July 1, 2004

2004 Season Preview

            With 40 letterwinners and 16 starters returning in 2004, the Nebraska-Kearney football team looks to bounce back from a 5-5 record in 2003.

            The .500 record snapped the Lopers streak of four straight years of at least seven wins. UNK was close to extending the streak as four of the losses came by eight points or less. 

            Head coach Darrell Morris, who has a 29-12 record in his four-year tenure, has a veteran team this fall as the roster features 43 upperclassmen. That includes 17 seniors, a bigger class than the six seniors on the squad last fall.

            UNK has six players who’ve earned All-RMAC recognition, including the last two RMAC Offensive Players of the Year in senior running back Mike Miller and junior wideout Richie Ross.

            If the Lopers can adjust to some slight changes on both sides of the ball, and stay injury free like they did in the playoff run of 2002, the team should again find itself in the thick of the RMAC race.

Offense

            Eight starters return from a unit that averaged a school-record 506.2 yards per game while putting up 36.1 points every Saturday. New offensive coordinator Russ Martin will bring a few new wrinkles to the Lopers’ high powered offense but no one should expect any drastic changes.

            “I expect our offense to be prolific, scoring a lot of points, moving the football up and down the field and controlling the tempo of the game,” Morris said. “We’re not changing our philosophy. We’re still a one back team that tries to be balanced. We’re going to run the ball on people that try and stop our passing game and vice versa.”

            Morris also hopes the team can punch the ball across the goal line a few more times when in the redzone. While UNK scored 46 TD’s last year, the Lopers also attempted 23 field goals, the second most the RMAC. Ten of those came between 20 and 29 yards.

Quarterback

            Few schools in the country have had as many prolific signal callers as UNK has had over the last decade. From Justin Coleman to Mike Muma to the starter the past two years, Pat Korth, the Lopers have been blessed with some of the best QB’s in Division II. Proof comes in the fact a UNK QB has been on the All-RMAC team seven straight years.

            Morris hopes that trend continues in 2004 but he first has to get his current QB’s on the field. UNK had only one healthy QB in the spring and that player, junior Casey Samuelson, missed all last year with a torn rotator cuff.

            “The offense starts with a trigger man and we need to find someone that can run our offense and do some of the things our QB’s have done in the past, “Morris said. “ That is one of the positions we didn’t figure out in the spring. The job is wide open and we’ll just have to wait and see what everyone brings to the table.”
            Gretna junior Marcus Goldenstein, the backup to Korth the past two years, has the most experience of any QB on the roster but he missed all spring and part of the summer with a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. It’s expected the Goldenstein will begin throwing in July and he could be 100 percent by fall camp.

            Like Goldenstein, Samuelson will be in his fourth year at UNK. He was third string in 2002 and then missed all of last year with injury. The Grand Island native took nearly every snap during spring ball.

            Transfers Kevin Arbuckle (Los Angeles Valley College) and Eric Perry (Iowa State), along with North Platte freshman Derek Enderle are the other QB’s on the roster.

Running Back

            Once again, Mike Miller will lead the Lopers backfield. The senior from Colorado became the schools all-time leading rusher last year and will crack 5,000 career yards with another 1,000-yard campaign.

             While he missed one game last year due to injury, Miller was still one of the premier backs in the RMAC, averaging 126.3 yards per game and scoring eight TD’s. He also caught 14 balls for 196 yards.

            “Mike just has to do what he has done in the past; take good care of the ball, be durable and get stronger as the game goes along,” Morris said.

            Junior Steve Bremmer, also from Colorado, is more than a capable backup to Miller. Replacing an injured Miller in the lineup at New Mexico Highlands, Bremmer ran 24 times for 119 yards and three scores. He finished the year with five TD’s and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. 

            Sophomore Kevin Partch showed explosiveness last year (8.5 yards per carry) while junior Todd Mader serves as the team’s fullback when the team uses a two back set. He also had UNK’s longest run from scrimmage last year, a 74-yard gallop for a score at Highlands.

            A slew of redshirt freshman, including Jake Richards and Steven Rakett, provide depth.

Wide Receivers

            UNK’s starting trio of seniors Garth Mins and Darnell Wood and junior Richie Ross may just be the best receiving corps in the nation. The trio has combined for 295 catches, 5,442 yards and 39 TD’s in their careers.

            “We have the three best wide receivers in the league,” Morris said.

            Ross, the 2003 RMAC Offensive Player of the Year, had one of the finest seasons ever by a Division II receiver. His yardage total of 1,482 was the 17th highest in Division II history with his 75 catches and 11 TD’s ranking among the best UNK efforts for a single season.

            With Korth as the QB, Ross racked up 131 catches for 2,624 yards and 21 TD’s over the last two years.

            One of the fastest players in school history, the rugged Mins had 50 catches for 886 yards and six TD’s last year. His career number are among the most prolific in Lope lore (101 catches, 1,805 yards, 11 TD’s) and he is more than capable of carrying the UNK passing game if need be.

