MEET THE MOUNTAINEERS - Appalachian State Athletics

IN THIS SECTION 

2006 MOUNTAINEERS ............................................................... 36-65 

INCOMING FRESHMEN PROFILES .......................................... 66-68 

MEET THE 

MOUNTAINEERS

2006 

17 • ZACH AMEDRO 

QB • 6-0 • 175 • FRESHMAN 

MOUNDSVILLE, W. VA. 

JOHN MARSHALL 

Talented signal-caller will battle for backup quarterback duty after 

redshirting as a true freshman. 

2005: Redshirted. 

High School: A 2004 West Virginia Class AAA fi rst-team all-state 

honoree after leading the state with 33 touchdown passes as a senior 

... completed over 60 percent of his passes for 2,939 yards in ‘04 ... a 

three-year starter, threw for 6,248 yards and 53 touchdowns during 

prep career ... coached by Mike Linsky. 

Personal: Full name is Zachary Clayton Amedro ... major is undecided. 

31 • PIERRE BANKS 

LB • 6-0 • 210 • JUNIOR 

DURHAM, N.C. 

SOUTHERN DURHAM 

Explosive linebacker will see plenty of time on the fi eld in 2006 ... 

made a name for himself a season ago by making big plays in critical 

situations ... also contributes on special teams, while his athleticism 

makes him an option at defensive back if necessary as well. 

2005: Made 57 tackles in 15 games, good for 11th on the squad ... 

made three starts (at Wofford, at LSU, at Elon) ... racked up 11 stops 

apiece in fi rst-career starts at Wofford and before 90,000-plus at 

LSU ... had seven tackles, including one for loss, at Elon ... turned 

in perhaps his fi nest performance in national semifi nal win versus 

Furman ... made six stops in win, including three on goal-line stand 

that kept the Paladins out of the end zone in the third quarter ... 

Banks was in on stops on fi rst-and-goal from the 5 yard line, secondand-goal 

from the 4 and fourth-and-goal from the 1 to keep the 

Mountaineers within two points ... excelled in the classroom as an 

academic all-Southern Conference selection and member of ASU’s 

academic honor roll. 

2004: Had limited playing time in early home contests versus Eastern 

Kentucky and The Citadel ... did not record a tackle before season 

ended due to injury ... excelled in the classroom as a member of ASU’s 


High School: A fi rst-team all-state selection at Southern Durham H.S. 

... also raked in 5-County 3A Player of the Year, area Player of the 

Year, fi rst-team all-conference and all-area and team defensive MVP 

accolades as a senior ... coached by Gordan Walters ... also lettered in 

track and fi eld. 

Personal: Full name is Pierre Montray Banks ... born April 23, 1986 

(20 years old) ... son of John A. Banks ... is the 15th of 16 children in 

his family ... majoring in communication-electronic media/broadcasting. 

BANKS’ CAREER STATISTICS 

Year GP/GS Solo Asst. Total TFL-Yds. Sack-Yds. INT PBU QBH FR/FF 

2004 2/0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2005 15/3 17 40 57 2.5-6 0.5-1 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 17/3 17 40 57 2.5-6 0.5-1 0 0 0 0/0 

APPALACHIAN FOOTBALL 

92 • MINA BANOUB 

DL • 5-10 • 225 • SENIOR 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. 

OLYMPIC 

Senior comes into his fi nal season battling for playing time at both 

defensive end and special teams ... has been a vital contributor to the 

squad throughout his career as a member of the scout team. 

2005: Appeared in fi ve games ... collected fi ve of his six tackles in 

SoCon title-clinching win at Elon ... fi ve stops at Elon tied for second 

on team. 

2004: Saw limited action in three games, mainly on special teams ... 

recorded fi rst career tackles with a solo stop versus Eastern Kentucky 

and an assist against Elon. 

2003: Did not see game action. 

High School: Racked up 20 sacks over two-year prep career ... tallied 

11 sacks and 55 tackles as a senior in 2002 ... served as a co-captain 

for Olympic during senior season ... coached by Maurice Flowers. 

Personal: Full name is Mina Fawzy Banoub ... born Dec. 26, 1983 (22 

years old) ... son of Marcell and Fawzy Banoub ... serves as president 

of Appalachian’s Hispanic Student Association ... is a W.H. Plemmons 

Scholar ... majoring in management. 

BANOUB’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 —DNP— 

2004 3/0 1 1 2 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2005 5/0 0 6 6 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 8/0 1 7 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

PIERRE BANKS 

HANS BATICHON 

2005 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 36 WWW.GOASU.COM

MEET THE MOUNTAINEERS 

3 • HANS BATICHON 

WR • 6-0 • 165 • JUNIOR 

MIAMI, FLA. 

NORTH MIAMI 

Sure-handed receiver looks to build on solid sophomore campaign ... is 

slated as a starter at one wide receiver slot heading into fall camp. 

2005: Appeared in all 15 games, making 10 starts ... fi nished tied for 

seventh on the team with 18 receptions and ranked eighth on the 

squad with 215 receiving yards ... hauled in two touchdown passes, 

good for a tie for fourth on the team ... had back-to-back three-reception 

outings at The Citadel and Furman, scoring a touchdown in both 

contests ... made perhaps the catch of the year with an acrobatic catch 

off a tipped pass for a 31-yard touchdown at Furman ... had a seasonhigh 

four receptions for 46 yards, including season-long 44 yarder, in 

quarterfi nal victory over Southern Illinois. 

2004: Appeared in all 11 games as a true freshman, making four starts 

... fi nished fourth on team with 251 receiving yards and tied for fi fth 

with 18 receptions ... fi rst-career reception was his only touchdown 

catch of the season, a six-yarder versus Eastern Kentucky ... had at 

least one reception in each of the fi nal 10 games of the season ... 

turned in a season-high 62 receiving yards versus Texas State, including 

a season-long 35-yard reception ... caught a career-high three balls 

for 29 yards at Chattanooga. 

High School: Named to the Miami Herald all-Dade third-team after 

his fi nal season ... collected 33 receptions for 506 yards as a senior ... 

fi nished prep career with 2,390 career receiving yards ... played for 

head coach Ernest Perkins ... earned 10 varsity monograms, including 

four each in football and track, to go with two in basketball. 

Personal: Full name is Hans Batichon ... born Jan. 21, 1986 (20 

years old) ... son of Carole Batichon ... majoring in communicationelectronic 

media/broadcasting. 

BATICHON’S CAREER STATISTICS 

Year GP/GS Rec. Yards Avg. TD Long Rush Yds. Avg. TD Long 

2004 11/4 18 251 13.9 1 35 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2005 15/10 18 215 11.9 2 44 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 26/14 36 466 12.9 3 44 0 0 0.0 0 0 

80 • DANIEL BETTIS 

TE/DL • 6-3 • 245 • SENIOR 

ROSWELL, GA. 

ROSWELL 

A second-team preseason all-America selection at tight end by The 

Sports Network ... candidate for all-Southern Conference and all- 

America accolades ... has a nose for the end zone, with 13 career 

touchdowns among just 48 career receptions (27 percent) ... his 13 

career TDs are good for a tie for fourth in ASU history coming into the 

season ... to take advantage of his athleticism and strength, coaches 

began giving Bettis snaps at defensive end in spring practice and plan 

to continue using him on defense in the fall. 

2005: First-team all-Southern Conference selection by the league’s 

coaches ... earned second-team plaudits from the media ... led 

Mountaineers with eight touchdown catches ... appeared in 15 games 

and made seven starts ... recorded at least one reception in 12-of-15 

games ... eight TDs came in just 28 total receptions (28.6 percent) ... 

began season with three catches for 38 yards at Eastern Kentucky ... 

WWW.GOASU.COM 37 

caught a season-high fi ve passes for 32 yards and the Mountaineers’ 

only touchdown in a 36-8 loss at Kansas ... hauled in four passes for 

45 yards and a touchdown at Furman ... made four catches for 54 yards 

and two scores at Wofford ... recorded a pair of receptions, including 

another touchdown, in homecoming win over Chattanooga ... pulled in 

a 23-yard touchdown catch in rout over Western Carolina ... turned in 

game-changing performance with three catches for 54 yards, including 

fourth-quarter touchdowns of nine and 26 yards, in 34-23 fi rst-round 

playoff win over Lafayette. 

2004: Recovered from knee injury that cost him all but two games 

in 2003 to play in all 11 games in ‘04 ... made fi ve starts, tops among 

ASU tight ends ... hauled in 14 receptions for 162 yards and two 

touchdowns ... two TD catches tied for third-best on the squad ... 

registered receptions in eight of 11 contests, including six-straight to 

start the season ... pulled in a fi ve-yard touchdown catch in victory 

over Eastern Kentucky ... recorded three receptions for 34 yards at 

nationally ranked Northwestern State ... turned in best performance 

of the season with four catches for 39 yards, including a one-yard 

touchdown and season-long 24-yard reception, in 30-29 upset of No. 

2 Furman ... closed season with two catches for 30 yards at Western 

Carolina. 

2003: Started the fi rst two games of the season ... made his lone 

catch for 18 yards at Eastern Kentucky ... suffered a season-ending 

knee injury versus Morehead State ... received medical redshirt. 

2002: Played in every game, minus the season opener ... registered 

fi ve receptions for 37 yards ... all fi ve catches resulted in either a score 

or fi rst down ... his fi rst catch resulted in an eight-yard touchdown to 

give Appalachian the win at Liberty ... caught touchdown from fi ve 

yards away against Wofford ... made two receptions for 21 yards, both 

for fi rst downs, at Chattanooga ... caught his third touchdown from 

three yards out versus VMI. 

High School: Recorded 18 pass receptions and 63 tackles as a senior 

to lead team to 10-2 mark during his fi nal season ... tallied 44 

career catches for approximately 600 yards ... registered six career 

touchdowns ... posted 134 career tackles, including eight sacks, 14 

quarterback hurries and four fumble recoveries ... named all-county 

each of his fi nal three seasons ... named all-region 6A as a defensive 

end in 2001 ... earned all-region 6A honors as a tight end in 2000 ... 

coached by Tim McFarlin ... four-year letterwinner in football and track 

and fi eld. 

Personal: Full name is Daniel Robert Bettis ... born Jan. 23, 1984 (22 

years old) ... son of Teresa and Bill Bettis ... majoring in management. 

BETTIS’ CAREER STATISTICS 


2002 11/0 5 37 7.4 3 15 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2003 3/2 1 18 18.0 0 18 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2004 11/5 14 162 11.6 2 24 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2005 15/7 28 337 12.0 8 26 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 40/14 48 554 11.5 13 26 0 0 0.0 0 0 

DANIEL BETTIS 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

72 • JONATHAN BIESCHKE 

OL • 6-5 • 285 • SOPHOMORE 

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. 

PORT ST. LUCIE 

Athletic offensive lineman is penciled in as a backup at right tackle 

behind all-American Matt Isenhour ... will battle for time both on offense 

and on special teams. 

2005: Appeared in 10 games, mainly as a special teams player ... saw 

action on offense in seven games, participating in 80 plays ... graded 

out above 75 percent in six of his seven appearances ... had two pins. 


Personal: Full name is Jonathan Michael Bieschke ... majoring in 

criminal justice. 

79 • LARRY BLACKWOOD 

OL • 6-6 • 310 • SENIOR 

WINTER PARK, FLA. 

WINTER PARK 

Appalachian’s biggest offensive lineman will push for playing time as a 

senior ... will continue to work to improve footwork and agility to go 

along with massive frame. 

2005: Appeared in six games before suffering a season-ending knee 

injury at LSU ... logged 17 plays on the season. 

2004: Appeared in two games as a reserve, logging minutes against 

The Citadel and Elon. 


High School: Played in the 2002 Central Florida East-West Senior 

Bowl ... earned all-area and all-league honors following his fi nal campaign 

... played for head coach Larry Giergley. 

Personal: Full name is Lawrence John Blackwood ... born Nov. 1, 1984 

(turns 22 during season) ... son of Lilian and Lawrence Blackwood ... 

majoring in management. 

29 • SETH BREITENSTEIN 

DB • 5-10 • 175 • SOPHOMORE 

BOONE, N.C. 

WATAUGA 

Local product will look to continue to add to the major role that he 

worked his way into on special teams in 2005 ... adds depth to defensive 

backfi eld with ability to play all four positions. 

2005: Played in 11 games, mostly as a member of Appalachian’s kickoff 

unit ... made eight tackles ... racked up a career-best four stops at 

Elon ... recorded a tackle in the national championship game versus 

Northern Iowa. 


High School: Versatile athlete earned eight varsity letters, including 


three in football, as a prep ... an all-conference selection as a junior 

and senior ... won Watauga’s Trail Blazer Award ... coached by Mike 

Hudson ... also collected three letters in baseball and a pair in basketball. 

Personal: Full name is Seth Logan Breitenstein ... born Jan. 2, 1986 

(20 years old) ... son of Sharon and Steve Breitenstein ... father, Steve, 

is a longtime assistant coach at Watauga High School in Boone ... 

enjoys skiing and whitewater rafting ... majoring in advertising. 

BREITENSTEIN’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 11/0 4 4 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 11/0 4 4 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

76 • KERRY BROWN 

OL • 6-6 • 300 • JUNIOR 

MARIETTA, GA. 

LASSITER 

Honorable mention preseason all-America selection by The Sports Network 

... is slated to start at left guard for the second-straight season 

... has added 15 pounds to his six-foot-six frame in the offseason. 

2005: Named fi rst-team all-Southern Conference by the coaches and 

second-team by the league’s media ... led the Mountaineers with 84 

knockdowns and ranked second with fi ve pins despite sharing time at 

right guard with Kyle Knox ... graded out at 75 percent or higher in 

11 of 14 graded performances ... had a season-high nine knockdowns 

apiece in SoCon wins over The Citadel and Western Carolina. 

2004: Saw action in eight games, making four starts versus Furman, 

Georgia Southern, Wofford and Western Carolina ... graded out at 76 

percent in the Apps’ 38-17 triumph over No. 5 Wofford. 


High School: Earned all-region honors in 2003 for head coach Jerry 

Mahon ... fi nished fourth in the state shot put championship and registered 

All-American plaudits at the Mobile Meet of Champions. 

Personal: Full name is Kerry Bruce Brown ... born June 19, 1985 (21 

years old) ... son of Lynn and Bruce Brown ... father played basketball 

at Georgia Tech ... sister, Kristy, plays basketball at Stetson ... majoring 

in health promotion. 

KERRY BROWN 



94 • LLORD BYROM 

DL • 6-2 • 250 • SOPHOMORE 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. 

R.J. REYNOLDS 

The younger brother of starting left DT Omarr Byrom looks to work his 

way into playing time at tackle or on special teams ... sports good size 

and athleticism. 



High School: Earned team MVP plaudits at Reynolds ... garnered a 

pair of letters in football and another in track and fi eld as a prep ... 

coached by Mike Propst. 

Personal: Full name is Llord C. Byrom ... born August 20, 1986 (turns 

19 during season) ... son of Priscilla and Charlie Byrom ... majoring in 

pre-law. 

95 • OMARR BYROM 

DL • 6-2 • 255 • SENIOR 


R.J. REYNOLDS 

A candidate for all-Southern Conference honors ... a veteran on Appalachian 

defense with 33 career starts ... a quick defensive tackle that 

uses his speed and technique to get to the quarterback and fi ll gaps 

versus the running game. 

2005: Started all 15 games at left defensive tackle ... Finished ninth 

on the team with 63 tackles ... was fi fth on the squad with eight 

tackles for loss, fourth with 3.5 sacks and tied for third with two 

quarterback hurries ... had multiple tackles in all but one game ... 

forced one fumble and made what might be the second-most famous 

fumble return in ASU history when he scooped up Ingle Martin’s 

fi nal-minute cough-up and returned it 61 yards to the 1 yard line to 

seal Appalachian’s 29-23 national semifi nal win over Furman ... had a 

solo sack in season-opening victory at Eastern Kentucky ... had eight 

stops in regular-season loss at Furman ... turned in best performance 

of the season in fi rst-round playoff win over Lafayette ... had nine 

stops (eight solo), a sack and a forced fumble in the Mountaineers’ 

34-23 win ... notched a half-sack in national championship game 

versus Northern Iowa ... totaled 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 TFL and two 

quarterback hurries in four playoff games. 

2004: An anchor for ASU’s defensive front, started all 11 games at 

left tackle ... racked up 35 tackles (23 solo) on the season ... notched 

at least one stop in 10 of 11 contests ... ranked third on the squad 

with 8.5 tackles for loss ... placed second on team with 3.5 sacks for 

22 yards ... all 3.5 sacks came in the last three games of the season ... 

recorded fi ve tackles, including four solo stops, at nationally ranked 

Northwestern State ... turned in one of his best performances of the 

season with fi ve tackles, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery 

in 30-29 upset of No. 2 Furman ... forced only fumble of the season at 

Chattanooga ... recorded season highs with six tackles, fi ve solo stops, 

3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in season fi nale at Western Carolina. 

2003: Played in all 11 games, including seven starts ... fi nished third 

on the team in tackles for loss (10) ... listed eighth on the fi nal stats 

in tackles (47) ... registered 11 tackles, including three for loss to go 


with a pair of quarterback hurries in the win over Georgia Southern 

... notched seven stops at The Citadel and later in the year at Elon ... 

fi nished with six tackles against Chattanooga ... credited with forced 

fumbles in wins over Morehead State and Western Carolina ... made 

two tackles for loss at Elon and again the next week versus Western 

Carolina ... one of three rookies to start the fi rst game of the year at 

Hawaii. 


