Big South Opponent Previews: Presbyterian
8/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Link to Audio Interview with Presbyterian Coach Harold Nichols
As part of LibertyFlames.com's Countdown to Kickoff coverage, today we begin a six-part series where the web site will preview each of the Flames' 2009 Big South Conference foes.
Opening the series is Presbyterian, who was recently picked to finish seventh in the Big South Preseason Football Poll, which is voted upon by the league's head coaches and a select media panel.
The Blue Hose are currently in the third year of a four-year transition to the NCAA Division I FCS level, as they are tracking toward full NCAA Division I status for the 2011 season.
Over the course of the next two seasons, Presbyterian's games will count in Big South standings, making the Blue Hose part of the chase for the 2009 conference title. However, Presbyterian will not be eligible for the Big South's regular-season title until they gain their full-fledged NCAA Division I status.
The Blue Hose are coming off a 4-8 season in 2008, with their marquee victory coming over the Flames, 31-28, on Oct. 31, in Clinton, S.C. The three-point setback for the Flames halted a five-game road winning streak for Liberty, which was the longest in Big South history.
This year, Presbyterian will be under the direction of first-year head coach Harold Nichols, who spent the 2008 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Bucknell. Prior to his one-year stint with the Bison, Nichols also coached at Rhode Island (2000-07), Georgia Southern (1993-96) and twice at Presbyterian (1990-92 and 1996-2000).
Nichols will have Tim Webb under center to lead the Blue Hose. Webb threw for 1,428 yards and nine touchdowns during the first six games in 2008 (135-of-223/60.5 percent), before suffering a season-ending injury.
Brandon Miley also returns to give Presbyterian great depth at quarterback. Miley started the second half of the season and threw for 1,712 yards and eight touchdowns (158-of-263/60.1 percent). Against the Flames, Miley showed pinpoint accuracy, completing 21-of-29 pass attempts for 301 yards and two touchdowns, helping the hurler earn Big South Offensive Player of the Week honors, as he led his squad to a stunning victory over the nation's No. 17-ranked FCS team.
The Blue Hose return a total of six starters on offense, including three offensive linemen (Andrew Jenkins, Nic Lanzo and Jared Tavernier), along with wide receiver Patrick McKoy and tight end Robert Bumgarner. In 2008, McKoy (18 rec., 237 yards, 1 TD) and Bumgarner (17 rec., 206 yards, 0 TD) finished fourth and fifth, respectively, among Presbyterian receivers.
Leading the charge for the Blue Hose defense will be cornerback Justin Bethel. Despite being a sophomore and starting only the final three games of the year, Nichols believes that this 6-0, 185-pounder will be key to Presbyterian's 4-5-2 style defensive scheme.
Joining Bethel will be five other returning starters on the defensive side of the field, including defensive lineman Matt Freeman, linebackers Chris Bowman and Brian Leonardi and fellow defensive backs Torrell Funderburk and Bo Tribble. Bowman was a force against the Flames during the last meeting, recording 10 tackles (three solo and seven assisted), including a seven-yard tackle for a loss.
All in all, Presbyterian returns 52 letterwinners (Off. 26, Def. 33, Spec. 3) and 13 starters (Off. 6, Def., 6, Spec. 3).
Nichols will quickly get tested as a head coach, as Presbyterian opens the year against four Southern Conference opponents, with road games at Furman (Sept. 5) and The Citadel (Sept. 26) and home contests against Elon (Sept. 12) and Chattanooga (Sept. 19). The Blue Hose will also face first-year program Old Dominion (Oct. 10) to round out their non-conference slate.
Stony Brook will be Presbyterian's first chance to pick up a Big South Conference victory, when the Blue Hose travel to Long Island (Stony Brook, N.Y.) on Oct. 3.
Following a home contest against VMI on Oct. 24, Presbyterian will return to Williams Stadium for the first time since Liberty's 48-18 Homecoming victory over the Blue Hose on Oct. 27, 2007.
For the second-straight week and the fourth time in 2007, Liberty surpassed the 40-point mark in the victory, helping the Flames set a new program standard for points scored in a season (469) by the end of the year.
Rashad Jennings gained 196 yards on the ground and scored two rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Brock Smith passed completed 19-of-25 passing attempts for 281 yards and three touchdowns to aid in the victory played in front of the fourth-largest crowd in Williams Stadium history (15,307).
Presbyterian Quick Links:
Athletics Web Site
Football Web Page
2009 Schedule
2008 Statistics
Blue Hose Quick Facts
Location: Clinton, S.C.
