43
Walsh will depend on transfers, recruits
The Cavaliers will rely heavily on one of its strongest recruiting classes in the program’s history.
NORTH CANTON — After snapping a string of 13 straight winning season with a 5-6 record in 2007, the Walsh University football team will look to a new offense and a strong class of transfers to get back on track in 2008.
Head coach Jim Dennison, who mentored Ohio State coach Jim Tressel when they were at the University of Akron, will enter his 14th season at Walsh.
The Cavaliers will rely heavily on one of the strongest recruiting classes in the program’s history.
Walsh will bring in two Division I transfers — Sian Cotton (Ohio State) and Jamaal Ballard (Toledo). Cotton will likely start on the defensive line, while Ballard will anchor the defensive backfield.
The Cavaliers’ defense will be strong with the newcomers adding to an already experience group.
The D-line returns seniors Keith Anderson and Luke Kolic as well as juniors Mark Sexton and Jermaine Whitmore. All four have started for Walsh in their careers.
Warren Harding graduate Tony Reed, a transfer from the College of Southern Maryland, will be in the mix as well.
The linebacking corps will be led by returning starter Royal Porter, who started all 11 games in 2007, finishing with 79 tackles. Mike Rutan started two games last season and returns.
Among players fighting for starting roles in the Walsh secondary will be Columbiana High alum Mike Welce, who lettered in 2007 as a reserve and special teams player. He is expected to compete for the string safety spot.
Alliance grad Chris Bivins, a redshirt freshman, will be in the mix in the secondary, as will newcomer Ballard.
Offensively, Walsh returns some key skill players, including senior quarterback Marc Pullen (1,500 yards and eight touchdowns) and all-MSFA running back Clinton Blossomgame (1,487 yards, 11 touchdowns).
The Cavs are expected to employ a new-look offense this fall, working more out of the shotgun formation. Pullen is a threat to run or pass and has plenty of playmakers to get the ball to.
In addition to Blossomgame, the Cavaliers add Kevin Beichler, Tim Cox and Rashid Sharif to the backfield.
Veteran Lou Ward, an East Liverpool High graduate, will get the nod at fullback. After spending a portion of the 2007 season at linebacker, Ward moves to the other side of the ball full time.
The Cavs are deep at tight end, led by Lakeview High grad Brad Schrecengost, who moves to the position from the offensive line.
Plenty of receivers will fight for catches, led by veterans Mike McGill (25 catches, four TDs) and John Rutan. Battling for playing time is former Salem High standout Tyler Pierce, a redshirt sophomore.
Walsh will play a challenging schedule in the MSFA Midest, including a date with crosstown rival Malone on Oct. 18 at Fawcett Stadium.
The Cavs will play six home games, including three of their first five contests. The season will begin Saturday with a trip to Trinity Intenational.
The home season starts Saturday against West Liberty State (WV).