Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 29, 1993 TAG: 9308310131
SECTION: COLLEGE FOOTBALL PAGE: FB9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FERRUM LENGTH: Medium
It was 1960, and a football legacy was about to be built at a small college in Franklin County.
In 33 years as head coach at Ferrum, Norton has seen and accomplished many things. One thing he hasn't seen very often is a losing season. He has had only three while compiling a career mark of 239-73-11. That's why last year's 4-5 record was so frustrating.
"I guess you could say our season last year paralleled Virginia Tech's," he said, referring to a Hokies team that was better than its 2-8-1 record. "We were in the ballgame in eight of our nine games. With a few breaks, we could have been 9-1."
Norton recently announced that this season would be his last, and he plans to go out a winner.
Twelve starters are gone from the Panthers' 1992 team, including eight on offense. With another brutal schedule ahead, the 65-year-old coach has his work cut out for him.
The Panthers open against Thomas More (Ky.), an NCAA Division III playoff team last year; Cortland (N.Y.) State, another traditionally strong Division III school; NAIA Division I Lees-McRae (N.C.); and perennial NAIA Division II power Westminster (Pa.).
"The offensive line will be critical, especially earlier in the season with our exceptionally strong first four opponents," Norton said. "We could be improved and still be 0-4. Our season will depend on how we play those first four games."
Norton must replace five of six offensive linemen. The only returning starter up front is Ray Brown, a 5-foot-9, 255-pound guard.
"We're counting on a lot of sophomores to start," Norton said. "I feel like we have some good kids coming in, they just lack experience."
Strong candidates include sophomores Brad Jones, Todd Webb and Chad Bowman. Junior Chris Glascock was a backup tackle last season and could move into a starting position.
Ferrum should be solid at quarterback, with two experienced sophomores.
Millard Vining started eight games last year. He rushed for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Vining also completed 51 of 122 passes for 949 yards and eight touchdowns.
John Poindexter saw action in two games as a backup quarterback. He passed for 56 yards and rushed for 12.
"The quarterback situation is a real strength for us," Norton said. "We have two outstanding quarterbacks in Vining and Poindexter. They're both familiar with our system and they're both good runners."
Senior James Williams, whom Norton pointed to as a potential All-America candidate, returns at wide receiver. Williams led the team in receiving last year, with 502 yards on 25 catches in seven games.
Junior Ray Brawley and sophomore Matt Smith will add depth to the receiving corps.
Another strength for Ferrum is experience at running back. Seniors Levi Frye and Eric Bates ranked third and fifth, respectively, in total rushing last year. They will be supported by Larry Basham, a sophomore from William Fleming High School, and Roshan Meyers.
Norton is more confident about the Panthers' defense, where six starters return. That group includes senior John Kitts, a 6-2, 260-pound linebacker who has attracted the attention of NFL scouts.
"He's a bonafide All-America candidate," Norton said. "When he came here, he weighed 190 pounds. He has a lot of ability, good speed and size. He's improved every year and is one of the best defensive players in Division III.
"Jim is capable of having a great season and we'll certainly rely on him for leadership."
Kitts said he ran for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the spring and the San Francisco 49ers also have shown some interest in him, but he is trying to keep his focus on the season.
"I just have to go out and play good football, and everything else will fall into place," Kitts said. "Being an All-American is in the back of my mind, but I can't worry about it too much.
"I think the defense will be the backbone of the team. We lost a lot of people on the offensive line, but we still have a lot of good players at skill positions."
Rejoining Kitts will be seniors Martin Asprey and Stan Ziglar at tackle. Adding depth will be sophomores Walter Bryant and Darius Waters and juniors Billy Ellis and Kevin Kyle.
Norton said he is concerned about depth in the secondary. Senior Terrance Harrelson returns to the starting lineup at free safety, along with junior Donald Grimes, who saw extensive backup duty last year.
Senior John Naleppa and sophomore Aaron Robinson, backups who saw considerable action last year, are expected to step up as the starters at cornerback.
The Panthers also must replace punter Joel Blackerby. Norton said sophomore David Waddell, a backup and junior varsity player last year, is the top candidate.
by CNB