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Cory Patty looks to take his game to the next level in 2004.
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| team photo | seniors | letterman | coaches |
Quarterback: Coming into the season many people are saying Seth Mohler has some big shoes to fill. That's because of the numbers his predecessor Brady Reck put up the past two seasons. In reality, Seth Mohler doesn't have to fill anyone's shoes but his own. He is his own person and he brings to the quarterback position his own capabilities. Those capabilities excite the Buccaneer coaching staff because Mohler can beat you with his legs as well as with his arm. No, he's doesn't have the arm Brady had his senior year, but he arguably has a stronger arm than Brady did as a sophomore. If Mohler pans out like the coaches think he will, and he should, it looks like the quarterback position is set for the next three years.
Running Back: Gene Studebaker is perhaps the most physically gifted athlete the Buccaneers have had in recent memory, and that's including a long line of outstanding players. Studebaker is big, strong and fast, all of the tangibles a coach looks for. Gene just hasn't had the opportunity to showcase his talent on a regular basis, until now. Look for a breakout year from Studebaker as long as he stays healthy. Joining Gene in the backfield will be a cast of talented players in their own right. Nick Christian and Kevin Wright bring their own running styles to the offense, which should keep opponents second guessing.
Wide Receiver: Seniors, Justin Owens and Matt Fulks appear to be the leading candidates to start at wideout, but should they fail, Kyle Chalmers and Kevin Wright are adaptable enough to move in. Regardless of who starts, there are plenty of weapons for the Buccs to spread defenses and open up the passing game. Also, a cast of talented underclassman are waiting in the wings for their chance to shine, including Matt Thomas, Skyler Mitchell, among others.
Tight End: The tight end position appears to be up for grabs and might be run by committee. Leading candidates appear to be juniors Chase Manson and Zach Deeter, along with sophomore Drew Craft. Manson and Deeter may have the edge due to an extra year of experience, but Craft has excellent hands and has shown great progression throughout two-a-days. Much like the wideout positions, the coaches have a lot of flexability here.
Offensive Line: How much a year changes everything. Last year at this time there was a sense of uncertainty about the offensive line. Now, the offensive line is considered the strength of the team. For good reason as three starters return and two talented players emerge. Juniors Logan Brown, Brian Ely and CJ Potter played above their years last season and return as the veterans of the group. All three aare technically sounds and work very hard in the off-season. Joining them will be senior Aaron Staley and junior Nick Meyer. Staley has waited his turn and it shows in his intensity. Meyer is physically strong and very athletic as evident by his performance in basketball this past year. Depth is strong with senior JT Luckey and junior Josh Mahan.
Defensive Line: The Buccs have had the luxury of having quickness on the defensive line and that won't change in 2004. CJ Potter returns after a solid sophomore year and Brian Ely, Aaron Staley join him to round out a solid group. Depth is strong with junior Josh Mahan and sophomores Derek Brumbaugh and Tyler Kanet.
Linebackers: The spark plug for the Buccaneer defense is the linebackers, and they are pretty darn good. Junior Logan Brown had a breakout year in 2003 and appears to be ready for a bigger season in 2004. He is as relentless as they come. Brown is also the strongest player on the team and he just loves to hit. He also has the potential to receive some post season honors. Joining Brown at linebacker will be junior Zach Deeter, senior JT Luckey, junior Bobby Wiltshire, sophomore Drew Craft, and freshman Jordy Burelison. All are capable of playing at any time and playing at a high level.
Defensive Backs: The defensive backfield is inexperienced, but loaded with talent. Seniors Kevin Wright. Matt Fulks and Justin Owens return to lead the unit with experience and leadership. Junior Nick Christian has a nose for the ball and very intelligent. Sophomores Gene Studebaker and Seth Mohler will likely lock down starting positions due to their athletic ability. Their performances will likely depend on the quality of leadership provided by the seniors previously mentioned.
Special Teams: To say the Buccaneer' kicking game is in good hands would be an understatement. This is because the Buccs return perhaps the most dangerous kicking weapon in the state in division 6. Matt Fulks returns from a record-breaking juniors season and an off-season of kicking camps. The senior college prospect is accurate from 40-yards out and has a range of over 50 yards. His improved kickoffs and punting will also help the coverage team pin opponents deep in their own territory.
Coaching: The Covington coaching staff is as solid as they come. Coach Finfrock is in his second season after leading the Buccs to their fourth straight unbeaten regular season and playoff birth a year ago. He's built a solid foundation for the future by reaching out to future generations through his youth football camp and jr. high camp he established. Defensive guru Doug Swartz is head coaching material, but remains at his alma mater to coach the Buccs. Dave Tobias has head coaching experience with the Buccs and he returns as an assistant as well. Tom Barbee has been at Covington for years and coached at both the jr. high and high school levels. Considering the experience these four men bring to the table, it's no wonder the Buccs have had the success they've had over the past decade. It's likely not going to change anytime soon.
