Welcome to the Sun Belt! This will be David Elson and the Hilltoppers‘ first season as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Most major sporting news networks ranked the Hilltoppers to be dead last in the league. Last season, they were 111th in total offense (286.1 yds/game), 73rd in total defense (375.3 yds/game) and 111th in points allowed (27.2 points/game). With their best recruiting class ever, the Hilltoppers should improve from last season’s 2-10 mark.
The Offense returns eight starters with first year offensive line coach Walter Wells blowing the whistle. Wells will keep the spread option but will add a dual tight end package with Tritan Jones and Jack Doyle. The QB position is inexperienced, but there are 3 QBs that will vie for the job who must throw the ball better. All five returning offensive linemen will create some holes for the ground game and the Hilltoppers return their top three running backs in Sr. Tyrell Hayden (1,134 yards, 10 TDs), Sr. Marell Booker (285 yards, 3 TDs), and So. Bobby Rainey. Expect to see several under-center power sets with this trio. Last season, the passing numbers were unacceptable. Jake Gaebler has great potential (54 receptions, 4TDs) and will be the go to receiver as he was the most consistent player last season.
The Hilltoppers also introduce new defensive coordinator Mike Dietzel to overcome the shaky run defense. He will run the 3-4 scheme led by Sr LB Blake Boyd. The line will be a little weak this season at it will be felt when the Hilltoppers face Tennessee on opening day. The secondary should be average with Santoro and Beard stopping the pass. The youngsters will need to grow up fast.
Special Teams will be strong with return man Bobby Rainey leading the charge averaging over 30 yards/return. The kicker position is still up but there are players that will compete. Punter Jeremy Moore is back in the line-up who averaged 36.9 yards/punt.
The Hilltoppers should improve from last years 2-10 mark. Underclassmen will be playing most of the minutes and someone must shine at the QB position. WKU wont win the Sunbelt, but if they play strong and prove the doubters wrong about their depth and experience, they should fare better than last year’s 0-5 record against conference foes.
