GAME NOTES: Gardner-Webb Returns Home To Host Division II Shorter On Saturday
October 05, 2017 | Football
THE GAME
Gardner-Webb returns home Saturday afternoon, hosting Shorter College at 1:30 pm for its 2017 Homecoming Game. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Hawks' contest will air live on The Big South Network (bigsouthsports.com), with Fabian Fuentes and Alex Guest on the call. The game will also be broadcast on wgwg.org, with Brendan Boylan and Tyler Helms calling the action on that platform.
SERIES « DIVISION II NOTES
First meeting ... Former Shorter head coach Phil Jones was an assistant coach at Gardner-Webb from 2003-2004, helping the Runnin' Bulldogs to an 8-3 record and Big South Conference crown in 2003 ... Jones was the first head coach in Shorter history ... Gardner-Webb has won 17-straight against non-Division I opponents, dating back to the 2001 season ... The Runnin' Bulldogs were members of NCAA Division II in football from 1993-1999 ... GWU hasn't played a member of the Gulf South Conference since a 1996 loss to Valdosta State ... Gardner-Webb was 1-4 as an NCAA Division II member against the Gulf South Conference, splitting a pair of games with West Georgia and losing to Valdosta State (x2) and West Alabama.
BEHIND ENEMY LINES
Gardner-Webb linebacker Kenyatta Dunbar (5-11, 214, Sr.) has been a regular visitor in offensive backfields this season, leading NCAA Division I FCS nationally with 10.0 tackles for loss (2.5 per game) so far. The Edgefield, S.C., native has posted at least 3.0 tackles for loss in each of his last three games – becoming the first Big South Conference tackler to do so since Harold Wells in 2004. Dunbar is tied for the team lead currently with 31 total tackles (20 solo). He also had a forced fumble that Gardner-Webb recovered in the closing minutes at No. 9 Wofford, one of his 3.0 tackles for loss on the day.
TOUGH SLATE
According to the NCAA's Toughest Schedule metric, Gardner-Webb is tied with Samford for the most difficult slate in the FCS nationally. None of Gardner-Webb's three previous FCS opponents have lost yet (8-0). It's future opposition is a combined 10-5 so far in 2017. Eight of Gardner-Webb's nine FCS opponents this season are either ranked this week or receiving votes in one of the two major polls conducted for the subdivision. GWU also faced a 2016 bowl participant (Wyoming) on September 9. Each of Gardner-Webb's first three opponents – North Carolina A&T (#12), Western Carolina (#22) and Wofford (#5) – is ranked this week. Five more are receiving votes, led by Charleston Southern, North Carolina Central, Liberty, Monmouth and Kennesaw State.
THE HEAD COACHES
Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray (Class of '83) returned to his alma mater in 2013 and has forged a 20-29 record so far in his time in Boiling Springs. Aaron Kelton (Springfield '92) is in his second season in charge at Shorter, after serving as head coach at Division III Williams (Mass.) College from 2010-2015.
MAXWELL'S MOVING UP THE CHARTS
Standout quarterback Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) entered his senior season with a truckload of accolades, including preseason Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors, and has overcome a slow start to get back to his 2016 form. Maxwell currently sits seventh in school history with 2,248 career rushing yards – just eight yards behind Shed Harris for sixth position on that list. Maxwell needs just 192 to move into the top-5 in GWU history. Maxwell has also passed for 3,097 career yards, which ranks 11th in program history. Maxwell is 737 yards behind Jesse James for 10th in school history through the air. He is the first quarterback in Gardner-Webb or Big South Conference history to pass for 3,000+ yards and run for 2,000+ yards in a career.
LONG RANGE
Gardner-Webb has recorded only five explosive plays (20+ yards) offensively so far in 2017, after averaging 4.0 explosive plays per game in 2016. GWU had one play of 20+ yards at #9 Wofford, with Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) hitting Willie Jackson IV (6-1, 217, Sr.) on a 23-yard score through the air.
RED ZONE PERFECTION
In its four games to date, Gardner-Webb has scored in each of its five trips inside the red zone, including twice at ninth-ranked Wofford on September 23. Opposing teams are also perfect inside the red zone, scoring on all 14 trips. GWU has done a good job of late limiting teams to field goals, allowing just one TD in three trips to Wofford.
