College Football Preview: Cheyney Hoping For Improvement in 2011
CHEYNEY, Pa. (CBS) - After a 1-10 season in 2010, the Division II Cheyney University Wolves are hoping to take steps forward in 2011 and make some noise in the rugged Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Kenny Lockard, who had been the Wolves' defensive coordinator since 2008, was elevated to interim head coach during the offseason after Jeff Braxton left to take a job at Delaware State.
Lockard says the preseason has been a good one.
"I'm really excited with the way camp has gone so far," he tells KYW Newsradio. "We have the most players here that have been here since I've been working at Cheyney. Right now we're suiting up mid-60's (number of players) for practice every day. And we have a couple more players coming in as school starts. The intensity and everything has been the best it's been since I've been here."
What was Lockard's top concern coming into camp?
"The number one question is the offensive line. We lost a couple of guys on the offensive line. Losing Gabe Johnson-Siano was a big hit. He was an All-Conference offensive lineman. We're having some of the young freshman step up, and a couple of the returners are starting to step up and do some good things for us on the offensive line. Secondary is looking good. We knew we had one good returner. We were losing a good corner and lost a safety. So we were waiting to see who was going to step up there and we got some guys stepping up in the secondary, also."
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One known quantity for the Wolves is sophomore running back Marcus Jones (in photo). He had a great true freshman season, rushing for 917 yards and three scores while averaging a gaudy 5.6 yards per carry.
Lockard talks about his hopes for his feature back.
"I'm looking for Marcus to just build on last season. He had a great season -- I wish he could've played the whole season. He missed a couple of games in the beginning, last season. We're looking forward to having him for all 11 games this year, just for him to build and continue to become a great running back."
Cheyney opens the 2011 season at home, on September 3rd, with their annual match-up with rival Lincoln University.
Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060
