sr., 6-5, 285) - All-America selection was lynchpin for an attack that piled up nearly 480 yards per game last year.
3. Miniya Smith, Southern (Sr., 6-7, 340) - Jaguars averaged a I-AA-best 40 points per game in ’03, and Smith was rewarded with his first All-America selection.
4. Cody LeBlanc, McNeese State (Sr., 6-5, 300) - First-Team All-Southland pick will block for a new breed of running backs, after helping Vick King bolt for 1,240 during senior campaign.
5. Greg Buckley, Northwestern State (Sr., 6-4, 273) - Defense received most of the attention for Demons, but Buckley and company allowed just 19 sacks in 12 games.
6. Robert Louis, Alabama A&M (Sr., 6-3, 266) - Two-time SWAC first-team selection was part of a Bulldog unit that scored more than 33 points per game last year.
Mid-Major: Geir Gudmundsen, Albany (Sr., 6-6, 315); Keith Zapalac, San Diego (Sr., 6-4, 270).
GUARDS (6): 1. Adam Bourget, Northeastern (Sr., 6-3, 290) - An All-American as a junior, at the front of an attack that finished in I-AA rushing offense top 10.
2. Fred Layne, Western Illinois (Sr., 6-4, 305) - A preseason and postseason All-American a year ago, helped Leathernecks score 36.3 points per game.
3. Eric Deutsch, Wofford (Sr., 6-3, 315) - All-American may have been the star of Terriers’ "wingbone" scheme, helping SoCon champs pile up 258.3 yards per game on the ground.
4. Bobby Gibbs, Wofford (Sr., 6-3, 290) - Underrated component of Wofford attack earned first-ever All-America selection following team’s 12-2 season.
5. Dan Bieg, Southeast Missouri (Sr., 6-4, 305) - Earned a spot on the All-OVC First-Team despite SEMO’s disappointing 5-7 finish.
6. Brandon Torrey, Howard (Sr., 6-6, 280) - All-MEAC choice helped clear a path for 1,000 rusher and freshman phenom Antoine Rutherford.
Mid-Major: Mike Daniluk, Duquesne (Sr., 6-2, 305); Grant Knowles, Drake (Sr., 6-3, 292).
TIGHT ENDS (5): 1. Adam Bergen, Lehigh (Sr., 6-5, 261) - Caught 70 passes and six touchdowns during brilliant junior campaign, earning All-America honors over two eventual NFL draft picks.
2. Ray Goodson, Southeast Missouri (Sr., 6-4, 230) - Won go-to guy status in Southeast passing game, catching 66 balls for 623 yards and three scores.
3. Wade Fletcher, Columbia (Sr., 6-7, 242) - The beneficiary of new head coach Bob Shoop’s more wide-open attack, rolled up 874 receiving yards and nine TDs.
4. Chris Cwik, Eastern Washington (Sr., 6-2, 230) - First-Team All-Big Sky selection caught 35 passes for Eagles, and brother Joey led team in tackles from LB position.
5. Mike Roberts, Youngstown State (Sr., 6-0, 240) - All-Gateway pick ranked second on Penguins with 28 catches and 295 receiving yards.
Mid-Major: Dan Campbell, Iona (Sr., 6-3, 235).
KICKERS (5): 1. John Marino, McNeese State (Sr., 5-10, 204) - Made good on
16 of 21 field goals, including 13 of 14 from inside 40 yards, as Cowboys won Southland title again.
2. Stephen Carroll, Illinois State (Sr., 5-11, 182) - Was a perfect 35-35 on points-after and 15-19 on trifectas, including 6-9 from 40 yards and beyond.
3. Dusty Apocotos, UC Davis (Sr., 6-1, 195) - Aggies’ "Mr. Reliable" was
15-19 on field goals, including a perfect 12-12 from 40 yards and in.
4. Nick Terracina, Youngstown State (Sr., 5-9, 175) - The next Jeff Wilkins?
Seven of Terracina’s 13 field goals were from further than 40 yards in ’03.
5. Miro Kesic, Northeastern (Jr., 6-1, 210) - All-A-10 second-teamer connected on all 48 extra points he attempted, and was a solid 13-18 in the field goal department.
Mid-Major: Steve Andriola, Monmouth (Sr., 6-0, 190).
PUNTERS (5): 1. Graham Whitlock, Gardner-Webb (Sr., 5-11, 203) - Led I-AA with 45.5 kicking average in ’04, and earned first-ever All-America selection.
2. Kyle McQuown, Idaho State (So., 5-11, 190) - Benefited from kicker’s paradise that is Holt Arena, averaging 43.9 per boot during freshman season.
