2012 Javelina Football Media Guide (PDF) - Texas A&M Kingsville

Matt Stoll, Junior, Placekicker Trevor Pesek, Junior, Rover Angel Millan, Junior, Punter
Shane Prater and C.J. Griggs, the
2012 NCAA Division II Triple Jump
champion.
“This is arguably the best group of
skill position players we have had in
my six years,” said Atterberry. “Trying
to get everyone the ball is a good
problem to have.”
Tight End
Atterberry feels very confident with
the trio of tight ends that return to the
team. Derek Tesch, Jake Willingham
and Chandler Hill all block well and
are dangerous in the passing game.
Tesch nabbed Honorable Mention allconference
honors last year and finished
with nine catches for 128 yards
and a touchdown. He should provide
a large goal-line target for the Javelina
offense.
Willingham and Hill each started
a couple of games in 2011. Atterberry
has played all three tight ends at the
same time in a bunch formation and
will likely seek out more ways to get
them involved in the offense this year.
Offensive Line
The offensive line could be a
strong point for the Javelinas this year.
After struggling through some tough
times in 2011, the group has gained a
lot of experience and really shined at
the Spring game. “We have a lot of
experience up front,” said Atterberry.
“The unit came together well during
the spring and if we can get off to a
good start to the season it will give
them a lot of confidence.”
4
Keenan Woods is entering his
third season as the starter at right
tackle while guards Lee Mattingly and
Devin Shaw and center Patrick Daniel
each received a number of starts last
year.
The top player on the unit may
be senior Chris Hudgins at left tackle.
The two-year letterman has battled injuries
and switching positions throughout
his career, but appears poised for
a big year. He has worked hard in the
offseason to recover from an injury
and is bigger and stronger than ever.
Atterberry mentioned Sam Boothby
and Tiance Gardner as a pair of
backups on the offensive line that
could have a big impact on the team
this year. Boothby is the tallest player
on the team at 6-7 and has nearly
a 4.00 G.P.A. Gardner is converting
from the defensive line and has
quickly gravitated to his new position.
Defense
Defensive Line
The Javelinas lost some big
names on the defensive line from a
year ago in sack man Roderick Benman
and run stopper Johnny Tivao.
Benman had 12 sacks in 2011 while
Tivao was a two-time all-conference
performer at defensive tackle. Despite
the losses, the Hogs have a strong
group returning to the fold for 2012.
Atterberry wants the defensive line to
be more consistent, but feels confident
with how many repetitions the group
has accumulated.
At the two defensive end positions,
senior Marquis Singleton and
junior Ricky Marshall figure to open
the season with the starting roles.
Each player had at least four starts
last year and has shown they can be
productive. Singleton registered 6.0
tackles for loss while Marshall had 1.5
sacks and six quarterback hurries.
The two combined for 61 tackles while
Singleton appears primed to become
the latest sack master for the team.
Backing up Singleton and Marshall
will be sophomore Henry Greathouse
and senior special teams ace Clay
Mazoch. “I expect both players will
step up this year and provide us some
big plays,” said Atterberry.
On the interior of the defensive
line, the Javelinas have a wealth of
options. Texas Tech transfer Bobbie
Hampton was slated to start last year,
but went down with a season-ending
injury in the opener. Zane Brown
should line up besides Hampton in the
starting lineup. Brown started all 11
games last year and accumulated 28
tackles and had five quarterback hurries.
Darnell Hicks and DeAndre
Savage will each see action at both
defensive tackle and defensive end.
Hicks has had two productive years
for the team and Savage is a transfer
who could have a large impact on the
team. While neither is scheduled to
start, they will each see a lot of action
on the field.
Robert Williams is a name that
Javelina fans will recognize, but not for