Founded: 1880
Enrollment: 1,200
Nickname: Blue Hose
School Colors: Garnet and Blue
Stadium: Bailey Memorial Stadium (6,500)
Surface: Natural Grass
President: Dr. John V. Griffith (Dickinson, 1969)
Athletics Director: Dr. William "Bee" Carlton (Presbyterian, 1976)
Senior Woman Administrator: Heide Burgin
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Craig Powell
Ticket Office Phone: 864-833-8241
Website: www.gobluehose.com
Blue Hose Football Facts
First Year: 1913
Overall All-Time Record 478-432-35 (.524)
Overall Big South Record: N/A
Big South Championships: N/A
No. Years in Playoffs (Years): 4 (1960, 1979 NAIA, 1987 NAIA, 2005 NCAA Division II)
All-Time Playoff Record: 2-4
Last Postseason Appearance:
2005 NCAA Division II Second Round
vs. Central Arkansas (L, 28-53)
2008 Overall Record: 4-8
2008 Big South Record (Finish): N/A
Final 2008 National Rankings: None
2009 Team Information
Offensive System: Pro Style
Defensive System: 4-5-2
Lettermen Returning: 52 (Off. 26, Def. 33, Spec. 3)
Lettermen Lost: 26 (Off. 12, Def. 11, Spec. 3)
Starters Returning: 15
Offense (6)
QB - Tim Webb (6-2, 200, Sr.)
WR - Patrick McKoy (6-0, 175, So.)
OL - Andrew Jenkins (5-10, 255, R-Sr.)
OL - Nic Lanzo (6-2, 258, Sr.)
OL - Jared Tavernier (5-10, 264, Jr.)
TE - Robert Bumgarner (6-4, 223, Sr.)
Defense (6)
DL - Matt Freeman (5-11, 248, Sr.)
LB - Chris Bowman (6-1, 250, Jr.)
LB - Brian Leonardi (6-3, 225, R-Jr.)
DB - Justin Bethel (6-0, 185, So.)
DB - Torrell Funderburk (5-11, 190, Jr.)
DB - Bo Tribble (6-2, 197, Jr.)
Specialty (3)
HLD - Parker Fleming (6-0, 200, Sr.)
K - Cam Miller (5-9, 170, Jr.)
PR - Tyler Robbins (6-1, 180, Jr.)
Starters Lost: 13
Offense (5)
WR - Terrance Butler
WR - Chetyane Reeder
RB - S.J. Worrell
OL - Lee Kiser
OL- Jesse Painter
Defense (5)
DL - Clifton Evans
DL - Adam McKinney (2008 First Team All-Big South)
LB - Antwan Thomas (2008 First Team All-Big South)
DB - Anthony McKnight (2008 Second Team All-Big South)
DB - Anthony Carter
Specialty (3)
KR - Chetyuane Reeder
LS - Daniel Simpson
P - Bryson Summers (2008 Second Team All-Big South)
Head Coach - Harold Nichols
1st season at Presbyterian
HOMETOWN: New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
ALMA MATER (YEAR): Presbyterian (1989)
PLAYING CAREER:
Quarterback at Presbyterian (1985-89)
Quarterback at New Smyrna Beach HS (1983-85)
COACHING CAREER:
Presbyterian - Head Coach (2009-Present)
Bucknell - Offensive Coordinator/QBs/Fullbacks (2008-09)
Rhode Island - Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coord. (2000-07)
Presbyterian - Wide Receivers/Kickers/Specialists (1996-00)
Georgia Southern - WRs/RBs/DEs/Kickers/Specialists (1993-96)
Presbyterian - Quarterbacks/Running Backs (1990-92)
COACHING & CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
• Rhode Island broke school rushing record every year in first four seasons with the program
• 2003 squad rushed for A-10 record 4,003 yards to rank second in FCS that season
• Helped Georgia Southern to a 33-15 record and two NCAA quarterfinal playoff appearances (1993, 1995) during his tenure
• Member of coaching staff that won 2003 SoCon title
• Helped PC improve from 5-6 in 1997 to 8-3 and 7-4 the next two seasons
ASSISTANT COACHES & SUPPORT STAFF
Tom Evangelista (Vanderbilt, 1994) - Defensive Coordinator
Doug Malone (Carson-Newman, 1982) - Offensive Coordinator
Matt Cain (Furman, 2004) - Wide Receivers
Dave Dunagan (Presbyterian, 2008) - Defensive Line
Andrew Ford (Clemson, 1997) - Cornerbacks
Brandon Sarver (Georgia, 2003) - Tight Ends
Klay Killingsworth (West Georgia, 1993) - Linebackers
Jomar Wright (Duke, 2007) - Running Backs
Nelson Jones - Director of Sports Medicine
Jason Reed - Associate Head Athletic Trainer
Players to Watch:
#15 TIM WEBB (Sr., QB, 6-2, 200)
NOTES: Played in six games in 2008 before suffering season-ending injury ... Recorded 135 completions for 1,428 yards and nine touchdowns on the season ... Tossed for 351 yards and three scores at Wofford ... Passed for 280 yards and two touchdowns against Fayetteville State ... Amassed a season-high 372 yards to go with a score at Appalachian State ... In 2007, emerged as an offensive standout ... Placed among the top five on the team for passing yards (1,797 - 1st) , TD passes (15 - t-1st), completion pct. (.703 - 1st), completions (128 - 2nd), attempts (182 - 2nd) and total offense (2nd - 1,855) ... Eclipsed the 300-yard passing plateau on two occasions during the season (648 vs. North Greenville and 396 vs. Coastal Carolina) ... Breakout game came in the home victory over North Greenville in which he completed 31-of-40 attempts for 648 yards and 7 TDs.
