GAME NOTES: Gardner-Webb Travels North To Battle VMI (ESPN3)
November 05, 2013 | Football
SCOUTING
VMI
VMI (1-8, 0-4 Big South) enters Saturday's contest in the midst of a seven-game streak of losses, including four in Big South Conference play ... The streak is somewhat misleading, as the Keydets have been very competitive in home losses to Robert Morris (37-31 in OT) and current No. 16/18 Charleston Southern (25-17 loss, led at halftime) and a road loss at Liberty (17-7, tied at halftime) ... Running back Derrick Ziglar (599 yds, 4 TD) and receiver Sam Patterson (519 yds, 6 TD) have emerged as strong offensive weapons and reserve quarterback A.J. Augustine (6 TD) has filled in admirably for All-Big South candidate Eric Kordenbrock (11 TD, 231.3 ypg) over the past few weeks ... Kordenbrock's status for Saturday remains uncertain, but he could return to action against Gardner-Webb.
THE GAME
Gardner-Webb returns to Big South Conference action on Saturday, traveling to face VMI at 1:00 pm in Lexington, Va. The game will air live on ESPN3 (WatchESPN.com), with Evan Lepler and Stan Lewter providing the call. WGWG-FM (88.3 / wgwg.org) will also carry the game and Fabian Fuentes will call the action from the radio booth.
SERIES NOTES
Gardner-Webb leads the series 9-1, with the first game played in 2003 in Lexington ... The series has been decided by an average of 9.6 points per game ... Only four of the 10 meetings have been decided by more than a touchdown ... VMI led 31-10 late in Lexington on November 19, 2011, before holding on for a 31-24 win in that season's finale ... Gardner-Webb got four touchdown passes from Lucas Beatty and used a strong third quarter to power a 38-7 win over the Keydets last October 27 in Boiling Springs.
SERIES HISTORY
Date (Location) Result (Notes)
October 18, 2003 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 37, VMI 25 (Nick Roberts 4 TD)
October 23, 2004 (Boiling Springs) GWU 28, VMI 17 (213 rushing yards for GWU)
October 22, 2005 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 55, VMI 52 3 OT / 1,060 combined yards
October 28, 2006 (Boiling Springs) GWU 35, VMI 31 (late TD pass for GWU - 5 mins)
October 20, 2007 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 36, VMI 22 (VMI 352 yards rushing)
October 25, 2008 (Boiling Springs) GWU 34, VMI 27 )392 yards passing for Devin Campbell)
October 3, 2009 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 27, VMI 23 (Tim Maypray punt return TD for VMI)
November 20, 2010 (Boiling Springs) GWU 10, VMI 7 (Regular season finale)
November 19, 2011 (Lexington, Va.) VMI 31, GWU 24 (JJ Hubbard 79-yard kickoff return TD)
October 27, 2012 (Boiling Springs) GWU 38, VMI 7 (328 yards passing, 4 TD for Beatty)
THE COACHES
Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray (Class of '83) is in his first season at the helm of his alma mater, becoming the first alumnus to hold the position since Woody Fish (1984-1996). VMI head coach Sparky Woods (Carson-Newman '76) is in his sixth season in Lexington has posted a 14-50 mark with the Keydets. Woods is in his 16th season overall, with 77 total wins under his belt with head coaching stops at Appalachian State, South Carolina and VMI.
A STRONG BOND
Gardner-Webb's Carroll McCray began his coaching career under the watchful eye of VMI head coach Sparky Woods during Woods time at Appalachian State. McCray followed Woods to the University of South Carolina, where he coached the Gamecocks' offensive line. All told, the pair coached together for 11 seasons. Woods and McCray teamed up for a pair of I-AA playoff appearances and SoCon titles at Appalachian State (1986, 1987). Current GWU defensive coordinator Randall McCray played for Woods at Appalachian State and later served as a graduate assistant coach at South Carolina.
NEON KEON
Gardner-Webb cornerback Keon Williams (6-0, 170, Sr.) has enjoyed a career-best year at his position, picking off a Big South-best four passes (45 return yards, TD) and breaking up three passes in nine starts. Williams, who has 26 total tackles as well (14 solo), has been a solid cover man all season. His interception late in the fourth quarter sealed Gardner-Webb's 3-0 win over No. 8 Wofford on September 21. Williams, who carries a 3.6 cumulative GPA, has emerged as an Academic All-America candidate. He has 88 career tackles and five interceptions to his credit in four seasons.
