2009 Spring Update

Catawba's front four on the defensive line has been receiving the most publicity thus far in spring drills aside from the quarterback battle.

All ten defensive linemen return intact for the second straight season, headlined by All-American candidates Marcus Davis, Melquan Fair and Brandon Sutton.

In Saturday's 10:00 AM scrimmage, the defensive line set the pace and tone with at least eight sacks on Catawba's four quarterbacks. Defensive tackle Brandon Sutton led the way with a trio of sacks, followed by seniors Terrence Porter and Melquan Fair with pairs of sacks.

Junior defensive tackle Alex Hartsell forced a fumble in the white team's redzone while sacking quarterback Daniel Griffith.

Despite the quarterbacks being on their backs early and often during the morning scrimmage, quarterbacks Pat Dennis and Howard Williamson still found their favorite targets for significant gains.

Young receivers like Mario Washington, who had an amazing 40-yard reception off a tipped ball, finished the contest with three catches for 52 yards. Junior Brandon Bunn caught a 25 yard touchdown pass from Dennis towards the waning moments of the game.

Redshirt-freshman wide out Ronnie Williams and senior wide out Jamey Small both made outstanding catches near the home sideline, both resulting in first downs for the offense.

Dennis showed great footwork once he was out of the grasp of the collapsing front four, and he always thanks his hardworking offensive line for the holes they created.

Two-time All-American left tackle Terence Crosby has elevated his run and pass-blocking skill sets to another level since the last years' 58-23 win over Lenoir-Rhyne. Right tackle Hunter Carnes is a fiery senior that makes sure his troops are ready to play day in and day out.

Senior right guard Kevin Hamaker is always a leader by example, and has been nothing short of productive in his fourth spring season with the team. This is Hamaker's year to earn post season honors for the first time in his career, the coaching staff can feel it.

To Crosby's right is junior Kemp McSween, who has been steady thus far during the spring. McSween's confidence has really soared since his entrance into the starting lineup in early 2007.

Zane Gibson is the definition of reliable at center, who has had the luxury of snapping to great quarterbacks in Brad Roach, Howard Williamson, and Pat Dennis over the past two seasons. Gibson has been remarkable in one on one situations against the nation's most tenacious defensive tackles.

Sophomore Cody Corn was hampered by injury during the week and will likely be out for the week. Backup center Daylon McAlexander will slide over to guard to fill Corn's presence, while long-snapper Phillip Russ will occupy the second-string center position.

Speaking of second-string, Decarius Kanyinda is Crosby's immediate backup at left tackle. Nicknamed "DK" by coaches and teammates, Kanyinda took a redshirt last fall and will provide much needed depth upfront. His play thus far in the spring has been enthusiastic, and he is primed to do good things for Catawba in the near future.

Redshirt-freshmen Ronald Martin and Dustin Craft at outside linebacker have been pleasant surprises. Perhaps Martin's spring emergence is not much of a surprise to the coaching staff, as he was close to not taking a redshirt in 2008.

Craft's journey into Catawba blue and white started by inking with the program by nearby Carson High School. He did it all for a program that just opened its doors during his junior season, where he was one of North Carolina's leading tacklers.

After starting at quarterback as a senior, Craft committed to Chip Hester's Indians as a linebacker and longsnapper. The jury was still out on the status of his knee heading into last season, but his play thus far in the spring has been consistent.

Senior safety Jaspen Gray capped the scrimmage with a 40-yard interception return near the far sideline. Quarterback Logan Huslander escaped immense pressure from the pocket and fired an errant pass that fell into Gray's awaiting hands.

A convoy of blockers literally paved the way for the big return..