By: Daniel Henderson-ContributorAfter a disappointing 0-11 season, the North Carolina A&T Aggie football team is not worried about the grief suffered from last season.
Now adjusting to new plays and new sets, the Aggies are excited and looking forward to their season opener at Winston-Salem State University this Saturday.
The Aggies fell short last year in Aggie Stadium in the season opener for the Rams' MEAC debut.
They are hoping to redeem themselves this weekend when the Rams host the blue and gold for the first time as a MEAC contender.
"A win will mean a lot for the kids in this program," Head Coach Lee Fobbs stated in his press conference.
The game will also symbolize the first time Fobbs will open a season without an injured player, something that crippled them in 2006-07.
The players believe that the team is more confident than hopeful this season.
"A win will set the tone for the season," declared linebacker Timothy Shropshire.
Offense
The offensive attack will be lead by returning starting quarterback Herb Miller. Miller started in the beginning of last season.
He is described by Fobbs to have a running back mentality with a hard-nosed attitude.
Also leading the way are returning starters Curtis Walls (42 receptions, 477 yards, one touchdown) and Michael Ferguson (141 attempts, 631 yards, 4.5 yard per carry, four touchdowns.
The depth of A&T's running game is considerably deeper with the additions of transfers running back David Robinson (College of Sequoias, Miami, FL), and running back Demerick Chancellor (Clemson University).
Defense"Link up, lock down" is the catch phrase the Aggie defense dwells upon.
A&T fans should expect a much more intensified, tougher, and quicker defense this year.
Leading tackler, linebacker Andre Thornton returns to the field after having and exceptional freshman year (64 tackles, 28 solo, 35 assists, two tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery).
Along with Thornton heading the attack this season will include be linebacker Jamison Hedgepeth (63 tackles, 28 solo, 35 assists, one forced fumble) who also had an outstanding freshman season.
Sack leader defensive end Antonio Johnson (3.0 sacks) returns for his senior year, while the secondary will be headed by sophomore defensive back Donald Dorsey (32 tackles, 22 solo, two defensive breakups).
The Rams look to standstill the Aggie attack with their quality running backs returning in action.
Juniors Brandon McRae and Rod Fluellen, and senior Tionti Powell each rushed for over 350 yards and combined for nine touchdowns last season, and are vital to the Rams rushing attack.
Winston Salem State is also looking forward to the return of senior Jerrick Bines who sits fifth all time on the school's rushing list (2,765 yards), who missed the 2006 season due to academic issues.
Senior quarterback Monte Purvis (1006 total yards, 865 passing yards, 168 rushing yards) will run the offense once again for Winston Salem State this season.
Purvis lead the Rams in total yards last season with 89 of his passing yards received by junior wide receiver Johnathan Kinzer who led the team with eight receptions.
The defense has much to prove after allowing allowing 17.5 points per game and 283.1 yards per game.
Last season the Rams were inexperience youth was evident after traveling to seven road games.
The team looks to make up for the disappointing season with now experienced linebackers Thaddeus Griffith (80 tackles) and Juan Corders (45 tackles) returning in their veteran season.
North Carolina A&T visits Winston Salem State on Saturday 6 p.m.
Juniors Brandon McRae and Rod Fluellen, and senior Tionti Powell each rushed for over 350 yards and combined for nine touchdowns last season, and are vital to the Rams rushing attack.
Winston Salem State is also looking forward to the return of senior Jerrick Bines who sits fifth all time on the school's rushing list (2,765 yards), who missed the 2006 season due to academic issues.
Senior quarterback Monte Purvis (1006 total yards, 865 passing yards, 168 rushing yards) will run the offense once again for Winston Salem State this season.
Purvis lead the Rams in total yards last season with 89 of his passing yards received by junior wide receiver Johnathan Kinzer who led the team with eight receptions.
The defense has much to prove after allowing allowing 17.5 points per game and 283.1 yards per game.
Last season the Rams were inexperience youth was evident after traveling to seven road games.
The team looks to make up for the disappointing season with now experienced linebackers Thaddeus Griffith (80 tackles) and Juan Corders (45 tackles) returning in their veteran season.
North Carolina A&T visits Winston Salem State on Saturday 6 p.m.
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