14

2007

Sea

son

Out

look

In his second year at the helm, VMI head coachJim Reid will look to a strength in numbersapproach to bolster the Keydets’ football for-tunes on the field.

After a highly successful recruiting classover the winter and spring that will bring in 28new faces to the program, VMI will have 96players on its football roster when classes startfor the fall semester.

Among that group, there will be ampleexperience from a core of “young veterans” –freshmen thrown into the fire as starters intheir first year of college football last fall andemerged stronger and more prepared for theirsophomore season and beyond.

The 2007 VMI football team returns 34lettermen from last year’s team including 14starters-six offensive and eight defensive.

The Keydet offense, which moved to aspread option attack last fall, looks to continuethe significant improvement it showed in pro-duction during the second half of 2006. VMI’soffense flourished and averaged 26.6 points inlast five games of the season after averaging just11.0 over the first half of the campaign whilethe offense was taking root.

A battle between redshirt sophomoreJoey Robinson (Gaithersburg, Md.) and sopho-more Kyle Hughes (Williamsburg, Va.) for thestarting quarterback job will be one of theheadliners heading into fall camp. Robinson,who played mainly at slotback last season, tookvirtually all the snaps at QB in spring drills andemerged as the frontrunner for the job, butcould receive a strong challenge from Hugheswho started three games at mid-season andsaw considerable playing time in the seasonfinale. Robinson gives the offense big-playexplosiveness, while Hughes showed strongleadership skills and poise under pressure whileon the field. Both upperclassmen could also bepushed from four incoming signees who bringimpressive high school quarterback credentialsto the Institute.

The running game will have to find areplacement for 2006 Big South rushing champand four-year starter Sean Mizzer, who gained1,022 yards in a sensational senior season. Theleading candidates to replace Mizzer at the “B”back are sophomore Howard Abegesah(Beltsville, Md.) who lettered while playingmostly special teams last year, and sophomoreZach Collins (Universal City, Texas), whoshowed considerable promise his freshman yearand can give the position a break-away threat.

2006 Big South Conference Freshman ofthe Year Tim Maypray (Madisonville, Ky.)returns for his sophomore season to spark theoffense at slotback. Maypray was a big-play per-former who broke onto the scene last year andhad an immediate impact by finishing second on

the team in receptions with 14 catches for 244yards and two TD’s and was third on the teamin rushing while averaging 6.8 yards per carry.With contributions to special teams as well,Maypray’s all-purpose yardage should onceagain rank atop the league leaders and he willcontend for all-conference honors.

Senior captain Nat Jackson(Fredericksburg, Va.), who is approaching 1,000career rushing yards, is slated to start at theother slotback position and brings three yearsof starting experience to the role. Jackson canget the tough yards inside but can be explosiveand break open the big one and is versatileenough to play the “B” back position if calledupon. Redshirt sophomore Derrick Leland(Prince George, Va.) will provide depth to theslotback position after seeing mostly specialteams duty last year.

The offensive line features three returningstarters. Anchoring the left line is junior andtwo-year starter Jeff Marcey (6-4, 275) who hasmade 21 starts over his career. Marcey willonce again work out of the left tackle slot afterten starts last year at the position. Second TeamAll-Big South tackle Robert Brown (6-6, 300,Sr.) returns to his left guard slot and has made26 career starts, bringing the most experiencedoffensive lineman. At center will be walk-onturned starter George Handler (6-3, 255, R-So.), who was one of the best stories of 2006,

working his way into the two-deep and eventu-ally a starting role, as he played all 11 games.The right side of the offensive line will bemanned by senior guard Mike Watson (6-4,280), who played on the defensive line last sea-son but transitioned well in spring drills to hisnew spot. Redshirt sophomore guard KyleJohnson (6-3, 255), another walk-on who madehis way to a start in 2006, is projected to moveinto the right tackle starting job after working afull spring practice in that slot. Reserve help onthe offensive line could come from tacklesFrank Ellis (6-7, 260, R-So.), Jarrett Craddock(6-5, 280, R-Fr.), guards Gerard Payne (6-1,280, Jr.) and Sean Thompson (6-3, 275, Jr.), andcenter Tim Howard (6-3, 270, R-Fr.).

