A look at the schools that are overlooked by the ESPNs of the world.


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Fall Preview: Arkansas State

Fall Preview for the Arkansas State Red Wolves:
QB
#16   Aplin, Ryan QB 6-1 205 R-Sr. Tampa, Fla. (Fleming Island)-- 13 games played. 161 carries for 588 yards and 10 TD. 304-476 passing for 2588 yards and 19 TD. 1 catch for 23 yards and 1 TD. 1 tackle. 3 punts for 37.7 yard average and 1 inside the 20 yard line.
#18   Smith, Andre QB 6-1 215 R-Sr. Killeen, Texas (Shoemaker)--20-22 passing for 204 yards and 1 TD. 28 carries for 93 yards and 1 TD. Backup quarterback.
#11   Butterfield, Phillip QB 6-2 215 R-Jr. Lake Hamilton, Ark. (Lake Hamilton)--No stats in 2011.
#10   Davis, Zach QB 6-2 195 R-Fr. Harrisburg, Ark. (Harrisburg)--Redshirted in 2011.
#19   Griswold, Darion QB 6-5 240 R-Fr. Dumas, Ark. (Dumas)--Redshirted in 2011.
#08   Hart, Clay QB 6-0 175 R-So. Hoxie, Ark. (Hoxie)--No stats in 2011.
#14   Hogan, Stephen QB 6-4 205 R-Fr. Greenwood, Ark. (Greenwood)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Dezmond Stegall:  6-1, 208, QB, Searcy, Ark. (Searcy)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Fredi Knighten:  5-10, 160, QB, Little Rock, Ark. (Pulaski Academy)--Incoming freshman.

Led by 2-time all-sun belt quarterback Ryan Aplin, the quarterback position may be the strongest and deepest of any position for the Red Wolves. Aplin passed for nearly 2600 yards and rushed for nearly 600 yards and even caught a touchdown pass and accumulated for 30 touchdowns in 2012. Backup Andre Smith was 20 of 22 passing for 204 yards in limited action last fall. With 7 other quarterbacks on the roster, there will be some battles to settle the lower section of the depth chart with both incoming freshmen likely to be redshirted.

RB
#06   Jackson, Frankie RB 5-9 185 R-So. Baton Rouge, La. (Capitol)--12 games played. 88 carries for 355 yards and 6 TD. 13 catches for 178 yards.
#27   Thornton, Sirgregory RB 5-11 190 Jr. Memphis, Tenn. (Germantown)--5 games played. 19 carries for 120 yards. 1 kickoff return for 7 yards.
#35   Smith, Sherodrick RB 5-10 180 R-So. Dumas, Ark. (Dumas)--No stats in 2011.
#36   Mahone, Cameron RB 5-7 190 R-Fr. El Dorado, Ark. (El Dorado)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Kendrick Daniels:  5-7, 155, RB, Sulphur Springs, Texas (Sulpher Springs)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Michael Gordon:  5-9, 190, RB, Camden, Miss. (Velma Jackson)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Michael Dyer:  5-9, 210, Jr., RB, Little Rock, Ark. (Auburn)--Transfer, not eligible in 2012.

Sophomore Frankie Jackson returns after a redshirt freshman campaign that saw him rush for 355 yards and add 13 catches in 2011. Junior Sirgregory Thornton and sophomore Sherodrick Smith will battle for the backup spots and large parts in the running back rotation. Thornton should be the favorite with 120 yards on the ground on only 19 carries. Mahone could jump up the depth chart after sitting in 2011 as a redshirt. Freshmen Daniels and Gordon may get into the action but will be more likely to sit as redshirted this fall. Junior Michael Dyer is appealing for immediate eligibility in 2012 but is extremely unlikely with his Red Wolves career starting in 2013.

TE/H-Back
84   Kincy, Anthony TE 6-0 232 Sr. St. Petersburg, Fla. (Butte College) (Gibbs)--13 games played. 2 carries for 14 yards. 9 catches for 91 yards and 1 TD. 1 kickoff return for 24 yards.
85   Murry, Kedric TE 6-3 265 R-Sr. Pleasant Grove, Ala. (Pleasant Grove)--13 games played. 1 carry for 5 yards. 9 catches for 38 yards. 1 tackle.
44   Prater, Cody TE 6-0 215 R-Sr. Jonesboro, Ark. (Valley View)--8 games played. 1 tackle.
87   Rains, Kenneth TE 6-4 250 R-So. Hot Springs, Ark. (Lake Hamilton)--No stats in 2011.
??    Reid, Steven TE 6-4 240 R-Jr. Bentonville, Ark. (Bentonville)--JUCO transfer.
45   Samuel, Dexter TE 6-2 225 R-Jr. Hampton, Ark. (Hampton)--No stats in 2011.
42   Stone, Chris TE 6-3 245 R-Fr. Daleville, Ala. (Daleville)--Redshirted in 2011.