OFFENSE MAKING STRIDES
After a tough start to the season, Gardner-Webb's offensive unit has made significant progress over its past two games. Since going without a touchdown over the first two weeks, GWU has averaged 25.5 points per game in losses to nationally-ranked Western Carolina and Wofford in its two most recent contests. Quarterback Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) has completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 301 yards in those games, and is averaging 77.5 yards per game himself on the ground. The Runnin' Bulldogs have effectively moved the chains, averaging 19.5 first downs per game over the last two.
BULLDOZERS
Gardner-Webb success running the football last season was paved by a strong offensive line, a unit that returned three starters for the 2017 season in All-America candidate Will Millikan (6-3, 311, Jr.) at left tackle, third-year starter Charlie Eudy (6-2, 291, R-Jr.) at right tackle and second-year starter Brayden Briggs (6-3, 303, R-So.) at right guard. The addition of Eastern Michigan transfer Brandon Leahey (6-3, 297, R-So.) at center bolstered the unit and another newcomer was the talk of preseason camp with his quick emergence – similar to Millikan's prior to the 2015 season. Left guard Jack Nichols (6-3, 314, Fr.) started the season opener, becoming the first true freshman to earn a season opening start on the offensive line since Millikan did so at South Alabama in 2015. Millikan went on to a successful freshman season, starting 10 games, and was an All-Big South choice as a sophomore. Nichols was a standout at national power Roswell (Ga.) High before signing with Gardner-Webb in February. As a starting unit, the Runnin' Bulldogs averages 6-2 3/4 and 303.2 pounds per man.
VETERAN FRONT SEVEN
Gardner-Webb lost some star power from a solid front seven last season, with All-America linebacker Chad Geter and All-Big South running mate Aaron Cook graduating. The Runnin' Bulldogs have plenty of experienced muscle back, however, with all seven starters in the front seven in at least their third season of college football. Three of those seven starters are seniors and two more are redshirt juniors. Five of the seven have starting experience, led by All-Big South defensive end P.J. Fuimaono (6-1, 294, Sr.), standout linebacker Kenyatta Dunbar (5-11, 214, Sr.) and standouts Corey Horne (6-0, 221, Jr.) and Jeffrey Pegues (6-0, 208, Sr.) at inside linebacker.
KICKIN' IT
Gardner-Webb kicker Paul Schumacher (5-10, 177, Sr.) enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, earning second-team All-Big South Conference honors after connecting on 10-of-11 field goals and setting a new school-record with 23 touchbacks on kickoffs. He also booted home all 32 of his PAT kicks as a junior. The West Palm Beach, Fla., native kicked off twice in the 2017 season opener, with both going for touchbacks. His 25-yard field goal provided the lone points for Gardner-Webb in the game. He added another touchback on his lone kickoff at Wyoming, and came through with nine kicking points vs. Western Carolina (9/16), nailing a career-long, 44-yard field goal as the first half clock expired. He also had another touchback. So far in 2017, Schumacher has made 6-of-6 PAT kicks, 4-of-5 field goal attempts – with his lone miss coming from 50 yards away – and has eight touchbacks in four games on 13 kickoffs.
THE BIG MAN
Punter Andrew Komornik (6-5, 264, Gr.) has shown off a strong leg again in 2017, ranking near the top of the Big South Conference with an average of 40.8 yards per punt. The Fort Mill, S.C., native has hammered five punts longer than 50 yards so far, including a 57-yarder, in 26 total attempts. Komornik has pinned seven punts inside the 20-yard line, with four of those pins coming in the past two games.
MORE MAXWELL
Gardner-Webb's Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) is the Big South Conference's career leader with nine games with 100+ yards rushing for a quarterback, doing so earlier this year vs. Western Carolina with 111 yards by halftime. Maxwell ranks ninth in league history – regardless of position – in 100-yard games rushing. His eight games with 100+ yards rushing and 100+ yards passing is a league record.
IT'S DAH-VIS
Defensive end Davis Neilands (6-3, 255, R-So.) – pronounced "DAH-vis" – is in his second season in the starting lineup and stands poised for a move into the elite among Big South Conference defensive linemen. The Latvian-born pass rusher emerged late last season, making a splash in his first start at Liberty (10/29) and a strong effort in the win at No. 8 Charleston Southern (11/5). He recorded five hits (four solo) and 1.5 sacks in an overtime loss at Liberty, then came through with 11 stops and a half sack in Charleston, S.C. Neilands finished his inaugural campaign with the Runnin' Bulldogs with 42 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in 11 games played – with only spot duty until late October. Neilands had six stops in the season opener vs. #25 North Carolina A&T and his first sack of the year at #9 Wofford.
