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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 5-6 | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Bobby Keasler Returning starters: 14 (offense 7, defense 6) Outlook A new coach should give the Indians a new lease on life. Bobby Keasler has a reputation as a winner, which is more than you can say for his new team. Northeast Louisiana has not had a winning season since moving up from Division I-AA in 1994. Keasler has an aggressive plan for the future, and an eye to the past. That should make a period of transition an efficent one. His vision of tomorrow led to the hiring of former NFL quarterback Stan Humphries as an assistant coach overseeing the quarterbacks. His view of yesterday comes from his previous tenure in Monroe, when he was an assistant on the 1987 I-AA championship. Despite the fact that NLU has posted three straight five-win campaigns, a return to the glory days of a decade ago is unlikely. If the season ends with a .500 record, you can consider it a success. OffenseExpect the Indians to resemble past Bobby Keasler teams and keep the ball on the ground. Fortunately, that theme won't be forced, as there is ample talent in the backfield. Fifth-year senior Mike Mitchell (5-8, 182) won the starting role in the spring and has the speed and quickness to carry the load. Mark Henderson, a transfer from Arkansas, will provide a contrast in running styles with his bruising technique. And Kond Allen will step in at fullback, after playing well in spurts at tailback last season. They'll operate behind a line that returns four starters, but one that managed just 86 yards rushing per game, and allowed 31½ sacks. The best player up front is Shane Pittard (6-4, 290). Pittard was forced to play center last year, but will move back to right guard. Padraic McGinnis (6-5, 291) and Harvey Goins (6-6, 277) should return to their starting tackle positions, while Roderick McDaniel (6-3, 300) will start at left guard. The passing game will be in the hands of redshirt freshman Andy Chance (6-2, 204), who won the job with his play in the spring game, but last year's starter, Andrew Vige, or JC transfer Darryl Carter could push him if his lack of experience is a hindrance. Two new receivers must be found to replace a pair that teamed up for 15 TDs last season. Tight end Chris Spencer (6-4, 269, Sr.) is the top returning target after catching 10 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Bridges, who caught just seven passes for 67 yards last season, is the top returning wideout. In his first two seasons, he has five TDs. Kevin Stevenson (5-11, 186) has the edge to claim the flanker position after having an outstanding spring.
It's a good sign if:A downfield threat emerges from an untested group of receivers There is talent on this side of the ball, but little depth.The front four will be paced by senior Jonathan Foster (6-2, 252), who had 56 tackles from his spot on the end. Foster also contributed 13 tackles for losses and seven sacks. Nose tackle Donald Malveaux (6-3, 270) is just a sophomore, but he had 34 tackles and a sack in 11 starts. JC transfers Bartholomew Butcher (6-2, 300) and Ron Phenix (6-3, 270) will battle for time at the other tackle. Senior Eric Jones (6-2, 260) is slated to get the start at the other end. With the team's move to a nickel-type package as its base defense, pressure up front will be critical. The linebackers are solid, if not spectacular. Desmond Beckwith (6-0, 226) and Otis Robinson (5-10, 203) are the starters heading into the season. Robinson, just a sophomore, had 69 tackles last year and Beckwith contributed 65 tackles and a sack. The backfield has two standouts in cornerback Pat Dennis and safety Nate Jones. Dennis intercepted seven passes and recorded 75 tackles on the way to earning third-team All-America honors last season. The other corner should be handled by Henry Whitehead. He had 42 tackles and two interceptions a year ago. Cedric Robinson should be the other safety, while Karlton Washington will attempt to hold off Nick Hall as the other corner. It's a good sign if: The Indians can manufacture a pass rush from their line.It's a bad sign if: NLU continues to allow nearly 30 points per game. Special Teams Punter John White returns after averaging 39.8 yards per kick a year ago. Justin Mink handled kickoff chores last season. This year he should also handle placekicking, although White could handle placekicking chores if needed. -- John Crowley |
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