2011 Football Preview: Dublin Coffman

[Eric Frantz]

Dublin Coffman (8-3, D-I R3 Quarterfinalist)

* Players to Watch – WR Marcus Davis (5-10, 170, sr.), LB Mitch Kraly (6-0, 195, sr.), WR/DB Trey Scott (6-1, 185, sr.), WR/DB Taylor Williams (5-11, 175, sr.), LB Tyler Magee (6-0, 200, sr.), DE Miles McCollum (6-3, 235, jr.), QB James Walsh (6-1, 184, jr.)

* Outlook – The Rocks have rolled to the playoffs eight of the last 10 years, but head coach Mark Crabtree (11th season) must fill some holes after losing 33 seniors. Williams is one of Central Ohio’s top players (45 tackles, eight blocked kicks and four INTs) and holds offers from several MAC schools. Davis is a game-changer (53 catches, 700 yards, seven TDs). Kraly (63 tackles) anchors the defense. Walsh steps into one of the most prized positions in Central Ohio – Coffman’s QB spot.

[Walking Boss]

I think the defense is going to have issues. Especially the front 7. Coffman has done well with "team" schemes in the past. The '09 team in particular was a tremendously good unit with just a lot of "good" football players but not a lot of "star" players. The '10 version of the defense, unfortunately, did not even have a lot of "good" football players on it and the defense seemed inept in two outings vs. Westerville South and the one against Davidson. They seemed simply entirely incapable of defending against the run. I found it curious that after Peanut hung 3-hundo on them in September, they had no better scheme when they met again in November. This is as much the coaches' fault as the players, but come on. Both Scioto and Jerome held him to under 150 each and they arguably had less defensive talent than Coffman did last year. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of reason to believe that the '11 version will be any better than the '10. Fortunately, Peanut Jackson has taken his talents to Grand Rapids.

On offense, Walsh will have a ton of guys to throw to, but the o-line will be challenged. I would keep an eye on RB Bilal Williamson. He had a breakout game vs. Liberty last year. I would look for him to rack up a lot of carries and a lot of yards, as the break-in Walsh and try to keep the defense honest as the o-line gels. Plus, he won't have Ezra Kim to split carries with.

The first two weeks will tell us a lot about how the season will go. Liberty and Westerville South will both be decent R3 teams and arguably both will compete for playoff slots. How the Rocks fare against them will tell us a lot. TW, Westland, and CC will be automatic victories. Kilbourne will be down, so they're likely spotted 4 victories before 2-adays start. UA will be improved, Darby will be solid, and Davidson will still be strong. I think a 5-2 or 4-3 OCC record is likely, making the non-league games crucial. Especially since Coffman will likely be competing against Liberty and WS for a 5-8 seed in R3.