Topper Extra - September 1

Topper Extra

Sept 1, 2016 > WKUHerald.com > Western kentucky university

Depth Charts - Page 5 five things to watch - Page 6

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Playing loud, leading quietly Junior Wide Receiver primed for big season

BY EVAN HEICHELBECH HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU

thought coming in, which meant learning more about the game, getting faster and learning the defenses,” Fant said.

“There’s a lot more to the college level than there is in high school.”

season. But his growth from year one to two was bigger, more than just on the stat sheet.

“His strengths are obvious,” Ellis said.

“He’s a great catcher of the ball, which

Ask almost anyone who works with him on a daily basis and they’ll tell you that Nacarius Fant is not a vocal guy.

Watch one minute of the junior wide receiver’s high school highlight tape, and you’ll notice that for an allegedly quiet man off the field, Fant is a considerably boisterous man on it.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a very loud kid, he leads by example more,” wide receivers coach Bryan Ellis said. “He just shows up every day and he works hard, and to be honest with you that’s the type of kid I really like to coach.”

As a senior in high school, Fant was the type of kid a lot of coaches wanted to coach. The 5-9, 2013 Kentucky Mr. Football Award Winner was heavily recruited out of Bowling Green High School.

While his only official offers came from WKU and Illinois, Fant garnered interest from schools such as Tennessee, Notre Dame and Ohio State, according to 247Sports. But for Fant, the decision to commit to his hometown Junior wide receiver Nacarius Fant runs with the ball after catching it during the Hilltoppers’ Redschool was an easy one.

White game on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Smith Stadium. Shaban Athuman/HERALD “All my family is here,” Fant said.

It wasn’t a talent or skill issue for Fant most receivers should be, but it’s a lot “They’re able to come to every game, as he transitioned to a higher level of harder than you’d think. He’s very aware and they’re just two minutes away. Playing at Bowling Green High School and competition. All of that was already of his surroundings and understands spacing and routes. There are little basically coming right across the street there.

“I could see when he fi rst got here that things about playing receiver that are and playing at the next level, there’s he was really skilled,” senior wide rehard to teach that he’s just a natural at.” nothing better than that.”

Fant expanded his game beyond the Choosing to come here was easy for ceiver Nicholas Norris said. “He had a Fant, but it took him some time to get lot of natural ability, but now I can see wide receiver position last season. As a adjusted to the college level. As a fresh- that he’s become more of a technician. sophomore, he was the only player to man, he played sparingly, appearing He’s been working on his technique and record statistics in the rushing, receivin just four games and picking up a lot polishing things that he needs to do to ing, punt returning, kick returning and become a better player.” passing categories. along the way.

Fant saw a slight uptick in action “He’s kind of like our quarterback out “Obviously as a freshman you don’t during his sophomore season, playing there,” Ellis said. “We trust him enough always come into the next level and play, but I had to do a lot more than I in every game for the Hilltoppers and to put the ball in his hands in situations recording 213 all-purpose yards on the that most wideouts aren’t used to.”

Fant was WKU’s second-leading passer in 2015, going 2-3 for 76 yards and two touchdowns. And while Fant was not one of the finalists for the 2016 quarterback job, he is expected to be a significant piece to the offensive puzzle.

“I feel like I’m ready for [a bigger role] coming into my junior year,” Fant said.

“I should be. I feel like I’m capable of everything that coach Brohm’s going to have me do this entire season.”

With WKU’s all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns returning in senior wideout Taywan Taylor and Norris returning as the Toppers’ number two receiver, Fant is prepared to start in the slot.

“I’m comfortable with where he’s come from last season to now,” Ellis said. “He’s become more conscientious of his weaknesses and knows how to play toward his strengths. I’m excited to watch him play on Thursday.”

The way in which Fant has progressed toward his increased role has been a testament to his work ethic and leadership style, according to his teammates.

“We all learn and take some things from each other,” Norris said. “I’m pretty sure he’s taken some things from me because I’ve sure taken some things from him as a football player. He doesn’t really say much and if he does, you might want to listen up.”

Whether he’s running a routine crossing route, diving for a first down or throwing a touchdown to his quarterback on a double pass in Thursday’s season-opener against Rice, Fant will likely be making an impact — in a loud way.