NEW FACES ON STAFF
Gardner-Webb welcomes two new assistant coaches to its staff in 2017, with Dennis Thomas taking over on the defensive line and Bennett Houston coaching the receivers. Thomas, who played on the defensive line at South Carolina himself, most recently coached at Tusculum (2016) and also served as an assistant coach at Western Carolina. Houston, a graduate of North Greenville, spent several seasons as an undergraduate coach with a strong Crusaders' program.
HOME SWEET HOME
Gardner-Webb has been traditionally tough in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium, and have gone 14-11 at home since head coach Carroll McCray's arrival in 2013. That includes wins over top-25 opponents Richmond (2013), Charleston Southern (2013) and Liberty (2015). Five of its 11 home losses since 2013, including three of its last four, have come to nationally-ranked teams. Each of Gardner-Webb's home losses this season have come to teams currently ranked in the FCS Top 25.
SLASH
The Runnin' Bulldogs employ a dangerous weapon in a wide range of areas in 2017, as Brody Rollins (5-11, 182, Jr.) uses his 4.5-second speed to impact games at several positions. The Knoxville, Tenn., speedster lines up at quarterback, running back and receiver during regular sets offensively – also serves as one of Gardner-Webb's primary kick returners. Rollins finished the 2016 season with 14 carries for 42 yards, completed one pass, caught a pass for seven yards and led Gardner-Webb with 22 kickoff returns for 454 yards (20.6 yards per attempt). He caught his first career touchdown pass vs. Western Carolina, hauling in a 35-yarder late in the fourth quarter. Rollins leads Gardner-Webb's receiving corps through four games, catching five passes for 62 yards.
UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb will begin a two-game road trip next weekend in Durham, N.C., traveling to face defending MEAC champion North Carolina Central at 2:00 pm in O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. It will be the two programs' first meeting since the Runnin' Bulldogs took a 16-0 win on September 11, 1999. Gardner-Webb will then remain on the road to begin Big South Conference play, traveling to Kennesaw, Ga., for a 7:00 pm kickoff against preseason co-favorite Kennesaw State. The GWU-KSU league opener will air live on ESPN3 (WatchESPN), with Mike Hogewood and Renaldo Wynn calling the action from Fifth Third Bank Stadium. †
Gardner-Webb returns home Saturday afternoon, hosting Shorter College at 1:30 pm for its 2017 Homecoming Game. The Runnin' Bulldogs and Hawks' contest will air live on The Big South Network (bigsouthsports.com), with Fabian Fuentes and Alex Guest on the call. The game will also be broadcast on wgwg.org, with Brendan Boylan and Tyler Helms calling the action on that platform.
SERIES « DIVISION II NOTES
First meeting ... Former Shorter head coach Phil Jones was an assistant coach at Gardner-Webb from 2003-2004, helping the Runnin' Bulldogs to an 8-3 record and Big South Conference crown in 2003 ... Jones was the first head coach in Shorter history ... Gardner-Webb has won 17-straight against non-Division I opponents, dating back to the 2001 season ... The Runnin' Bulldogs were members of NCAA Division II in football from 1993-1999 ... GWU hasn't played a member of the Gulf South Conference since a 1996 loss to Valdosta State ... Gardner-Webb was 1-4 as an NCAA Division II member against the Gulf South Conference, splitting a pair of games with West Georgia and losing to Valdosta State (x2) and West Alabama.
BEHIND ENEMY LINES
Gardner-Webb linebacker Kenyatta Dunbar (5-11, 214, Sr.) has been a regular visitor in offensive backfields this season, leading NCAA Division I FCS nationally with 10.0 tackles for loss (2.5 per game) so far. The Edgefield, S.C., native has posted at least 3.0 tackles for loss in each of his last three games – becoming the first Big South Conference tackler to do so since Harold Wells in 2004. Dunbar is tied for the team lead currently with 31 total tackles (20 solo). He also had a forced fumble that Gardner-Webb recovered in the closing minutes at No. 9 Wofford, one of his 3.0 tackles for loss on the day.
TOUGH SLATE
According to the NCAA's Toughest Schedule metric, Gardner-Webb is tied with Samford for the most difficult slate in the FCS nationally. None of Gardner-Webb's three previous FCS opponents have lost yet (8-0). It's future opposition is a combined 10-5 so far in 2017. Eight of Gardner-Webb's nine FCS opponents this season are either ranked this week or receiving votes in one of the two major polls conducted for the subdivision. GWU also faced a 2016 bowl participant (Wyoming) on September 9. Each of Gardner-Webb's first three opponents – North Carolina A&T (#12), Western Carolina (#22) and Wofford (#5) – is ranked this week. Five more are receiving votes, led by Charleston Southern, North Carolina Central, Liberty, Monmouth and Kennesaw State.