High School: Capped his fi nal campaign with 10 tackles for loss and 

four sacks … named to The Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest fi rst 

team after registering 106 tackles in 2001 … blocked two kicks and 

caused three fumbles on his way to All-Central Piedmont 4A Conference 

recognition as a senior … notched 98 stops, three and a half 

sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries as a junior 

… coached by David Atkins … member of the 2000 and 2001 state 

champion basketball teams. 

Personal: Full name is Omarr Richard Byrom … born June 21, 1984 

(22 years old) … son of Priscilla and Charlee Byrom ... majoring in 

criminal justice. 

BYROM’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 11/7 16 31 47 10.0-26 2.5-17 0 0 4 0/2 

2004 11/11 23 12 35 8.5-32 3.5-22 0 0 2 1/1 

2005 15/15 30 33 63 8.0-27 3.5-20 0 0 2 1/1 

Totals 37/33 69 76 145 26.5-85 9.5-59 0 0 8 2/4 

OMARR BYROM 

88 • NIC CARDWELL 

DL • 6-2 • 255 • SENIOR 


R.J. REYNOLDS 

A solid backup to all-conference tight end Daniel Bettis ... will see 

plenty of playing time in two tight-end sets ... a top-notch blocking 

tight end ... will likely see increased role as a pass catcher. 

2005: Played in all 15 games, making two starts versus Western Carolina 

and in the national semifi nals versus Furman ... registered one 

reception, a six-yarder in the regular-season fi nale at Elon ... recorded 

a tackle on special teams versus Georgia Southern. 

2004: Played in all 11 games ... made fi rst-career start at nationally 

ranked Northwestern State ... did not record a reception. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS


2006 

High School: A Piedmont Triad 3A all-conference choice as a senior ... 

three-year letterwinner ... coached by Richard Cline. 

Personal: Full name is Nicholas Clay Cardwell ... born Dec. 23, 1984 

(21 years old) ... son of Don Cardwell ... majoring in criminal justice. 

CARDWELL’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 11/1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2005 15/2 1 6 6.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 26/3 1 6 6.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 

26 • SIDNEY CECIL 

DB • 5-9 • 190 • FRESHMAN 

KING, N.C. 

STOKES 

24+ • DUSTIN CLODFELTER 

DB • 5-9 • 185 • FRESHMAN 

TRINITY, N.C. 

TRINITY 

60 • BRAD COLEY 


LOUISVILLE, KY. 

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 

Impressed coaches with work ethic and determination last season ... 

comes out of spring practice penciled in as the backup to all-conference 

performer Kerry Brown at left guard ... has added 20 pounds to 

his six-foot-four frame in the offseason. 

2005: Appeared in seven games, registering 93 plays on the offensive 

line ... assisted on one tackle on special teams ... graded out at a perfect 

100 percent versus nationally ranked Coastal Carolina ... had two 

knockdowns in 42 plays at Elon. 


High School: An all-district honoree at Christian Academy of Louisville 

(Ky.) ... coached by Billy Bozworth. 

Personal: Full name is Bradford Scott Coley ... born Sept. 19, 1985 

(turns 21 during season) ... son of Cathy and Bruce Coley ... majoring 

in marketing. 

17+ • MATT CORBIN 

PK/P • 6-1 • 180 • FRESHMAN 

FRANKLIN, N.C. 

FRANKLIN 

Adds depth to ASU’s punting and place-kicking corps. 

2005: Redshirted ... excelled in the classroom as a member of ASU’s 


Personal: Full name is Matthew Gray Corbin ... majoring in chemistry. 


12 • T.J. COURMAN 

WR • 5-10 • 190 • SOPHOMORE 

BEAUFORT, N.C. 

EAST CARTERET 

One of only four true freshmen to play a season ago for the 

Mountaineers ... is expected to see increased action in his role as a 

wide receiver/slot back/running back ... changed number to 12 from 

42 for the 2006 season. 

2005: Made an immediate impact as a true freshman, playing in 

13 games and racking up 279 all-purpose yards (123 rushing, 141 

receiving, 15 on kickoff returns) ... averaged 6.8 yards per rush ... in 

collegiate debut at Kansas, led the Mountaineers with 58 receiving 

yards on three catches, including season-long 44-yard reception ... 

caught three passes for 14 yards and rushed four times for 41 yards 

versus Western Carolina ... hauled in fi rst-career touchdown reception, 

an 18-yarder, at Elon ... had an 11-yard touchdown run in national 

quarterfi nal victory over Southern Illinois ... caught a pass in national 

championship game versus Northern Iowa. 

High School: Led all North Carolina quarterbacks and ranked 10th in 

the state overall with 2,214 rushing yards as a senior ... accounted for 

32 touchdowns (18 rushing, 14 passing) ... led East Carteret to 11-4 

record and appearance in state 2A semifi nals ... coached by Donnie 

Keifer. 

Personal: Full name is Theodore Courman, Jr. ... majoring in exercise 

science. 

COURMAN’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 13/0 11 141 12.8 1 44 18 123 6.8 1 45 

Totals 13/0 11 141 12.8 1 44 18 123 6.8 1 45 

T.J. COURMAN 



4 • ANTHONY CRUVER 

WR • 6-0 • 190 • SOPHOMORE 

ATLANTA, GA. 

MAYS 

Looks to bounce back from a knee injury that ended his season in 

2005 ... if healthy, will add depth and size to Mountaineers’ receiving 

corps. 

2005: Played in eight games, mainly on special teams, before seasonending 

knee surgery ... recorded two tackles at Kansas. 


High School: An all-city choice in 2003 by the Atlanta Journal- 

Constitution … collected 37 receptions for 523 yards, including fi ve 

touchdown passes as a senior … a four-year letter winner on the 

gridiron … key member of the Raiders’ squad that fi nished the 2003 

regular season undefeated for the fi rst time in program history and 

went on to win its fi rst game in the regional playoffs on their way 

to an 11-1 overall record … coached by Darrell Caldwell … wrapped 

up his prep career as a four-year starter on the baseball diamond ... 

Named Atlanta Journal-Constitution Hitter of the Year after batting 

.422 with 34 RBIs, and six home runs to go with 48 stolen bases as 

a senior ... a two-time all-state center fi elder … member of the city 

champion baseball squad in 2003 … a talented sprinter, he owns a 

time of 10.9 seconds in the 100-meter dash as well as a personal-best 

of 22.0 seconds in the 200-meter dash. 

Personal: Full name is Anthony Delvon Cruver ... born Aug. 4, 1986 

(20 years old) ... son of Pacita and Melvin Cruver ... majoring in 

computer information systems. 

24 • JOSH DAVIS 

DB • 6-0 • 185 • SOPHOMORE 

GASTONIA, N.C. 

HUNTER HUSS 

An athletic defensive back that elevated himself from the scout team 

to a key contributor on special teams over the course of the 2005 

season ... is expected to be a main cog in the Apps’ special teams 

again in ‘06. 

2005: Earned a spot on the travel squad for the fi fth game of the 

season at Furman, where he collected his fi rst-career tackle ... went on 

to play in seven games, recording fi ve tackles (two solo, three assists) 

... had two stops in regular-season fi nale at Elon and one in only 

playoff contest, the fi rst-round win over Lafayette. 


Personal: Full name is Joshua Demetrius Davis ... majoring in 

industrial technology, draft and design. 

DAVIS’ CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 7/0 2 3 5 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 7/0 2 3 5 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 


21 • DOMINICK DINGLE 

DB • 5-11 • 185 • SENIOR 

LEAVENWORTH, KAN. 

LEAVENWORTH/GARDEN CITY C.C. 

Tough-luck defensive back looks to bounce back from a pair of injuryriddled 

campaigns to contribute in fi nal collegiate season ... heads 

into fall camp penciled in as the backup at left cornerback. 

2005: For the second-straight year, saw his season derailed with 

an injury early in the campaign ... after making the start at left 

cornerback in the season opener at Eastern Kentucky, Dingle was 

injured making a tackle on the eighth play of the game ... he 

recovered from the lower leg injury to play in 12 games, but never 

regained his starting position from upstart sophomore Justin Woazeah 

... recorded six tackles (fi ve solo) on the season, mostly on special 

teams. 

2004: Injured shoulder in practice leading up to season opener at 

Wyoming ... missed entire season and redshirted ... excelled in the 

classroom as a member of ASU’s academic honor roll. 

Previous College: An honorable mention all-Jayhawk Conference 

selection as a sophomore ... helped the Broncbusters to the secondbest 

pass defense in the conference and the 24th-rated pass-defensing 

unit in the NJCAA in ‘03 ... registered 24 tackles as a rookie in ‘02 ... 

helped GCCC advance to Valley of the Sun Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. 

High School: Participated in football and track and fi eld. 

Personal: Full name is Dominick Demetrius Dingle ... born Nov. 3, 1983 

(turns 23 during season) ... son of Betty Mitchell ... majoring in health 

education. 

DINGLE’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 12/1 5 1 6 0.0-0 0.0-1 0 1 0 0/0 

Totals 12/1 5 1 6 0.0-0 0.0-1 0 1 0 0/0 

15 • TREY ELDER 

QB • 6-1 • 190 • JUNIOR 

DUNCAN, S.C. 

BYRNES 

Junior set to take the reins as Appalachian’s starting quarterback ... 

will attempt to fi ll the large shoes left by Richie Williams, the school’s 

record-holder in every single-game, single-season and career record 

for a quarterback ... Elder possesses an uncanny knowledge for the 

game, the position and the offense ... also boasts a strong arm, good 

size and deceptive speed and quickness ... gained valuable experience 

in leading the Mountaineers to a 29-23 victory over Furman in the 

2005 national semifi nals and starting the national championship game 

versus Northern Iowa. 

2005: Spent much of the season as a backup to all-American Richie 

Williams ... saw action in 11 games, with only start coming in national 

title game against Northern Iowa ... for the season, completed 43of-70 

passes (61.4 percent) for 599 yards and fi ve touchdowns ... 

ran 45 times for 172 yards and one of the biggest touchdowns in 

school history, a one-yard plunge versus Furman that sent the Apps 

to the national championship game ... came off the bench to relieve 

an injured Williams in the national semifi nals versus Furman and 

completed 12-of-17 passes for 165 yards and no interceptions while 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

also running 13 times for 69 yards and the winning score ... threw a 

45-yard touchdown to Dexter Jackson on his fi rst play after relieving 

Williams ... went on to start the national championship game six days 

later, completing 9-of-16 passes for 123 yards before being replaced 

by Williams on the fi nal play of the fi rst half ... Elder was plagued in 

the title game by three fi rst-half turnovers, including an interception 

of his own ... prior to the playoffs, his most extensive action came in 

a 52-14 rout of Elon, in which he completed 7-of-11 passes for 131 

yards and two touchdowns ... had a sterling effort versus Wofford, 

connecting on 4-of-5 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in 

limited action. 

2004: Spent true freshman season as backup quarterback behind 

Williams … saw action in six games, making one start … after not 

attempting a pass in limited action against Eastern Kentucky and 

The Citadel, made fi rst collegiate start for an injured Williams versus 

Texas State … turned in a nearly fl awless performance versus TSU, 

competing 12-of-20 passes for 249 yards and a season-long 65-yard 

touchdown, while rushing 12 times for 44 yards and three touchdowns 

en route to 41-34 victory … earned SoCon Freshman of the Week accolades 

for effort versus Texas State ... went 7-of-13 and threw for ASU’s 

only touchdown in a loss at No. 2 Georgia Southern … completed 

11-of-15 passes over his fi nal two appearances of the season versus No. 

5 Wofford and Elon. 

High School: Voted Mr. Football in South Carolina in 2003 after one 

of the fi nest seasons in state history … completed 242-of-349 passes 

(70 percent) for 3,878 yards and 38 touchdowns against only seven 

interceptions as a senior … rushed for 905 yards and 19 scores on 

171 carries on his way to leading the Rebels to a Class AAAA state 

championship … his 4,663 total yards set a state record, while his 

242 completions are the second most in a season in South Carolina 

… completed 14-of-23 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns and 

earned MVP honors at the 67th Shrine Bowl … coached by Bobby 

Bentley. 

Personal: Full name is Victor Trey Elder ... born April 22, 1986 (20 

years old) ... son of Connie and Allen Elder ... majoring in health 

education. 

ELDER’S CAREER STATISTICS 

Year GP/GS Att.-Cmp.-Int. Yards Pct. TD Long Rush Yds. Avg. TD 

2004 6/1 48-30-3 440 62.5 2 65 25 75 3.0 4 

2005 11/1 70-43-4 599 61.4 5 55 45 172 3.8 1 

Totals 17/2 118-73-7 1,039 61.9 7 65 70 247 3.5 5 

TREY ELDER 


63+ • LES ELLIS 

LS • 5-11 • 220 • FRESHMAN 

RALEIGH, N.C. 

N.B. BROUGHTON 

58 • DANIEL FINNERTY 

DL • 6-2 • 250 • FRESHMAN 

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. 

ST. PIUS X 

After being recruited as a defensive tackle, Finnerty made the 

transition to end in the spring and is one of the leading candidates to 

replace All-American Jason Hunter at right end in 2006 ... has strong 

frame to defend against the run and quickness to pressure the passer. 


High School: Recorded 69 tackles, six sacks and 14 tackles for loss as 

a senior at St. Pius X in Atlanta ... also blocked three punts and a fi eld 

goal on special teams ... three-year starter helped lead squad to 25-10 

record from 2002-04 and spot in 2004 Georgia 4A state playoffs ... allcounty 

selection ... coached by Paul Standard. 

Personal: Full name is Daniel McDonald Finnerty ... born July 29, 1986 

(20 years old) ... son of Linda Malone and Donald Finnerty ... majoring 

in pre-denistry. 

45 • AUSTIN GUARINO 

DL • 6-2 • 235 • SOPHOMORE 

CANTON, GA. 

CHEROKEE 

After suffering a season-ending injury as a redshirt freshman, Guarino 

made the shift from defensive end to tackle during spring practice ... 

goes into the fall listed as one of the top backups at right tackle. 

2005: Played in three games (Kansas, Coastal Carolina and The Citadel) 

before suffering season-ending leg injury ... recorded fi ve tackles (four 

solo) in three contests before the injury, including two at Kansas and 

three at The Citadel. 


High School: A two-time fi rst-team all-region choice by the Atlanta 

Journal-Constitution … twice honored with fi rst-team all-county 

pick by the Cherokee Tribune … fi rst player in Cherokee history to 

register back-to-back 100-tackle campaigns … notched 102 tackles, 

six quarterback sacks and two fumble recoveries as a senior … 

served as a central fi gure on the Chiefs’ squad that fi nished the 2003 

campaign 10-3 after advancing to the third round of the Division 5A 

state playoffs … four-year letterwinner ... coached by Brian Dameron 

… totaled a sack and forced a fumble which led to a touchdown in 

Georgia’s North/South all-star game. 

Personal: Full name is Robert Austin Guarino ... major is undecided. 

GUARINO’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 3/0 4 1 5 1.0-3 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 3/0 4 1 5 1.0-3 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 



53 • NICK HARDING 

LB • 6-1 • 220 • SOPHOMORE 

LACKAWANNA, N.Y. 

LACKAWANNA 

Looks to expand role as a sophomore after playing time came strictly 

on special teams as a redshirt freshman ... came out of spring practice 

as one of two possible backups to Jacque Roman at middle linebacker. 

2005: Saw action in fi rst two games of the season (at Eastern 

Kentucky and Kansas) ... did not register a tackle. 


High School: Three-year starter at linebacker for Lackawanna High 

School in suburban Buffalo, N.Y. ... registered over 330 tackles during 

prep career ... a three-time all-district and all-division honoree 

... voted team MVP after racking up 117 tackles as a senior ... 

participated in the all-Western New York North-South All-Star Game ... 

garnered team’s most valuable linebacker award as a junior ... named 

to the 2004 Buffalo Bills Academic Team ... coached by Bruce Lasko. 

Personal: Full name is Nicholas Daniel Harding ... born Dec. 4, 1985 

(20 years old) ... son of Karen and Daniel Harding ... majoring in 

health promotion. 

20+ • TYRRELL HARRELL 

DB • 5-10 • 190 • FRESHMAN 

JAMESTOWN, N.C. 

LUCY RAGSDALE 

Versatile athlete will push for playing time on special teams and add 

depth to defensive backfi eld. 


High School: Lettered in both football and lacrosse ... coached in 

football by Tommy Norwood. 

Personal: Full name is Alfred Tyrrell Harrell ... born Dec. 19, 1986 (19 

years old) ... son of Monica and Alfred Harrell ... majoring in music 

industries ... aspires to start a record label ... is an ASU Diversity 

Scholar. 


84 • BRANDALL HAWKINS 


DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. 

SEABREEZE 

Important contributor on scout team looks to gain playing time at 

receiver and on special teams. 



High School: Named Seabreeze’s MVP as a senior ... hauled in 51 

receptions for over 1,200 yards in 2002 ... participated in Central 

Florida All-Star Game ... versatile athlete collected 10 varsity letters 

during prep career (four in football, three each in basketball and track 

and fi eld). 

Personal: Full name is Brandall Renard Hawkins ... born Oct. 16, 1984 

(turns 22 during season) ... enjoys listening to music and playing 

basketball ... majoring in communication. 

55 • BRYON HEATH 

LB • 5-11 • 220 • SOPHOMORE 

ATLANTA, GA. 

MAYS 

Former running back made the transition to linebacker in ‘05 and after 

an impressive spring is expected to see signifi cant playing time on the 

defensive side of the ball ... goes into the fall as a backup at weakside 

linebacker. 

2005: Logged playing time in eight games, mainly on special teams 

... notched three tackles on the season, including two at Wofford ... 

season’s other stop came versus Chattanooga. 


