CLINTON, S.C. - The Presbyterian College 2010 football team opens its season Sept. 2 at Wake Forest. The Blue Hose face their toughest schedule in school history, including taking on two Atlantic Coast Conference opponents on the road to open the season.

"The biggest thing as we are building the program is to make improvements in all areas," head coach Harold Nichols said. "We played a lot of young people last year and the experiences they went through will pay off with big dividends this year. The games will be great gauges to measure our improvement. We are going into the season with a lot of optimism after a great spring. We made huge gains in the weight room as we are bigger, faster and stronger than this time last year. We have to perform better on gamedays - and the result of that is wins. The 2010 schedule is the most challenging in the history of PC. It is something we have embraced and are excited about."

"Defensively, we are once again going to play a lot of young players," defensive coordinator Tom Evangelista said. "We worked hard in the spring. During that time, we worked on tackling in order to become a better team. The younger players are able to do some things that we haven't been able to do in the past. We need to cut down on missed assignments and we stressed that each person needs to do his job and the defense will work well. The players have started to understand their roles and where they fit in. The continuity is key. Right now, we are making strides to be more fundamentally sound and have improved greatly on the defensive line. We are a little thin on some places, but overall we are better than last year. If the spring is any indication, we should be improved overall on the defensive side of the ball. If the guys give great effort and run to the ball, we will overcome some of the mistakes that we've made in the past."

"I think we made some definite improvement this spring," offensive coordinator Doug Malone said. "Some of our young players grew up a little bit, which will always help. The players are in the second year of our system and they are more familiar with the terminology. Overall, the players have grown and matured because we are older and that showed at the end of last year. We just want to keep getting better and build off the spring season. We have more depth on the offensive line than ever before. We also have quality running backs that can get the job done. The receivers are a year older and the quarterbacks are battle tested. We are looking for players to step up this year against the toughest competition we've ever faced."

Andrew Newton - Started the first game in 2009 ... Suffered a season-ending knee injury against Furman ... Expected to come back and be competitive for a starting spot.

Michael Butler - Earned a starting spot in 2009 ... Coming off surgery in the off-season ... Will compete for a starting spot ... Strong.

Grayson Sumner - Natural guard ... Had a much improved spring practice after starting all 11 games a year ago ... Experienced player that will compete for a starting spot this season.

Jared Tavernier - Returning starter at center ... Extremely smart, tough player ... Very physical ... Great spring ... Leader of the group that makes all the right calls.

Billy Kaylor - Starting guard during the spring season ... Very much improved from 2009 ... Will be pushed by returners for playing time ... Should be very competitive for many snaps ... Needs to improve his consistency.

Max Travis - Became one of the best offensive linemen on the team during the spring season ... Consistency improved ... Has a chance to be one of the best linemen that has ever played at PC ... Hard worker ... Puts forth maximum effort on every snap.

Joe Ben Frye - Worked his way to second-team center during the 2010 spring season ... Much improved spring practice and will continue to be in the mix for playing time.

Ryan Hall - Was looked at during the spring at fullback ... Has the chance to play both during the fall ... Could see time at center.

Evan Merritt - Has a good frame ... Needs to grow and develop to be a consistent, competitive offensive lineman ... Had a good spring ... Very athletic.

Stephon Williams - Tabbed as one of the most improved linemen from a year ago ... Became a more versatile player ... Will push for a starting job at guard ... Had a competitive spring.

Andrew Williams - Long snapper ... Coming off a good spring where he played tackle ... Improved a lot ... Future of the offensive line.

James Festa - Offensive guard ... Local product ... Had a good spring ... Familiarity with offense helped him with expectations on how to do things ... Will be in the mix for playing time.

Kevin Flanagan - Transfer from Army that enrolled in January ... Did a nice job during the spring season ... Will fight for a starting position at tackle.

Tim Fowler - Redshirted last year after having surgery ... Was moved to defensive line before moving back to offensive line during the spring ... Made huge strides ... Continues to improve every day.