Junior Travis Ludden (6-3, 230) returns totight end after moving inside to tackle for sevenstarts last year. Ludden is a seasoned veteran atthe tight end position and possesses excellenthands and blocking ability. Redshirt freshmanJosh Favaro (6-3, 230) will back-up at tight endand will push for playing time.

The wide receivers group needs toreplace leading reception man and two-sportjunior Willie Bell (17 catches, 340 yards, 3 TD’s)who has opted to concentrate on basketball thisyear. Junior Rick Goodwin (Richmond, Va.) andjunior Ryan Mingus (Athens, Ohio) have experi-ence mostly on special teams, but are ready tostep up in a more visible role. Sophomore John

Numbers GameNumbers GameIn ’07, the Keydets will look to improved numbers on the roster

to launch their improvement on the field

Sophomore Tim Maypray sparked the VMI offense at slotback last season and was namedBig South Conference Freshman of the Year - becoming the first Keydet football player towin such an honor since 2001.

15

2007 Season Outlook

Tagg (Cary, N.C.), who participated in lastyear’s Corps volunteer initiative under CoachReid, the “New Market Squad,” remained withthe team in spring drills and will add depth tothe receiving corps.

Seven starters return to the defensive unitincluding the inside linebacking duo of sopho-more “Mike” LB Patrick McKinney (Big StoneGap, Va.) and junior Jacob Rochester (Dallas,Texas). McKinney quickly made a big impact inhis first year of college football and establishedhimself as a defensive leader with 82 tackles andwill vie for all-conference honors this year.Rochester, an FCS Academic All-Star and ESPNThe Magazine All-District III honoree, has grad-ually increased his role over his first two sea-sons of college football and is slated to start atthe “Will” linebacker slot and made seven startslast season. Also in the linebacker rotationshould be sophomore Mike Hutchings(Lexington, Va.) who saw considerable action asa true freshman and racked up 33 tackles whilealso seeing action on special teams. Other depthwill come from redshirt freshman Jack Curtis(Fairfax, Va.) and sophomore Dennis Dunaway(Goochland, Va.).

Junior Terrel Allen (Wilmington, N.C., 40tackles), who successfully made the transitionfrom quarterback to “Sam” linebacker last sea-son with five starts while appearing in all 11games, returns as the starter and will be backedup by redshirt freshman Mike Louthan(Richmond, Va.).

The defensive backfield returns many faceswith playing experience including three startersand eight lettermen. Headlining the group issenior Marcus Brown (Norfolk, Va.), who splitstarting time between cornerback and free safe-ty last season and will contend for all-confer-ence recognition in 2007. Junior free safetyKeith Taylor (Mechanicsville, Va.) finished thirdon the team in tackles in 2006 with 61 stops

and also played at strong safety whiletrue freshman Levi Swindell (Elk Grove,Calif.), who ranked second on the defen-sive charts with 70 tackles, returns tothe starting strong safety role with ayear’s experience behind him. One holethat needs to be filled is the left cornerslot which graduated senior co-captainand all-conference honoree JamaalWalton (59 tackles, three interceptions)occupied last year. SophomoresChristian Kelly (Centreville, Va.) andBryant Youngblood (Youngstown, Ohio)who both lettered and had startingexperience last year as true freshmen,will vie for the starting job at one cor-nerback slot. Junior Lucas Combs(Grottoes, Va.) and fifth-year senior andconverted wideout Chi-Chi Ezekwe willprovide depth in the secondary.

The defensive line will see the mosttransition of any defensive position groupin 2007, as just one starter, junior defen-sive end Andy Viola (Broadway, Va.),returns among the front four. Viola suc-cessfully made the transition from offense todefense last year, and will be backed up by vet-eran senior Keashawn Artis (Alexandria, Va.), aformer linebacker, and redshirt freshman ZachWilliams (Powell, Ohio). Senior Tommy Lloyd(Fishersville, Va.), who played three positions onboth sides of the ball last season, will move intothe other defensive end spot where redshirtfreshman Damiso Alexander (Richmond, Va.)will compete for playing time. The inside tacklestarting jobs were occupied on the pre-campdepth chart by juniorand two-year lettermanRobbie Appel (Sterling,Va.) and redshirt fresh-man Ben Brandt(Forest, Va.), who is

eager to step into a starting role. Redshirt soph-omore Leon Barrow (Williamsburg, Va.) had anexcellent spring practice and will push for play-ing time along with sophomore Nick Mims(Virginia Beach, Va.)

Senior placekicker Barrett Way(Richmond, Va.) returns to handle the kickingduties. Way was selected 2006 second teamAll-Big South and holds the school career markfor highest field goal percentage, having con-verted 29-37 for 78.4% in his three years.

Redshirt sophomore Joey Robinson brings big-play capability to theoffensive backfield and finished the spring as the leading candidate atstarting quarterback.

Sophomore linebacker Patrick McKinney topped theVMI defensive charts last year with 82 tackles.

Coaching StaffHead Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Reid (Maine ‘73)

VMI Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10/Second SeasonCareer Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85-92-3/17th Season

Assistant Coaches . .Bob Bodine (Tulane ‘93); Offensive Centers, Guards . . . . . . . . .Brent Davis (Georgia ‘97); Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Hanson (Richmond ‘72); Defensive Line/Chief of Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard McNutt (Ohio State ‘04); Defensive Backs . . . . . . . . . . . .Brock Pittman (East Tennessee State ‘04); Offensive Tackles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greg Shockley (Virginia Tech ‘99); Running Backs . . . . .Vince Sinagra (Rhode Island ‘75); Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Soltis (Youngstown State ‘90); Wide ReceiversStrength & Conditioning Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phil Sabatini (Ohio ‘05)Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lance Fujiwara (Oregon State ‘85)

Team InformationLettermen Returning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 (Off.-15, Def.-18, Spec.-1)Lettermen Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 (Off.-9, Def.-7, Spec.-1)Starters Returning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 (Off.-5, Def.-8, Spec.-1)Starters Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 (Off.-4, Def.-4, Spec.-1)2006 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10 (0-4, 5th Big South)Offensive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spread OptionDefensive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Multiple

Leading ReturneesRushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joey Robinson, 330 yards, 37 carries (8.9 ypc)Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kyle Hughes, 28-51, 371 yardsReceiving . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim Maypray, 244 yards, 14 receptions (17.4 ypr)Tackles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patrick McKinney, 37 solo, 45 assists, 82 totalTackles for Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terrell Allen, 4.5 tackles for lossInterceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christian Kelly, 3 interceptionsKick Returns . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim Maypray, 17 returns, 320 yards (18.8 ypr)

16

Lette

rmen

Ret

urni

ng, L

ost

L e t t e r m e n R e t u r n i n g

L e t t e r m e n L o s t

Lettermen Returning by position: 34Starters Returning by Position: 15 (includes specialists)

OFFENSE (15 returning, 6 starters)Receivers: Rick GoodwinTackles: Andrew Gore, JEFF MARCEYGuards: ROBERT BROWN, Kyle Johnson, Gerard Payne, Mike Watson*Center: GEORGE HANDLERQuarterback: Kyle HughesRunning Backs: Howard Abegesah, NAT JACKSONSlot Backs: Zack Collins, Tim Maypray, JOEY ROBINSONTight End: TRAVIS LUDDEN

* Lettered on Defense in 2006

DEFENSE (18 returning, 8 starters)Tackles: Robbie Appel, Leon BarrowEnds: Tommy Lloyd*, Nick Mims, ANDY VIOLALinebackers: TERRELL ALLEN, KEASHAWN ARTIS, Mike Hutchings, PATRICK McKINNEY, JACOB ROCHESTER, Kris WareCornerbacks: MARCUS BROWN, Christian Kelly, Bryant YoungbloodStrong Safety: LEVI SWINDELL, Joe TaylorFree Safety: Chi Chi Ezekwe*, KEITH TAYLOR

* Started on Offense in 2006

SPECIALISTS Punter: NonePlacekicker: BARRETT WAY

Lettermen Lost By Position: 17Starters Lost: 9 (includes specialists)

OFFENSE (9 lost, 4 starters)Receivers: WILLIE BELL, CHRIS GILLILAND Tackles: Justin Chetney, Daniel vonSchuchGuards: Rusty WebbCenter: Adam ReelQuarterback: JONATHAN WILSONRunning Backs: SEAN MIZZER, Derek SmithSlot Backs: NoneTight End: None

DEFENSE (7 lost, 4 starters)Tackles: ERIC HALL, JACK HERZOG, CHARLIE LIESFELD, Ends: NoneLinebackers: Colby Hollingsworth, Ryan StratisCornerbacks: Wilson Ileso, JAMAAL WALTONStrong Safety: NoneFree Safety: None

SPECIALISTS Punter: ADAM PETERSPlacekicker:

** Starters listed in CAPS

17

2007 Pre-Cam

p Depth C

hartOffense (Spread Opt ion)

Defense (Mult iple)

DE DT NT DE#88 Lloyd (Sr.) #51 Brandt (R-Fr.) #75 Appel (Jr.) #44 Viola (R-Jr.)

