2007 Tulsa Football Preview
July 24, 2007
2007 Tulsa Outlook in PDF Format
Some things change. Some things remain the same. A new coaching staff is the most obvious difference for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The other most notable change in 2007 will occur on the offensive side of the ball with the "no-huddle spread" offense, while Tulsa's 3-3-5 defense remains the same from a year ago when the Hurricane led Conference USA in total defense, allowing its opponents just 296 yard per game. This seasons Hurricane team is led by first-year Head Coach Todd Graham. It may be his first season as head coach, but he's a familiar face to Tulsa players. Graham helped rejuvenate the Tulsa program as defensive coordinator fro 2003-2005, when the Hurricane made two bowl game appearances in three years. Graham inherits 36 lettermen and 11 starters to a team that finished with an overall 8-5 record and its third bowl game in four seasons. THE OFFENSE "Quarterback-wise we have three really good ones. We have a lot of depth. That's a real strong point for us," said Graham. "We want our quarterbacks to run the football, as well as throw it and take care of it." The senior Smith has already moved into second-place on Tulsa's career passing chart with 5,871 yards and in total offense with 6,418 yards. He has also thrown for 36 career touchdown passes, the third-most in school history. A year ago, Smith completed a career-best 66-percent of his passes for 2,727 yards and 15 touchdowns. The second-team all-Conference USA selection had eight 200+ yard passing games last year and 18 for his career. Johnson, after red-shirting in 2004, has been Smith's back-up the last two years. He has proven his value and ability while completing 67-percent of his passes for 416 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 games played. In his most extensive action, Johnson completed 20-of-30 passes for 172 yards and one TD in the 2005 season opener against Minnesota filling in for the injured Smith. Add red-shirt freshman Clark Harrell (6-4, 193) to the quarterback spot, and the Hurricane has three quarterbacks capable of leading Tulsa to victories. Harrell came to Tulsa last year as one of the top prep quarterbacks in the state of Texas. As a senior at Ennis High School, Harrell completed 323-of-464 passes for 3,924 yards and 39 touchdowns to lead all Texas Class 4A schools. Running Back Adams headlines the tailback position for the Hurricane. In a season that saw him miss four games with an injury, Adams still managed 329 rushing yards and caught 31 passes for 362 yards last year. A healthy Adams rushed for 574 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2005 campaign. Tennial moves over to the fullback spot, but will also get snaps from the tailback position. A former Oklahoma-transfer, Tennial led the Hurricane in rushing last year with 845 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 14 rushing touchdowns was the second-most in school history, while 11 of those TDs came from within five yards out. Both Adams and Tennial earned C-USA honorable mention accolades, while Tennial ranked ninth on C-USA's rushing chart. Red-shirt freshman Jamad Williams (5-9, 197), who moved to tailback from the secondary for spring drills, returned to his running back form that saw him rush for 1,852 yards, a 7.5 average and 20 touchdowns his senior season at Midwest City High School. He had an impressive spring campaign and rushed for 61 yards on 15 carries in the spring game. "I think we have two of the best running backs in Conference USA in Courtney Tennial and Tarrion Adams, and Jamad Williams had a great spring," said Graham. "All three of those guys will see time. What I like about the group of running backs is their ability to catch the ball out of the backfield." Junior walk-on Aaron Johnson (5-9, 205), who has shown solid running ability when he has carried the ball, adds depth to the tailback slot. Two prep standouts, CJ Chaten (5-9, 180) and Charles Opeseyitan (5-10, 193), bring impressive credentials to the Hurricane and will add depth this year. Chaten rushed for 1,00 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, while Opeseyitan had only 193 yards in three games during an injury-filled senior season but a year earlier totaled 1,113 yards and 12 touchdowns and was ranked as the state of Texas' top running backs last year. At fullback, Tennial will be spelled by senior Cody Madison (6-3, 239) and junior Jacob Frank (6-1, 233). The two veteran players move over from tight end to the hybrid "H-back/fullback" position. Madison, a defensive player for his first two years, made the move to offense last year and proved to be a good addition. He caught two passes for 46 yards, with one of those going for a touchdown. Frank has played in one career game, and will be utilized for his blocking ability. Newcomer Charles Clay (6-3, 222) will also have an opportunity to participate for the Hurricane in 2007. He was rated as one of the state of Arkansas' top seniors a year ago while rushing for 891 yards and 11 touchdowns. Offensive Line After last season, Tulsa lost four starters that totaled 146 career starts to graduation. "We're a very, very physically talented group on the offensive line. We're a very big, very strong and very athletic group. The key will be their development and how well they pick it up, play together as a unit and not make mistakes," said Graham. The lone returning starter is junior Justin Morsey (6-2, 282), who holds down the starting spot at right guard. He moved into the starters role last year in the fourth game of the season against Navy. Behind Morsey at right guard is red-shirt freshman Ronnie DeWitt (6-6, 277), a young player who needs to develop with size and strength, and junior college transfer Shawn Santos (6-3, 285). Santos comes to Tulsa after one year as the starting right guard at Trinity Valley Community College and will compete for playing time somewhere on the offensive front. Flanking Morsey at right tackle is junior Rodrick Thomas (6-5, 354). The big and strong Thomas showed signs of being a dominant lineman during spring drills and settled in as the starter heading into preseason camp. He played only four offensive snaps last year, but also saw playing time on special teams. Senior Wade Whitlow (6-5, 311), who backs up both tackle positions, is Tulsa's most versatile offensive lineman. He's able to play either guard position as well. Whitlow, who has played in 19 games with four starts, saw his most extensive playing time with 76 snaps against Navy in 2004. Newcomer Brandon Thomas (6-5, 250) comes to Tulsa from Ohio's Nordonia High School and adds depth at right tackle. On the left side, senior Walter Boyd (6-2, 324) was moved from the defensive line to offensive tackle prior to the start of spring drills. The last time he played on the offensive side of the ball was as a tight end and fullback at Shawnee High School, but he made a smooth transition during the spring and enters preseason camp as the starting left tackle. Whitlow backs up Boyd at left tackle in addition to backing up Thomas on the right side. Freshman Wilson Holloway (6-6, 255) will add depth at left tackle for the Hurricane. Sophomore Curt Puckett (6-4, 297) came out of the spring as the starter at left guard, but will be pushed during preseason camp by gray-shirt freshman Tyler Holmes (6-3, 299). Puckett's only college experience came last year in the season opener when he played four snaps against Stephen F. Austin. Holmes is the next in line to carry on Tulsa's Canadian influence on the offensive line, as former Canadian's Jeff Perrett and Jon Hameister-Ries started a combined 76 games over the past four years. Freshman gray-shirt Brandon Washington (6-3, 310) and true freshman Nick Gates (6-2, 270), from Tulsa's Holland Hall High School, will add depth at left guard. Sophomore Jody Whaley (6-4, 302) holds down the starting center position after playing a reserve role at guard last year. Whaley played 121 snaps last year, while starting the BYU game at right guard. Former tight end Travis Wike (6-4, 292), who moved to tackle last year, was moved to center during spring drills. Newcomer Aaron Ringle (6-3, 250) was an Oklahoma all-state selection at offensive tackle as a senior at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs. Both Wike and Ringle will add depth to the center position. Tight End Sophomore Jake Collums (6-4, 242) and Ted Curtis (6-2, 250) saw considerable playing time a year ago, as Curtis started seven games while Collums had one start among his 13 games played. Curtis caught 13 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns, catching a four-yard TD against North Texas and a seven-yarder in the Navy game. Collums began his collegiate career with a bang as he caught two passes for 93 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown against Stephen F. Austin. Red-shirt freshman Logan Cawyer (6-4, 248) adds size and blocking ability to the tight end position, while sophomore Mike Sullivan (6-3, 233), another good run blocker, adds depth as well. "We feel good about Jake Collums