Tyler Phillips - Had a great spring after missing part of the fall ... Should be in the mix for a starting spot ... Needs to polish and refine his technique ... Will be a very good player.

Collin Cole - True freshman ... Expect him to be the future of the line ... Very athletic ... Able to run and change direction rather easily for his size ... He fits the offensive lineman mold ... Should come in and compete immediately.

Murphy Frankhouser - Should be a great lineman in the future ... Has great size and athleticism ... Anxious to see what he can do ... Has good size and strength ... Will come in and be competitive this fall. 

"We have an experienced group of receivers coming back this year," quarterbacks coach Matt Cain said. "We return five student-athletes that caught balls a year ago and each has extensive game experience. Each brings something different to the field and collectively, they can accomplish great things. We expect the receivers to have a big role in our success this year."

Tyler Robbins - Returning from an injury that forced him to miss the second half of the 2009 season ... Brings a lot of vertical speed to the team ... Has the ability to stretch the field ... Big-play capabilities ... Goes 100 percent on every play ... Will also return kicks.

Patrick McKoy - Most prolific pass catcher on the current squad ... Second-team all-conference selection in 2009 ... Tremendous route-running ability ... Has a knack for getting open ... Uses his hands well ... All-around good receiver.

Justin Gillespie - Battled injuries throughout his career ... Has the ability to contribute to the program in many different ways when healthy ... Works as hard as anyone.

Thomas Ligon - Very fast receiver ... Has done a great job since his arrival in learning how to play the position ... Was an outstanding high school tennis player ... Been able to pick up everything quickly.

Derrick Overholt - Redshirted in 2009 ... Relentless worker during his first two years ... Has the best hands on the team ... Good possession receiver that always knows what to do ... Will always be in the right place at the right time ... Very knowledgeable.

Michael Ruff - Most big play ability out of anyone on the team ... Always has the chance of being able to score any time he has the ball ... Great elusiveness and speed ... Natural with the ball in his hands ... Will also be used on special teams.

Anderico Bailey - Most potential of the group ... All-around natural athlete ... Has incredible ball skills ... Tireless worker that has good speed and tremendous jumping ability ... Always trying to improve his game.

Trent Bailey - As hard of a worker as anyone on the team ... Expects nothing less but the best out of himself and his teammates ... Redshirted in 2009 ... Will vie for a contributing role in 2010.

Hunter Counts - Redshirted last year ... Helped the defense prepare for every game ... Had a good spring and a great spring game ... Showed his potential when given the opportunity.

Thomas King - Redshirted  in 2009 ... Has outstanding hands ... Great route-running ability ... Will continue to work hard and will help PC's offense out any way he can.

Jabri Ridenhour - Has big play capabilities when the ball is in his hands ... Can line up inside or outside ... Potential to score any time he has the ball.

Arthur Williams - Did a lot of good things in high school ... Multi-dimensional player ... All-around great athlete ... Big guy that can really run ... Was on the state runner-up 4x100m relay team ... Expect him to have an impact on the team.

"We have a veteran group of athletes at the tight end position," assistant coach Brandon Sarver said. "The returners have a lot of experience and are battle tested. They have worked relentlessly on making strides in the receiving game during the spring and have also made progress with their run blocking. Overall, I'm looking for the group to be stronger than it has since moving to Division I."

Robert Bumgarner - Three-year starter ... Intelligent student-athlete that has soft hands ... Runs extremely well for his size ... Could have another big year as he did when he was a sophomore ... His experience should benefit him and the rest of the offense.

"As a group, I'm really excited about the talent and understanding of the game of football that they have," quarterbacks coach Matt Cain said. "We have several student-athletes who really know how to play the position. They are the leaders on and off the field and will help us throughout the season. I am looking forward to working with these athletes and can not wait to see how they perform on the field."

