Outlook 2009

Veteran Cougars committed to build on
legend of USF football success in season No. 12

  When you talk legend and USF football, you talk about re-loading, not re-building. That's the case with the 12^th edition of the University of Saint Francis football team where the offense is loaded while on defense the Cougars will be re-loading as the winningest team in Indiana over the last seven seasons takes aim on another deep post-season charge.

  Starting with senior tailback Daniel Carter, a 2009 College Fanz Sports Network Super Six selection, USF coach Kevin Donley welcomes back seven starters on offense along with a talented rotation of players who saw significant playing time in 2008. Donley's Cougars, who have won 20 more games than the No. 2 team in Indiana over the last seven years, are shooting for their 11^th consecutive NAIA Football Championship Series berth and their 10^th conference title in 12 seasons.

  Though the Cougars' defense only has four starters back, those four have been significant contributors every season they have played at USF. Those returnees listed at No. 2 on the 2008 depth chart played significant minutes as well, so the Cougars expect to be very solid again on defense after a record-setting season in 2008.

  "We've got another excellent senior class that is learning to lead on the field and off the field," Donley says. "Chemistry is so important and I think that's what made last season so rewarding . . . we were able to hide some of our weaknesses and over-achieve because of the way the 2008 team played together. I believe we have the tools, it's a matter of how important is it to you to be successful that you commit to it and work together."

  Check out the breakdowns on offense and defense

Cougars on offense

  Carter darted for 155.8 all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, kickoff returns, punt returns) per game in 2008. He led the MSFA in scoring with 150 points on 25 TDs. If Carter didn't touch the ball, Wedding found 12 different receivers for at least one TD pass. Seven of those options are back, which explains why optimism is high for a deep post-season push. The one game USF lost, Carter was no better than 65 percent health-wise.

   "We saw a lot of magic in Daniel in high school and his ability to move laterally and make that cut is the best I've ever seen in 30 years of coaching," Donley emphasizes. "He's a hard worker and a very strong 162 pounds. He's improved his speed more than I thought possible. We want to keep him healthy and get him the ball in the open field because getting him in open space one on one is like getting him in one on none."

Backfield

  Carter is focused on meeting or exceeding his numbers from 2008 when he earned the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League Player of the Year award. "Getting the 'W' is what matters most," the speedy, elusive back says looking to 2009. Get in your seats early because Carter is capable of opening the game with a TD on the kickoff, as he did in the season opener against Trinity International.

  "What makes us hard to stop is that we've got so many weapons," Shaine Tierney says as he looks to take over at quarterback for USF graduate Jeff Wedding. Elijah Flowers returns as an experienced, speedy option at wingback along with Taylor Vieck, who returns for his junior season after an injury forced him to recover during the 2008 season. Vieck is a blue-collar back who thrives at running through brick walls, so to speak. Bo and Koby Frye saw extensive playing time as the season progressed and that experience will be crucial this season. Not factoring Vieck into the equation, USF has back 1,516 yards and 29 rushing TDs. And this season Armando Bustamante, a Concordia Lutheran High School grad, joins the USF backfield corps after spending two seasons at Indiana University.

Quarterback

  Tierney only has one start to his credit, but he's got more experience than your average 'new' starting QB. He played enough in 2008 to lead the MSFA in passing efficiency and his arm along with his ability to run with the ball make him a perfect fit in the Cougars' run-and-shoot offense. "He showed the leadership qualities we expect out of our QBs and I expect to see continued improvement in Shaine as well as Justin (Boser) during our late summer drills," Donley says. Tierney threw five TD passes in 10 games and threw for 487 yards. Boser connected on one TD pass and threw for 107 yards. Alex Bierwalter, who attended Eastern Michigan University in 2008-09 as a freshman, gives USF a third option at quarterback and will challenge for playing time.

  "Shaine is a general, a guy our other players will jump in the foxhole with," Donley says. "He's different kind of leader than Jeff. He's a tough kid; he has a football mind, makes good decisions and has a quick release."

Receivers

  USF returns a talented trio of returnees at wide receivers slots in Brian Schultz, Jared Clodfelter and Kyle Peabody, who combined for 1,391 yards on 85 receptions and 18 TDs. No wonder Tierney can't wait to step into those starting shoes. Any one of the three is capable of hauling in the long ball or running for additional yards after a catch. And Ben Clifford returns at tight end after catching three TD passes in 2008.

  "Combined with our backs, you can't help but get excited about the passing game," Donley emphasized.

  Interior Line

  Senior Ryan Kauchak and junior Brendan Carragher are two 2008 All-MSFA selections who return to anchor the 'O' line at tackle and center, respectively. Add Justin Vela in a starting tackle slot, another starter looking to return to form after some late-2008 health issues. They bring talent and experience, Kauchak making a last-minute switch from tight end right before the start of the 2008 season and thriving at the new position. After a couple lean seasons where depth or experience was a concern up front, USF is solid again with the return of guards Corey Cronk, Wyatt Tuggle, Bryan Dolezal, Andrew Johnson and Dan Muchler. Along with Kauchak and Vela,  Clayton Smith, Jeremy Mayes and Drew McCool-Solis along with Eli Alagogianis, who is transferring from Illinois State, add depth at the tackle slots. Michael Schoening continued to show improvement at center in the spring.