and Ted Curtis. Jake had a really good spring and we think he can be a great player, and Ted has really applied himself and has a lot of untapped talent. We expect him to have a great year," said Graham. Wide Receiver Tulsa's top three outside receivers ¬-- Idris Moss, Ryan Bugg and Donnie Johnson --completed their eligibility last year, as the trio combined for 1,700 of Tulsa's 2,944 receiving yards. "Receiver was an area of concern because we graduated the top three receivers, but we were pleased in the spring with the progress that was made," said Graham. The Hurricane receiving corps will get an influx of newcomers that are expected to make an impact in 2007. The wide receiver returning to the lineup with the most receiving yards from a year ago is sophomore Jesse Meyer (6-4, 201) who caught eight passes for 97 yards. Meyer and senior Kyle Grooms (6-3, 207) will compete for one of the starting spots during preseason camp. Grooms, a former walk-on, is a three-year letterman who saw most of his action at receiver last season. He totaled six receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown a year ago. Two more lettermen, Nick Henderson (6-0, 177) and Corey Kizer (6-2, 201), saw valuable action last year after transferring from junior colleges. Henderson came out of spring drills as a starter, while Kizer is a big and physical receiver who can pose a mismatch for opposing cornerbacks. In the spring game, Henderson caught four passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. Kizer caught six passes for 36 yards last year, while Henderson had three receptions for 23 yards and one touchdown. "Nick Henderson has great speed. He has great character and works hard. Kyle Grooms and Jesse Myers are guys you can win football games," said Graham. "Cory Kizer came on at the end of the spring, and he can become a contributor at wide receiver." Senior Cameron Clemons (5-11, 180) was the only other returning receiver to see action last year, while playing five games and catching just one pass for four yards. Among the newcomers, junior college transfer Dion Toliver (5-11, 170) came to Tulsa in January and participated in spring drills. He showed his explosiveness and "big-play" ability during spring practice and ended with four receptions for 89 yards in the spring game. Toliver comes into preseason camp as the third starter at the receiver position. "Dion Toliver had an outstanding spring. He's a guy who can catch the football, run with it and make things happen. He fits the spread offense to a T. We're looking for good things from him," said Graham. "We have some signees coming in that can be pretty special. We think AJ Whitmore and Brennan Marion are impact players. Trae Johnson and Chris Ford are talented receivers too," added Graham. Two more junior college transfers, Brennan Marion (6-1, 185) and Jake Borgsmiller (6-3, 185), join the Hurricane squad this year. Marion brings outstanding credentials from DeAnza (Calif.) Junior College where he led California junior colleges in receiving last year with 60 receptions for 1,196 yards and 16 TDs. Borgsmiller played at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last year after catching 54 passes for 805 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior season at Tulsa's Union High School in 2005. A trio of true freshmen -- AJ Whitmore (5-9, 170), Trae Johnson (5-11, 170) and Chris Ford (6-2, 186) -- had impressive prep careers. Whitmore played quarterback in high school, but will make the switch to receiver with the Hurricane. He passed for 2,400 yards and had 1,400 rushing yards as a senior at Nashville (Ark.) High School. Johnson had 48 receptions for 998 yards and 15 touchdowns at South Grand Prairie (Texas) High School, while Ford totaled 768 yards and eight touchdowns on 40 receptions at North Crowley (Texas) High School. Red-shirt freshman Daniel Morrell (6-1, 186) brings great speed to the receiving corps. A trio of walk-ons -- sophomores Kyle Young (6-6, 222) and Corey Heinz (5-11, 168) and red-shirt freshman Tyler Pistoia (6-0, 185) -- add depth. Young, who returned to the football field in the spring after two years on the Tulsa basketball team, adds great size. He was a three-year starting quarterback at Turpin (Okla.) High School before concentrating on basketball in his first two collegiate years. THE DEFENSE Nose guards -- senior Brandon Jones (6-2, 281) and junior Terrel Nemons (6-4, 330) -- are anchors of the front line. Jones, who came out of the spring as the starter, has started eight career games, while Nemons has 17 