High School: Received all-state, all-city and all-Metro plaudits after 

helping to lead the Raiders to the fi rst undefeated regular season in 

program history … key member of head coach Darrell Caldwell’s squad 

that wrapped up its season at 11-1 … recorded 106 tackles, including 

68 solo hits, as well as fi ve forced fumbles, fi ve sacks and four pass 

breakups as a senior … rushed for more than 600 yards and seven 

touchdowns at the fullback spot … honored with team MVP honors 

after his fi nal year … ranked among the top 100 players in the state 

by Rivals.com. 

Personal: Full name is Bryon Marquez Heath … born Oct. 20, 1985 

(turns 21 during season) … son of Casey Whitt and Willie Heath ... 

majoring in fi nance and banking. 

HEATH’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 8/0 1 2 3 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 8/0 1 2 3 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

35 • TREY HENNESSEE 

RB • 6-1 • 220 • SOPHOMORE 

MORGANTON, N.C. 

FREEDOM 

One of only four true freshmen to play for the 2005 Mountaineers, 

Hennessee looks to improve on a rookie campaign in which he was the 

squad’s third-leading rusher ... his physical running style gives the 

Apps a solid option in short-yardage situations ... will return to his 

role as all-American Kevin Richardson’s top backup in ‘06. 

2005: Appeared in 13 games, making fi rst-career start versus 

Chattanooga ... fi nished third on the squad as a true freshman with 

224 rushing yards ... found the end zone three times ... also caught 

two passes for 24 yards and returned four kicks for 48 yards, giving 

him 296 all-purpose yards on the season ... had coming-out party 

versus nationally ranked Coastal Carolina, carrying the ball eight times 

for 45 yards and catching one pass for 11 yards ... scored fi rst-career 

touchdown in win at The Citadel ... recorded season highs for rushes 

(11) and yards (48) in win at Wofford ... carried fi ve times for just 

seven yards but scored twice in a 24-7 win over nationally ranked 

Georgia Southern ... had six rushes in the playoffs, including an eightyarder 

in the national championship game. 

High School: Was a three-time all-conference selection and threetime 

team MVP at nearby Freedom H.S. in Morganton ... coached by 

Tim McMahon ... a versatile athlete, lettered in four sports (football, 

basketball, baseball and track and fi eld). 

Personal: Full name is Trey Allison Hennessee ... born August 5, 1987 

(19 years old) ... son of Giovannia and Phil Hennessee ... majoring in 

health promotion ... enjoys fi shing, playing video games, watching 

movies and traveling. 

HENNESSEE’S CAREER STATISTICS 

Year GP/GS Rush Yards Avg. TD Long Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Long 

2005 13/1 60 224 3.7 3 17 2 24 12.0 0 13 

Totals 13/1 60 224 3.7 3 17 2 24 12.0 0 13 

TREY HENNESSEE 


7 • JAMES HILL 


ATLANTA, GA. 

MAYS/RHODE ISLAND 

Explosive transfer from Rhode Island wowed coaches and on-lookers 

with a terrifi c spring ... will see signifi cant playing time as a kick 

returner and at receiver. 

2005: Did not see game action due to NCAA transfer rules. 

Previous College: Led Rhode Island with 16 receptions for 287 yards 

and a touchdown as a true freshman in 2004. 

High School: An all-state selection as a kick returner and all-metro 

honoree at wide receiver at Mays H.S. in Atlanta ... recorded 56 

receptions for 563 yards and fi ve touchdowns and returned two kicks 

for touchdowns as a senior ... coached by Darrell Caldwell ... was 

teammates at Mays with current Mountaineers Anthony Cruver and 

Bryon Heath. 

Personal: Full name is James Hill ... born Dec. 28, 1986 (19 years old) 

... son of Staci and Paul Weaver. 

52 • J.T. HOLLEMAN 

OL • 6-0 • 250 • SENIOR 

RONDA, N.C. 

EAST WILKES/GUILFORD COLLEGE 

Hard-nosed center has impressed coaches with his toughness and 

tenacity ... penciled in as the backup center to Scott Suttle heading 

into the fall. 

2005: Appeared in eight games as a backup center ... recorded six 

knockdowns and two pins ... had top performance of the season versus 

nationally ranked Coastal Carolina, logging 15 plays and grading out at 

80 percent with three knockdowns and a pin ... was in on three plays 

in playoff win over Southern Illinois. 


Previous College: Played two seasons at Guilford College in 

Greensboro. 

High School: A three-sport all-county selection ... garnered allcounty 

and all-conference accolades on the gridiron after rushing for 

over 1,000 yards as a senior ... was a two-year football letterwinner 

... coached by George Wescott ... was an all-state performer in both 

wrestling and track and fi eld ... fi nished fourth in the state as a junior 

in 189-pound weight class ... placed second in the state as a senior in 

215-pound weight class ... was also state runner-up in discus. 

Personal: Full name is Jackie Thomas Holleman III ... born March 22, 

1984 (22 years old) ... son of Autumn and Jackie Holleman ... father 

played football at Guilford ... enjoys skiing, fi shing and hunting ... 

majoring in criminal justice ... aspires to be a state trooper. 



67 • JOHN HOLT 

OL • 6-2 • 260 • JUNIOR 

LEICESTER, N.C. 

ERWIN 

Inspirational leader will continue to be a top reserve on the Apps’ 

veteran offensive line ... can play both guard and tackle positions ... 

will see signifi cant playing time as a backup to Jeremy Robertson at 

right guard. 

2005: Appeared in all 15 games, mainly in a rotation at right guard ... 

made only start of the season at left tackle versus LSU ... more than 

held his own in place of all-conference tackle Grant Oliver, recording 

fi ve knockdowns and a pin while matching up with the Tigers’ 6-4, 

265-pound defensive end Chase Pittman ... graded out at 70 percent or 

higher in 13-of-14 graded performances ... totaled 50 knockdowns and 

fi ve pins on the season. 

2004: Appeared in 10 games, making three starts at right guard ... 

graded out above 80 percent in three of six graded appearances ... 

made fi rst collegiate start and was on the fi eld for a season-high 76 

snaps in victory over No. 2 Furman ... also made start in triumph over 

No. 5 Wofford ... got a jump start on collegiate career by participating 

in spring practice after early graduation from high school. 

High School: Received fi rst-team All-Western N.C. honors from the 

Asheville Citizen-Times as a defensive lineman as a senior … amassed 

108 tackles including 11.5 quarterback sacks and a pair of forced 

fumbles en route to All-Mountain Athletic Conference plaudits in 2003 

… helped pave the way for the Warriors to rush for 1,582 yards … a 

preseason Elite 101 selection … coached by Chris Brookshire. 

Personal: Full name is John Nelson Holt … born Oct. 22. 1985 (turns 

21 during season) … son of Susan and Michael Joe Holt ... majoring in 

health education. 

JOHN HOLT 


36 • TITUS HOWARD 

DB • 5-11 • 193 • JUNIOR 

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. 

HANAHAN 

A terrifi c athlete and hard hitter that coaches are committed to 

getting on the fi eld more in 2006 ... will see time in both the 

defensive backfi eld and on special teams. 

2005: Played in 14 games, mainly on special teams due to backing up 

all-American safety Jeremy Wiggins ... recorded 20 tackles, 16 of them 

solo ... had three solo stops versus nationally ranked Coastal Carolina 

... had a season-high fi ve stops and 70-yard interception return for a 

touchdown in 52-14 rout at Elon ... had three hits apiece in playoff 

games versus Lafayette and Southern Illinois ... made highlight reels 

across the nation with jarring hit on a punt versus Northern Iowa in 

national title game. 

2004: Saw action in six games as a true freshman ... appeared mostly 

on special teams ... made collegiate debut in home opener versus 

Eastern Kentucky ... registered only tackle in win over No. 5 Wofford. 

High School: Nabbed six interceptions and totaled 15 pass defl ections 

en route to second-team All-Low Country honors from The Post and 

Courier as a senior … a member of four region 6-AA championship 

squads … rushed for 790 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Hawks 

to an 8-4 slate … had a career day, rushing for 151 yards on nine 

carries and returning an interception 67 yards for a score in the fi rst 

round of the AA state playoffs ... coached by Jeff Cruce. 

Personal: Full name is Titus Everett Howard ... born Jan. 8, 1986 (20 

years old) ... majoring in management. 

HOWARD’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 6/0 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2005 14/0 16 4 20 0.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 0/0 

Totals 20/0 17 4 21 0.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 0/0 

10 • REYNALDO HUNTER 

WR • 5-11 • 175 • SOPHOMORE 

SPARTANBURG, S.C. 

BYRNES 

High school teammate of starting quarterback Trey Elder is set to 

make collegiate debut after sitting out the 2005 campaign ... boasts 

excellent speed and sure hands. 

2005: Did not play. 

High School: A 2004 all-state honoree and Max Emfi nger all-American 

... racked up 71 receptions for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns as a 

senior at Byrnes ... teamed up with quarterback Trey Elder, now ASU’s 

starting quarterback, to register 42 catches for 856 yards and nine TDs 

as a junior ... won three-straight state championships ... participated 

in 2004 Shrine Bowl ... coached by Bobby Bentley ... also lettered in 

basketball. 

Personal: Full name is Reynaldo Weldon Carter Hunter ... born August 

31, 1986 (turns 20 during season) ... son of the late James Hunter ... 

majoring in community and regional planning. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

62 • MATT ISENHOUR 

OL • 6-1 • 275 • SENIOR 

MAIDEN, N.C. 

MAIDEN 

First-team preseason all-America selection by The Sports Network ... 

looks to build on 2005 season in which he garnered all-America accolades 

and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the Southern 

Conference’s top offensive lineman ... boasts incredible strength to go 

along with quick feet to anchor the right side of Appalachian’s veteran 

offensive front. 

2005: Garnered fi rst-team all-America honors from I-AA.org and 

second-team accolades from The Sports Network ... recipient of the 

Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the SoCon’s top offensive lineman ... 

named fi rst-team all-conference by the league’s coaches and secondteam 

by the media ... started all 15 games at right tackle ... totaled 65 

knockdowns and four pins on the season ... graded out at 80 percent 

or higher in 9-of-14 graded performances and above 70 percent in all 

14 outings ... had season-high eight knockdowns and graded out at 

83 percent over 66 plays versus nationally ranked Georgia Southern ... 

notched eight knockdowns and a pin against Western Carolina ... recorded 

six knockdowns and an 84 percent grade in 71 plays in national 

semifi nal win over Furman. 

2004: Started all 11 games at right tackle after moving from right 

guard during spring practice ... part of blocking unit that helped Appalachian 

post some of the most prolifi c offensive numbers in school 

history ... steadily improved throughout the season, grading out above 

80 percent in seven of the season’s fi nal eight games. 

2003: Returned after an emergency appendectomy during two-a-days, 

to earn a starting spot by the start of Southern Conference play ... 

registered six winning performances ... tallied a team-high six pancake 

blocks against Chattanooga. 

High School: Earned fi rst-team AP All-State in 2002 ... an All- 

Southern Foothills 1A Conference selection ... named to The Charlotte 

Observer All-Unifour, and All-Piedmont teams as a senior ... member of 

winning 2002 Shrine Bowl squad ... played in 2002 East-West Shrine 

Bowl ... named Unifour Defensive Player of the Year and league Player 

of the Year after his senior season ... four-year starter ... coached by 

Tom Brown. 

Personal: Full name is Matthew Blair Isenhour ... born Jan. 14, 1985 

(21 years old) ... son of Carole and Roger Isenhour ... majoring in risk 

and insurance. 

MATT ISENHOUR 


2 • DEXTER JACKSON 

WR • 5-10 • 170 • JUNIOR 

DUNWOODY, GA. 

DUNWOODY 

Speedster provides spark to Mountaineers’ passing and return games ... 

is penciled in as a starting wide receiver and the squad’s top punt and 

kickoff returner heading into spring practice. 

2005: Appeared in 14 games, making seven starts ... tallied 449 

receiving yards, 245 on punt returns and 189 on kickoff returns to 

fi nish fourth on the squad with 883 all-purpose yards ... ranked 

third on the team with 30 receptions for 449 yards ... fi ve touchdown 

catches ranked second on the squad ... ranked second in the 

conference and 40th nationally with 8.4-yard punt-return average ... 

had three-straight games of 100-plus all-purpose yards (128 vs. Coastal 

Carolina, 118 at The Citadel, 147 at Furman) ... capped season highs 

of fi ve catches for 84 yards with 31-yard touchdown reception at The 

Citadel ... hauled in 48-yard touchdown catch versus Chattanooga ... 

was terrifi c in postseason, totaling 11 receptions for 178 yards and 

three touchdowns in four playoff games ... scored a touchdown in 

each of the fi rst three playoff outings ... matched a season high with 

fi ve receptions, including a 45-yard touchdown from Trey Elder, in 

semifi nal win over Furman ... registered three catches for 25 yards in 

national championship game against Northern Iowa. 

2004: Appeared in all 11 games as a true freshman … caught 17 

passes for 239 yards, good for seventh and sixth on the squad, respectively 

… returned a team-high 22 kickoffs for 394 yards on the season 

… recorded at least one reception in 9-of-11 contests … returned 

three kicks for 60 yards, including a 24-yard return, in collegiate 

debut at Wyoming … registered a season-high four receptions for 30 

yards in victory over The Citadel … hauled in three passes for 22 yards 

one week later at nationally ranked Northwestern State … posted 

season-high 48 receiving yards on a pair of catches in victory over No. 

5 Wofford … scored fi rst collegiate touchdown on 43-yard connection 

with Richie Williams at Chattanooga … also returned seven kickoffs 

for 126 yards during wild contest at UTC … caught three passes for 43 

yards in romp over Elon. 

High School: Caught 30 passes for 520 yards, including two for 

touchdowns as a senior ... in 2003, he returned two kickoffs, as well as 

one punt for touchdown. 

Personal: Full name is Dexter Myles Jackson ... born Aug. 5, 1986 (20 

years old) ... son of Marlena Costa ... majoring in criminal justice. 

JACKSON’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 11/0 17 239 14.1 1 43 1 5 5.0 0 5 

2005 14/7 30 449 15.0 5 48 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 25/7 47 688 14.6 6 48 1 5 5.0 0 5 

DEXTER JACKSON 



33 • JOSH JACKSON 

RB • 5-10 • 200 • FRESHMAN 


FORESTVIEW 

Big running back will compete for playing time in the offensive 

backfi eld and on special teams. 


High School: Three-year letterwinner at Gastonia Forestview H.S. ... 

two-time all-conference and all-county honoree ... rushed for 1,600plus 

yards over fi nal two prep seasons, including over 900 yards en 

route to team’s Offensive Player of the Year accolades ... recognized as 

region’s Player of the Week numerous times ... coached by Scott Lee ... 

also lettered in track and fi eld four years. 

Personal: Full name is Joshua Deray Jackson ... born June 14, 1987 

(19 years old) ... son of Debbie Jackson ... cousin, Mike Watson, 

plays for Western Carolina ... majoring in health promotion ... enjoys 

drawing and fi shing ... aspires to work as a personal trainer and health 

consultant. 

49 • CHRIS JOHNSON 

LB • 5-10 • 220 • SOPHOMORE 

DURHAM, N.C. 


Special teams contributor will also add depth to ASU’s linebacking 

corps. 

2005: Appeared in four games as a redshirt freshman ... tallied four 

tackles, including two in season opener at Eastern Kentucky. 


High School: Earned fi rst-team all-conference and second-team allarea 

plaudits as a senior at Southern Durham High School ... anchored 

an offensive line that helped offense amass more than 5,000 yards in 

2003 ... garnered honorable mention all-area accolades as a junior ... 

coached by Gordan Watters. 

Personal: Full name is Christopher Lee Johnson ... born June 5, 

1986 (20 years old) ... son of Mana and Lee Johnson ... majoring in 

management. 

JOHNSON’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 4/0 2 2 4 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 4/0 2 2 4 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 


55+ • JUSTIN JOHNSON 

LB • 5-11 • 240 • FRESHMAN 

LEESBURG, VA. 

HERITAGE 

Big, athletic linebacker will add depth to Mountaineers’ linebacking 

and special teams corps. 


99 • ADAM KASSOUF 

P • 5-9 • 170 • FRESHMAN 

LEXINGTON, N.C. 

NORTH DAVIDSON 

Redshirt freshman will compete for punting duties. 


Personal: Full name is Adam M. Kassouf ... majoring in management. 

13 • MIKE KING 

LB • 6-1 • 212 • SENIOR 

GARNER, N.C. 

GARNER 

Very talented player will see the fi eld at linebacker and special teams 

... also has the ability to line up in the defensive backfi eld ... is 

penciled in as a backup at bandit heading into fall practice. 

2005: Appeared in 13 games on special teams and as a reserve 

linebacker ... totaled 13 tackles on the season ... registered season 

highs with four stops in routs over nationally ranked Coastal Carolina 

and Elon. 

2004: Appeared in nine games ... started the last two games of the 

season (vs. Elon and at Western Carolina) ... recorded nine tackles 

on the season ... all nine stops (fi ve solo, four assists) came in four 

multi-tackle games ... had two tackles apiece at nationally ranked 

Northwestern State and in wins over No. 5 Wofford and Elon ... tacked 

on season-high three stops at Western Carolina. 

2003: Played in three games ... started the season opener at Hawaii ... 

registered two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) against Chattanooga. 


High School: Registered 90 tackles and four interceptions as a senior 

... captained team to a 12-1 record in fi nal season ... coached by 

Nelson Smith. 

