University of Richmond Athletics
2003 Football Outlook: It's Gameday
07/07/2003 | Football
July 7, 2003
Two years have past since the Spiders won their last Atlantic 10 Championship and competed in the I-AA playoffs. Despite having the fewest returning starters in the most competitive I-AA league, there is an anticipation surrounding the Richmond football program this will be the year to compete with the conference leaders.
An experienced offense with some new wrinkles and a young, eager defense face a challenging schedule. Richmond travels to Greenville, S.C. to battle perennial power and NCAA-playoff team Furman. An in-state rivalry against VMI, coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent years, renews as the Keydets come to UR Stadium for Homecoming in October. The Spiders will also host the oldest rivalry in the South when William & Mary visits at the end of November.
Head Coach Jim Reid enters his ninth-year at the helm knowing this crew has what it takes to compete for a conference title in the always-tough Atlantic 10.
"We like out team's effort and dedication to the Richmond way of life," Reid said. "We have taken pride in our academics, weightlifting and conditioning program. Combine that with our very physical spring practice, and we are pumped and ready to go!"
Offense
The Spiders return seven starters to an offense that ran the ball for the sixth-highest total (2,185) in program history last fall. Leading the attack will be quarterbacks Bryson Spinner, a transfer from Virginia, and Stacy Tutt.
If Tutt isn't calling the signals, he will be used at other skill positions. A veteran offensive line will be blocking for an offense determined to sport a more balanced attack. Senior Joe Wilson is a two-time All-Conference selection and the Spiders' All-American candidate.
Exciting skill players, combined with the steady and experienced offensive line, should make the 2003 offense interesting and entertaining.
Quarterback
A combo of experienced players has pushed each other for the starting nod at quarterback. Spinner and Tutt are both capable of leading the Spiders down the field.
Spinner is a proven talent who has polished the skills that made him a successful starter for the Cavaliers. He is a smooth drop-back passer with speed and can use his legs and rocket arm to avoid trouble. The Lorton, Va. native has dedicated himself to the weight room and enters this year at a solid 220, down 28 pounds from where he entered UR.
Tutt, who saw extended time under center last year, is very athletic. Reid wants him on the field. He threw for 408 yards and ran for 303 more, culminating in a fantastic performance against William & Mary. Tutt, seeing the most time of his collegiate career, ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more in the 35-13 victory against the Tribe.
Sophomore John Richardson will learn under the talented duo.
Running Back
Seniors Kenny Dantzler and David Edwards return after leading the Spiders with 843 combined rushing yards last fall. These two tough tailbacks will be the cornerstone of the running attack.
One of Richmond's most talented all-around football players, fullback Lee Williams will be used more extensively to move the ball. Williams carried 91 times last year for 432 yards, second on the team. The Carthage, N.C. native is a bruising back that attacks up the middle.
Junior Brandon Neuman and Andre Cobbs are expected to contribute at fullback.
If Tutt isn't playing quarterback, he will be utilized at the slot back or wide receiver position.
Wide Receiver
Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honoree Boyd Ouden was spectacular last fall, ranking second in the A-10 with 74.5 yards per game. His 819 receiving yards and seven touchdowns were the sixth-best single-season mark in Richmond history. Ouden is a tall, fast wide-out with a knack for getting behind the secondary.
Joining the senior on a talented, yet developing, receiving corps is junior Jake Schools and sophomore Harry Wilson. Schools is a possession receiver that always seems to separate from the defense. Wilson has excellent hands and his size make him a threat over the middle.
Sophomore Jeff Ritch has also emerged as a quality target, while senior Rashad Smith has moved from the cornerback position to wide receiver.
Tight End
Junior Lewis Little and Ben Teufel consistently give the Spider offense exactly what they need. Whether its sealing the corner on a sweep, or dipping behind the linebackers for a reception, this crew is capable.
Teufel made his first career reception in the back corner of the William & Mary endzone for a crucial touchdown against the Tribe. Little averaged 31.4 yards per reception last fall, making three catches in 11 games.
Tyree Spinner and Eddie Darney are also expected to contribute at tight end.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has been a consistent force at Richmond during the past three years, leading the charge with three of the top six rushing performances in the 119 seasons of Spider football. Three starters return in 2003, along with a student-athlete used to the trenches, but from a different angle. Full-time defensive line starter Michael Rogers moves to guard from noseman.
All-American candidate Joe Wilson (left tackle) returns after earning All-Conference First Team honors last fall. His twin brother, Jon, moved to center and is slated to start. Junior Art Rayner (guard) and senior Josh Burnette (tackle) solidify the right side of the line and have started numerous games in the past.
Richmond will also count on veterans John Gromin, Ken Ralston and Ben Von Schuch to contribute on the offensive line. Freshmen Adam Packett and Judd Altman will add depth.
Defense
There are many holes left after seven starters graduated from last year's team. The entire linebacking corps and three-quarters of the starting secondary must be replaced. Mainstays such as Adrian Archie, Mark Thompson and Jermaine Slade will be sorely missed after starting numerous games for three years at Richmond.
The defensive line, a suspect group because of inexperience last fall, should be a strength of this year's squad. New starters must step up at linebacker, while the secondary has pulled former offensive players to sure up the flanks.
Secondary
Junior Clement Johnson is the only returning starter from the secondary. A solid corner back, Johnson made 22 tackles on the outside last fall. Junior Antoine Newsome, who had an excellent spring season, would have been the nickel back last fall until he was lost for the season with an injury.
Junior Danny Young picked off two passes in the season-opener against Temple last fall, and contributed consistently as the season wore on. He made 40 tackles as a free safety.
Sophomores David Freeman and Joe Mallory have been moved to the secondary from the offensive backfield this year. The coaching staff feels their outstanding speed and athleticism will allow them to cover an extremely young secondary.
Linebacker
All three starters are gone from last year's stellar group. Not only were Adrian Archie, Mark Thompson leaders on the field, but they provided a lot of the heart in the locker room.
Now it is up to seniors Philip Janney and Kyle Kupchak to continue the proud tradition of Richmond linebackers. Junior Chris Fields has also improved and should see considerable playing time. Pete Parziale, Lance Gray, Nate Fairley, Chaz Curtis and defensive back turned linebacker Anthony Dabney, form a young, but talented group that will test the veterans for starting time.
Defensive Line
The only squad on the Spider defense to return a number of last fall's cast is the defensive line. Senior Jason Houston was hindered by an injury during his first season as a defensive end, but was solid. Senior Ike Sanni had a productive spring as did sophomore David Gracia. Both saw snaps last year. Newcomers Ryan Cameron and Johnny Campbell should add depth.
All-Conference member Steve Boyer will be missed. Both junior Clifton Coker and sophomore Brian Burnette moved inside from their defensive end positions of a year ago. Their run stopping skills will be paramount to the Spiders' success. Dan Mangeiro had an excellent spring and newcomers Ryan Brandt and Ryan Beers should provide depth.
Special Teams
Doug Kirchner, Richmond's all-time leader in extra points, graduated leaving the Spiders' without an experienced place kicker for the first time in three years. Sophomores Joseph Fore and Chris Radford are poised to compete for that role.
Fore, who also kicks off, has impressed the coaches with a strong leg. Radford returns to assume the punting duties. He averaged 35.3 yards per punt and dropped 13 within the opponents' 20 last fall.
Dantzler and Mallory return as a dangerous kick-return combo. Redshirt freshman Josh Burnette will take over for Chris Collier as the long snapper.