#84 Alexander (R-Fr.) #83 Mims (So.) #57 Barrow (R-So.) #8 Artis (Sr.)

#11 Guthrie (R-Fr.) #92 M. Johnson (R-Fr.) #91 Keeney (R-Fr.) #96 Williams (R-Fr.)

WLB MLB SLBCB #35 Rochester (Jr.) #17 McKinney (R-So.) #2 Allen (Jr.) CB

#3 M. Brown (Sr.) #45 Curtis (R-Fr.) #48 Hutchings (So.) #36 Louthan (R-Fr.) #29 Kelly (So.)

#29 Kelly (So.) #54 Dunaway (R-So.) #5 Youngblood (So.)

FS SS#21 K. Taylor (Jr.) #19 Swindell (So.)

#42 Ezekwe (Sr.) #20 J. Taylor (R-So.) P#27 Combs (Jr.) TBA

LT LG C RG RT TEWR #73 Marcey (Jr.) #71 R. Brown (Sr.) #55 G. Handler (R-So.) #70 Watson (Sr.) #74 K. Johnson (R-So.) #90 Ludden (Jr.)

#18 Goodwin (R-Jr.) #79 Ellis (R-So.) #56 Payne (Jr.) #69 Howard (R-Fr.) #72 Thompson (Jr.) #78 Craddock (R-Fr.) #89 Favaro (R-Fr.)

#6 Mingus (Jr.) #82 Gore (R-So.) #67 Kulat (R-Fr.) #62 Leach (R-So.) #93 Tench (R-Fr.) #59 Wegener (Jr.)

QB#1 Robinson (R-So.)

SB #14 Hughes (So.) SB#28 Maypray (So.) #22 Jackson (Sr.)

#25 Leland (R-So.) #25 Leland (R-So.)

RB#32 Abegesah (So.)

#24 Collins (So.) K#41 Way (Sr.)

18

Play

ers t

o W

atch

in 2

007

Sophomore defensive tackle Leon Barrow showed greatpromise in spring drills and will contribute to the defensive

line this fall.

Senior running back Nat Jackson is the most experiencedreturnee in the Keydet backfield this fall.

Sophomore linebacker MikeHutchings will see action at mid-dle linebacker and special teams.

20

Hea

d C

oach

Jim Reid accepted the challenge and has reen-ergized the VMI football program in his firstyear as head coach. Players, alumni and fansalike have appreciated the tireless enthusiasmhe brings to the program as a successful foun-dation is built for the coming seasons. He hascharged his players to “Embrace the Process”and accept all the qualities that make theInstituteunique.

In Reid’sfirst season,the Keydetsshowedremarkableimprovementover the sec-ond half of the season and were extremelycompetitive, especially in Big SouthConference games. Although VMI did nottaste victory in its four Big South games, theKeydets fell by a combined margin of only 13points in all four League tilts.

Reid became the 29th head footballcoach in the 115-year gridiron history of theInstitute on December 22, 2005. With over30 of years coaching experience, including 16seasons and 85 victories as a head coach, Reidreturned to the Commonwealth as a DivisionI-AA head coach after directing the University

of Richmond football program from 1995through 2003.

“It is an absolute honor and privilege tobe selected as the head football coach atVirginia Military Institute,” said Reid upon tak-ing the job.

