2008 B-CU CLASSIC FOOTBALL
Wildcats’ successful leap catches many by surprise
Revamped ‘Wyattbone’ exploits best of pass and rush
BY KARSCEAL TURNER
FLORIDA COURIER
Bethune-Cookman University football was picked to finish seventh by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. At 5-2 in conference action going into this weekend’s game against Howard University (0-6), the Wildcats have risen to second place in the same conference that ruled them out only months prior. The Wildcats’ success seems surprising to everyone, except the Wildcats.
After back-to-back losing records, head coach Alvin B. Wyatt Sr. decided to add another dimension to his vaulted “Wyattbone” triple offense attack. The new style is one that is set to pass just as much as run. This season, things are different. B-CU has lost several weapons on both offense and defense. Gone is an All-MEAC quarterback Jimmie Russell who orchestrated the offense with his favorite back Justin Brannon. Gone are wide receivers Victor Johnson, Paul Neufville and Stephon Walker, who were deep threat possibilities.
B-CU was cut pretty deeply on the defensive side of the ball too. Gone on defense are All-Americans Bobbie Williams and Ronnie McCullough, as well as defensive backs Ben Ballard and James Monds. Dennis King and Josh Balloon are missing from the defensive line. Both were ALL-MEAC selectees.
Returnees step in and step up
The Wildcats retained the services of players who have catapulted them to second-place status. All-MEAC performer Corey Council, whom the Wildcats have used as a receiver, A-Back, and a returner, has dazzled fans with breakaway runs and returns. To date, he has 174 yards on 31 attempts with two touchdowns. The numbers don’t show an accurate picture of what he provides for the ‘Cats.
At the helm of the offense is McKinson Souverain. The senior quarterback transferred into B-CU a year ago from Florida Atlantic and spent the last year developing his option skills while still conditioning his passing attack. It has paid off. Souverain is has directed drives and scored with his arm and his legs. He had a breakout game on the road against Winston-Salem State with three rushing touchdowns. He has six touchdowns on the ground and t
QB’s, backfield, receivers loaded
While Souverain is the starter, the Wildcats have two other quarterbacks ready to step in. Maurice Francois and Matthew Johnson have both shown their worth when called upon. Another piece to B-CU’s offensive puzzle is running back Brian Sumlar, who continues to emerge as a ball carrier. Sumlar has 690 yards on 134 attempts with 10 touchdowns during the season thus far. Another weapon is A-Back Phillip Kirkland’s He is a part of the “option” that Souverain will look toward if Council is not open.
Defense stops and scores
On the defensive side of the ball, junior linebacker Brendan Odom has stepped in the role of a leader. Odom was a mainstay at the linebacker position last year alongside Ronnie McCullough. Odom’s cousin Kendrick has become a force to be reckoned with as an inside linebacker. Another playmaker for the defense is Travis Roland. Roland consistently roves, rattles and harasses opposing teams.
Before they know it, he has stripped the ball, recovered the fumble and raced to the end zone. Roland, along with Josh Smiley, are forces to be reckoned with. In the secondary, B-CU’s defensive twins transferred a wealth of talent from the University of South Florida. Antwane and Antonio Cox have both proved invaluable. During a game, either one of them is breaking up a pass, making a bone-crushing hit, deflecting a would-be reception, or making a key interception. Defensively, they are twice as nice.
Defensive line
The defense line also was a question, but not anymore. Defense always has been a trademark of Coach Wyatt. After losing 21 defensive lettermen, any team would be concerned. So Wyatt brought in Linwood Ferguson as defensive line coach. Thus far, the defensive line has allowed the ‘Cats to wreck havoc on opponent’s offensive forces.
Offensive line stands the test
After raising some questions early on, the offensive line has proven solid after gaining a year of maturity. B-CU’s arsenal of playmakers has plenty of time to make things happen. Senior offensive lineman Ruebin Mordecai III anchors the offensive line with help from De’ Juan Guillory.
The 19 highly touted high school signees as well as transfers from majorprograms like USF and UCF brought in over the off-season are paying dividends. These ingredients, along with a fine-tuned “Wyattbone,” have re-energized the Wildcats.
