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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 10, 2015

T H E A P PA L A C H I A N O N L I N E . C O M

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04 OFFENSE

11 DEFENSE

14 KEY PLAYERS INSIDE 2 HUDDLE THE

26 GAME DAY

The Appalachian

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E DI TOR-I N-CHI EF MALI K RAHI LI MA N AGI NG EDI TOR ANDREW CLAUSEN VISUA L MANAGI NG EDI TOR JUSTI N PERRY N E WS EDI TOR CARL BLANKENSHI P A& E EDI TOR KELSEY HAMM O P INI ON EDI TOR LAUREN BURROWS C HIE F COPY EDI TOR CHARLOTTE WRAY SPORTS EDI TOR CHRI S WARNER G R A P HI CS EDI TOR SAMANTHA CORDI ALI N I PHOTO EDI TOR ALEX GATES VIDEO EDI TOR JENNI FER RHODES

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ALLI SON BENNETT DYCHE 3

OFFENSE

Chris Deverell Sophomore quarterback Taylor Lamb looks to pass the ball during the Sept. 5 season opener against Howard.

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The Quarterback

#11 Taylor Lamb (So.) â€“ After taking over as the starting quarterback two games into the season in 2014, Lamb won Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and was the first Appalachian freshman to play the majority of a season at quarterback since 2006 (Armanti Edwards). Lamb threw for 2,381 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in his freshman season, and led the Sun Belt Conference with a 142.1 passing efficiency rating.

OFFENSE

Chris Deverell

The Tight End

#85 Barrett Burns (Jr.) â€“ Burns is known as one of the more reliable receiving targets on the team with a big 6-foot-4-inch frame and great hands. After appearing in 12 games (eight starts), Burns caught 14 passes for 129 yards last season. Nine of his 14 catches resulted in first downs, and two resulted in touchdowns.

Junior tight end Barrett Burns crosses into the end zone to score against Howard during the first home game of the 2015-16 season on Sept 5.

OFFENSE

The Running Backs Justin Perry Sophomore running back Terrence Upshaw charges down the field away from the Michigan State defense during last year’s game against the Michigan Wolverines. INSIDE 6 HUDDLE THE

#14 Marcus Cox (Jr.) - Cox is known as a “do-it-all” kind of running back. After gaining national attention over the course of this offseason, he leads the charge for a strong group of Appalachian State tailbacks. Heading into his junior season he is already eighth all-time in rushing yards at Appalachian (2,665) and is well on pace to break many rushing records at the school. Last season Cox was 22nd in the nation in rushing yards (1,415) and led the Sun Belt in rushing touchdowns and scoring. His 1,415 rushing yards last season is the sixth highest rushing total in Appalachian State school history, having eight 100-yard games. #20 Terrence Upshaw (So.) - Known as the power running back with his 210-pound frame, the redshirt sophomore played in 11 games last season, accumulating an impressive 573 yards and averaging a solid 5.1 yards per carry, while being the second ranked rusher on the team. Coming off of surgery in the offseason, Upshaw missed spring practice, but is expected to be healthy and contribute this season.

For an in-depth look at standout running back Marcus Cox, check out TheAppalachianOnline.com 7

OFFENSE

Justin Perry Senior wide receiver Simms McElfresh and Malachi Jones celebrate after a successful play during last year’s game against the Michigan Wolverines. INSIDE 8 HUDDLE THE

The Wide Receivers

#7 Malachi Jones (Sr.) – Known for his consistency and security, Jones leads the receiving corps of the team. Jones led Appalachian in receiving yards (585) and was second on the team in receptions (36), while averaging 16.2 yards per reception last season. He needs only 33 receptions and 589 receiving yards this season to become top 10 in school history in both categories. #83 Simms McElfresh (Sr.) – McElfresh is a former walk-on player who has become not only a starter for the team, but a team captain as well for his toughness and consistency. He ranked first on the team in receptions (42) and was second on the team in receiving yards in 2014. In 2014, 57.1 percent of his receptions resulted in either first downs or touchdowns.

#81 Bobo Beathard (Sr.) – Beathard is the third receiver in the Appalachian State offense, along with being the primary punt and kick returner on special teams. Last season Beathard played in all 12 games, starting in 10 and catching 17 passes for 202 yards (career highs in both categories). He also had a 33-yard punt return touchdown, the first for the Mountaineers in more than eight years. #6 Shaedon Meadors (So.) -- Meadors is perhaps the Mountaineers biggest home run threat at receiever. Last year he had 15 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns in only 7 games. His 19.1 yards-per-catch average was the highest on the team, and he had two catches nominated on ESPN SportCenter’s ‘Top 10 Plays’.