A name familiar to VMI football fanswhile serving as head coach of one of the

Institute’slong-time in-state rivals,Reid guidedRichmond to48 wins overhis nine yearsas headcoach, which

ranks third on the school’s all-time win list.His UR teams posted three of the top 13 sea-son one-loss records, and the only ten-winseason in school history. He led Richmond toAtlantic 10 championships and I-AA playoffappearances in 1998 and 2000 and wasnamed conference coach of the year bothtimes. He was also selected YankeeConference co-coach of the year in his debutseason of 1995 when Richmond went 7-3-1and finished the season ranked 20th in I-AA.In 2000, the Spiders won a school-record tengames, including a victory over Youngstown

“He is a perfect fit for VMI. We wanted tofind a coach who is an outstanding leaderwith successful head coaching experience.We have found that man in Jim Reid.”

-VMI Athletic Director Donny White

Jim ReidSecond Season

21

Head C

oach Jim R

eidState in the I-AA playoffs. The 2000Richmond football team finished the seasonwith a final national ranking of sixth in I-AA.

During Reid’s tenure as Richmondhead coach, 13 players rose to the ranks ofprofessional football.

Reid left Richmond following the 2003season to serve as defensive line coach forSyracuse University, where he coached forone season. He came to VMI from BucknellUniversity, where he served as an assistantcoach for the 2005 season.

Reid also previously guided theUniversity of Massachusetts football pro-gram as head coach from the 1986 through1991 seasons. He posted a 36-29-2 recordover the six seasons as coach of theMinutemen and was the YankeeConference Coach of the Year in 1988 and1990. He led UMass to a YankeeConference co-championship in 1986, andfollowed with conference titles and I-AAplayoff berths in 1988 and 1990.

A 1973 graduate of the University ofMaine where he was a three-year starter,Reid began his coaching career as a gradu-ate assistant under Dick McPherson atUMass in 1973, beginning a 19-year coach-ing association with the school. In 1978,Reid was promoted to defensive coordina-tor, a post he held until being named UMasshead coach in 1986.

Reid moved to Richmond to serve asdefensive coordinator in 1992 and held thesame post at Boston College in 1994 beforebeing named UR head coach the followingseason.

Reid and his wife, Judy, have three chil-dren: daughter’s Meghan and Molly, and sonMatt, who served as assistant baseballcoach at VMI in 2002.

TheThe JIM REIDJIM REID ProfileProfileCOACHING CAREER:Yr. Team Record Coaching Role Postseason1973 Massachusetts 6-5 Graduate Assistant1974 Massachusetts 5-6 Graduate Assistant Yankee Conference Champs1975 Massachusetts 8-2 Assistant Coach1976 Massachusetts 5-5 Assistant Coach1977 Massachusetts 8-3# Assistant Coach Yankee Conference Champs1978 Massachusetts 9-4* Assistant Coach Yankee Conference Champs1979 Massachusetts 6-4 Assistant Coach Yankee Conference Champs1980 Massachusetts 7-3 Assistant Coach1981 Massachusetts 6-3 Assistant Coach Yankee Conference Champs1982 Massachusetts 5-6 Assistant Coach Yankee Conference Champs1983 Massachusetts 3-8 Assistant Coach1984 Massachusetts 3-8 Assistant Coach1985 Massachusetts 7-4 Assistant Coach1986 Massachusetts 8-3 Head Coach Yankee Conference Champs1987 Massachusetts 3-8 Head Coach1988 Massachusetts 8-4* Head Coach Yankee Conference Champs1989 Massachusetts 5-5-1 Head Coach1990 Massachusetts 8-2-1* Head Coach Yankee Conference Champs1991 Massachusetts 4-7 Head Coach1992 Richmond 7-4 Defensive Coordinator Ranked in I-AA Top 101993 Richmond 5-6 Defensive Coordinator Ranked in I-AA Top 201994 Boston College 8-4 Defensive Coordinator Aloha Bowl Champions1995 Richmond 7-3-1 Head Coach Ranked in I-AA Top 201996 Richmond 2-9 Head Coach1997 Richmond 6-5 Head Coach Ranked in I-AA Top 201998 Richmond 9-3* Head Coach Atlantic 10 Champs1999 Richmond 5-6 Head Coach Ranked in the I-AA Top 202000 Richmond 10-3* Head Coach Atlantic 10 Champs2001 Richmond 3-8 Head Coach2002 Richmond 4-7 Head Coach2003 Richmond 2-9 Head Coach2004 Syracuse 6-6 Assistant Coach Big East Co-Champions2005 Bucknell 1-10 Assistant Coach2006 VMI 1-10 Head Coach

