THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 1, 1994 TAG: 9408270389
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: R19 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Preview: College Football '94
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Funny thing about winning, going to postseason play and being nationally ranked. Do it long enough and you start expecting it every year, even when you've lost most of your starters.
Such is the case at William and Mary. Twelve starters are gone from the team that finished 9-3 and lost to McNeese State last season in the first round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
The offensive line and defensive backfields must be rebuilt, and there are big holes on the defensive front.
But Shawn Knight, a senior quarterback from Norfolk, echoes his teammates when he says the Tribe will be stronger than it was in 1993.
``I'm confident,'' Knight said. ``We've got a lot of talent to fill those holes. I think we're going to have a great season.''
One that will include another playoff berth, he says.
``It's no longer good enough just to make it to the playoffs,'' he said. ``In other years maybe it was and at other places maybe it still is. But not here. Our guys are dissatisfied with just making it. This program is beyond that stage.''
William and Mary has indeed emerged as the state's preeminent I-AA power. The Tribe advanced to the I-AA playoffs four of the last eight seasons. Twice William and Mary elected to play a bowl game in Japan rather than be eligible for the playoffs.
But Knight, who set a national I-AA passing efficiency record in 1993, must have another great season if the Tribe is to garner playoff bid No. 5. A year ago he passed for 2,235 yards and rushed for 311. He rushed or passed for 32 touchdowns while throwing four interceptions.
Tailbacks Derek Fitzgerald (1,101 yards) and Troy Keen (650) return, as do receivers Mike Tomlin (39 receptions) and Terry Hammons (23).
However, John Stem is the only returning offensive blocker. Last season the Tribe had an All-American in Tom Walters and an All-Yankee Conference pick in Wally Vale. Both are gone.
Two sophomores and a redshirt freshman will start. Sophomore guard Josh Beyer is the best of the young linemen, most of whom got quality playing time in lopsided victories over Maine, Villanova, Harvard and VMI.
``Josh is an outstanding prospect who got some playing time last year and is someone I would hope will take a leadership role,'' coach Jimmye Laycock said.
``But the offensive line is a big, big concern. When you look back at the good teams we've had, the offensive lines have been experienced.
``We've got some guys who can play. How many things they allow us to do will be important.''
Defensively, the Tribe has many holes, including three vacant spots in the backfield and the loss of tackle Craig Staub, the conference's defensive player of the year.
``We've got some good athletes in the defensive backfield, but they haven't played much,'' Laycock said.
Sophomore strong safety Darren Sharper is the only returning starter in the backfield.
Greg Applewhite, a senior co-captain from Southampton Academy, is expected to be a defensive leader. His brother, Chris, is vying for a starting position at tight end.
Laycock is cautiously optimistic in spite of having to fill so many holes.
``We need to appreciate what we've been able to accomplish,'' he said. ``Whether we can win the same number of games this year, I can't say.
``That's one thing about having success, it raises everyone's level of expectations even when you've lost a lot of good football players.
``But given the alternative, I'd rather have high expectations.'' by CNB