OFFENSE

The Offensive Line

The offensive line comes back with a veteran group headed by seniors Jesse Chapman (C) and Davante Harris (OT), along with junior Park Collins (OG). The right side of the line will be headlined by sophmores Colby Gossett (OG) and Beau Nunn (OT). The offensive line will play a key role once again blocking for a deep and talented running back corp. Expect a powerful running game from the Mountaineers. As a unit, Appalachian Stateâ€™s offensive line only surrendered 11 sacks in 12 games last season, a tie for the third-fewest sacks allowed in NCAA Division I FBS.

Chris Deverell Wide receiver Ike Lewis celebrates with offensive lineman Madison Malone after scoring a touchdown against Howard. All offensive breakdowns and information was written and compiled by Adam Hothersall, intern sports reporter. INSIDE 10 HUDDLE THE

DEFENSE

The Defensive Line:

The Apps interior front will have many familiar faces, with the return of all the defensive lineman that started last season. Senior defensive end Ronald Blair will lead the front charge for the team. Last year, Blair tallied 6 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, leading the team in both categories. Blair has NFL potential and looks to be the next Mountaineer to reach the big leagues. Opposite of Blair, junior defensive end Nathaniel Norwood is looking to have a breakout season. Norwood totaled up 22 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his last four games. Over the offseason, Norwood gained more weight and worked on his speed and technique. It looks like heâ€™ll have a very promising junior year.

Chris Deverell The Howard offense is surrounded by the App State defensive line during the Sept. 5 game against Howard. All defensive breakdowns and information was written and compiled by Brent Gilmore, intern sports reporter. 11

DEFENSE

The Linebackers Justin Perry Outside linebacker Kevin Walton takes down the ballcarrier during last season’s home game against Charleston Southern.

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Appalachian State has a young linebacker core as the top five linebackers who led the team in tackles last season were all freshmen and sophomores. In the center of the defense, junior inside linebacker John Law will continue to cast fear on his opponents for the 2015 season. Law accumulated 69 tackles (first on the team), six tackles for loss (third on the team), two sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Quite the résumé, isn’t it? If you want anyone leading a defense, John Law is your go-to guy. Paired up with Law in the center, sophomore inside linebacker Eric Boggs will be back in the starting lineup again this upcoming season. Boggs had an impressive freshman year with 35 tackles and two tackles for loss. On the perimeter, junior outside linebacker Kennan Gilchrist will be back to bring the blitz this season as he collected 3.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles last year. Sophomore outside linebacker Devan Stringer will be opposite of Gilchrist, as he too had a very impressive freshman year. Stringer moved from inside to outside linebacker midway through the season, and helped the team out tremendously in both pass coverage and pass rush.

DEFENSE

The Secondary

Senior free safety Doug Middleton is back for one more year, and is looking to increase his numbers from previous years. Last season, Middleton led the team in interceptions (four) and was second in total tackles (64). Sophomore strong safety A.J. Howard played all 12 games as a freshman last season, compiling 51.5 tackles and earning a forced fumble. Howard will look to have another great year playing alongside Middleton and Alex Gray. At corner, the Mountaineers must replace Joel Ross, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in May, as well as sophomore corner Brandon Pinckney, who injured his right knee in August and will miss the 2015 season. Pinckney was the favorite to start opposite returning starter sophomore Latrell Gibbs, who finished third on the team with three interceptions in 2014. Junior college transfer Mondo Williams will replace Pinckney. In 2014, he had eight interceptions with the Iowa Western Community College Reivers.

Morgan Cook Joel Ross initiates a tackle against South Alabama. Ross signed with the Dallas Cowboys in May.

