New Stillman coach expects improvement

TUSCALOOSA | Teddy Keaton, the new head football coach at Stillman College, hasnt had a vacation since he returned to his alma mater in December.

Keaton hired a staff, signed his first class of recruits and conducted spring practice, all in preparation for fall camp. When he greeted his 106 players, including 46 freshmen, he told them nobody is safe.

Were looking for a lot of the young guys to be able to play today and help put some depth on this football team, Keaton said.

The goal of this camp is to develop consistency. Were going to try to eliminate the mistakes. Weve worked hard at this over the offseason with the older guys bringing the newer guys in and trying to shape them and find out where we can put the best 22 on the football field.

Stillmans offense averaged 18.1 points per game last season, and the defense allowed 30.5. Quarterback Christopher Mayabb decided not to return for his senior season. He threw for 784 yards with nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Chester Hightower led the Tigers in rushing as a senior with 310 yards. Jaquail Rutledge, back for his sophomore season, had 82 yards rushing on 36 carries.

Keaton described his offense as a pro-style spread. Freshman Dondre Purnell and redshirt freshman Brandon Allen are the top candidates at quarterback.

Obviously, you want a guy that can manage the football game, Keaton said. You want a passer first, a runner second.

Charlie Graham and Jean Serve will play at fullback. Rutledge may be the leader at tailback, but Keaton said Marcus McAfee and Daniel Dent are pushing for playing time.

Damian Ford led the Tigers in receiving as a freshman with 35 catches for 411 yards and six touchdowns. Thomas Logan, a senior tight end, had 14 receptions for 291 yards and five touchdowns. Along with veteran Desmond Holloway, the receiving corps includes Reese Sturgis and Cavaris Corder. Johnny Pate and Graham could play at tight end.

Keaton made it a priority to improve the offensive line. Dalton Diehl, who could play at center or guard, transferred from Western Kentucky. Robert Weekly, Tori Bennett, Deandre Davis, Charles Hope and Kieandre Jones are among those battling for starting roles. Keaton said Davis, a tackle, was the most consistent lineman last season and Hope, a center, showed improvement in the spring.

The Stillman defense will feature a 4-3 look. Line prospects include Willie Huggins, Ralph Monroe, Jeremy Hall and Bryant Mosley. Rico Butler is a probable starter at middle linebacker, with Larry Harris and Jarell Thomas on the outside. Keaton said he expects Marcus Matthews and Desmond Tate to provide depth at linebacker.

A.J. Johnson and Lakeevis Tabb are the leaders at cornerback. Robert Crosby and Ronrico Dunn could play at safety.

All-American punter Ronnie Partridge is back after averaging 45.5 yards per attempt. Kicker Alejuandro Perez-Huerta made 15 of 17 extra-point kicks and 7 of 14 field-goal attempts.

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.

References

1. ^{^} Buy Photo (reprints.tuscaloosanews.com)