New faces
Cyclones to replace almost entire offense
The Russellville Cyclones were one of the surprise teams in the 7A Central Conference last year, coming up just one game shy of the conference championship.
They exceeded expectations again in the playoffs by being the only team from the conference to advance beyond the first round. The chances of Russellville repeating their performance of 2007 grew slimmer with the graduation of nine offensive and five defensive starters, including six All-Arkansas players and all-conference quarterback Blake Humphrey.
“Blake had an outstanding senior year,” head coach Jeff Holt said. “It will be difficult to fill that role.”
Juniors Blake Robinson and Barrett Hughes will compete for the starting role this year. With Humphrey’s performance last year, neither candidate was able to see action at the varsity level.
“They both bring different things to the table,” Holt said. “Barrett is a strong, physical thrower, and Blake spreads the ball around well.”
The running backs have the coaching staff excited about the upcoming season. Returning starter Kenneth Golden looks to get the majority of carries in the upcoming season. The depth at the running back position has made Holt optimistic about Russellville’s ground attack.
In addition to Golden, contributions are expected from senior Jason Walker and junior Jacob Sparks.
“Golden and Walker are fast,” Holt said. “They have the opportunity to take it the distance quick. Sparks is a slasher type, a great zone runner.”
Tanner Keeling, a senior who got a lot of time last year as a running back/tight end hybrid, could be a threat in the backfield if needed but will start the season at tight end. Junior Damarius Neal will also see time at tight end.
Holt is equally as pleased with his receiving corps. Senior David Robinson will be all-state receiver Derek Owens’ replacement as the No. 1 receiver after having a good fall camp.
Other receivers expected to play a big role this season include seniors Steven Gebhardt and Derrick Haley, as well as junior Matt Lutz.
“We have good receivers that catch the ball well and do things with it,” Holt said.
The offensive line will be a work in progress this season as the Cyclones have to replace all but one of last year’s starters.
The lone returning starter is senior center Logan Humphrey (5-11, 250). He will have to be an example and leader for the rest of the line, which includes sophomore Logan Purtle (6-1, 255) at left tackle and a quartet of players competing for the guard positions — seniors Clayton Felkins, Jordan Frazier and Tyler Clark, as well as junior Luke Posey. At right tackle will be sophomore Mitch Hall (6-6, 282), who is the younger brother of graduated all-state lineman and University of Arkansas freshman Matt Hall. Junior Cameron Coker adds needed depth at a variety of positions on the line.
As much as Holt would like to keep his players at one position, it is likely a few will have to play iron-man football this season.
The Cyclones return just one starter on the defensive line, senior defensive end Trent Leslie, who had a good fall camp and who the coaching staff is expecting good things from this season.
The other end position is still open with sophomore Blaid Estes and junior Chad Teal as the leading candidates. Junior Aaron McConnell figures to be the nose guard in Russellville’s three-man front.
With two returning seniors, the strength of this year’s squad appears to be the linebacking corps, Holt said.
Terrel Carter and Marcus Kitchens both return to their roles, and three-year starter Jered Vinson adds needed experience to the defense. The other linebacker positions are up for grabs, Holt said.
Russellville’s secondary also has some returning starters, including seniors Lucas Frazee at cornerback and Josh Marasco at safety.
Senior Bobby Goines could be in the mix at safety as well as junior Bradford Webb. At cornerback, junior Jonathan Olsen and senior Chase Wetzel will compete for playing time.
“I’m excited [about this season],” Holt said. “We got a lot of youth, but we got a lot of holes to plug.”
An old conference foe, Van Buren, has moved back into the mix, replacing Pine Bluff, making travel easier. Travel may be easier for the Cyclones, but conference play will not be any easier.
“It’s going to be another physical conference year,” Holt said.
This article was published August 24, 2008 at 5:00 a.m.