Need Help:
Running back - There is good potential here, but not much experience. Losing Joseph Banyard (to UTEP) means that Terrence Griffin is the leading returning rusher (121 yds and 2 TDs).
Defensive Line - With the departures of Ron Green and Kyle Wilson, the Greyhounds will be very green on the defensive line. Nick Adams and Patrick McGrath are the leading returnees, and they combined for 14 tackles last year.
Offensive Line - Four starters return, but ENMU averaged just 1.1 yd per carry, and allowed 52 sacks. Another year of experience may yield needed improvements - 3 of the starters were sophs.
Need Depth:
Defensive Secondary - three starters return, but there's not a great deal of experience after that. Mark Patterson, Tillman Stevens, and Reggie Butler combined for 189 tackles, 5 Ints and 12 passes broken up.
Good Quality/Depth:
Quarterback - JJ Harp threw for 1,850 yds and 14 TDs as a true freshman. Cory Baker will just be a junior, and Travis Chrisman a redshirt freshman.
Wide Receiver - The Greyhounds have a lot of receivers set to come back, led by Darian Dale, Jesse Poku and Matt Handler (combined 153 catches for 1,634 yds and 15 TDs). Several other youngsters received valuable playing experience as well.
Linebackers - Nathan Uland and Texavier Henry receiver honorable mention LSC South honors last year, and are joined by returnees Derek Dimitroff, Devin Sweet, Jason Fidge, and Edward Zamora (combined for 308 tackles with 28.5 for losses.
The Greyhounds continue to restock their roster with players more suited to the changes they implemented last offseason. On offense they players to keep an eye on are Cody Blocker (QB from Del Norte HS), Troy Harris (RB from Rio Rancho HS) and Chance Robledo (OL from NMMI). Defensively, the secondary will be bolstered by Rodney Mitchell (NMMI) and Keith Davis (Houston Westside HS). Bracy McCoy (DL from Brazosport HS), Ian Ogando (LaPorte HS) and Carlo LiRosi (LB from Rio Rancho HS) are two more high schoolers to watch for. Some NMMI transfers that could help right away are Wes Byrd, Erett Grubbs, Matt Kalish (all on the defensive line), Diante Farley and Jay Johnson (defensive backs).
LSC Ranking - 10
Overall Grade C+
Coach Ribaudo is committed to building the Greyhounds primarily through high school recruits, while adding addressing some immediate needs with 8 transfers from NMMI. This may pay off down the road, but 2009 will probably be another long season for a young team.
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