Myron Gary - Big student-athlete that is able to generate a lot of velocity on his throws ... Strongest arm on the team ... Hard worker on and off the field ... Tireless worker that wants nothing but the best out of himself and the team ... Has the ability to be successful.

Brandon Miley - Returning starter from the 2009 season ... Gained plenty of on the field experience the last two seasons ... Very strong arm ... Improved decision making skills during the 2010 spring season ... Overall understanding is much improved ... Should have a very successful season.

JL Cannady - Coming into the 2010 off a really good spring ... Executed the offense well ... Has a good understanding of the game ... Able to orchestrate the offense.

Ellis Hammond - Redshirted in 2009 ... Young student-athlete who is still learning the intricacies of the position ... Puts his best forward each and every time he's on the field.

Ryan Singer - True freshman ... Has a tremendous arm and uses his height to his advantage ... Very mobile ... Coming from a program where he did a lot of good things ... Great work ethic and has the desire to come in and learn quickly ... Will contribute the best he can when his time is called.

"The backfield is comprised of some tremendous players," head coach Harold Nichols said. "We have a strong core of returners that had improved their productivity throughout last season. This year, we have added some more talent and hope to see even better results." 

Trandon Dendy - Leading rusher in each of the games before suffering a season-ending injury in 2009 ... Brings a lot of leadership and character to the team ... Extremely hard worker ... Has the ability to break tackles and make a play when nothing is there ... Has a unique ability to find the opening.

Lance Byrd - Broke the single-game school rushing record in his first career start ... Really came on at the end of the year ... Very intelligent player ... Has the great ability to run behind his blockers and get the extra yards ... Can make people miss ... Could have a breakout season.

Seth Moreland - Coming off his redshirt season ... Had a tremendous spring ... Could come into his own this year ... Is an exciting player that can make some big plays from the position ... Has the ability to be used in different spots ... Can make people miss ... Has good top-end speed ... Tremendous worker and heart.

FULLBACKS

TJ Devine - Redshirted in 2009 ... Was injured most of the spring ... Could be a solid contributor if he can stay healthy and has a good off-season.

Ryan Hall - Switched positions in the spring ... Has a skill set that will help in a two-back set ... His bigger body that will fit into the scheme well.

Shawn Armstrong - Thrust into playing a substantial role as a freshman ... Started most of the season at fullback ... Good production last year ... Valuable pass receiver and unselfish player ... Great student-athlete.
"The defensive line will be much improved over 2009," assistant coach Klay Killingsworth said. "We spent a lot of time working on playing basic fundamentals. I expect this group to be the leaders on defense. To be successful, we have to dominate the line of scrimmage. We have a lot of people challenging for positions, which will only make us better."

Left End

Derren Evans - One of the veterans on the line ... Put on a lot of weight to help him at the position ... Returning from injuries from 2009 and in the spring ... Should be one of the best players up front ... Looking for more leadership ... Strong student-athlete that moves well.

Kyle Sharman - Provides athleticism and a pass rush that is needed ... Not as big as other linemen .. Plays hard all the time ... Fast athlete ... Provides valuable depth.

Keyadd Miller - Prototypical defensive end ... Tall, long and has great athletic skills ... Great footwork ... Good pass rushing techniques ... Second-most improved defensive end during the spring ... Smart player ... Only thing he needs is reps.

Donovan Thomas - Division I defensive end ... Big, athletic student-athlete ... Plays hard ... Solid player that will make an impact.

Tackle

Brian Davis - Best defensive lineman on the team when it comes to skill, size, strength, speed and agility ... Great leader on the line.

Xavier Boatwright - Most improved player on the line ... Rangy player who has gotten a lot stronger since 2009 ... Good agility and footwork ... Has improved substantially and can make plays in space.

Connor Hawkins - Has solid speed and good technique ... Slightly undersized, but has put on 10 lbs since last season ... Provides the team with a strong pass rush ... Plays well with his hands ... Uses his leverage well.