BON APPETITE
Receiver Kenny Cook (6-4, 210, RJr.) is enjoying a career year through nine games, leading the Big South Conference with career-highs in catches (53), yards (719) and touchdowns (7). The Cross Hill, S.C., native has hauled in 101 catches for 1,385 yards and 14 touchdowns during his 20-game career in Boiling Springs, which places him 17th in GWU history. Cook has hauled in 18 passes on third down this season, with 16 of those receptions going for first downs or scores. Cook has hauled in 90 percent of his targets on third down this season (18-of-20), providing GWU quarterbacks with a reliable target in those instances. Cook has gone for 100 yards in four games this season, giving him six for his career. Cook starred for one season at Garden City (Kan.) Community College after earning All-State honors as a defensive back at Clinton (S.C.) High. Cook was also a basketball standout in Clinton, earning SCADA North/South All-Star Game honors in that sport after averaging 18 points and 15 rebounds per game as a senior. Cook is the program's first 50-catch man since 2010.
BLOUNT FORCE
Hard-nosed running back Juanne Blount (5-9, 201, RJr.) continues to add onto a career-best season, taking full advantage of his first season as Gardner-Webb's featured back. The Wingate, N.C., native has carried 194 times for 845 yards and six scores through eight games, averaging a solid 4.4 yards per carry. For his career, Blount has 467 carries for 1,930 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, which ranks eighth in Gardner-Webb history - just in front of Blount's former position coach Chris Foster (1,883 yards from 2000-2003). Blount needs just 70 yards to reach 2,000 for his career and is well on pace to become the program's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2011.
AERIAL DISPLAY
Gardner-Webb quarterback Lucas Beatty (6-2, 212, RJr.) continues to climb the Gardner-Webb passing charts, topping the 5,000-yard mark with his seventh 200-yard passing game of the 2013 season vs. Warner (Fla.) on November 2. Beatty has completed 451-of-725 passes for 5,132 yards and 24 touchdowns in just 24 career starts. This season, he has passed for 2,018 yards and 10 touchdowns on 177-of-281 passing (63.0 percent), marking the second time in two seasons he has gone over 2,000 yards and reached double figures in touchdown passes. Beatty, the school's career completion percentage leader (62.2 percent), paces the Big South in yards, attempts and completions this season. Last season against VMI, Beatty completed 24-of-32 for 328 yards and four touchdowns - including a pair of long tosses to Demarcus White.
EXPERIENCED ROSTER FOR RUNNIN' BULLDOGS
Gardner-Webb has 30 men in at least their third season of college football on the two-deep heading into the 2013 season, including 22 juniors and seniors. A total of 14 juniors and seniors among that group had the benefit of a redshirt season. The Runnin' Bulldogs have a total of 41 players on the current roster who have started at least once during their college career. Nine of those men made their first career starts in the first nine games of 2013.
HOT ROD
Gardner-Webb back Rod Talley (5-10, 203, Fr.) posted his second 100-yard game of the season against Warner, darting for 107 yards and a score on just nine carries. His second touch of the game turned into a 60-yard sprint into the end zone - the longest run from scrimmage for a Gardner-Webb player this season. Talley, who starred at Laurens (S.C.) High last season, has seen limited duty behind veterans Juanne Blount and J.J. Hubbard, but has performed very well when called upon. Talley ranks second on the team with 276 yards and three scores on just 40 attempts (6.9 yards per carry).
CLUTCH PERFORMANCE
Veteran quarterback Chandler Browning (6-3, 245, RSr.) made his most significant appearance under center of the season against Warner, providing an outstanding lift that sparked a 51-14 win for GWU. Browning completed 2-of-4 passes for 38 yards, including a perfectly thrown, 25-yard scoring strike to Kenny Cook that put GWU up 14-7 in the second quarter. Browning also ran for a pair of first downs, including a career-long, 21-yard burst on a designed quarterback run. Browning made his last start under center on November 19, 2011 at VMI before missing last season with an injury. He has passed for 1,772 career yards and eight touchdowns during his time with the Runnin' Bulldogs.
