University of Richmond Athletics
2006 Spider Football Preview
08/06/2006 | Football
Aug. 6, 2006
Head Coach Dave Clawson and his squad have the opportunity to follow up one of the most exciting rides in Richmond Football history. The 2005 squad earned a berth in the NCAA I-AA Playoffs after winning the Atlantic 10 Conference, garnering an eight-game win streak and knocking off four nationally-ranked opponents. Expectations are high, but according to Clawson, expectations should always be high for a successful football program. The third-year head coach also feels this year's team must step up and create its own identity.
Are the expectations for the 2006 season high?
"The expectations within our program are always and will always be high. Our players know last year's success has little or no bearing on what we will accomplish in 2006. The 2005 team had a great run and came together as a team and did some special things. The 2006 team needs to carve its own identity. We want to run a program where the expectations are high for team performance and for individual performance, on and off the field."
Talk about the team leadership after going through the spring season.
"I think overall we have good team leadership. We have a lot of guys on our football team, especially on defense, who have played a lot of football for us and have experienced success. They have earned the respect of the team not just for what they have done on the field, but the way they handle themselves off the field, and the way they work in our offseason program. On offense we are a little younger and leaders are going to have to emerge as the season progresses."
What areas of your team need improvement in 2006?
"The turnover margin is something we always need to get better at. We showed great improvement from the 2004 season to the 2005 season. We need to continue that trend. Offensively, we still need to find ways to produce big plays -- plays of 15-20 yards or more. We need to find guys who are going to step up and make big plays for us. As well as we played on defense last year, I would still like to see us give up fewer big plays and produce more turnovers."
What are the strengths of your team?
"Both lines and the middle skill positions are the strengths of our football team. Our front seven on defense is a group we expect great things from. I think our offensive line and running back positions have become solid units. This year my expectations are that our secondary will improve and I think there is no secret we need to develop and quarterback-wide receiver combination to compliment our running game and offensive line."
Who are some of the players from your first true Richmond recruiting class which will impact the team?
"There are going to be guys who will play bigger roles than others, but injuries always play a factor. I am sure before the season is over many young players will see significant playing time. At running back I expect Josh Vaughan and Justin Forte to contribute. One of the young quarterbacks (Levi Brown, Will Healy, Jordan Shoop, Eric Ward) we recruited will be starting for us. Scot Riddell and Jordan Mitchell will help us at wideout. William Bischoff is going to help us at the tight end position. Matt McCracken, Michael Silva, Chris Kondorossy and Jared Decker should all be in our two-deep. These guys have worked hard and are going to be given the opportunity to compete for playing time. If they are the best players then they are going to play. In terms of numbers, more younger offensive players will have an impact because of the amount of returning starters and fifth-year seniors we have on defense. Right now the defensive side of the ball is a tougher nut to crack. If you look at the cornerback spot, whether it is Seth Williams or David Horton, they will both play big roles. Collin McConaghy is going to have to step up at linebacker. Some of the younger defensive linemen are going to have to be ready to give us added depth."
Breakdown your team's offensive positions.
"The leaders are going to be our returning starters and you have to start with Josh Vaughan, now that he is healthy, is going to take on a larger role in the offense. Justin Forte gives us dimension in the backfield which is different from the others. The tight end position is one of the more exciting spots on our team. We have four players who have made it one of the most competitive spots on the team. William Bischoff and Jordan Anderson are four young guys who have a lot of ability and will improve as the year goes along."
Breakdown your team's defensive positions.
"Guys like Seth Williams, David Horton and Collin McConaghy or one of the freshmen, we have a lot of good players at the position who need to fill the void and give us the chance to rest Adam Goloboski and Lance Gray. Up front we need Sherman Logan to have an All-American type year for us. We need Johnny Campbell to elevate his game to be a First Team All-Conference type player. I think guys like Ryan Cameron, Ryan Brandt and Lawrence Sidbury need to step their games up. At nose guard we are going to miss Dan Mangiero, but Pete Parziale and Ryan Beers along with Bryan DeMoss need to step up and fill that void."
Breakdown your team's special teams.
"Almost every punt and every kick from last year has graduated. Brian Radford and one of the kickers is going to have to step up."
Do you have any other thoughts about the upcoming season?
"Going into this year we are established at more positions than we were a year ago. Last year we had a number players who stepped up and became productive players for us. There cannot be one player who will fill the void left by Stacy Tutt. We need a quarterback to step up, but all of the other offensive skill positions need to improve to help fill that void."
The Spiders report to Preseason Camp, Sunday, Aug. 6. Practice gets underway at First Market Stadium, Monday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
