2004

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· Ra~lerwood O,ptimistic For ECCC :·:CA': Uf\ 'l'• • ·"e's a new attitude he E .\' • • ' ... 1 rommun' ty ~ .,... t · r • • ·· ~ Cv 1 ge he Si\IC I 'l'h1• h:11 kliolcl fl'aturPs returnees Darryl Mnpp, Clinton Thomas,

freshmen, Ihey hnve a lot of mat unng and growing up to do but that wi II come with time and experience. The frE>shmen also have a great attitude and work ethic, and want to win just a much as the sophomores," Underwood said. "The kicking game will be stronger than it's been in several years. We s igned Ryan Gale (a product of Oak Mountain High School in Bu·mingham, Ala.) who is a tremen– dous kicker and punter. Anthony Stanford of Louisville will be the back-up punter and is also doing a good job. "One of our quarterbacks, Jarius Neal (of Pickens County High School in Refor m, Ala.) will be the back-up ki cker and is also very talented. Cameron Tawater is an excellent snapper' and we're working on find· ing a back up for him. "So we should have a real solid kicking game this season," Underwood stated. Alt})ough the Warrior s will be somewhat inexperienced on offense. he's been impressed with the talents of his freshman quarterbacks, Jarius Neal and Robbie Morse. Morse is a product of Walton High School in DC'funiak Springs, Fl9,. "Both of these guys are very good and will bring a new dimension to the quarterback spot. allowing us to do a lot of tl!ingS,_Qff~nsj.vely," Underwq_od

Horne, a product of Northeast Lauderdale High School in Mcndian, tight end Cameron Tawater of Philadelphia, offensive lmeman James Ozment of Sumter (Ala.) Academy and linebacker Sed Eichelberger of Noxapater Other top returnees mcluclc wide receiver Derrick Harris of Union , Jlback Clinton Thomas of Ripley, tilbacks Derrick Mapp of Newton <. .mnty and Kenshay Hunter of Philadelphia, tight end Willie Hickmon of Lake. s trong safeties Toney Edison of Collins and J ay McMillin of Winston Acadc>my; free safety Brian McNair of Fl orence, nose guard Henry Smith of Ali ·~ville, Ala., and dPfC'nsive line– tna · Michael Johnson of Newton County. Underwood saicl tlw play<>rs who received preseason N.JCAA honors along with the top retunw!'s tnclicate the talent level on this ymlr's squad. · "I feel very s trongly nhout I his team frorp a talent pnispcctive and .)!so from a sophomore lead( rship prospective. We brought bnck a solid corps of freshmen, about seven o!· eight guys, that played a ~lot on '!ht• defensive side. "We probably have fow· or five w})r;~ aw a great deal of playmg time- o ffense. Our freshmen, in my opin· 10n, are tL ! most tah•nt<>d group wee.~ s ~ i.~ four or fivf:: y£ars. A~

Kelvm Horne and Justin Ficklin of Morton and freshman Terence McFadden, a product of American Heritage High School in Sunrise, Fla., all of whom earned Underwood's praise: "Mapp runs hard, has great vision and is very physical. Thomas is also a quality back as is Horne, who we moved to fullback from linebacker during the season last year. Horne is also very physical and is an excellent blocker. "Ficklin played a lot last year and we expect him to have another good season. McFadden is the lone fresh– man of the group. He has quick feet, great vision and is an exceptional tal– ent. "So I really feel that the backfield has great potential this year." Underwood is also pleased with the receiving corps: "Harris has great hands and is get– ting better every day. Chris Smith (of Ridgeland) is also a quality receiver who was a starter last year and hould do great things for us this sea– son. ·We are also impressed with Chris Lark (of Pickens County High School), who will see a lot of action at receiver.'

·rv Underwood pirit will turn . 2004 campaign. " Warriors, who to-~1: I( losing nr t'·· ti a ~:.u<.- m his seventh •.aid he feels "r eal nn, which began in preparation ner Thursday, t highly ranked 1 ('n-nmuni1 tllmistic about thi en though we proua l •f'\st schedule in the

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