University of Richmond Athletics
Spring Football Season Starts Wednesday
March 15, 2005
One year ago at this time, head coach Dave Clawson was still putting names to faces. After being hired in late-February, Clawson's first spring season consisted of learning his personnel, not just installing his systems.
This year, with a full season under his belt, and an assistant coaching staff that returns mostly in tact, Clawson's spring agenda will concentrate on competition for positions and adding to the offensive and defensive schemes already established.
A majority of the key components from last year's squad will be in camp. There are 17 starters returning, eight on offense and nine on defense, and 39 total letterwinners.
Senior Stacy Tutt returns to run the offense after spending his first full season at quarterback in 2004. Tutt threw for 2,156 yards and 14 touchdowns while also proving a dangerous threat on the ground. Also pushing for time under center are redshirt freshman Will Healy and freshman Levi Brown.
Senior David Freeman returns at tailback after scampering for 968 yards last fall. His 85.9 rushing yards per game ranked among the conference leaders. Wideouts Harry Wilson, Andy Lehatto and Arman Shields as well as running back Tim Hightower also return at the skill positions. Wilson led the squad with 56 receptions and 782 receiving yards and matched Shields with a team-high four TD receptions last season. Matt Hale, a transfer from Chattanooga, is also expected to contribute to a talented group of wide receivers.
Senior John Gromin, junior Judd Altman and sophomore Derek Stoudt return to anchor the offensive line. Junior Eddie Darney is slated to see extensive time at tight end but will see competition from Joseph Stewart and Joe Monteverde.
Three starters return to the defensive line, linebackers and secondary this spring. The linebacking corps emerged as the defensive leader last fall, posting the three top tacklers.
Junior Adam Goloboski led the squad with 116 stops, followed by junior Lance Gray (102) and senior Brian Burnette (81). Junior Anthony Dabney is expected to assume a starting role after playing a significant amount last season. That quartet provides the heart to an improving defense.
An experienced defensive line will depend on seniors Dan Mangiero and David Gracia and juniors Ryan Cameron and Johnny Campbell. Mangiero, Cameron and Campbell are returning starters. Gracia posted 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks as a member of the regular rotation.
The secondary returns corners Joe Mallory and Damien McCallum as well as safety Stephen Howell. Mallory made four interceptions last fall, while Howell added two. Junior Ryan Mace will see time opposite Howell at the other safety spot, while also serving as the kick and punt returner.
The spring season culminates with the spring game on April 9.
The 2005 season opens at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 when the Spiders host UMass at UR Stadium.
SPRING PRACTICE DATES
March 16 (Wed.), March 18 (Fri.), March 19 (Sat.), March 20 (Sun.), March 21 (Mon.), March 23 (Wed.), March 25 (Fri.), March 26 (Sat.), March 28 (Mon.), April 1 (Fri.), April 2 (Sat.), April 4 (Mon.), April 6 (Wed.), April 9 (Sat. - Spring Game)
All weekday practices will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday practices begin at 2 p.m. and Sunday practices begin at 3 p.m. Practices will be held at First Market Stadium or the grass fields by River Road. Please call Elaine Perrin, 804-289-8372, to confirm practice time and location because they are subject to change.