Personal: Full name is Michael Sherrod King ... born June 17, 1983 (23 

years old) ... son of Sandra King ... majoring in criminal justice. 

KING’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 3/0 1 1 2 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2004 9/2 5 4 9 1.0-2 0.0-0 0 2 0 0/0 

2005 13/0 3 10 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 3 0 0/0 

Totals 25/2 9 15 24 1.0-2 0.0-0 0 5 0 0/0 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

87 • BRANDON KNOX 

WR • 6-0 • 180 • FRESHMAN 

GREENSBORO, N.C. 

RANDLEMAN 

Sure-handed redshirt freshman looks to break into the Apps’ receivers 

rotation. 



High School: Totaled nearly 1,000 yards (600-plus receiving and 300plus 

rushing) and four touchdowns as a senior ... also intercepted fi ve 

passes on defense ... coached by Eddie Williamson. 

Personal: Full name is Brandon Dennis Myers Knox ... born Nov. 21, 

1986 (turns 20 during season) ... son of Howard Knox ... majoring in 

physical education ... aspires to be a coach ... enjoys snowboarding, 

surfi ng and hiking ... is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

51 • KYLE KNOX 

OL • 6-3 • 270 • SENIOR 

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 

MANDARIN 

After spending signifi cant time at center and guard throughout the 

fi rst three seasons of his collegiate career, Knox makes the transition 

to tackle as a senior ... earned the starting nod at left tackle in spring 

practice, replacing two-time all-conference performer Grant Oliver 

... excells at using quickness and athleticism in both pass and run 

blocking. 

2005: Appeared in 14 games, mostly as part of a rotation with allconference 

performer Kerry Brown at left guard ... graded out at over 

70 percent in all 13 of his graded performances and at 80 percent or 

higher eight times ... recorded 32 knockdowns ... turned in back-toback 

strong performances versus Elon and Lafayette, grading at 85 

percent and notching four knockdowns in 27 plays against the Phoenix 

and recording a 81-percent grade and four knockdowns in 22 plays 

against the Leopards. 

2004: Started the fi rst three games of the season at center before 

campaign came to a close with a knee injury in win over The Citadel ... 

graded out at 75 percent or higher in all three appearances, including 

grades of 82 and 81 versus Wyoming and The Citadel, respectively. 

2003: Moved over to the offensive line during the preseason ... served 

39 plays as a reserve guard and center ... saw game duty on the line 

for PAT and fi eld goal. 


High School: Recorded 64 tackles during his senior campaign ... led 

team to an 8-2 record after ending fi nal season with six forced fumbles 

and 15 quarterback sacks ... coached by Richard Brunoski. 

Personal: Full name is Kyle Bennett Knox ... born July 10, 1984 (22 

years old) ... majoring in management. 


11 • CHASE LAWS 

QB • 6-1 • 200 • SENIOR 

MATTHEWS, N.C. 

PROVIDENCE/ARMY 

Tough-nosed quarterback comes into the season in a battle with 

redshirt freshman Zach Amedro for the backup quarterback position 

behind starter Trey Elder ... in addition to being a signal-caller, Laws 

is one of ASU’s stalwarts on special teams, participating on kickoff and 

punt coverage and kickoff return squads. 

2005: Spent the season as third-string quarterback ... made just 

one appearance behind center, rushing once for a loss of a yard and 

throwing an incomplete pass at Elon ... on special teams, recorded fi ve 

tackles on the season, including three at The Citadel ... also returned 

two kicks for 41 yards ... both kick returns came in the playoffs, 

versus Lafayette and Southern Illinois ... excelled in the classroom as 

a member of ASU’s Dean’s list and academic honor roll and the SoCon’s 

academic all-conference team. 

Previous College: Played two seasons at Army under legendary coach 

Bobby Ross. 

High School: Lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track and 

fi eld at Providence H.S. in Charlotte ... threw for 1,800 yards and 21 

touchdowns and rushed for 700 yards and eight TDs en route to allconference 

recognition as a senior ... named Coca-Cola MVP in 2002 

playoffs ... was Providence’s football MVP and Athlete of the Year as a 

senior ... coached by Bruce Hardin. 

Personal: Full name is Chase Durant Laws ... born March 21, 1985 (21 

years old) ... son of Wanda and Buddy Laws ... majoring in criminal 

justice ... aspires to be a DEA or FBI agent. 

LAWS’ CAREER STATISTICS 

Year GP/GS Att.-Cmp.-Int. Yards Pct. TD Long Rush Yds. Avg. TD 

2005 15/0 1-0-0 0 .000 0 0 2 -1 -0.5 0 

Totals 15/0 1-0-0 0 .000 0 0 2 -1 -0.5 0 

KYLE KNOX 



68 • TONY LESTER 

DL • 6-1 • 245 • JUNIOR 

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 

JEAN RIBAULT 

Caught the eye of coaching staff with an impressive spring ... heads 

into fall practice listed as a candidate for backup position at right 

defensive tackle. 

2005: Made transition from offensive to defensive line ... played in 

two games ... recorded only tackle of the season at Wofford, a one-yard 

loss. 

2004: Saw action in two games ... played 10 downs in home fi nale 

versus Elon, grading out at an impressive 80 percent. 


High School: A fi rst-team all-conference and all-district selection at 

Jean Ribault Senior High School ... racked up 108 tackles (74 solo) 

and nine sacks ... particpated in the Florida Shrine Bowl ... coached 

by Arthur Mallory ... an incredibly versatile athlete, earned 12 varsity 

letters, including four apiece in football and soccer, two in wrestling 

and one each in tennis and track and fi eld ... placed second in district 

on wrestling mat and garnered honorable mention all-district plaudits 

in soccer. 

Personal: Full name is Tony Lamar Lester ... born Aug. 10, 1984 (turns 

22 during season) ... son of Ava D. Loyd and Eddie Lester ... majoring 

in health promotion ... aspires to attain a Master’s degree in physical 

therapy. 

LESTER’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 2/0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2005 2/0 1 0 1 1.0-1 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 4/0 1 0 1 1.0-1 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

22 • LEONARD LOVE 

DB • 5-10 • 180 • SOPHOMORE 


BUTLER 

One of only four true freshmen to take the fi eld for the Apps a season 

ago ... is tabbed as ASU’s backup at right cornerback and a contributor 

on special teams. 

2005: Was pressed into action when cornerback Justin Woazeah left 

the Coastal Carolina game with a minor injury ... on his fi rst collegiate 

series, Love broke up a pass in the end zone to thwart a Chanticleer 

scoring drive ... went on to play in fi ve more games ... recorded only 

tackle of the season at Elon. 

High School: Second-team all-Mecklenburg selection by the Charlotte 

Observer as a senior ... fi rst-team all-Southwestern 4A Conference 

honoree ... helped lead Butler to a 5-2 fi nish in Southwestern 4A 

Conference play and 7-5 overall record ... coached by Mike Newsome. 

Personal: Full name is Leonard Lewis Love ... born May 23, 1987 (19 

years old) ... son of Kelly and Jimmie Howze ... majoring in marketing. 

LOVE’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 6/0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 1 0 0/0 

Totals 6/0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 1 0 0/0 


47 • COREY LYNCH 

DB • 6-0 • 205 • JUNIOR 

CAPE CORAL, FLA. 

EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN 

Preseason fi rst-team all-America selection by The Sports Network 

... ball-hawking safety ranks among ASU’s all-time leaders in 

interceptions (13) and fumble recoveries (5) with two years of 

eligibility remaining ... in addition to having a nose for the ball, is 

a sure tackler ... could become Appalachian’s fi rst three-time All- 

American since Dexter Coakley (1994-96). 

2005: Earned fi rst-team all-America status from I-AA.org and secondteam 

plaudits from the Associated Press and The Sports Network ... 

fi rst-team all-conference selection by the league’s coaches and media 

... started all 15 games at safety ... tied for Southern Conference lead 

and ranked 30th in the nation with six interceptions ... ranked fi fth 

on the squad with 92 tackles ... was second on team with seven pass 

break-ups ... recorded multiple tackles in 13 of 15 games ... returned 

from severe elbow injury in 2004 to pick off two passes in season 

opener at Eastern Kentucky ... made one of the most important plays 

of the season when he chased down EKU receiver Andre Ralston at 

the 1 yard line on the fi nal play of the fi rst half ... notched seven 

tackles at Kansas ... for the second time in three games, intercepted 

two passes to help lead rout of nationally ranked Coastal Carolina ... 

returned the two INTs a total of 50 yards ... fumbled on return of one 

of the picks, which was scooped up by ASU’s Jason Hunter and taken 

the rest of the way for a touchdown ... had his fi fth interception in 

four games at The Citadel ...broke up a pass in narrow loss at Furman 

... forced a fumble in 24-7 rout over nationally ranked Georgia 

Southern ... had 10 tackles and a pass break-up versus Chattanooga 

... recorded a season-high 11 stops and a PBU in romp over Western 

Carolina ... totaled 23 tackles and four pass break-ups in fi rst three 

playoff games ... notched his sixth interception of the season in 

national semifi nal win over Furman. 

2004: Preseason fi rst-team all-SoCon honoree played in just two games 

before suffering a season-ending elbow injury while returning a punt 

with less than a minute to go versus Eastern Kentucky … picked up 

where he left off in 2003 as he recovered a fumble in season opener at 

Wyoming and intercepted a pass and forced a fumble in victory over 

EKU … made 13 tackles in two contests, including a team-high nine 

stops at Wyoming … received a medical redshirt. 

2003: Led the SoCon in interceptions (6) and fumble recoveries (4) 

... lone freshman chosen to either All-SoCon team, earning secondteam 

honors from both the league’s coaches and media ... listed an 

interception in four of the last fi ve games of the year ... started every 

game, minus the season opener ... totaled a season-high 12 tackles (5 

solo, 7 assists), a fumble recovery and a 28-yard interception return 

versus Georgia Southern ... recovered two fumbles deep in Mountaineer 

territory at Furman ... collected a pair of interceptions and a fumble 

recovery against Morehead State ... registered a 31-yard interception 

return versus Chattanooga ... tallied 11 tackles (6 solo, 5 assists) and 

an interception at Elon ... made a fumble recovery at The Citadel ... 

carded two pass defl ections and forced a fumble at Wofford. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

High School: Rushed for 3,000 yards and registered 31 interceptions 

over his career ... a two-time Class A all-state and all-Lee County 

honoree ... twice honored as the District 16 Player of the Year ... as 

a senior, he rushed 120 times for 1,101 yards and 11 touchdowns, 

caught 18 passes for 490 yards and seven scores … notched 93 tackles 

and 11 interceptions on his way to being named Lee County Defensive 

Player of the Year ... a three-time Fort Myers News-Press all-area pick 

... National Honor Society member. 

Personal: Full name is Corey Austin Lynch ... born May 7, 1985 (21 

years old) ... son of Linda and Brian Lynch ... majoring in physics. 

LYNCH’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 11/10 30 27 57 1.0-1 0.0-0 6 4 0 4/2 

2004 2/2 9 4 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 1/1 

2005 15/15 39 53 92 1.5-5 0.0-0 6 7 0 0/1 

Totals 28/27 78 84 162 2.5-6 0.0-0 13 11 0 5/4 

COREY LYNCH GAME-BY-GAME 

2005 S-A-T TFL PBU Int. FF FR 

Eastern Kentucky 4-3-7 0 0 2 0 0 

Kansas 2-5-7 0 0 0 0 0 

Coastal Carolina 2-3-5 0 0 2 0 0 

The Citadel 0-2-2 0 0 1 0 0 

Furman 5-1-6 0 1 0 0 0 

Georgia Southern 2-6-8 0 0 0 1 0 

Wofford 3-4-7 1 0 0 0 0 

Chattanooga 5-5-10 0 1 0 0 0 

LSU 1-4-5 .5 0 0 0 0 

Western Carolina 4-7-11 0 1 0 0 0 

Elon 1-0-1 0 0 0 0 0 

Lafayette 5-3-8 0 2 0 0 0 

Southern Illinois 2-7-9 0 1 0 0 0 

Furman 3-3-6 0 1 1 0 0 

Northern Iowa 0-0-0 0 0 0 0 0 


Wyoming 5-3-8 0 0 0 0 1 


The Citadel —DNP— 

Northwestern State —DNP— 

Texas State —DNP— 

Furman —DNP— 

Georgia Southern —DNP— 

Wofford —DNP— 

Chattanooga —DNP— 

Elon —DNP— 

Western Carolina —DNP— 


Hawaii 1-0-1 0 0 0 0 0 


Morehead State 1-1-2 1 0 2 0 1 

The Citadel 4-2-6 0 0 0 0 1 

East Tennessee State 3-1-4 0 0 0 0 0 

Furman 3-1-4 0 0 0 0 2 


Wofford 4-2-6 0 2 0 1 0 

Chattanooga 1-2-3 0 1 1 0 0 

Elon 6-5-11 0 0 1 0 0 



20 • CLINT MANUEL 

RB • 6-0 • 230 • JUNIOR 

JONAS RIDGE, N.C. 

AVERY 

COREY LYNCH 

Local product looks to bounce back from season-ending knee injury 

suffered a season ago ... was a vital contributor on special teams 

before suffering the injury. 

2005: Played in two games on special teams (at Eastern Kentucky, 

Coastal Carolina) before suffering season-ending knee injury during 

win over CCU ... was in on one tackle against the Chanticleers before 

injury. 

2004: Appeared in nine games, primarily as a blocking back and 

on special teams... carried once for one yard in victory over No. 5 

Wofford ... returned a kick for 12 yards in home opener versus Eastern 

Kentucky. 


High School: An all-state selection as a senior at nearby Avery High 

School ... rushed for over 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns on his way 

to all-Western North Carolina honors from Asheville Citizen-Times ... 

amassed more than 3,500 yards on the ground and 76 touchdowns for 

his prep career ... coached by James Condrey ... a four-time all-state 

track athlete ... garnered 12 varsity awards in four sports. 

Personal: Full name is Clint Elton Manuel ... born Nov. 27, 1984 (21 

years old) ... son of Jennifer Hudson ... majoring in criminal justice. 

MANUEL’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 9/2 1 1 1.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2005 2/0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 11/2 1 1 1.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 



9 • WILLIAM MAYFIELD 

WR • 6-2 • 220 • SENIOR 

DURHAM, N.C. 


Made an impressive transition from linebacker to wide receiver a 

season ago ... large frame and good hands make him a prime target 

in short-yardage situations and in tight coverage ... deceptive 

speed makes him a long ball threat ... missed spring practice while 

completing an internship in Durham ... is penciled in as a starter at 

wide receiver heading into fall drills. 

2005: Appeared in 14 games at wide receiver, making two starts ... 

fi nished second on team with 16.1 yards per catch and third with four 

touchdown receptions in fi rst season as a wide receiver ... totaled 22 

catches for 354 yards ... hauled in fi rst-career receptions with twocatch, 

27-yard effort versus Coastal Carolina ... caught a 31-yard pass 

in close loss at nationally ranked Furman ... notched fi rst touchdown 

catch, a one-yarder, in rout at Wofford ... recorded three touchdowns 

in a four-game stretch from Nov. 12-Dec. 3 ... highlighted a threecatch, 

72-yard day with an acrobatic catch in the corner of the end 

zone versus Western Carolina ... caught four passes for 52 yards and 

a touchdown at Elon ... had a career day in national quarterfi nals 

versus Southern Illinois with four receptions for 90 yards and a careerlong 

54-yard touchdown catch ... made three catches for 40 yards in 

national semis versus Furman ... did not play in national title game 

due to thumb injury suffered earlier in playoffs. 

2004: Started all 11 games at linebacker for the Mountaineers ... 

ranked fi fth on the squad with 61 tackles ... added three tackles for 

loss on the season ... opened season with best performance of his 

career, totaling 13 tackles, including one for a fi ve-yard loss, at I-A 

foe Wyoming ... followed up performance at Wyoming with nine-tackle 

output in home-opening victory over Eastern Kentucky ... had at least 

four stops in each of the fi rst nine games of the campaign ... collected 

fi ve and six tackles, respectively, in wins over No. 2 Furman and No. 5 

Wofford. 

2003: Filled the void when injuries limited the linebacking depth ... 

played in all 11 games ... made seven tackles at Hawaii ... tallied two 

solo stops at The Citadel ... notched two hits at Furman ... recorded 

four tackles (two solo, two assists) at Elon ... made one tackle against 

Western Carolina. 


High School: Named the Five-County 3-A Conference Defensive Player 

of the Year in 2001 … coached by Anthony Barbour. 

Personal: Full name is William Thomas Mayfi eld, Jr. … born May 

6, 1984 (22 years old) ... son of Wilma and William Mayfi eld, Sr. ... 

majoring in accounting. 

MAYFIELD’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 11/0 13 5 18 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2004 11/11 32 29 61 3.0-13 0.5-3 0 1 0 0/0 

Totals 22/11 45 34 79 3.0-13 0.5-3 0 1 0 0/0 


2005 14/2 22 354 16.1 4 54 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 14/2 22 354 16.1 4 54 0 0 0.0 0 0 


WILLIAM MAYFIELD 

56 • ELLIS MCDOWELL 

LB • 5-9 • 200 • FRESHMAN 

HOPE MILLS, N.C. 

SOUTHVIEW 

Talented linebacker has made an impression on coaching staff and is 

tabbed as the backup at middle linebacker heading into fall camp ... 

sports the size to stuff the run and athleticism to defend against the 

pass. 


Personal: Full name is Ellis Lee McDowell ... majoring in computer 

science. 

81 • CLAY MCKNIGHT 

WR • 5-10 • 175 • SOPHOMORE 

HIGH POINT, N.C. 

