2007 Outlook

2007 Walsh University Football Outlook

Walsh Head Coach Jim Dennison is in his 13th year as head coach of the Cavs and 26th overall as a head coach at the collegiate level. The Cavs were 9-3 last season, winning their first nine games and qualifying for the NAIA Playoffs for the first time. The Cavs were ranked as high as third in the nation.

2006: The First Step
Walsh took its first step toward its goal of a NAIA National Championship last season when they reached the post season. Even though their playoff defeat ended the season on a sour note, 2006 was without question the most successful season in Walsh history.

The Cavs won their first nine games of the season and were ranked as high as third, their highest ranking in school history. Walsh’s 9-0 start ranks as the tops in school history, as do their total number of wins.

The Cavs continued their tradition of playing well away from home, finishing 4-2, with their two losses coming at national runner-up University of Saint Francis (IN). The first loss snapped Walsh’s nine-game win streak, while the second came in the first round of the post season. The Cavs only loss at home came to rival Malone College, which also calls Fawcett Stadium home. The Cavs had won the last seven meetings from the rival Pioneers, before being upset 20-10.

There were numerous outstanding individual performances. Transfer right tackle Mike Galassi (6-5, 302, Sr., Strongsville, OH/Holy Name/Kent State) was named First Team NAIA AFCA All-American in his first year at Walsh. The Cavs placed nine players on the Mid-States Football Association Mideast Team, including the entire secondary. Left cornerback Rayshaun Kizer was signed by the New York Jets as a free agent, and was still with the team at press time. Kizer is primed to join Darian Tate (Carolina, ‘02) as the only Cavaliers to make a National Football League roster.

The 2006 season was a huge success for the Cavs, but only the first step. Walsh continued its tradition of never having a losing season (12 yrs.). Now they hope to continue the tradition of qualifying for the NAIA post season.

Recruiting Class, Newcomers and Needs
As always, Head Coach Jim Dennison brings in an outstanding recruiting class. His classes always deliver what is needed, whether it is size, speed, or the need to fill a certain position. The Cavs will have 42 newcomers on the 2007 roster.

“We were extremely pleased with the entire class,” stated Dennison. “One of our biggest needs was the kicking game, with the losses of Mike Lum (PK) and C.J. Novince (P). We feel that Eric Buchanan (PK, 6-3, 186, Fr., Green Cove Springs, FL/Clay) may be the best we have ever recruited while, Mark Babyak (P, 5-8, 142 Fr., Poland, OH/Cardinal Mooney) and Zach Engstrom (6-3, 166, Fr., Cambridge, OH/HS) are outstanding punters.

The Cavs have also brought in transfers Chris Stiel (OL, 6-6, 286, So., Reynoldsburg, OH/HS/Ashland) and James Williams (TE, 6-4, 257, Sr., Lehigh Acers, FL/Lehigh Sr./Florida International). Both will see action.

“Overall, we feel that we have filled our needs. But, as always, we’ll have to see them dance.”

Offense
The Cavs return eight starters on offense, but did lose key people on the offensive line. The right-side of the line took the biggest hit, with the losses of right tackle Logan Tidrick and right guard Tom Fairall (5-11, 254, Sr., Newark, OH/Licking Valley), who moved to fullback. The Cavs will also have to replace center Adam Maione. Youngsters will fill the holes on the right side, with William Call (6-4, 275, So., Miamisburg, OH/HS) getting the call at right tackle. Zach Pridemore (6-6, 244, So., Scio, OH/Carrollton, OH), who is slated to start at tight end, and transfer Chris Stiel will provide depth. Redshirt freshman Michael Seibert (6-4, 272, Poland, OH/Seminary) looks to have the edge at right guard, with Max Ramsay (6-3, 242, Sr., Dalton, OH/HS) starting at center.

The Cavs return two outstanding veterans on the left-side, All-American left tackle Mike Galassi and left guard Aaron Rich (6-3, 262, Sr., Canton, OH/GlenOak). With this duo on the left-side, opponents may see the Cavs running left more than they have in the past. Much of the Cavs success will depend on how quickly the young line develops.

