Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408260026
SECTION: COLLEGE FOOTBALL PAGE: FB10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Coach: Dave Davis, first year.
Major losses: RB Eric Bates, OL Ray Brown, LB Jim Kitts, WR James Williams, C Chad Bowman.
Top returnees: WR Ray Brawley, QB Millard Vining, RB David Anthony, FS Donald Grimes, DE Billy Ray Ellis, LB Chris Denhoff.
Strengths: Ellis and Grimes will anchor an experienced defense that kept the Panthers in games in 1993. Vining, a junior who has played in all but one game at quarterback the past two seasons, also returns with experience and intensity. The offensive backfield should be solid, with several players back to fill the void left by Bates.
Concerns: The Panthers will be a young squad overall, with 16 seniors gone from last year's team. The offensive line is a particular question mark, with tackles Zack Thomas and Chris Glascock the only returning starters. Ferrum's secondary also took a severe hit. Brawley will have to step up to fill the void at wide receiver left by James Williams.
Projections: Despite having only five seniors on the roster, Ferrum has an enthusiastic nucleus of players returning. The Panthers are hungry to give Davis a winning record in his first season as head coach, but Ferrum's traditionally brutal schedule, including the opener against 1993 NCAA Division III runner-up Rowan, will make it difficult. 5-4.
by CNB