career starting assignments. Jones tallied nine tackles last year in 13 games, and turned in an outstanding spring. Nemons started the final 11 games last year and totaled 31 tackles while earning honorable mention all-Conference USA merits. Walk-on Skyler Taylor (6-0, 276) had a good spring and could see playing time in the upcoming season. True freshman Jacoby Veals (6-1, 262), who will add depth, was a three-year starter at Dallas' Lincoln High School and as a senior had 114 tackles and 40 stops for lost yardage from his defensive line position. Returning starter Moton Hopkins (6-3, 270), a junior, has locked down the starting spot at left defensive end. Hopkins, who totaled 40 stops last year, was named to the C-USA all-newcomer team in 2005 and was a C-USA honorable mention selection last year. Behind Hopkins, sophomore Cedric Godfrey (6-2, 235) and red-shirt freshman Tyler Scarbrough (6-3, 268) will compete for playing time. "We're really strong upfront with Moton Hopkins, Brandon Jones and Terrel Nemons anhoring the line," said Graham. "In addition, Popsie Floyd and Jeph McAlester at end and Skyler Taylor in the middle had outstanding springs." The Hurricane will get a boost at the defensive end position from junior college transfer Wilson Garrison (6-4, 284), who could play either end position. Garrison is expected to make an impact this year for the Hurricane. Freshman Odrick Ray (6-3, 220) will add depth for the Hurricane. At right defensive end, sophomore Popsie Floyd (6-1, 241) and junior Jeph McAlester (6-3, 228) battled during spring drills. Both Floyd and McAlester saw limited action last season. McAlester made the transition from linebacker to end during spring drills. Red-shirt freshman Jon Bell (6-2, 255) and senior Alex Detwiler (6-2, 222), who has seen action in seven games throughout his career, add depth for the Hurricane at defensive end. Eliot Allen (6-2, 222) is another junior college transfer, from Trinity Valley Community College, who could provide solid contributions this season. Linebacker All-Conference performers Nelson Coleman (6-2, 235) and Chris Chamberlain (6-2, 225) return for their senior seasons and give Tulsa perhaps the best linebacker corps in Conference USA. The duo has combined for 461 tackles, 34 stops for lost yardage and 16 quarterback sacks in their careers. Coleman, a three-year starter, has led Tulsa in tackles in each of the last two years with 117 stops in 2005 and 98 tackles last year. He was a first-team all-C-USA selection last year and earned second-team honors in his sophomore season. Coleman, the starter at the MIKE linebacker position, returns this year with the sixth-most career tackles (274) among returning NCAA players, while he needs just nine more stops to move into 10th place on the school's all-time tackles chart. The starting WILL linebacker, Chamberlain underwent ACL surgery the spring prior to his junior season, and made it back for the second game of the 2006 season. He came back and totaled 51 stops last year after collecting 88 tackles the year before. Chamberlain has started 26 games in his first three seasons. Sophomore Mike Bryan (6-3, 216), who saw considerable playing time as a true freshman last year at linebacker and on special teams, will spell Coleman. He registered 17 tackles in 13 games a year ago. Newcomer Rashad Robinson (6-1, 230), a true freshman, adds depth behind Coleman and Bryan. Two red-shirt freshmen, Tanner Antle (6-4, 210) and Donald Gobert (6-3, 192), are back-ups for Chamberlain at WILL linebacker. Both are young players who had good spring seasons, as Gobert made a position change from the secondary. Junior Jon Piorkowski (6-2, 221), who lettered last year while playing on special teams, will also add depth at linebacker. Freshman Curnelius Arnick (6-1, 213), who is a good prospect from Dallas' Carter High School where he had 82 tackles and 10 sacks, will add depth as well. At SAM linebacker, senior Alain Karatepeyan (6-1, 235) came out of spring as the starter, while sophomore George Clinkscale (6-0, 241) will challenge for the starting spot in preseason camp. Bryan will also be in the mix to challenge for the starting position at SAM. Karatepeyan has seen extensive action in his two seasons with the Hurricane. He had 39 stops last year while adding five tackles for lost yardage. Clinkscale played in three games last year, but received a hardship season after suffering a season-ending injury. He played in 12 games as a true freshman in 2005 and tallied 12 tackles. True freshman Kenny R. Sims (6-0, 221) will add depth to