2003 Outlook Quarterbacks Despite the loss of Dave Corley, Jr. to graduation, the cupboard is far from bare for W&M at the quarterback position. After spending the past three seasons learning at Corley’s side, the coaching staff is extremely confident in the abilities of Lang Campbell. A competitive player with good arm strength, Campbell is an intelligent signal caller who also has the speed to scramble out of the pocket when necessary. In his limited game experience as Corley’s backup the past two years, Campbell has completed 15 of 23 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. While his game action has been brief, he has spent the past two springs working extensively with the first team and has displayed outstanding leadership skills and a strong working knowledge of the team’s intricate attack. Behind Campbell on the depth chart is sophomore Jacob Lewis, who displayed a strong arm and good mobility in spring drills. Lewis has gained a better working knowledge of the Tribe’s offensive schemes each year at W&M. Also in the picture at QB is sophomore Ben Lawrence, who saw a lot of action in spring drills and has gained a better grasp of the Tribe offense. In addition, redshirt freshmen Corey Davis and Christian Taylor are back after working with the scout team last year. Both have good arm strength and will develop with more reps.
Tailbacks After a record-breaking first two seasons with the Tribe, junior Jon Smith returns for his second season as the starting tailback. Smith set the school record for rushing touchdowns (13) by a freshman in 2001, and had one of the most prolific single-game performances by a tailback in school history last year when he ran for 198 yards in a 34-27 win over New Hampshire. A third-team all-conference selection last season, Smith is a between-the-tackles runner who has the ability to wear down opposing defenses. He has scored 22 rushing touchdowns in his first two years in Williamsburg, averaging nearly one per game in his career. Backing up Smith at tailback is sophomore Steven Hargrove, who showed signs of promise as a redshirt freshman in 2002. Hargrove scored on two touchdown runs of over 50 yards, broke the 100-yard mark on two occasions and was also named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week once in his first year on the field. Bringing a new element to the College's backfield this fall is redshirt freshman Delmus Coley, a speedy back who has had an outstanding spring. The staff will look to Coley to use his elusive and explosive style to provide the squad with the big play.
Fullbacks Senior Nick Rogers, a major contributor a year ago behind the graduated Corey Paxton, comes into the fall as the starter at the fullback position. Rogers, an excellent blocker, is a very physical runner with good ball skills, as evidenced by his three receiving touchdowns last season. One of the strongest all-around players on the roster, Rogers brings explosive ability (35.5-inch vertical leap; 540-pound squat) to the backfield. Backing up Rogers is talented redshirt freshman Trevor McLaurin, a young fullback with potential to develop into a standout performer. A versatile athlete with outstanding speed and agility, McLaurin could also see action at tailback. Redshirt freshman LeVince Parrott also played well during spring drills and
should continue to develop with improved size and strength. Developing sophomore Chris Faha will continue to work on his technique and understanding of the Tribe's offensive schemes this fall. Faha has good size and solid ball skills for the position and provides the team with quality depth.
Tight Ends William and Mary is fortunate to have two experienced tight ends returning in senior Zach Smith and sophomore Adam Bratton. Smith returned from a shoulder injury to contribute toward the end of the 2002 season, and has seen more game action than any other tight end. He possesses a good understanding of the Tribe offense and is a solid blocker and receiver. Bratton saw plenty of action last year behind graduated senior Ian Kemp while Smith was injured, and responded with an impressive season that saw him average 18.4 yards per catch, second on the squad, including one touchdown. Coming off a solid spring, Bratton has the size and athleticism to be an impact player. A pair of redshirt freshmen, Matt Trinkle and Jordan Troester will add to the College's depth at tight end. Trinkle is coming off of a strong spring, which has positioned him for the chance to contribute this fall. Troester, meanwhile, is recovering from a foot injury and is looking to improve on his strength while gaining more experience in the Tribe's offensive system.
Wide Receivers Most outsiders may think that the 2003 William and Mary wide receiving corps starts and ends with All-America candidate Rich Musinski. But while Musinski's exploits are well-documented and his accolades well-deserved, he is surrounded by a group of talented young wideouts who all have the potential to break a game open. Along with Musinski, senior Danny Wade and juniors Josh Lustig, John Pitts and Dominique Thompson are all returnees who have seen extensive game action in their careers. Few receivers have come through Williamsburg with the chance to make the impact in the record books that Musinski could make by the end of his career. Already the school's all-time leading receiver with 3,280 yards, Musinski needs just 30 receptions to break Dave Conklin's school-record in that category. He is just 665 yards shy of the Atlantic 10 career receiving yardage mark. Nationally, he will break Jerry Rice's Division I-AA record for career 100-yard receiving games if he breaks the 100-yard barrier eight times this year. Also, Musinski is currently seventh in NCAA history with 96.5 receiving yards per game in his career. With a combination of outstanding ball skills, great speed and the athleticism to match, Musinski has all the tools necessary to excel. Slated to start opposite Musinski is Wade, a fellow senior. With good size (6-5, 210 pounds) and speed (4.5-second 40-yard dash), Wade has the ability to be a top contributor. He had an excellent spring and should have the opportunity to move up to the next level in the fall. Wade finished second on the squad last year with 24 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
2003 WILLIAM AND MARY FOOTBALL
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