2007 Poets Football Preview
The storied history of the Whittier College football program began in 1907, and since the inception of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1915, the Poets have captured 26 conference titles. From 1957-1964, Whittier won eight straight SCIAC titles under the direction of legendary coaches Don Coryell (1957-59) and John Godfrey (1960-1979). Their most recent championships came back-to-back in 1997 and 1998. Twenty-two Poets have earned All-American honors, the most recent coming in 1998 with linebacker George Willacy.
The 2007 squad brings with it the highest expectations since the championship years of the late 90s. Seventeen starters return from 2006, including five All-SCIAC performers. The 21-member senior class will provide the Poets with leadership and experience that has been lacking in recent years. Second year head coach BJ Hammer is excited about the hard work put in during the spring lifting sessions and the potential of the 2007 recruiting class. "We have improved so much just in the weight-room and conditioning over the last year," says Hammer, who was the defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over as the head coach. "The 2007 team will by far and away be the strongest team I have been a part of at Whittier."
The 2007 recruiting class is one of the largest ever for the Poets with over 50 incoming freshman and transfers. "We have some very special transfers that will make us a better football team right away and we have a great freshmen group that will get significant playing time in 2007."
The Poet offense returns nine starters in 2007, including two-time All-Conference QB Josh Scurlock who was fifth in the conference last season with 1798 yards of total offense. He completed over 50% of his passes, threw for eleven touchdowns and ran for three more. The senior from Stockdale, Ariz., has the confidence of his coaching staff to take the offense to the next level. "Josh is probably the most dangerous player in the conference; on any given play he can break one for a TD," said Hammer. "He has the potential and competitiveness to be an All-American candidate." For the first time in his collegiate career, Scurlock will be operating the same offensive scheme in consecutive seasons.
The offensive line will be lead by returning starters Chris Anderson (Sr.) and Keith Hernandez (Sr.). Alex Durazo (So.) and James Constancio (So.), all of whom made huge strides in the spring and will be counted on to be major contributors. "Durazo has All-Conference potential and could be the anchor of the O-line for years to come," said coach Hammer. Daniel Mesa (Sr.) will push for a starting position as well. The competition for playing time will be high with Ethan Schillinger (Fr. 6'2 270), Richard Duran (Fr. 6'0 270), Cody McDermott (Fr. 6'1 260), and a host of others providing depth on the line in 2007.
Headlining the receiver corps are 2006 all-conference wide receivers Shawn Briggs (Sr.) and Albert Williams (Sr.). Briggs led Whittier with 42 receptions and five touchdowns last season. Williams caught 39 passes good for a team-high 528 yards. The Poets are also expecting Nick Papageorge (Sr.), Kevin Cullina (Sr.), Karson Kim (So.), and Scott Hayter (Sr.) to step up their roles for 2007. Finding a deep threat is a top priority for the Whittier staff, and Coach Hammer feels that he has a few players capable of filling that role. TC Collymore (So.) and incoming freshman Johnathan Brasfield (Fr.), Ricky Carroll (Fr.), and Josh Ollison (Fr.) have the speed needed to break open a game.
The battle for the tight end position will be highly competitive this year with a large group of newcomers competing for playing time. Chris Delgado (Fr.) is a very good blocker and a big target at 6'3 240 lbs. Elias Cuevas (Fr.), a 605 All-Star, will be in the mix as well. The wild card of the group could be James Oliver (Fr.), who may also see some time as an ILB.
The Poets have a number of candidates looking to fill their two RB system. Veterans Anthony Pomponio (Jr.), and Anthony Cappelletti (Jr.), have the inside track after solid spring practices. Pomponio was the Poets leading rusher last year with 351 yards on 91 carries. Newcomer Ricky Gonzales (Fr.) From Servite High School will also see playing time this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Whittier has the potential to become the top defense in the SCIAC. The Poets finished second in the conference in total defense last season and are counting on a much improved run defense in 2007. The Poets return eight starters and a number of major contributors.
The defensive line will be a competitive group for the Poets in 2007. Matt Reaber (Jr.) is making the move from TE to DT and will be relied on as both a pass rusher and run stopper in 2007. Transfer Nicholas Enriquez (Jr.) has the potential to be one of the best in the SCIAC and newcomers Brandon Wilcox (Fr.), Ryan Kirkpatrick (Fr.), Richard Mendoza (Fr.), Justin Martinez (Fr.), and Casey Pelletier (Fr.) are all high school all-stars that will make an immediate impact.
The Rover position returns starter Jared Izidoro (Sr.) and Randall Dean (Sr.). Izidoro is due for a big senior year after a very good spring and Dean could be the surprise of the defense in 2007. Look for a number of newcomers to compete for playing time.
The ILB positions will feature returning starters Arlo Castelo (Jr.) and Brandon Boehm (So.). Castelo, an all-conference honoree in 2006, lead the defense with 64 tackles. "Arlo has the ability to be one of the best defensive players in the conference. He runs extremely well and he enjoys contact," stated coach Hammer.
The 2007 season will see a lot of competition in the defensive secondary. First Team All-SCIAC free safety Chasen Eddow will make the move to the coaching staff, but a number of other players are expected to step up and fill his role. The corner positions will be manned by veterans Chris Gartrell (Sr.), one of the fastest players in the SCIAC, Matt Avila (Jr.), a physical corner that is fully recovered from a 2006 back injury, Jimmy Monaco (Jr.) and Paul Schilling (So.). Steffen Santos (Jr.) is a returning starter at SS and is a candidate for All-SCIAC recognition in 2007. Frank Fontes (Sr.), Chris Tarver (Sr.) and Matt Gocke (So.) will all compete for the FS position. Look for a number of newcomers to be in the running for starting jobs. Transfers Brent Barstow (Jr.) and Sean MacNeil (Jr.) should jump right into the mix and compete from day one. Dane Costa (Fr.) and Riley Myrick (Fr.) come from big time programs and will be tough to keep off the field.
Senior Kicker Ben Walker (Cathedral) and Punter Garrett Carr (So.) return to lead the Whittier Special Teams in 2007. Augie Furst (Jr.), Kevin Cullina (Sr.), Randall Dean (Sr.) and a host of others should play very important roles on coverage and return teams.
The Poets open their season at home against non-conference opponent Carthage College (WI) on September 15. The SCIAC schedule starts on September 29 against Pomona-Pitzer on Newman Field