            Mins had 12 catches for 226 yards and two TD’s in the Lopers win over Wayne State and then had 10 receptions for 186 yards and one score vs. Chadron State.

            “If Richie is going to be the focal point for a defense, Garth and Darnell will flat out eat them alive,” Morris said.

            Wood ranked third on the team in catches (30) and yards (418) while scoring four times. Joinging Ross and Mins in the 1,000-yard club in the season finale vs. Mesa State, Wood currently has 63 catches for 1,013 yards and seven TD’s in his career. 

            Senior Dustin Schmeits and junior Kyle Rupp, a former QB, saw extensive action last year and combined for 11 catches for 109 yards. Drew Jorgensen and Tyler McNitt are two of the talent young receivers.

Offensive Line/Tight End

            The Lopers return four starters along the offensive line but there are two huge holes to fill. Three-year starters Ryan Bachman (left tackle) and Joel Jacobs (tight end) were not only two of the anchors of a talented line the past few seasons but also good enough to make it into NFL training camps this spring.

            Finding leaders among the returnees is key for this unit’s success in 2004.

            “We need some leadership here and a guy like Kurt Nielsen can pick up some of the slack,” Morris said. “Being a four-year starter, which doesn’t happen around here very often, Kurt has definitely has earned his stripes.”

            One of the strongest players in school history, Nielsen has been at right guard the past three seasons. Next to him at right tackle will be sophomore James Poynter, who should be a three-year starter. The Plainview native earned honorable mention All-RMAC honors last fall as a first-year starter.

            Junior Asa Poole and sophomore Nick Trampe return at center with both also being able to play either guard position. Senior Justin Weller is back at left guard with fellow senior Bryan Kula, a two-year letterwinner, being one of the Lopers more versatile lineman as he can play virtually every position.

            Morris has even more options at guard as junior college transfer Jason Froese came aboard in the spring and juniors Brad Bohn and Mike Strong moved over from the defensive side of the ball.

            Sophomores Paul Dutmer (6-4, 270 lbs.) and Ryan Martin (6-6, 280 lbs.), two of the biggest players on the team, will battle to replace Bachman at left tackle. Each has seen game action in their careers but the injury bug has also hampered both. 

            “This should be a nice battle for playing time. Both are big enough, strong enough and have been around the program a while. We really feel good about that position,” Morris said.

            Senior Todd Guenther, who played defensive end the past two years, returns to offense to replace Jacobs at tight end. He lettered at the position as a redshirt freshman in 2001. 

            “Todd is a big, rangy guy that catches the ball well and is fairly athletic. He also can run with it after he makes a catch,” Morris said.

            McNitt and Mader look to handle backup duties here while also playing some H-back.

Defense

            During its playoff-year, UNK’s defense allowed just 18.7 points and 294.1 yards per game. In 2003, the numbers jumped -- 28.0 points and 396.2 yards -- as the unit dealt with inexperience and a line that was destroyed by injury.

            With 20 returning letterwinners, including five starters, the unit is more experienced this year. And a new, simpler game plan had the Loper defenders dominating spring ball.

            “To be a winning football team, we need a strong and consistent defense. We hope that some of the experience the players got last year will only make them better this year,” Morris said. “I think we are now tailoring our defense to the talent we have and the players seemed to be taking to the simplified schemes.”

Interior Line

            It was almost a certainty that if you played defensive line for UNK in 2003, you would be hurt. The Lopers still lack a lot of experience here but hope to have the injury bug figured out.

            Junior Danny Ostransky, who missed all of 2002 with a leg injury and then played all of 2003 on a bad knee, will anchor the interior line. The Gretna native began his career as a defensive end and switched inside last fall. His 37 tackles last year ranked sixth on the team.

            “Danny is big, strong and had a great spring for us. With a year under his belt at the position, we hope he will perform at an even higher level this year,” Morris said.

            Hastings sophomore Trent Georgiana, thrown into the fire earlier than expected due to all the injuries, had a productive first year. However, his season was cut short due to a knee injury and then he sustained some off-season injuries as well. It’s hoped he’ll be ready to go come fall camp.

            Holdrege redshirt freshman Eric Ide is expected to make an immediate impact along the front line.

            “We have high hopes for Eric and while Trent is coming off some extensive injuries, he should be able to help us some too,” Morris said.

            Veteran Eric Sorenson adds depth. He spent last year in Iraq and Kuwait as a member of the National Guard.

Ends

            Wakefield senior Ross Gardner was having a breakthrough season before injury forced him to miss the final three games. A team co-captain in 2004, Gardner had 26 tackles, including nine for lost yardage, in seven games last fall.

            “Ross is a very tough and capable player. We just have to keep him on the field,” Morris said.

            Sophomore Tim McGeorge and redshirt freshman Zach Cerise are players who should see significant time at this position as well. 

            Another first year player thrown into the mix earlier than expected, McGeorge held his own, making 22 tackles in a reserve role.

            “We’re pleased with the way Tim played last fall and in the spring. We really feel good about him,” Morris said. “Zach is a tenacious defender who has a great motor.”
            Junior Shane Killion and redshirt freshmen Trevor Vortruba and Julio DeLeon are others to watch. 

