Fall Preview: WKU

Fall Preview for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers:

QB

#06   Jakes, Kawaun QB 6-3 198 Sr. St. Augustine, Fla. (St. Augustine HS)--12 games played. 11 starts. 31 career starts. 72 carries for 161 yards and 2 TD. 153-276 passing for 1854 yards and 10 TD.

#12   Doughty, Brandon QB 6-3 199 So. Davie, Fla. (North Broward Prep)--2 games played. 1 start. 2 carries for -2 yards. 13-22 passing for 106 yards.

#13   Mauro, James QB 6-7 228 R-Fr. Hurst, Texas (L.D. Bell HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#??   DeMarcus Smith QB 6-0 175 Louisville, Ky. (Seneca HS)--Not eligible for the 2012 season. Should be eligible in 2013.

The Hilltoppers are again unusually thin at the quarterback position in 2012 with only three quarterbacks on the roster for 2012. Senior Kawaun Jakes is the returning starter after making 31 career starts in his first 3 years at WKU. Jakes has just over 5000 yards passing and only 29 touchdowns in those three years and must show improvement to hold on to his job for his senior year. Sophomore Brandon Doughty was the opening day backup after redshirting in 2010 and earned his first career start in game three versus Indiana State. Doughty was injured ending his season and his hopes for supplanting Jakes in 2011. After a grueling recovery, Doughty is again ready to battle Jakes for that starting role this fall. The wild card is redshirt freshman James Mauro who has been outstanding in practice and could be the quarterback of the future for the Hilltoppers. Not eligible in 2012 but still a very interesting prospect is former UCF and 4-star recruit DeMarcus Smith. He is a high end talent that could be a big time player for WKU once his eligibility concerns are taken care of.

RB

#34   Simpson, Keshawn RB 6-0 243 Jr. Lexington, Ky. (Madison Central HS)--8 games played. 32 carries for 134 yards and 1 TD.

#05   Andrews, Antonio RB 6-0 199 Jr. Fort Campbell, Ky. (Fort Campbell HS)--8 games played. 15 carries for 42 yards. 2 catches for 16 yards. 4 punt returns for 6.8 yard average. 18 kickoff returns for 28.1 yard average. 2 tackles.

#26   Evans, John RB 5-11 162 So. Sarasota, Fla. (Riverview HS)--11 games played. 8 carries for 43 yards. 1 catch for 4 yards. 17 punt returns for 5.6 yard average. 18 kickoff returns for 32.2 yard average and 1 TD. Sports Illustrated honorable mention all-American at kickoff returner.

#44   Head, Oliver RB 5-10 181 R-Fr. Ft. Thomas, Ky. (Highlands HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#23   Sumler, Marquis RB 5-9 171 R-Fr. Pensacola, Fla. (Catholic HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#??    Leon Allen RB Bradenton, FL Manatee 5'11" 217--Incoming freshman.

#??    Travis Elliott RB Union, KY Ryle 5'11" 215--Incoming freshman.

#??    Anthony Wales RB Louisville, KY Central 5'9" 170--Incoming freshman.

The Hilltoppers have to replace the most productive running back in school history after losing Bobby Rainey to graduation and the NFL. WKU looks to replace Rainey with a stable of running backs that are all productive players but have a less broad skill set than Rainey. Junior power back Keshawn Simpson was the main backup in 2011 and looks to be the opening day starter this fall. Simpson ran for 134 yards and 1 touchdown on 32 carries and will be mainly used to pound on the defense and wear them out. The Hilltoppers have a trio of running backs that fit the elusive speed back that complements the power of Simpson. Junior Antonio Andrews, sophomore John Evans and redshirt freshman Marquis Sumler are all quick, game breaking players that have limited experience running the ball on the college level. Andrews is the elder statesman and had 15 carries for 42 yards. Sumler was a big recruit out of high school that redshirted in 2011 but is ready to make a big impact and has been labeled a Bobby Rainey replacement in the future. Sophomore John Evans started in the backfield more but the WKU coaching staff found that his best role is a returner specialist where his 32.2 kickoff return average was one of the best in the nation. Evans will see limited action in the offensive backfield as well. Redshirt freshman Oliver Head is a question mark

FB

#32   Jones, Kadeem FB 5-11 269 Jr. Dundee, Fla. (Haines City HS)--12 games played. 12 starts. 31 carries for 90 yards and 7 TD. 11 catches for 107 yards and 1 TD. 1 tackle.

