Laying a foundation

Citadel football is 'on schedule' in Higgins' third year

For all the construction going on at The Citadel — the fast-rising pressbox at Johnson Hagood Stadium, the shiny green practice turf at Willson Field, the new learning center at Seignious Hall — the most important work took place at 5:45 a.m. on humid summer mornings.

That's when Citadel football players ("every single scholarship player," says coach Kevin Higgins) reported to the Bulldogs' weight room for exhausting summer workouts.

For Higgins, starting his third year at The Citadel, the players' embrace of those early morning conditioning sessions are the surest sign — more than wins and losses or preseason polls — that his own personal building program is taking hold.

"I think we're on schedule," said Higgins, who took his team from four wins and a 2-5 Southern Conference record in 2005 to five victories and a 4-3 league mark last year. "And I've never really thought about the number of wins. To me, you want to keep showing progress. I want to know our players are working hard in the off-season to get bigger, stronger and faster.

"And when every single scholarship player is working out at 5:45 every morning, the wins and losses will take care of themselves. And our guys are doing that."

After the three-coaches-in-three-years turmoil of the 2003-05 seasons, the stability of Higgins' tenure is paying off in increased expectations for the program, and in a higher level of confidence among the players. Not only is Higgins back, but also are offensive coordinator Dave Cecchini, defensive coordinator Isaac Collins and the top-five position coaches.

"Finally, we feel like all the changing is over," said senior free safety Josh Lawson. "The players feel like we have a guy who is in here and will lay a good foundation for us, for years to come. And that's great for team morale and confidence. It's just a feeling that this coaching staff has something invested in this program and they are going to stay for a while."

Said Higgins, "We said from day one that our goal was not to come here and put in a quick fix and leave after one or two years. Our goal is to be here and build a program, and that's what we are trying to do. We still have a lot of holes in our program that it will take three or four recruiting classes to fill. We need a lot more depth, a lot more skill players to compete in this league.

"But we are making progress. How that translates on the field — well, that's why we play the games."

Keys on offense

With talented senior quarterback Duran Lawson ready for his third year in Higgins' spread-option offense, the Bulldogs are poised to improve on last year's 24 points and 354.1 yards per game. Lawson completed 62.5 percent of his passes (best among SoCon starters) last year for 2,138 yards and 14 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.

Those numbers should be even better this year, with experienced playmakers such as running back Tory Cooper, wideouts Andre Roberts and Ta'Mar Jernigan and tight end Taylor Cornett back. Cooper, a senior, finished last season at a gallop, averaging 122.2 yards over the final five games. Roberts and Jernigan combined for 58 catches last year, with Roberts accounting for five touchdowns as a freshman.

Higgins' son, ex-Florida Gator Tim, will man the slot along with Josh Haney. Freshman Alex Sellars (6-5, 215) and senior Aaron Kelly (6-3, 254) combine with Cornett (6-2, 238) for an imposing trio at the P-receiver.

The key lies in the development of the offensive line, led by preseason all-SoCon pick Chris McDowell at center. Tackles Daniel Dehaven and David Morbitzer improved as the 2006 season went on, and left guard Clay Muirhead started 11 games. Right guard has been the chief concern during fall practice, with senior Brian Fletcher and freshman Cory Pope battling for that spot.

Keys on defense

Eight starters return from a unit that allowed 28.5 points and 359.7 yards per game last year, but there are questions at linebacker and in the secondary that must be answered.

With senior linebackers Chris Murray and Raleigh Jackson gone, new names are on either side of senior middle linebacker Andrew Rowell, a preseason all-SoCon pick. Senior Kendrick Lyles has moved up from safety to fill the "Bulldog" spot, and converted running back Reggie Rice (6-0, 205) impressed in fall drills. Look for true freshman Tyquan Mickens to make an impact.

In the secondary, the suspension of junior strong safety Jonathan Vest puts pressure on junior Dwight House and opens opportunity for freshmen Demetrius Jackson and Mel Capers. Cornerbacks Shaquill Smith and Tillman Millhouse are talented, but only sophomores. Senior free safety Josh Lawson will have to pull this group together while keeping up his production (95 tackles last year).

The defensive line looks deep and talented, even with the uncertain status of tackle Jacob Bryant, who injured his knee in the spring. Senior Trevar Broughton and sophomore Dewitt Jones at the ends and Terrence Reese and Kevin McCaskill at tackle are solid veterans, and there is depth in Charles Evans, Charles Major and Erik Clanton.

Special teams

Senior Mike Adams takes over for solid kicker Blake Vandiver (10 of 16 on field goals), with freshmen Sam Keeler and Jordan Panter pushing him. Junior punter Mark Kaspar was fifth in the league at 39.3 yards per punt. The Bulldogs will need to juice up their return game (last in the SoCon in kickoff returns, sixth in punt returns).

Schedule

The Citadel faces only one Division I-A foe (Wisconsin) after playing two for each of the last three years. Webber International, a Division II squad, fills that hole with a likely win, and the Bulldogs' toughest SoCon games (Wofford, Furman and Appalachian State) are at home.

Reach Jeff Hartsell at jhartsell@postandcourier.com.