#26 JUSTIN BETHEL (So., CB, 6-0, 185)
NOTES: Starting with the third game of the 2008 season, became a vital part of the Blue Hose defensive backfield ... Recorded a tackle or more in every PC game in 2008 ... During a three-game stretch from the Elon game to the Appalachian State game, tallied 25 of his 54 total tackles ... Had a career-high 10 total tackles at Appalachian State ... Returned his first interception for 16 yards, which came against North
Greenville ... Amassed four pass breakups ... Tied teammate Kyle Harris for the most interceptions on the squad with two ... Also had a team-best two blocked kicks in 2008 ... Named Big South Freshman of the Week on Nov. 24 for his performance during the final week of the season.
Tomorrow, LibertyFlames.com will return to Williams Stadium, as the web site will be blogging live from Liberty's first full practice in pads as part of its Countdown to Kickoff coverage. The blog will go live roughly around 2 p.m. and will provide timely updates until practice concludes at 5 p.m.
As part of LibertyFlames.com's Countdown to Kickoff coverage, today we begin a six-part series where the web site will preview each of the Flames' 2009 Big South Conference foes.
Opening the series is Presbyterian, who was recently picked to finish seventh in the Big South Preseason Football Poll, which is voted upon by the league's head coaches and a select media panel.
The Blue Hose are currently in the third year of a four-year transition to the NCAA Division I FCS level, as they are tracking toward full NCAA Division I status for the 2011 season.
Over the course of the next two seasons, Presbyterian's games will count in Big South standings, making the Blue Hose part of the chase for the 2009 conference title. However, Presbyterian will not be eligible for the Big South's regular-season title until they gain their full-fledged NCAA Division I status.
The Blue Hose are coming off a 4-8 season in 2008, with their marquee victory coming over the Flames, 31-28, on Oct. 31, in Clinton, S.C. The three-point setback for the Flames halted a five-game road winning streak for Liberty, which was the longest in Big South history.
This year, Presbyterian will be under the direction of first-year head coach Harold Nichols, who spent the 2008 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Bucknell. Prior to his one-year stint with the Bison, Nichols also coached at Rhode Island (2000-07), Georgia Southern (1993-96) and twice at Presbyterian (1990-92 and 1996-2000).
Nichols will have Tim Webb under center to lead the Blue Hose. Webb threw for 1,428 yards and nine touchdowns during the first six games in 2008 (135-of-223/60.5 percent), before suffering a season-ending injury.
Brandon Miley also returns to give Presbyterian great depth at quarterback. Miley started the second half of the season and threw for 1,712 yards and eight touchdowns (158-of-263/60.1 percent). Against the Flames, Miley showed pinpoint accuracy, completing 21-of-29 pass attempts for 301 yards and two touchdowns, helping the hurler earn Big South Offensive Player of the Week honors, as he led his squad to a stunning victory over the nation's No. 17-ranked FCS team.
The Blue Hose return a total of six starters on offense, including three offensive linemen (Andrew Jenkins, Nic Lanzo and Jared Tavernier), along with wide receiver Patrick McKoy and tight end Robert Bumgarner. In 2008, McKoy (18 rec., 237 yards, 1 TD) and Bumgarner (17 rec., 206 yards, 0 TD) finished fourth and fifth, respectively, among Presbyterian receivers.
