THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604040171
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 30 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER
CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
SPRIGS OF onion grass were growing through the patches of dirt at Elizabeth City State University's Roebuck Stadium last week as cool April winds blew through the empty bleachers.
It felt like football season, and George Moody, ECSU head football coach, was in his glory as he left the field.
``We're ready, coach,'' a Viking player said as he swaggered off the practice field. ``I wish it was fall.''
The Vikings wrapped up their 15-day spring football practice with a controlled ``blue and white'' scrimmage on Wednesday. The purpose of the final session was to videotape various players to see where they need work.
``We will do a lot of teaching of offensive and defensive concepts,'' Moody said in his typical laid-back manner.
The 1996 season will be highly anticipated for the Vikings. Although ECSU will lose some key players like defenders Sebastian French and Andrew Richardson, and offensive linemen Doug Coppin, Herman Kemp and Alonzo Sawyer, the Vikings hope to build on last year's 7-4 season.
Last year the Vikings played in what turned out to be the CIAA championship game, a loss to Virginia State.
``We got a taste of how it feels to be up there,'' Moody said. ``And both the players and I like it.''
Moody, puffing on a cigarette as he watched his team run drills, said Virginia State will probably be the favorite to win the league again this year.
``Virginia State is the favorite, but there is some parity,'' he said. ``New blood is coming into the conference all over,'' he said.
With another year of experience under their belts, the entire offensive backfield is back, including quarterback Kenny Crump and running backs Aaron Murchison, Malcolm Mackey and Lamont Avent.
A potential weakness for the Vikings could be the offensive line, which will probably field less experienced players.
``The freshmen will have to play on the offensive line,'' Moody said. ``It shouldn't be too tough to replace (last year's players) because we have a simple blocking scheme. It all comes down to teaching.''
Moody is no stranger to young offensive lines. One season in the mid-'80s, while he was at Virginia State, Moody had an offensive line made up entirely of freshmen and one junior.
Last year's weakness was the defensive secondary. Moody attributed the problem to the resignation of his defensive coordinator just before the season began. He hopes to have another defensive coordinator hired soon.
Although Moody said he has recruited about 15 players for 1996, he has yet to disclose who most of them are. On the list so far is Shareff Hatcher, an all-stater at defensive back and quarterback from New Bern. He will be tested at both positions. Moody also mentioned three all-state players from Kansas.
``We know what's out there, and we have enough veterans coming back,'' Moody said. ``It depends on the teaching job we do with the new kids coming onto key positions.''
The Vikings will open the season at home on Aug. 31 against Livingstone College. by CNB