July 21, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A solid nucleus of veterans and an outstanding group of newcomers will highlight the Samford University football team when it opens the 2000 season in search of its sixth-consecutive winning season. Samford head coach Pete Hurt, entering his seventh year at the helm, returns 38 letterwinners and 12 starters from last year's 7-4 team that concluded the season with a four-game winning streak. Highlighting the 1999 season was a potent rushing attack that broke six school records and featured three players with over 500 yards on the ground. As the Bulldogs enter the 2000 season with a year of its multiple-option offense under its belt, look for the offensive numbers to be even better as the Bulldogs return nine starters and contend for their first Division I-AA playoff berth since 1992. "Coming out of spring practice, I felt like we progressed with our offense," Hurt said. "Obviously, we're much further along offensively than we were a year ago in installing a new offensive system. "In spring practice, we were able to go back and revamp our offense and to add more to it, particularly in the passing game. We emphasized on spreading the ball around and complement the passing game with the option that we installed last year." Moving the football in 2000 should not be a problem as the Bulldogs return one of the best ground games in Division I-AA, led by seniors Rashad Brewer and Kadell Wright. Getting them the ball will be quarterback Josh Kellett, who accounted for over 1,500 total yards - including 762 yards on the ground - as a redshirt freshman. Kellett's main targets will be wide receivers Jon Pointer and Aryvia Holmes, both of whom possess great speed and excellent hands. Up front, a senior-laden offensive line, led by three potential All-America candidates, will protect Kellett while opening up the running game. Highlighting the offensive line will be tackle Phillip Duplantis, a 1999 first-team Division I-AA Independent selection, and guard Jim Dudley. On defense, the Bulldogs must replace eight starters, including the entire starting linebacking corps. Sophomore linebacker Matthew Forester will anchor the defense and will be supported by linebackers Jason Long and Lewis Cole. Lamar Whitaker and Brent Robinson lead a young defensive line that will feature two new starters, while senior cornerback Michael Williams returns to head the secondary.

OFFENSE QUARTERBACK With an exceptional showing as a redshirt freshman in 1999, Josh Kellett (6-1, 200, So.) looks to improve on his first season as a full-time starter. Kellett, who rushed for 762 yards and six touchdowns while throwing for 831 yards and four TDs, showed a natural ability to read defenses and make the right decision at the line. "I think he did an outstanding job as a freshman and progressed very well throughout the season," Hurt said. "He has so many intangibles that he brings to the table. He's such a competitor and has a very good knowledge of the game. Expected to backup Kellett behind center will be redshirt Thomas Brown (6-1, 190, Fr.), who made a big impression on the coaching staff with his athleticism during spring practice. Also in the quarterback mix is redshirt Adrian Horstead (5-10, 175, Fr.), who played in a similar offensive system in high school. "That's as good a one-two punch (at quarterback) that we've ever had," Hurt said. "And Adrian Horstead came on (this spring) at the No. 3 position, so I feel like we're very solid at that position."

RUNNING BACK After becoming the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,145 yards and the third back in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, Samford prepares for life without tailback Jerome Russell. But don't expect a drop-off at the tailback spot as Samford returns two outstanding runners in Rashad Brewer (5-6, 170, Sr.) and Gary Reed (5-9, 170, Jr.). Brewer, who led the Bulldogs in rushing as a walk-on freshman in 1997, is currently fifth in school history with 1,987 yards. Reed averaged over eight yards per carry last season in limited action in the backfield. "You don't replace a Jerome Russell, but we feel good about Rashad Brewer and Gary Reed (in the backfield)," Hurt said. " Fullback Kadell Wright (6-0, 210, Sr.) flourished in the Bulldogs' option attack in 1999 as he scored a team-high 13 touchdowns, despite missing the first four games recovering from foot surgery. Garrick McCarty (6-1, 210, So.) will see more playing time at fullback after playing in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 1999. At halfback, Terry Salter (5-8, 170, Sr.) averaged over five yards per carry and looks to provide leadership in the backfield.

WIDE RECEIVER Expect a solid 1-2 combo at wide receiver in 2000 as starter Jon Pointer (6-1, 182, Sr.) and Aryvia Holmes (5-9, 167, So.) return. Pointer averaged almost 15 yards per catch and is the most experienced receiver on the team. Holmes led the team with 24 receptions for 345 yards as a true freshman in 1999 and will only get better with experience. James Denson (6-2, 190, So.), recruited last season as a quarterback, and Darnell Byrd (5-9, 161, Jr.) contributed mainly on special teams last season, but both are expected to receive playing time at wide receiver in 2000.

TIGHT END Frank Walker (6-2, 229, Jr.), a solid run blocker who has seen considerable action in his first two seasons, takes over at tight end replacing two-year starter Michael Watson. Looking to add depth will be Daniel McClurkin (6-1, 225, So.), a former quarterback in high school, and redshirt Luke Gunnells (6-7, 220, Fr.).