#42   Baisch, Nick FB 5-11 258 Jr. Louisville, Ky. (St. Xavier High School)--12 games played. 1 catch for 17 yards.

#35   Coley, Demetrius FB 6-2 255 Jr. Bay Minette, Ala. (Baldwin County HS)--No stats in 2011.

#15   Dalcourt, Courtney FB 5-11 235 Jr. Franklin, Ky. (Franklin-Simpson HS)--No stats in 2011.

One of the Hilltoppers biggest strengths is at the fullback spot. WKU starts 5-11, 269 pound junior Kadeem Jones who was a blocking forced for WKU but produced when handling the football as well. Jones ran 31 times for 90 yards and an impressive 7 touchdowns from his fullback spot last fall. Junior backup and former walk-on Nick Baisch was almost strictly a blocking back but did catch one pass for 17 yards in backup action. Junior Demetrius Coley struggled in 2011 making the transition from tight end to fullback and failed to get any playing time as a result. With another year in the books, Coley could make an impact on offense as he did in 2010 from the tight end spot. Junior Courtney Dalcourt has struggled with injury problems from the beginning of his college career. With a stacked deck in front of him at the fullback spot, it will be hard for Dalcourt to get much if any playing time on offense this fall. If he shows some of the athleticism from his pre-injury days, Dalcourt could see some playing time on special teams this fall.

TE

#82   Doyle, Jack TE 6-6 251 Sr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Cathedral HS)--12 games played, 29 career starts. 52 catches for 614 yards. 2 tackles. 2nd team all-sun belt.

#80   Henry, Mitchell TE 6-4 244 So. Elizabethtown, Ky. (Elizabethtown HS)--11 games played, 2 starts. 8 catches for 105 yards and 3 TD. 1 kickoff return for -1 yard.

#88   Wallace, Ryan TE 6-5 253 Sr. Bowling Green, Ky. (Bowling Green HS)--12 games played, 1 start. 1 catch for 18 yards.

#84   Murphree, Jim TE 6-5 226 Jr. Franklin, Ky. (Franklin-Simpson HS)--12 games played. 2 catches for 26 yards.

#86   Gorski, Tim TE 6-7 250 R-Fr. Chicago, Ill. (St. Rita HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#11   Scott, Devin TE 6-4 243 R-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

Another stacked position for the Hilltoppers is tight end with 4 solid tight ends that all have different strengths. Senior Jack Doyle is the starting tight end of choice for WKU and earned 2nd team All-Sun Belt honors with 52 catches for 614 yards but surprisingly 0 touchdowns. Sophomore Mitchell Henry picked up the touchdown scoring slack with 3 touchdowns in his freshman campaign with 8 catches for 105 yards on the season. Senior Ryan Wallace was more of a blocking tight end that was on the field pretty much any time the Hilltoppers went with a two tight end formation. Junior Jim Murphree was similar to Wallace in being a blocking tight end that could make the occasional catch but was more important to the running game. The Hilltoppers have two redshirt freshmen that are very talented but will have a hard time breaking into the tight end rotation with such a solid group ahead of them. Expect both to be future contributors on offense but could help on special teams this fall.

WR

#09   Vasquez, Marcus WR 6-1 185 Sr. Chula Vista, Calif. (Otay Ranch HS)--3 games played. 10 career starts. 11 catches for 134 yards and 1 TD.
#18   Brand, Boe WR 6-0 158 So. Bradenton, Fla. (Southeast HS)--12 games played. 1 carry for 17 yards. 14 catches for 140 yards. 1 punt return for 2 yards.

#04   Brown, Rico WR 5-11 190 So. Berea, Ky. (Madison Southern HS)--12 games played, 7 starts. 2 carries for 2 yards. 13 catches for 185 yards. 

#30   German, Joel WR 6-0 184 So. Fort Myers, Fla. (Dunbar HS)--11 games played, 2 starts. 8 catches for 87 yards.

#17   Haynes, Dexter WR 6-4 189 Sr. Folkston, Ga. (Charlton County HS)--7 games played. 8 career starts. 6 catches for 102 yards.

