Locals in college: Hedgeman's time is now

With just a few days to go beforethe start of the college football^[1] season, the anticipation captivates many all over the country as fans hope for success throughout the 2011 campaign for their beloved institution.Several former area stars will play a major role in how their team performs. Whether it be against a favorable match-up our a dangerous road trip to kick off the year, we are just days away.

Takeem Hedgeman^[2] (Norfolk State): The Monticello High School^[3] alumnus has waited and waited for his time to shine for the Spartans. That time is now.

"I'm excited about the upcoming season," Hedgeman^[4] said. "We've worked hard every day and we are definitely ready to play somebody besides Norfolk State."

Hedgeman^[5] served as a backup running backover his first two seasons, but with the departure of leading rusher DeAngelo Branche to graduation, he will get a chance to excel.

"It's definitely a good feeling to be more involved with the offense, said Hedgeman^[6]. Obviously more touches will give me more chances to help my team win, and I'm ready to do that. I feel like being behind Branche gave me thechance to be better prepared now, because I was able to study a good running back^[7].

Hedgeman^[8] was second on the team last year with 220 rushing yards on 57 carries, adding two touchdowns.

Norfolk State will open up the season at home against Virginia State on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Heading into the game Saturday, I'm confident about our team as a whole, but I'm definitely excited to show what our offense can do, he said. We've all worked hard as a unit, and I believe we have really come together. Everyone has worked so hard from the wideouts and tight ends, to the running backs and quarterbacks, and especiallythe guys up front. I really think we have a solid team this year, and I'm excited to see what we do.

Mike Brown^[9] (Liberty): After going 8-3 a year ago and just missing out on the FCS playoffs, Brown^[10] looks to lead the Flames^[11] to the postseason in this, his senior year. The two-time Big South Player^[12] of the Year was one of three finalists for the Dudley Award last year, given to the top Division I^[13] football player^[14] in Virginia^[15]. The awardultimatelyended up in the hands of Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor^[16], but Brown^[17] looks like a solid bet to take home the award this year.

However, Liberty faces a daunting task in the first game, asBrown^[18] will lead his team down to Raleigh^[19] to take on North Carolina State on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Brad Starks^[20] (West Virginia):The former Orange County^[21] star missed most of spring practice after shoulder surgery^[22], but looks set to start at wide receiver^[23] for the Mountaineers, who are ranked 24th to start the season.

The senior caught 19 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns as a deep threat for the team last year, but will look to be more consistent and avoid injuries^[24] in 2011.

On Sunday,the Mountaineerswill open up the season at home against in-state foe Marshall^[25].

Luke Heinsohn^[26] (Washington^[27] & Lee): After starting 11 games a year ago, the talented Covenant School^[28] grad is hoping to surpass his excellent sophomore season, as the Generals look for another ODAC league^[29] crown.

The junior ran for 1,321 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

The team will open up the season at home against Franklin^[30] & Marshall^[31] on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Jake Pelton^[32] (Washington^[33] & Lee):The former Monticello^[34] Mustangwill be counted on as the leader^[35] of the defense after earning preseason All-American honors from The Sporting News^[36].

After recording 82 total tackles and leading the conference in interceptions with six, the 6-foot safety will look to prove his preseason hype as the team looks for another ODAC title with the hope of advancing past the first round of the NCAA^[37] Division III tournament, where it fell to Thomas More^[38] a year ago.

References

1. ^{^} Topic - Football (www2.dailyprogress.com)
2. ^{^} Topic - Takeem Hedgeman (www2.dailyprogress.com)
3. ^{^} Topic - Monticello High School (www2.dailyprogress.com)
4. ^{^} Topic - Takeem Hedgeman (www2.dailyprogress.com)
5. ^{^} Topic - Takeem Hedgeman (www2.dailyprogress.com)
6. ^{^} Topic - Takeem Hedgeman (www2.dailyprogress.com)
7. ^{^} Topic - Running Back (www2.dailyprogress.com)
8. ^{^} Topic - Takeem Hedgeman (www2.dailyprogress.com)
9. ^{^} Topic - Mike Brown (www2.dailyprogress.com)
10. ^{^} Topic - Mike Brown (www2.dailyprogress.com)
11. ^{^} Topic - Calgary Flames (www2.dailyprogress.com)
12. ^{^} Topic - South Player (www2.dailyprogress.com)
13. ^{^} Topic - Division I (www2.dailyprogress.com)
14. ^{^} Topic - Football Player (www2.dailyprogress.com)
15. ^{^} Topic - Virginia (www2.dailyprogress.com)
16. ^{^} Topic - Tyrod Taylor (www2.dailyprogress.com)
17. ^{^} Topic - Mike Brown (www2.dailyprogress.com)
18. ^{^} Topic - Mike Brown (www2.dailyprogress.com)
19. ^{^} Topic - Raleigh (www2.dailyprogress.com)
20. ^{^} Topic - Brad Starks (www2.dailyprogress.com)
21. ^{^} Topic - Orange County (www2.dailyprogress.com)
22. ^{^} Topic - Shoulder Surgery (www2.dailyprogress.com)
23. ^{^} Topic - Wide Receiver (www2.dailyprogress.com)
24. ^{^} Topic - Injuries (www2.dailyprogress.com)
25. ^{^} Topic - Foe Marshall (www2.dailyprogress.com)
26. ^{^} Topic - Luke Heinsohn (www2.dailyprogress.com)
27. ^{^} Topic - Washington (www2.dailyprogress.com)
28. ^{^} Topic - Covenant School (www2.dailyprogress.com)
29. ^{^} Topic - Odac League (www2.dailyprogress.com)
30. ^{^} Topic - Franklin (www2.dailyprogress.com)
31. ^{^} Topic - Marshall (www2.dailyprogress.com)
32. ^{^} Topic - Jake Pelton (www2.dailyprogress.com)
33. ^{^} Topic - Washington (www2.dailyprogress.com)
34. ^{^} Topic - Monticello (www2.dailyprogress.com)
35. ^{^} Topic - Leader (www2.dailyprogress.com)
36. ^{^} Topic - The Sporting News (www2.dailyprogress.com)
37. ^{^} Topic - The Ncaa (www2.dailyprogress.com)
38. ^{^} Topic - Thomas More (www2.dailyprogress.com)