ANDREWS 

Sure-handed receiver adds depth to Appalachian’s veteran corps of 

wide receivers. 

2005: Appeared in six games ... made one catch, a 55-yarder in the 

waning moments of 49-17 win at Wofford. 



High School: Racked up over 200 receiving yards during two-year 

prep career ... coached by Derek Anderson ... versatile athlete made 

his mark throughout Andrews’ athletics programs, earning 10 varsity 

letters (four in golf, two apiece in football and basketball, one each in 

baseball and cross country) ... was an all-conference honoree in golf as 

a junior. 

Personal: Full name is John Claiborne McKnight ... born May 29, 

1986 (20 years old) ... son of Kay and David McKnight ... majoring in 

secondary education (history) ... aspires to teach and coach at the 

high-school level. 

McKNIGHT’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 6/0 1 55 55.0 0 55 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 6/0 1 55 55.0 0 55 0 0 0.0 0 0 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

37 • MARQUIS MELVIN 

DB • 6-0 • 205 • FRESHMAN 

WHITEVILLE, N.C. 

WHITEVILLE/WEST VIRGINIA 

Transfer from West Virginia is expected to contribute immediately on 

special teams and add depth to ASU’s veteran secondary ... never saw 

game action at WVU and still has four years of eligibility remaining. 

High School: Played in 2005 Shrine Bowl and East-West all-star game 

... named team MVP following senior campaign ... lettered in both 

football and basketball for four years ... coached by Mark Little. 

Personal: Full name is Marquis Demond Melvin ... born Feb. 15, 

1987 (19 years old) ... son of Carolyn Blanks ... majoring in health 

education and music ... is an accomplished singer ... received a 

standing ovation following rendition of the national anthem at an ASU 

men’s basketball game ... aspires for a professional career in football 

and music. 

65 • JOSH MILLER 

OL • 6-0 • 245 • SENIOR 

BURLINGTON, N.C. 

WESTERN ALAMANCE 

Veteran adds depth to ASU offensive line ... will push for playing time 

both on the o-line and on extra-point/PAT teams. 

2005: Appeared in three games, making a pair of tackles in rout at 

Elon ... excelled in the classroom as a member of ASU’s academic honor 

roll. 

2004: Saw limited action in two games. 

2003: Made the travel squad as a reserve long snapper ... saw action 

in two games ... worked with the defensive line ... registered two 

tackles, including one for loss in limited duty. 

High School: Earned all-area and all-conference as a senior ... 

notched 132 tackles, six sacks and fi ve forced fumbles. 

Personal: Full name is Joshua Adam Miller ... born May 5, 1984 (22 

years old) ... son of Bonnie and Mike Gutch ... majoring in exercise 

science. 


44 • MARQUES MURRELL 

OL • 6-2 • 245 • SENIOR 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. 

JACK BRITT 

Candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top 

defensive player in NCAA Division I-AA football ... fi rst-team 

preseason all-America selection by The Sports Netowrk ... ranked 

among ASU’s all-time leaders with 23 career sacks (5th), 42 tackles 

for loss (8th) and 12 forced fumbles (3rd) ... will look to prove that 

last year’s All-America campaign was not entirely the result of playing 

opposite another All-America defensive end in Jason Hunter ... looking 

to become the fi rst player in ASU’s long line of standout defensive 

linemen to lead the squad in sacks three-straight seasons ... has added 

15 pounds to his six-foot-two frame in the offseaon ... combines 

exemplary speed and power to frustrate offensive tackles and get to 

the quarterback or ball carrier. 

2005: Consensus fi rst-team All-American ... fi rst-team all-Southern 

Conference selection ... placed ninth in voting for Buck Buchanan 

Award ... led the SoCon in sacks (13) and tackles for loss (26.5) ... 

tied with teammate Jason Hunter for ASU single-season sack record 

... was one of just three players to rank among the top 10 nationally 

in sacks (7; t-9th), tackles for loss (26.5; 5th) and forced fumbles (7; 

3rd) ... led Mountaineers in forced fumbles (7), quarterback hurries 

(8) and fumble recoveries ... came up with perhaps the biggest play 

in Mountaineer history when he stripped Northern Iowa quarterback 

Eric Sanders of the ball in the fourth quarter of the 2005 national 

championship game ... Hunter scooped up the fumble for what turned 

out to be the winning touchdown of the Apps’ 21-16 triumph ... 

opened the season in similar fashion, as his sack of Eastern Kentucky 

quarterback Josh Greco was picked up by Hunter and returned 

fi ve yards for what turned out to be the decisive points in a 24-16 

Mountaineer win ... tallied eight tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, two 

forced fumbles and two QB hurries in the triumph over EKU ... had 

seven tackles, 2.5 for loss and a sack in 30-3 rout of nationally ranked 

Coastal Carolina ... all three of his tackles at The Citadel were behind 

the line of scrimmage (including two sacks) ... also returned a fumble 

89 yards for a touchdown versus the Bulldogs, en route to SoCon 

Defensive Player of the Week accolades ... had eight tackles and 2 

TFL in narrow defeat at nationally ranked Furman ... collected eight 

tackles and a fumble recovery versus Chattanooga ... earned SoCon 

Player of the Week honors for the second time with six stops, 2.5 TFL, 

two sacks and a fumble recovery in 35-7 win over Western Carolina 

... registered 22 tackles, including 10 for loss and 3.5 sacks during 

NCAA Division I-AA playoffs ... forced fumble and subsequent recovery 

led game-clinching touchdown in fi rst-round win over Lafayette ... 

had a monster game versus Northern Iowa in national title contest ... 

in addition to forced fumble that led to winning TD, had nine total 

tackles, inclduing 5.5 for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles ... 

named I-AA.org National Weekly All-Star for efforts in title game. 

2004: Earned fi rst-team all-SoCon honors from the league’s media and 

second-team plaudits from the coaches ... led the conference with 7.0 

sacks and ranked third in the league with 12.5 tackles for loss on the 

season ... recorded at least one stop behind the line of scrimmage in 

eight of 11 games ... made multiple tackles in every contest and tallied 

at least four on nine occasions ... registered one sack each game and 

averaged more than fi ve tackles per contest over the fi rst three games 

of the season ... blocked a punt versus Eastern Kentucky ... turned in 

best stretch of the season versus three-straight top-fi ve opponents, 

combining for 19 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in wins 

over No. 2 Furman and No. 5 Wofford and a loss at No. 2 Georgia 



Southern ... had a sack, forced fumble and two quarterback hurries 

in thrilling 30-29 triumph over No. 2 Furman ... recorded a careerhigh 

2.5 TFL and forced a fumble in 38-17 rout over Wofford ... forced 

another fumble in victory over Elon. 

2003: Played in all 11 games, mostly on special teams ... accumulated 

12 tackles, including four for loss ... tallied 1.5 sacks and forced a 

fumble against Chattanooga ... forced a fumble which led to a return 

for touchdown versus Western Carolina ... tallied his fi rst quarterback 

sack at Hawaii. 

High School: Selected to play in the Oasis Shrine Bowl East-West All- 

Star Game after receiving fi rst-team all-region honors ... registered 

21 sacks over his fi nal two seasons en route to back-to-back All-Mid- 

Southeastern Conference selections ... registered 120 tackles and seven 

sacks as a senior ... notched nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss as a 

junior ... coached by Richard Bailey. 

Personal: Full name is Marques Allen Murrell ... born March 20, 1985 

(21 years old) ... son of Patricia and Angelo Murrell ... majoring in 

fi nance and banking ... brother, Adrian, played 10 seasons in the NFL 

with the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins and 

Dallas Cowboys. 

MURRELL’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 11/0 6 6 12 4.0-21 3.0-21 0 0 0 0/2 

2004 11/11 37 23 60 12.5-52 7.0-33 0 0 5 0/3 

2005 15/15 44 38 82 26.5-153 13.0-105 0 0 8 3/7 

Totals 37/26 87 67 154 42.0-226 23.0-159 0 0 13 3/12 

MURRELL IN THE APPALACHIAN RECORD BOOKS 

QUARTERBACK SACKS — CAREER 

36.5 Josh Jeffries 1999-2002 

29.5 K.T. Stovall 2000-03 

24 Rocky Hunt 1996-98 

23.5 Avery Hall 1989-92 

23 Marques Murrell 2003-Pres. 

22.5 Jason Hunter 2001-05 

22.5 Sean Swoope 1989-92 

22 Darren Wilson 1979-82 

18.5 Jackie Avery 1994-97 

18 Chuck Gordon 1978-81 

TACKLES FOR LOSS — CAREER 

61.5 Avery Hall 1989-92 

56 K.T. Stovall 2000-03 

55 Josh Jeffries 1999-2002 

47.5 Sean Swoope 1989-92 

47 Darren Wilson 1979-82 

46 Dexter Coakley 1993-96 

43 Chuck Gordon 1978-81 


39 William Peebles 1991-94 

39 Jackie Avery 1994-97 

37 Jason Hunter 2001-05 

FORCED FUMBLES — CAREER 

13 Dexter Coakley 1993-96 

13 Dino Hackett 1982-85 


12 Dwayne Pelham 1987-90 

11 K.T. Stovall 2000-03 

8 Chuck Phifer 1987-90 

7 Josh Jeffries 1999-2002 

7 Mickey Ray 1984-87 

7 Wes Hunter 1998-2001 

6 Jason Hunter 2001-05 

6 Brent David 1989-93 

QUARTERBACK SACKS — SEASON 

13.0 Marques Murrell 2005 

13.0 Jason Hunter 2005 

12 Josh Jeffries 2001 

11.5 William Peebles 1994 

10.5 Chip Miller 1994 

10.5 Rocky Hunt 1998 

10 Steve Carson 1997 

10 K.T. Stovall 2002 

9.5 Avery Hall 1992 


9 John Edmond 1985 

9 Rayford Cannon 1986 

9 Sean Swoope 1992 

TACKLES FOR LOSS — SEASON 

35 Avery Hall 1992 

29 Darren Wilson 1981 

26.5 Marques Murrell 2005 

25 Sean Swoope 1992 


24.5 Jason Hunter 2005 

23 William Peebles 1994 

20 Dexter Coakley 1994 


18 Chuck Gordon 1980 

FORCED FUMBLES — SEASON 

8 Dwayne Pelham 1989 

7 Marques Murrell 2005 

6 Dino Hackett 1984 


5 Chuck Phifer 1989 

5 Wes Hunter 2001 



4 Dino Hackett 1985 



MARQUES MURRELL GAME-BY-GAME 

2005 S-A-T TFL Sacks QBH FF FR 

Eastern Kentucky 4-4-8 3.5 2.5 2 2 0 

Kansas 0-0-0 0 0 0 0 0 

Coastal Carolina 2-5-7 2.5 1.0 0 0 0 

The Citadel 3-0-3 3.0 2.0 0 1 1 

Furman 4-4-8 2.0 0 0 0 0 

Georgia Southern 3-3-6 1.0 1.0 0 0 0 

Wofford 3-2-5 1.0 0 0 0 0 

Chattanooga 3-5-8 0 0 2 1 0 

LSU 3-2-5 1.0 1.0 0 0 0 

Western Carolina 4-2-6 2.5 2.0 0 0 1 

Elon 1-3-4 0 0 0 0 0 

Lafayette 4-2-6 2.5 1.0 1 1 1 

Southern Illinois 1-3-4 1.0 0.5 1 0 0 

Furman 2-1-3 1.0 0 2 0 0 

Northern Iowa 7-2-9 5.5 2.0 0 2 0 


Wyoming 3-2-5 1.0 1.0 0 0 0 

Eastern Kentucky 2-2-4 1.5 1.0 2 0 0 

The Citadel 5-2-7 2.0 1.0 0 0 0 

Northwestern State 2-4-6 1.5 0 0 0 0 

Texas State 1-1-2 0 0 0 0 0 

Furman 3-2-5 1.0 1.0 2 1 0 

Georgia Southern 6-2-8 2.0 1.0 0 0 0 

Wofford 4-2-6 2.5 1.0 1 1 0 

Chattanooga 7-1-8 0 0 0 0 0 

Elon 2-4-6 1.0 1.0 0 1 0 



Hawaii 1-0-1 1.0 1.0 0 0 0 



The Citadel 1-0-1 0 0 0 0 0 


Furman 0-1-1 0 0 0 0 0 


Wofford 0-0-0 0 0 0 0 0 

Chattanooga 2-1-3 2.0 1.5 0 1 0 

Elon 0-2-2 0 0 0 0 0 

Western Carolina 1-1-2 1.0 0.5 0 1 0 

MARQUES MURRELL 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

71+ • JACOB NEWTON 

OL • 5-11 • 260 • FRESHMAN 

ROXBORO, N.C. 

NEWTON 

86 • JIM BOB NORMAN 

WR • 6-0 • 185 • JUNIOR 

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. 

WATAUGA 

Local product is a fan favorite both at home and on the road ... adds 

depth to Mountaineers’ veteran group of receivers ... cut his signature 

long, blond hair prior to spring practice. 

2005: Appeared in four games ... made only catch of the season in 

regular-season fi nale at Elon, a career-long 19-yarder ... always a fan 

favorite at home, was also the object of affection at LSU, where Tiger 

fans began chanting his name in the fourth quarter ... a huge ovation 

erupted when Norman took the fi eld at Tiger Stadium and he also 

received a standing ovation when leaving the fi eld. 

2004: Appeared in two games ... made fi rst collegiate catch — a 10yarder 

— in win over Elon ... also participated in 38-17 victory over 

No. 5 Wofford. 


High School: Helped send nearby Watauga High School to fi rst 

state playoff appearance in 21 years by leading the Pioneers with 21 

receptions and 315 receiving yards in 2002... garnered all-Northwest 

4A Conference accolades ... tallied 37 receptions for 465 yards and 

eight touchdowns over prep career ... coached by Mike Hudson ... also 

earned a pair of varsity letters in basketball. 

Personal: Full name is James Robert Norman ... born July 2, 1984 (22 

years old) ... son of Teresa and Dan Norman ... majoring in industrial 

technology ... has been a member of ASU’s academic honor roll. 

NORMAN’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 2/0 1 10 10.0 0 10 0 0 0.0 0 0 

2005 4/0 1 19 19.0 0 19 0 0 0.0 0 0 

Totals 6/0 2 29 14.5 0 19 0 0 0.0 0 0 


90 • DANIEL ORLEBAR 

DL • 6-3 • 295 • SENIOR 

STERLING, VA. 

DEMATHA CATHOLIC/WAKE FOREST 

Big defensive tackle is expected to move into a starting role as a senior 

... is penciled in as fi rst string at right defensive tackle ... boasts large 

frame to clog the middle and stuff the run. 

2005: Appeared in 14 games, mainly as a reserve defensive tackle ... 

tallied 21 tackles on the campaign , including 2.5 behind the line of 

scrimmage ... matched career high with four stops twice on the season 

— at The Citadel and at Wofford ... notched four tackles in playoff 

action, including two in opening-round triumph over Lafayette ... 

excelled in the classroom as a member of ASU’s academic honor roll 

and an academic all-SoCon honoree. 

2004: Recorded 13 tackles in seven games ... registered multiple 

tackles in four-of-seven games played ... had four tackles (three 

solo) at No. 2 Georgia Southern ... notched a pair of tackles and a 

quarterback hurry in victory over No. 5 Wofford ... closed out season 

with two solo tackles at Western Carolina. 

Previous College: Spent two years at ACC-member Wake Forest ... sat 

out the 2002 season with a redshirt ... saw limited action after moving 

from defensive to offensive line in 2003. 

High School: Capped his career by leading team to an 11-0 season, 

conference championship and No. 1 area ranking ... played over 90 

snaps per game, seeing time at both offensive and defensive tackle ... 

tallied 85 tackles, fi ve sacks and a fumble recovery as a senior ... rated 

the No. 16 defensive player in Maryland by SuperPrep ... an all-Metro 

selection on the offensive side by The Washington Post and The Journal 

... recognized with selection on the Washington Catholic Athletic 

Conference fi rst-team defense ... named to the 2001 all-county 

defensive team by the Star/Gazette newspaper ... earned AP fi rst team 

all-state accolades for his defensive play ... a consensus all-state fi rst 

team defense choice ... NBC Channel 4/George Michael’s “Golden 11” 

defensive team pick ... selected to play in the “Super 44” all-star game 

between Maryland and Virginia ... the strongest weightlifter in school 

history with total weight of 1,965 pounds in fi ve lifts. 

Personal: Full name is Daniel Tatum Orlebar ... born Jan. 20, 1984 

(22 years old) ... son of Beverly and Arthur Orlebar ... majoring in 

management ...brother, Arthur, played at ASU from 2004-05. 

ORLEBAR’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 7/0 9 4 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 1 0/0 

2005 14/0 8 13 21 2.5-6 0.0-0 0 0 1 0/0 

Totals 21/0 17 17 34 2.5-6 0.0-0 0 0 1 0/0 

DANIEL ORLEBAR 



91 • JULIAN RAUCH 

PK/P • 5-11 • 215 • JUNIOR 


ASHBROOK/EAST CAROLINA 

Returns for third year as starting place-kicker ... versatile player 

can also punt ... is already Appalachian’s all-time leader with 102 

successful extra points ... looks to build on an impressive postseason 

in ‘06. 