USF on Defense 

   Defense has the major reloading to do this season after a record setting season in 2008 including No. 1 in the MSFA in Total Defense, a first for the program in its 11^th season. USF set a school record yielding just 248.5 yards per game of total offense while finishing in the MSFA Top 4 for the sixth straight season. The Cougars will definitely miss DE Tim Farrell, CB Paul Carter, IL Joe Piwoszkin, ILB Mark Drobac, OLB Cody Capps, S Sam Miles and DE Steve Vaught. All played critical roles helping USF set a rush defense record with a stingy 99.0 yards per game against average. And USF finished No. 1 in scoring defense surrendering just 12.9 points per game, the third time in five years USF's defense has finished No. 1. The other two seasons? USF finished No. 2 in scoring defense.

Defensive End

  Good news here as Stephen Whited returns for his senior year. "He plays hard and fast on every play," Maloney says. "He always brings maximum effort." The question is who plays on the other end.  Travis Craven, a 2005 Snider High School graduate, appears to hold the answer at the other end slot transferring from Miami of Ohio. He has one season of eligibility left and was a standout for Snider through the 2004 season. Maloney expects Sean Grattenthaler, Spencer Plummer Derek Shire and Jon Lehman to compete for playing time as well as providing additional depth.

Interior Line

  Derek Prather and Bryan Hardister lead the returnees with Maloney counting on improve play from Mark Moore, Matt Truttling and Aaron Myers. Hardister and Prather are the most experienced up front. Lance Carey is back and is slotted on the interior line after coming in last season as an end. "We got size and strength up front, experience is all they lack," Maloney says. "Getting Brad Taylor back is a critical addition with his size and experience."

Inside Linebacker

  Still an area of strength with the return of Thomas and Adam Greene. "Carl has been a leader for two years and he's the engine that pulls the train on defense this year," Maloney says.  Greene is the leader at the other ILB slot replacing Drobac, the 2008 USF tackles leader. "Adam played significant minutes last season and has the experience you like to have at the second tier along with Carl." Maloney also expects Eric Lash and Quinn Doan to figure in the ILB rotation adding, "We've got some talented freshman who just might work into the mix as well."

Outside Linebacker

  Jarrell Hunter is a two-year starter back for his senior year, a veteran who "plays fast and is an impact player along with Carl who understands what we expect on defense," Maloney says. Troy Hudson and Devron Robinson are the most experienced returnees challenging for Capps' vacancy. "Robinson has the ability to fly to the ball and smack you. Brad Whittaker had a good spring and Austen Macak showed improvement. Again, it's a matter of experience, minimizing mistakes while learning on the job."

Cornerback

  Evans is another two-year starter who knows the schemes Maloney employs and will be the rock of experience at the third level. Gilbert Allen is expected to fill the slot vacated by Carter. Allen has provided some spot starts and is expected to step up to the challenge. Knick Middleton will challenge for playing time at a corner and safety as well. "He's smart and has football sense," Maloney said.

Safety

  Maloney is counting on four returners to battle for playing time at safety replacing Miles. Ross Bauman has the most experience after tying for the USF lead in interceptions with four in 2008. Middleton, Jordan Wise and Justin Milcarek figure in the quest for the No. 1 safety slot. "Sam was so good a recognizing offenses and communicating with the hole defense," Maloney said. "That's what we need from one of these guys, which they are all capable of doing.

Special Teams

   Kickoffs are in good hands with the return of Carter and the kicking game will be solid with the return of USF record-setting kicker Rhys Barnhart, who led MSFA kick scoring in 2008. Punt returner is a wide open competition. Kevin Smith is the front-runner to handle kickoffs while Kenny Paul appears to be the front-runner handling the punting duties. Long snap duties are up for grabs between Levi Rouch and Patrick Mahorney with the departure of two-year long-snapper Brian Gagle.

Newcomers

   Who steps up and contributes immediately is impossible to predict, but based on high school success, the freshman class of 2009 has some very strong candidates who may contribute right away and definitely in future seasons. Rex Drabenstot (DL), Justin Juarez (LB), Lance LaMere (LB), John Roberson (OL) and Jake Lazar (K/P) played in the Indiana Grange Insurance North-South Classic. Lazar kicked two field goals and two extra points for the North in its 20-13 win. Mike Breland (OL) and Josh Miller (QB) played in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game, the first time USF has had Buckeye commits play in that game. All-State first, second, or honorable mention team newcomers include Craig Fitzgerald (OL), Taylor Fulk (WR), Zach Greiner (OL), Marcus Neal (DL), David Yoder (QB) and Jacob Allen (DB).

Schedule

  USF has three games against NAIA Top 25 teams (preseason) and a long road trip to NCAA Division II member Missouri University of Science and Technology. The Cougars, who have been ranked in the NAIA Top 25 in 119 consecutive polls, play at No. 13 St. Ambrose in Game 2 on September 19 and at No. 25 Malone on October 3. No. 17 St. Xavier closes out the USF regular season home schedule on November 7.