Weekly Feature
OCTOBER 19, 2010 – BOBBY GILES, MONMOUTH
*CFPA FCS KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
On September 4, 2010, Bobby Giles returned a third quarter kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in a 29-30 loss to Colgate. It was the first kickoff return touchdown of Giles’s collegiate career and narrowed the score to a 10-point Colgate lead. According to Giles, “It was a key point in the game, and everybody was jumping for joy.”
With respect to the national honor, Giles shares the credit with his teammates. “I trust the team. Our team camaraderie helps; it translates to the football field….We’re like a family,” states Giles. Through seven weeks, Monmouth is 2-1 in NEC play, including a second 1-point loss for the season. Of course, close, exciting games were the norm last year, as well, as 6-of-11 Hawk games were decided by 7 points or fewer. “We have a shot at the championship every year,” says Giles. “It’s a competitive league.
*Photos courtesy of Jim Reme, Monmouth Athletics.
OCTOBER 12, 2010 – CASEY BROCKMAN, MURRAY STATE
*CFPA FCS NATIONAL PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Murray State is widely considered a “basketball school”, but sophomore Racer QB Casey Brockman is doing his best to change that in 2010. In week 6 of the 2010 season, Brockman amassed almost 600 passing yards and contributed 8 total touchdowns en route to a 13-point victory over Ohio Valley Conference foe Missouri State. His 7 passing touchdowns and 570 yards through the air set school records and earned him CFPA FCS National Performer of the Week honors.
“Coming into college, I had a lot of people doubt me,” says the Racer walk-on. Not surprisingly, his performance has not only silenced the skeptics, but altered perceptions about Racer football. “Our attendance is going up, our coaching staff has done a remarkable job, and we’re getting more and more support from the community….It’s special,” declares Brockman.
The confident Brockman now has his own nickname, as well — the “Wild Horse”. Brockman gave himself the nickname by declaring, “There are hundreds of wildcats, but only one Wild Horse!” Though it has become the subject of considerable locker room banter, according to Brockman, “It’s sticking.” His Murray State records for passing yards and touchdowns will probably follow suit.
*Photos courtesy of John Brush, Murray State Athletics.
OCTOBER 5, 2010 – JON TEAGUE, NAVY
*CFPA FBS NATIONAL KICKOFF SPECIALIST OF THE WEEK
“As a kickoff specialist, you need to put the ball where it needs to be to take away return opportunities,” says Navy kicker Jon Teague. He did precisely that this past weekend — going 3-for-3 on kickoff attempts for touchbacks. However, there was added pressure — the opponent was Air Force and, naturally, there were “tons and tons of fans.”
“I just try to stay calm and collected….Our whole mentality at Navy is focus,” states Teague. Indeed, that mentality ostensibly characterizes the entire Navy experience; a typical day for Midshipmen includes early morning physical drills, class, football meetings, more class, practice, weight lifting, and study. “I definitely don’t get enough sleep,” says Teague, “but we have the best coaches in the nation, and we know it’s all going to be worth it in the end.”
“It means a lot to be the National Kickoff Specialist of the Week, because I wasn’t expecting it, and I take a lot of pride in what I do,” says the junior oceanography major. Though he wasn’t expecting the individual honor, he argues, “Our team’s attitude is to always expect to win….even if we are facing the Dallas Cowboys.”
*Photos courtesy of Scott Strasemeier, Navy Athletics & Alison Althouse for GoMids.com (alisportshots.com).
OCTOBER 5, 2010 – JULIUS LLOYD, MONTANA STATE
*CFPA FCS NATIONAL WIDE RECEIVER OF THE WEEK
Kickoff temperatures may have reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but that wasn’t going to stop Montana State or receiver Julius Lloyd in a 64-61 overtime victory against Sacramento State. “It was probably the most exciting game of my career,…but with tough conditions,” said Lloyd.
Described by his teammates as a “reliable receiver”, Lloyd amassed 177 yards and scored three touchdowns in the game. In addition, his 8-yard touchdown reception (with only 1:17 remaining) proved the decisive play to force overtime. “I was just doing my job,” Lloyd noted.
However stoic his gridiron disposition may seem, Lloyd is quite serious about his professional aspirations. “The main challenge is staying on top of school and getting good grades.” Naturally, he aspires to play professional football, but Lloyd hopes to pursue a career in law should scouts overlook his NFL potential. “My role model is Michael Jordan,” said the FCS National Wide Receiver of the Week. “In high school, he didn’t even make his varsity team.”