2005: Made 58-of-59 extra points and 9-of-17 fi eld goals for 85 

points, good for second in the SoCon among kickers ... 85 points fell 

just short of ASU record for kickers (87 by Jay Sutton in 1995) ... 59 

PATs obliterated the previous school record of 46 set by Drew Wood 

in 1968 and tied by Rauch in ‘04 ... stepped up when it mattered 

most, splitting the uprights on all 18 kicks that he attempted in the 

playoffs (15 PATs and three fi eld goals) ... went 2-for-2 on fi eld-goal 

attempts — including season-long 39-yarder — in opening-round win 

over Lafayette ... was good from 32 yards in quarterfi nal victory over 

Southern Illinois ... averaged 34.5 yards per attempt while serving as 

Mountaineers’ punter early in the campaign ... blasted a 62-yard punt 

versus Coastal Carolina ... earned all-America accolades from Jewish 

Sports Review for the second-straight year. 

2004: Served as Appalachian’s starting place kicker all season ... 

inherited punting duties for the fi nal four games of the campaign ... 

ranked fourth in the SoCon in kick scoring at 5.6 points per game ... 

5.6 ppg were good for second on the team and eighth in the conference 

in overall scoring ... led the league in extra-point percentage, 

converting 44-of-46 attempts on the season (.957) ... fell just one 

extra point shy of school record of 45, set by all-American Jay Sutton 

in 1995 ... made 6-of-9 fi eld-goal attempts, including season-long 

48 yarder in season fi nale at archrival Western Carolina ... two of his 

three misses came from beyond 40 yards, including a 53-yard attempt 

that fell just short as time expired at WCU ... downed fi ve of his 14 

punts inside the 20-yard line, good for an impressive 35.7 perecent ... 

earned all-America accolades from Jewish Sports Review. 

Previous College: Did not see game competition in one year at East 

Carolina. 

High School: Converted 13 fi eld goals and 41 PAT kicks as a senior 

... split the uprights on 10 fi eld goals in fi ve playoff games, including 

the game-winner in three of the last four playoff games ... named the 

Most Valuable Player of the 2002 3A state title game. 

Personal: Full name is Julian Ross Rauch ... born July 23, 1985 

(21 years old) ... son of Victoria and Peter Rauch ... majoring in 

advertising. 

RAUCH’S CAREER STATISTICS 

Year FGM-FGA Pct. Lg XPM-XPA Pct. Pts. Punt Yds. Avg. Lg I20 Blk 

2004 6-9 .667 48 44-46 .957 62 14 469 33.5 44 5 0 

2005 9-17 .529 39 58-59 .983 85 14 483 34.5 62 5 1 

Totals 15-26 .598 48 102-105 .970 147 28 952 34.0 62 10 1 


JULIAN RAUCH 

28 • KEVIN RICHARDSON 

RB • 5-9 • 190 • JUNIOR 

ELIZABETHTOWN, N.C. 

EAST BLADEN 

After posting the most prolifi c season by a sophomore runner in 

Mountaineer history, Richardson returns as the squad’s top offensive 

threat in ‘06 ... is strong enough to run between the tackles, quick 

enough to beat defenders to the edge and fast enough to break away 

from the pack in the secondary ... a candidate for all-conference and 

all-America accolades. 

2005: Named third-team all-America by Football Gazette ... fi rst-team 

all-Southern Conference selection by the league’s coaches and media 

... rushed for 1,433 yards, the highest total ever by an ASU sophomore 

and the third-best mark in Appalachian history regardless of class 

... was also ASU’s leading receiver with 52 receptions for 558 yards 

... 19 rushing touchdowns fell just one short of John Settle’s record 

set in 1986 ... 21 total touchdowns (19 rushing, two receiving) and 

126 total points both set school records ... ranked 29th nationally in 

rushing, 18th in all-purpose yards (2,038) and 18th in scoring (126 

points) ... became the second-straight Mountaineer to lead the SoCon 

in all-purpose yardage (DaVon Fowlkes — 2004) ... recorded the 13thhighest 

single-game rushing output in Appalachian history with 208 

yards versus nationally ranked Georgia Southern ... turned in the fi fthbest 

rushing effort in ASU playoff history with 171 yards in openinground 

win over Lafayette ... earned two national player of the week 

awards ... named The Sports Networks’s Offensive Player of the Week 

after running for 178 yards and three touchdowns versus nationally 

ranked Coastal Carolina and garnered I-AA.org National Weekly All- 

Star accolades following performance against Georgia Southern ... 

broke the 100-yard rushing barrier six times in 15 games (178 vs. 

CCU, 208 vs. GSU, 109 vs. Chattanooga, 102 vs. Western Carolina, 171 

vs. Lafayette, 105 vs. Furman) ... fell just one yard short of rushing 

for 100 yards in all seven home games (ran for 99 yards in national 

quarterfi nal victory over Southern Illinois) ... averaged 139.9 rushing 

ypg at home and 57.6 ypg away from Kidd Brewer Stadium ... found 

the end zone in 11-of-15 contests ... topped 100 all-purpose yards 10 

times ... averaged 5.4 yards per rush and 10.7 yards per catch. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

2004: Emerged as one of Appalachian’s top rushers after entering 

fall camp as a relative unknown ... ranked second on the squad with 

347 rushing yards, but led the Mountaineers’ with 4.9 yards per rush 

... also caught 16 passes for 118 yards ... fi nished the season with 

465 all-purpose yards (42.3 ypg), good for fourth on the squad and 

second to only wide receiver/kickoff returner Dexter Jackson among 

ASU freshmen ... saw action in all 11 games and made one start ... 

ran seven times for 48 yards in collegiate debut at Wyoming ... scored 

fi rst-career touchdown, a nine-yarder, in romp over Eastern Kentucky 

... amassed season highs with 13 carries for 56 yards in triumph over 

The Citadel ... racked up season-high 67 all-purpose yards (34 rushing, 

33 receiving) at nationally ranked Northwestern State ... picked up 53 

yards on just eight attempts at No. 2 Georgia Southern ... broke open 

a season-long 53-yard rush in rout over Elon. 

High School: Rushed for 2,225 yards and 36 touchdowns during prep 

career at East Bladen High School ... garnered 2A all-state recognition 

as a senior, as well as fi rst-team all-region and all-conference 

accolades each of his fi nal two seasons ... named East Bladen’s MVP ... 

coached by Lennon Fisher ... in addition to three football monograms, 

lettered three times in track and fi eld and twice in baseball. 

Personal: Full name is Kevin Lamont Richardson ... born May 15, 1986 

(20 years old) ... son of Carolyn and Robert Richardson ... majoring in 

graphic arts and imaging technology. 

RICHARDSON’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 11/1 71 347 4.9 1 53 16 118 7.4 0 35 

2005 15/15 266 1,433 5.4 19 73 52 558 10.7 2 42 

Totals 26/16 337 1,780 5.3 20 73 68 676 9.9 2 42 

KEVIN RICHARDSON GAME-BY-GAME 

2005 Rush Yds. TD Rec. Yds. TD 

Eastern Kentucky 8 30 0 3 16 0 

Kansas 12 67 0 6 46 0 

Coastal Carolina 18 178 3 0 0 0 

The Citadel 10 25 1 6 74 0 

Furman 14 68 2 5 38 0 

Georgia Southern 22 208 1 6 77 0 

Wofford 17 72 2 3 22 0 

Chattanooga 20 109 1 5 68 0 

LSU 15 59 0 1 -1 0 

Western Carolina 23 102 2 2 45 0 

Elon 24 89 2 3 52 1 

Lafayette 24 171 1 2 20 0 

Southern Illinois 16 99 0 4 61 1 

Furman 26 105 2 3 6 0 

Northern Iowa 17 51 2 3 34 0 

2004 Rush Yds. TD Rec. Yds. TD 

Wyoming 7 48 0 2 10 0 

Eastern Kentucky 10 33 1 2 20 0 

The Citadel 13 56 0 1 9 0 

Northwestern State 8 34 0 4 33 0 

Texas State 12 37 0 1 11 0 

Furman 1 2 0 1 5 0 

Georgia Southern 8 53 0 0 0 0 

Wofford 7 15 0 3 20 0 

Chattanooga 4 16 0 0 0 0 

Elon 1 53 0 2 10 0 

Western Carolina 0 0 0 0 0 0 


25 • BILLY RIDDLE 

DB • 5-11 • 190 • JUNIOR 

MOCKSVILLE, N.C. 

DAVIE 

KEVIN RICHARDSON 

A talented player that has the unfortunate luck of playing the same 

position as All-America safety Corey Lynch ... Riddle is a hard-nosed 

special teams player and will be counted on to add depth to defensive 

backfi eld. 

2005: Played in 14 games, mainly on special teams ... registered 13 

tackles on the campaign ... notched season-high three stops at The 

Citadel ... had three multi-tackle games altogether, including two solo 

stops against Northern Iowa in national championship game. 

2004: Played in 10 games, primarily on special teams ... made 13 tackles 

on the season (seven solo) ... turned in best defensive performance 

of the season with a six-tackle performance versus Elon ... returned 

three short kickoffs, averaging 8.3 yards per return ... recovered a 

fumble at nationally ranked Northwestern State and forced a cough-up 

versus Elon. 



High School: Received all-Northwest honors from Winston-Salem Journal 

after a senior season in which he registered 157 tackles, fi ve interceptions 

and two blocked kicks … led the Eagles to a 9-5 record and 

a trip to the state quarterfi nals as a senior … fi nished his prep career 

with 392 tackles and 10 interceptions to go with 24 pass defl ections 

… named all-Central Piedmont 4A Conference after both his junior and 

senior seasons … coached by Doug Illing ... a three-time all-league 

honoree in wrestling … three-sport athlete, lettering four times in 

track and fi eld and three times each in both football and wrestling. 

Personal: Full name is Billy Stan Riddle, Jr. … born Oct. 7, 1985 

(turns 21 during season) … son of Cathy and Stan Riddle ... majoring 

in English. 

RIDDLE’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 10/0 7 6 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 1/1 

2005 14/0 8 5 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 24/0 15 11 26 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 1/1 

70 • JEREMY ROBERTSON 

OL • 6-3 • 295 • SENIOR 

COLUMBUS, GA. 

HARDAWAY 

Tenacious player is expected to be the starter at right guard for the 

second-straight season ... Appalachian’s second-largest regular on the 

offensive line boasts quick feet and hands to go along with the big 

frame. 

2005: Started all 15 games at right guard ... recorded 51 knockdowns 

and four pins on the season ... graded out at 60 percent or higher in 

each of his 13 graded performances ... graded above 80 percent four 

times ... best performance of the season came at The Citadel, where he 

posted an 87 percent grade with three knockdowns in 38 plays. 

2004: Played in eight games as a reserve offensive lineman ... graded 

out at 78 or above in all but one graded performance ... was on the 

fi eld for a season-high 23 snaps in 38-17 victory over No. 5 Wofford 

and a triumph over Elon. 

2003: Played in nine games … registered 211 plays on the offensive 

line … used predominantly at right guard … started at Eastern 

Kentucky and against Morehead State … carded eight pancake blocks 

… totaled six pancakes versus Chattanooga. 


High School: Received 5A all-Region 2 honors to go with all-city 

acclaim as a senior ... recognized as an all-area pick each of his fi nal 

two years. 

Personal: Full name is Jeremy David Robertson ... born Feb. 1, 1984 

(22 years old) ... son of Lisa Condrey and David Robertson ... majoring 

in health promotion. 


40 • JACQUE ROMAN 

LB • 6-1 • 240 • FRESHMAN 

KINGLAND, GA. 

CAMDEN COUNTY 

Physical, athletic linebacker is penciled in as the starter at middle 

linebacker coming out of spring practice ... is a hard-hitter with a nose 

for the ball and the athleticism to make big plays. 


High School: Two-year starter earned all-state recognition as a senior 

in 2003 ... helped lead Camden County to Georgia 5A state championship 

with a perfect 15-0 record during senior campaign ... part of a 

CCHS defense that recorded nine shutouts in ‘03 ... selected to play 

in 2003 Georgia North-South all-star game ... did not play football in 

2004 ... coached by Jeff Herron. 

Personal: Full name is Jacque Jacoby Roman ... major is undecided. 

78 • CORY RYCROFT 


ELKIN, N.C. 

ELKIN/AIR FORCE PREP 

Big, tall offensive lineman has the frame to lock down in pass protection 

... is slated to be the backup to veteran Kyle Knox at left tackle. 

2005: Appeared in eight games as a reserve offensive lineman ... 

logged 40 plays without recording a knockdown or pin. 


High School: Helped lead Elkin to state championship as a senior 

in 2002 ... earned all-conference accolades as a junior and senior ... 

racked up 400 yards receiving and six touchdowns as a team captain 

in ‘02 ... four-year letterwinner ... coached by Richard Grissom ... 

earned a total of 10 varsity letters (four in football and baseball, two 

in basketball) ... struck out over 390 batters during fi nal three seasons 

of prep baseball. 

Personal: Full name is Cory Lee Rycroft ... born Aug. 14, 1985 (turns 

21 during season) ... son of Betty and Walter Rycroft ... major is 

undecided ... spent a year at the United States Air Force Academy Prep 

School before arriving at Appalachian in 2004. 

JEREMY ROBERTSON 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

30+ • SHEA SAMPLE 

LB • 5-11 • 200 • FRESHMAN 

CONOVER, N.C. 

NEWTON-CONOVER 

64 • JOHN SEVIER 

OL • 6-1 • 275 • JUNIOR 

KING, N.C. 

WEST STOKES 

Will add size and depth to ASU’s offensive line ... will battle for playing 

time on extra-point/PAT teams. 

2005: Appeared in three games, logging four plays ... remained a 

constant on Appalachian’s academic honor roll. 

2004: Did not see game action ... excelled in the classroom as a 

member of ASU’s academic honor roll. 


High School: A four-year letterwinner in football, wrestling and track 

and fi eld ... earned all-conference recognition as a senior in football 

and after fi nal two years of wrestling career ... coached by Ed Pekar. 

Personal: Full name is John Nicholas Sevier ... born July 13, 1985 (21 

years old) ... son of Cynthia and Ken Sevier ... majoring in secondary 

education (mathematics). 

41 • BRANDON SIMPKINS 

LB • 6-0 • 225 • SOPHOMORE 

DANVILLE, VA. 

TUNSTALL/HARGRAVE MILITARY 

Physically imposing linebacker is expected to log minutes on special 

teams in ‘06 ... will also add depth to an already deep stable of 

linebackers. 

2005: Appeared in four games as a redshirt freshman, including 

playoff contests against Lafayette and Southern Illinois ... assisted on 

a tackle versus SIU ... made collegiate debut at Wofford. 


Prep School: Played one season at Hargrave Military Academy in 

Chatham, Va. ... coached by Robert Prunty. 

High School: A four-year letterwinner at Tunstall High School ... 

racked up 108 tackles on defense and 10 yards per carry at running 

back as a senior ... named Tunstall’s most improved player in 2002 ... 

coached by Buddy Brown ... earned a pair of letters in both baseball 

and track and fi eld ... was an all-state track performer in ‘03. 

Personal: Full name is Robert Brandon Simpkins ... born Nov. 5, 

1984 (turns 22 during season) ... son of Angela and Thor Simpkins ... 

majoring in industrial technology and design. 

SIMPKINS’ CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 4/0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 4/0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 


38 • MONTE SMITH 

LB • 6-0 • 215 • SENIOR 

SHELBY, N.C. 

CREST 

Candidate for all-conference and all-America consideration returns as 

the veteran of a deep, but inexperienced, linebacking crew ... returned 

last season to his natural linebacker position after a year at defensive 

end and responded with a monster campaign ... will be the last 

Mountaineer to wear No. 38, as it will be retired after the season in 

honor of ASU legend Dino Hackett. 

2005: Ranked fourth on the squad with 95 tackles and 10.5 tackles for 

loss ... had a sack and a quarterback hurry on the campaign ... broke 

up fi ve passes (good for fourth on the team) and returned his only 

interception of the season 22 yards for a touchdown to cap a 35-7 win 

over archrival Western Carolina ... opened the season with a careerhigh 

12 tackles in win at Eastern Kentucky ... notched six tackles and 

a sack at Kansas ... had superb performance versus nationally ranked 

Georgia Southern with nine stops, including two behind the line of 

scrimmage ... had another nine-tackle outing in homecoming victory 

over Chattanooga ... recorded a season-high 2.5 tackles for loss at LSU 

... registered 30 tackles in four NCAA Division I-AA playoff games, 

including 11 in quarterfi nal triumph over Southern Illinois ... had fi ve 

solo tackles, including one for loss, versus Northern Iowa in national 

title game. 

2004: Played in all 11 games, making eight starts at right defensive 

end ... ranked second on team and fourth in the SoCon with 12 tackles 

for loss ... three sacks were good for a tie for third on the squad ... 

recorded multiple tackles in every game and at least four stops in 9-of- 

11 contests ... opened season with fi ve-tackle performance at Wyoming 

... notched four tackles, including 2.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks in triumph 

over The Citadel ... made six stops at nationally ranked Northwestern 

State ... turned in best performance of the season when it counted 

most, racking up nine tackles (all solo), two tackles for loss and a sack 

on the fi nal play of the game to help ASU knock off No. 2 Furman ... 

notched eight stops, including two for a loss, in rout of No. 5 Wofford 

... totaled six tackles, 1.5 TFL, a half sack and a quarterback hurry in 

romp over Elon. 

2003: Played in all 11 games on special teams and as a reserve 

on defense … tallied two tackles and forced a fumble against East 

Tennessee State … notched three stops versus Georgia Southern … 

made one tackle against Morehead State and Chattanooga. 


High School: Named all-league after tallying 75 tackles, including 

15 sacks as a senior ... 2001 3A state championship Offensive Player 

of the Game ... honored as the state’s best 3A defensive lineman 

... recorded 355 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches ... 

Southwestern 3A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior ... coached 

by Roy Kirby ... East-West game selection. 