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TAYLOR LAM

KEY PLAYERS

HIS TIME TO

SHINE BY L EE SANDERLI N SPORTS REPORTER

As Appalachian State Football enters the 2015 season, they will do so behind second-year starting quarterback Taylor Lamb. Lamb became the starter last season, replacing Kameron Bryant, who transferred to Campbell upon season’s end. Lamb said his mentality entering this season is much different than last. “It’s a different role,” Lamb said. “Coming into last year I was a back-up, but still preparing as if I was the starter. This year I’m looking to take more of a leadership role.” Lamb is part of 10 offensive starters returning from last year’s 7-5 team. Overall the team is returning 20 total starters, which is the most for any team in the nation, according to ESPN. Lamb said returning so many starters will shorten the learning curve for the team and allow them to begin the season with momentum. “It’s awesome whenever you get experienced guys back like that,” Lamb said. “The guys know what routes to run, the offensive line knows what calls to make, running backs know what holes to hit and it makes my job a lot easier.” Improving in his second year might prove to be a tall order based on the success Lamb experienced in his first season under center for the Mountaineers. Despite only starting in 10 of App State’s

Justin Perry

12 games, Lamb threw for 2,381 yards and 17 touchdowns, setting freshman records in both categories (previously held by standout Armanti Edwards). Lamb also won the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the year award, leading the conference with a 142.1 passer rating. Lamb is only the second quarterback to ever lead the Sun Belt in passer rating as a freshman, with Troy’s Corey Robinson being the first in 2010. Perhaps what makes the abovementioned stats so impressive is the Mountaineers’ reliance on the run game, opting for a run-heavy attack that reduces the quarterback’s role in the offense. Last season, App State averaged close to 242 rushing yards per game compared to just 219.8 through the air. The Mountaineers ran the ball 61.2 percent of the time on offense. This makes Lambs accomplishments all the more admirable considering the runheavy approach the offense implements. However, Lamb said he wouldn’t change the offensive approach even if he had the opportunity. “We’re going to stick to the game plan,” Lamb said. “We’ve got a stable of backs and an offensive line that likes to go downhill. Our run game really sets up our passing, and we’re confident that we can drop back and pass it whenever we want to.”

The only area of Lamb’s game last year that didn’t seem to shine was his ability to take care of the football. Lamb threw nine interceptions to go along with his 17 touchdowns. While this is not an alarming number, it is one that Lamb looks to improve upon in 2015. “My goals this year are to make better decisions protecting the football, getting more consistent and just making the throws I know I can make,” Lamb said. “Last season I would miss a couple, make a couple, I just want to get more consistent.” Lamb’s toughest test will come when Appalachian travels down to Death Valley, where they will meet the No. 12 ranked Clemson Tigers on September 12. Clemson enters the season with national title hopes under head coach Dabo Swinney. The Mountaineers are no stranger to road games against high-profile opponents, with last season’s squad making the trip to Ann Arbor, where they lost to Michigan 52-14. Taylor Lamb made his college debut against the Wolverines, playing the second half. Lamb led the offense on a 96-yard touchdown drive against the Wolverines to open the second half, his first drive under center in his college career. Now he returns to the national stage hoping to lead the team to many more touchdowns and ultimately a win.

KEY PLAYERS

NO ONE RUNS FROM

THE

LAW BY B EN COGSDALE SPORTS REPORTER

Junior inside linebacker John Law will be the anchor of an experienced defense for the Appalachian State football team in the upcoming 2015-16 season. Law rounds out an impressive starting unit on the defensive side of the ball, joining senior defensive lineman Ronald Blair and senior defensive back Doug Middleton as the three players selected to the first team All-Sun Belt preseason squad from the defense. Along with Blair, Law was also added to the 2015 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list. This prestigious award honors the best lineman–offense or defense–or linebacker in Division I football. Preseason accolades aside, Law will look to build on his statistically solid 2014-15 season where he led the Mountaineers in tackles and was selected to the All-Sun Belt second team. “I expect to keep pushing forward and keep

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making improvements in my personal game as well as the team,” Law said. Law had some facets of his personal game he’d like to improve that he discussed specifically. “Steadily increasing my production, getting around the ball more, making more tackles and being more effective later in games,” Law said. Although the inside linebacker from Atlanta, Georgia is enjoying success today, the road to this position has not always been as comfortable. After the fourth game of the 2012 season, Law suffered an injury to his ankle while exiting the team bus before the game. Over the 2013 season, Law saw action in 12 games but was limited to nine starts due to the recurrence of his injuries. In 2014, Law bounced back with his most healthy and productive season emerging as a leader on the defense.

