Friday, August 26, 2016

2016 Norfolk State football preview: Impact players, big numbers and more

Impact players
QB Greg Hankerson

The first season-long starter to return at NSU since 2011, Hankerson is a dual-threat passer and runner with the ability to escape trouble in the pocket. The senior transfer from Florida Atlantic passed for 2,052 yards and rushed for 423 last season, but his goals are loftier: 2,500 passing yards and 1,000 on the ground.

RB Gerard Johnson

A senior transfer from ODU, Johnson is coming off ACL surgery to his right knee late last season. In his first campaign at NSU, Johnson led the team’s running backs with 418 rushing yards but just one touchdown. Scott expects bigger things: “I think Gerard Johnson’s back,” he said.

LB Kyle Archie

The former star at Portsmouth’s Norcom High was second on the team as a sophomore last season with 66 tackles, behind graduated LB Deon King’s FCS-leading 163. In NSU’s new 4-3 defense, the defensive line will be relied upon to replace the production of King, who has spent the summer in camp with the Dallas Cowboys. But should opposing runners get past the linemen, Archie will be waiting.

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