The Pointers enter 2010 off back to back 6-1 WIAC finishes and boasting one of the greatest weapons in the country in WR/P Jared Jenkins. The Pointers biggest challenge may be to replace Quarterback Jared Beckwith, who threw for 2527 yards (ranked #2 in WIAC) and 20 TD's last year. No other quarterback in the program threw more than two passes in 2009. Overall, the Pointers return 7 offensive starters from a unit that ranked 5th in total offense a year ago. Leading rusher Garrett Medenwald (635 yards) returns, but the Pointers ranked 7th in the WIAC in rushing a year ago. The Beckwith to Jenkins combination hooked up for 80 receptions for 1,210 yards and 12 TD's in 09. Jenkins also was named to the AFCA All America team as a punter a year ago averaging a WIAC best 42.8 yards per punt. #2 Receiver Anthony Aker also returns as does starting tight end Mike Mullins.
Point ranked 3rd in total defense and scoring defense and 2nd against the run a year ago. UW-SP loses seven starters from that staunch unit of a year ago. Two time All WIAC defensive lineman Matt Lunder returns and will be counted on to lead a group which includes returning linebacker Peter Peterson and defensive back Joe Mieziva.
While the Pointers have some transitioning to do on the defensive side of the ball, they have built a solid tradition and should continue to be one of the better defensive units in the WIAC.
Offensively, replacing the talented and clutch Beckwith will not be easy. However, the weapons surrounding the new quarterback will certainly help ease the transition. Add in Jenkins, one of the most athletic players in the country, and you have a team capable of battling UW-Whitewater and UW-Stout for WIAC supremacy this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment