Biggest question marks from training camp remain major concerns for Colonels in final week of regular season

Nathan Hutchinson

At the start of training camp, there were many questions surrounding the Eastern Kentucky University football team.

Of course, that was to be expected — especially after the Colonels graduated 16 standout seniors, many of whom were key performers on back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championship teams.

Still, at the time, there were several storylines that seemed to be the most intriguing and most important heading into the opening week of practice.

In a Aug. 5 article in this newspaper entitled ‘Question marks: five things to focus on as the Colonels open training camp,’ those issues were explored.

And now as EKU (5-5) prepares for its regular-season finale on Saturday at Jacksonville State, it seems only fitting to revisit those questions and see what impact (if any) they’ve had on the team’s pursuit of a third-straight OVC title.



Question 1 — Who will emerge as the starting quarterback?

At the time, it looked like the answer to that question was Cody Watts. And the junior did begin the season as the starter.

But, just three games into the season T.J. Pryor took over for a banged-up Watts and the redshirt freshman has taken almost every snap since.

Pryor has certainly had his ups and downs.

The Louisville native was exceptional in a clutch win on the road over Eastern Illinois. Still, after a solid start, Pryor has been less than spectacular.

The freshman has not thrown a touchdown in four games and has twice as many interceptions on the season (8) as TD passes (4).

Pryor does rank second in the OVC in total offense (216.6 yards a game) and third in passing yards a game (190.1).

Watts, who was moved back to wide receiver full time, has 34 catches on the season, second-most on the team.



Question 2 — Will C.J. Walker be able to carry the load?

After racking up 706 yards in 2008 in his first season as a full-time starter at running back, the EKU coaching staff was expecting big things from C.J. Walker.

The senior was named a preseason All-OVC selection, but he has just 569 yards rushing heading into the regular-season finale — which is eighth-best in the OVC.

The senior has eight touchdowns, but has not rushed for more than 84 yards in any game this season and is averaging just 3.8 yards a carry.

Walker has been battling injuries in recent weeks, which has allowed Bruce Frieson (45 carries for 202 yards) and H.B. Banjoman (40 carries for 195 yards) to get more touches.

The Colonels are averaging 125.9 yards a game — seventh-best in the OVC.



Question 3 — Will Shannon Davis become the top deep threat in the OVC?

After a very productive sophomore season (36 catches for 479 yards and two touchdowns), Davis also appeared to be ready to have a breakout year.

However, the ultra-speedy wide receiver has not played a major role in the offense this season.

The Atlanta native and former Tulane transfer has just 16 catches on the season for 321 yards and one touchdown. Davis has not caught a pass in the past two games and hasn’t had more than three catches in any game this season.

The junior does have four catches of more than 30 yards, including receptions of 51, 45 and 43 yards, but he hasn’t contributed enough big plays to help spark a usually sluggish offense.



Question 4 — Who will start at safety?

The biggest question mark surrounding the entire defense was at safety.

Following the graduation of a pair of all-OVC performers (Brandon Gathof and Zach Denton), the Colonels didn’t have anyone on the roster who had any significant playing time at the college level at the position.

Junior Robert Dees and sophomore Patrick McClellan entered training camp at the top of the depth chart at safety and despite their lack of experience have developed into solid performers.

McClellan and Dees have started every game this season and rank second and third, respectively on the team in tackles.

McClellan has three interceptions and has also two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and two tackles for loss.

Dees, a former Madison Southern standout, has 56 tackles, 37 unassisted, two tackles for loss and three pass break-ups.



Question 5 — Which transfers will make the most impact this season?

The Colonels added 10 players from BCS schools prior to the season, but none has really made an overwhelming impact or been able to break into the starting lineup.

Redshirt freshman Uriah Grant (West Virginia) has been in the rotation at defensive tackle and has five tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.

Junior running back Bruce Frieson (Bakersfield College) has three touchdowns and is the team’s third-leading rusher, but he has been slowed by some injuries at times.

Junior running back Tony Jackson (Duke) has appeared in every game this season, but has just eight carries for 14 yards.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Trey Fairchild has also been slowed by injuries and only has two catches.

Junior Marcus Williams (Wake Forest) has served as a backup at safety and has been solid contributor on special teams. He has 18 tackles on the season and also scored on a fake field goal against Kentucky.

Tyson Patrick (sophomore linebacker from Toledo) and Jasper Williams (freshman linebacker from Mississippi State) have also seen action on defense and special teams.

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