Special to The Sun
EDMOND —
Youth is definitely the catch word for Central Oklahoma in 2010 as the Bronchos look to bounce back from last season and once again be a main contender in the Lone Star Conference race.
UCO has just 19 upperclassmen — seven seniors and 12 juniors — on its 77-player preseason roster and the Bronchos will be depending on youngsters to come through at virtually every position.
But while relatively inexperienced, UCO is also more athletic and faster than in years past, with third-year head coach Tracy Holland not willing to put restrictions on his team.
‘‘We’re very excited,” said Holland, 11-11 in two years at the helm. ‘‘One thing I see for this team is we’re young, but we’re also very athletic and extremely competitive. We have high expectations as a coaching staff, but the players have that anyway.
‘‘Our expectations haven’t changed. We expect to be in position to play for championships.”
The Bronchos return 32 lettermen from last year’s 4-7 team that lost five straight games during one stretch before winning three of its last four contests. Nineteen returning players started at least one game last year.
UCO will also play six of its 11 games at home this season after having to go on the road for seven contests a year ago.
‘‘We still have a tough schedule, but we’ve got six home games this year instead of four and that’s a positive,” Holland said. ‘‘Overcoming some of our youth and getting off to a good, consistent start will be important and I definitely think this is a team that’s going to get better week to week.”
The Bronchos have big holes to fill on both sides of the ball.
UCO lost a record-setting quarterback and its top running back, wide receiver and lineman on offense along with two linemen who signed NFL free agent contracts, a pair of veteran linebackers and an All-America safety on defense.
The Bronchos are hardly void of returning players, but there’s no question that untested — though talented — youngsters will be counted on to step in and perform at a high level.
‘‘We had the best offensive spring we’ve had since I’ve been here and we have a lot of confidence on that side of the ball,” Holland said. ‘‘And I’m very excited about what happened defensively for us in the spring and the depth we have at several positions there.
‘‘We’re going to be a young team, but I like where we’re at and I’m happy with the direction this program is headed.”
UCO entered the 2009 season with an established senior signal-caller who went on to set a host of school records with his passing and running ability, but in 2010 the Bronchos will be trying to decide between two inexperienced youngsters. Talented players to be sure, but definitely untested.
Sophomore Ethan Sharp (6-2, 200) probably rates the slight edge over redshirt freshman Landon Greve (6-2, 205) after seeing limited duty in a back-up role last year, but it will be a battle to see who comes out on top. Both are athletic and showed that they can run the offense during spring drills and each is eager to be the man in charge.
Senior transfer Carter Whitson (6-0, 185) moves back to quarterback after playing wide receiver at Oklahoma the last three years and could also be in the mix along with freshman Brett Maxie (6-2, 180).
‘‘Sharp had a little advantage going into the spring because he was the back-up last year while Greve was on the scout team, but by the time we got done they each had things they did well and both moved the team,” Holland said. “Both stepped up and executed and I have no idea who will be the starter. Other than being young, these two guys have the arm strength, decision-making and athleticism that you want. Whitson could also be in there, he’s older and more mature.”
UCO has six players back who started at least one game on the offensive line last year and this unit had a productive spring in establishing more depth. Sophomore guard Cody Hughes (6-5, 310) was a second-team All-LSC North Division pick last year as a true freshman and leads the way as one of the league’s best blockers.
Seniors Cody Ellett (6-1, 275) and Jake Kessen (6-4, 245) are the veterans, with Ellett and sophomore Corbin Burchett (6-5, 315) set to battle for the starting spot at center while Kessen fills a tackle slot.
‘‘I’m really excited about this group,” Holland said. “We had a couple of guys out in the spring, but that enabled some others to get the reps they needed and we made a lot of progress here. We’re still very young in some places, but most of these guys got a good year under their belt last season.”
The Bronchos are in great shape at tight end with the return of junior starter Bryce Davis (6-5, 240) and senior letterman Brian Booker (6-3, 240). A sensational blocker, Davis had three catches for 57 yards last year, two of those going for touchdowns.
Headlining the returners in the receiving corps is junior Daniel Morrell (6-1, 195), a two-year starter who caught 45 passes for 640 yards and six touchdowns last year in earning second-team All-LSC North recognition.
The defensive line is an area of great strength for the Bronchos, featuring several returning players and great depth.
Five players are back who saw at least part-time starting duty last year in senior Jeremy Atkins (6-1, 245), juniors Herbert Byrd (6-3, 260) and Ahmad Jones (6-3, 310) and sophomores Isaiah Blackshear (6-2, 245) and Sam Moses (6-2, 275).
Atkins and Blackshear are expected to fill starting roles at end, with redshirt freshman Andy Navarro (6-1, 250) set to push them. Atkins had 13 tackles with a sack last year, while Blackshear had 17 tackles with a sack and an interception.
