Morgan has big plans for Wimbush, Fort Valley

Posted 7:49AM on Sunday 8th August 2004 ( 20 years ago )

ATLANTA - While leading the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in rushing, all-purpose yards and scoring last season, Derrick Wimbush never seemed to tire. Wimbush also led the SIAC with his average of 7.3 yards per carry, prompting Fort Valley State coach John Morgan to make plans for the senior to have an even bigger share of the Wildcats' offense in 2004. Morgan said he wants Wimbush, who averaged about 16 carries per game last season, to have ``at least 20 touches, running the ball and catching the ball.'' ``I think Derrick still has a lot to show,'' Morgan said. In a conference that emphasizes strong running games, Wimbush (6-1, 220) was the SIAC's Offensive Player of the Year and was a first-team Sheridan Black College All-American. ``I think to be successful, you've got to be able to run the ball,'' Morgan said. ``When you're blessed to have a guy like Derrick, you want to put the ball in his hand.'' Asked to rate himself with other top SIAC backs, Wimbush said ``I'm in the mix.'' ``I'm not putting myself ahead of anybody,'' he said. ``I know there's much I can learn.'' Morgan said he wants a balanced offense but wants to run the ball ``as much as possible so we can control the clock and beat some guys up.'' Wimbush led Fort Valley State to a 7-4 record in Morgan's first season as head coach. The Wildcats won three of their last four games to finish 5-3 in the conference. A preseason priority is finding a new starting quarterback. The favorite is DeShun Carmichael, a big (6-2, 240) athlete Morgan compares with former Louisiana State quarterback Rohan Davey. Carmichael and William Diggs shared the snaps in spring practice. Wimbush says Carmichael likes to stay in the pocket and could make the running game even more effective by forcing defenses to respect Fort Valley's passing game. ``I see a big difference with Carmichael,'' Wimbush said. ``He will stay back there and make all the reads.'' The Fort Valley State offense also lost leading receiver Taqua Thrasher from last year, but Marcus Bentley returns after leading the team with 20.5 yards per catch, including three for touchdowns. The offensive line returns with good experience, including 2003 All-SIAC picks Kenneth Turner (6-3, 290) and Jason Shepherd (6-3, 315). Also, Antwon Chance (6-4, 320) and Joe Kegler (6-4, 325) return from injuries. ``We just have to bring up some guys who were in the shadows last year,'' Morgan said. ``It's going to be important for DeShun to be a leader.'' The strength of the defense is linebacker, where Sam Evans was a first-team All-SIAC pick after leading Fort Valley with 102 tackles and ranking among the nation's leaders with 28 tackles for losses. Josh Scott (62 tackles), Carlton Stubbs (52 stops) and Robert Avery (36 tackles) also return at linebacker. ``It was a completely new defense last year,'' Morgan said. ``We had more blitzing than in previous years. We played a lot of zone and had a lot more speed on the field. This year we've got to get them to understand a little better how to be successful.'' Kicker Andrew Jacas returns after making 11 of 13 field goals. Fort Valley opens against Morehouse on Aug. 28 in the Peach State Kickoff Classic in Macon. The Wildcats' regular season ends on Nov. 6 against Albany State in the Fountain City Classic in Columbus.

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