Defensive coordinator Nate Woody expects Law to continue to grow into that role. “What we expect from a guy on the field as a leader is to back up their talk and he’s made an awful amount of tackles for us,” Woody said. “The next phase or step for him will be making those tackles not just on our side of the line of scrimmage, but on the other side, by reading schemes fast, getting downhill quick, and turning those three yard gains into zero or minus yards.” Driven to continually improve, Law also possess an innately competitive personality whether it be on the gridiron or playing video games. Teammate Ronald Blair can personally attest to this. “He’s one of the biggest competitors you’ll ever meet in your life,” Blair said. “We compete all the time whether it’s playing 2K or Madden, and he wants to win, it doesn’t matter what it is.”

Cara Croom

JOHN LAW

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DOUG MIDDLETON

KEY PLAYERS

THE BAR

SETTER BY COLI N TATE SPORTS REPORTER

Senior defensive back Doug Middleton recently gained some notice on a national level. After being named to the Sun Belt Preseason all-conference team, Middleton was also placed on the watch list for two of college football’s most respected awards in August. Middleton was nominated for the 30th Annual Jim Thorpe award, which is given to the nation’s top defensive back. He was also nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is known as “College football’s premier award for community service.” Middleton believes that these awards set a standard for himself. “It just sets the bar for me,” Middleton said. “It’s just encouragement that I gotta keep working harder. It’s motivation to continue to prove to myself and prove to everybody else.” Middleton’s play on the field last year was a key to getting the Thorpe Award nomination and preseason all-conference honors. He was the only Sun Belt player to tally four interceptions, ten pass deflections, and over 70 tackles, making him one of the most versatile safeties in the conference. Middleton attributes his success to his preparation. I prepare equally for everything that I do,” Middleton said. “Equally for special teams. Equally for free safety. Equally for strong safety. Equally for corner. I started to figure out not only what I was supposed to do, but everybody else on the field. Just knowing that has helped me be so versatile.” Middleton has also been a leader for the team. “On the field, he’s a cerebral guy, so he makes a lot of calls for our defense in the back end,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “All those things are what you want as a leader of your defense, but it just so happens that

Rachel Krauza

he’s great off the field as well. You put both of those things together, and he’s been an awesome leader for our team.” His teammates agree. “He’s just like that perfect leader,” senior defensive lineman Ronald Blair said. “He’s gonna make a play when you need it, and he’s gonna say something when you need him to say it.” Middleton admitted that the Jim Thorpe Award meant more to him than making allconference. “Knowing that each team in the nation has more than ten DB’s, to be in that 42 is a great accomplishment,” Middleton said. “At the same time you just gotta keep working, and you can’t be satisfied.” Cornerbacks’ coach Bryan Brown believes with team success, Middleton could have higher chances of winning the award. “If we’re doing a great job of playing defense and winning games, a lot of people will start looking at him a whole lot more,” Brown said. While his on-the-field playmaking and leadership have been undeniable, it’s what Middleton does off-the-field that has the biggest impact. Middleton’s community service got started when he worked through Western Youth Network being a mentor to a child going through tough times. He saw himself as being motivation for the child. Then, in the first game of his sophomore season, Middleton went down with a season-ending ankle injury. After he was sidelined, Middleton started to focus on more off-the-field activities. Over the past two summers, he has had internships with the County Attorney’s office working with the County Manager. He has also worked with the Chancellors and Vice Chancellors lobbying for the university.

“That was one of my biggest accomplishments, just being able to travel with the Board of Trustees and a lot of people that make this university work,” Middleton said. Aside from that, Middleton traveled with the Athletic Director so speak to a Rotary Club in Hickory at one point. He also reads to children at a nearby elementary school on Dr. Seuss Day each year. “Being able to do all those things is big,” Middleton said. “For me, it’s a lot bigger than the on-the-field stuff at times.” Coaches have picked up on his willingness to help and have urged him to continue. “There’s some guys that kind of shy away from some of that, but he’s a guy that’s not scared,” Satterfield said. “We love putting him out there because he’s a great ambassador for our program.” Middleton’s actions have started to rub off on teammates, as well. “Any time coach asks us to do anything, Doug’s always the first guy there,” junior linebacker John Law said. “He’s a guy that I actually try to model myself after.” Looking ahead to the future, Middleton plans to continue his success both on and off the field. “Hopefully it’s a long time down the road but once that day does come, I want to get into lobbying for a little bit, and then I want to be a city manager,” Middleton said. “Right now I’m working on my masters. That’s my goal after football. But football is number one.” Heading into the upcoming season, the team is looking to Middleton to bring the same intensity on the field that he has each of his past seasons, and they’re confident he will. “He’ll do an outstanding job,” Brown said. “And he deserves any and every award that he ever gets.”