*Photo courtesy of Dean Hendrickson & Bill Lamberty.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 – JERREL JERNIGAN, TROY
*CFPA NATIONAL KICKOFF RETURNER PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
*CFPA NATIONAL WIDE RECEIVER PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Jerrel Jernigan is a wide receiver for the Troy Trojans and the subject of this week’s player feature. A 5 foot, 9 inch senior from Eufaula, Alabama, Jernigan is a criminal justice major and has 3 siblings.
In his freshman season, Jernigan set Troy school records against Georgia with 11 receptions and 2 touchdowns. The following year, he broke Troy’s season record for receptions/game.
In just 4 weeks of the 2010 season, Jernigan has earned CFPA national honors twice — once as CFPA National Kickoff Returner Performer of the Week and once as CFPA National Wide Receiver Performer of the Week. He has received high praise from Troy coach Larry Blakeney who said, “He may be the best all-around guy we’ve ever had here.”
*Photos courtesy of Ricky Hazel, Troy Athletics.
References:
1. http://www.troytrojans.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=337&path=football
2. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/09/uab_will_be_looking_out_for_tr.html
3. http://www.troytrojans.com/news/2010/9/27/FB_0927100744.aspx?path=football
2 Minute Bio
SEAN RENFREE, DUKE
*CFPA QUARTERBACK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Role model: Father
Inspirational figure: George Washington
Best super power: Flying
Childhood toy: Mini-football
Sports team to own: Arizona Cardinals
Place to visit: Rome
Oddest food tried: Rattlesnake
Fictional villain: The Joker
Pizza topping: Pepperoni
Academic subject: Leadership studies
Movie in which to star: Superman
Scariest animal: Bat
*Photo courtesy of Brian Schneider, Art Chase/Duke Athletics.
AUSTIN DAVIS, SOUTHERN MISS
*CFPA NATIONAL PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Place to visit: London
Person to meet: Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers
Nickname: “AD”
Childhood toy: Set of tools with hammer and belt
Fictional villain: Kane (pro wrestler)
Special talent: Ping Pong (won state games)
Oddest food tried: Raw oysters
Movie in which to star: Inception
Pizza topping: Hamburger
Favorite cartoon character: Doug
Role model: Colt McCoy
Sports team to own: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spot on campus: The cafeteria
Best foreign accent: British
Scariest animal: Snakes
*Photo courtesy of Jack Duggan, Southern Miss Athletics.
JOSH LENZ, IOWA STATE
*CFPA PUNT RETURNER PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Scariest animal: Snake
Place to visit: Bahamas
Favorite musician: Kid Cudi
Special talent: Loud whistle
Thing to do in a time machine: Meet grandmother
Movie in which to star: Anything with Will Ferrell
Nickname: “Karen”
Shirt size: Medium
Oddest dream: Werewolves attacking through the door
Fictional villain: The Joker
*Photos courtesy of Thomas Kroeschell, Iowa State Athletics.
ALEX GREEN, HAWAII
*CFPA RUNNING BACK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Role model: My mom
Nickname: “AG”
Best foreign accent: Swedish
Special talent: Singing
Favorite villain: Incredible Hulk
Childhood toy: Superman action figure
Best dessert: Strawberry cheese-cake
Cartoon character: Spongebob
Pizza topping: Chicken
Most fearsome animal: Lion
*Photo courtesy of Hawaii Athletics.
DAMARIS JOHNSON, TULSA
*CFPA KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
Role model: Derek Jeter
Place to visit: Hawaii
Person to meet: Will Smith
Funniest animal: Octopus
Nickname: “Little D”
Movie in which to star: Friday Night Lights
Funniest dream: Playing defensive back and getting a pick-six
Favorite spot: My house
Special talent: Cooking jambalaya with baked fish
Sports team to own: New York Yankees
Thing to change: Enjoy sports more at age 7
*Photo courtesy of Tulsa Athletics.
DOUG HOGUE, SYRACUSE
*CFPA LINEBACKER PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Role model: My father
Place to visit: Tokyo
Movie in which to star: He Got Game
Funniest animal: Anteater
Scariest horror film: Paranormal Activity
Sports team to own: Pittsburgh Steelers
Childhood toy: Army figures
Thing to see in a time machine: Super Bowl #1
Person to clone: Will Smith
Pizza topping: Meat Lover’s
Favorite actor: Denzel Washington
*Photos courtesy of Syracuse University Athletics.
