Outlook for 2006. The trio’s presence, along with rugged junior middle backer T.J. O’Neill (48 TT), gives the Tribe one of the most versatile linebacker combinations in the conference. All-conference center Pat Mulloy was one of three linemen to graduate the program last season with more than three years of starting experience, leaving the Tribe to re-tool its offensive front with Morris and returning starting tackles Brad Stewart and Brent Cochran as its building blocks. Similarly, the defensive backfield matriculated three equally proven veteran performers in safeties James Miller and Jon Shaw and all-conference cornerback Stephen Cason. While their leadership will take time to replace, cornerbacks Derek Cox, Alan Wheeling and Richard Riley all are game tested and form the foundation of a promising secondary. After starting the 2005 season with a 5-2 mark through seven games, including a 42-10 drilling of then top-ranked New Hampshire, the College suffered a heartbreak laden four-game losing streak to end the season, with two of the losses coming by a single point. Injuries, especially along the offensive front, and an abundance of youth contributed to some of the setbacks. But, teaching and developing talent has always been a cornerstone of Laycock’s success, and these hard lessons from a season ago should pay large dividends for 2006. The following is a position-by-position breakdown of the 2006 edition of Tribe football:
2006 Tribe Football Season Outlook With a campus nestled in a community that traces its roots back to the very beginnings of the American saga, history and tradition abounds at the College of William and Mary. The same can be said of the school’s football program, as the College claims more than 110 seasons and can boast of more than 500 wins and thousands of successful alumni. Inside of this rich history, no one leader can lay claim to more success than current head coach, Jimmye Laycock, who prepares to steer his 27th edition of the Tribe football program into the 2006 season. Historically speaking, last season’s 5-6 record was an aberration in Laycock’s tenure, as it ties for his lowest win total in the last 23 years. Only five times since 1983 has the College failed to win six games, which is a remarkable fact in itself. But, what may be even more impressive is the four previous times W&M recorded just five wins, the following year saw the Tribe advance to the postseason. But more than just history lessons will have the Tribe faithful excited about the prospects for the coming season, as Laycock’s charges return some of the league’s most exciting young talent. The optimism starts with the luxury of having 13 starters returning, including the entire offensive backfield. Veterans abound at the offensive skill positions, as the team returns all 4,158 yards of total offense and 38 of the 41 touchdowns the unit scored a season ago. Leading the way will be a trio of returning senior all-conference performers in tailback Elijah Brooks (944 yards and nine TDs on 207 rushing attempts), tight end Matt Trinkle (21 receptions for 148 yards and one TD) and offensive lineman Cody Morris (two-year starter and twotime all-conference standout). Similarly, the good news on the defense starts at the linebacker position that is absolutely loaded with talent. Standout sophomore linebacker Josh Rutter (109 TT), the team’s top tackler from a season ago, is back and two former all-conference players in seniors Chris Ndubueze and Travis McLaurin return
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2006
OFFENSE Quarterback The position is the program’s signature role. A Tribe signal caller has earned postseason honors of some variety in nine of the 13 seasons the College has been a member of the Atlantic 10. Laycock and his staff have a well-earned reputation as being premier mentors for the position, and the Tribe has the unique luxury of having a pair of players in junior Mike Potts and sophomore Jake Phillips capable of creating their own legacy in the tradition-rich area. After the pair split the starting role fairly equally in 2005, with Phillips making six starts to Potts’ five, this spring featured a pitched battle for the starting rights. While each was impressive, Phillips (123-of-192 for 1,564 yards and 12 TDs in 2005) remained at the top of the depth chart, but Potts (78-of-127 for 842 yards and seven TDs) will continue to push the issue into the fall. Phillips gained valuable experience as the team’s starter over the final five games of the season and has all the physical tools to be one of the league’s dominant players. He best showcased these considerable talents when he orchestrated an incredible comeback win at Northeastern, coming off the bench to rally the squad from a 21-point fourth quarter deficit to a 44-41 doubleovertime win. He showed all the promise of a budding All-American by throwing four touchdown passes and running for a fifth in just over a quarter of playing time against the Huskies. The effort earned the league’s Rookie of the Week honor, which he also earned after his first career start at VMI, where he completed 17 of 21 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. Conversely, there were also moments when he showed his age and learned some hard lessons. But his off-season work ethic was outstanding, and he has improved his size and strength, weighing in at 225 lbs. The added strength has helped increase his throwing velocity,
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