The Red Wolves have a pair of seniors in Anthony Kincy and Kedric Murry who made 9 catches a piece in 2011 with Kincy being much more explosive in the passing game but Murry being a better blocker. Together, they combine to be a very nice tight end and should get the majority of the snaps in 2012. Senior Cory Prater was a good special teams player in 2011 and should continue to get special teams snaps while Rains, Reid, Samuel and Stone will battle to see the field as well.

WR
#03   Jarboe, Josh WR 6-3 215 Sr. Decatur, Ga. (Northeast Mississippi CC) (Cedar Grove)--13 games played. 54 catches for 730 yards and 2 TD. 1 tackle.
#02   Stockemer, Taylor WR 6-4 210 R-Sr. Van Buren, Ark. (Van Buren)--13 games played. 48 catches for 756 yards and 7 TD.
#83   Lucas, Earl WR 5-9 157 R-So. Prattville, Ala. (Prattville)--13 games played. 3 carries for 13 yards. 20 catches for 225 yards. 1 tackle. 1 forced fumble.
#17   Muse, Allen WR 6-4 215 Sr. Leesville, La. (Leesville)--9 games played. 16 catches for 154 yards and 2 TD.
#82   Fleming, R.J. WR 5-10 170 Jr. Natchez, Miss. (Trinity Episcopal Day School)--8 games played. 13 catches for 76 yards. 4 kickoff returns for 16 yard average.
#01   McCants, Carlos WR 5-11 185 R-Jr. Mobile, Ala. (LeFlore)--11 games played. 11 catches for 87 yards.
#07   Jones, Julian WR 6-0 190 R-Jr. Memphis, Tenn. (Germantown)--9 games played. 4 catches for 88 yards. 4 kickoff returns for 18 yard average. 1 tackle.
#30   Collins, Kelsey WR 5-8 170 R-So. Pine Bluff, Ark. (Pine Bluff)--13 games played. 5 carries for 43 yards. 1 catch for 4 yards. 12 tackles.
#12   Coleman, Kyle WR 6-1 215 So. Pine Bluff, Ark. (Watson Chapel)--11 games played. 2 tackles.
#05   Boyd, William WR 6-1 195 R-So. Cave City, Ark. (Cave City)--No stats in 2011.
#89   Mason, Taylor WR 6-0 166 R-Fr. Jonesboro, Ark. (Valley View)--Redshirted in 2011.
#24   McKissic, J.D. WR 5-10 185 R-Fr. Phenix City, Ala. (Central)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Warren Leapheart:  6-4, 205, WR, Morrilton, Ark. (Morrilton)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Braelon Roberts:  6-5, 170, WR, Dallas, Texas (Bishop Dunne)--Incoming freshman.

The Red Wolves return an impressive 8 wide receivers that caught at least one pass in 2011 for Arkansas State. The Red Wolves should be able to replace departed senior Frampton and his 90 catches with a more spread out passing game. Seniors Josh Jarboe and Taylor Stockemer had 53 and 48 catches in 2011 to go with 9 touchdowns and should be the leading receivers in 2012. Sophomore Earl Lucas and senior Allen Muse will also see the field as starters in 4-wide sets and combined for 36 catches but only 2 touchdowns. Fleming, McCants, Jones, and Collins all will work themselves into the receiver rotation with a group of redshirt and true freshmen ready to earn playing time.

