Football: Welcome

The Cardinals hope to rebound in 2004 after a disappointing 3-7 record in ’03. After a 6-4 finish in ’02, their best season in twelve years, the Cards had hoped to turn the corner in ’03 but could not overcome a combination of early season injuries and tough losses. The ’04 edition of the Cards will feature 11 returning starters (6 Off./5 Def.) and 34 returning lettermen.

The Cardinal offense will again feature a strong running game but must improve the passing game if they are to move up the ladder. The line will be anchored by returning 3rd year starters Joel Page(6’2 320 SR) and Tom Jensen(6’4 300 SR). The other spots will be filled from returners Brad Begemann(6’2 245 JR), Aaron Bach(6’1 290 JR), Neal Moffett(6’1 260 JR), Cody Burkes(6’1 290 SO), and newcomers Matt Kastner(6’1 270 JR), and Brian Hoette(6’2 280 SO). The tight end position will be manned by Brett Jones(6’2 230 JR) and Brian Lowry(6’1 260 JR), who split time last year. The Cards leading rusher from ’03 returns in LeAndre Estes(5’8 190 SO). Tailbacks Jason Agee(5’11 200 JR), Adam Lukhard(6’1 230 SR), and Ike Nwabuonwu(5’11 205 SO) also return. Starting fullback Aaron Williams(5’11 220 SR) returns after a season-ending knee injury in ’03. Josh Ellis(6’1 230 SO), Cody Hunter(5’10 220 JR), and Buddy Conway(5’8 225 JR) will also see action. The receiver positions will be manned by returners Ben Johnston(6’0 185 SR), Dwayne Woldruff(6’3 190 JR), Johnny Strada(6’0 190 JR), and newcomer Lorenzo Selectman(6’0 200 JR). The quarterback position remains the biggest question mark for the offense in 2004. Brock Pittenger(6’2 190 SO) and Sherman Wilson(6’0 190 JR) split duties in ’03 and Jeremy Simmons(5’10 195 JR) returns as well. If the Cardinal offense can solidify the QB position and avoid injuries, they could be better in 2004.

The Cardinal defense will look to improve after a sub-par season in ’03. The defensive line will be led by returning starter Aaron Bassore(6’5 265 JR), and part-time starters JR Rockenfield(6’0 275 JR), Justin Wright(6’2 290 SO), and Dacus Bowles(6’2 250 SO). Wade Smith(6’2 225 SO), Brandon Smith(6’2 260 JR), and Brandon Straube(6’0 235 JR) will also compete for starting slots. The linebacker spots are a question mark for the defense as Anthony Simone(5’11 230 SO) is the lone returner with starting experience. Look for returners Justin Holm(6’0 225 JR), Nathan Baker(5’11 210 SR), Jeff Mannon(5’10 225 SR), Bill Voorhis(5’10 200 SO),and newcomer Chris Glenn(5’10 210 JR) to compete for the other spots. The secondary will be led by returning starters Darron Jones(5’10 195 SR) and Matt Ferguson(5’9 175 JR). Look for returners Kyle VanWinkle(5’9 175 JR), Ty Hawkins(5’11 185 SO), and newcomer Loren Henry(5’11 200 SO) to compete for spots as well. The Cardinal defense will need to improve if they are to move up the conference ladder