The running game, the heart of the Cavs’ offense, expects to be improved with four tailbacks vying to carry the ball. Returning starters Antwain Reine’ (5-9, 195, Sr., Dayton, OH/Trotwood-Madison) and Jeff Tallman (5-9, 193, So., Canton, OH/Perry) will be heavily challenged by Clinton Blossomgame (5-11, 218, RS-Fr., Columbus, OH/Beechcroft) and Tim Cox (5-11, 199, So., Minerva, OH/HS). Reine’ gained 1,098 yards last season and averaged 4.8 yards per carry, while Tallman led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight. Blossomgame comes off an outstanding off-season and spring, while Cox lettered in a reserve role last year. The Cavs are as deep as they have ever been at tailback, and if you know Jim Dennison football, then you know that is a good thing. Also leading the way for the Cavs running game are their fullbacks, Tom Fairall and Steve Graham (6-1, 235, Sr., Akron, OH/Garfield). Fairall makes the move from right guard, while Graham returns after a solid 2006 season. Graham averaged 5.2 yards per carry and gained 150 yards, while also catching three passes. Both will see action.

Incumbent Marc Pullen (6-2, 195, Jr., Akron, OH/Ellet) returns at quarterback. Pullen became the starter in game two last year, when Sam Cerreta (6-2, 193, Sr., North Canton, OH/Hoover) suffered a punctured lung. Pullen went on to lead the Cavs to eight straight wins. His ability to throw the deep pass is a strength. Marc enjoyed a fine spring, completing 65% of his passes. The more Pullen continues to improve, the better the Cavs offense will perform. In Cerreta, the Cavs have a capable back-up who can step-in and move the offense at anytime. He is a winner.

The Cavs wide receivers are ready for a big year. On a team that runs the football a majority of the time, wide receivers can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. In Walsh’s case, if you forget they are there, you’ll get burned. Rob Lash (5-11, 190, Sr., Shelby, OH/HS) is one of the most explosive players in the NAIA. Anytime Lash touches the football, whether it is as a receiver, rusher or returner, his is a threat to go all the way. Lash led the Cavs with 35 catches last year, with four touchdowns. As Pullen matures, look for Lash’s numbers to be better. Mike McGill (6-1, 175, So., Barberton, OH/Coventry) became a starter when John Rutan (6-0, 193, So., Hartville, OH/Lake) suffered a broken leg in the second game of the season. McGill averaged 22.2 yards every catch, with one touchdown. That touchdown was a game-winner (51 yards) against Ohio Dominican on the final play of the game. McGill will be improved with a year under his belt. He and Lash give the Cavs exceptional speed on both sides. The return of Rutan will add another outstanding receiver to the mix. It appeared that Rutan and Pullen were developing chemistry when he suffered the injury at Saint Francis (IL). The Cavs receiving core is deep and can catch the ball. The tight end spot, always a key in the Cavs running game, will feature Zach Pridemore and Matt Gooch (6-3, 230, So., Canton, OH/East Canton). Pridemore lettered in a reserve role last year, while Gooch was on the other side of the ball at outside linebacker. Both have good size and speed, and will handle the position well. James Williams (6-4, 257, Sr., Lehigh Acres, FL/Lehigh Sr./Florida International) could be a positive at the tight end position.

Defense
“We expect to be a dominant run to the ball team and create turnovers with our defense,” exclaimed Dennison. “We had a good spring. The key will be how quickly we develop as a unit. Our defense will be the key in our championship drive.”

The defensive interior is solid. First Team All-Mid-States Mideast defensive end David Hardwick (6-4, 240, Sr., Kent, OH/Roosevelt) returns. Hardwick has started every game the last two years, and is one of the anchors of the defense. He was second in tackles for a loss (10.5) and third in sacks (4.5). Expect Hardwick to have a big year. Keith Anderson (6-1, 310, Jr., Toledo, OH/Scott) returns at nose. He started a majority of the games last year and recorded six tackles for a loss. Defensive tackle is the only spot that does not return a starter, but is still in great shape. Returning veteran Mark Sexton (6-2, 254, So., New Philadelphia, OH/HS) will be challenged by redshirt freshman Aaron Forte (6-4, 242, Canton, OH/South). The return of Alex Rehfus (6-3, 245, Sr., Canton, OH/McKinley) at nose should also give the Cavs a boost. Rehfus missed all of last year, after undergoing knee surgery.

Returning at outside linebacker is Dan Dale (6-3, 232, Sr., Canton, OH/South). Dale earned Second Team All-MSFA Mideast honors last year. One of the most improved players on the team, look for Dale to have a banner senior year.

