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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 2, 1996)
Monday • September 2, 1 996 Stewart’s arrival, experienced offensive line lends to more diversified offensive attack By Philip Leone The Battalion C orey Pullig and his A&M record 33 career wins as A&M’s starting quarter back are gone. Leeland McElroy took his ‘lectricity to Phoenix. A rebuilding year for the Aggie offense? Not ! exactly. In fact, word around the Aggie’s camp is that the offense will actually be better this season — or at least more diversified. Who’s going to fill Pullig’s shoes? Enter Branndon Stewart. Ever since the junior transferred to Aggieland from the University of Tennessee, fans have been talking about his potential. Depending on who you listen to, the Stephenville native is Bucky Richardson with an arm or Kevin Murray with wheels. Either way, he’s supposed to be the savior for an Aggie attack that’s been less than exhilarating the past few seasons. Although Stewart was impressive in spring drills, two-a-days and in his first start against BYU Aug. 24, Head Coach R.C. Slocum is cau tious about Branndon-Mania. “He’s gotten better eveiy week he’s been here,” Slocum said. “He’s going to develop into a fine quarterback. He’s got a strong arm and good mobility. But there’s no way he could be as good as eveiyone has made him out to be. Not yet.” In order to utilize Stewart’s talents, the Aggies are looking for a more diversified offense by switching from the ground-oriented I-formation to a more pro-style attack featuring split-backs. Look for something very similar to how the Aggies handled the University of Michigan in the Alamo Bowl last December when McElroy was sidelined with a sprained ankle. “We’ve added a lot, but the offense will basically be like what we did against Michigan,” Offensive Coordinator Steve Ensminger said. “That’ll force people to play us more honest because they won’t be able to key so much on the run.” To take care of the backfield chores, A&M will rotate a trio of talented sophomore tailbacks — Eric Bernard, D’Andre “Tiki” Hardeman, and Sirr Parker. Speedy red-shirt freshman Michael Jennings will also be added into the mix. “I’m very pleased with the progress all the backs have made and where they’re all at right now,” Ensminger said. “Having two guys on the field at the same that can be either runners or blockers or receivers is a dangerous thing for a defense to have to deal with.” Another dangerous weapon in the Aggie arse nal will be the improved receiving corps that fea tures big-play man Albert Connell at flanker. Last season the transfer from Trinity Community College came from virtually no where and developed into the school’s first All- Southwest Conference receiver in 10 years. Sophomores Aaron Oliver and Donte Hawkins will be threats at split-end. Sophomore tight end Derrick Spiller (6’3”, 236) provides a sizable target for Stewart and will be a major part of the air attack. Though Stewart says he does not have a “go to guy” yet, he feels confident throwing to all his , receivers going into the season. “I couldn’t say there’s really one guy that I favor over the others, but I’m comfortable with all of them and their ability,” Stewart said. “With the type of season he had last year, we’re obvi ously going to try to get the ball to Albert. I also : look forward to seeing what our backs can do catching balls out of the backfield.” Providing the ground cover this season will be a salty offensive line led by three-time All-SWC selection Calvin Collins. Collins will move over from his guard position to play center after return ing starter Koby Hackradt injured a knee during two-a-days. Stewart believes that Collins should have no problem filling in for Hackradt. “You hate to lose a quality guy like Koby,” Stewart said. “But Calvin played some center in high school, and I’ve taken some snaps from him before in the spring. Things will work our for us there.” Junior Steve McKinney and junior tackle Chris Ruhman return to anchor the left side of the line, while newcomers Semisi Heimuli and Cameron Spikes take care of the left side. Heimuli is a 300-pound red-shirt freshman, and Spikes (6’5”, 303), a sophomore from Bryan, set a school record in the off-season with a 600- pound lift in the squat. Junior place-kicker Kyle Bryant returns to handle the kicking duties. After a roller coaster season a year ago, the Aggies hope for more con sistency akin to Bryant’s five field goal, offensive MVP performance in the Alamo Bowl. Offensive Roster FL Albert Connell, Sr. RT Cameron Spikes, So. TE Derrick Spiller, So. SE Aaron Oliver, So. LT Chris Ruhman, Jr. QB Branndon Stewart, Jr. LG Steve McKinney, Jr. RB Eric Bernard, So. C #Calvin Collins, Sr. RB Sirr Parker, So. RG Semisi Heimuli, Fr. K Kyle Bryant, Jr. #HACKRADT IS INJURED Boldface — Returning Starter Stew Milne, The Battalion Junior quarterback Branndon Stewart lost a year of eligibility when he transferred from the University of Tennessee in 1994 but is ready to make his impact on A&M. ie in and I was really impressed I think he’s now in position to (i) the By Khistina Buffin The Battalion P ne series a gan lere’sa young out there and atience is a virtue, and as junior A&M quarterback Branndon Stew mistakes othi attest, he has had to learn to be patient the hard way. Stewart, a highly touted high school prospect from Stephemil iUnot try to lil expected to make a huge splash on the University of Tennessee campus w\ n arrived there in 1994. But when fellow freshman Peyton Manning got the start, Stewart began to analyze his future with the team and weigh hisoptk [ames." “I knew the consequences of having to sit out a year,” Stewart