Receiver position in capable hands of Gooch, Hannah
Despite the loss of its top two pass receivers from last year, this year's
Chippewa receiving corps appears to have made a seamless transition.
Gone from last year's team are Jammarl O'Neal (59 catches
for 1,085 yards) and tight end Mark Swetz (30 catches for 407 yards).
The biggest loss is that of O'Neal, who failed to meet
NCAA academic requirements and was declared ineligible.
O'Neal was going to be the Chippewas outside threat,
helping create more favorable matchups for the other receivers.
The Chippewas lost Swetz to graduation.
Head Coach Mike DeBord said the team has moved on from
the surprise loss of O'Neal.
"There's hasn't been any type of adjustment," DeBord
said.
"The other receivers have moved on, worked hard and
have prepared to play."
Expected to start Saturday against Purdue are senior
Ira Gooch and senior David Hannah.
Both saw plenty
of playing time in 1999, with Gooch also helping the Chippewas at running
back due to injuries.
Gooch rushed 90 times for 438 yards with two touchdowns
and also had 26 receptions for 236 yards.
Hannah caught 24 passes for 356 yards and two touchdowns.
DeBord believes the two receivers are capable of big
things this season.
"Gooch has great speed and is a big-play threat," DeBord
said.
"We have to get the ball to him."
"Hannah has worked his rear off this summer," DeBord
said.
"He has spent a lot of extra time improving his skills.
I expect him to have a great senior year."
Competing for additional playing time are senior Shelton
Lewis, sophomore Rob Turner and freshman Steve Messam.
Lewis and Turner saw limited time last season, with
Lewis making one catch for four yards and Turner catching 11 for 121 yards
and one touchdown.
Messam was an all-state selection at Glades Central
High School in Florida, helping his team to two state titles.
DeBord said Messam's talent and speed will get him
some playing time, but gradually.
"We need to be smart with him," DeBord said. "With
his skills and speed, he should turn out a great career here."
"We've got depth and experience," DeBord said. "It's
a dependable group with a couple of guys capable of making big plays.
These guys worked awfully hard during the summer to get where they're
at"