#19   Higbee, Tyler WR 6-5 212 So. Clearwater, Fla. (East Lake HS)--11 games played. 2 catches for 92 yards. 1 tackle.

#10   McNeal, Willie WR 5-10 164 So. Bradenton, Fla. (Braden River HS)--Missed 2011 due to injury.
#81   Brown, Jamarielle WR 6-1 170 Jr. Paducah, Ky. (Lone Oak HS)--8 games played, 2 starts. 0-1 passing. 2 tackles. 
#36   Adams, Will WR 5-11 178 Jr. Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS)--1 game played. No stats in 2011.
#47   Wilson, Neil WR 6-2 196 Jr. Tompkinsville, Ky. (Monroe County HS)--4 games played. No stats in 2011.
#24   Brown, Cameron WR 6-2 215 R-Fr. Frisco, Texas (Liberty HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#49   Mkanta, Nehemiah WR 6-0 181 R-Fr. Bowling Green, Ky. (Greenwood HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#??   Moore, Jerrell WR 5-10 177 So. Louisville, Ky. (Fern Creek HS)--First year with team.

#87   Pettijohn, Andrew WR 5-8 185 Jr. Newburgh, Ind. (Castle HS)--11 games played. No stats in 2011.

#08   Speight, Dyron WR 6-0 190 R-Fr. Bradenton, Fla. (Southeast HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#41   Thomas, Jamical WR 6-2 184 So. Fairfield, Ohio (Fairfield High School)--No stats in 2011.

#??   Austin Aikens WR Tampa, FL Plant 6'0" 185--Incoming freshman.

With the question marks involving the running game with the departure of Bobby Rainey, 2012 is the year that the Hilltopper wide receiver corps must step up and make some plays. Senior Marcus Vasquez started out the season with 11 catches in 3 games and was on pace for a 40+ catch season last fall but was lost for the season with an injury. If he is fully recovered and ready to play, he is key to the passing game taking pressure off of the running game. Redshirt freshman Rico Brown and true freshman Boe Brand stepped in and made a combined 27 catches for just over 300 yards and will flank a healed Vasquez this fall. Backing them up will be former freshman All-American Willie McNeal who did not play due to injury last fall, sophmore Tyler Higbee (2 catches), sophomore Joel German (8 catches), senior Dexter Haynes (6 catches) and a group of reserves that were redshirted in 2011. The biggest question mark is the impact of big time recruit Austin Aikens who many believe can come in and shoot up the depth chart immediately.

 

OL

#52   Clemmons, Cameron RT 6-6 298 So. Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Wilson Central HS)--9 games played, 5 starts.

#65   Conway, Sean C 6-3 306 Jr. Nashville, Tenn. (Father Ryan HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 24 career starts. 1 tackle.

#63   Polanco, Luis LG 6-2 292 Jr. Tampa, Fla. (Middleton HS)--11 games played, 9 starts. 12 career starts.

#76   Smith, Adam RG 6-5 322 Sr. Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Blackman HS)--12 games played, 12 starts. 34 career starts. 2nd team all-sun belt.

#78   Berner, William OL 6-3 286 So. Miami, Fla. (Varela HS)--1 game played.

#68   Burns, Cliff OL 6-8 342 Sr. Kokomo, Ind. (New Mexico Military Institute)--No stats in 2011.

#60   Hazelett, Ed OL 6-8 324 Jr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central HS)--1 game played. 12 career games played.

#69   Stansfield, Luke LG 6-4 292 Sr. Franklin, Tenn. (Ravenwood HS)--7 games played. Backup left guard.

#75   White, Seth RT 6-5 284 Sr. Nashville, Tenn. (Donelson Christian Academy)--12 games played, 4 starts. Backup right tackle.

#64   Sweetland, Tyler OL 6-3 294 R-Fr. Largo, Fla. (St. Petersburg, Fla.)--Redshirted in 2011.

#67   White, Sam OL 6-3 275 So. Owensboro, Ky. (Owensboro HS)--No stats in 2011.

#62   Williams, Darrell OL 6-6 304 Fr. Dublin, Ga. (West Laurens HS)--No stats in 2011.

#79   Wilson, Delryn OL 6-3 298 R-Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Jefferson HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#??   Tyler English OL Louisville, KY Trinity 6'4" 280--Incoming freshman.