THE GETER METER
Linebacker Chad Geter (6-2, 233, So.) continues to push for All-Big South honors with his 2013 performance, and earned CFPA honorable mention FCS Performer of the Week honors at linebacker following Gardner-Webb's 51-14 win over Warner. The Irmo, S.C., native collected just five tackles, but had four solo stops and a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss. Geter also forced a fumble and recorded a quarterback hurry in that game. Geter ranks second on the team with 56 tackles in eight games played, has 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a team-high five pass break ups. He sealed Gardner-Webb's win over Furman with a late interception, had a key sack in the win over No. 11 Richmond and was outstanding on the edge against No. 8 Wofford on September 21 in Spartanburg. Geter was an All-State safety at Dutch Fork (S.C.) High two seasons ago.
MAJOR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
Gardner-Webb's coaching staff has garnered significant experience - both as players and coaches - at the highest level of college football. Head coach Carroll McCray has spent time at both South Carolina and Mississippi State as offensive line coach. Defensive coordinator Randall McCray spent time at South Carolina as a graduate assistant, and has been a position coach at both Wisconsin and Pittsburgh. The younger McCray also worked as defensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee State, among other Division I stops during his career. Running backs coach Brett Hickman worked as a graduate assistant at East Carolina. Quarterbacks coach Brett Nichols played at South Carolina, receivers coach La'Donte Harris played at Clemson, assistant head coach / offensive line coach Kenny Ray played at Southern Miss and defensive line coach Issac Mooring played at North Carolina.
TELEVISION BUFFET
Gardner-Webb will appear in front of television cameras six times in 2013, the most ever for a single season on the gridiron. GWU will play four times on ESPN3 (WatchESPN.com), the worldwide leader's broadband video service and will play local/regional television games on WMYA-40 (Furman, 8/31) and WCCB-18 (Charlotte, 10/5). Gardner-Webb's home games with Point (9/28), Warner (11/2) and Charleston Southern (11/16) will air on the Big South Network - free in 2013 for all viewers.
THIS WEEK'S BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE GAMES
Saturday, November 9
#3/5 CCU at #16/18 CSU, 1:00 (Big South Network)
Gardner-Webb at VMI, 1:00 (ESPN3)
Presbyterian at Liberty, 3:30 (Big South Network)
DEFENSIVE PROWESS
Gardner-Webb has been stout defensively all season and the Runnin' Bulldogs currently rank No. 10 nationall in total defense - allowing 316.0 yards per game. Coach Randall McCray's unit has remained balanced for much of its campaign, ranking 31st against the run (134.0 yards allowed per game) and 22nd in passing defense (182.4 yards allowed per game). Gardner-Webb ranks No. 7 nationally in third down conversion defense (29.9 percent), No. 19 in fourth down conversion defense (33.3 percent) and 15th in first down defense (144 allowed). GWU also ranks No. 19 nationally in passes intercepted (11).
ROAD WOES
Gardner-Webb has not won a Big South Conference road game since a 26-24 win at Coastal Carolina on October 22, 2011 and is just 2-8 on the road in league play since 2010. GWU last won multiple road games in the same season in 2009, knocking off Western Carolina, VMI and Presbyterian away from home that season.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
The Big South Conference announced in early September that Kennesaw State University would join the league as an associate member for football when it begins play in 2015. The league lineup that season will now include: Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Gardner-Webb, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Monmouth and Presbyterian. Kennesaw State's new head coach, Brian Bohanon, spent one season as an assistant at Gardner-Webb in 1996 - before heading off to join Paul Johnson's staff at Georgia Southern, Navy and Georgia Tech.
RECRUITING WINNERS
Gardner-Webb has 17 student-athletes on its current roster who played on high school teams that either won a state title, played for a state title or were nationally ranked during their time in the program. Cornerback Drew White (5-9, 167, Sr.) played at one of the nation's top high school programs at Concord (Calif.) De La Salle and went on to play two seasons at national junior college power City College of San Francisco. The Gaffney (S.C.) High quartet of Dewayne Wray (6-0, 295, RFr.), Russell Hughes (6-3, 278, Fr.), Don Manning (6-1, 254, RSr.) and Donovan Manning (6-2, 257, Fr.) each played for high-powered teams just south of the state line.
