Bluffton Bobcats: At a glance

Stadium name: Bobcats Stadium

Region: 8-AAA

Coach (years at school): Jeremy West (second year)

Coach’s overall record:4-6

2007 record: 4-6 (2-3 in Region 7-AAA; did not make playoffs.

Coaching staff: Mike Mercer (offensiver coordinator); Bryant Kitty (running backs); Keith Hamilton (receivers); Matt Campbell and Tom Thompson (offensive line); Rufus Bush and Lee Merrick (defensive line); John Houpt (defensive coordinator); Jeff Feaster and Keith Ford (defensive backs); George Haslam (strength coach); Clyde Long (kickers); Craig Waite (defense); Boo Frazier (sideline); Todd Stewart (trainer).

Returning starters: 5 offense, 4 defense

Top returning starters: RB Timmy Smith, RB Zach Frazier, QB Ryan Combs, WR Stephen Bradley, OL/LS Jaron Bishop, WR Brody Ringler, WR Alfonza Powell, K Jordan Rodriguez, NG Akil Brown, OLB Jordan Bryan, OLB Ethan Green, S Desmond Jenkins.

Coach’s prognosis for 2008: We hope to continue to build toward a winning tradition at Bluffton and improve mental toughness. The team strives to make the playoffs.

Projected starters

OFFENSE

QB16 Ryan Combs Took over job late last season

RB 23 Zach Frazier Dangerous ... if he stays healthy

RB 20 Timmy Smith Has become a complete back in offseason

WR 4 Alfonza Powell Receiver with great hands

WR 12 Stephen Bradley One of team’s smartest players

TE 24 Brody Ringler A possession receiver

OL 52 Randy Grayson Big-frame, will battle for tackle position

C 58 Jaron Bishop Leader of the offensive line

OG 66 Lucas Crutchfield Coachable player

OG 71 Phillip Scott Has great technique on the line

OT 76 Chris Tillotson Most improved player since camp opened

OT 77 Matt Sandusky First-year player with enormous size

DEFENSE

DT 50 Steven Szczepanik Transferred from New Jersey

DT 55 Anthony Gardner His improvement has been a pleasant surprise

NG 47 Akil Brown Key position in the 3-4 scheme

LB 42 Sam Bradshaw First year playing defense

LB 17 Darryl Jackson Makes the switch from defensive tackle

LB 10 Jordan Bryan Nine sacks a year go

LB 7 Ethan Green Third in S.C. in tackles for loss last year

CB 12 Stephen Bradley Only two-way starter on the team

CB 2 Jimmy Tillman Athletic build, used to play linebacker

S 15 Taylor McDonnell Physical presence in defensive backfield

S 5 Desmond Jenkins Talented, but not much experience