the SAM linebacker position. He had 139 tackles and 34 stops for lost yardage as a senior at Juan Seguin (Texas) High School. Defensive Secondary Despite that, Tulsa returns nine letterwinners and two starters to the secondary for the 2007 campaign. Two-year starter Anthony Germany (6-1, 221) returns as the starting strong safety after totaling 31 tackles and four pass break-ups last year. The other returning starter is junior cornerback Roy Roberts (5-11, 205), who had 43 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception a year ago in 13 starts. Junior two-year letterman Ty Page (6-2, 220) backs up Germany at strong safety, as does sophomore James Lockett (5-11, 192). Page has seen most of his playing time on special teams, while Lockett has not yet seen game action. Roberts holds down one cornerback slot, while the other starter coming out of spring drills is sophomore Charles Davis (5-9, 170). Davis turned in a strong spring performance after seeing action in 12 games last year as a true freshman, mostly on special teams. Sophomore Kenny D. Sims (5-11, 192) and red-shirt freshman Drew Cuffee (5-8, 185) back-up Davis at cornerback. Sims saw limited action in 10 games on special teams last year, while Cuffee is a walk-on athlete. Behind Roberts at one cornerback position, senior Terrance Thomas (5-10, 175) has only played on special teams in the past, playing in five games as a sophomore in 2005. He will compete for playing time, and possibly a starting spot. True freshmen Reid Singleton (5-10, 160) and Tory Tyner (6-1, 174) are two cornerbacks who had impressive seasons as prep seniors in Texas. Singleton was a top-100 all-area selection by the Dallas Morning News as a senior at North Crowley High School, while Tyner helped lead his Cedar Hill High School team to a 16-0 record and state championship. Senior Steve Craver (6-2, 212) has been an instrumental piece to the Hurricane defensive secondary when healthy, and will be expected to play a major role this year. "Charles Davis had a great spring, and Roy has been a starter for us. We have some other guys that will be competing at cornerback as well," said Graham" Craver missed two games last year with an injury, but collected 33 tackles in 11 contests. In 2005, Craver showed his tremendous ability when he started in the second game of the year against Oklahoma and had five tackles, one stop for lost yardage, one forced fumble and one interception before suffering a season-ending injury. In a reserve role, sophomore Jonathan Penelton (6-1, 203) backs up Craver at the bandit position. Newcomer John Destin (6-0, 185), a junior college transfer from Rock Valley Community College, can back-up at bandit and either safety position. In just five games last year, Destin had 23 stops, 10 pass break-ups and five interceptions. Randy Duncan (6-3, 189) and Josh Burris (5-10, 190) will battle for the starting free safety spot during preseason camp. Duncan saw playing time last year at cornerback, but suffered a season-ending hip injury in the ninth game. He made the move back to safety during spring drills, while Burris sat out last year after playing in nine games as a true freshman in 2005. True freshman Genesis Cole (6-1, 178) turned in an impressive prep career at Central (Ark.) High School and could see valuable playing time for the Hurricane this season. Red-shirt freshman Anthony Smith (5-8, 189), a walk-on, will add depth to the free safety position. THE KICKING GAME One of two punters the Hurricane used last year returns to the lineup as Paul Jurado (6-1, 195) is back for his junior season. Jurado, who will also have a chance to handle kick-off duties for the Hurricane in 2007, punted 18 times for a 40.5 average last season. Transfer Michael Such (6-2, 205), who was a non-recruited walk-on at Nebraska last year, will pressure Jurado for the starting punting position, as well as kickoffs. Sophomore walk-on Alexander Bridge (5-10, 210) adds depth. Junior John Warren (6-0, 215) is expected to handle the deep-snapping duties for the second straight year, while Jurado will serve as the holder on placements. The Hurricane will have a new return specialist for kickoffs and punts. Sophomore Charles Davis (5-9, 165) came out of the spring as the most likely candidate to fill that void. He returned only two punts a year ago. Roy Roberts (5-11, 205) and Tarrion Adams (6-1, 210) will also be in the mix on the kick-off return units, while a number of freshmen will get a chance on both the kickoff and punt return units.
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