Inside Linebackers

            UNK’s has plenty of experience and depth at the inside backing positions as fifth year seniors Akil Davis and Jered Butts started all 10 games last year. The duo has combined to make 254 tackles in their Loper careers.

            In addition, Davis is a two-year team captain while Butts earned honorable mention All-RMAC honors in 2003.

            Also, NW Missouri State transfer Ryan Bowers was impressive in the spring and will push for playing time.

            “We tried to recruit Ryan out of high school. He will come down the hill and knock your block off,” Morris said.

            Junior Chris Delimont lettered last fall here after transferring in from a junior college while junior Bryan Caha has seen game action the last two years.

Outside Linebackers

            Starters Jesse Calabretto and Ryan Krueger have departed but there is plenty of familiar faces to replace them.

            Juniors Brad Pesicka and Jared Goodwin are in their fourth years in the program and ready to become full-time players. Pesicka lettered as a reserve last fall while Goodwin took a redshirt season after lettering in 2001 and 2002. 

            “It’s Brad’s time. He’s been in the program long enough, is athletic and can put a good hit out on you,” Morris said. “We’ve known for a long time Jared is a good player. We could’ve used him last year but we wanted him to catch up to his class.”

            Also earning letters in reserve roles last year were senior Brett Kjar, playing inside backer, and junior Ryan Cavenee. Redshirt freshman Nick Oberle and Dutch Smith could also figure in here too.

Cornerbacks

            UNK had a host of new corners in 2003 and they all return, led by starters Deano Korecky and Clay Mankin. The two combined to make 61 tackles and intercept four balls last year.

            Seniors Burton Bosanand Jeff Moody, along with juniors Byrone Bell and Nate Hotovy, make this position one of the deepest on the team. This foursome made 52 tackles and had two interceptions in 2003.

            “We have a lot of experience at corner and they all have confidence and run well,” Morris said.

Free Safety

            Like last year, this should be one of the deepest positions on the team. While starter Sean Haines has to be replaced, UNK welcomes the return of sophomore Yly Rock, who missed most of last year with injury.

            Junior Tim Baack and sophomore Paul Jimenez earned letters here last year while junior James Rosenbaum, who racked up 55 tackles as a true freshman starter in 2001, returns to UNK after two years at UNL.

            “Yly is a very good player that we’re glad to have back on the field. He is the athletic cover guy while Paul will knock you into next week. Tim and James are both great athletes that could play corner,” Morris said.

Special Teams

            For the next three years, hopefully, UNK will have the best kicker and punter in the league. As first year starters, sophomore Dustin Bohl and Jessup Pfeifer were among the RMAC’s best, Bohl averaging 40.4 yards a boot while Pefier scoring 85 points.

            “As long as those guys stay healthy, we should be pretty good at the kicking position the next few years,” Morris said. “Jessup was basically second on the league in every category and Dustin punted the ball very well. Now, they both need to get stronger, be more accurate and be more consistent.”

            Bohl had seven punts land inside the 20-yard line last year with his season average ranking fifth in Loper lore. Meanwhile, Pfeiffer made 78 percent of his field goals, including a 9 of 10 effort from inside 30 yards.

            UNK has good depth at the deep snapper position where Bohn, Ostransky and Strong have each held the job over the past few seasons. A new holder, however, may have to be found if Goldenstein is the starter at QB.

            “I don’t want the other team to get a free shot at my starting QB,” Morris said.

            Sam Calabretto, due to injuries, must be replaced as punter return while a complement must be found for Mins at kick return.

            Mins has some gaudy career return numbers – 42 kick returns for 1,168 yards and two TD’s – but teams, surprise, began booting the ball away from him last year.

            “Sam is a loss and that job is still up in the air. It will come down to the guy that drops the fewest number of punts and doesn’t allow the ball to go over his head and then roll 20 yards,” Morris aid. “At kick return, we need to find someone that has the right chemistry with Garth.”

            Redshirt freshman Russell Trujillo was possibly slated for the job but a knee injury sustained in the spring will keep him on the sidelines in 2004. He was the only serious injury the Lopers suffered in the spring.

            One area that UNK must improve is on the kick coverage team where the opposition often found itself near midfield to start its drives.

            “We were the worst kick coverage team in the country last year and lost two games (Western State and Fort Hays State) because of it. We have to get better in that area, “ Morris said. “We’ve made some adjustments to counter the man returns we see in the RMAC. It’s also about finding the right chemistry and the right group of guys.”

Schedule

            For the first time since 1998, UNK has a third non-conference game. The Lopers will travel to Northern State on September 11th after taking on tradition rivals Nebraska-Omaha and Wayne State in the first two weeks of the season.

            The Lopers have won the last five matchups with NSU while also winning in its last trip to UNO, 35-17 in 2002. Finally, UNK has won 54 of the 76 all-time matchups with Wayne, including the last six contests.

            In the RMAC, UNK will play at league favorites Chadron State and Mesa State.