UP NEXT FOR GARDNER-WEBB
Gardner-Webb will strap it up at home for the final time next Saturday, November 16, at 1:30 pm, welcoming #16/18 Charleston Southern to Spangler Stadium for Senior Day. The Bucs will be the fourth ranked team to appear on Gardner-Webb's 2013 schedule, tying a program record for most games against ranked teams in a single season. The game will air on WGWG-FM (88.3 / wgwg.org) and The Big South Network (bigsouthsports.com). †
VMI (1-8, 0-4 Big South) enters Saturday's contest in the midst of a seven-game streak of losses, including four in Big South Conference play ... The streak is somewhat misleading, as the Keydets have been very competitive in home losses to Robert Morris (37-31 in OT) and current No. 16/18 Charleston Southern (25-17 loss, led at halftime) and a road loss at Liberty (17-7, tied at halftime) ... Running back Derrick Ziglar (599 yds, 4 TD) and receiver Sam Patterson (519 yds, 6 TD) have emerged as strong offensive weapons and reserve quarterback A.J. Augustine (6 TD) has filled in admirably for All-Big South candidate Eric Kordenbrock (11 TD, 231.3 ypg) over the past few weeks ... Kordenbrock's status for Saturday remains uncertain, but he could return to action against Gardner-Webb.
THE GAME
Gardner-Webb returns to Big South Conference action on Saturday, traveling to face VMI at 1:00 pm in Lexington, Va. The game will air live on ESPN3 (WatchESPN.com), with Evan Lepler and Stan Lewter providing the call. WGWG-FM (88.3 / wgwg.org) will also carry the game and Fabian Fuentes will call the action from the radio booth.
SERIES NOTES
Gardner-Webb leads the series 9-1, with the first game played in 2003 in Lexington ... The series has been decided by an average of 9.6 points per game ... Only four of the 10 meetings have been decided by more than a touchdown ... VMI led 31-10 late in Lexington on November 19, 2011, before holding on for a 31-24 win in that season's finale ... Gardner-Webb got four touchdown passes from Lucas Beatty and used a strong third quarter to power a 38-7 win over the Keydets last October 27 in Boiling Springs.
SERIES HISTORY
Date (Location) Result (Notes)
October 18, 2003 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 37, VMI 25 (Nick Roberts 4 TD)
October 23, 2004 (Boiling Springs) GWU 28, VMI 17 (213 rushing yards for GWU)
October 22, 2005 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 55, VMI 52 3 OT / 1,060 combined yards
October 28, 2006 (Boiling Springs) GWU 35, VMI 31 (late TD pass for GWU - 5 mins)
October 20, 2007 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 36, VMI 22 (VMI 352 yards rushing)
October 25, 2008 (Boiling Springs) GWU 34, VMI 27 )392 yards passing for Devin Campbell)
October 3, 2009 (Lexington, Va.) GWU 27, VMI 23 (Tim Maypray punt return TD for VMI)
November 20, 2010 (Boiling Springs) GWU 10, VMI 7 (Regular season finale)
November 19, 2011 (Lexington, Va.) VMI 31, GWU 24 (JJ Hubbard 79-yard kickoff return TD)
October 27, 2012 (Boiling Springs) GWU 38, VMI 7 (328 yards passing, 4 TD for Beatty)
THE COACHES
Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray (Class of '83) is in his first season at the helm of his alma mater, becoming the first alumnus to hold the position since Woody Fish (1984-1996). VMI head coach Sparky Woods (Carson-Newman '76) is in his sixth season in Lexington has posted a 14-50 mark with the Keydets. Woods is in his 16th season overall, with 77 total wins under his belt with head coaching stops at Appalachian State, South Carolina and VMI.
A STRONG BOND
Gardner-Webb's Carroll McCray began his coaching career under the watchful eye of VMI head coach Sparky Woods during Woods time at Appalachian State. McCray followed Woods to the University of South Carolina, where he coached the Gamecocks' offensive line. All told, the pair coached together for 11 seasons. Woods and McCray teamed up for a pair of I-AA playoff appearances and SoCon titles at Appalachian State (1986, 1987). Current GWU defensive coordinator Randall McCray played for Woods at Appalachian State and later served as a graduate assistant coach at South Carolina.
NEON KEON
Gardner-Webb cornerback Keon Williams (6-0, 170, Sr.) has enjoyed a career-best year at his position, picking off a Big South-best four passes (45 return yards, TD) and breaking up three passes in nine starts. Williams, who has 26 total tackles as well (14 solo), has been a solid cover man all season. His interception late in the fourth quarter sealed Gardner-Webb's 3-0 win over No. 8 Wofford on September 21. Williams, who carries a 3.6 cumulative GPA, has emerged as an Academic All-America candidate. He has 88 career tackles and five interceptions to his credit in four seasons.
