Article

Football Takes Field for First Time in 2006

Defense dominates annual spring game, but Mavs come away confident in quarterback Bryant.

by Dan Myers
May 02, 2006

Entering a new era of Minnesota State football, the Mavericks took the field last Saturday in search of answers to a couple of key questions.

The first regarded the starting quarterback job. The second, and perhaps just as important, was how much depth the team would have.

After inconsistency in both departments last season, it appears the Mavs may have answers for both in 2006.

On a chilly, rainy day at Blakeslee Stadium, the defense defeated the offense in the annual spring game, 25-6.

The offense opened the scoring early on a 23-yard touchdown strike from senior Joshua Bryant to senior Tyrell Smith.

It was the only highlight from an offense that is learning a completely new scheme from last season, with new offensive coordinator Dan Ragsdale installing the system that gave Minnesota-Duluth the second most prolific offense in the North Central Conference in 2005.

Ragsdale has been high on Bryant since the day he set foot on campus, and head coach Jeff Jamrog says the new offense suits the athletic Bryant well.

“Josh has had a really good spring and has really taken to this offense,” Jamrog said. “He is making excellent decisions and has really taken a leadership role with the team. We're excited about the progress he's made.”

Bryant was 4-of-6 passing for 54 yards on the offense's opening drive, but found it difficult to pass after that in the muddy conditions.

After a disappointing first drive, the defense began to dominate play. Starting middle linebacker Tony Hunter did not play because of an injured knee, but senior Tido Labossiere stepped in, leading the defense with seven tackles, all while playing a new position.

“Tido hadn't played middle linebacker all spring,” said defensive coordinator Ken Gordon. “After Tony went down, Tido stepped in and did a great job.”

Gordon said Hunter could have played, but did not want to risk further injury, as was the case with a few other contributors on defense. The absences cleared the way for other players to step in and impress coaches.

Redshirt-freshman defensive lineman Randy Earl led the defense with three sacks Saturday, and is a player that coaches say could have played last year. They chose to keep his redshirt and with his performance this spring, he may have earned himself more playing time once games begin in the fall.

Another player to watch on defense is defensive back Allen King. Gordon raved about his play this spring, as well as his burgeoning leadership role on a relatively veteran group of defensive starters.

“He has really stepped up,” Gordon said of King. “He has really been boisterous, always talking and getting guys up.”

Perhaps the most intriguing position battle heading into the summer is for the starting tailback spot. Entering spring ball, Dan Smedberg was listed No. 1 on the depth chart, but it is unclear who currently holds that post. Jamrog likes Smedberg's versatility in the backfield; he was the starter at fullback last season. Julian Phipps gained 17 yards on four attempts Saturday and looks as if he has placed himself on top of the depth chart — for now. Bryan Alberty had more attempts than anyone, and is one of the better athletes on the team, but Jamrog says he could use a bit more work in the weight room.

“Each guy that is battling for that spot each has their strengths and weaknesses,” Jamrog said. “Depending on what we're doing, each of them brings something to the table as far as running the ball or catching the ball.”

The darkhorse candidate to start at running back this fall is incoming freshman Dante Steward. The Milwaukee-native was named the area's player of the year, and rushed for 1,609 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior at John Marshall High School last season.

“There is some talent there,” Jamrog said. “But there isn't a clear cut favorite for that spot yet.”