3. Cory Elolf, Texas State (Jr., 6-1, 175) - Quieted doubters in first-year as Bobcat punter, averaging better than 43 yards per kick and picking up
All- Southland First- Team honors.
4. Cameron Muro, Hampton (Jr., 6-2, 220) - All-MEAC choice averaged more than 42 yards per boot and dropped 13 kicks inside the 20 without a block.
5. Richie Rhodes, Jacksonville State (Sr., 6-0, 193) - Fell off his All- America pace of the previous two seasons, but still averaged 41.2 yards per kick and put 16 inside the 20.
Mid-Major: Sean Dennis, Monmouth (So., 5-10, 175).
RETURN SPECIALISTS (5): 1. Levander Segars, Montana (Sr., 5-9, 170) - Overshadowed by Montana State’s Corey Smith within the league, but returned two punts for TDs against NAU and a kickoff for a score versus Maine.
2. Darrell Jones, Cal Poly (Sr., 5-8, 185) - Averaged 13.8 yards per punt return, bringing back TDs against Montana State, Idaho State, and Saint Mary’s.
3. Allen Evans, Eastern Kentucky (Sr., 5-11, 193) - Rang up 287 yards on just 13 punt returns (22.1 avg.), running for paydirt against both Appalachian State and Eastern Illinois.
4. Steven Rush, SMS (Sr., 5-11, 196) - Ranked fifth in the nation with 29.4 yards per kickoff return, including touchdowns against Illinois State and Western Illinois.
5. Lewis Barr, Georgia Southern (Jr., 5-9, 192) - First-Team All-SoCon choice lent a steadying hand on both punt (9.4 avg.) and kickoff (29.9 avg.) returns.
Mid-Major: Mark Jepson, Wagner (Jr., 5-9, 175).
DEFENSIVE ENDS (10): 1. Brady Fosmark, Weber State (Jr., 6-3, 250) - Tallied
12.5 sacks, 66 tackles, and a trio of forced fumbles as surprising Wildcats finished 8-4.
2. Paul Thomas, Tennessee State (Sr., 5-11, 225) - Undersized and unheralded lineman recorded 10 sacks and 20 stops behind the line of scrimmage,
3. Kyle Mitchell, Indiana State (Jr., 6-2, 230) - First-team All-Gateway selection was a force for Sycamores, boasting 70 tackles and eight sacks from his end slot.
4. Maurice Troutman, Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Sr., 6-3, 265) - Mired in obscurity for otherwise woeful Golden Lions, but produced 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles during junior campaign.
5. Ryan Conger, Dartmouth (Sr., 6-2, 245) - First-Team All-Ivy pick came up with 8.5 sacks and 35 tackles as Big Green reached .500 mark.
6. Marcus White, Murray State (Sr., 6-5, 280) - A giant matchup problem for most teams in the OVC, came up with nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss on the year.
7. Ryan Smith, Stephen F. Austin (Jr., 6-3, 215) - Breakout sophomore season saw this undersized talent notch 37 tackles, seven sacks, and four blocked kicks.
8. Steve Watson, SMS (Sr., 6-3, 225) - Picked up 82 tackles and four sacks from his line position, but failed to crack All-Gateway First-Team.
9. Rickie Lewis, North Carolina A&T (Jr., 6-3, 245) - A huge part of George Small’s reclamation project on defense, finished MEAC title season with 54 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
10. Chad Dewberry, Eastern Kentucky (Sr., 6-1, 225) - A first-team All-OVC pick after making 74 tackles, including 11 behind the line of scrimmage, in ’03.
Mid-Major: David Bamiro, Stony Brook (Sr., 6-2, 215); Shawn Poling, Saint Peter’s (Sr., 6-0, 245).
DEFENSIVE TACKLES (10): 1. Lee Basinger, Wofford (Sr., 6-1, 255) - Rolled up 90 tackles, including 17 for loss, six sacks, and three fumble recoveries during Terriers’ history-making campaign.
2. John Paul Jones, McNeese State (Sr., 6-3, 297) - Presence and impact is tough to measure with pure numbers, but the LSU transfer did make 67 stops in 2003.
3. Timothy Parham, Alabama State (Sr., 6-3, 255) - Helped ASU rise from the SWAC ashes, contributing six sacks, three forced fumbles, and 55 tackles for SWAC Eastern champs.
4. Darrell Adams, Villanova (Jr., 6-4, 270) - Will move to the interior in 2004, after menacing defenses with 44 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss from an end spot last year.
