April 30, 2007
Head coach Kenny Phillips sits intently in his office fielding questions before going to pre-season practice sessions. Appearing in control at all times, Phillips realizes that the Broncos will soon be making their 2007 season debut. "I feel this team is making substantial progress at this junction," said the likable seventh-year mentor of the Bronco's football program. About the progress of the team so far, Phillips said the team is expressing a positive spirit.
One more thing's for sure, Phillips and his coaching staff are eager to get his recruiting class into the mainstream of the program, but he is cautious to single out any outstanding players at this point, noting that a lot of positions are "up for grab." This is not to say that this year's class does not have any outstanding players. It is a sign that everyone vying for a position will get the opportunity to display what they can do.
The Broncos went 3-7 last season after years of being highly competitive in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Phillips is looking to "find a way to get it done" again. Offensively, two players are competing for time at quarterback, led by veteran Jonathan (Jay) Autry and red shirted freshman Ben Williams, a talented scrambler and passer who has the ability to make the big play. Williams played his high school ball at Charlotte's Olympic High. Phillips will have to replace his running back Nick Green. Returning is Calvin Harris who ran for 382 yards and four touchdowns on 95 carries. Returning to help fill the holes in the offensive line are Jarrett Bryant and Garry Battle. Both are expected to see plenty of action. Last season Battle was switched to the defensive line where he averaged five pancake blocks per game and graded out at 86 percent. On the receiving end, Darryl Barnett, the team's leading receiver also returns. Last year he had 27 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos have 24 returning veterans and a talented crop of newcomers with the ability to fit into Phillips' scheme. Last year's class has had a chance to mature and grow within the schemes.
On defense, the Broncos will be missing linebacker Anthony Hicks, the team's third leading tackler. Along with his talent on the field, Phillips will miss Hicks' leadership. Linebacker Geron Harper, the team's leading tackler and All-Conference performer is returning. In 2006, Harper had 61 total tackles, including nine for 29 yards in losses and five sacks for 19 yards. Donte' Wise, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, returns to do what he did best, harass opponents' receivers. Last year he had four interceptions and five pass breakups. Joining Wise in the secondary is Adrian Horton. Last season he had 45 total tackles, including two interceptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. The coaching staff expects the trio to give the defensive unit the leadership necessary to get the job done.
Defensively, the Broncos have 10 returning veterans and those returning in the secondary will play a key role in their attack. The veterans will be counted on heavily to help stabilized the defensive effort. Eric Lamoureux's kicking game should improve and will help make special teams among the best in the league What's in store for 2007? More CIAA teams are recruiting Division I and junior college players creating more parity. No longer can a select few teams pencil themselves into the CIAA Championship game. If parity is the game's big winner, Phillips and the Broncos will overcome this by bringing everything together and providing the Fayetteville State University family another thrilling season.
Phillips' 2007 Recruiting Class
Brandon Allen, LB, 6-2, 205, Charlotte, NC/Victory Christian Academy
Mario Bellamy, QB, 6-0, 180, Louisburg, NC/Louisburg Community College
Nick Boyd, DE, 6-2, 230, Fayetteville, NC/Jack Britt HS
Courtney Bullock, ATH, 6-1, 175, Wendell, NC/ East Wake HS
Sanchez Burris, LB, 5-9, 185, Charlotte, NC/Independence HS
Juhuann Butler, WR, 6-0, 185, Charlotte, NC/Myers Park HS
Jason Claborn, DL, 6-3, 270, Saint Rose, LA/West Hills Community College
Eric Cooper, DT, 6-0, 280, Bennettsville, SC/Northland Junior College
Travon Cordova, CB, 6-1, 180, Charlotte, NC/Independence HS
Cameron Franklin, OLB, 6-3, 220, Charlotte, NC/Myers Park HS
Travis Green, RB, 6-1, 215, Ahoskie, NC/Hertford County HS
Nate Hudgens, CB, 6-1, 180, Murfreesboro, NC/Hertford County HS
Sam Lam, LB, 6-0, 200, Pennsauken, NJ/Pennsauken HS
Andre Lyles, FS, 6-2, 185, Ahoskie, NC/Hertford County HS
Sidney McClettie, WR, 6-3, 190, Charlotte, NC/Victory Christian Academy
Kinston Miles, LB, 6-0, 215, Greenville, NC/JH Rose HS
Will Miller, OL, 6-2, 285, Winston-Salem, NC/Carver HS
Armando Planscensia, WR, 6-2, 180, Scottsdale, AZ/Phoenix Community College
Reggie Richardson, QB, 6-0, 185, Charlotte, NC/Victory Christian Academy
Scott Roberts, LB, 6-2, 215, Fayetteville, NC/Louisburg Community College
Elijah Sessoms, WR, 6-1, 185, Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS
Shawn Sims, SS, 6-1, 185, Charlotte, NC/Independence HS
Chris Smith, CB, 5-10, 170, Garysburg, NC/Northampton-West HS
Spenser Terry, ATH, 6-2, 210, Raleigh, NC/Broughton HS
Akeem Thomas, WR, 6-0, 180, Greenville, NC/JH Rose HS
Marcus Uzzell, OT, 6-7, 290, Goldsboro, NC/Goldsboro HS
Anthony Williams, DE/LB, 6-0, 230, Greenville, NC/JH Rose HS