Personal: Full name is Monte Lopez Smith ... born Aug. 24, 1984 

(turns 22 during season) ... son of Victor Smith ... majoring in health 

promotion ... cousin, Charlotte Smith, played in the WNBA ... cousin, 

Robert Williams, played football at North Carolina (1995-99). 

SMITH’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 11/0 2 6 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/1 

2004 11/8 35 22 57 12.0-69 3.0-28 0 1 4 0/1 

2005 15/15 35 60 95 10.5-33 1.0-9 1 5 1 0/0 

Totals 37/23 72 88 160 22.5-102 4.0-37 1 6 5 0/2 



54 • TOMMY SOFIELD 

DL • 6-1 • 250 • SENIOR 

BOONE, N.C. 

FREEDOM/HARGRAVE MILITARY 

After an impressive spring, fi nds himself pushing for playing time 

along the defensive front ... heads into fall practice as the backup at 

left tackle ... a second-generation Mountaineer. 

2005: Appeared in four games versus Coastal Carolina, The Citadel, 

Wofford and Elon ... made only stop of the campaign in regular-season 

fi nale at Elon. 

2004: Appeared in fi ve games ... recorded fi ve tackles over fi nal two 

appearances of the season, notching two in win over No. 5 Wofford and 

three more in home fi nale versus Elon. 

2003: Did not see game action as an offensive lineman. 

Prep School: Played one season at Hargrave Military Academy in 

Chatham, Va. ... coached by Robert Prunty. 

High School: Played his senior season at Freedom in nearby 

Morganton, N.C. ... earned a spot on the The Charlotte Observer all- 

Piedmont Team ... played in the East-West All-Star Game ... registered 

166 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as a senior ... 

ended his wrestling career with all-state accolades. 

Personal: Full name is Robert Thomas Sofi eld, III ... born July 30, 

1983 (23 years old) ... son of Debbie and Tommy Sofi eld ... father, 

Tommy, was an all-SoCon offensive guard for the Apps in 1975 ... 

majoring in industrial technology. 

SOFIELD’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 0/0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2004 5/0 0 5 5 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

2005 4/0 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 9/0 1 5 6 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

MONTE SMITH 


27 • CAM SPEER 

LB • 6-0 • 215 • JUNIOR 

MONROE, N.C. 

PIEDMONT 

After excelling in a reserve role as a sophomore, Speer is expected to 

take over the starting post at weakside linebacker ... has a nose for 

the ball and athletic ability to make big plays. 

2005: Played in all 15 games, making one start (at Wofford) in the 

place of injured starter Brad West ... made the most of his fi rst starting 

opportunity by recording 12 tackles (eight solo) and an interception 

in romp over the Terriers ... turned out an impressive performance on 

the biggest stage with fi ve stops (four solo) and a forced fumble versus 

Northern Iowa in the national championship game ... recorded at least 

one tackle in 13-of-15 games and multiple stops in nine contests ... 

fi nished the season with 40 tackles, good for 13th on the squad. 

2004: Recorded 11 tackles as a reserve linebacker and special teams 

player as a true freshman ... tallied season-high four stops (two solo) 

in win over No. 5 Wofford ... recovered a fumble versus Elon. 

High School: Selected to play in East-West all-star game … twice 

named a South Piedmont 3A all-Conference pick … a three-time allcounty 

honoree … county defensive player of the year as a senior … 

named fi rst-team all-Piedmont by The Charlotte Observer … received 

2003 South Piedmont 3A Conference Defensive Player of the Year after 

totaling 143 tackles and three sacks … rushed for over 700 yards and 

nine touchdowns en route to being a two-time team MVP selection … 

three-sport athlete, lettering four times on the gridiron, twice on the 

track and once in wrestling. 

Personal: Full name is Cameron Alexander Speer … born Jan. 14, 1986 

(20 years old) … son of Denise and Neal Speer ... majoring in criminal 

justice. 

SPEER’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 11/0 4 7 11 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 1/0 

2005 15/15 15 25 40 1.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 0/1 

Totals 26/15 19 32 51 1.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 1/1 

CAM SPEER 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

13+ • HUNTER STEWART 

QB • 6-0 • 185 • FRESHMAN 

SANFORD, N.C. 

CARY 

Reserve quarterback emerged from spring practice as a leading 

candidate to secure holding duties on place kicks this fall. 


High School: Enjoyed a terrifi c junior campaign at Cary H.S. en route 

to all-conference and all-area honors ... completed 74-of-127 passes for 

987 yards and seven touchdowns in 2003 ... coached by Ben Kolstad. 

Personal: Full name is Hunter Leigh Stewart ... born Dec. 31, 1986 

(19 years old) ... son of Sandra and Terry Stewart ... enjoys hunting 

and fi shing ... majoring in business management ... plans to pursue a 

master’s in engineering following graduation. 

89 • BRIAN STOKES 

TE • 6-1 • 230 • SENIOR 

BURLINGTON, N.C. 

WILLIAMS/EAST CAROLINA 

Twenty-seven-year-old went from war hero to student-athlete to 

national celebrity in the span of a year ... serves as a leader on and 

off the fi eld, as an inspirational role model in the locker room and a 

special teams standout on the fi eld ... 2006 marks his fi nal season of 

NCAA eligibility on the gridiron. 

Mountaineer special teams standout Brian Stokes made national headlines after 

returning from two tours of duty in Iraq to win a national championship at ASU. 

On Dec. 9, 2005, he was issued a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. 


2005: Was an integral member of Appalachian’s special teams on 

kickoff, kickoff return and fi eld goal/PAT squads ... appeared in 14 

games, missing only the playoff opener versus Lafayette due to the 

effects of a concussion suffered in the regular-season fi nale at Elon 

... racked up fi ve tackles on the season, highlighted by vicious hit 

on the opening kickoff at LSU ... served as the “wedge-buster” on 

kickoffs, taking out the opponent’s initial line of blockers in order to 

open up tackling lanes for teammates ... true value on special teams 

was realized when Lafayette averaged 26 yards per kickoff return with 

Stokes out of the lineup — nearly fi ve yards per return more than 

when Stokes was on coverage. 

Previous College: Played football at East Carolina during fall of 1998 

... left ECU due to injury incurred during initial summer practice. 

High School: A three-year starter for Williams High School in 

Burlington from 1994-96 ... two-time all-conference honoree ... a 

starter in 1997 Shrine Bowl ... racked up 130 tackles as a senior ... 

set a school record with 95-yard fumble return ... notched three 

touchdowns as a fullback ... coached by Sam Storey. 

Personal: Full name is Brian Mitchell Stokes ... born Nov. 24, 1978 

(26 years old) ... son of Heather Grassnickle and Ron Stokes ... 

majoring in criminal justice ... excels in the classroom as a member 

of ASU’s academic honor roll ... enlisted in the United States Marine 

Corps following injury at ECU ... deployed to over 10 countries during 

military career, including two tours of duty in Iraq ... served in over 

200 combat missions during second tour of duty in 2004, including 

the invasion of Fullujah ... received a Navy Achievement Medal For 

Combat Valor and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat ... 

since arriving at ASU, has had his story told in the Winston-Salem 

Journal, Watauga Democrat, Greensboro News-Record, Charlotte Observer 

and other newspapers nationwide, on WCNC 6 (NBC — Charlotte), 

WFMY 2 (CBS — Triad), College Sports Television and on The Late, Late 

Show with Craig Ferguson, where Stokes was a guest days after the 

Mountaineers’ national title victory ... Stokes served in the Marines 

with former Appalachian teammate Wayne Norman, who also played 

on the 2005 national title team. 

STOKES’ CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 14/0 3 2 5 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 14/0 3 2 5 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 



66 • SCOTT SUTTLE 

OL • 6-0 • 260 • JUNIOR 


WEST MECKLENBURG 

The anchor of the Appalachian offensive line ... started all 15 games 

last season and has made 23-straight starts at center dating back to 

the 2004 campaign ... while not the largest lineman in stature, Suttle 

makes up for what he is lacking in size with quickness and knowledge 

of the game. 

2005: Started all 15 games at center for the Mountaineers ... anchored 

an offensive line that allowed only 10 sacks and paved the way for the 

third-leading rusher in school history ... led team with eight pins and 

ranked second with 68 knockdowns ... graded above 75 percent in 12of-14 

graded performances ... turned in most dominant performance 

of the season with 12 knockdowns and 82 percent grade versus Coastal 

Carolina. 

2004: A reserve the fi rst three games of the season, Suttle stepped 

in when starting center Kyle Knox suffered a season-ending knee 

injury versus The Citadel ... graded out above 70 percent in all but one 

performance after being thrust into the full-time role ... played just 

nine downs after suffering ankle injury at Chattanooga ...returned one 

week later for 65 plays, grading out at an impressive 86 percent in win 

over Elon. 


High School: A two-time all-conference choice on the gridiron ... 

earned all-state honors in wrestling in the 215-pound weight class. 

Personal: Full name is Scott Andrew Suttle ... born March 3, 1985 (21 

years old) ... son of Virginia and Ralph Suttle ... majoring in criminal 

justice. 

SCOTT SUTTLE 


6+ • CARLO SWEPSON 

WR • 6-0 • 165 • JUNIOR 

MARION, N.C. 

MCDOWELL/NORTH CAROLINA A&T 

Transfer from in-state rival N.C. A&T will provide depth for ASU’s 

experienced receiving corps. 


Personal: Full name is Carlo Jose Swepson ... majoring in health 

education. 

96 • GARY THARRINGTON 

DL • 6-1 • 255 • FRESHMAN 

MIDDLESEX, N.C. 

SOUTHERN NASH 

Powerful defensive end is locked in a battle with fellow redshirt 

freshman Daniel Finnerty for the starting nod at right end ... is 

looking to fi ll the enormous shoes left by All-American and national 

championship hero Jason Hunter ... should be fully recovered from 

ankle injury suffered in spring by the start of fall practice ... changed 

number to 96 from 43 this season. 


High School: Recorded 74 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss as 

a senior at Southern Nash ... named fi rst-team all-area by Rocky Mount 

Telegram ... was a two-year starter despite not playing organized 

football until sophomore year ... coached by Brian Foster ... lettered in 

football and basketball. 

Personal: Full name is Gary Sherrod Tharrington, Jr. ... majoring in 

communication — electronic media/broadcasting. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

6 • JEROME TOUCHSTONE 

DB • 5-7 • 155 • JUNIOR 

RIVERDALE, GA. 

RIVERDALE 

Diminutive cornerback is perhaps Appalachian’s fastest player ... has 

started all 26 games of his collegiate career at right cornerback and is 

expected to man the position again in ‘06 ... despite small stature, is a 

sure tackler and excellent cover corner. 

2005: Racked up 49 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three pass 

break-ups as a sophomore ... notched ASU’s only two blocked kicks 

of the season (FG vs. Coastal Carolina and punt at Elon) ... recorded 

at least one tackle in 14-of-15 games and multiple tackles in 13 ... 

opened season by matching a career high with six stops at Eastern 

Kentucky ... broke up a pass in addition to the blocked fi eld goal 

versus nationally ranked Coastal Carolina ... notched 14 tackles in four 

posteseason games, including four solo stops in national title game ... 

two of 2.5 TFL for the season came in the playoffs (one vs. Lafayette, 

one vs. Northern Iowa). 

2004: Started every game at right cornerback as a true freshman ... 

tied for third on the squad with six pass break-ups ... chipped in with 

29 tackles (20 solo), including 2.5 for loss ... made three tackles in 

collegiate debut at Wyoming ... broke up four passes over the fi rst 

three games, including two versus The Citadel ... snagged a pivotal 

interception in the fourth quarter of ASU’s heartbreaking loss at nationally 

ranked Northwestern State ... tallied a career-high six tackles 

versus Texas State ... made four solo stops and broke up a pass in victory 

over No. 2 Furman ... registered eight tackles over the fi nal three 

contests of the season. 

High School: Ranked as high as the No. 31 prep hopeful in the state 

of Georgia by Rivals100.com … named fi rst-team all-region after 

recording 60 tackles, four interceptions, fi ve pass breakups and a 

pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2003 … coached by Rodney 

Hackney … an all-county and all-region choice on the gridiron in 

2002 … speedster has been clocked at 10.6 seconds in the 100-meter 

dash and also boasts the Region 6 record in the long jump with an 

effort of 23-feet, 4-inches. 

Personal: Full name is Jerome L. Touchstone ... born Nov. 19, 1985 (21 

years old) ... son of Shelia Williams ... majoring in management. 

TOUCHSTONE’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 11/11 10 9 29 2.5-2 0.0-0 1 6 0 0/0 

2005 15/15 29 20 49 2.5-4 0.0-0 0 3 0 0/0 

Totals 26/26 39 29 78 5.0-6 0.0-0 1 9 0 0/0 


16 • CHAD TUFF 

DB • 5-10 • 170 • FRESHMAN 

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. 

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS/AIR FORCE PREP 

Redshirt freshman adds depth to the defensive backfi eld ... will 

compete for playing time on special teams as well. 


High School: A three-year letterwinner at perennial Florida footballpower 

St. Thomas Aquinas before spending a season at the United 

States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

... intercepted a pair of passes, broke up nine more and recovered one 

fumble during career at St. Thomas Aquinas ... picked off four passes 

in one season at Air Force Prep ... coached by George Smith at St. 

Thomas Aquinas and by Major Todd Bynum at Air Force Prep. 

Personal: Full name is Chadrick L. Tuff ... majoring in computer 

science. 

19 • TAVARIS WASHINGTON 

WR • 5-10 • 160 • FRESHMAN 

LAURINBURG, N.C. 

SCOTLAND COUNTY 

Speedy redshirt freshman will battle for playing time among ASU’s 

veteran corps of receiver. 


High School: Led Scotland County with 45 receptions for 697 yards 

and fi ve touchdowns as a senior ... tremendous speed prompted move 

to wide receiver in 2004 after starting prep career as a running back 

and defensive back ... fi rst-team all-Cumberland County honoree ... 

coached by Mark Barnes. 

Personal: Full name is Tavaris Rodriquez Washington ... majoring in 

computer science. 

JEROME TOUCHSTONE 



31+ • MARCUS WHITE 

RB • 5-10 • 150 • SENIOR 

ASHVILLE, N.C. 

ERWIN/CUMBERLAND 

Has shown speed and athleticism since trasnferring from Cumberland 

College ... is poised to contribute on the fi eld in ‘06. 


Previous College: Played football and ran track at Cumberland College 

from 2002-04 ... coached by Chuck King. 

High School: Coached by Travis Noland at Erwin High School in 

Asheville, N.C. 

Personal: Full name is Marcus Jonathan White ... born June 5, 1984 

(22 years old) ... son of Dorothy and Kenneth White ... has a brother 

who played football at former SoCon-rival VMI and Fayetteville State 

... majoring in healthcare management ... plans on attending graduate 

school. 

8 • JEREMY WIGGINS 

DB • 5-9 • 190 • SENIOR 

MACON, GA. 

NORTHEAST 

Honorable mention preseason all-America selection by The Sports Network 

... one of the hardest hitters in all of college football ... looks to 

become the fi rst Mountaineer to lead the squad in tackles three times 

since Dexter Coakley paced the Apps all four years of his brilliant career 

(1993-96) ... comes into the season just 10 stops short of moving 

into the school’s career top 10. 

2005: Third-team all-America selection by The Sports Network ... 

named fi rst-team all-Southern Conference by the league’s media and 

second-team by the coaches ... registered 134 tackles on the season 

(8.9 per game), good for fi fth in the conference ... also topped the 

Mountaineers and ranked fourth in the league with nine pass breakups 

... picked off two passes, good for third on the team ... reached 

double-digits in tackles six times ... registered less than fi ve stops 

just once, in 52-14 rout over Elon during which starters played in just 

one half ... had 12 tackles in season-opening win at Eastern Kentucky 

... a week later, set a new career-high with 15 stops (nine solo) at 

Kansas ... racked up 13 tackles in win over nationally ranked Georgia 

Southern ... picked off a pass in homecoming victory over Chattanooga 

... recorded a QB hurrie, broke up a pass and made nine stops in 

triumph over archrival Western Carolina ... totaled 39 tackles and six 

pass break-ups in four playoff games ... notched double-digit stops in 

each of fi rst three postseason contests ... had 12 tackles versus both 

Lafayette and Furman, sandwiched around a 10-tackle performance 

against Southern Illinois ... highlighted effort versus SIU with second 

interception of the season ... tallied fi ve tackles in national championship 

game. 


2004: Ranked second on the team and fourth in the SoCon with 84 

tackles as a sophomore ... also topped Mountaineers with eight pass 

break-ups ... tied for team lead with two fumble recoveries, including 

one that he returned 86 yards for a touchdown versus Texas State, en 

route to SoCon Defensive Player of the Week accolades ... tallied at 

least four tackles in 10-of-11 games ... made 10 starts, including nine 

at free safety after Corey Lynch’s season-ending injury versus Eastern 

Kentucky ... made 12 tackles, including one for a 13-yard loss, in 

season opener at Wyoming ... notched 11 stops at nationally ranked 

Northwestern State ... tied a career high with 13 tackles (11 solo) at 

No. 2 Georgia Southern ... collected 10 tackles and broke up a pair of 

passes in rout over No. 5 Wofford. 

2003: Became the fi rst freshman to lead the Mountaineers in tackles 

(90) since Dexter Coakley in 1993 ... started all 11 games at strong 

safety ... totaled 13 tackles and forced a fumble at Eastern Kentucky 

... made nine hits including three for loss at The Citadel ... tallied 10 

stops and an interception versus Georgia Southern ... notched 11 hits 

at Wofford. 