5. Ray Sebestyen, Montana State (Sr., 6-3, 265) - All-Big Sky First-Teamer posted 55 tackles and 4.5 sacks, as Bobcats allowed just 16.5 points per game.
6. Quintene Newhouse, Northwestern State (Sr., 6-0, 285) - Nose tackle picked up 53 tackles and four sacks on the year, as Demons ranked ninth in I-AA total defense.
7. Katon Bethay, Wofford (Jr., 6-2, 270) - Talented nose tackle and interior complement to Basinger (see above) registered 73 tackles and seven sacks as a sophomore.
8. Royce Morgan, Lehigh (Jr., 6-1, 254) - Snubbed from the All-Patriot League First-Team despite producing 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss during his sophomore season.
9. Eric Hadley, Georgia Southern (Sr., 6-2, 257) - A defensive bright spot during GSU’s lost season, totaled 66 tackles and five sacks.
10. Chris Berg, Portland State (Sr., 6-2, 275) - All-Big Sky pick helped shore up inconsistent PSU defense, posting 47 tackles and 5.5 sacks on the year.
Mid-Major: Payton Rodgers, Marist (Jr., 6-2, 260); Josh Antinopolous, Duquesne (Jr., 6-2, 260).
LINEBACKERS (20): 1. Boomer Grigsby, Illinois State (Sr., 6-1, 241) - Placed second in Buchanan voting to Idaho State’s Jared Allen last season after finishing with 179 tackles and three sacks.
2. Liam Ezekiel, Northeastern (Sr., 6-1, 245) - All-American and West Virginia transfer will give new head coach Rocky Hager a solid defensive foundation after notching 140 stops in ’03.
3. Jordan Beck, Cal Poly (Sr., 6-2, 222) - Mustangs improved from 3-8 to 7-4 last season, and his 128 tackles and four sacks where a major reason why.
4. Kevin Talley, Norfolk State (Sr., 6-0, 230) - NSU finished 100th in I-AA total defense last year, but linebacker set a new sub-classification record with 195 tackles.
5. Nick DiPadova, Southern Utah (Sr., 6-0, 205) - Undersized BYU transfer made a large impact in ’03, with 133 tackles and three forced fumbles leading to his All-America selection.
6. Mike Killian, Furman (Sr., 6-1, 236) - A big-time run-stopping linebacker in the mold of former Paladin great Will Bouton, finished ’03 with 132 tackles and three fumble recoveries.
7. Roger Cooper, Montana State (Sr., 6-3, 233) - Another key ingredient in MSU’s star-studded 2003 defense, won All-Big Sky praise after picking up 87 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
8. Jamall Johnson, Northwestern State (Sr., 6-0, 195) - Delta State transfer played much bigger than his size, posting 119 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
9. Brian Hulea, Villanova (Jr., 6-2, 245) - Recorded 141 tackles and a pair of sacks as Wildcats finished the year ranked 7th in I-AA scoring defense.
10. Charles Thompson, Western Kentucky (Sr., 6-1, 250) - Somehow left off the All-Gateway First- and Second- Teams after making 110 tackles in 10 games for national quarterfinalists.
11. Jamal Muhammad, Bethune-Cookman (Sr., 6-1, 235) - Ohio State transfer helped ease the loss of Buchanan winner Rashean Mathis, contributing 111 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
12. Mondoe Davis, Delaware (Sr., 6-1, 220) - Shed his anonymous label with scintillating play during the postseason, ending the year with 110 tackles and four sacks.
13. Ronald Dillon, Alabama State (Sr., 5-11, 185) - All-SWAC First-Team choice recorded 99 tackles and 7.5 sacks for division champs.
14. Joey King, Portland State (Jr., 5-10, 200) - Earned First-Team All-Big Sky praise following 93-tackle, five-sack junior campaign.
15. Justen Rivers, Eastern Kentucky (Sr., 5-11, 232) - Came up with 99 tackles, including 10 for loss, and three sacks en route to All-OVC first-team praise.
16. Justin Stull, Princeton (Jr., 6-1, 235) - Tallied 114 tackles and four sacks in ’03, and was named a team captain this spring despite junior status.
17. Timmy Thrift, Wofford (Sr., 6-0, 220) - If Basinger and Bethay (see
above) can’t make the play, the speedy Thrift (83 tackles) often does.
18. Ric San Doval, Penn (Sr., 6-1, 240) - The leading tackler for undefeated Ivy League champs, ended season with 86 stops and 4.5 sacks.
19. Bruce Branch, Northern Arizona (Sr., 6-1, 211) - Top defensive presence on an underrated NAU defense, recorded 82 tackles from middle linebacker position.
