Morehouse determined to improve defense in 2004

ATLANTA - With John David Washington back after ranking second in the SIAC in rushing last season, Morehouse coach Willard Scissum likes his team&#39;s running game.<br> <br> If only Scissum had as much confidence in his team&#39;s ability to stop the run.<br> <br> Morehouse ranked last in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in total defense while finishing 4-7 last season, and a big problem was the Maroon Tigers gave up 208 yards rushing per game more than negating the 122.7 yards rushing managed by Washington and his teammates.<br> <br> ``Our focus in recruiting was the defensive line, and we&#39;ve recruited some help,&#39;&#39; Scissum said.<br> <br> Equally important will be keeping the returning players healthy.<br> <br> ``We were just worn out with injuries last year,&#39;&#39; Scissum said. ``It was unbelievable. If we can stay healthy, I expect a much better year. We lost four games by a total of 11 points, and having eight starters go down with surgeries last year decimated us, as it would any Division II school.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Morehouse suffered one-point losses to Benedict College (15-14) and Kentucky State (24-23) last season. It fell to Miles 32-28 in the final seconds of the last game of the season.<br> <br> One big key on the defensive line is the return of senior Marchellio Walton (6-3, 330). Walton was lost to a knee injury after two games last year.<br> <br> ``Walton played great in the spring,&#39;&#39; Scissum said.<br> <br> The defense will be led by three sophomores cornerback Ryan Harris, safety Robert Harris and linebacker Jimmy Lane.<br> <br> The offense should enjoy good balance. Washington, the son of Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, rushed for 1,124 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. He ranked second in the conference with his average of 102.2 yards rushing per game.<br> <br> Morehouse also returns a speed threat, senior Lamario Mack, as a complement to Washington at running back.<br> <br> The balance comes from a passing game that boasts one of the SIAC&#39;s strongest group of receivers.<br> <br> ``We have an understanding on our staff we&#39;re going to run the ball first and pass when we want to, and we have some tremendous receivers,&#39;&#39; Scissum said.<br> <br> Raymond Johnson earned all-conference honors last season after leading Morehouse with 43 receptions for 643 yards.<br> <br> Johnson, a junior, is joined by sophomore Ravenell Dupree, who caught 37 passes for 519 yards, Corey Russ and Danny Pittman as top returning receivers.<br> <br> Duwuan Burton ranked second in the SIAC with 186.9 yards passing per game and third in total offense last year. Burton returns as a sophomore after passing for 1,869 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.<br> <br> ``I really believe the biggest difference this year to last year is the continuity,&#39;&#39; Scissum said. ``We had the opportunity to go into the spring with five offensive linemen, and they played together the entire spring. We had the same quarterback and the same set of running backs the entire time.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Morehouse won four of its last seven games last season after an 0-4 start. Junior offensive lineman Claiborne Green says the team&#39;s young players who were forced into action by injuries continued to mature during spring drills.<br> <br> ``From the beginning to the end of spring there was a big difference,&#39;&#39; Green said. ``We created a lot of depth on the offensive line last year, and the team understands what Coach Scissum is doing.&#39;&#39;