Walter Moore Tigers Buying Into Wells' System

The five wins the Savannah State football team posted last year left many with smiles on their faces but head football coach Robby Wells was one of those unimpressed. "Many in the community was impressed but I wasn't. The sky is the limit for this program," said Wells. SSU went 5-7 in Wells' first season and three of those losses were by five points or less. With 17 starters back, look for the Tigers to make a little more noise this year.

OFFENSE

The offense returns nine starters, losing Rashad Jackson to graduation and Chris Bush to academics. There is a battle for the quarterback spot between sophomores Kurvin Curry and A.J. DeFilippis. Curry passed for 1,651 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman but sat out the spring to concentrate on his academic work. Defilippis, who added 10- pounds during the off-season, made the most of his opportunity by throwing for 270 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the annual spring game. Derrick Dorsey (6-5, 282) and Jared Brunson (6-2, 332) will lead the offensive line which returns four starters. Thelmore Jackson (6-5, 291) is doing his best to be the fifth starter. Justin Babb (620 yards) returns as the leading rusher while senior Deleon Hollinger (622 yards, four touchdowns) will be the top receiver. Look for Derron Talley, Rashard Russell, Byron Leggett and Javares Taylor to find a way to get the ball in their hands.

DEFENSE

The trio of Antwan Allen, Darren Hunter and Chris Reed is expected to anchor the Tigers defense. Allen, who can play linebacker and safety, had 73 tackles a year ago while Hunter was in on 48 stops and picked off five passes from his safety spot. Reed, a defensive end, had 46 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks. They are three of the seven starters returning on defense. Even though the Tigers intercepted 24 passes a year ago, SSU was hit hard by graduation in the secondary and at linebacker. Young players like Edward Ndem, Jevonte Jefferson, Chris Asbury, Sadrak Jean Baptiste and Vince Cochran saw enough action and should be ready to step in a contribute heavily this season. Brandon Miller and LaDarien Redfield will compliment Reed in the trenches.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Derek Williams will return as kicker and punter. The sophomore averaged 36.4 yards per punt, had a long of 48 yards and had 21 to fall inside the opponents 20-yard line. As a place-kicker, he booted 12 of 19 field goal attempts and converted 17 of 18 extra point attempts.

NEWCOMERS

Wells and staff signed 22 players during the off-season including Furman transfer Channing Welch (6-1, 281) who plays on the defensive line. Looking to make an early impact will be Justin Cooper (DB), Anthony Thomas (LB), Ricky Rivera (WR), Daniel Heslop (RB), Phillip Gaines (LB) and Warren Mason (OL).

OUTLOOK

The hiring of Wells gave the program a much needed boost and optimism. The program plays a watered down schedule that includes three NAIA schools but does include FCS power McNeese State, which will give the Tigers a nice size paycheck for the September 19 contest. A strong showing in October and November could determine if the Tigers post a winning season or not.