University of Richmond Athletics
Men Of Courage: 2002 Football Season Outlook
07/08/2002 | Football
July 8, 2002
The 2002 Spiders are poised to return the Richmond football program to the elite of the Atlantic 10 Conference and all of I-AA football. A number of veterans, including many from last season's nationally ranked defense, have dedicated themselves to a winning season and another trip to the I-AA playoffs.
Despite having one of the best defenses in the country last fall, the Spiders finished the 2001 campaign at 3-8 overall, 3-6 in Atlantic 10 games. But the record is deceptive as Richmond lost those eight games by a combined 37 points.
The core of the 2002 team tasted success in 2000 when Richmond won a program-record 10 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Although sophomores then, this senior group is now ready to complete their college careers on top.
The Spiders return experience on both sides of the ball. Few groups around the nation are as seasoned and talented as Richmond's linebackers and offensive line. These groups must lead for Richmond to succeed.
"On paper this year's schedule might appear more favorable than 2001," head coach Jim Reid said. "But a closer look will reveal a very challenging schedule, with not only a Division I-A team, but perennial Southern Conference power and national runner-up Furman."
A Thursday night game against Big East-member Temple will kick-off the fall campaign. Last year's national runner-up, Furman, comes to UR Stadium during the third week. The majority of the schedule is the perennially tough Atlantic 10, which will again be among the top conferences in Division I-AA.
OFFENSE
Richmond posted the eighth best rushing offense in the nation last season, averaging 249.8 yards on the ground per game. However, the Spiders lacked a balanced attack as both starting quarterbacks were lost because of injury. This season, Coach Reid hopes to rely on both options to move the ball.
"We are looking for more offensive productivity this season," Reid said. "The return of D'Arcy Wills and the experience of our offensive line will help us control the ball. We must develop a big play offense."
The Spiders return five starters, three of those on the offensive line. Protecting and opening holes for the backfield are three All-conference candidates, senior Justin McElfish and juniors Josh Burnette and Joe Wilson. They combined for 32 starts last season and have improved in the off season.
Quarterback
The return of sixth-year senior D'Arcy Wills adds needed experience to a young corps of signal-callers. Wills, who only played two games last season before suffering an injury, is a fast runner who can air the ball deep behind the opponent's secondary.
"Although D'Arcy missed all of spring practice because of shoulder surgery," Reid said. "He will be given the nod."
In two games last fall, Wills threw for 92 yards on 7-of-16 passing. In 2000, the Burke, Va. native threw for 251 yards and ran for 310 more.
Developing under the talented senior are Tony Conti and redshirt freshman Stacy Tutt. Both players had strong springs and will push for playing time. Tutt is a highly regarded product with explosive capabilities.
Running Back
One of the nation's top running attacks returns a talented group that is ready to uphold the Richmond tradition of a powerful and effective ground game. The eighth best rushing team in 2001 will miss graduated seniors Sean Gustus, Scott Fulton and J.R. Purnell, but gifted student-athletes are ready for their chance.
<="">
Senior Claude Diggs is a punishing fullback that always gains the extra yard. He is the top returning rusher as he gained 326 yards on 76 carries last season (4.3 yards/rush). Junior tail back Kenny Dantzler is the only returning starter in the backfield. He ran for 208 yards and two touchdowns last fall. Junior David Edwards also has a considerable amount of experience, while senior Warith Alkebu-Lan is ready to make a significant contribution this season.
Joe Mallory, Lamont Jones, David Freeman and Andre Cobbs are redshirt freshmen that improved throughout the year and are ready to gain playing time. Sophomore Lee Williams, a transfer from Western Carolina, is eligible and joins sophomore Brandon Neuman at the fullback position.
"We have a wealth of experience and talent in the backfield," Reid said.
Wide Receivers
Two players that have big-strike ability on the Spider offense are wide-out senior Dan McNair and junior Boyd Ouden. Ouden ran a reverse 74 yards for a touchdown against Villanova last season and also caught four touchdowns.
McNair led the squad with 17 catches and averaged 21.5 receiving yards/game. Ouden made 14 receptions for a team-high 221 yards.
Sophomore Jake Schools had a tremendous spring and joins freshmen Harry Wilson, Jeff Ritch and John Richardson for a strong, young receiving corps.
