GSU, Tech players: Impact potential
Tigers, Bulldogs could break out with contributions this fall
, buddy@rustonleader.com
04-08-2009
You couldn’t blame the Grambling State University coaching staff for being tempted to do some position “shuffling” with Desmond Lenard for the 2009 season.Coach Rod Broadway and his assistants probably have given a little thought to seeing how the Monroe native would fare on offense.
Based on what he did as a defensive back and kick returner last year, Lenard would likely become an impact performer on that side of the football, too.
In the Tigers’ run to an 11-2 record, Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and national black collegiate title in 2008, Lenard was a constant pest for opposing teams.
The 5-11 and 195-pounder led the team in interceptions with six covering 98 yards, including one for a touchdown, and returned 13 kickoffs for a club-leading 25.2 average.
His 33 tackles also ranked No. 10 on a defensive unit that was the stingiest in the SWAC.
Lenard is due for even more breakout potential in 2009.
So will these nine other players from Grambling and Tech, both of whom could make some noise in their conference races:
• LANCE CASTLEBERRY, Grambling State: A transfer from the University of Texas-El Paso, the 5-9 and 175-pounder will go into his last year with the Tigers as a starting defensive back. He ranked No. 7 on the team in tackles with 45 in 2008 and also had three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
• JARED BARRON, Louisiana Tech: Made steady progress as a freshman on the Bulldogs’ Independence Bowl-winning club, seeing action in all 12 regular season games and ending with 32 tackles, including 19 unassisted. Had a season-high six tackles in three different games.
• T.J. MCCORD, Grambling State: Another defensive back who will be going into his senior campaign and set for what could potentially be an All-SWAC performance. He shared second place for most interceptions on the squad with five and had the most aerial pickoffs returned for touchdowns (two). The 6-1 and 185-pounder was the Tigers’ fourth leading tackler with 52.
• DEON YOUNG, Louisiana Tech: While All-American prospect Antonio Baker earns much of the spotlight out of the Bulldogs’ secondary, Young may be on verge of reaping his fair share of honors. The 5-11 and 202-pounder has been having a solid spring after starting at strong safety last year and finishing with 52 tackles, four pass breakups and three interceptions.
•KIARE THOMPSON, Grambling State: Receiving or returning, the 6-foot and 185-pound junior is one of the top two-way threats in the SWAC. His 446 yards was the highest punt return total on the Tigers, plus he was the team’s second leading receiver with 25 catches for 310 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns.
• CUDAHY HARMON, Louisiana Tech: Potential-wise, the 6-8 and 335-pounder from Tyler, Texas, might be the next all-star offensive lineman for the Bulldogs. One of four underclassmen who started in the interior last year, Harmon played a key role in helping running back Daniel Porter become the eighth player in school history to reach 1,000 yards rushing. His protection skills also played a role in Tech totaling 2,340 rushing yards
in the regular season.
• KENNETH BATISTE, Grambling State: Yet another double-dealing threat for the Tigers. The 5-9 and 175-pounder will go into his junior season as a key component of the team’s offensive and special team plans. The Lafayette native was the No. 3 receiver on the team in 2008 with 24 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns and is also due for more playing time in the punt return department.
• TERRY CARTER, Louisiana Tech: The former West Monroe High School has a bright future with the Bulldogs. As a freshman, he played in all 12 regular season games and made four starts at cornerback. An All-State trackster as a prepster and one of the fastest players in the WAC totaled 27 tackles, broke up three passes and made two interceptions in his college debut.
• BRUNA FOSTER, Grambling State: If it isn’t enough for Lenard and McCord to provide misery for opposing offenses, the Tigers can also offer Foster as part of its talented secondary. The 6-3 and 195-pounder started as a sophomore last year and responded with four pass interceptions for 150 yards and a touchdown.
• MASON HITT, Louisiana Tech: After playing in 10 games as a defensive lineman and special teammer as a freshman, the 6-2 and 255-pounder made 11 starts as a defensive tackle last year. He saw action in a dozen games and ended with 33 tackles, including six against Nevada. He was named as Tech’s top defensive player in an ESPN nationally-televised game against league champ Boise State.
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