[jcmanson]

Projected Starters:
Rashad Jennings 6’1” 235 Sr. Forest, VA
Zach Terrell 6’0” 200 Sr. Manassas Park, VA

Roster:
Wesley Cheek 6’0” 210 Jr. Dacula, GA
Terry Williams 5’9” 185 So. Miami, FL
Terron Lawrence 5’7” 175 Jr. Wake Forest, NC
Daniel Broggin 6’0” 200 So. Brookneal, VA
Shay Nicholson 6’1” 205 Fr. Staunton, VA
BJ Hayes 5’10” 175 Fr. Valentines, VA
Derek Bishop 5’10” 225 Jr. Bradenton, FL
Nate Revell 5’10” 225 So. Pompano Beach, FL
Julian LiDrazzah 5’8” 200 Jr. Woodland, WA
Mark Malvaso 6’0” 225 Jr. Norwalk, CT
Ositi Ofuani 5’8” 170 So. Newark, DE
Joey Sandvig 5’10” 235 Sr. Appomattox, VA
Alfonso Wells 5’8” 175 So. Woodbridge, VA

Rashad should dominate. I would expect him to go for 100+ yards in every game in which he plays the majority of the game. He is the reigning conference offensive player of the year, and I see no reason that he shouldn’t repeat.

Zach has been one of our most versatile weapons since the he arrived on campus. However, I was disappointed in the amount of touches he got after he came back from injury, and his injury may have had a lot to do with that. I hope this year he is used much more and I expect him to as long as he stays healthy. He gives us a very reliable 2nd back to Rashad in case he goes down.

The rest of our backfield is filled with potential. Wes Cheek has shown what he can do as has T-bone Lawrence and Terry Williams. Danny Broggin worked out with the WRs for most of the Spring Game and I’d imagine he’d get some snaps there; I just hope he gets on the field. I like what I’ve seen of Shay Nicholson in practice and warm-ups, but I’m not sure if there will be a chance for him to see action this year.

[BJWilliams]

Guy you havent mentioned in your list is Aaron Hewlett. He worked out as an A-back in the spring.

[jcmanson]

I have him as a WR.

[BJWilliams]

ok. I think that Rashad will be the #1 RB, with Bishop clearing the way in front and ZT will be the #1 A-back. Wes Cheek will be #2 behind Rashad...then Hayes at A-back (with Broggin possibly getting more time with the WRs) and Sandvig as the #2 fullback. I really think its going to be a pretty big year for the running game. Rashad will more than likely have another 1000 yard season and probably offensive player of the year again. ZT hopefully will have a full year with no injuries. He has showed at times how good he can be as a RB.

[jcmanson]

Many times we went with just one back or with both Rashad and Zach in there, and without a FB as talented as Stokes I think you may see that even more this year.

[Sly Fox]

This crowded backfield reminds me of the good elements of the Karcher era. Having two top shelf seniors leading a very talented group ready to step in behind them makes this one of our strongest positions on the field.

[madmat]

If you look at the backs and look at whether we are stronger or weaker at any given position, and that any returning starter is a plus, I break it down like this.
Rashad ++ he is with us at the beginning of the season, stronger and faster and motivated for a post college career.
Zach ++ most diverse weapon as a runner, receiver, or thrower.
Derek Bishop even he will be a 1st yr starter after Stokes, but is considered one of the most physical, toughest nuts on the team.
Wes Cheek + best back up running back in the conference.

This is truly a team strength. A great backfield will make an O line look pretty good and vice versa.