#?? Forrest Lamp OL Venice, FL Venice 6'4" 265--Incoming freshman.

The Hilltoppers have an offensive line that really came into its own in 2011 after struggling at the beginning of the season. The offensive line is led by senior right guard Adam Smith who has made 34 career starts followed by junior center Sean Conway who has made the last 24 starts for WKU. Left guard Luis Polanco has 12 career starts under his belt with 9 coming in 2011. Sophomore Cameron Clemmons only made 5 starts in 2011 but once he became a regular contributor to the offensive line, the running game really took off. He has the size and athleticism that NFL scouts love to see and could be a solid NFL prospect by the time his senior season rolls around. The left tackle spot is the only question mark with junior Ed Hazelett and senior Seth White both having the chance to start at the spot. The other option could be to move Clemmons to left tackle and have Hazelett and White battle for the other starting spot. Senior Cliff Burns should be ready as  a backup to play when needed with senior Luke Stansfield also ready for any possible playing time this fall.

DL

#43   Allen, Jamarcus DT 5-11 290 Sr. Orlando, Fla. (Boone HS)--11 games played. 23 career starts. 39 tackle, 7 for loss. 2 sacks, 1 pbu.

#95   Martin, Kenny DT 6-0 281 Sr. Orlando, Fla. (Ocoee HS)--12 games played. 19 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks, 2 pbu, 2 pd.

#96   Lewis, Rammell DT 6-2 297 Sr. Grayson, Ga. (Grayson HS)--8 games played. 10 tackles, 1 for loss.

#93   Smith, Quanterus DE 6-5 251 Sr. Loganville, Ga. (Grayson High)--12 games played. 38 tackles, 11 for loss. 7.5 sacks. 2nd team ALL-Sun Belt 2011.

#97   Payne, Jamichael DT 6-1 355 So. Auburn, Ala. (Auburn HS)--8 games played. 6 tackles, 1 for loss. 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.

#55   Holliman, Tevin DL 6-2 281 Jr. Tucker, Ga. (Tucker HS)--12 games played. 8 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 1 forced fumble.

#45   Tischer, Cole DL 6-4 254 Sr. Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood HS)--No stats in 2011.

#91   Whitty, Brandon DL 6-1 288 Sr. St. Augustine, Fla. (St. Augustine HS)--1 game played. 1 tackle.

#92   Hervey, James DL 6-1 292 Sr. Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek HS)--No stats in 2011.

#99   Montgomery, Dwayne DL 6-5 258 R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#88   Rocker, Gavin DL 6-2 228 R-Fr. Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#94   Shorter, Bryan DL 6-2 275 R-Fr. Phenix City, Ala. (Central-Phenix HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#51   Scott, Jonathan DL 6-3 235 Sr. Shelbyville, Ky. (Shelby County High School)--No stats in 2011.

#??   Julian Leslie DE Miami, FL Coral Reef 6'4" 215--Incoming freshman.

#??   Tyrone Pearson DT Louisville, KY Seneca 6'3" 265--Incoming freshman.

#??   Marquez Pride DT Madison, AL Bob Jones 6'3" 265--Incoming freshman.

#??   Devante Terrell DT Lakeland, FL Lake Gibson 6'0" 288--Incoming freshman.

#??   Calvin Washington DE Thatcher, AZ Eastern Arizona J.C. 6'4" 270--JUCO transfer.

Even though the Hilltoppers lost both starting defensive ends from 2011, the defensive line for WKU is stacked. Led by senior Quanterus Smith (38 tackles, 7.5 sacks), the Hilltoppers could easily start 4 seniors this fall. Fellow seniors Jamarcus Allen (23 starts, 39 tackles), Kenny Martin (19 tackles), and Rammell Lewis (10 tackles) will flank Smith on the defensive line. The Hilltoppers have a good rotation with sophomore Jamichael Payne (6 tackles), Tevin Holliman (8 tackles), Cole Tisher, Brandon Whitty, the group of redshirt freshmen and JUCO transfer Calvin Washington all fighting for playing time on the line this fall. The Hilltoppers have three true freshmen defensive tackles (Pearson, Pride, and Terrell) who have the size to be great run stuffers for WKU.

