2008

Cheatham said. "We've changed the total complexity of the offense– from a power football team to a spread-finesse team, but our line– men have adjusted well to the change. I really think the new scheme fits them a little better." Defensively, top returnees include ends, Josh Lewis (6-5, 235) of Tuscaloosa County and Vonzell Jackson (6-3, 240) of Aliceville (Ala.) High School; linebackers, Harvey Brown (5-10, 235) of Neshoba Central, Randy Carter (6-1, 198) of Quitman and Anthony McDonald (5- 11, 234) of 71st High School, Fayetteville, N.C.; and defensive back, Bruce Williams (6-4, 190) of Ridgeland. Sophomore Jason Fairley (5-11, 285) of Collins and freshman James Brown (6-4, 302) of Tuscaloosa Central are the top con– tenders at the defensive tackle posi– tions. "Our defensive front is really doing well," Cheatham said. "We were kind of worried when (nose guard) Henry Scott (of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK) left the team for disciplinary rea– sons, but we've got two freshmen - Jeremy Johnson (6-2, 280) of Lake

230, but can bench press 400 pounds!" Cheatham praised Lewis and Jackson, both of whom are attract– ing a lot of attention from several Division 1A programs. "They're great football players and both have a lot of potential to compete at the next level," he stated. Cheatham said he is also pleased with the entire linebacker corps, which includes freshmen Guy Holden (5-11, 200) of Newton County, Quadarius Wallace (5-11, 193) of Union, Chris Watson (6', 206) of West Lauderdale and Brad Ellis (5- 11, 235) of Forest. In the secondary, sophomore Maurice Langston (5-10, 180) of Northeast Lauderdale and freshman Caylem Estelle (5-10, 195) will handle cornerback duties. Cheatham said Langston will also see action as run– ning-back. Serving as back-ups at cornerback are freshmen Ken Robinson (6', 180) of Neshoba Central, who participat– ed in spring drills, and Zerrick Houston (6', 175) of Philadelphia. Also expected to see action at cor– nerback is Demario Eichelberger (6- 1, 165) of Louisville.

"We've got a lot more speed on defense this year," Cheatham added. "We may not be as big up front but we will be faster, stronger and quicker." Cheatham said he is "very pleased" with the kicking game. Returnee Derek Crenshaw (6-2, 185) of Neshoba Central will handle kicking and punting duties. Freshman Wijl McBeth of ~ake Academy is tiie center and long snapper. Sophomore Dustin Alley (6'. 196) of Union Grove High School, McDonough, Ga., will be the ho)der for extra points and field goals. Langston, Estelle, May and Ricks will return punts and kickoffs. Serving as Cheatham's assistants are James Miller, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator; Brian Anderson, offensive coordina– tor; Fred Lyons, defensive line coach; Kyle Watson, offensive line coach and special teams coordina– tor; and Derek Pouncey, wide receivers coach. "We've got a great group of guys on staff," Cheatham stated. "We enjoy working together every day."

offense," Cheatham stated, "but that does not mean that we will throw the ball all the time. We will have a balanced attack and our passing game will feature a lot of short pass– es, such as screens and slant pat– terns. "We want to get the ball out quick to our receivers and let them make something happen. The spread offense will also help set up our run– ning game." Wide receivers, Kendrick May (5- 10, 165) of Tuscaloosa County (Ala.) High School and Donovan Tate (6-2, 195) of Hattiesburg, are listed among top offensive returnees. Courtney Shelton (5-10, 220) of Tuscaloosa is regarded as the top returning running back, but Cheatham said several freshmen are also battling for backfield positions, including Derrick Cade (5-7, 210) of Tuscaloosa Central, Duke Hudnall (5-11, 200) from Newton County and Kendrick Griffin (6'. 182) of · Philadelphia. Top returnees on the offensive line include Kieandre Jones (6-4, 345) of Hillcrest High School, Tuscaloosa; Justin Moore (6-3, 265) of Leake