MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Rhodes College football team is expecting its largest football roster in school history to report for fall practice on August 11 as they prepare for the 2013 campaign.
Head Coach Dan Gritti and the Rhodes coaching staff, who will be welcoming a record setting lineup of over 100 student athletes, have high hopes that the team can build on their successful 6-3 season of a year ago.
The Lynx, whose finish last year was the best in a decade, will return 19 of 22 starters to the 2013 lineup, including nine defensive starters and ten offensive returners.
With a wealth of experience returning, the offensive charge will be led by sophomore quarterback Blake Box who started eight out of nine games for the Lynx last season.
Offering protection to Box will be all five starters from a year ago on the offensive line, including second team all-conference member's junior-captain Landon Jones and Ben Primes.
With the departure of senior Jack Lartigue, who last year set the Rhodes single game record for most receptions in a contest, the wide receivers have some room to grow and will be led by sophomore Jonathan Wiener and junior Mike Edel.
In 2012, the Lynx defense set the precedent by leading the conference in scoring defense with 19.3 ppg as well as in rushing defense averaging 133 ypg. Rhodes also finished the year nationally ranked in several categories. The Lynx ended the season fifth in the nation in kickoff defense, sixth nationally in kickoff return and ranked 27 in net punt.
The defensive efforts will be led by a host of returning members who hold both experience and many honors.
Defensive line members include senior captain Zac Hart and senior Michael Olushoga. The linebacker crew returns Raby Shield and second team all-conference member senior Walker McWherter. Defensive Backs will be led by senior captain Stanton Brown and first team all-conference selection junior Justin Toliver.
The Lynx will open their season at home on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. against former conference rivals Austin College at Crain Field.