Reporter Evan Heichelbech can be reached at 270-745-6291 and evan. heichelbech059@topper.wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @evanheichelbech.

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3 match ups to watch as wku takes on rice

BY MATTHEW STEWART HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU

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Mike White vs. Rice’s Secondary White has no reps with the Topper offense other than the snaps he has taken in practice and inter-squad scrimmages.

White threw for 11 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in his time at the University of South Florida.

It will be interesting to see what White can do with the talented WKU receivers.

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The Rice defense might not create that many problems for White after all. Just a season ago the Owls gave up more yards per play than any other defense in the country.

Last year, Rice allowed 36 touchdown passes and only intercepted two. The Rice defense probably won’t be the toughest test for the The offensive line prepares for redshirt senior center Max Halpin (70) to snap the ball during new Topper quarterback as WKU WKU’s game against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 10, 2015, at Smith Stadium. Mike Clark/HERALD will face top-ranked Alabama in week two in Tuscaloosa.

WKU Offensive Line vs. Rice Defensive Line

This unit held their own last season against top-tier Southeastern Conference opponents while protecting one of the most prolific passers in WKU football history in Brandon Doughty.

The Owls do have some experience on their side in the form of their coach. Rice’s first-year defensive line coach, Frank Okam, is a former defensive tackle for the Houston Texans.

NFL experience might not be able to fill the obvious void; Rice’s defense isn’t something to write home about. The Owls ranked dead last in total sacks in the league last season.

Head COaches: Jeff Brohm vs. David Bailiff

during his tenure there.

Brohm has been around the game for quite a long time, but Bailiff has been the man in charge for over a decade.

Tonight’s matchup will tell if Bailiff’s experience can help give Rice the much-needed victory.

The Toppers have a well-respected offensive line highlighted by All-American redshirt senior left tackle Forrest Lamp.

Lamp is on the watch list for both the Outland Trophy and the Wuerffel Trophy this season as well as being recognized with preseason All-Conference USA honors.

Lamp is joined by redshirt senior Max Halpin and redshirt senior Joe Manley on the front line. All other starters on the offensive line also return this season for the Toppers.

Head Coach Jeff Brohm has a storied football career. He has won numerous awards throughout his time on the gridiron in high school and college and spent seven years in the NFL. As a head coach he holds a record of 20-7 while also winning a bowl game in both years as the head man on the Hill.

Bailiff has a career losing record at 74-75 as head coach of Texas State University and Rice, but has led Rice to three bowl victories

Reporter Matthew Stewart can be reached at 270-745-6281 and matthew.stewart015@topper.wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @ MES_WKU22.

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DEPTH CHARTS

REECER’S PIECE

Topper defense looks to improve despite youth

BY JOHN REECER HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU

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When you think of WKU football, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Hilltopper’s high-scoring offense.

However, the key to victory for the program over the past three years has been the play of its defensive units.

In Brohm’s first year as head coach, the defense certainly did not play up to expectations. That season the Toppers gave up an average of 510 yards per game and 39.9 points per game.

In 2015, the WKU defense took a step forward under defensive coordinator Nick Holt as the Toppers only allowed 405 yards per game and an average of 26 points per game.

The improvement in the defense resonated with the team’s overall record as the program improved from 8-5 in 2014 to 12-2 in 2015.

Taking yet another step forward in 2016 will be quite the task as the defense lost a host of players from last season who made a huge impact.

Gone are both Wonderful Terry and Prince Charles Iworah in the secondary. Gone are Nick Holt and Dejon Brown from the line-backing core, and gone are Gavin Rocker and Jontavius Morris from the defensive line.

While the Toppers do return season veterans like redshirt senior Branden Leston, senior Marcus Ward and redshirt junior T. J. McCollum to the defense, several newcomers will have to make a significant impact early for the Toppers.

Expect the likes of redshirt soph-

omore Joel Iyiegbuniwe, junior Joe Brown, senior Nick Dawson-Brents and senior Keith Brown to fill the holes WKU currently has on defense.

Dawson-Brents and Keith Brown were both four-star recruits out of high school, and both are transfers from the University of Louisville.

Expect these two talented players to improve the Topper pass rush this season.

Joe Brown will bring his play-making ability to the secondary. Last season, the defensive back made a critical stop against Vanderbilt University on the goal line which gave WKU its season-opening victory.