BON APPETITE
Receiver Kenny Cook (6-4, 210, RJr.) is enjoying a career year through nine games, leading the Big South Conference with career-highs in catches (53), yards (719) and touchdowns (7). The Cross Hill, S.C., native has hauled in 101 catches for 1,385 yards and 14 touchdowns during his 20-game career in Boiling Springs, which places him 17th in GWU history. Cook has hauled in 18 passes on third down this season, with 16 of those receptions going for first downs or scores. Cook has hauled in 90 percent of his targets on third down this season (18-of-20), providing GWU quarterbacks with a reliable target in those instances. Cook has gone for 100 yards in four games this season, giving him six for his career. Cook starred for one season at Garden City (Kan.) Community College after earning All-State honors as a defensive back at Clinton (S.C.) High. Cook was also a basketball standout in Clinton, earning SCADA North/South All-Star Game honors in that sport after averaging 18 points and 15 rebounds per game as a senior. Cook is the program's first 50-catch man since 2010.
BLOUNT FORCE
Hard-nosed running back Juanne Blount (5-9, 201, RJr.) continues to add onto a career-best season, taking full advantage of his first season as Gardner-Webb's featured back. The Wingate, N.C., native has carried 194 times for 845 yards and six scores through eight games, averaging a solid 4.4 yards per carry. For his career, Blount has 467 carries for 1,930 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, which ranks eighth in Gardner-Webb history - just in front of Blount's former position coach Chris Foster (1,883 yards from 2000-2003). Blount needs just 70 yards to reach 2,000 for his career and is well on pace to become the program's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2011.
AERIAL DISPLAY
Gardner-Webb quarterback Lucas Beatty (6-2, 212, RJr.) continues to climb the Gardner-Webb passing charts, topping the 5,000-yard mark with his seventh 200-yard passing game of the 2013 season vs. Warner (Fla.) on November 2. Beatty has completed 451-of-725 passes for 5,132 yards and 24 touchdowns in just 24 career starts. This season, he has passed for 2,018 yards and 10 touchdowns on 177-of-281 passing (63.0 percent), marking the second time in two seasons he has gone over 2,000 yards and reached double figures in touchdown passes. Beatty, the school's career completion percentage leader (62.2 percent), paces the Big South in yards, attempts and completions this season. Last season against VMI, Beatty completed 24-of-32 for 328 yards and four touchdowns - including a pair of long tosses to Demarcus White.
EXPERIENCED ROSTER FOR RUNNIN' BULLDOGS
Gardner-Webb has 30 men in at least their third season of college football on the two-deep heading into the 2013 season, including 22 juniors and seniors. A total of 14 juniors and seniors among that group had the benefit of a redshirt season. The Runnin' Bulldogs have a total of 41 players on the current roster who have started at least once during their college career. Nine of those men made their first career starts in the first nine games of 2013.
HOT ROD
Gardner-Webb back Rod Talley (5-10, 203, Fr.) posted his second 100-yard game of the season against Warner, darting for 107 yards and a score on just nine carries. His second touch of the game turned into a 60-yard sprint into the end zone - the longest run from scrimmage for a Gardner-Webb player this season. Talley, who starred at Laurens (S.C.) High last season, has seen limited duty behind veterans Juanne Blount and J.J. Hubbard, but has performed very well when called upon. Talley ranks second on the team with 276 yards and three scores on just 40 attempts (6.9 yards per carry).
CLUTCH PERFORMANCE
Veteran quarterback Chandler Browning (6-3, 245, RSr.) made his most significant appearance under center of the season against Warner, providing an outstanding lift that sparked a 51-14 win for GWU. Browning completed 2-of-4 passes for 38 yards, including a perfectly thrown, 25-yard scoring strike to Kenny Cook that put GWU up 14-7 in the second quarter. Browning also ran for a pair of first downs, including a career-long, 21-yard burst on a designed quarterback run. Browning made his last start under center on November 19, 2011 at VMI before missing last season with an injury. He has passed for 1,772 career yards and eight touchdowns during his time with the Runnin' Bulldogs.