OL
#74   McKnight, Zack T 6-4 300 R-Sr. Salyer, Calif. (Mendocina JC) (Trinity)--12 career starts.
#55   Allen, Eric C 6-1 300 R-Sr. Daphne, Ala. (Daphne)--7 career starts.
#63   Mitchell, Cliff G 6-5 305 R-Jr. Jasper, Texas (Jasper)--10 career starts.
#59   Campbell, Jake G 6-6 320 R-Jr. Belleville, Ill. (Belleville East)--2 career starts.
#93   Dunaway, Darius OL 6-5 260 R-Jr. Monroe, La (Carroll)--3 games played. 3 tackles.
#72   Galindo, Kevin T 6-5 285 Sr. Concord, Calif. (Concord)
#75   Tolbert, Chris T 6-5 275 R-Jr. Birmingham, Ala. (Erwin)
#58   Greve, Tyler OL 6-3 290 R-So. Jonesboro, Ark. (Jonesboro)
#60   Haunga, Steven OL 6-2 313 R-Jr. Richmond, Calif. (College of the Canyons) (Spring Valley)
#78   McKee, Tyler OL 6-2 315 R-Jr. Fayetteville, Ark. (Fayetteville)
#76   Roach, John OL 6-2 280 R-So. Jonesboro, Ark. (Valley View)
#71   Stevens, Steven OL 6-4 265 R-Fr. Bay Minette, Ala. (Baldwin County)--Redshirted in 2011.
#67   Williams, Aaron OL 6-5 324 R-Jr. Moss Point, Miss. (Moss Point)
#69   Wright, Alan OL 6-4 295 R-So. Cave City, Ark. (Cave City)
#?? Colton Jackson:  6-5, 240, OL, Ozark, Ark. (Ozark)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Travis Bodenstein:  6-5, 310, Jr., OL, Springdale, Ark. (Kansas)--Transfer, not eligible in 2012.
#?? Jemar Clark:  6-6, 305, OL, McCrory, Ark. (McCrory)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Michael Flint:  6-3, 297, OL, Oxford, Ala. (Oxford)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Bryce Giddens:  6-0, 265, OL, Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Devin Mondie:  6-6, 300, OL, Olive Branch, Miss. (Olive Branch)--Incoming freshman.

The Red Wolves lose 3 of 5 starters from last season but have two returners that made 10+ career starts at Arkansas State. Senior Zack McKnight made 12 career starts and junior Cliff Mitchell made 10 career starts at guard. Senior Eric Allen made 7 career starts at center and should slide into a full time starting role this fall. Junior Jake Campbell has made 2 starts at guard and looks to expand that role this fall. The other tackle position is the spot of question with senior Kevin Galindo and junior Chris Tolbert battling for that open spot. There are 5 incoming freshmen as well as 1 redshirt freshmen deeper on the depth chart but some upperclassmen that have not played previously will have to step up and play significant minutes in 2012.

DL
#65   Carrethers, Ryan DL 6-2 310 R-Jr. Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)--13 games played. 29 tackles, 3 for loss. 1.5 sacks.
#91   Starson, Timothy DE 6-5 255 R-Sr. Fort Smith, Ark. (Northside)--13 games played. 22 tackles, 2 for loss. 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.
#97   Draper, Amos DL 6-3 270 R-Jr. Tanner, Ala. (Tanner)--9 games played. 10 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1 blocked kick.
#90   Wright, Ronnell DL 6-3 285 Sr. Savannah, Ga. (Savannah)--8 games played. 8 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1 sack.
#94   Owens, Markel DL 6-2 280 R-So. Jackson, Tenn. (Liberty Tech)--5 games played. 4 tackles, 0.5 for loss.
#54   Jackson, Shervarius DE 6-2 230 Sr. Fort Valley, Ga. (Fresno City College) (Peach County)--2 games played. 2 tackles, 0.5 for loss.
#68   Green, Julian DE 6-6 265 R-Sr. Forrest City, Ark. (Forrest City)--No stats in 2011.
#?? Dexter Blackmon:  6-4, 283, Jr., DL, Selma, Ala. (Coffeyville (Kan.)CC)--JUCO transfer.
#?? Tevin Bryson:  6-4, 285, DL, Humboldt, Tenn. (Humboldt)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Lawrence Cayou:  6-4, 260, Jr., DE, New Orleans, La. (Highland (Kan.) CC)--JUCO transfer.
#?? John Gandy:  6-0, 245, DE, Houston, Texas (Blinn (Texas)College)--JUCO transfer.
#?? Ishmail Hayes:  6-6, 245, DE, Jr., Houston, Texas (Blinn (Texas)College)--JUCO transfer.
#?? Darrius Rosser:  6-4, 260, DL, Marion, Ark. (Marion)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Quintaz Struble:  6-2, 235, DL, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Heritage Hall)--Incoming freshman.