* I-AA Playoff appearance # Division II Playoff appearance

COACHING HONORS:Five-time Conference Coach of the Year (A-10 - 1998 & 2000; Yankee Conf. 1988, 1990 & 1995)Aloha Bowl Champions in 1994 (Boston College-Def. Coordinator)2004 Big-East Co-Champions (Syracuse-Def. Coordinator)

PLAYING CAREER:Three-year starter at the University of Maine

PERSONAL:Born: Dec. 1, 1950 in Medford, Mass.Family: Wife - Judy

Three children - Megan, Molly and MattEducation: B.S. in Education (Maine, 1973); M.S. Sport Management (Mass., 1975)

Jim Reid was formally intro-duced to the media and VMIcommunity as the Institute’s29th head football coach onJanuary 13th, 2006 at theReading Room of the GeorgeC. Marshall Library located onVMI Post.

22

Assi

stan

t Coa

ches JEFFJEFF

HANSONHANSON� Richmond ‘72� First Season� Defensive Line/Chief of Staff

Jeff Hanson takes over theteam’s defensive lineduties while also serving asthe program’s Chief ofStaff, upon reuniting withhead coach Jim Reid afterspending the past 18 yearsat Richmond, including 11seasons alongside Reid.

Hanson comes toVMI with 35 years of

coaching experience, including 26 with theSpiders. He spent the past two seasons as theteam's defensive line coach, where he coachedfive all-conference players in those years.

A native of Beloit, Wis., Hanson begancoaching in 1971 after a standout career with theSpiders, where he played on the 1968 TangerineBowl championship team. He served as a gradu-ate assistant from 1971-73 while completing hisMaster's degree in education, and worked for thenext five seasons with the tight ends & receivers,as well as the defensive unit.

Before returning to Richmond in 1989,Hanson had coaching stints at Marshall (1980-81), Lamar (1982-83), SW Texas State (1983-86)and West Texas State (1987-88).

Hanson and his wife, DeDe, have threedaughters: Laurie, Kristin and Katie.

Jeff Hanson

BBOBOBBODINEBODINE� TULANE ‘93� Second Season� oFFENSIVE Centers/Guards

Bob Bodine begins his sec-ond season at VMI and willfocus his attention on theKeydets’ offensive centersand guards.

Bodine has strong tiesto the current VMI coach-ing staff and served withoffensive coordinator BrentDavis at Georgia SouthernUniversity for six seasons.

While at Georgia Southern from 1997through 2002, Bodine worked with the offensiveline for two seasons, then moved to the defensiveline for two more seasons before taking charge ofthe Eagle outside linebackers in 1999, widereceivers for 2000 and 2001 and slot backs in2002.

A two-year starter and three-year letterwin-ner at offensive guard, Bodine earned his B.A. inPsychology at Tulane University in 1993. Heearned Tulane’s Ben Weiner Inspiration Award for1993.

Bodine began his coaching career at his almamater and assisted with the Green Wave offensiveline and long snappers over a three season span.

A native of Hazleton, Pa., Bodine also servedas offensive line coach at Jackson State for twoyears and was slot backs coach for one season atBethune-Cookman.

Bob Bodine

BRENTBRENTDAVISDAVIS� GEORGIA ‘97� Second Season� OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/QB

Brent Davis returns for hissecond season as theKeydets’ offensive coordi-nator after coaching nineyears at Georgia Southernas an offensive coach inthe powerful run-orientedoption style offense underhead coaches Paul Johnsonand Mike Sewak.

In his first season asVMI offensive coordinator,

the Keydets led the Big South in rushing, averag-ing 206.6 yards per game.

Davis coached the offensive line for theEagles from 2002-05 and his unit helped GSU tothree consecutive I-AA rushing titles (386.2 ypgin 2002, 335.6 ypg in 2003, and 370 ypg in 2004).One of his players, center Charles Clarke, wasawarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2002 andthree Eagles reached All-America status underDavis’ tutelage.

Prior to taking over offensive line responsi-bilities, Davis coached Georgia Southern’s run-ning backs and worked with Walter PaytonAward winner and Chicago Bears back AdrianPeterson in 1998 and 1999.

Davis, an Athens, Ga. native, played twoseasons at The Citadel under Charlie Taafe in1992 and 1993. As a tight end in 1992, he helpedthe Bulldogs to the SoCon Championship and aNCAA I-AA playoff appearance.