Leading the charge for the Blue Hose defense will be cornerback Justin Bethel. Despite being a sophomore and starting only the final three games of the year, Nichols believes that this 6-0, 185-pounder will be key to Presbyterian's 4-5-2 style defensive scheme.
Joining Bethel will be five other returning starters on the defensive side of the field, including defensive lineman Matt Freeman, linebackers Chris Bowman and Brian Leonardi and fellow defensive backs Torrell Funderburk and Bo Tribble. Bowman was a force against the Flames during the last meeting, recording 10 tackles (three solo and seven assisted), including a seven-yard tackle for a loss.
All in all, Presbyterian returns 52 letterwinners (Off. 26, Def. 33, Spec. 3) and 13 starters (Off. 6, Def., 6, Spec. 3).
Nichols will quickly get tested as a head coach, as Presbyterian opens the year against four Southern Conference opponents, with road games at Furman (Sept. 5) and The Citadel (Sept. 26) and home contests against Elon (Sept. 12) and Chattanooga (Sept. 19). The Blue Hose will also face first-year program Old Dominion (Oct. 10) to round out their non-conference slate.
Stony Brook will be Presbyterian's first chance to pick up a Big South Conference victory, when the Blue Hose travel to Long Island (Stony Brook, N.Y.) on Oct. 3.
Following a home contest against VMI on Oct. 24, Presbyterian will return to Williams Stadium for the first time since Liberty's 48-18 Homecoming victory over the Blue Hose on Oct. 27, 2007.
For the second-straight week and the fourth time in 2007, Liberty surpassed the 40-point mark in the victory, helping the Flames set a new program standard for points scored in a season (469) by the end of the year.
Rashad Jennings gained 196 yards on the ground and scored two rushing touchdowns, while quarterback Brock Smith passed completed 19-of-25 passing attempts for 281 yards and three touchdowns to aid in the victory played in front of the fourth-largest crowd in Williams Stadium history (15,307).
Presbyterian Quick Links:
Athletics Web Site
Football Web Page
2009 Schedule
2008 Statistics
Blue Hose Quick Facts
Location: Clinton, S.C.
Founded: 1880
Enrollment: 1,200
Nickname: Blue Hose
School Colors: Garnet and Blue
Stadium: Bailey Memorial Stadium (6,500)
Surface: Natural Grass
President: Dr. John V. Griffith (Dickinson, 1969)
Athletics Director: Dr. William "Bee" Carlton (Presbyterian, 1976)
Senior Woman Administrator: Heide Burgin
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Craig Powell
Ticket Office Phone: 864-833-8241
Website: www.gobluehose.com
Blue Hose Football Facts
First Year: 1913
Overall All-Time Record 478-432-35 (.524)
Overall Big South Record: N/A
Big South Championships: N/A
No. Years in Playoffs (Years): 4 (1960, 1979 NAIA, 1987 NAIA, 2005 NCAA Division II)
All-Time Playoff Record: 2-4
Last Postseason Appearance:
2005 NCAA Division II Second Round
vs. Central Arkansas (L, 28-53)
2008 Overall Record: 4-8
2008 Big South Record (Finish): N/A
Final 2008 National Rankings: None
2009 Team Information
Offensive System: Pro Style
Defensive System: 4-5-2
Lettermen Returning: 52 (Off. 26, Def. 33, Spec. 3)
Lettermen Lost: 26 (Off. 12, Def. 11, Spec. 3)
Starters Returning: 15
Offense (6)
QB - Tim Webb (6-2, 200, Sr.)
WR - Patrick McKoy (6-0, 175, So.)
OL - Andrew Jenkins (5-10, 255, R-Sr.)
OL - Nic Lanzo (6-2, 258, Sr.)
OL - Jared Tavernier (5-10, 264, Jr.)
TE - Robert Bumgarner (6-4, 223, Sr.)
Defense (6)
DL - Matt Freeman (5-11, 248, Sr.)
LB - Chris Bowman (6-1, 250, Jr.)
LB - Brian Leonardi (6-3, 225, R-Jr.)
DB - Justin Bethel (6-0, 185, So.)
DB - Torrell Funderburk (5-11, 190, Jr.)
DB - Bo Tribble (6-2, 197, Jr.)
Specialty (3)
HLD - Parker Fleming (6-0, 200, Sr.)
K - Cam Miller (5-9, 170, Jr.)