THE HEAD COACHES
Gardner-Webb head coach Carroll McCray (Class of '83) returned to his alma mater in 2013 and has forged a 20-29 record so far in his time in Boiling Springs. Aaron Kelton (Springfield '92) is in his second season in charge at Shorter, after serving as head coach at Division III Williams (Mass.) College from 2010-2015.
MAXWELL'S MOVING UP THE CHARTS
Standout quarterback Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) entered his senior season with a truckload of accolades, including preseason Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors, and has overcome a slow start to get back to his 2016 form. Maxwell currently sits seventh in school history with 2,248 career rushing yards – just eight yards behind Shed Harris for sixth position on that list. Maxwell needs just 192 to move into the top-5 in GWU history. Maxwell has also passed for 3,097 career yards, which ranks 11th in program history. Maxwell is 737 yards behind Jesse James for 10th in school history through the air. He is the first quarterback in Gardner-Webb or Big South Conference history to pass for 3,000+ yards and run for 2,000+ yards in a career.
LONG RANGE
Gardner-Webb has recorded only five explosive plays (20+ yards) offensively so far in 2017, after averaging 4.0 explosive plays per game in 2016. GWU had one play of 20+ yards at #9 Wofford, with Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) hitting Willie Jackson IV (6-1, 217, Sr.) on a 23-yard score through the air.
RED ZONE PERFECTION
In its four games to date, Gardner-Webb has scored in each of its five trips inside the red zone, including twice at ninth-ranked Wofford on September 23. Opposing teams are also perfect inside the red zone, scoring on all 14 trips. GWU has done a good job of late limiting teams to field goals, allowing just one TD in three trips to Wofford.
OFFENSE MAKING STRIDES
After a tough start to the season, Gardner-Webb's offensive unit has made significant progress over its past two games. Since going without a touchdown over the first two weeks, GWU has averaged 25.5 points per game in losses to nationally-ranked Western Carolina and Wofford in its two most recent contests. Quarterback Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) has completed 58.6 percent of his passes for 301 yards in those games, and is averaging 77.5 yards per game himself on the ground. The Runnin' Bulldogs have effectively moved the chains, averaging 19.5 first downs per game over the last two.
BULLDOZERS
Gardner-Webb success running the football last season was paved by a strong offensive line, a unit that returned three starters for the 2017 season in All-America candidate Will Millikan (6-3, 311, Jr.) at left tackle, third-year starter Charlie Eudy (6-2, 291, R-Jr.) at right tackle and second-year starter Brayden Briggs (6-3, 303, R-So.) at right guard. The addition of Eastern Michigan transfer Brandon Leahey (6-3, 297, R-So.) at center bolstered the unit and another newcomer was the talk of preseason camp with his quick emergence – similar to Millikan's prior to the 2015 season. Left guard Jack Nichols (6-3, 314, Fr.) started the season opener, becoming the first true freshman to earn a season opening start on the offensive line since Millikan did so at South Alabama in 2015. Millikan went on to a successful freshman season, starting 10 games, and was an All-Big South choice as a sophomore. Nichols was a standout at national power Roswell (Ga.) High before signing with Gardner-Webb in February. As a starting unit, the Runnin' Bulldogs averages 6-2 3/4 and 303.2 pounds per man.
VETERAN FRONT SEVEN
Gardner-Webb lost some star power from a solid front seven last season, with All-America linebacker Chad Geter and All-Big South running mate Aaron Cook graduating. The Runnin' Bulldogs have plenty of experienced muscle back, however, with all seven starters in the front seven in at least their third season of college football. Three of those seven starters are seniors and two more are redshirt juniors. Five of the seven have starting experience, led by All-Big South defensive end P.J. Fuimaono (6-1, 294, Sr.), standout linebacker Kenyatta Dunbar (5-11, 214, Sr.) and standouts Corey Horne (6-0, 221, Jr.) and Jeffrey Pegues (6-0, 208, Sr.) at inside linebacker.