Davis transferred to Georgia his junior yearwhere he lettered and also earned a spot on theAcademic All-SEC Honor Roll in his senior year.Davis graduated from Georgia in 1997 with abachelor’s degree in business management.

Davis and his wife, Jennifer, were married inJuly, 2006.

Brent Davis

23

Assistant Coaches

RICHARDRICHARDMMccNUTTNUTT� OHIO STATE ‘04� Second Season� DEFENSIVE BACKS

Richard McNutt enters hissecond season on the VMIstaff and will again coachthe Keydet defensivebacks after spending twoseasons at Washington &Jefferson College inWashington, Pa. where healso served as the second-ary coach.

During his two-year stint at Washington &Jefferson, the football team went 21-3 andadvanced to the the round of the Division IIIplayoffs in 2004 and another playoff berth in2005. Under his tutelage, Washington & Jeffersonranked second in interceptions in Division III with26 in 2004.

A 2004 graduate of Ohio State University,McNutt played three years at cornerback for theBuckeyes. He played in all 24 games during hisfirst two years and made two starts as a sopho-more.

McNutt played the first six games of OhioState’s 2002 national championship season, butwas forced to end his playing career due to aninjury. He served as a student coach during eachof his last two seasons.

A native of Park Forest, Ill., McNutt rankedas one of the top five high school prospects atcornerback by numerous publications. He had 14interceptions as a high school junior.

Richard McNutt

BROCKBROCKPITTMANPITTMAN� eAST tENNESSEE STATE ‘04� Second Season� Offensive Tackles

Brock Pittman returns forhis second season at VMIand will handle the offen-sive tackles this seasonafter working with widereceivers a year ago.

Prior to his move toLexington, Pittman spent aseason in the footballoffice at Richmond wherehe was the assistant direc-

tor of football operations for the Spiders andassisted with the defensive unit, as well as scout-ing, film analysis, and summer camps.

Pittman is no stranger to VMI football, ashe competed in 2002 against the Keydets as anoffensive guard for East Tennessee State. Hetransferred to ETSU from Scottsdale (Ariz.)Junior College where he earned first team all-conference and all-region accolades. Pittmangraduated from East Tennessee State in 2004with a B.S. in Sports Management.

A native of Mechanicsville, Va., Pittman wasan all-state, all-metro and all-region lineman atLee-Davis High School and played one year atdefensive end at Fork Union Military Academy.

Brock Pittman

GREGGREGSHOCKLEYSHOCKLEY� Virginia Tech ‘99� Third Season� RUNNING BACKS

Greg Shockley came to theInstitute in March, 2005and handled the Keydetwide receivers for one sea-son before moving ontothe team’s running backsprior to last year. He alsoserves as the program’srecruiting coordinator.

Shockley came to VMIfrom William & Mary where he coached tight endsduring the Tribe’s successful 2004 campaign.William & Mary posted an 11-3 mark and reachedthe semifinals of the I-AA playoffs before falling toeventual champion James Madison. The Tribe alsowon the Atlantic 10 Conference championship in2004.

Shockley began his coaching career underFrank Beamer at Virginia Tech where he was also aplayer before assuming graduate assistant duties onthe Hokie staff. At Tech, Shockley was an offensiveassistant and worked primarily with the offensivelines and tight ends. The Hokies went to bowlseach of the three seasons Shockley served on thestaff.

A Blacksburg, Va. native and 1999 graduateof Virginia Tech, Shockley was a quarterback andwide receiver for the Hokie squads that won threeBig East championships during his playing days,including the 1999 Sugar Bowl squad that playedfor the national championship. In 1999, he wasawarded the John William Schneider Award, givento the Tech player who excels in athletics, scholar-ship and leadership.

Shockley is married to the former CherylDenny, an assistant softball coach at James MadisonUniversity and the couple resides in Staunton, Va.

Greg Shockley

24

Assi

stan

t Coa

ches VINCE VINCE

SINAGRASINAGRA� RHODE ISLAND ‘75� Second Season� DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/LB

Vince Sinagra returns for hissecond season in Lexingtonand will once again serve asthe team’s defensive coordi-nator while overseeing theteam’s linebacking corps.

