Summer 2000

Bulldogs Plan to Exercise Option Again in 2000

Samford averaged 30 points a game and ranked fourth in the nation in rushing last football season. Running their new option offense, the Bulldogs averaged 313 yards a game and scored 41 touchdowns on the ground-both school records. That performance keyed a 7-4 record-Samford's fifth consecutive winning season. With nine starters back, including quarterback Josh Kellett and the entire line, the offense should thrive again in 2000. In fact, it may be even more productive. "We're much further along than we were a year ago in installing our new offensive system," said Coach Pete Hurt. "We were able to go back and revamp our offense and to add more to it, particularly in the passing game." Now, if Hurt can rebuild a defense that lost eight starters, the winning could continue. The Bulldogs have some talented young defensive players among their 38 returning lettermen. "The question is how fast they will develop," said Hurt.

Starting quarterback Josh Kellett returns to direct Samford's offense once again.

A further glance at season 2000 prospects:

Offense-Kellett ran for 762 yards and passed for 831 as a redshirt freshman last year, showing a natural ability to read opposing defenses. Leading rusher Jerome Russell (3,142 career yards) graduated, but running back Rashad Brewer (1,987 career yards) and fullback Kadell Wright (13 touchdowns in seven games last year) are back. Up front, three-year starters Philip Duplantis at tackle and Jim Dudley at guard lead the way. Aryvia Holmes (24 catches as a true freshman) is a talented receiver and kick returner.

Defense-Lamar Whitaker, last year's sack leader with six, and Brent Robinson are back in the line. Matthew Forester (57 tackles and three late-season starts) inherits middle linebacker from I-AA All Independent Fred Bishop, who graduated. Jason Long and Lewis Cole bring experience at linebacker. Michael Williams (43 tackles and six broken up passes) returns at cornerback.

Schedule Notes-Samford will play six Thursday night games (a trend in Division
I-AA), starting at traditional rival Chattanooga Aug. 31. The Bulldogs will play their first Division I foe since 1997, meeting Big West Conference member North Texas in Denton Oct. 5.