UL-Monroe Warhawks

Head Coach

Charlie Weatherbie	6th year
07-08	6-6
Sun Belt	4-3
FCR	68

Previous Season Wins

Sun Belt Previews –by Tom Farrelly

Head Coach - Charlie Weatherbie enters his 6th year as the head man hoping that his Warhawks continue their winning ways, they closed 07’ win victories in five of their last six games including the shocking 21-14 win at Alabama. Monroe returns fifteen starters and the offense appears poised to post big numbers despite the graduation of the school’s all-time leading rusher, Calvin Dawson. Expectations at UL-Monroe are pretty high and they hope to be in the mix at seasons’ end with FAU and Troy.

Quarterback - Kinsmon Lancaster returns at quarterback, the senior threw for 1,866 yards and 13 TD’s and rushed for 398 yards and although he hit 59% of his passes he needs reduce on last seasons 10 INT’s.. Sophomore Trey Revell played well in a limited role, he big with a big arm and he’s not afraid to tuck the ball and run when the need arises.

Running Backs - Sophomore running back Frank Goodin showed this spring that he’s ready to be the man, last season he rushed for 594 yards and caught 11 passes, he’s quick and the Warhawks will lose nothing in their run game this year. Junior Gary Frazier will backup Goodin but true freshman Luther Ambrose is a big-time recruit with blazing speed and he’ll find his way onto the filed early and often this fall.

Receivers - This should be one of the best units in the Sun Belt as virtually all the key contributors from last season return. Junior Darrell McNeal led the Warhawks last season with 54 receptions for 504 yards and 4 TD’s while seniors Marty Humphrey and LaGregory Sapp combined for 46 catches for 656 yards and 4 scores. Juniors J.J. McCoy and Aaron Sringfellow have excellent speed and will be in the mix as Monroe will look to the air more often this season. At tight end senior Zeek Zacharie is an All- Sun Belt performer who contributes in all areas.

Offensive Line - There are concerns upfront as three starters must be replaced but the right side returns intact as seniors Larry Shappley at tackle and Aaron Schutz at guard will lead. Newcomers will be a pair of juniors in left tackle Ryan Dercher and center Keating Helms along with sophomore Andrew Stout at left guard. It’s an undersized group, even by Sun Belt standards, but they are more athletic than most units and should come together as the season progresses. .

Defensive Line - Upfront three starters return including both junior ends Alaric Coleman and Aaron Morgan, they matured nicely last season and combined for 10 ½ sacks and but will both need to get bigger to help the run defense for the Warhawks. Inside at defensive tackle JUCO Alex Ford is expected to make a big difference against the run and at nose tackle redshirt freshman Brandon McCray and JUCO Aaron Williams will be part of the rotation. If Ford is everything the coaching staff thinks he is this will be an outstanding unit.

Linebackers - Both starters return at linebacker in juniors Josh Thomas and All- Sun Belt performer Cardia Jackson who lead the team with 79 tackles, while Thomas added 61 for the Warhawks last season. Looking for more playing time will be sophomore Theo Smith and redshirt freshman Ken Dorsey, they both have good speed and Dorsey has the size to help against the run.

Defensive Backs - UL- Monroe is set at the safety spots with juniors Greg James at one spot, at the back safety will be James Truxillo and at the Rover Josh Thompson. James was second on the team with 77 tackles and had a team high 5 interception, Truxillo added 68 tackles and Thompson might just be the best of the group, he missed much of 07’ but has All-SunBelt talent. At cornerback sophomore Tay Ogletree and redshirt freshman Nate Brown will start, plenty of speed but will struggle against good quarterbacks while they get their feet wet.

Special Teams - Punter Scott Love stepped up big time last season averaging 42.1 yards, including 23 inside the 20 on his way to All-SunBelt honors. Handling the placekicking will be redshirt freshman Raid Jabour, he’s got a big leg but is an unproven commodity. Look for an improvement in the returns with sophomores Frank Goodin and Tay Ogletree handling the kicks.

Schedule - The open with Auburn and Arkansas but things ease up after that until they get FAU and Troy back to back at home, win both and the title is there for the taking. Only five home dates hurt and they close the year with three road games including a visit to Ole Miss. Could be much improved but it may not be reflected in the W-L, expect the Warhawks to fight to match last seasons six wins and end the year with 6 wins again.