LB

#04   Jackson, Andrew MLB 6-1 262 Jr. Lakeland, Fla. (Kathleen HS)--12 games played. 109 tackles, 17 for loss. 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pbu, 2 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble. 1st team All-Sun Belt.

#13   Boyd, Xavius SLB 6-2 233 Jr. St. Petersburg, Fla. (Lakewood HS)--12 games played. 16 career starts. 53 tackles, 3.5 for loss. 1.5 sacks, 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick. 1 punt return for 6 yards.

#31   Williams, Terran WLB 6-2 213 So. Bradenton, Fla. (Southeast HS)--12 games played. 23 tackles, 2 for loss. 1 sack, 2 pbu, 2 pd.

#40   Boyd, Bar'ee LB 6-1 224 Jr. St. Petersburg, Fla. (Lakewood HS)--11 games played. 9 tackles, 1 for loss. 1 pbu, 1 pd.

#58   Federspiel, Mike LB 6-3 233 Jr. Lexington, Ky. (Henry Clay HS)--12 games played. 2 tackles.

#12   Golden, Tye LB 6-2 237 Sr. Lithonia, Ga. (Martin Luther King HS)--12 games played. 4 tackles.

#16   Smith, T.J. LB 6-2 233 So. Hazel Green, Ala. (Hazel Green HS)--8 games played. 3 tackles.

#59   Ciochetty, Tavis LB 5-11 234 Sr. Bowling Green, Ky. (Greenwood HS)--No stats in 2011.

#25   Franks, Chuck LB 6-2 235 Jr. Fayette, Ala. (Fayette County HS)--No stats in 2011.

#33   Johnson, Dimitri LB 6-3 237 R-Fr. Dolton, Ill. (Thornridge HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#07   Washington, Daerius LB 6-0 202 R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#??   Daqual Randall LB Palmetto, FL Palmetto 6'0" 225--Incoming freshman.

Junior Andrew Jackson came out of nowhere in 2011 and went from not playing at all during his freshman season to making the 1st team All-Sun Belt squad last fall. Jackson made 109 tackles with 17 for loss last fall and is already considered a big time NFL prospect at middle linebacker. Strong side linebacker Xavius Boyd comes into his junior season with 16 career starts and 76 career tackles. With teams focusing on Jackson, Boyd may be in for a big season. Weak side linebacker Terran Williams had a solid freshman season in 2011 with 23 tackles and a sack playing primarily in the nickel defensive set. Bar'ee Boyd made 9 tackles but was more successful on special teams making some big tackles for the Hilltoppers. Federspiel (2 tackles), Golden (4 tackles), and Smith (3 tackles) will be ready to step in to the rotation with redshirt freshmen Dimitri Johnson, Daerius Washington, and true freshman Daqual Randall. (Editor's note: CJ Odom is not listed on the roster, not sure of his status)

DB

#01   Dowling, Jonathan FS 6-3 195 So. Bradenton, Fla. (Florida)--Transfer from Florida.

#14   Peterson, Kareem S 5-11 180 Sr. Lewisburg, Tenn. (Marshall County HS)--9 games played. 17 career starts. 50 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 3 interceptions, 5 pbu, 8 pd, 1 fumble recovery.

#22   Robinson, Tyree CB 5-10 198 Jr. Dundee, Fla. (Haines City HS)--12 games played. 21 career starts. 44 tackles, 2 for loss. 6 pbu, 6 pd, 1 forced fumble. 13 kickoff returns for 18.2 yard average.

#21   Wright, Arius CB 5-10 189 Jr. Duluth, Ga. (Norcross HS)--12 games played. 7 starts. 15 career starts.36 tackles, 3.5 for loss. 1 sack, 5 pbu, 5 pd.

#29   Young, Kiante S 5-11 224 Jr. Gainesville, Ga. (East Hall HS)--11 games played. 33 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 2 interceptions, 4 pbu, 6 pd. 1 kickoff return for 22 yards.

#19   Thomas, Cam DB 6-1 186 So. Middletown, Del. (Milford Academy)--9 games played. 2 starts. 26 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 1 interception, 2 pbu, 3 pd.

#37   Williams, Vince DB 5-9 192 Jr. Alpharetta, Ga. (Alpharetta HS)--12 games played. 2 starts. 20 tackles. 1 interception, 1 pbu, 2 pd, 1 fumble recovery.