PR - Tyler Robbins (6-1, 180, Jr.)
Starters Lost: 13
Offense (5)
WR - Terrance Butler
WR - Chetyane Reeder
RB - S.J. Worrell
OL - Lee Kiser
OL- Jesse Painter
Defense (5)
DL - Clifton Evans
DL - Adam McKinney (2008 First Team All-Big South)
LB - Antwan Thomas (2008 First Team All-Big South)
DB - Anthony McKnight (2008 Second Team All-Big South)
DB - Anthony Carter
Specialty (3)
KR - Chetyuane Reeder
LS - Daniel Simpson
P - Bryson Summers (2008 Second Team All-Big South)
Head Coach - Harold Nichols
1st season at Presbyterian
HOMETOWN: New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
ALMA MATER (YEAR): Presbyterian (1989)
PLAYING CAREER:
Quarterback at Presbyterian (1985-89)
Quarterback at New Smyrna Beach HS (1983-85)
COACHING CAREER:
Presbyterian - Head Coach (2009-Present)
Bucknell - Offensive Coordinator/QBs/Fullbacks (2008-09)
Rhode Island - Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coord. (2000-07)
Presbyterian - Wide Receivers/Kickers/Specialists (1996-00)
Georgia Southern - WRs/RBs/DEs/Kickers/Specialists (1993-96)
Presbyterian - Quarterbacks/Running Backs (1990-92)
COACHING & CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
• Rhode Island broke school rushing record every year in first four seasons with the program
• 2003 squad rushed for A-10 record 4,003 yards to rank second in FCS that season
• Helped Georgia Southern to a 33-15 record and two NCAA quarterfinal playoff appearances (1993, 1995) during his tenure
• Member of coaching staff that won 2003 SoCon title
• Helped PC improve from 5-6 in 1997 to 8-3 and 7-4 the next two seasons
ASSISTANT COACHES & SUPPORT STAFF
Tom Evangelista (Vanderbilt, 1994) - Defensive Coordinator
Doug Malone (Carson-Newman, 1982) - Offensive Coordinator
Matt Cain (Furman, 2004) - Wide Receivers
Dave Dunagan (Presbyterian, 2008) - Defensive Line
Andrew Ford (Clemson, 1997) - Cornerbacks
Brandon Sarver (Georgia, 2003) - Tight Ends
Klay Killingsworth (West Georgia, 1993) - Linebackers
Jomar Wright (Duke, 2007) - Running Backs
Nelson Jones - Director of Sports Medicine
Jason Reed - Associate Head Athletic Trainer
Players to Watch:
#15 TIM WEBB (Sr., QB, 6-2, 200)
NOTES: Played in six games in 2008 before suffering season-ending injury ... Recorded 135 completions for 1,428 yards and nine touchdowns on the season ... Tossed for 351 yards and three scores at Wofford ... Passed for 280 yards and two touchdowns against Fayetteville State ... Amassed a season-high 372 yards to go with a score at Appalachian State ... In 2007, emerged as an offensive standout ... Placed among the top five on the team for passing yards (1,797 - 1st) , TD passes (15 - t-1st), completion pct. (.703 - 1st), completions (128 - 2nd), attempts (182 - 2nd) and total offense (2nd - 1,855) ... Eclipsed the 300-yard passing plateau on two occasions during the season (648 vs. North Greenville and 396 vs. Coastal Carolina) ... Breakout game came in the home victory over North Greenville in which he completed 31-of-40 attempts for 648 yards and 7 TDs.
#26 JUSTIN BETHEL (So., CB, 6-0, 185)
NOTES: Starting with the third game of the 2008 season, became a vital part of the Blue Hose defensive backfield ... Recorded a tackle or more in every PC game in 2008 ... During a three-game stretch from the Elon game to the Appalachian State game, tallied 25 of his 54 total tackles ... Had a career-high 10 total tackles at Appalachian State ... Returned his first interception for 16 yards, which came against North
Greenville ... Amassed four pass breakups ... Tied teammate Kyle Harris for the most interceptions on the squad with two ... Also had a team-best two blocked kicks in 2008 ... Named Big South Freshman of the Week on Nov. 24 for his performance during the final week of the season.
Tomorrow, LibertyFlames.com will return to Williams Stadium, as the web site will be blogging live from Liberty's first full practice in pads as part of its Countdown to Kickoff coverage. The blog will go live roughly around 2 p.m. and will provide timely updates until practice concludes at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
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Thursday, April 30
Friday, April 24