KICKIN' IT
Gardner-Webb kicker Paul Schumacher (5-10, 177, Sr.) enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, earning second-team All-Big South Conference honors after connecting on 10-of-11 field goals and setting a new school-record with 23 touchbacks on kickoffs. He also booted home all 32 of his PAT kicks as a junior. The West Palm Beach, Fla., native kicked off twice in the 2017 season opener, with both going for touchbacks. His 25-yard field goal provided the lone points for Gardner-Webb in the game. He added another touchback on his lone kickoff at Wyoming, and came through with nine kicking points vs. Western Carolina (9/16), nailing a career-long, 44-yard field goal as the first half clock expired. He also had another touchback. So far in 2017, Schumacher has made 6-of-6 PAT kicks, 4-of-5 field goal attempts – with his lone miss coming from 50 yards away – and has eight touchbacks in four games on 13 kickoffs.
THE BIG MAN
Punter Andrew Komornik (6-5, 264, Gr.) has shown off a strong leg again in 2017, ranking near the top of the Big South Conference with an average of 40.8 yards per punt. The Fort Mill, S.C., native has hammered five punts longer than 50 yards so far, including a 57-yarder, in 26 total attempts. Komornik has pinned seven punts inside the 20-yard line, with four of those pins coming in the past two games.
MORE MAXWELL
Gardner-Webb's Tyrell Maxwell (6-2, 231, Sr.) is the Big South Conference's career leader with nine games with 100+ yards rushing for a quarterback, doing so earlier this year vs. Western Carolina with 111 yards by halftime. Maxwell ranks ninth in league history – regardless of position – in 100-yard games rushing. His eight games with 100+ yards rushing and 100+ yards passing is a league record.
IT'S DAH-VIS
Defensive end Davis Neilands (6-3, 255, R-So.) – pronounced "DAH-vis" – is in his second season in the starting lineup and stands poised for a move into the elite among Big South Conference defensive linemen. The Latvian-born pass rusher emerged late last season, making a splash in his first start at Liberty (10/29) and a strong effort in the win at No. 8 Charleston Southern (11/5). He recorded five hits (four solo) and 1.5 sacks in an overtime loss at Liberty, then came through with 11 stops and a half sack in Charleston, S.C. Neilands finished his inaugural campaign with the Runnin' Bulldogs with 42 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks in 11 games played – with only spot duty until late October. Neilands had six stops in the season opener vs. #25 North Carolina A&T and his first sack of the year at #9 Wofford.
NEW FACES ON STAFF
Gardner-Webb welcomes two new assistant coaches to its staff in 2017, with Dennis Thomas taking over on the defensive line and Bennett Houston coaching the receivers. Thomas, who played on the defensive line at South Carolina himself, most recently coached at Tusculum (2016) and also served as an assistant coach at Western Carolina. Houston, a graduate of North Greenville, spent several seasons as an undergraduate coach with a strong Crusaders' program.
HOME SWEET HOME
Gardner-Webb has been traditionally tough in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium, and have gone 14-11 at home since head coach Carroll McCray's arrival in 2013. That includes wins over top-25 opponents Richmond (2013), Charleston Southern (2013) and Liberty (2015). Five of its 11 home losses since 2013, including three of its last four, have come to nationally-ranked teams. Each of Gardner-Webb's home losses this season have come to teams currently ranked in the FCS Top 25.
SLASH
The Runnin' Bulldogs employ a dangerous weapon in a wide range of areas in 2017, as Brody Rollins (5-11, 182, Jr.) uses his 4.5-second speed to impact games at several positions. The Knoxville, Tenn., speedster lines up at quarterback, running back and receiver during regular sets offensively – also serves as one of Gardner-Webb's primary kick returners. Rollins finished the 2016 season with 14 carries for 42 yards, completed one pass, caught a pass for seven yards and led Gardner-Webb with 22 kickoff returns for 454 yards (20.6 yards per attempt). He caught his first career touchdown pass vs. Western Carolina, hauling in a 35-yarder late in the fourth quarter. Rollins leads Gardner-Webb's receiving corps through four games, catching five passes for 62 yards.
UP NEXT
Gardner-Webb will begin a two-game road trip next weekend in Durham, N.C., traveling to face defending MEAC champion North Carolina Central at 2:00 pm in O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. It will be the two programs' first meeting since the Runnin' Bulldogs took a 16-0 win on September 11, 1999. Gardner-Webb will then remain on the road to begin Big South Conference play, traveling to Kennesaw, Ga., for a 7:00 pm kickoff against preseason co-favorite Kennesaw State. The GWU-KSU league opener will air live on ESPN3 (WatchESPN), with Mike Hogewood and Renaldo Wynn calling the action from Fifth Third Bank Stadium. †
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