said. “AtTem phomore run was not comfortable with the situation and I was not enjoying my stay." Stewart said when he was looking at colleges during his senior yearAeputation. school, his dream was to go to either Tennessee or A&M. Later, when hew tanndon has < ing to transfer, he said A&M was an automatic choice Because of his decision to leave Tennessee during the middle of a schmlure and the di Stewart had to sit out the 1995 season due to NCAA transfer rules and thus acumsaid Ste' year of eligibility. But he said he used the time to learn the offense and prer- talents and to the '96 season. “I went through spring drills and in the fall ran the scout team, worked) ably got a stro the defense and went to the meetings to learn the offense,” Stewart said. 1 much got the offensive feel and I am now comfortable, but just need the* ewart got the < ence. I am confident with wl)at few plays I have under my belt.” Offensive Coordinator Steve Ensminger said Stewart has done wellhi issesfor232 y s 41-37 defeal ,'he|thought Brani iy for A&M,” S ith Stewart ru rtunity to divi he complete |t our receiver; needs to get more game time “He is learning and still making mistakes,” Ensminger said. “Hope those out. He has worked hard all summer and definitely has a better unde ing of the offense.” Whereas most quarterbacks have the chance to play at least three ye maybe four, Stewart said he does not really think about his lost yearofeli Instead he is excited to have the opportunity to play Division I football. Since the news of his signing last year, both the fans and the media have ewart said he forward to Stewart coming on board. Aggie fans often chanted Steward m. when former quarterback Corey Pullig was playing poorly. |he offense wi A&M Head Coach R.C. Slocum said Stewart’s arrival was not supposed tol. he said. “Wi ceived as him being A&M’s savior because A&M already had a winning prop* 1 ! our strength “One of my big concerns is the expectation level of people,” Slocum > far, Slocum h still a young guy who just played sparingly. Like at Tennessee, he had onhwranndon’s bee how h wart succeed m not really ti ise he did a g< 'hysically, he’s nbe successfi igskin Classic. Stew Milne, The Battalion Sophomore running back Sirr Parker slips past two BYU defenders in the Pigskin Classic. Stew Milne, The Battalion Members of 1995's Wrecking Crew steamroll over SMU junior running back Donte Womack in the Aggies' 20-1 7 win at Kyle Field. Leader ilie Cool, confident and cock® Mite) senior season and possifck rec' By Philip Leone The Battalion immates wer chell’s stellar ial media eith :us Award can country’s sect I t happens every season here at Linebacker U. Last year Reggie Brown. The year before it was Antonio Armstrong In seasons past, guys like Marcus Buckley, Q* Farley. Coryatt and Aaron Wallace took their turns in the spotlight^ vdoes Mitche heading to the NFL. So what about this season? Wpident that t going to be the standard-bearer Idfson,’’he said “Wrecking Crew” defense — thega! steps up and carries on the hard-l'i n, Mitchell be lightning-fast, quarterback-terroi inthecountr A&M linebacker tradition? If Keith Mitchell has his way, he" the marquee Aggie linebacker in’96. “I want to be that guy,’’ Mitchei “That’s why I came to A&M. That’s wh Brown’s old sj been working toward. I’ve dreamed my Irby, who being ‘the man’ here since I wash ‘Tve dreamed of being ‘the man’ here since I was in high school and watched Aaron Wallace and all those guys on TV.” Keith Mitchell Senior linebacker Nguyen, the with his 4.39- h the inside fc as a freshmr lation,” will s school and watched Aaron Wallaces sing downs. t’s got a mot any Walker arrick is goin lot hurting a‘ those guys on TV.” But is it safe to add in Mitchell vd All-American likes of Wallace &Co.? “I think he’s very similar to those ers,” Head Coach R.C. Slocum said. "1 he only senic the size. He’s got the speed and the qui [ e leadership, off the ball. He attacks the quarterback. “He really came on for us at the end of last season, but it’s best to wait and see how things develop this season mentioned with the greats.” UP Cl He: Keith Mi r: Senior ition: Outsic |u’ve got to lea Mitchell sai« some fun. I re. That won’t Mitchell took big strides toward his goal of being theWti y w ill Mitche Crew’s heaviest-hitter last season — a surprise to man! viewed him as inconsistent in his first two years in Aggiela 1 ;e to talk a lot In his first season as a starter, the Garland LakeviewCeii" product led the Southwest Conference with 13 quarterback finishing second in the nation behind Brady Smith’s! Colorado State. The first-team All-SWC performer also registered 55 IT had 11 t]uarterback pressures and was named the defensi'' of the Alamo Bowl after wrecking havoc on Michigan’s bai for the better part of four quarters. “I had some growing up to do before last season,’’ 1* said. “I think some people felt I wasn’t living up to my pot® 1 wanted to put all that to rest.” Mitchell’s position coach, Shawn Slocum, said thatis e what the rush linebacker did. “He matured a whole lot last season and developed bettcj habits and a better focus on what we wanted him to do, Slocum said. “And he really started getting after the quarts You have to be excited about that. So relentless was Mitchell in his pursuit of opposing4 11 backs last season that he soon acquired the unofficial nic* nors: Defend “Captain Sack” among media types; unfortunately, name came with a heavy price. , * “There was a big spread in the local newspaper near |E kus Award c of last season with ‘Captain Sack’ in the headline," M said. “Man, 1 nearly got laughed right out of the lockd 1 ght: 6’ 3” ght: 235 n: July 24, 1 lor; Agribusi Oetown: Gai ckC f