CARSON COFFMAN, KANSAS STATE
*CFPA NATIONAL PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Sports team to own: Kansas City Chiefs
Funniest animal: Sloth
Favorite spot on campus: Student union & bowling alley
Childhood toy: Remote-controlled cars
Best fictional villain: Sweeney Todd
Favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated
Thing to do with a time machine: See what Dad was like in college
Person to meet: President Obama
Special talent: Photoshop
Nickname: “Crazy Legs”
Book: Coming Back Strong by Drew Brees
Pizza topping: Pepperoni
Most expensive haircut: $16
Oddest pet name heard: “Oglethorpe”
Funniest dream: Lil’ Wayne rapping about friends
Favorite athlete: Peyton Manning
*Photo courtesy of Kenny Lannou, Kansas State.
DAVID GILREATH, WISCONSIN
*CFPA NATIONAL KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
Place to visit: Brazil
Breakfast Item: Hash browns
Childhood toy: Transformers
Pizza topping: Pineapple
Nickname: “Duber”
Special talent: Spin football on fingers
Best videogame: Madden
Favorite cheese: I don’t like cheese
Movie in which to star: Out of Time
Scariest animal: Alligator
T-shirt size: XL
Thing to change: Missed catch vs. Penn State
Fictional villain: Joker
Person to meet: Michael Jordan
*Photo courtesy of David Stluka/Wisconsin Athletics
JOSH HARRIS, WAKE FOREST
*CFPA RUNNING BACK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Sports team to own: Los Angeles Lakers
Scariest animal: Snakes
Favorite spot on campus: Weight room
Childhood toy: Power Ranger action figures
Pizza topping: Pepperoni
Favorite actor: Martin Lawrence
Thing to do with a time machine: See a Jimi Hendrix concert
Person to meet: Barry Sanders
T-shirt size: XL
Best fictional villain: The Joker
*Photo courtesy of Steve Shutt, Wake Forest Athletics.
COREY BROOMFIELD, MISSISSIPPI STATE
*CFPA DEFENSIVE BACK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK & SCHOOL RECORD HOLDER (INTERCEPTIONS)
Role model: Father
Best actor: Denzel Washington
Favorite academic subject: History
Best fictional villain: The Joker
Best foreign accent: British
Favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated
Musical instrument: Trumpet
Favorite musician: Drake
Scariest horror film: I hate scary movies
Deadliest animal: Snake
Favorite videogame: NCAA Football
Place to visit: Jerusalem
Most expensive haircut: $10
Best super power: Flying
Favorite historical figure: W.E.B. Du Bois
Person that should be cloned: Me
Person to meet: Darrelle Revis
*Photos courtesy of Jay Middleton, Mississippi State Athletics.
MARQUIS JACKSON, TEXAS SOUTHERN
*CFPA FCS NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Role model: Mother
Best actor: Denzel Washington
Favorite pizza topping: Bacon
Place to visit: Paris, France
Favorite cheese: American
Funniest animal: Chimp
Childhood toy: Yo-yo
Hats owned: 4
Breakfast item: Bacon, egg, & cheese burrito
Person to meet: President Obama
Special talent: Freestyle rap
Oddest pet name heard: “Scrappy Doodles”
Funniest dream: Scoring 3 touchdowns in a game
Favorite board game: Monopoly
Thing to do with a time machine: Shake hands with George Washington
*Photos courtesy of Rodney Bush, Texas Southern Athletics.
DREW GELDBACH, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE
*CFPA FCS PLACEKICKER PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Role model: Dad
Best actor: Denzel Washington
Place to visit: California
Cartoon character: Peter Griffin
Childhood toy: Toy truck
Nickname: “Mailbox”
Person to meet: Neil Rackers
Favorite dessert: Grandma’s Pecan Pie
Movie in which to star: Book of Eli
Scariest animal: Spiders
Cleat size: 12.5
Most expensive haircut: I buzz my own
Historical event to see in a time machine: Normandy
Favorite snack: Chicken wings
Times hypnotized: 1
Favorite cheese: Parmesan
Oddest dream: Playing QB due to injuries
*Photos courtesy of Jeff Honza, Southeast Missouri State Athletics.
JEFFERY ANDERSON, UAB
*CFPA TIGHT END PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
T-shirt size: XXXL
Animal of resemblance: Black bear
Favorite spot on campus: The HUC
Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan
Person to clone: LeBron James
Favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated
Thing to do with a time machine: See the cavemen
Sports team to own: New York Yankees
Funniest animal: Anteater
Oddest dream: Skiing off a cliff onto a beach
Childhood toy: Legos building blocks
*Photos courtesy of Tyson Mathews, UAB.