High School: Keyed three-straight state playoff appearances for 

Northeast High School ... totaled 26 touchdowns, 2,323 all-purpose 

yards, 239 tackles and 19 interceptions ... a three-time all-city choice 

by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ... two-time all-state and all-area 

... made 48 consecutive starts for head coach Carror Wright. 

Personal: Full name is Jeremy Wendell Wiggins ... born May 29, 1985 

(21 years old) ... son of Linda and John Wiggins, Jr. ... brother John 

Wiggins, III played at Georgia Tech ... majoring in graphic arts and 

imaging technology. 

WIGGINS’ CAREER STATISTICS 


2003 11/11 42 48 90 5.0-6 0.0-0 1 1 1 0/1 

2004 11/10 48 36 84 3.0-22 0.0-0 0 8 0 2/0 

2005 15/15 61 73 134 1.0-1 0.0-0 2 9 2 0/0 

Totals 37/36 151 157 308 9.0-29 0.0-0 3 18 3 2/1 

JEREMY WIGGINS 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

JEREMY WIGGINS GAME-BY-GAME 



Kansas 9-6-15 0 0 0 0 0 

Coastal Carolina 3-4-7 0 1 0 0 0 

The Citadel 5-2-7 0 0 0 0 0 

Furman 7-2-9 0 0 0 0 0 


Wofford 2-4-6 0 0 0 0 0 

Chattanooga 3-5-8 0 0 1 0 0 

LSU 2-6-8 0 1 0 0 0 


Elon 0-1-1 0 0 0 0 0 

Lafayette 6-6-12 1 1 0 0 0 

Southern Illinois 7-3-10 0 2 1 0 0 

Furman 5-7-12 0 1 0 0 0 

Northern Iowa 4-1-5 0 2 0 0 0 


Wyoming 7-5-12 1 1 0 0 0 


The Citadel 0-4-4 0 0 0 0 0 

Northwestern State 5-6-11 0 0 0 0 0 

Texas State 7-2-9 1 2 0 0 1 

Furman 7-1-8 0 2 0 0 0 


Wofford 4-6-10 .5 2 0 0 0 

Chattanooga 3-2-5 0 0 0 0 0 

Elon 2-4-6 0 0 0 0 0 

Western Carolina 0-2-0 .5 0 0 0 2 


Hawaii 4-0-4 0 0 0 0 0 



The Citadel 3-6-9 3 0 0 0 0 


Furman 3-3-6 0 0 0 0 0 


Wofford 7-4-11 1 0 0 0 0 

Chattanooga 1-6-7 0 0 0 0 0 

Elon 5-4-9 0 0 0 0 0 



85 • DOMINIQUE WILSON 

WR • 6-3 • 200 • FRESHMAN 

CRESCENT, GA. 

MCINTOSH ACADEMY 

Redshirt freshman provides big target for Mountaineer quarterbacks, 

especially in short-yardage situations ... enters the fall listed on the 

two-deep as a backup at wide receiver. 


High School: Hauled in 25 receptions for 597 yards and 10 

touchdowns as a senior ... also returned a punt for a touchdown and 

intercepted a pair of passes on defense ... helped lead McIntosh to a 

9-4 record and an appearance in the quarterfi nals of the Georgia 1A 

state playoffs ... garnered 1A all-state recognition from the Atlanta 

Journal-Constitution ... played wide receiver for just one season 

after beginning prep career as a running back ... coached by Robby 

Robinson. 

Personal: Full name is Dominique Edward Wilson ... born March 4, 

1986 (20 years old) ... son of Oralee Canada ... major is undecided. 

59 • RUSSELL WILSON 

LS • 5-11 • 230 • JUNIOR 

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. 

WEST HENDERSON 

Steady long snapper returns for his second season as a starter. 

2005: Made every snap on punts and place kicks on the season ... 

was incredibly consistent, with errant snaps few and far between ... 

made one tackle on punt coverage ... added academic all-conference 

accolades to ASU academic honor roll recognition. 



High School: Two-year letterwinner at West Henderson High School 

... 2003 all-conference honoree and team captain ... coached by Dean 

Jones ... a four-year letterwinner in wrestling ... a two-time regional 

champion and all-state performer on the mat. 

Personal: Full name is Chester Russell Wilson ... born Feb. 16, 1985 

(21 years old) ... son of Alex Wilson ... enjoys hunting, fi shing and 

hiking ... majoring in risk and insurance. 

WILSON’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2005 15/0 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 

Totals 15/0 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0/0 



18 • JUSTIN WOAZEAH 

DB • 5-10 • 175 • JUNIOR 


R.J. REYNOLDS 

Has started all but one game of his two-year career at left cornerback 

... once again fi lled in for an injured Dominick Dingle early in 

the season and never relinquished the starting position ...made 

tremendous strides in second year on defense and has become a 

legitimate candidate for all-conference accolades. 

2005: Played in all 15 games, making 14 starts at left cornerback ... 

replaced starter Dominick Dingle at LCB when Dingle was injured on 

the eighth play of the season opener at Eastern Kentucky ...Woazeah 

made six tackles in that contest and never reliquished his position ... 

ranked second on squad with four interceptions and third on team 

with six pas break-ups ... set a school record with 156 interception 

return yards, despite never fi nding the end zone ... recorded the 

longest return in school history that didn’t go for a touchdown — a 

78-yarder versus Southern Illinois in the national quarterfi nals ... 

fi nished 10th on the team with 59 tackles ... registered multiple 

tackles in 12-of-15 games ... had a season-high eight tackles at 

Kansas ... picked off fi rst pass of the season versus Georgia Southern 

(returned it 34 yards) ... returned second INT of the campaign 24 yards 

against Western Carolina ... fi nal two interceptions of the season came 

in the playoffs — versus Lafayette (20-yard return) and SIU (78 yds.) 

... also recovered a fumble in fi rst-round win over Lafayette ... notched 

fi ve of season’s six PBUs in the playoffs, including two in national 

championship game. 

2004: Finished eighth on the team with 46 tackles (30 solo) as a 

redshirt freshman ... broke up seven passes on the season, good for 

second on the squad ... forced a pair of fumbles, also good for a tie 

for second on the team ... made an impressive collegiate debut with 

10 tackles and a forced fumble in the season opener at Wyoming ... 

racked up six stops and forced another fumble at nationally ranked 

Northwestern State ... turned in an impressive performance on pass 

coverage with an interception and four pass break-ups in victory over 

Texas State ... tallied fi ve tackles (all solo) in triumph over No. 2 Furman 

... broke up passes versus Wofford and Chattanooga. 

High School: Totaled 997 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns as a senior 

... received all-Northwest honors from Winston-Salem Journal ... tallied 

56 tackles and two interceptions in his fi nal season ... played for 

head coach Mike Propst ... varsity letter winner four years in football 

as well as in track ... also earned two letters in basketball. 

Personal: Full name is Justin Miayen Woazeah, Jr. ... born Sept. 28, 

1984 (turns 22 during season) ... son of Nancy and Justin Woazeah, Sr. 

... majoring in computer science. 

WOAZEAH’S CAREER STATISTICS 


2004 11/11 30 16 46 1.0-1 0.0-0 1 7 0 1/2 

2005 15/14 32 27 59 2.0-7 0.0-0 4 6 0 1/0 

Totals 26/25 62 43 105 3.0-8 0.0-0 5 13 0 1/2 


97 • NEIL YOUNG 

P/PK • 6-1 • 205 • SOPHOMORE 

RALEIGH, N.C. 

WAKEFIELD/WINGATE 

Transfer from Division II Wingate University is poised to take over as 

Appalachian’s full-time punter ... will also battle for back-up duties 

behind starting place kicker Julian Rauch. 

2005: Did not see game action per NCAA transfer rules. 

Previous College: Redshirted during only season at Wingate. 

High School: A two-time all-conference honoree at Wakefi eld H.S. in 

suburban Raleigh ... averaged 42 yards per punt as a prep, including a 

career-long of 73 yards ... also connected on 16-of-20 career fi eld goals 

with a long of 42 yards and 56-of-60 extra points ... coached by Steve 

Rivers ... also lettered in soccer. 

Personal: Full name is Neil Brady Young ... born Jan. 8, 1986 (20 years 

old) ... son of Amber and Charles Young ... majoring in special education 

... aspires to be a teacher ... enjoys fi xing up old cars. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

93 • JOSH ACHOR 

DL • 6-1 • 265 • FRESHMAN 

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. 

KEMPSVILLE 

High School: Three-year, two-way starter for head coach Jeff 

McGowan, who played tight end at ASU from 1993-96 ... named fi rstteam 

all-Tidewater as an offensive guard ... recorded 10 sacks in 10 

games to help lead Kempsville to an 8-2 record in 2005 ... played every 

position on the offensive line in addition to defensive tackle during 

prep career. 

Personal: Full name is Joshua James Achor ... born Oct. 5, 1988 

(turns 18 during season) ... son of Lee and Mick Achor ... aspires for a 

career in strength and conditioning/nutrition .. enjoys paintball and 

cooking. 

61 • MARIO ACITELLI 

OL • 6-2 • 255 • FRESHMAN 


CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC 

High School: One of just three players from North Carolina named to 

the PrepNation 101 All-America team ... also garnered fi rst-team allstate 

honors ... helped lead Charlotte Catholic to 32-straight victories 

and a back-to-back state championships (3AA in 2005 and 2AA in ‘04). 

Personal: Full name is Mario Adam Acitelli ... born Oct. 3, 1988 (turns 

18 during season) ... son of Beth and A.J. Acitelli. 

14 • ARMANTI EDWARDS 

QB • 6-0 • 175 • FRESHMAN 

GREENWOOD, S.C. 

GREENWOOD 

High School: Multi-talented left-handed quarterback threw for over 

2,000 yards and ran for over 1,100 as a senior ... accounted for 29 

touchdowns (17 passing, 12 rushing) in ‘05 ... played in 2005 Shrine 

Bowl ... began playing quarterback midway through junior season in 

which he threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns and hauled 

in fi ve passes for over 100 yards and a score at wide receiver. 

Personal: Full name is Armanti Fredrico Edwards ... born March 8, 

1988 (18 years old) ... son of Deborah A. Anderson ... cousin, Raynaldo 

Gray, plays football at Southern Conference-rival Furman. 


INCOMING FRESHMEN PROFILES 

5 • CORTEZ GILBERT 

DB • 5-11 • 175 • FRESHMAN 

GOLDSBORO, N.C. 

CHARLES B. AYCOCK 

High School: Shrine Bowl participant racked up a school-record 

174 tackles and three interceptions as a senior ... familiar with all 

defensive backfi eld positions, playing mostly free safety as a prep ... 

also registered over 1,000 all-purpose yards as a wide receiver, punt 

returner and kick returner ... ran back a punt and a kick for scores in 

2005 ... named fi rst-team 3A all-state defensive back by NCPreps.com. 

Personal: Full name is Cortez Dorian Gilbert ... born August 10, 1988 

(turns 18 during season) ... son of Faith Gilbert ... cousins Sean Gilbert 

and Derrell Revis both played football at Pitt ... plans to major in 

chemistry ... enjoys mentoring young children. 

74 • CORBETT HARRIS 

OL • 6-5 • 265 • FRESHMAN 

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. 

KELLAM 

High School: Second-team all-Tidewater and all-Beach District as an 

offensive tackle in 2005 ... earned fi rst-team all-Beach District as a 

junior ... helped lead Kellam to an 8-2 record as a senior. 

Personal: Full name is Corbett Lee Harris ... born March 26, 1988 (18 

years old) ... son of Rachel and Richard Harris. 



16 • COCO HILLARY 

QB • 5-10 • 185 • FRESHMAN 

EDGEFIELD, S.C. 

STROM THURMOND 

High School: Amassed over 3,100 yards of total offense (2,300+ 

passing, 800+ rushing) and 37 touchdowns to lead Strom Thurmond 

to the 2005 South Carolina 3A state championship ... named S.C. 3A 

State Player of the Year by High School Sports Report and second-team 

all-state by The State. 

Personal: Full name is Cicory William Hillary ... born January 10, 1988 

(18 years) ... son of Margie and Peter Hillary ... uncle, Ira Hillary, 

played wide receiver at South Carolina and for the Cincinnati Bengals 

... brother, Antwaun, is a quarterback at Catawba College. 

57 • BRETT IRVIN 

OL • 6-0 • 255 • FRESHMAN 

GAFFNEY, S.C. 

GAFFNEY 

High School: Helped lead Gaffney to a pair of S.C. 4A Big 16 state 

championships (2003 and ‘05) ... played in 2005 Shrine Bowl ... 

consensus fi rst-team all-state and all-region honoree ... played center 

as a prep. 

Personal: Full name is Daniel Brett Irvin ... born March 23, 1988 (18 

years old) ... son of Jackie and Larry Irvin. 

82 • JOSH JOHNSON 

WR • 6-3 • 185 • FRESHMAN 

NEWLAND, N.C. 

AVERY 

High School: Local product represented the High Country in 2005 

Shrine Bowl ... caught 101 passes for over 1,400 yards and 17 

touchdowns as a senior to help lead Avery to 11-3 record and second 

round of state 2A playoffs ... an all-state performer. 

INCOMING FRESHMEN PROFILES 


63 • DANIEL KILGORE 

OL • 6-3 • 285 • FRESHMAN 

KINGSPORT, TENN. 

DOBYNS-BENNETT 

High School: A fi rst-team 4A all-state honoree at Dobyns-Bennett, 

just across the state line from Boone in Kingsport, Tenn. ... helped 

lead Indians to a 9-1 mark in 2005 ... was a three-year starter at 

center ... played for head coach Graham Clark, who served as a 

graduate assistant under legendary ASU mentor Jim Brakefi eld in 

1979. 

Personal: Full name is Daniel Ray Kilgore ... born Dec. 18, 1987 (18 

years old) ... son of Barbara and David Kilgore ... cousin, Brantley 

Kilgore, plays baseball at Tennessee Tech ... cousin, Jay Dobbs, played 

volleyball at Milligan College. 

71 • PAT MILLS 

OL • 6-2 • 235 • FRESHMAN 


PROVIDENCE 

High School: Helped lead Providence to a 9-2 record as a senior, en 

route to fi rst-team all-Mecklenburg recognition from the Charlotte 

Observer ... played offensive tackle as a prep. 

Personal: Full name is James Patrick Mills ... born April 1, 1988 (18 

years old) ... son of Gail and Dean Mills ... enjoys fi shing, hiking, 

camping and playing guitar. 

1986, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2005 SOCON CHAMPIONS

2006 

30 • DEVON MOORE 

RB • 5-9 • 180 • FRESHMAN 

MEBANE, N.C. 

CEDAR RIDGE 

High School: Ran for nearly 6,000 yards and 42 touchdowns during 

prep career ... had well over 1,000 rushing yards before suffering 

season-ending injury in eighth game of senior season ... had nearly 

1,700 all-purpose yards as a freshman in 2002, Cedar Ridge’s fi rst year 

... ranked as one of North Carolina’s top prep running backs by Scout. 

com. 

Personal: Full name is Devon Myles Moore ... born April 8, 1988 (18 

years old) ... son of Darlene and Myles Moore. 

46 • TONY ROBERTSON 

DL • 6-2 • 210 • FRESHMAN 

LAURINBURG, N.C. 

SCOTLAND COUNTY 

High School: Amassed over 100 tackles as a senior ... a 2005 fi rstteam 

all-Mid Southeastern Conference selection at linebacker ... 

helped lead Scotland County to 9-4 record in ‘05. 

Personal: Full name is Tony Darnell Robertson, Jr. ... born Dec. 22, 

1987 (18 years old) ... son of Angela Robertson ... brother, Adrian 

Robertson, plays at Wingate University. 

50 • NICK SLOAN 

OL • 6-2 • 180 • FRESHMAN 

ADAIRSVILLE, GA. 

ADAIRSVILLE 

High School: Graded out at just shy of 90 percent as a senior at 

Adairsville ... a 2005 all-area selection for the 5-5 Tigers. 

Personal: Full name is Nicholas Charlton Sloan ... born May 19, 1988 

(18 years old) ... son of James Sloan ... comes from an athletic family, 

as father, grandfather and uncle all played professional baseball ... 

plans to major in physical education ... aspires to be a strength and 

conditioning coach ... enjoys watching movies and listening to music. 


INTERCEPTIONS RECORDS 

43 • JAY WELTON 

RB • 5-10 • 195 • FRESHMAN 

GRAY, GA. 

JONES COUNTY 

High School: Returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns as a senior ... 

ran for just under 1,000 yards for a young, 1-9 Jones County squad ... 

is also a regional champion long-jumper. 

Personal: Full name is Robert Keith Welton ... born Dec. 23, 1987 (18 

years old) ... son of Leticia Moran ... cousin, Chansi Stuckey, plays 

football at Clemson ... plans to major in business management ... 

aspires to attend graduate school. 

98 • ANTHONY WILLIAMS 

DL • 6-1 • 272 • FRESHMAN 

CONCORD, N.C. 

NORTHWEST CABARRUS 

High School: Notched nearly 100 tackles, including 18 sacks, to help 

lead Northwest Cabarrus to a 10-2 mark in 2005 ... a fi rst-team 3A allstate 

selection by NCPreps.com ... named North Piedmont 3A Defensive 

Player of the Year ... honored as a second-team all-Piedmont performer 

by the Charlotte Observer. 

Personal: Full name is Michael Anthony Williams, Jr. ... born Nov. 

7, 1987 (turns 19 during season) ... son of Braendelyn and Michael 

Williams, Sr. ... plans to major in graphic design ... enjoys playing golf.

MEET THE MOUNTAINEERS - Appalachian State Athletics

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