Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Head Coach

Todd Graham	2nd year
07-08	10-4
C-USA	6-2
FCR	30

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Todd Grahams led Tulsa to 10 wins in his first season at the helm, with nine starters returning to the nations #1 ranked of offense expectations at high once again for the Golden Hurricanes. They must replace six starters on defense so look for Tulsa to be involved in a number shootouts, but the key to the season could be to improve on last season dismal turnover margin, they were a minus 6 and ranked 92nd nationally.

Quarterback - Tulsa must replace record setting Paul Smith at quarterback and the competition this spring was between senior David Johnson and a pair of sophomores, Clark Herrell and Jacob Bower. Johnson has been in the program for four years and knows the offense, Herrell has the size and is also quite familiar with the offense and in Bower the Hurricanes have a proven JUCO with a big arm and size. All three played well this spring and don’t be surprised if one of the sophomores emerges as the starter come opening day.

Running Backs - Outstanding unit that possess depth and proven production in senior Tarrion Adams and sophomore Jamad Williams at running back and at fullback sophomore Charles Clay. Adams rushed for 1,225 yards and 8 TD’s, Williams chipped in with 458 yards and 2 TD’s and Clay had 304 yards, caught 69 passes out of the backfield for 1,024 yards and had eight scores. Senior Courtney Tennial missed the 07’ season but had 845 yards and 14 TD’s in 06’. Look for more of the same this season, with so many weapons the only question is who’ll get the opportunities.

Receivers - Much like the running backs their loaded at the receiver spots. Sophomore Trae Johnson is the leading returning receiver; he was a Freshman All-American hauling in 70 passes for 1,088 yards and 13 TD’s. Also returning is senior Brennan Marion who set an NCAA record for yards per catch with a 31.9 average, he had 39 receptions for 1,244 yards and 11 TD’s. Sophomore A.J. Whitmore will be at the flanker position, he’s a skilled runner and will be at QB when Tulsa goes to their Wildcat set and junior Jesse Meyer will also start in the four-wide sets. Depth will be provided by junior Dion Toliver and a pair of transfer, junior Slick Shelley and sophomore Andrew Norman. When the Hurricanes got with a tight end look for junior Jake Collums to get the call.

Offensive Line - The line returns four starters and are led by three juniors with All-C-USA potential in right tackle Rodrick Thomas, right guard Justin Morsey and center Jody Whaley. Also returning is junior left guard Curt Puckett and the newcomer upfront will at left tackle in redshirt freshman Tyler Holmes. This is a unit that excels in run blocking and will only get better, can Holmes produce and give who’s ever at QB the protection needed from his blindside .

Defensive Line - The leader of the D-Line is returning 2nd team All-C-USA defensive end senior Moton Hopkins, he had 71 tackles and three tackles last season for Tulsa. At the other end will be sophomore Odrick Ray who is a speed rusher who needs to add some size to help against the run. Inside is senior nose tackle Terrel Nemons who has the skills to be a major contributor but to date has yet to reach his potential, it the Hurricanes are to improve on last season rank of 100th against the run Nemons will need to produce.

Linebackers - Tulsa needs to replace their entire linebacker unit this season, at strongside junior George Clinksdale has the edge over JUCO Kaipo Sarkissian, look for junior Mike Bryan in the middle and sophomore Tanner Antle on the weakside. It’s an undersized unit and that doesn’t appear to be a plus against the run, but their athletic and will be good against the pass, look for them to force more turnovers than last years’ group.

Defensive Backs - Tulsa’ defense deploys five backs in the secondary and they return three starters to the 110th ranked pass defense unit, but some of those stats are due to the efficiency of their potent offense. At the Bandit senior Roy Roberts returns, he solid against the run and had 45 tackles to go with his three INT’s, also returning are at a pair of juniors in Kenny Sims at one corner and at free safety Charles Davis. Junior Spur Ade’ Manga will start at the Spur and at the other corner look for senior Jon Destin to get the call. Their will be competition for playing time and hoping to get on the field this fall are seniors Ty Page and Nick Henderson and JUCO Kollin Hancock.

Special Teams - Senior Jarod Tracy has been a two-year starter but has been inconsistent at best and will be challenged by redshirt freshman Matt Hulse heading into the season. Similar situation at punter as sophomore Michael Such will have to hold off senior Paul Jurado after averaging just 38.9 yards last year. The returns will be handled by senior Rob Roberts and sophomore Trae Johnson, Roberts averaged an excellent 24.1 yards on kickoff returns and Johnson had an average of 23.1 yards on his returns.

Schedule - The schedule sets up nicely to get Tulsa off to a good start, they get New Mexico at home in September and UCF in October, get by them and they should face Arkansas as one the nations remaining unbeaten teams. They close with four road games in their last five and the game at Houston will determine the West winner. Great offense and a trip to the post season guaranteed, look for Tulsa to play for the conference title and win 10+ games this season.