#38   Singh, Ricardo DB 5-11 193 So. Auburndale, Fla. (Auburndale HS)--6 games played. 2 tackles, 1 pd.

#46   Robinson-Berry, Eric DB 6-1 202 R-Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

#08   Forrest, Jamal CB 5-9 166 Sr. Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)--No stats in 2011.

#20   Scott, Ty DB 6-2 198 Jr. Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)--No stats in 2011.

#24   Simmons, William DB 5-8 189 Sr. Louisville, Ky. (St. Xavier HS)--No stats in 2011.

#??   Brett Harrington CB Alfred, NY Alfred State C.C. 6'1" 195--JUCO transfer.

The Hilltoppers have a group of experienced defensive backs with one huge transfer that will make for an interesting 2012 season. Safety Kareem Peterson missed the first 3 games of the season last fall due to injury but the defense really came into its own once he returned. Peterson ended the season with 50 tackles and three interceptions. Florida transfer Jonathan Dowling is a former 4-star recruit that was dominant in the spring game with two interceptions including one for a touchdown. Dowling should start alongside Peterson and make up an impressive set of safeties. Junior Tyree Robinson has made 21 starts in his first two years at WKU with 44 tackles during his impressive sophomore season. Junior Arius Wright started last fall at cornerback but played more nickelback with the departed Derrius Brooks taking the cornerback role. Wright will battle with sophomore Cam Thomas for the cornerback role opposite Robinson. The reserves are stacked as well with young (33 tackles), Williams (20 tackles), Singh (2 tackles), redshirt freshman Eric Robinson-Berry, and JUCO transfer Brett Harrington all battling for the limited playing time. Robinson-Berry could be a special teams ace with his speed that will be needed to cover kickoffs.

P

#99   Brakefield, Hendrix P 6-4 244 Jr. Nashville, Tenn. (Hillsboro Comprehensive HS)--64 punts for 41.6 yard average and 24 inside the 20 yard line and 16 over 50 yards.

#56   Roy, Jesse PK/P 6-0 186 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic HS)

Junior Hendrix Brakefield had a very solid sophomore season with 64 punts for a 41.6 yard average and nearly 40% of his punts pinning the opponent inside their own 20 yard line. he also connected for 16 punts over 50 yards. If he can improve his numbers slightly, he can become quite a special teams weapon for the Hilltoppers in 2012.

K

#56   Roy, Jesse PK/P 6-0 186 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic HS)--11 games played. 2-6 field goals with a long of 40 yards. 17-20 extra points attempts. 47 kickoffs with 1 touchback. 1 tackle.

#96   Carrillo, Kevin PK 6-0 182 So. Louisville, Ky. (Butler HS)--No stats in 2011.

Although there are  rumors of more kickers on the way, sophomore Jesse Roy is the only current kicker on the roster with any in-game kicking experience. Roy made 2-6 field goals and 17-20 extra point attempts as well as attempting 47 kickoffs with only one touchback. Sophomore Kevin Carrillo did not play in 2011 but looks to be ready to challenge Roy for the kicking duties.

LS

#88   Wallace, Ryan TE/LS 6-5 253 Sr. Bowling Green, Ky. (Bowling Green HS)--12 games played, 1 start. 1 catch for 18 yards.

After losing former long snapper Joey Dunphy to graduation, senior Ryan Wallace looks to be the new full-time snapper. Wallace is a very good snapper and should bring some stability to the kicking and punting games.

2011 started as a season to forget with a heartbreaking loss to Kentucky followed by huge losses to Navy and FBS for Indiana State. Things started to get on track in week 4 with another heartbreaking loss to Sun Belt Champs Arkansas State before rolling off 7 wins in their final 8 games with their only loss in that span coming to then #1 LSU. 2012 sees WKU front loading their conference schedule with games at home versus Austin Peay, at Alabama, at Kentucky, and home versus Southern Miss. 2-2 is very possible and 3-1 is even possible for the Hilltoppers in out of conference play. WKU has a difficult in conference slate with trips to Arkansas State, FIU and Louisiana. 8-4 seems to be an extremely possible end record and finally a trip to a FBS bowl game for the first time in WKU history.