Nose Tackle

Matt Roper - Viable back-up ... Big, strong student-athlete ... Has a strong eagerness to learn the defense ... Made vast strides in his strength ... Improved his footwork ... Played linebacker in high school, which helps in terms of athleticism at the position.

Bryan Shepherd - Provides quality back-up ... Strong athlete ... Good interior lineman that understands the game ... Incredible desire to get better ... Constantly wants to improve ... Will push for a starting spot.

Parrish Walker - Ready-made defensive lineman ... Has good size ... Comes from a good high school program that helped him prepare for the collegiate game.

Right End

Brian Leonardi - Most experience in the group ... Understands the defense inside and out ... Leader of the group ... Strong motivator ... Plays hard every play ... Anchor of the defensive line ... Incredible hands ... Has great speed and is good off the ball.

Iouli Burroughs - Solid back-up ... Will push for a starting position ... Through his work ethic he's a great technician ... Understands the position better than any lineman ... Undersized but makes up for it in knowledge of the scheme ... Has excellent technique.

Josh Polk - Prototypical lineman ... Very athletic ... Adds good size and skill to the position.

"We have a very young group of student-athletes that work extremely hard," defensive coordinator Tom Evangelista said. "They are expected to be knowledgeable of their surroundings as far as formation recognition. We are very excited about the group as they are smart players. The spring went very well as many of them stepped up and began to prove themselves, which ultimately will help the team during the 2010 season."

Bandit

Drew Swick - Biggest surprise of the group ... Proved that he will contribute on defense ... Will play a vital role at the bandit position ... Has an outstanding work ethic and plays the game at a high speed.

Matthan Burton - Incoming freshman ... Good quickness ... Solid tackler ... Smart player that could push for playing time.

Greg Palmer - Redshirted last year ... Greatly improved during the spring season ... Will continue to learn the system and grow to reach his potential ... Should see some snaps on defense and special teams.

Mike

Derek Brown - One of the leaders on the team ... Good size and speed for the position ... Pivotal in the team's success ... Flies to the ball ... Solid tackler ... Puts himself in position to make plays.

James Willett - Tough, old-school player ... Loves to hit ... Had a good spring ... Will be a key contributor on defense and special teams.

Joe Wideman - Played a reserve role in 2009 ... Good athletic ability ... Great understanding of the game ... Added weight should help ... Will help on defense and will be a huge help on special teams.

Isaiah Lynn - Incoming freshman ... Runs really well ... Thicker, taller version of CeeJay Harris ... One of the smartest incoming student-athletes academically ... Quick learner ... Student of the game.

Will

Nathaniel Wuellner - Coach on the field ... Has tremendous knowledge of the game ... Will serve as a vital back-up ... Knows where he is supposed to be on every play.

CeeJay Harris - Was a pleasant surprise in the spring ... Moves around well for his size ... Did a great job seeing things happen ... Savvy ... Has all the intangibles that are needed for the position.

Montel Hughes - Has great speed for the position ... Will be very dangerous in blitz situations ... Has all the tools that are needed.

Rover

James Roberts - Smartest player of the unit ... Great knowledge of the game that allows him to be in the right place at the right time ... Showed solid improvements since 2009 ... Will be a key contributor on gamedays.

J.J. Russell - Coming off a phenomenal spring season ... Hard worker that climbed the depth chart ... Good quickness that helps him get into good position to make plays ... Tremendous tackling technique.

"This year, we feel more comfortable with the corners," assistant coach Andrew Ford said. "We have good depth and will be very good at the corner positions. The young guys will push for playing time. The free safeties have the most starts of anyone on defense and have played the most snaps. Although we have many juniors on the team, they have all been playing since they were freshmen. Our group is taking on the challenge of making other teams throw the football. They are stepping up and accepting the challenge. We have experience and are looking for a big year from the squad. This group should be the anchor of the defense."

Free Safety

Justin Bethel - Fills the role of playmaker at the position ... Understands the position more after the move last year ... Becoming a leader on the defense ... Has the tools to have a big season ... Fundamentally sound player.