Arkansas State has 6 players on the defensive line that made plays in defense for the Red Wolves in 2011. Led by junior Ryan Carrethers (29 tackles) and senior Timothy Starson (22 tackles) made the majority of the defensive line tackles of the returning players from last season. Draper (10 tackles), Wright (8 tackles), Owens (4 tackles), and Jackson (2 tackles) all made some impact in limited action last season. The Red Wolves coaching staff decided to put major pressure on the current defensive linemen by bringing in 4 JUCO transfers in Blackmon, Cayou, Gandy, and Hayes. Those are a talented 4 JUCOs that could easily crack the starting lineup or at least see the playing field in extensive action this fall.

LB
#40   Herrold, Nathan LB 6-3 235 R-Sr. Ozark, Mo. (Ozark)--13 games played. 66 tackles, 3.5 for loss. 1.5 sacks, 1 pbu, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble. 3 kickoff returns for 10.7 yard average.
#48   Lee, Qushaun LB 5-11 225 R-So. Prattville, Ala. (Prattville)--1 punt return for 11 yards. 13 games played. 49 tackles, 4.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 pbu, 1 blocked kick.
#53   Nelms, Nick LB 5-11 225 Sr. Germantown, Tenn. (Houston)--13 games played. 41 tackles. 1 pbu, 2 forced fumbles.
#41   Albright, LaAngelo LB 5-11 205 R-Jr. Prattville, Al (Prattville)--13 games played. 15 tackles, 0.5 for loss.
#39   Hall, Branton LB 6-1 195 R-So. Lincoln, Ala. (Lincoln)--1 game played. 2 tackles, 1 for loss.
#50   Buckley, Darious LB 5-10 223 R-So. Memphis, Tenn. (Lambuth)--No stats in 2011.
#31   Gill, Grant LB 6-1 210 R-So. McGehee, Ark. (McGehee)--No stats in 2011.
#?? Quanterio Heath:  6-2, 200, LB, Rison, Ark. (Rison)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Eddie Porter:  6-3, 235, Jr., LB, Woodlands, Texas (Blinn (Texas)College)--JUCO transfer.

The Arkansas State linebacker corps returns 3 big contributors  from 2011 in seniors Nathan Harrold (66 tackles) and Nick Nelms (41 tackles) in addition to sophomore Qushaun Lee (49 tackles) who had solid seasons last fall but must step up and make up for the loss of Demario Davis. Albright (15 tackles), and Hall (2 tackles) will work to be the backups and in the rotation but must battle Buckley, Gill, and freshmen Heath and Porter for playing time this fall. Porter could be the dark horse after coming from JUCO powerhouse Blinn College.

DB
#05   Jones, Don CB 6-1 208 Sr. Town Creek, Ala. (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) (Hazelwood)--13 games played. 1 carry for 7 yards. 1 catch for 7 yards. 1 punt return for 56 yards and 1 TD. 1 kickoff return for 17 yards. 13 games played. 54 tackles, 6.5 for loss. 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 pbu, 1 blocked kick.
#38   Young, Sterling SS 6-2 182 R-So. Hoover, Ala. (Hoover)--12 games played. 51 tackles, 3.5 for loss. 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 pbu, 2 fumble recoveries. 1 defensive touchdown.
#25   Scales, Chaz CB 5-9 170 Sr. Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial)--13 games played. 33 tackles, 3 for loss. 0.5 sacks, 1 interception, 11 pbu.
#08   Holmes, Tausean NB 5-10 190 Sr. Millington, Tenn. (Millington Central)--7 games played. 22 tackles, 3 for loss. 5 pbu, 2 forced fumbles.
#32   Tryon, Andrew CB 5-10 185 R-So. Russellville, Ark. (Russellville)--13 games played. 15 tackles. 10 kickoff returns for 30.8 yard average.
#10   Brown, Artez DB 6-0 170 So. Newport, Ark. (Newport)--13 games played. 3 tackles. 3 kickoff returns for 12.3 yard average.
#33   Victorian, Jonathan CB 6-0 185 Sr. St. Louis, Mo. (Pattonville)--11 games played. 5 tackles.
#16   Turner, Darius DB 6-1 185 R-Fr. Nashville, Tenn. (McGavock)--Redshirted in 2011.
#17   Triplett, Terrious DB 6-1 185 R-Fr. Memphis, Tenn. (Germantown)--Redshirted in 2011.
#26   Sparkmon, Quitin DB 5-10 180 R-Fr. Forrest City, Ark.--Redshirted in 2011.
#28   Bradberry, James DB 6-1 189 R-Fr. Pleasant Grove, Ala. (Pleasant Grove)--Redshirted in 2011. 1 game played. 1 tackle.
#44   Barnhill, Brock DB 6-0 176 R-So. Mountain Home, Ark. (Mountain Home)--No stats in 2011.
#30   Jacobs, Ryan DB 6-1 185 R-So. Evans, Ga. (Greenbrier)--No stats in 2011.
#20   Lorigan, Cole DB 5-10 170 R-Sr. Hot Springs, Ark. (Hot Springs)--No stats in 2011.
#?? Rocky Hayes:  5-11, 177, DB, Heflin, Ala. (Cleburne County)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Tres Houston:  6-2, 183, Soph., DB, College Park, Ga. (Northeast Mississippi CC)--JUCO transfer.
#?? Chris Humes:  5-11, 190, DB, Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Marquis Walker:  5-11, 172, DB, Rison, Ark. (Rison)--Incoming freshman.