Iyiegbuniwe has been patiently waiting his turn for the past two years.

He will now have to help lead an inexperienced group of linebackers.

Last season he managed to record 16.5 tackles in just nine games of action.

Several other inexperienced players will have their shot to help improve the defense as well, however, it will be this core of players who will largely help determine WKU’s success on the season.

The offense will do what it does best, but the Toppers can only be as good as last year’s team if the inexperienced players and newcomers can help WKU to yet again improve defensively.

Reporter John Reecer can be reached at 270-745-6291 and john. reecer104@topper.wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @Reece_12_Falcon.

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FIVE THINGS TO WATCH AGAINST RICE

BY SAM PORTER

HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU

As kickoff approaches, WKU fans couldn’t be more eager to watch Hilltopper football after the most successful football season in WKU history.

The Toppers welcome the Rice Owls tonight as the first big slate of games finally gets the 2016 college football season underway. The Toppers look to extend the nation’s longest conference winning streak to 13 games as the Owls will look to avenge a 49-10 thumping they took last year at home.

The Owls return 15 starters from a team that went 5-7 (3-5 Conference USA) a year ago and will look to strike an early dagger to WKU’s hope of repeating as C-USA champions. As you prepare for tonight’s game, here are five things to watch for.

How will Mike White fare in this offense?

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Last week Head Coach Jeff Brohm announced redshirt junior Mike White would officially be Brandon Doughty’s successor.

In two seasons at the University of South Florida , White went 215 of 417 (51.5-percent) for 2,722 yards with 11 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. With all five offensive linemen returning and several experienced running backs, look for the Toppers to go to the ground early and often.

I would be shocked if White threw the ball nearly as much as Doughty did in his first start in red and white.

Rice’s front seven The Owls return 15 starters, and some of those key players anchor the Rice defense. Senior linebacker Alex Lyons returns after a career-high 77 tackles, including 5.5 behind the line of scrimmage in 2015, to earn honorable mention All-Conference USA. The Owls also return redshirt junior defensive ends Brian Womac and Graysen Schantz, and redshirt senior defensive end Derek Brown, who combined for 25.5 tackles for loss last season.

The Owls defense gave up 35.8 points a game one year ago but look to improve for the 2016 season.

Look for those four names I mentioned to try to clog up the Topper’s run game and put the pressure on an inexperienced quarterback.

Reporter Sam Porter can be reached at 270-745-6291 and samuel.porter841@topper.wku.edu.

Follow him on Twitter at @SammyP14.

Redshirt junior quarterback Mike White throws the ball during the Hilltoppers Red-White game on Saturday, April 23 at Smith Stadium. Shaban Athuman/HERALD

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Which receivers will emerge for WKU? The Toppers won’t throw the ball like they have the past two years, but expect to see some of the same formations that featured four to five receivers on the field.

Other than seniors Taywan Taylor and Nicholas Norris, there are a handful of receivers looking to emerge themselves as reliable targets for White.

Junior Nacarius Fant, redshirt junior Kylen Towner, redshirt sophomore Will Bush and redshirt freshman Lucky Jackson all look to fill receiver spots that will likely be finalized in the first few games of the season.

Seeing which of these names will step up to replace the losses of Jared Dangerfield and Antwane Grant will be a major point of focus for WKU all season long.

Tyler Stehling under center for Rice The Toppers won’t be the only team with a new face under center. Redshirt senior Tyler Stehling takes over after the Owls lost Driphus Jackson to graduation.

As a backup Stehling threw for 479 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in very little action.

Like WKU, the Rice offense will likely lean on multiple running backs which will feature redshirt senior Darik Dillard who led the Owls in rushing a year ago.

Ryan Nuss takes over kicking duties Kickers don’t get enough appreciation and WKU was spoiled with Garrett Schwettman. In 2015, Schwettman broke his own record for points in a season and became WKU’s all-time scoring leader in the process.

Schwettman was almost automatic a year ago, going 15 for 16 on field goals with the lone miss being blocked.

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Nuss has big shoes to fill.

There’s no doubt Nuss has a pretty strong leg, as he kicked eight touchbacks serving as the kickoff specialist before suffering a season ending injury.

The question is Nuss’s accuracy, as he has yet to kick an extra point or field goal in a Topper uniform.

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