Spring Drills Begin Wednesday
3/14/2016 3:41:00 AM | Football
K. C. Keeler begins his third spring training camp as head football coach at Sam Houston Wednesday (March 16) with a wealth of talent returning from his 2015 squad that reached the NCAA Division I Football Championship semifinals for the second year in a row.
Starters return at 18 positions including seven on offense, nine on defense and two specialists. In addition, 38 other lettermen from last year's 11-4 Bearkats are back plus a host of talented red-shirts.
In two seasons as Bearkat head coach, Keeler has directed Sam Houston to a 22-9 record, back-to-back NCAA Division I Football Championship semifinals berths and a multitude of school records. The Kats stood No. 3 in the final STATS FSC national poll.
There will be some new faces on Keeler's staff this spring as well as familiar faces with new assignments.
Brad Sherrod is now the Bearkats' defensive coordinator. Rodrique Wright has taken over as defensive line coach and Kyle Segler has added special teams coordinator to his duties as tight ends and tackles coach.
New faces on the staff include Troy Douglas (defensive secondary), Greg McGraw (cornerbacks), Zack Petterson (running backs) and Justin Roberts (defensive tackles).
Other returning coaches include Phil Longo (offensive coordinator), Terrance Archer (wide receivers) and Bart Tatum (offensive line).
“This is an exciting time for all the coaches to get back on the field with the players,” Keeler said. “We're ready to get started.”
Spring ball will run through March to the annual spring football Orange-White game on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. During that time, Keeler will be looking for even more improvement on the field. But he also will be seeking something a bit more intangible.
“We're pleased with our talent level, our strength and conditioning efforts and the commitment of our players to winning a national championship,” Keeler said. “But we're maybe 10 per cent away from a national title.”
During the last five years (since 2011), Sam Houston has won more FCS playoff games (13-5 record) and posted an overall better mark (56-19) than any program except one – five-time national champion North Dakota State. The Bison stand 19-0 in the playoffs and 70-5 overall since 2011
“North Dakota State is special, winning five national titles in a row,” Keeler said. “I was fortunate enough to win one FCS national championship at Delaware. It's tough. We reference North Dakota State a lot. To do what North Dakota State has done takes consistency, having players buy in 100 percent and a strong belief no matter how tough the situation.
“Our goal in spring ball is to keep improving on the little details that will make the difference in finishing as the No. 3 team in the nation and being the No. 1 team.”
Among the top returning players for the Kats are all-conference selections quarterback Jared Johnson, running back Cory Avery, defensive end P. J. Hall and wide receiver Yedidiah Louis. Offensive lineman Bridge Blount, defensive linemen Jacobi Hunter and Sione Latu and linebacker Myke Chatman all received All-Southland honorable mention last year.
Keeler and the coaching staff also are looking forward to getting players who missed part or all of last season with injuries back on the field.
“We have a number of young men who have shown they can be special players for us back on the field,” Keeler said. “These young men not only are talented but they also are leaders who can make a difference in the locker room.”
That list includes tight end Ragan Henderson, defensive end Mouf Adebo, linebackers Collins Okotcha and Hunter Brown, offensive lineman Brandon DeWitt and kicking specialist Luc Swimberghe.
In addition, a number of players from Keeler's 2015 recruiting class red-shirted during the past season and will have an opportunity to earn spots in the Bearkat two-deep.
The spring training schedule calls for practices on March 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 28 and 30 and April 1, 2, 4, 6 and 11. Practice sessions may be changed due to weather.
Fans will have their opportunity to see the 2016 Bearkats in action at the annual spring game on Friday April 8.
Season tickets for Sam Houston's five 2016 home football games at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium plus the “Battle of the Piney Woods” presented by H-E-B at NRG Stadium in Houston now are on sale.
Football season ticket holders from 2015 have the convenience of renewing their seats through their My Bearkat Account , by calling the athletic ticket office at (936) 294-1729 or by visiting the box office located on the west (press box) side of Bowers Stadium.
