Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408260030
SECTION: COLLEGE FOOTBALL PAGE: FB10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Long
Bill Stewart dips into the pool of football coaching cliches often, adding his personal touch with a thick West Virginia drawl.
VMI's new head coach is restless and animated, with a no-holds-barred attitude. Stewart gets particularly fidgety when he starts talking about turning around the Keydets' program, which won 14 games in five seasons under his predecessor, Jim Shuck.
Stewart has installed a new offense and revamped the defense. But perhaps more importantly, players say, he has brought a new attitude to a team that was 1-10 last season.
``Coach Stewart - this is his show and his personality is wide-open,'' said quarterback Spike Johnson. ``When he wants something done, it gets done - no ifs, ands or buts.''
``He never backs down,'' added running back Thomas Haskins. ``He's set the standard, and if you don't make it, you're out. ... Our attitude has gone from zero to ten.''
All the enthusiasm has the Keydets wondering if a winning season - the first in 13 years at VMI -is within reach. But then there's the Southern Conference preseason poll. VMI received nine total points in voting by the league's nine head coaches, which means even Stewart picked the Keydets to finish last.
``Does that bother me?'' Stewart asked. ``If I was a bitter man ... but I'm not bitter. I'm a football coach and it`s my job to prove them wrong.''
Stewart started the process by scrapping the run-oriented wishbone offense used by the Keydets under Shuck and installing a multiple-I set to provide better balance between the passing and running games. Who will be leading the charge, however, remains a question.
Johnson and Erik Reynolds shared time at quarterback last season, with Johnson emerging as the starter. Reynolds was moved to wide receiver in the spring, and Johnson, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior, appeared to win the starting job.
However, Stewart went on a recruiting binge, adding 23 freshmen to the Keydets' roster, including four tall quarterbacks.
``It's just like any other position,'' Stewart said. ``Whoever performs on a weekly basis is going to play.''
The ``rats'' who could give Johnson the most competition appear to be Al Lester, a 6-3, 200-pounder from Hinesville, Ga., and Justin Molloy, a 6-4, 220-pounder from Washington, D.C.
In addition, Stewart could call on 6-4 Greg Ellen from Highland Springs or 6-2 Ryan Talley from Virginia Beach.
Johnson, however, said he was not concerned about his height or inability to spot receivers and was confident he'll get the call Saturday, when the Keydets open the season at home against Richmond.
``The younger players showed us they want to play,'' Johnson said. ''And that's football. Where would a starter be without a competitive backup? ... I think I have a strong enough arm to get the job done.''
At wide receiver, the Keydets have junior Marlon Anderson, who led the team with 21 catches for 287 yards last season. Anderson, the Southern Conference's freshman of the year in 1992, enters the season with at least one reception in each of his past 12 games.
Reynolds said he also was ready to make an impact at his new, less-stressful position - split end.
``I'm happy,'' Reynolds said. ``Everybody's excited and seems more comfortable [with the new offense]. There's just a lot less confusion.''
Haskins, a sophomore tailback who came on strong last season to lead the Keydets in rushing with 594 yards, agreed.
``With the type of guys we have and the size we have, I think Coach Stewart knows what to do,'' Haskins said. ``And I feel like I'm the kind of back who can really take off in the I formation.''
Providing depth at tailback will be Jason Ross, a converted quarterback, and Bryant McMillan, back after a year's absence from VMI. Darrell Summerville and Brett Badgett will compete for the fullback slot, which was vacated by the graduation of former Lord Botetourt player Chris Meacham.
The offensive and defensive lines each have three starters returning, including junior Sid Mitchener, a second-team All-Southern Conference selection at center last season. Tackle Brian Gilba and guard Brandon Savochka also are back on offense, and end John Cross and tackles Keith Burwell and Jon Fabyonic return on defense.
Stewart said the defense will use an ``attack'' philosophy this season as opposed to a ``read'' philosophy.
``If we attack our responsibilities and not just do our responsibilities, we're going to win,'' he said.
Also helping put the defensive motto in motion will be senior Kevin Reardon, who led the Keydets in tackles (115) last season at free safety, and returning linebackers Sam Daniels and Drew Dunnington.
Although a total of 13 starters from last year return, all will have to fight for playing time. Stewart said it was inevitable some freshmen would be called on to play immediately, although he hopes it's not a trend.
``We're probably the youngest football team in America,'' Stewart said. ``But there's no class system here once you cross that red line [into the stadium].
``I want to see some fur flying, some people moving. If that doesn't come from the upperclassmen, then the best player is going to play.''
Stewart said he realizes his system isn't for everyone.
``It's going to be a tough love,'' he said. ``We're going to hug 'em and love 'em, but it's going to be a tough love.''
by CNB