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Playing With Purpose
N.C. A&T will honor fallen teammate while trying to end long losing streak
Photo Courtesy of N.C. A&T Sports Information Office
Quarterback Herb Miller has been slowed by injuries the past two seasons.
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Published: August 22, 2008
N.C. A&T's 27-game losing streak meant nothing in late May.
The Aggies had more to think about than football, after one of their most popular players -- offensive lineman Chad Wiley -- collapsed after a routine workout May 27 and died the next day of complications from heat-related illness.
"We as his brothers are going to miss him," said Tim Shropshire, a close friend and teammate.
The Aggies want to play well this season in honor of Wiley, who had been a two-year starter. They also want to end their losing streak, currently the NCAA's longest.
"They had tremendous respect for Chad," Coach Lee Fobbs said. "I think they are going to play like wild bandits for him."
Optimism is high, because for the first time in his three seasons at A&T, Fobbs has veteran leaders he can count on.
"We've taken our share of hard knocks, but this year we have 18 or 19 seniors," said Fobbs, a former player and later an assistant for the legendary Eddie Robinson at Grambling. "Next year we'll have even more than that. So we're excited about the foundation we're building here."
There wasn't much of a foundation in Fobbs' first two seasons, which each ended with 0-11 records. Opponents outscored A&T 844-276 in the 22 games, and A&T has scored just 38 touchdowns under Fobbs.
To help reenergize the offense, Fobbs hired John McKenzie, who ran offenses at Alcorn State and Alabama State. The Aggies will run more of a spread offense in an effort to use quarterback Herb Miller's ability to run and throw, and Fobbs will step aside as offensive coordinator and turn the play-calling over to McKenzie.
Miller, a redshirt junior who graduated from Winston-Salem's Carver High in 2005, shared the quarterback position his first two seasons, starting 10 games. He has career totals of five touchdowns passing, five rushing and seven interceptions, and Fobbs will be counting on his maturity.
Miller can get around the edge with his speed, but injuries have slowed him the last two seasons. This season, Fobbs wants Miller to stay in the pocket more and take fewer hits.
"I already see the growth in our quarterbacks," Fobbs said of McKenzie's impact. "I think you're going to see them manage the game better. I think you're going to see those guys handle practice and the huddle much better. There are little facets of the game our quarterbacks will master, and those things will make us a better football team."
If Miller can't get the job done, Carlton Fears, a junior-college transfer, could get his chance.
The Aggies will have a reliable running back in senior Michael Ferguson, who needs 906 yards to become the school's all-time leading rusher. McKenzie's plan is to increase the tempo on offense a little, but Ferguson (1,906 career yards) will still be a focal point.
Wiley was scheduled to start at left tackle. Alex Harper, a redshirt freshman, will most likely fill the spot. Guards Jonathan Carter and Juan Williams, and transfer Sergio Glenn from Marshall provide experience on the line.
Tim Bess, a senior and a former star at Parkland, has been a two-year starter at center, but he came into camp overweight. If Bess isn't ready, sophomore Enoch Cohen, who played at North Forsyth, could start.
Tayrone Odums takes over as the defensive coordinator after three seasons at Bethune-Cookman. He inherits a defense that has allowed 38 points a game over the last two seasons.
"He likes to run that hard-nosed, aggressive, run-to-the-football style," Fobbs said. "He has that kind of attitude about playing defense that you want to rub off on your players."
A&T has eight starters back on defense, including linebacker Andre Thornton, who had 145 tackles over two seasons. "He is one of those kids who is not going to hang his head and make excuses," Fobbs said.
"We need to be more aggressive so our linebackers can make more plays," Fobbs said.
The Aggies will open the season Aug. 30 at home against Division II Johnson C. Smith and then will play rival Winston-Salem State on Sept. 6.
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