2008 Woodie Awards
Bearkats prepare for exciting season behind Whitten, Bomar
David Hartnett
Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: Sports
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With the beginning of each year, most students are getting reacquainted with the habitual cycle of classes, studying, eating and sleeping. However, the fall semester also allows many students to get reacquainted with something equally important - college football.
In his second year, head coach Todd Whitten saw Sam Houston State have a drastic turnaround as the Bearkats improved their record from 3-7 to 6-5. With former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar leading the offense, some talented transfer recruits, and a more experienced coaching staff, it's understandable for some to feel this team has a legit shot at a conference title, last won in 2004.
"Offensively, I think we're going to be strong up front," Whitten said. "We've got a strong offensive line, and I think we have a good group of running backs. The question mark will be at wide receiver. We have a bunch of new guys and it all depends on how well they develop."
Part of the success in 2006, can be attributed to last year's Southland Conference "Offensive Player of the Year" D.D. Terry. The former Bearkat and current Jacksonville Jaguar rushed for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in only his first year at running back.
"D.D. [Terry] was a great player, but he is no longer here, so now it's going to be different," Bomar said. "We're going to do some zone-read and put more pressure on defenses."
In to fill the large, vacated shoes of Terry is running back Chris Poullard. Sophomore Poullard, who in 2006 rushed 15 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, will be called on to do more in his second year.
"Anytime you lose a 1,200 yard rusher it's difficult to fill," Whitten said. "This year we won't rely so heavily on one back. There will be a lot more involvement by a couple more backs."
Bomar's targets in the offensive scheme will be new wide receiver Trey Payne, from Baylor, and Catron Houston, who in 2006 had 12 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown for the Bearkats. Bomar's best offensive option may be in last season's first-team all Southland conference tight end Blake Martin. Martin, who had 39 receptions for 481 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions, has a strong chance to live up to all the preseason hype that himself and offensive tackle Brandon Hale have garnered. Both were named to preseason Southland conference and All-American teams.
In his second year, head coach Todd Whitten saw Sam Houston State have a drastic turnaround as the Bearkats improved their record from 3-7 to 6-5. With former Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar leading the offense, some talented transfer recruits, and a more experienced coaching staff, it's understandable for some to feel this team has a legit shot at a conference title, last won in 2004.
"Offensively, I think we're going to be strong up front," Whitten said. "We've got a strong offensive line, and I think we have a good group of running backs. The question mark will be at wide receiver. We have a bunch of new guys and it all depends on how well they develop."
Part of the success in 2006, can be attributed to last year's Southland Conference "Offensive Player of the Year" D.D. Terry. The former Bearkat and current Jacksonville Jaguar rushed for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in only his first year at running back.
"D.D. [Terry] was a great player, but he is no longer here, so now it's going to be different," Bomar said. "We're going to do some zone-read and put more pressure on defenses."
In to fill the large, vacated shoes of Terry is running back Chris Poullard. Sophomore Poullard, who in 2006 rushed 15 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, will be called on to do more in his second year.
"Anytime you lose a 1,200 yard rusher it's difficult to fill," Whitten said. "This year we won't rely so heavily on one back. There will be a lot more involvement by a couple more backs."
Bomar's targets in the offensive scheme will be new wide receiver Trey Payne, from Baylor, and Catron Houston, who in 2006 had 12 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown for the Bearkats. Bomar's best offensive option may be in last season's first-team all Southland conference tight end Blake Martin. Martin, who had 39 receptions for 481 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions, has a strong chance to live up to all the preseason hype that himself and offensive tackle Brandon Hale have garnered. Both were named to preseason Southland conference and All-American teams.
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