OFFENSIVE LINE With five returning starters, including three potential All-Americans, this area could be one of the best in Division I-AA. Returning to man the left side of the line will be tackle Phillip Duplantis (6-2, 270, Sr.) and guard Jim Dudley (6-3, 290, Sr.), both three-year starters. Brandon Myhand (6-3, 295, Sr.), who brings a strong work ethic to the team, returns for his second year at center after playing his first two seasons at guard. On the right side of the line, guard John Moran (6-3, 290, Sr.) and tackle Chris Benton (6-3, 260, Sr.). "I think that we have a very good Division I-AA offensive line," Hurt said. "I think this (offensive) line is as good, or better, than any that we've had since I've been here. I feel very comfortable with them matching up week in and week out on game day." Caleb Ross (6-2, 260, Sr.) will see also see action at tackle after playing a backup role to Myhand at center in 1999. Ole Miss transfer Mike Hamilton (6-2, 270, Sr.) saw extensive playing time at guard in his first year at Samford, and will contribute at center in 2000. Andrew Gunn (6-4, 280, So.) adds versatility to the line as does the tandem of Mitch Welborn (6-6, 280, Fr.) and Jay Adkins (6-4, 290, Fr.)

DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE Lamar Whitaker (6-2, 240, Sr.) and Brent Robinson (6-2, 310, Jr.) return to lead a young defensive line. Whitaker, who tied for the team lead in sacks with six in 1999, possesses the speed and technique to be an outstanding pass rusher. Robinson fought an ankle injury during the 1999 season, but is fully recovered and expected to bolster the Bulldogs' run defense. LaMarkis Branson (5-11, 225, So.) will start at defensive end, opposite Whitaker, as he showed signs of becoming an outstanding defensive lineman as a true freshman and during spring practice. The final spot on the Bulldogs' four-man front is expected to be filled by either Ryan Buchanan (6-3, 250, Jr.) or Marcus McBride (5-11, 277, Fr.). "I like the talent level of some of the (young) guys we have on the defensive line," Hurt said. "The question is how fast will they develop?" Two veterans -- Blake Hall (6-4, 250, Jr.) and Russ Davis (6-3, 240, So.) -- will see considerable playing time at the defensive end position.

LINEBACKER The Bulldogs lost three starters at linebacker last season, including first-team I-AA All-Independent selection Fred Bishop. However, the Bulldogs are still talented with three outstanding starters and a group of versatile backups. On the outside, Jason Long (5-10, 200, Sr.) and Lewis Cole (6-0, 210, Sr.) will add speed and veteran leadership to the Bulldogs' young defense. Matthew Forester (6-2, 230, So.) will inherit Bishop's spot at middle linebacker. Forester, who recorded 57 tackles and started the final three games, has a great future for the Bulldogs. Clay Romano (6-1, 205, Jr.) will back up Forester in the middle after playing at defensive end last season. Donnte Sheffield (5-11, 200, Jr.), Britt Thames (6-1, 200, Fr.) and converted safety Blake Roberson (6-3, 215, So.) will see playing time on the outside.

SECONDARY Michael Williams (5-7, 172, Sr.) returns to his cornerback spot after posting 43 tackles and breaking up a team-high six passes. Starting opposite Williams will be Donta Garrett (5-10, 190, So.), who played in all 11 games as a redshirt freshman and earned two starts. Hard-hitting Jonathan Clark (6-3, 200, Jr.) takes over at rover after playing in 11 games and recording two interceptions last season. He will be joined by either two-sport athlete Robert Evans (5-11, 175, So.), who missed most of spring practice due to baseball, or Beau Whitson (5-10, 187, Jr.). Mitch Williams (5-7, 174, Sr.) moves to the defensive side of the ball after backing up Kellett at quarterback last year. Williams missed seven games with a broken thumb. A couple of newcomers - Will Lawler (6-2, 195, Fr.) and Russell Delk (5-10, 170, Fr.) - will push for playing time after having solid performances during the spring.

SPECIAL TEAMS KICKING The Bulldogs will depend heavily this season on the right foot of Chip Walters (5-11, 158, So.), who transferred from Tennessee in January and will handle the placekicking chores. The Bulldogs also signed four kickers during the signing period to add depth. Getting the nod at holder will be Rob Shaw (5-11, 175, Fr.) who joined the team as a walk-on last season. After a stellar performance in spring practice, walk-on John Brunson (6-4, 250, Fr.) is slated to handle the deep-snapping chores.

RETURNS Rashad Brewer, who averaged over 28 yards per kick return last season, and Gary Reed will be the primary return men for the Bulldogs in 2000. Reed will have the first shot at returning punts for Samford as he averaged 15 yards per return, including a 65-yard return for a touchdown, last season. Aryvia Holmes and Adrian Horstead will also return punts for the Bulldogs

SCHEDULE Six Thursday night games highlight the 2000 schedule, making Samford college football's version of "Must See Thursday." The Bulldogs will also play their first I-A opponent since the 1997 season when they face Big West Conference member North Texas on Oct. 5. Samford opens the season on Aug. 31, when it plays at traditional rival Chattanooga, before opening its five-game home schedule against Ohio Valley Conference member Murray State on Sept. 7. Other home dates for the Bulldogs include Tennessee-Martin (Sept. 14), Nicholls State (Sept. 30) Division I newcomer Gardner-Webb (Oct. 21) and Division I-AA Independent Charleston Southern on Nov. 4 for homecoming. Road trips to in-state rival Jacksonville State (Sept. 21), Elon (Oct. 14), Liberty (Oct. 28) and the regular-season finale at Tennessee Tech (Nov. 9) are also scheduled.