2006 Football Preview

Published: April 13, 2021

GREENVILLE, Ill. - The 2006 Greenville College football team will return to the field this fall to build on four consecutive years of development and growth. In 2005, the Panthers ended the season with a record of 4-6 (4-3 IBFC) and finished third in the conference standings.OFFENSE The Panther offense will continue to improve their fast-paced, multiple, and deceptive schemes.The offensive line will be the most veteran group on the offense. Anchored by senior Terrance Poe (2005 first team all-conference), and juniors Aaron Mingo, Trent Dahnke, Casey Schwartzloose, and Josh Bannister, the Panther offensive line will be a key to the Panthers' success on the field in 2006.The quarterback position will likely be filled by sophomore Dominic Kegel. What Dominic lacks in experience, he makes up for in athleticism, leadership, and playmaking ability.In the backfield, senior Justin Tyler is expected to be a key contributor along with a few young talents joining the team in 2006.In addition, the Panther offense will look to three-year starter Bryson Taylor as a playmaker at wide receiver.The offense welcomes Jeff DiSandro (former offensive line coach at Trinity International University) to the staff. He will be coaching the running backs along with student coaches Jon DeJulio and Derek Robinson.Offensive coordinator Joel Penner commented, I am anticipating a great season with this group of guys. They showed a new level of effort and enthusiasm in our off-season and spring practice sessions. If we can continue to make the strides in the fall that we've made in the off-season, we will be well on our way to reaching our potential. DEFENSE The 2006 defensive unit has high expectations to the season with many starters returning.The defensive line will be led again by 2005 first team all-conference player Russell Reece. Russell was second in the IBFC in sacks as a junior. He will play alongside Nathan Strange and Justin Grant in the trenches.At the linebacker spot, J.R. Harriel is expected to continue to wreak havoc on opposing offenses again. J.R. is a two-time first team all-conference player who will have plenty of experienced linebackers around him in 2006. T.J. Gaylord returns for his senior campaign. Alain Lepine and Xavier Beach will be looked upon to provide solid linebacker play in their sophomore seasons.Mark Schopp, second team all-conference cornerback in 2005, will be expected to provide big plays in 2006. He was second in the conference in interceptions and also had two defensive touchdowns last year. The safety position is loaded with experienced players such as Seth England, Juan Garcia, and Scott Zlatic.Defensive coordinator Ordell Walker commented, Even with eight starters back, our incoming freshman and transfer class is expected to provide some much needed depth and push those starters. Defensively, we will focus on three things; playing fierce, having attention to details and competing in all situations. As we focus on these three items, I feel confident that we will continue to improve.