Cavs Set to Push up the Mid-South Gridiron Ranks

August 21, 2005

After posting the most victories in four years, the University of Virginia's College at Wise is set to make a gridiron push up the Mid-South Conference standings. Head coach Bruce Wasem's Highland Cavaliers will turn to a solid core of players and welcome a large recruiting class for what should be an exciting 2006 campaign.

Cavs up for the Challenge
"We want to challenge the top ranks of the conference this year," says Wasem. "Our goal is to make the playoffs and know that will be tough with teams such as Georgetown, University of the Cumberlands and Pikeville in our league but look forward to the challenge."

The 2005 edition busted out of the gate by winning their first three games and climbing to 19th in the National Association of Intercollegaite Athletics rankings. The squad saw an overwhelmingly amount of injuries hit the roster the rest of the way along with facing three highly-ranked teams to stumble to the end of the year at 4-7.

Wheeler & Mullins Lead Charge
A dozen seniors will make up the team core of the opptimistic Cavs' coaching squad and their outlook for the year. All-American linebacker Corey Wheeler and All-Conference offensive guard Jon Mullins will lead the way for the upcoming season on each side of the ball.

Veteran Line Anchors Offense
Mullins will have two fellow senior linemen, Andy Nester and Tom VanMeter, to help anchor the offensive attack.

“We are excited about the offensive line. It will be one of the most experienced lines we have had in a long time,” said Wasem.

Nester will be surrounded at center by Mullins and VanMeter at the two guard positions.

Aggressive returning starter Henry Potter will start at one tackle for the second year. The final spot will see fierce competition between redshirt sophomore Kevin Jenkins and a host of newcomers.

Battle at the Helm
The quarterback battle should be an interesting one. Redshirt sophomore Randy Hippeard will have the inside track to start for a second year while redshirt freshman transfer and local product Brad Robbins will provide the competition.

Hippeard averaged a Cavs’ record 181.0 yds/game while connecting on 102 of 199 passes for 1,448 yards and 11 scores with six picks. Lefty Robbins transfered to UVa-Wise from Western Carolina and is a true pocket passer and can run athletically.

Morgan Provides Tailback Punch
Junior Ra’Shad Morgan will provide a solid veteran with homerun scoring-punch in the backfield. Morgan averaged 6.0 yards per carry and 747 yards on the ground with 5 td’s. He tied for second most receptions on the team with 16 for 229 yards and one score.

Antonio Terry and Chris Laws will lead a talented group of freshmen backs to provide solid depth to the position.

Seniors Dustin Thompson and Jerry Bentley and sophomore transfer Bruce McMullen provide the offense with a trio of quality fullbacks. Thompson is a hard nosed player and good special teams player while Bentley switches from linebacker.

Adams & Watson Pace Receivers
Seniors Daniel Adams and Herb Watson pace a group of emerging receivers. The group gained valuable experience with the corps rotation last year.

Adams provides a big target at 6-3 while Watson continues to improve in his second year at the position.
Sophomore Kendon Doe led the wideouts with 34 catches for 326 yards and four td’s. Kyle Allen (7 rec. for 79 yds.), a sophomore, is the other experienced returner while Matt Barbour, Keith McBride and Aric Evans add a lot of talent as true freshmen.

Tight Ends Back in Tact
Big Adam Payne will again start at the position as all three tight ends return to the team. Junior Paul Williams will again see plenty of time as the backup and Brad Slade hopes to earn time at the spot. Redshirt freshman Yusiff Thulla adds another big and improving athlete.

Damm Back for Kicking Duties
Junior Ray Damm will again handle the punting as well as the extra points and field goals for 2006. He became more consistent as 2005 progressed, hitting five of nine field goals, 23 of 30 point after tries and 36.9 punting average.

Sophomore transfer Nate Bryant will look to take some of the place kicking while Slade may handle kick-offs once again.

Wheeler Leads LB Nucleus
Wheeler and Ben Robertson will make up the heart of the Cavs defense. The duo will be key in the defense switching from the 3-5 to the 4-3 front.

Outside linebacker Wheeler earned All-America and All-Conference status after having 81 tackles, five tackles for loss and five interceptions. All-Conference middle backer Robertson led the team with 92 stops while 8.5 tfl’s and two int’s.

The other linebacker spot will be settled in the preseason with young returners Joe Bodenheimer and Scott Utterback having the early inside track.

Three Starters Return Up Front
The defensive line has great potential. The potential should be greatly helped by the three returning starters of defensive tackle Reggie Dorsainvil and ends Matt Hutchings and Jon Nacy.

Dorsainvil was having an all-conference year of 32 tackles, 8.5 tfl’s and two sacks before suffering a season-ending injury in the seventh game.

Two incoming top freshmen will look to break into the lineup for game action as part of the other defensive tackle rotation. Andrew Hutchings, younger brother to Matt, and Kasey McCambridge, a transfer from West Va. Univ., will try to win the spot.

Matt Hutchings and Nacy combined for 91 stops, 14 tfl’s and four sacks. Redshirt freshman Cody Rose and newcomer Jessee Torrents will give the end spot depth.

Ludden & Moore Bolster DB’s
Two position changes by senior Eric Ludden and junior Brandon Moore will bolster the defensive secondary Both players are switching from linebacker to free safety and cornerback.

Ludden and Moore were third and fourth in tackles last season with 73 and 59. The two combined for 9.5 tfl’s and 3.5 sacks.

Sophomore Clyde Nophlin will battle for the cornerback position opposite of Moore. Freshmen James Haley and Marvin White will battle strongly for playing time in their first seasons.

Strong safety wil have special teams player as a freshman W.L. McMullen as the front runner. Senior J.R. Wilson will add another veteran to the mix at the position.

All-League Returner
All-Conference kick returner Brandon Moore will give UVa-Wise a dangerous returner after averaging 30.2 yards per return. Running back Morgan will also see time as returner.

-Go Cavs-