Wayne State University
Record: 12-4 overall, 7-3 GLIAC
Overview: Wayne State University is coming off a magical run that took the program to the brink of an NCAA Division II National Championship before it fell in the title game. Coming off the best season in the 94-year history of the program, the Warriors now must refocus and get ready for the 2012 season – putting behind them memories of the national title game loss to Pittsburg State. This fall, WSU welcomes back 41 letterwinners, including 19 on offense and 21 on defense.
Offense: The Warriors have some big shoes to fill in the offensive backfield with the loss of star running back Josh Renel. Still, the pilot of the offense is back, as Wayne returns quarterback Mickey Mohner. Mohner enters the year with three of the top four passing efficiency ratings in WSU history and has placed his name prominently atop the Warriors’ career record books in completions (417), passing yards (5,937), passing touchdowns (48), passing efficiency (138.2), average yards per pass attempt (8.1), and total offense per play (7.10). All-American junior fullback Chet Privett and junior running back Toney Davis will lead the rushing attack this season. Davis returns, already in the Wayne record books for rushing touchdowns (fourth), points (tied-sixth), and rushing yards. He rushed for 1,557 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago. Mohner will have some targets in the passing game, led by senior receiver Steve Conway. Junior Dominique Maybanks will play a role as a receiver. The receivers will work by committee to fill the void left by All-American Troy Burrell. Sean McAuliffe, a sophomore, leads a young group of tight ends. On the offensive line, Wayne has a combination of experience and youth with senior guards Curtis Ferguson and Mike Hinkle along with sophomore center Thom Box. Wayne will look for candidates to step into the tackle positions. One candidate for a spot is senior Sean McCarthy.
Defense: One of the cornerstones of Wayne State’s run to the NCAA Division II national championship game was a tough, hard-nosed defense. The defense enjoyed 36 takeaways, including 23 interceptions and 13 fumbles. This year’s defense has to replace a good deal of talent, including former safety Jeremy Jones, who is now with the Chicago Bears. Senior cornerback Aaron Cornett is back as a 2012 Lindy’s Pre-Season All-American. Junior Kevin Buford-Wilson and sophomore Gerren DuHart are back in the defensive backfield. Antwon Robinson, who had five interceptions in 2011, returns at safety along with Mazen Jaddou. At linebacker, Nick Thomas, Ed Viverette and Steve O’Shell are back for Wayne. In 2009, Thomas was the Defensive Most Valuable Player for the Warriors. He graduated in May, with honors in Finance, but is back to play as a graduate student. On the defensive line, WSU welcomes back Pat Cecile and Greg Hasse along with junior Andrew Matt at the ends. Tackles are Serxho Guraleci, Zach Houghton, and David Burnley.
Special Teams: At placekicker, Stefan Terleckyj is back for his junior year as WSU’s leader in PAT’s made and attempted, and he ranks fourth in field goals made. He also handled the punting duties in 2011. The return game will miss the talents of Renel. Helping to fill that void is junior James Jackson, who had two kickoff returns for touchdowns last year in just 11 attempts.
Coaching: Paul Winters will enter his ninth season as the reigning American Football Coaches’ Association Division II “Coach of the Year.” This year, Winters welcomes Brad Wilson to his coaching staff as defensive coordinator and mentor of the defensive backs. Wilson previously served as a secondary coach at GLIAC rival Ashland University.
Key Dates: Wayne State opens its season on the road at Ashland on September 8 at 7 p.m. The home opener is September 15, when the Warriors host Lake Erie. For homecoming on October 20, WSU hosts Northern Michigan..