2009 Spring Analysis

Position of strength?

The Indians were plagued by inconsistent quarterback play last season, but now teams in the SAC are envious over Catawba's situation.

The Tribe picked up key newcomers in UNC's Cameron Sexton and Shrine Bowler Brett Mooring in the off-season. Behind Dennis is a proven fifth-year senior in Howard Williamson.

Don't count out sophomore Daniel Griffith and his uncanny arm strength, it is one of the strongest arms in the conference.

Help is needed

The secondary was a pillar of experience last season. Now, it is a position of legitamite concern. One full-time starter was lost in the secondary in All-SAC CB Jasmon Carpenter.

Meanwhile, utility safety Chris Noel and fifth year senior Marcus Glenn have also departed. CB Bryant Vennable has starting experience and has all of the physical tools that Catawba great Jamel Jackson once had.

Restocking the back four does not figure to be a quick and easy process, but transfers Calvin Hall and Marcus McFadden could ease the burden. Rookies Jumal Rolle and LJ McCray could make an impact in the fall. Keep an eye on

RB Antonio Hall: In recent seasons, the Indians have had success with three running backs as a rotation. Last fall, however, Jamelle Cuthbertson was mostly a one-man show. The departed rusher tallied more than 1,000 yards in his feature role last season. Returning leading rusher Hall has first dibs on the starting job this season. At 190 pounds, he fits Catawba's need for a bruiser and a shifter. But who will be the second threat? Look out for redshirt freshman Bobby Morrison, a compact runner with ability who has drawn praise from coaches. Transfer Josh Wright from Western Carolina has Division I experience and talent, but needs more time connecting with his trenchmen.

WR Ronnie Williams: Last season in fall camp, Williams made his presence felt with his physical play at 6'4. Ultimately redshirted in 2008, his progression in the weight room this offseason has shown thus far in spring camp. Circus catches and sideline grabs are the norm for Catawba's latest treasure at WR this spring. His comparison to WR Brent Johnson is neither uncommon nor far-fetched, as Johnson used his superior height to his advantage on smaller CBs.

LB Ronald Martin: A late signee with the program last summer, Martin was a jump and a skip away from playing as a rookie. The coaching staff played marquee recruits Lakeem Perry and Kewone Harris in 2008, and redshirted the 6'0 210 pound linebacker. The lack of depth at linebacker this spring has opened the door for Martin to make strides and a splash at his position. Martin has been feeding off great penetration by a powerful defensive line, an occurance he hopes continues in the 2009 season. At the least, he should contend for a starting spot in the fall.

His time is now

Senior Travis Landrum might be the fastest receiver in the SAC, but his modest production over the past two seasons at WR has been observed. He has been one of the nation's premier kick returners since 2007, but has only managed 26 receptions in that time.

Landrum was one of the South Carolina's most prized prospects during his senior season in 2005. As a dual-threat quarterback at Chapman HS, he earned all-state honors as an athlete after posting consecutive 1,000 yard passing and rushing seasons. Now is Landrum's moment to make an impact this spring, take the momentum into the fall and prove he can be deep target for QBs Cameron Sexton, Patrick Dennis and Howard Williamson.

The buzz

Much of the attention this spring has centered on the Cameron Sexton quarterback sweepstakes rather than the unprecedented offensive and defensive lines built by Hester and his assistants the past four years.

The progress made in rebuilding the secondary and running back corp should be watched just as much this spring. The Indians' '09 season may depend on several unproven, but talented defensive backs aiming to make a good impression on the Tribe's coaching staff.