Sinagra brings a wealthof experience to VMI includ-ing a total of 14 years at I-AA programs Stony Brook,Holy Cross, Hofstra, andFordham.

Prior to his tenure at Stony Brook, Sinagraspent five seasons at Holy Cross (1999-2004) wherehe was linebackers coach and special teams coordi-nator. While at Holy Cross, Sinagra was responsiblefor game and practice planning as well as recruiting.

Sinagra also had two stints at HofstraUniversity serving as the Pride defensive coordinatorand linebackers coach during the 1998 season.Sinagra had earlier coached the Hofstra widereceivers during the 1993 season.

From 1994 to 1998 Sinagra coached as anassistant at Fordham where he was defensive coor-dinator and linebackers coach. Sinagra also served asdefensive coordinator and defensive line coach forBloomsburg (Pa.) University from 1986-1992 andalso worked as an academic advisor and headed thesummer football camp.

Sinagra graduated from the University ofRhode Island in 1975, receiving a bachelor’s degreein physical education and health before completingwork on a master’s degree in physical education,health and recreation from Rhode Island in 1983.Sinagra started three years at defensive tackle forURI and played professionally with the PhiladelphiaBell of the World Football League and TorontoArgonauts of the Canadian Football League.

Sinagra began his coaching career at RhodeIsland coaching the defensive line in 1976-77 beforemoving to Milford Academy in Connecticut for nineseasons.

Vince Sinagra

PAULPAULSOLTISSOLTIS� YOUNGSTOWN STATE ‘90� Second Season� Wide Receivers

Paul Soltis enters his sec-ond season at VMI, contin-uing to serve as both theDirector of FootballOperations while shiftinghis emphasis to the offen-sive side of the ball thisseason while coachingwide receivers.

Soltis played at OhioState University, earning a letter as a freshman.He then transferred to Youngstown StateUniversity where he was a two-time All-American linebacker. In 1987 and 1989 he playedon playoff teams, captaining the 1989 squad. In1997, Soltis was also named the Ohio ValleyConference Defensive Player of the Year. In1999, Soltis was inducted into YoungstownState’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Soltis’ name is still listed frequently in theYoungstown State record book. Currently, Soltisis second in school history for tackles in a career,with a remarkable 468 stops, an average of 156tackles per season for his three-year YSU career.

Following college, Soltis was signed by theMiami Dolphins. He then played for formerSaints head coach and now defensive coordinatorfor the St. Louis Rams, Jim Haslett in the WorldLeague.

He was in Law Enforcement at both thestate and federal level for nine years before arriv-ing in Lexington.

Soltis is married to the former StaceySmallwood. They have three children, Abbey,Daniel and Alayna.

Paul Soltis

PHILPHILSABATINISABATINI� oHIO ‘05� fIRST Season� sTRENGTH Training

Phil Sabatini begins his firstseason as the strength andconditioning coach forfootball and began workingwith the Keydet footballplayers when he arrivedon Post in June. He willsupervise the strength andconditioning efforts for thefootball program exclu-

sively and will direct his efforts in the newly con-structed Luck Weight Room that was a majorpart of the facility improvements located in theexpanded Clarkson-McKenna Hall in conjunctionwith the refurbishing to Alumni Memorial Field atFoster Stadium in 2006.

Sabatini comes to the Institute after work-ing two seasons in professional baseball whilecompleting work on a master’s degree.

Sabatini was employed for two years in theChicago Cubs organization from 2005-2006 serv-ing both in the club’s spring training complex andas strength coach for the 2006 Peoria Chiefs, theCubs’ Class A affiliate in the Midwest League.

A 2005 graduate of Ohio University with adegree in Physical Education, Sabatini alsoreceived in 2007 his Masters in CoachingEducation with an emphasis on strength and con-ditioning from Ohio.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and graduate ofOakmont Riverview High School, Sabatini, 24,was a four-year member of the Ohio baseballteam and was a catcher and outfielder.

Sabatini is a member of the NationalStrength and Conditioning Association and isCSCS certified as a strength and conditioningspecialist by the NSCA. He is also a member ofthe USA Weightlifting organization.

Sabatini fills the role of Jimmy Whitten whoserved as VMI football strength coach for threeseasons, but will now work with other VMI ath-letic teams as Associate Head Coach for Strengthand Conditioning.