The Red Wolves have a solid secondary coming into 2012 with 4 defensive backs that made 20+ tackles in 2011. Senior Don Jones led the secondary with 54 tackles with 6.5 for loss and was flanked by sophomore Sterling Young (51 tackles), Chaz Scales (33 tackles), and Tausean Holmes (22 tackles). Tryon, Brown, Victorian, Turner, Triplett, Sparkmon, and Bradberry will battle for reserve spots with 3 incoming freshmen and JUCO transfer Tres Houston also giving the starters a run.

LS
#51   Oliver, Cade DS 6-3 220 R-Jr. Mansfield, Texas (Kilgore (TX) Junior College)--No stats in 2011.

Junior Cade Oliver comes in after being redshirted following his time at Kilgore Junior College as the long snapper. He must step in immediately and make good snaps to give an inexperienced kicking game the chance to succeed.

K
#11   Baltensperger, Matthew K 5-10 185 R-Jr. Millington, Tenn. (Millington)--No stats in 2011.
#02   Davis, Brian K 5-11 160 Jr. Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood)--No stats in 2011.

The Red Wolves have 2 players with no in-game experience competing for the starting kicking job in 2012 after not playing in 2011. This could go down to the wire and we may even see both kickers taking field goal attempts this fall.

P
#81  Wilbourn, Ryan P 5-10 157 R-Sr. Searcy, Ark. (Searcy)--26 punts for 38.1 yard average with 7 inside the 20 yard line and 3 over 50 yards. 1 blocked.

Senior Ryan Wilbourn is the only current punter on the roster and looks to improve on a junior year that saw him punt 26 times for a 38.1 yard average. He must jump that average to over 40 yards for his 2012 season to be considered a success. Things will be tougher with a new snapper but as the elder statesman  of the kicking game Wilbourn must lead by example and show that little bit of extra leg to give Arkansas State the field position advantage.

ATH
#?? Derek Keaton:  5-11, 170, ATH, Camden,Ark. (Camden Fairview)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Todd Mays:  5-11, 200, ATH, Olive Branch,Miss. (Olive Branch)--Incoming freshman.
#?? Austin Moreton:  6-3, 295, ATH, Fort Smith,Ark. (Southside)--Incoming freshman.
#?? DeKeathan Williams:  6-1, 200, ATH, West Helena, Ark. (Central)--Incoming freshman.


2011 saw Arkansas State have probably the most successful season in team history with a 10-3 record but a devastating loss in the godaddy.com bowl to Northern Illinois. The Red Wolves ran the table in the Sun Belt with severe scares versus WKU and ULM before getting on a roll and winning 5 of their final 6 conference games by double digits. 2012 sees Arkansas State with a very ambitious start with road trips to Oregon and Nebraska in two of the first three weeks and easy home games versus Alcorn State and Memphis also non-conference games. The Red Wolves have to travel to FIU, Louisiana, and Troy but get 2011 sun belt runner up WKU at home this fall. WKU gave Arkansas State their biggest in conference scare in 2011. The Red Wolves are still good in 2012 but with a coaching change and major losses on defense, 8-4 with a bowl berth is much more likely for the Red Wolves in 2012.

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