THE CITADEL FOOTBALL 2006 son. Tumbleston had an excellent spring game and is much improved. Incoming freshman Cam Turner, a highly recruited prospect from Chicago, could also be in the hunt for playing time as well.
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Nuru Goodrum
The corps of wide receivers lost two key players in Kinta Palmer, the second leading receiver for the Bulldogs, and Mark Wigal at the end of the 2005 season. Returning in 2006 are lettermen Rontreal Tyler, Gary Domanski and Ta’Mar Jernigan, last year’s leading receiver. Sophomore Joshua Haney is young, up and coming with enough game experience to make a significant contribution among the wide receivers, while Travis Gentry, who had a good spring, will compete for playing time during the upcoming season.
The offensive line will be anchored by an experienced group of seniors and juniors. Returning starters include fifth-year seniors Adam Peterson, Cale Conant and Cliff Conant along with junior Chris McDowell. Peterson and Cliff Conant will remain on the right side of the line at guard and tackle, respectively. Cale Conant will make the change to left tackle to fill the void left by two-year starter Chris McDowell who will serve as the leader of the group at the center position. Redshirt sophomore Clay Muirhead will round out the front at left guard. The age and experience of the offensive line must serve as a catalyst for an offense that looks to improve on running the football and protecting the passer. Sophomore David Morbitzer, junior Brian Fletcher and senior Clay Carruth will push for playing time at guard, while redshirt freshmen Daniel DeHaven and Phillip Provence look for time at the tackle positions. Redshirt freshmen Tommy Suggs and Harrison Plunkett will fight for the backup roll to McDowell at center. Redshirt freshmen Matt Earls, Trey Lewis and David Johnson continue to improve and will help in a reserve roll. The offensive line as a whole made tremendous strides during the spring and must continue to improve in order to be the driving force behind the offense this fall. The incoming signees are filled with great promise and include some bigger, stronger athletes who will look to contribute early.
Also competing for a starting spot, making a debut appearance among the wide receivers this season, will be Marcus McKnight, a transfer from the University of Alabama. Fighting as backups among the wide receivers are Sean Bartram, Derek Moore, Melvin Davis, and Scott Flanagan, all of whom have put in a lot of hard work during the off-season.
2006 Season Preview
There will be plenty of competition at the running back position with the return of senior Nuru Goodrum, junior Montrell Lee and junior Tory Cooper. Cooper returned to the running back position for the last two games of the 2005 season and quickly proved his value, having been named the “Most Improved Player” in the spring.
Offensive Line
Tight Ends
The Citadel tight ends look forward to a promising 2006 season with the return of all of their key players from 2005. This young group showed much promise last season and will continue to grow. Among the returnees are Taylor Cornett, who had an impressive spring, and Aaron Kelly, who is an experienced player with great potential. New faces among the tight ends in 2006 are Alex Sellers and Brice Peper. Both will have an opportunity to contribute if ready.
Chris McDowell
Creating an Environment for
Success
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