by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
Collegiate runs such a complicated offense.
But the Cougars are just a week into practice, giving players more vacation time and to have everyone on hand at once with busy schedules.
Maybe not the best time to start football practice later than anyone else in the Metro area with so many wide receivers gone to graduation.
“I’ve got to throw a lot at them very quickly,” coach Mark Palyo said.
It should be fine for a program that took it fifth state championship in six years in 2008 behind the aforementioned offense and a very good defense that held opponents to single digits in five games, including three shutouts.
But a lot of those starters have departed, especially at linebacker. That’s where an eager Russell Harper steps in.
“We lost all of our linebackers,” Harper said. “We’ve just got to step up and make plays this year. We’ve got a good secondary.”
Sure do. FS Jake McGee is back, along with Trae Kelley, a lockdown cornerback receiving scholarship attention.
The Cougars are hoping the defense can steal a few headlines from the offense, but that will be difficult to do.
University of Richmond commit Jake McGee had a fabulous junior year. Kelley will be his main target, along with Alex Newsome.
His protection will be led by center Andrew Foster and tackle Jake Ragsdale.
“We’ve got to continue to grow every day,” McGee said. “New guys have to fill in roles. We’ve got a big line. Hopefully the skill guys can come to play.”
ALL ABOUT COLLEGIATE
Key players:
Jake McGee, Sr., 6-5, QB/FS; Trae Kelley, Sr., 6-0, CB/WR; Russell Harper, Sr., LB/RB; Andrew Foster, DE/C; Jake Ragsdale, DE/OT; Alex Newsome, WR, Sr.
Key losses: Patrick Corrigan, LB; Michael Van Reekum, LB; Stephen Stites, WR
Big game: vs. Woodberry Forest, Oct. 9, 4 p.m. WF gave Collegiate its only loss last season.
Outlook: It should be more of the same at Collegiate. Big offensive numbers producing big playoff results.
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Cougars
QB/FS Jake McGee interview
CB/WR Trae Kelley interview
LB/RB Russell Harper interview
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Schedule/Results
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