Cedric Byrd - Incoming freshman ... True free safety ... Downhill player who can run the ally ... Tough, physical player ... Has good ball skills ... Can get out of the backpedal and into the break quickly.

Boundary Corner

Jarrod Watts - Stepped in as the No. 2 guy at free safety ... Held his own when challenged at the position ... Has some limitations, but is a smart player that helps him be in the right place at the right time ... Played well in the spring ... Serves as a solid back-up.

Damon Lawrence - Coming off a good spring ... Very consistent ... Does everything that is asked of him ... Hard worker ... Knows the defense really well ... Puts himself in good positions to make plays ... Smart.

Mark Williams - Started out the spring season as the starter before being injured ... Has the chance to be the star if he stays healthy ... Very athletic ... Physical, tenacious player.

Fred Marshall - Incoming freshman ... Little taller than the average free safety ... Rangy ... Good tackler ... Has the ability to get the opposition to the ground.

Jimmy Pruitt - Incoming freshman ... Tall, physical corner ... Plays in the mold of Justin Bethel ... Has the chance to come in and compete for a starting spot ... Athletic corner that has size and is physical.

Field Corner

Brian Wilson - Smart player ... Knows the defense really well ... Can be successful in the defensive schemes ... Puts himself in a good position on every play ... Has been set back because of injuries.

Antarius Terrell - Has great ability ... Needs to learn to trust himself when tackling ... Rebounded late in the spring and steadily improved from the first scrimmage ... Could be a big-time player.

Rossi Thompson - Redshirted last year ... Has good athletic ability but needs to be more physical ... Made huge strides during spring practice ... Starting to believe in his abilities after not getting a lot of looks in 2009.

"We worked extensively on the special teams portion of the game during the spring season," assistant coach Tom Evangelista said. "After progressing in the fall, we hope to pick up where we left off. We want to become more accurate in the field goal game and continue being consistent in the punting game. PC has a lot of experienced young guys in the return game. We have a lot of players that can do great things when they have the ball and put us in a good position."

Kicking

Cam Miller - Hoping to return to his 2008 form ... Solid contributor on the team ... Has the knack for making the big kick ... Will vie for the starting job.

Aaron Mayes - Earned the starting spot early on during his freshman year ... Handled field goals and kick-offs ... Became more consistent as the year went on ... Earned valuable experience a season ago.

Patrick Morgano - Had a solid freshman year punting ... Earned Big South Freshman of the Week ... Strong leg ... Very accurate ... Can put the ball inside the 20.

Jeremy Tommie - Pure athlete ... Played on the field in high school while also handling the kicking duties ... Accurate kicker ... Boasts a big leg on punts as well ... Should come in and compete for the starting spot.

Long Snapper

Derrick Overholt - Redshirted last season ... Wide receiver that was the back-up during the spring season ... Solid competitor who is accurate.

Josh Polk - Incoming freshman ... Handles the snapping duties in high school ... Accurate delivery ... Will vie for the starting job.

Andrew Williams - Short snapper during the spring season who can also long snap ... Good accuracy and velocity.

Holder

Myron Gary - Was in for one snap during the 2009 season as a holder ... Sure hands ... Natural athlete ... Will vie for the starting spot.

Returners

Anderico Bailey - Exciting with the ball in his hands ... Good visibility ... Can get into open space well and make people miss.

Seth Moreland - Redshirted last season ... Playmaker that needs to have the ball in his hands ... Explosive ... Waits for his blocks well before finding the seam.

Tyler Robbins - Led the team in return yards in 2009 ... Had one of the best seasons in PC's history in terms of return yards ... Dynamic player that stays North-South ... Fearless.

Michael Ruff - Ready for a breakout season in the return game ... One of the best on the team with the ball ... Will also return punts ... Makes people miss .... Has the ability to make things happen.

** The article was taken directly from the 2010 media guide. It does not include newcomers that were added just prior or during fall camp.**