KEY PLAYERS

BY JASON HUBER SPORTS REPORTER Fifth-year senior defensive end Ronald Blair has solidified himself as part of a core of lockdown players on App State’s defense. Blair is one of the top defensive ends in collegiate football. He has recorded 150 tackles, 13.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss in his career, starting all 38 games he has appeared in. He missed all but two games during his 2013 campaign, which gave him the opportunity to redshirt and have a fifth season. In 2014, Blair helped lead App State’s top-ranked defense in the conference. He was named a captain on the team by his teammates last season, and was named to the All-Sun Belt conference team. With 2015 being Ronald Blair’s final season as a collegiate player, Blair was named as one of the 145 student-athletes on the official watch list for the 46th-annual Rotary Lombardi Award, which is the nation’s best lineman/linebacker award. Along with defensive back Doug Middleton, he was put on the Senior Bowl watch list, a game in which NFL hopefuls showcase their talents for professional scouts and coaches. While these are great accomplishments for any college player, Blair knows that he still has a full season to play and prove himself one more time. “It’s a tremendous honor, but at the same time its preseason,” Blair said. “Once the season starts, none of this matters as you get going. I have to take it game by game and hopefully have good games all the way throughout the season.” Blair has helped lead App State since he was a freshman, experience that should help him to lead others by example. Defensive line coach Mark Ivey feels this experience and leadership will be pivotal to the team. “His biggest strength to our defense is his

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leadership ability,” Ivey said. “He’s a guy who has been here for four years and has seen a lot of things. Good things, bad things, things that have happened to him personally and to other teammates. He has had time to reflect to all the players.” Despite being one of the top defensive players on the team, Blair still treats every teammate and coach with humility and respect. Junior defensive end Olawale Dada practices with Blair and sees how he stays true to himself. “He’s very humble,” Dada said. “I would say he is the best player on our team, but if you just hang out with him, he would not put off that persona that he is better than you. He is a very down to earth person.” After finishing the season off strong last year, Blair feels the defense can be even better this season and he wants help lead them to be the best. “I want to be the best leader I can be,” Blair said. “If I put my teammates in the right position to make plays, then I feel like I am doing my job. Hopefully when we need those big plays, I can make them as well.” Olawale is one of those players who knows Blair is the leader on the team and helps make everyone better. “He brings a mindset on the team that helps you feel very comfortable,” Dada said. “You have somebody very good on your side and it gives you confidence.” While wanting to finish his senior season strong, Blair still thinks of all the emotions that he has knowing it’s his last season as a collegiate players. “We took our senior pictures a few weeks ago, and it was crazy seeing all the guys who have been here since I started,” Blair said. “It’s crazy thinking about all of the good times and the good memories over the last few years. Hopefully we can finish out on a bang

“

HE IS

“ EXPLOSIVE ABSOLUTELY and win the Sun Belt Championship.” With his college years coming to an end, Blair’s career may not be over, with his NFL inspirations still in sight as he a chance to be drafted. “That would mean everything,” Blair said. “That’s been my dream since I was a young baby and started watching football. I always watched NFL players like Julius Peppers, Reggie White, and tried to get to somewhere of their level. It would be a tremendous honor to even think about being drafted.” Ivey has watched Blair through his whole collegiate career. He feels there are only a few more aspects of his game that he needs to polish this season. “He is a guy that is a pretty complete and total package, but one thing we have talked about is increasing his stats as far as pass rush, getting to the quarterback and sacks. He has done a great job, but he’s got to be able to finish a little bit more elusive.” Ivey said. Aside from focusing on this being his last season, Blair feels this year’s defense can be something special. “I think we will fare pretty well. Last year we kind of spread around, but this year we are rolling,” Blair said. “We have almost everything on paper and everybody has chemistry right now. We just have a little bit of tuning up to do, and then everything will be fine.” Ivey has only positive things to say as he feels Blair has everything that a defensive end needs and is the core of the defense. “He is absolutely explosive and he is as strong as you are going to get for that position,” Ivey said. “He’s got size, speed and good football savvy on the field. When he is off the field he is always focusing on film study, knowledge of the defense, asking questions, and his leadership ability is fantastic.”

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