20. Bobby Everett, Harvard (Sr., 6-1, 210) - Departed teammate and fellow LB Dante Balestracci received most of the pub, but Everett (94 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 INT) matched or surpassed his numbers.
Mid-Major: Harry Carter, Duquesne (Jr., 6-1, 235); Tim Hasse, Jacksonville (Sr., 6-1, 215); James Noel, Robert Morris (Sr., 6-0, 215); Craig Unger, Morehead State (Sr., 6-2, 225).
CORNERBACKS (10): 1. Sidney Haugabrook, Delaware (Sr., 5-10, 180) - The Blue Hens’ most talented defender following the graduation of Shawn Johnson, posted 68 tackles and eight pass breakups during team’s title run. 2. Tad Kornegay, Fordham (Sr., 6-0, 185) - First-Team All-Patriot League choice finished ’03 with 17 pass breakups, four interceptions, and 72 tackles.
3. Duvol Thompson, Penn (Sr., 5-10, 185) - Defenses largely stayed away from the speedy Thompson, whose presence alone warranted a First-Team All-Ivy nod.
4. Dre Dokes, Northern Iowa (Jr., 5-9, 161) - Not big in size, but large in stature after recording four picks and 53 tackles for Gateway co-champs.
5. Isaiah Trufant, Eastern Washington (Jr., 5-7, 150) - Another in the small, speedy breed of corners, picked off four passes and deflected another nine for Eagles.
6. Laroni Gallishaw, Murray State (Sr., 6-0, 190) - Held Valparaiso receiver and eventual Payton finalist Rob Giancola without a reception, and finished the year with 11 pass breakups.
7. Davon Telp, Towson (Sr., 5-10, 184) - Will have his hands full with Atlantic 10 receivers in 2004, after recording 45 tackles and picking off three passes as a junior.
8. David Pittman, Northwestern State (Jr., 6-0, 190) - Rangy corner had four picks and a pair of fumble recoveries to go along with 55 tackles in ’03.
9. T.J. Wilson, Furman (Sr., 5-11, 186) - All-SoCon selection would have had better numbers in a more pass-oriented league, but did manage 38 stops as a sophomore.
10. Chris Daniels, Valparaiso, (Sr., 5-11, 203) - Though competition is always a question mark with mid-majors, is due some praise for a 49-tackle,
five- interception season in 2003.
Mid-Major: Chris Daniels, Valparaiso (Sr., 5-11, 203); Chris Blackshear, Central Connecticut State (Sr., 5-10, 180).
SAFETIES (10): 1. Alexis Moreland, Southern Illinois (Sr., 6-1, 205) - Buchanan finalist and two-time All-American helped Salukis to playoffs with 83-tackle, two-interception season.
2. Mario Williams, Gardner-Webb (Sr., 6-2, 206) - Bulldogs are touting Williams as a legitimate NFL prospect after he forced four fumbles, broke up or picked off 17 passes, and made 108 tackles in ’03.
3. Ray Ventrone, Villanova (Sr., 5-11, 200) - Could be Wildcats’ best defensive player since Howie Long, and will look to top 93-tackle season of 2003.
4. Antoine Bethea, Howard (Jr., 5-10, 170) - All-MEAC First-Teamer chipped in with 109 tackles and recovered five fumbles as a sophomore.
5. Corey Lynch, Appalachian State (So., 6-0, 200) - The Mountaineers’ top defender is a mere sophomore, a point he helped drive home with six picks, four fumble recoveries, and 57 tackles as a rookie.
6. P.D. Moore, Towson (Sr., 5-10, 190) - Had 63 tackles and four sacks as well as three interceptions last season, and could see some time at linebacker this year.
7. Cortland Finnegan, Samford (Jr., 5-9, 180) - More widely known for his return exploits, was also a top-notch safety with 108 tackles to his credit in 2003.
8. Jarmaul George, Southern (So., 6-0, 180) - All-SWAC First-Teamer had a big freshman campaign, posting 50 tackles and three picks for league champs.
9. Mike Bracken, Youngstown State (Sr., 6-0, 215) - Hard-nosed safety wound up 2003 with 86 tackles and a couple of forced fumbles en route to All-Gateway status.
10. Ernie James, Idaho State (Sr., 6-0, 200) - Bengals were generally lousy against the pass, but would have been worse without safety’s 14 pass breakups and 79 tackles.
Mid-Major: Doug Jones, Dayton (Sr., 5-9, 179); Jahmaine Wells, Morehead State (Sr., 5-10, 180).
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