By Jared Fields, Sports Editor
Football season kicks off next week for the Wildcats. The team has been practicing for almost a month in preparation for its first game against Central Oklahoma Sept. 3 at Shotwell Stadium.
The Wildcats return nine seniors combined on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball this year, which will provide great leadership for a team that went 5-5 last season. However, with wins against two top teams last season, this year’s group knows how to get the job done.
The Wildcat offense last year ranked 118th in the nation in total offense. Players say that first-year head coach Chris Thomsen will open up the field more, which should help the offense put up some points and climb higher in the rankings.
The quarterback position will determine much of the change as well. This year, Billy Mallone, a redshirt freshman transfer from Tulane, will make the calls for the Wildcats. Mallone had to prove himself in practice to get the job among fierce competition within the team. Although Mallone hasn’t played a down in college yet, Thomsen said he believes Mallone has what it takes to do the play calling for the team this year.
At tailback, Rashon Myles returns for his final year to carry the running responsibilities for the Wildcats. Last year Myles rushed for 865 yards with four touchdowns. Junior Craig Howard gets the nod at fullback this year. Howard came to ACU as a linebacker, but has made the switch in his time here. Even with limited experience at the position, the former linebacker should make a strong short-yardage back and blocker for Myles.
On paper, the receiving core looks inexperienced, but closer inspection reveals otherwise. Although only a sophomore, Jerale Badon led the team in receiving yards last year with 521 yards on 40 catches. Lining up on the opposite side of Badon is senior Robert Spells and redshirt freshman Jonathan Ferguson.
The offensive line will provide the protection its team needs this year. Four starters return along in addition to incoming freshman center Sam Collins from Denton Ryan High School.
Collins won two Class 4A titles at Denton Ryan in 2002 and 2003 then lost to Southlake Carroll in the playoffs when his team moved up to the 5A ranks. The four returnees, seniors Charles Mock and Josh Lively, junior Cody Savage, and sophomore Nathan Young average a height of 6’4″ and push the 300-pound mark.
Defensively, the Wildcats return two of the best players at their respective positions in the nation. Senior Clayton Farrell and junior Danieal Manning have been named to several preseason all-America teams this summer after stellar seasons last fall.
Manning will serve as one of the safeties for coach Thomsen’s defense, as well as returning kickoffs and punts. This year, Manning was named the LSC South Division Preseason Player of the Year and will lead the secondary with fellow safety, senior Jaime Bueno, senior Doug Barnett at cornerback and sophomore Corey Jordan at the other corner position.
The center of attention in Thomsen’s 3-4 defense is Farrell. After leading the LSC in tackles for loss last season, Farrell received preseason all-America recognition this year from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette.
Clayton anchors a strong defensive front with senior defensive end Mark Malunowe and junior college transfer Alonzo Wynes at nose guard.
The linebackers will be solid for the team with three starters returning from last year’s squad. Junior outside linebacker Brandon Henry was third on the team in tackles last year. Senior outside linebacker Matt Allen will also be a leader within the group. On the inside, sophomore Cody Stutts returns after starting his freshman year. Marcus Brown is the new linebacker in the group. Brown is a junior who transferred from Blinn College.
Danieal Manning will again highlight most special teams plays for the Wildcats. Manning led the nation in yards per return last year and scored two touchdowns. Senior Chase Fishback will again do the punting duties for the Cats. Fishback averaged 37.8 yards per punt, and had a long of 67 yards. Mark Trevino, a 2003 graduate of Abilene Cooper High School, will be the kicker for the team.
