Tulane Green Wave

Head Coach

Bob Toledo	2nd year
07-08	4-8
C-USA	3-5
FCR	96

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Bob Toledo took over a Tulane program that was struggling and he made them competitive, guiding that to a most impressive four wins. They return 15 starters but lose Matt Forte who was the nation’s second leading rusher, look for the Green Wave to seek more balance offensively this season.

Quarterback - At quarterback sophomore Kevin Moore and redshirt freshman Joe Kemp are in a battle to be the opening day starter and coming out of Spring Moore has a slight edge. The wildcard in the QB battle is junior Anthony Scelfo, he was the starter last year and he threw for 1,396 yards with 6 TD’s but he also had 7 interceptions, Scelfo is a excellent on the move and he had 171 rushing last season, but Moore and Kemp are better pure passers than Scelfo.

Running Backs - Looking to take over for Forte at the tailback spot is junior Andre Anderson, he saw only spot duty last season but Toledo believes that he’ll be the workhouse needed and he showed this spring that he’s ready to meet he challenge. Looking to contribute will be J.T. McDonald, incoming freshman Ryan Griffin and redshirt freshman Andre Agers provided he returns from suspension, sophomore Jordan Stephany will paved the way for the tailbacks from his fullback position.

Receivers - On the outside sophomore flanker Jeremy Williams returns as the go to guy, he had 46 receptions for 773 yards and 5 TD’s and expect to see his numbers improve as Tulane becomes a more balanced attack. Senior Brian King and sophomore also return, they combined for 42 receptions for 628 yards and two scores, at tight end senior Justin Kessler will get the call.

Offensive Line - Upfront the left side is set led by seniors Michael Parenton at guard and at tackle Troy Kropog, returning at center will be sophomore Andrew Nierman. On the right side look for junior Nick Landry at tackle and at guard sophomore Tyler Rice. Parenton is the leader on the O-Line and the unit is a solid run block group, but as the Green Wave seeks more balance in their attack if will be necessary for the QB to get better protection this season.

Defensive Line - Tulane was strong against the run last season, finishing with the 30th ranked run defense but will need to replace both of their inside players this season. Look for senior Julian Shives-Sams to get the call at nose guard and following a solid spring sophomore Tony Bryant at tackle. The defensive end both return in senior Reggie Scott and junior Adam Kwenyua, each had four sacks in 07’ and Scott appears primed for a breakout year based on his performance this spring. Look for them to take a step back against the run but they’ll improve their sack total this season.

Linebackers - At linebacker Tulane returns two starters in senior David Kirksey and junior Evan Lee who will both see time in the middle, on the outside senior David Skehan will move from free safety to the weakside. On the strongside look for both junior Travis Burks and senior James Dillard to be in the mix. Lee led the team in tackles last season with 99 and Skehan added 66 and 4 interceptions, they’re solid against the run but for Tulane to improve there needs to be better play against the pass.

Defensive Backs - In the secondary a pair juniors in free safety Chinonso Echebelem and cornerback Josh Lumar both return, newcomers will be redshirt freshman Phillip Davis at the other corner and sophomore Corey Sonnier will start at strong safety. They were 113th against the pass so improvement is needed across the board, Echebelem and Lumar combine for 134 tackles but they had only 4 interceptions between them.

Special Teams - Both kickers return, junior Ross Thevenot handles placekicking and at punter is sophomore Darren deRochemont. Thevenot was 13 of 18 and deRochemont averaged 38.9 on his punts, improvement is needed by both. Handling the returns will be Casey Robottom, Jeremy Williams and freshman Dominique Dade.

Schedule - They open at Alabama and will also play at LSU, but should get two non-conference wins after that. Will need to beat SMU, Rice and UAB at home, if they do and can upset someone along the way the Green Wave could reach the .500 mark. Look for some improvement in 08’ on the field but not in the W-L as Tulane gets only 4 wins again.