Football
2007 Denison Football Preview
Date: August 03, 2007
Location: GRANVILLE
Head Coach Nick Fletcher will be entering his eighth season when preseason camp kicks off in August. Since arriving at Denison the coach first bolstered the Big Red's depth and more wins followed. Then emphasis went to the offensive line and a steady rushing game was born. Now, after another solid recruiting season the name of the game is speed.
That's something Denison has lacked in recent years, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, but Fletcher likes what he sees in this 2007 squad.
"We have the most team speed since I have been here," stated Fletcher. "Our team speed and depth, especially at linebacker and in the secondary is going to help us tremendously. We just want to let our athletes be athletes and we're fast enough now that we can do more up front."
Leading that defense will be the linebacking corps of Joe Ulrey, Jim Minor and Ike Akusoba.
Ulrey, a converted fullback, led the team in tackles in 2006 with 78. He also finished with a team-high two interceptions and 32 solo tackles. Minor turned 42 tackles in his second year as a starter and also posted 4 1/2 tackles for a loss and three fumble recoveries. Akusoba returns in 2007 after being sidelined with an injury in 2006. He notched 47 tackles as a sophomore in 2005.
Also ready to push for even more playing time will be sophomores Taylor Dlouhy, Bill Aukerman, Kyle Yeary, Dan Risko and John Zanner. Dlouhy impressed the coaching staff in spring workouts and Aukerman was one of the team's top recruits in 2006 before a broken wrist limited him to just three games in his rookie campaign. Yeary, who played some fullback as a freshman, loves to hit and is a natural fit at linebacker.
"This bunch is physical, athletic and smart. They will be the strength of our defense," said Fletcher.
The strong safety position is another area which first-year defensive coordinator Jack Hatem returns a strong contingent of speed and strength. Senior Jason Wright has posted 180 tackles in his first three years with the Big Red. Junior Bert Bathiany played in all 10 games last season, his first in Granville, and recorded 27 tackles. Sophomores JD Pisula, Jamie Mackie and Andrew Boemi opened plenty of eyes thanks to their solid play as freshman in 2006.
Free safety will be held down by sophomore Drew Homyk who ended the 2006 season on a tear with a team-best 10 tackles and a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 21-16 victory over Earlham College in Richmond, Ind.
At cornerback the team will have to replace starter Andrew Terlecky but junior Mike Barnes is back after posting 50 tackles, one interception and leading the team with seven pass break-up's. Barnes, a former NCAC Indoor track and field champion in the 400 meters will be helped out by speedsters Mike Trzaska, sophomore transfer Caleb McFerren and freshman Aaron Dodds, a track and football standout from perennial high school power North Canton Hoover. Sophomore Willie Doss, a converted option quarterback, will make the shift to defense in 2007 along with junior Ryan Legg. Junior Brandon Gill appeared in all 10 games as a sophomore and will fight for playing time as well.
The defensive line will miss graduating seniors Brett Comstock and Chris Kuntz but there is plenty of size and speed at the ends to make opposing quarterbacks nervous. Josh Hamperian led the team with six sacks and senior Mike Higdon is back after notching 27 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks as a junior. Nick Paolini, a former starter on the offensive line, is slated as the replacement for Comstock at nose guard. Sophomore Drew Hanna will back up Paolini while Andrew Murray will join him in making the shift from o-line to d-line. Junior Jon Alden will also see time on the defensive line for the Big Red.
This will be Hatem's first go-around as a college coordinator but the veteran coach has enjoyed plenty of success at the prep level. He is a two-time Ohio High School Coach of the Year and after two years coaching the Big Red's defensive backs, Fletcher has witnessed Hatem's interaction with the players, first hand.
"I think Jack is the perfect fit here," remarked Fletcher. "He has a great football mind and can also relate to our kids and bring the most out of them."
On offense the team will deal with the loss of 1,000-yard back Fred Lee by looking to junior tailback Jon Berg who along with Lee, formed one of the top two-back attacks in the NCAC in 2006. Berg played in all 10 games and finished with 134 carries for 708 yards including a career-best 213 yards versus Kenyon College on Oct. 28.
Denison rushed for 1,856 yards last season marking the fourth consecutive season that the team gained over 1,600 yards on the ground in a season.
Backing up Berg will be sophomores Nick Krempasky, Mike Barnum and Ryan Burandt. Freshman Dan Crawford from Upper Arlington High School will also get an opportunity to fight for playing time in Fletcher's backfield.
The fullback position will be held down by senior Brian Shue and sophomore Adam Lewis.
The men responsible for opening the holes for Berg and company will be an experienced but young group of offensive linemen anchored by seniors Bobby George and Alex Weaver. George returns to his center position for his fourth year as a regular starter. Weaver will step back into his left tackle position for the third consecutive season. The duo will be joined by sophomores Bob Fresch (tackle), Chris Pappas (guard) and Derek Ulsh (guard).
Senior Teddy Orringer will join up with freshmen Mike Muldoon, Nick Seiken, Kevin Drake, Tony Capetillo and Hans Deitrich.
The starting quarterback will be decided in preseason camp and will feature junior Jordan Linck and sophomore Tom Simeone as the frontrunners for the position. Linck played and started three games in 2006 and passed for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Simeone played in two games, starting one against eventual conference champion, Wabash. Versus the Little Giants, in his first career start, Simeone completed his first nine passes and finished 20-for-29.
Two freshmen that could factor into the mix under center would be Colin McKelvey and Tom Czarnecki.
"Simeone and Linck have the upper hand because they know the system," said Fletcher.
At wide receiver, junior Peter Jarowey is the top returnee (16 receptions, 129 yards). He will be joined by senior Jake Beaudouin, sophomore Brandon Taylor, juniors Nick Thompson, Steve Flatley and Mike Brienzo and freshmen Matt Forgatch, James Hall and Dave Browning.
Rounding out the offense at one of the Big Red's deepest positions will be Will Minor, Jon McDermott and Tyler Freriks at tight end.
"Each guy gives us a little different look," stated Fletcher. "Minor is a devastating blocker. McDermott is a strong blocker and a improving receiver and Tyler is probably the best receiver of the bunch."
On special teams Murray will handle the punting duties for the second consecutive season. Murray averaged 35.7 yards per punt and placed 12 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line. The kicking duties will likely be handled by freshman Kevin Schneider out of Upper Arlington. Flatley, who was 2-of-6 in field goal tries and 17-of-19 in extra-points, will also compete for the job.
The Big Red will begin their season, at home, versus Randolph-Macon (Va.) on Saturday, Sept. 1 with the opening kickoff from Deeds Field-Piper Stadium scheduled for 1 p.m.