THE GETER METER
Linebacker Chad Geter (6-2, 233, So.) continues to push for All-Big South honors with his 2013 performance, and earned CFPA honorable mention FCS Performer of the Week honors at linebacker following Gardner-Webb's 51-14 win over Warner. The Irmo, S.C., native collected just five tackles, but had four solo stops and a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss. Geter also forced a fumble and recorded a quarterback hurry in that game. Geter ranks second on the team with 56 tackles in eight games played, has 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a team-high five pass break ups. He sealed Gardner-Webb's win over Furman with a late interception, had a key sack in the win over No. 11 Richmond and was outstanding on the edge against No. 8 Wofford on September 21 in Spartanburg. Geter was an All-State safety at Dutch Fork (S.C.) High two seasons ago.
MAJOR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
Gardner-Webb's coaching staff has garnered significant experience - both as players and coaches - at the highest level of college football. Head coach Carroll McCray has spent time at both South Carolina and Mississippi State as offensive line coach. Defensive coordinator Randall McCray spent time at South Carolina as a graduate assistant, and has been a position coach at both Wisconsin and Pittsburgh. The younger McCray also worked as defensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee State, among other Division I stops during his career. Running backs coach Brett Hickman worked as a graduate assistant at East Carolina. Quarterbacks coach Brett Nichols played at South Carolina, receivers coach La'Donte Harris played at Clemson, assistant head coach / offensive line coach Kenny Ray played at Southern Miss and defensive line coach Issac Mooring played at North Carolina.
TELEVISION BUFFET
Gardner-Webb will appear in front of television cameras six times in 2013, the most ever for a single season on the gridiron. GWU will play four times on ESPN3 (WatchESPN.com), the worldwide leader's broadband video service and will play local/regional television games on WMYA-40 (Furman, 8/31) and WCCB-18 (Charlotte, 10/5). Gardner-Webb's home games with Point (9/28), Warner (11/2) and Charleston Southern (11/16) will air on the Big South Network - free in 2013 for all viewers.
THIS WEEK'S BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE GAMES
Saturday, November 9
#3/5 CCU at #16/18 CSU, 1:00 (Big South Network)
Gardner-Webb at VMI, 1:00 (ESPN3)
Presbyterian at Liberty, 3:30 (Big South Network)
DEFENSIVE PROWESS
Gardner-Webb has been stout defensively all season and the Runnin' Bulldogs currently rank No. 10 nationall in total defense - allowing 316.0 yards per game. Coach Randall McCray's unit has remained balanced for much of its campaign, ranking 31st against the run (134.0 yards allowed per game) and 22nd in passing defense (182.4 yards allowed per game). Gardner-Webb ranks No. 7 nationally in third down conversion defense (29.9 percent), No. 19 in fourth down conversion defense (33.3 percent) and 15th in first down defense (144 allowed). GWU also ranks No. 19 nationally in passes intercepted (11).
ROAD WOES
Gardner-Webb has not won a Big South Conference road game since a 26-24 win at Coastal Carolina on October 22, 2011 and is just 2-8 on the road in league play since 2010. GWU last won multiple road games in the same season in 2009, knocking off Western Carolina, VMI and Presbyterian away from home that season.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
The Big South Conference announced in early September that Kennesaw State University would join the league as an associate member for football when it begins play in 2015. The league lineup that season will now include: Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Gardner-Webb, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Monmouth and Presbyterian. Kennesaw State's new head coach, Brian Bohanon, spent one season as an assistant at Gardner-Webb in 1996 - before heading off to join Paul Johnson's staff at Georgia Southern, Navy and Georgia Tech.
RECRUITING WINNERS
Gardner-Webb has 17 student-athletes on its current roster who played on high school teams that either won a state title, played for a state title or were nationally ranked during their time in the program. Cornerback Drew White (5-9, 167, Sr.) played at one of the nation's top high school programs at Concord (Calif.) De La Salle and went on to play two seasons at national junior college power City College of San Francisco. The Gaffney (S.C.) High quartet of Dewayne Wray (6-0, 295, RFr.), Russell Hughes (6-3, 278, Fr.), Don Manning (6-1, 254, RSr.) and Donovan Manning (6-2, 257, Fr.) each played for high-powered teams just south of the state line.
UP NEXT FOR GARDNER-WEBB
Gardner-Webb will strap it up at home for the final time next Saturday, November 16, at 1:30 pm, welcoming #16/18 Charleston Southern to Spangler Stadium for Senior Day. The Bucs will be the fourth ranked team to appear on Gardner-Webb's 2013 schedule, tying a program record for most games against ranked teams in a single season. The game will air on WGWG-FM (88.3 / wgwg.org) and The Big South Network (bigsouthsports.com). †
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