2010 Kalamazoo College Football Season Preview

2010 Kalamazoo College Football Preview
The 2009 Kalamazoo College football team led the nation (NCAA III) in passing offense, and the Hornets broke nearly every school record for passing and total offense. The 2010 team looks to be just as explosive, but third-year coach Jamie Zorbo is ready to see the team take the next step and turn that excitement into more victories.

“The Kalamazoo College football program has made great strides the past two years,” said Zorbo. “We have explosive players and are an exciting team to watch. We’ve had some success in the non-conference portion of our schedule, but our focus right now is on preparing ourselves to do better in the league.”

Offense
Brandon Luczak graduated as the most prolific passer in Kalamazoo College history, but Nick Jones (Jr., 6-1, 210) enters camp as the favorite to take over behind center.

“Nick Jones has some big shoes to fill,” Zorbo said. “He brings his own set of strengths to the position and will give us additional options as he runs the offense.”

Jones saw action in four games last year and completed 18-of-31 passes (58.1 percent) for 106 yards. In six games in 2008, Jones was 23-of-43 (53.5 percent) for 170 yards.

After a stellar junior season, Cory McCain (Sr., 6-1, 163) enters his senior year as the Hornets’ primary threat at receiver. McCain had 63 catches for 969 yards last season while setting a school record with 19 touchdown receptions. A 2010 D3 Senior Classic Preseason All-American, McCain ranked third in the nation in scoring last year with 12.67 points per game and 18th in the nation with 107.67 receiving yards per game.

Other players will have to fill the void left by Jimmy Semelsberger (All-MIAA First Team). Mikael Lott, Jimmy Frye, Jon Vigi and Josh Paul all return as weapons down the field. Lott (So., 5-9, 170) was third on the team with 48 catches and 484 yards last season with three touchdowns. Frye (So., 6-2, 180) had 15 catches for 152 yards. Vigi (Jr., 6-2, 220) will move between receiver and tight end while Paul will challenge for an increased roll. Aaron Rice (Jr., 5-6, 145) also returns as a threat at receiver.

With returners Dimeko Price and Ryan Klahn (formerly Cochran) in the backfield, the Hornets expect a more balanced offensive attack this season. Price (So., 5-9, 185) led the running backs with 63 carries for 237 yards last season. Klahn (So., 5-10, 180) had 13 carries for 49 yards during an injury-hampered season.

“Price and Klahn both had great off-seasons,” Zorbo said. “Both players also have the ability to step out to receiver and catch the ball so we are expecting big things from them this season.”

The offensive line graduated a force in Jared Andrzejewski (All-MIAA Second Team), but Noah Kokoszka (Sr., 6-3, 290) returns as the anchor of the front five. William Weir (Sr., 6-2, 220) will be called on to provide leadership as well, while sophomores Robert Relief (5-10, 250), Erick Helfmann (6-3, 280), Justin Peters (6-2, 275) and Justin Halcisak (6-7, 275) will challenge for starting spots.

All offensive positions have increased depth as well as a talented group of freshmen coming in who will compete for playing time.

Defense
The Hornets have an experienced defense, but Coach Zorbo is expecting improved performances from this veteran group of players.

Up front, Adam Cares and Ted Bealin return at defensive end. Cares (Jr., 6-3, 225) had 25 tackles with 2.0 sacks last season. Bealin (Sr., 6-1, 220) had 28 tackles with 2.5 sacks. Moving to defensive end this season are Jordan Brooks (So., 6-4, 220) and Jon Powers (Jr., 6-3, 220).

Brian Flahie (Sr., 5-11, 240) has the potential to have a great year on the defensive line. Flahie led the line with 40 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. Trent Judis (Jr., 6-0, 240) and Jackson Vaughn (Jr., 6-0, 255) have played considerably and should be solid contributors this season.

Despite the loss of Brandon Foutz (All-MIAA First Team) to graduation, the returning linebackers are experienced and are projected to have breakout seasons. Leading the group are juniors John Heitchue, Mike Page and Andy Herman. Heitchue (6-1, 195) led the group of returners and was second among all linebackers last season with 40 total tackles (25 solo). Page (6-3, 224) recorded 39 tackles and led the team with 5.0 sacks. Herman (6-1, 230) had 33 tackles (24 solo).

Other returning linebackers expected to challenge and contribute include sophomores Logan Pickett (5-10, 210), Matt Mills (6-1, 190) and Jason Merritt (5-11, 195).

Jake Schell (Jr., 6-0, 205) emerged as a leader in the secondary as a safety last season, finishing third on the team with 51 total tackles. Others that have played and contributed include Mike Lamrock (Jr., 5-11, 195), Ryan Rohatynski (So., 5-11, 180) and Adam Powers (Jr., 5-10, 205). Powers was fifth on the team last year with 41 total tackles.

The returning cornerbacks had a solid off-season and include Ken Jones (Sr., 5-10, 171), Nick Sweda (So., 6-0, 185), Alex Minch (So., 6-0, 175) and Brandon Casto (So., 5-11, 180). Sweda led this group with 38 tackles and two interceptions last season. Jones had 26 tackles.

As with the offense, several incoming players have the ability to challenge and compete for positions in training camp and while the season progresses.

Special Teams
Travis Braun (So., 5-11, 185) returns to handle the kicking duties this season. Braun was 5-for-7 on field goal attempts with a long of 41 yards. He was 29-of-35 on extra points and had an average kickoff distance of 53.9 yards.

Andy Herman (Jr., 6-1, 230) returns after averaging 33.4 yards per punt last season.

The kick and punt return jobs will be open for competition during camp. Dimeko Price (So., 5-9, 185) was one of the team’s top two kick returners last year, averaging 18.2 yards per return. Price, Ryan Klaun (So., 5-10, 180) and Adam Powers (Jr., 5-10, 205) are all considered top candidates for kick and punt return duties. 

Schedule
Players report to camp on August 14 and begin practicing August 15. Kalamazoo opens the season at home against Bluffton on Sept. 4 at 2 p.m.  The Hornets enter the 2010 season with 76 players on the active roster, 11 more than each of the past two seasons.

“Our numbers are up and we have more depth at every position,” said Zorbo. “We are looking forward to a competitive training camp, and are challenging every player to find a way to get better every day to help the team take the next step towards a conference championship.”