He tied for the team lead in tackles for a loss (16.5), was third in tackles (92) and led the team in sacks (6.5). Taking over on the other side is Brandon Fogle (6-0, 225, Sr., Akron, OH/Buchtel). Fogle played in nine games last year, and is expected to be a force on the outside. Not to be overlooked is special teams specialist Adam Melton (5-10, 190, Sr., Wadsworth, OH/HS). Melton is making the move from the secondary and fullback. He is a hitter, and will serve the Cavs well on the outside.

The defense will have new starters at inside linebacker. Justyn Beadling (6-1, 200, So., Louisville, OH/H), Royal Porter (6-1, 206, So., Columbus, OH/Mifflin) Luke Kolic (6-4, 231, Jr., Massillon, OH/Perry) and Lou Ward (6-0, 242, Jr., East Liverpool, OH/HS) are all available. Kolic is new to the position, having moved from defensive end. Porter played in ten games last year, and is a playmaker. All run to the ball, and will be expected to continue the tradition of the Cavs having outstanding inside linebackers. Transfer Ryan Kopina (6-1, 221, Fr., Wooster, OH/HS/Ohio) will also challenge for a starting position.

The Cavs secondary, always a strength, is expected to be one again. Despite the losses of Rayshaun Kizer and Montreal Wade, the Cavs are still loaded in the secondary. Last year the secondary received the ultimate honor when all four were selected First Team All-MSFA Mideast. Eric Peavy (5-9, 167, Jr., Cleveland, OH/Warrensville Heights) will step-in for Kizer at left cornerback, with Sterling Tatum (5-8, 170, So., Cleveland, OH/Maple Heights) taking over at right corner. Mike Garden (5-9, 177, Jr., Akron, OH/Copley) and Storm Hill (5-7, 160, So., Carrollton, OH/HS) will supply depth at the corners. The final two secondary spots are filled by returning First Team All-MSFA Mideast performers Craig McConnell (5-10, 185, Sr., Massillon, OH/Washington) and Joe Phinisee (5-11, 187, Sr., Warren, OH/Harding). McConnell, who finished fourth in tackles (84), will handle strong safety. He plays the position as well as anyone in the MSFA. Phinisee, who led the team with six interceptions, returns at free safety. Joe plays center field with the best. He has a great nose for the ball and handles the deep pass extremely well. He is a playmaker. Look for Joe Copeland (5-11, 188, So., Akron, OH/North), Kyle Harrison (5-11, 193, RS-Fr., Tallmadge, OH/HS) and Mike Welce (5-8, 180, RS-Fr., Columbiana, OH/HS) to provide depth.

Special Teams/Kick Game
The Cavs special teams have always been a source of pride. These units have provided the Cavs with field position and points. Hopefully 2007 will provide much of the same.

On the return side, the Cavs have the top playmaker in the NAIA in Rob Lash. Lash averaged 27.1 yards per kick return last year, and 13.0 yards each punt return. He scored one TD on kick returns and two on punt returns. He is without question the most dangerous return man in the NAIA, and is a threat to go the distance every time he gets his hands on the ball. He is Walsh’s all-time leader in punt return yardage and is third in kick return yardage. His presence almost always assures the Cavs good field position. The kicking game will have a new look. J.C. Heighway (6-1, 189, Jr., North Canton, OH/Hoover) will handle the punting duties. Heighway has big shoes to fill in C.J. Novince, but is fully capable. There should be quite a battle for the kicking duties. Veterans Lambros Paxos (5-6, 185, Sr., North Canton, OH/HS) and David Staszak (5-10, 176, Sr., Tallmadge, OH/HS) will be challenged by Florida freshman Eric Buchanan. Buchanan brings in a big-time leg. The Cavs kicking game is in good hands.

Expectations
The expectations are to take the next step. The Cavs play in one of the toughest leagues in the NAIA (MSFA, Mideast). Saint Francis (IN) is picked to win the national championship, while Ohio Dominican and Malone are coming off great seasons. The Mideast has also added Saint Xavier from the Midwest, a playoff team last year. It will take consistent football each week in order for the Cavs to reach their goal of a championship. The Cavs have hungry veterans returning from 2006. Despite the difficult schedule, the Cavs expect to be in the hunt, from start to finish.