Carson-Newman Football Position Preview: The Wide Receivers
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the first in an eight-part series breaking down each of Carson-Newman football’s positions. Leading off is wide receivers coach Carl White.
VIDEO: Carl White Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the first in an eight-part series breaking down each of Carson-Newman football's positions. Leading off is wide receivers coach Carl White.
The Eagles' first-year assistant coach inherits a senior-laden group to mentor. The Eagles lost Aaron Seward to graduation and a pro career with the Frankfurt Pirates over the summer. However, C-N's leading receiver, Lonnie Williams (Philadelphia, Pa.) as well as Darvia DuBose (Darlington, S.C.) and Dorren Miller (Roswell, Ga.) return for their senior years.
"This group has leadership," White said. "I think this group has the potential to be pretty special at the end of the day. Everyone certainly has the ability, it's just about putting that ability to use."
Williams is coming off a 500-yard campaign, however, in spite of being the Eagles' number one receiving, Williams never found the end zone.
Williams had just the third 500-yard receiving season for Carson-Newman in the last decade, joining TraShaun Ward and Reggie Hubbard. Williams had back-to-back 100-yard receiving efforts, the first in his career, against Catawba (9/17) and Mars Hill (9/24).
"One thing I've noticed about Lonnie is that he's a quiet guy who goes about his business," White said. "However, he's starting to be more vocal and bring more people to his level. He's helping bring people along and that's exciting to see."
Williams will line up alongside Miller and DuBose.
Dubose ranked fourth on the team, catching 17 passes for 264 yards and three scores. He averaged 15.5 yards a catch and 24 yards per game. He started all but one game for Carson-Newman. He tallied a 100-yard receiving performance in week two with six catches for 104 yards and a score against Saint Augustine's (9/10). His touchdown catch against the Falcons was a 42-yarder. The catches and yards were both career highs.
Miller did the bulk of his damage against Mars Hill (9/24) with a four-catch, 54-yard performance. He had his long reception of the year, 24 yards, that day. He also caught passes against Humboldt State (9/1), Saint Augustine's (9/10) and Tusculum (11/12).
Quinton Phillips, Matt Melton and Mycah Young add depth at the position.
"Q and Matt will compete for spots," White said. "We want an environment that's challenging each and every day. Mycah Young's stepped into that roll a bit. He's a guy who can position himself to get some playing time."
Carson-Newman football's position previews continue Thursday with the linebackers.