JOEL BRADFORD, CHATTANOOGA
*CFPA FCS NATIONAL PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Person to meet: Tony Dungy
Scariest horror film: Just the previews for Paranormal Activity
Pizza topping: Pepperoni
Nickname: “Batman”
Sports team to own: Indianapolis Colts
Thing to see in a time machine: Civil War & World War II
Place to visit: Israel
Favorite actor: Will Smith
Childhood toy: Stuffed animal mouse & G.I. Joe action figures
Oddest dream: Dinosaurs returning and eating people
*Photos courtesy of Jay Blackman, Ph.D., Chattanooga.
DANIEL BARSTEIN, DARTMOUTH
*CFPA FCS PUNTER OF THE WEEK
Person to meet: Adam Sandler
Childhood toy: Stuffed animal lion
Nickname: “Barny”
Pizza topping: Cheese
Sports team to own: N.Y. Jets
Thing to do with a time machine: Start playing football earlier
Place to visit: Alaska
Spot on campus: The Green
Musical instrument: Guitar
Movie in which to star: Anchorman
Cleat size: 12
Scariest animal: Snake
Oddest food tried: Frog legs
*Photos courtesy of Rick Bender, Dartmouth Athletics
DARREN MCCRAY, GEORGIA STATE
*CFPA FCS KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
Movie in which to star: Superbad
Person to meet: Mom & Dad’s parents
Nickname: “DMAC”
Childhood toy: Videogames
Sports team to own: Miami Dolphins
Special talent: Photographic memory
Funniest dream: Scoring a touchdown with Mom running on field
Favorite actor: Denzel Washington
Most difficult videogame: Grand Theft Auto series
Oddest food tried: Chocolate-covered ants
Thing to see in a time machine: Flying cars
*Photo courtesy of Georgia State Athletics.
KEVIN ROBB, SOUTH DAKOTA
*CFPA FCS PLACEKICKER OF THE WEEK
Inspirational figure: Harry Truman
Sports team to own: Manchester United
Nickname: “K-ROB”
Place to visit: Manchester, England
Person to meet: Wayne Rooney
Favorite actor: Robert Pattinson (joke)
Pizza topping: Pepperoni
Childhood toy: Power Rangers toy gun
Funniest dream: Being late to a Coach Sprague meeting
Oddest food: Alligator
Scariest animal: Spiders
Movie in which to star: Couples Retreat
*Photo courtesy of South Dakota Athletics.
TERENCE FELLS-DANZER, VIRGINIA
*CFPA KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
Movie in which to star: Iron Man
Role model: My grandfather
Nickname: “TFD”
Childhood toy: Yellow Tonka truck
Sports team to own: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite dramatist: William Shakespeare
Favorite actor: Morgan Freeman
Breakfast item: Sausage gravy & biscuits
Oddest food tried: Cricket-flavored lollipop
Spot on campus: The White Spot
Oddest dream: Flying from a skyscraper
*Photo courtesy of Eric Kelley & UVA Athletics.
JUAN NUNEZ, WESTERN MICHIGAN
*CFPA WIDE RECEIVER PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Nickname: “Gordo”
Role model: Dad
Funniest animal: Cheetah
Hats owned: 6
Pizza topping: Cheese
Person to meet: Brandon Marshall
Favorite food: Spaghetti & shrimp
Most difficult videogame: World of Warfare
Spot on campus: Student Rec. Center
*Photo courtesy of GS Photo & Mat Kanan, Western Michigan Athletics.
PHILLIP LIVAS – LOUISIANA TECH
*CFPA KICKOFF RETURNER OF THE WEEK
Special talent: Frontflips & Backflips
Funniest animal: Monkey
Favorite spot on campus: Student center
Childhood toy: Power Wheels
Best cartoon character: Bart Simpson
Advice to young returners: Don’t think too much
Thing to do with a time machine: See the dinosaurs
Person to meet: President Barack Obama
Vacation of choice: Paris, France
Pizza topping: Pepperoni & sausage
Favorite videogame: NCAA Football
Place to visit: Europe
Movie in which to star: Friday Night Lights
Sports team to own: New Orleans Saints
Breakfast item: Pancakes
Nickname: “No Lies”
*Photos courtesy of Patrick Walsh, Louisiana Tech Athletics.