Tight end
Three candidates will battle for the starting tight end spot in fall camp. Junior Jason Houston has the most experience of the group but he may also see time at defensive end. Sophomore Lewis Little and redshirt freshman Ben Teufel could also start at tight end. None of the three have caught a collegiate pass.
Offensive Line
The most experienced corps and the strength of the 2002 offense will be the offensive line. Three returning starters and All-Conference candidates lead a seasoned group.
Senior left guard Justin McElfish started all 11 games last season and is an All-American candidate this year. With his size and foot speed, McElfish can dominate the trenches.
Juniors Josh Burnette anchor the tackle positions. Wilson started 10 games, missing one with injury, at right tackle while Burnette started all 11 at left tackle.
Senior center Randy West, voted team captain by his peers, had an exceptional spring to build on the experience he gained last season. Junior Jon Wilson also saw extensive playing time and will contribute heavily this season. Sophomores Art Rayner and Ken Ralston as well as junior Ben Von Schuch impressed this spring and should see meaningful time this fall. Redshirt freshmen Todd Synan and John Gromin also had good springs.
"At first look it seems we return only three starters," Reid said. "But every returning player has started at least one game, or has played meaningful minutes."
DEFENSE
One of the nation's premier defenses year in and year out will have to replace six departed starters, including five on the defensive line. Gone are All-Americans Josh Spraker and Jonathan Wilfong, along with mainstays Andrew Bogle, Randy Witham and Fred Hanes. Those five stars helped build the country's 11th best total defense (279.82 yards/game) and the seventh best rush defense (87.09 yards/game), despite playing two quality Division I-A teams.
Those who follow Richmond football know the hole those graduated seniors have left. But rest assured, there are talented and hard-working student-athletes ready to fill the void.
"We have a very strong linebacking corps," Reid said. "There is a lot of potential in all aspects of our defense."
Secondary
The heart of last year's secondary, David Giles, has graduated. His injuries last season allowed for the development of Ramon Richeson into a team leader.
A senior captain at free safety, Richeson ranked fourth on the team with 72 tackles last season. He made three sacks and forced a fumble.
Three-year starter Maurice Newbill adds stability at the corner along with sophomores Clement Johnson and Rashad Smith. Newbill led the secondary with 78 tackles last season and added two sacks and six pass breakups.
Fifth-year seniors Deashawn Goddard and Matt Barkley will compete for the strong safety spot. Both have gained valuable experience over their careers in the secondary.
Danny Young, Dan Schneider, Antoine Newsome and Clint Rhodes all had productive springs and should solidify the group.
Linebackers
"Our linebackers are all tough, physical players," Reid said. "This is the cornerstone to our defense."
Two All-American candidates headline an outstanding cast. Senior captain Adrian Archie led the Spiders in tackles last fall with 92 stops, 55 solo. The All-Atlantic 10 member made seven tackles for loss and two sacks. His speed and tenacity to the football make him a dangerous predator.
Senior Mark Thompson is consistently ranked among the national leaders in tackles for loss. Last fall, the All-Conference player stopped an opponent behind the line of scrimmage 18 times the most in the A-10. He ranked second on the team with 85 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown at James Madison.
Senior Jermaine Slade is a two-year starter that recorded 33 tackles last season, five for loss. He will be joined by the emerging Philip Janney and Kyle Kupchak who were outstanding during spring drills.
Sophomore Chris Fields moved from the secondary to the linebacker position and should see time on passing downs. Redshirt freshmen Chaz Curtis and Andrew Swenson will also compete for playing time.
Defensive Line
Only one player with substantial experience returns in the defensive trenches. Senior captain Randy Witham. He performed admirably, making 27 stops, including two sacks.
"There is a lot of potential in our defensive line," Reid said. "Except for Steve, they have yet to establish themselves."
Houston has impressed in his work as a defensive end. Senior Ike Sanni, sophomores Michael Rogers, Chris Muntz and Clifton Coker also show promise after seeing some playing time last fall. A host of freshmen will fight for playing time: David Gracia, Brian Finnigan, Dan Mangiero and Brian Burnette.
Special Teams
The field goal and extra-point duties will again be handled by senior Doug Kirchner. Kirchner continues to climb the Richmond charts for points and extra points in a career. Noah Kivett and Joseph Fore will also vie for the kicking spot.
Who will handle the punting chores is still to be decided. Brandon Neuman and freshmen Doug Thornley and Chris Radford will complete throughout fall camp for the starting position.
Fifth-year senior Chris Collier will handle the long snapping chores.
