2007 Outlook

The Trojans are coming off a disappointing 2006 football season, finishing with a 2-8 record. However, Virginia State University Head Coach Andrew Faison said that the players and staff are looking forward to the 2007 football season.

 

“We were very competitive in every game last year, but did not tackle well on defense and we did not make good decisions in key situations on offense,” Faison said. He added that the keys for this year are simply better tackling and to create turnovers on defense. “Offensively we must execute better and make good decisions,” he said.

 

With the loss of 10 starters (five on defense and five on offense), the challenge will be trying to replace linemen on both sides of the ball. The loss of defensive tackle Aaron Knight (who led the team in tackles last season with 70) and defensive tackle Darius Robinson (who was the second-leading tackler on defense with 62) will truly be missed.

 

On the other side of the ball, Faison will need to replace offensive lineman Jermaine Lafate, Brandon Grier and Willie May, who were all lost to graduation.

 

The Trojans’ top returner on defense will be linebackers Theo Washington (6-2, 240 lb.) and Dominic Scott (5-11, 230 lb.), and Devon Wiggins (5-9, 180 lb.) and Anthony Hailstock (5-11, 185 lb.) in the backfield. All four were starters in 2006.

 

“Our principles have not changed on defense,” Faison said. “We want to stop the run, control the pass and create turnovers.”

 

On the offense, the Trojans return a good nucleus. The line will consist of Aaron Bryant (6-3, 315 lb.), Travis Amos (6-0, 265 lb.) along with Quest King (6-1, 320 lb.) at the anchor.

 

Both quarterbacks are seniors and looking forward to having a great season. Lamar Blizzard (6-2, 230 lb.) and Michael Terry (6-1, 220 lb.) are both veteran players and performed well in the 2007 spring practices.

 

The receivers have a good group returning as well. Second-team All-CIAA wide receiver Davian Richard (6-2, 190 lb.) led the Trojans in receptions last season with 51 catches for 575 yards and scored six touchdowns. Jerome Choice (6-3, 225 lb.) was third on the team in 2006 with 31 catches for 362 yards and five touchdowns.

 

“Both are ‘big play’ guys,” Faison said.

 

VSU’s running game will feature Travis Valentine (6-0, 200 lb.), who was the top rusher for the Trojans last season. The fullbacks will be Justin Cumming (5-10, 220 lb.) and Curtis Johnson (5-11, 230 lb.). Also returning to the lineup are Nick Fleming and freshman Marcus McCallum. Both Fleming and McCallum were lost due to injuries last season.

 

Coach Faison and his staff are really pleased with their signees and look forward to seeing them compete at a high level.