2014 Team Previews: Incarnate Word

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STORYLINES
• The Cardinals first year playing a full FCS schedule is very tough with four games against 2013 playoff teams, including a trip to three-time defending champion North Dakota State.
 
• The Cardinals have a wealth of options at running back with Junior Sessions (536 yards, 5 TDs), Broderick Reeves (616 yards, 11 TDs), John Oglesby (254 yards, 2 TDs) and Joseph Sadler (197 yards in 2012) all available, but it could be tough to juggle all of them.
 
• Senior Casey Jennings had an outstanding season at wide receiver in 2013 with a school record 54 catches for 738 yards and five touchdowns, but needs help.  Junior college transfer Stefon Martin is a burner while Clint Killough was second on the team in 2013 with 19 catches for 291 yards.
 
• The Cardinals lost three defensive linemen and a linebacker to graduation.  They could have a tough time generating the pass rush they will need to be successful.
 
• Sophomore QB Trent Brittain broke school records for completions (178), attempts (325) and yards (1893) in 2013, but will need to continue to develop for the Cardinals to have a good season.
 
OFFENSE
• The Cardinals return nine starters from last year’s group that set school records for passing yards, rushing yards and total offense.
 
• Sophomore QB Trent Brittain set school records for completions (178), pass attempts (325), touchdowns (11) and yards (1,893) as a red-shirt freshman.
 
• Junior Sessions and Broderick Reeves each rushed for over 500 yards and 5.0 yards per carry as true freshmen in 2013.
 
• Senior Casey Jennings set school records with 54 receptions for 738 yards in 2013.
 
DEFENSE
• The Cardinals graduated four players who were all three or four-year starters on defense.
 
• Cornerbacks Kobie Douglas and Daryl Irby are both strong man-to-man defenders.
 
• The defensive line is very young, but needs some playmakers to step forward this year.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
• Jake Wilcox has been the team’s regular place kicker each of the past two years, but will face a challenge from incoming freshman Ramon Coto, Jr. who will also serve as the team’s punter.
 
• Sophomore Chase Ragusa returns after leading the team with 22.7 yards per kick return and set a school record with 13 punt returns.
 
• The team has been outstanding in kick coverage allowing 2.8 yards per punt return and 19.2 yards per kick return in 2013.

 

 

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