The 2007 St. John’s offense was virtually unstoppable, passing at will, running unmolested through holes the size of small homes, a true sight to behold—on the home turf at Clemens Stadium, that is. The disjointed, sputtering offense that showed up in the Johnnies’ road contests was another thing altogether.
The passing game, led by four-year starter Alex Kofoed at quarterback, was expected to provide consistency while the inexperienced rushing attack found its feet. Instead, the passing attack’s inconsistent play on the road (215.5 passing yards per game versus 312.5 at home) predictably carried over to the scoreboard (48.5 points per game at home, 23 on the road), the standings (6-0 at home, 4-2 away), and an earlier-than-anticipated exit from the playoffs (Kofoed completed a career-low 47% of his passes as the Johnnies fell to Central (IA) 37-7 to end their season).
Like most every college football team, the Johnnies offense has numerous holes to fill as they look towards 2008. A four game homestand to start the season will allow the new faces an opportunity to get acclimated, but success in 2008 will hinge in how the team performs in its first road game—at two-time defending MIAC champ Bethel.
Here’s a position-by-position look at the players who have moved on, those who hope to grow into a larger role, and some significant newcomers to the program.
Offensive Line
It’s often said that the hard work done by offensive linemen largely goes unnoticed, but when you are as good as center Andrew Salvato was it is impossible to dodge the limelight for long. Salvato was a d3football.com All-American honorable mention and All-MIAC first-teamer; his graduation leaves a huge gap in the middle of Johnnies’ offensive line. Also lost to graduation are 2nd team All-MIAC tackle Jason Brodmerkel and guard Jason Primus.
While the loss of three starters doesn’t help, the Johnnies’ returning offensive line corps is not entirely void of game experience. Junior tackle Ben Dimond and senior guard Dan Gamache each started 10 games in 2007 and expect to anchor the line in 2008. Returning juniors Blaine Anderson, Drew Percival, and Greg Sowden all saw action last season and will be in the mix for greater playing time.
One newcomer who could considerably soften the blow of losing Salvato is junior Erik Kottom. Kottom comes to St. John’s after a year each spent at Wyoming and the University of Minnesota. He has experience at all three line positions (and even played some tight end during his prep career at Eden Prairie), but is expected to see time at guard for the Johnnies. Highlighting the class of incoming freshmen are two players who took part in the State High School All-Star game, Eric Dirkes of Albany and center Jimmy Stodolka of St. Thomas Academy. Both could see time as freshmen.
Tight End
One position that has not been decimated by graduation is tight end, where the Johnnies return senior Brett Saladin. Saladin missed virtually all of 2006 after suffering a severe neck injury but returned to action in 2007, combining tough blocking with good hands (34 catches, 404 yards, 3 TDs in 2007).
Sophomore Josh Overman also saw considerable playing time in 2007, appearing in 7 games as a freshman. Considered more of a threat in the passing game, two of Overman’s nine catchers went for touchdowns last season. He could split time between tight end and wide receiver this season.
Wide Receiver
The 2007 season saw Johnnies senior wide receiver Brian Weber blossom from a talented deep threat into the team’s best all-round receiver. His 1,031 yards paced the team and were good enough for 17th in the nation, earning him second team All-MIAC honors. While Weber is lost to graduation, the Johnnies also saw junior-to-be Ben Vanderheyden grow nicely into his role as #2 receiver. At 6’2”, Vanderheyden provides size that many recent St. John’s wideouts have not possessed and should transition nicely into the role of top receiving threat.
The Johnnies depth at wide receiver has also taken a hit entering 2008, as complementary receivers Chace Pollock and Derek Solt were lost to graduation. Look for seniors Brian Busack and Paul Zawacki to see more time at the receiver position this season. Sophomore Brian Virnig, who saw action at running back last season, has been working with the receiving corps this year, a sign that the team is searching for added depth at the position. This could open the door for a talented freshman or two to see some playing time.
Running Back
When Mike Patnode (807 yards rushing, 414 yards receiving) was injured prior to the start of last season, it opened the door for Aaron Blackmore (410 yards rushing, 182 yards receiving) to start the first two games of the year. After Patnode returned to full health, the seniors continued to start along side each other in the backfield, splitting carries and taking on an expanded role in the passing game. Having lost both players to graduation, the Johnnies face an empty backfield but a few viable (and experienced) options to fill it.
Senior-to-be Jeff Schnobrich spent the majority of 2007 clearing the way for Patnode and Blackmore, even starting 5 games when injuries slowed the top two backs. Look for him to see more carries in 2008 as one of the starting running backs. Other returning players in the mix for a starting spot in the backfield include senior Billy Ryan, junior Kellen Blaser, and sophomore Nick Murray.
More backfield help may be on the horizon as the Johnnies landed three prized recruits at running back in Harry Awe (Minnehaha Academy), Sam Pederson (La Crosse (WI) Aquinas), and State All-Star Game participant Jimmy Loonan (Waseca). With the running back position wide-open, there should be playing time available for anyone who performs.
And that should just about wrap things up for the offense, tune in next time for a look at the defense.
What’s that? One more position?
Oh yeah, the quarterbacks—the biggest topic of discussion entering the 2008 season.
Quarterbacks
Four year starter and 2007 Gagliardi Trophy finalist Alex Kofoed needs no introduction. You probably remember at least a few of his 830 completions, 10,737 passing yards, 100 passing touchdowns, and 38 wins as a starting quarterback — all St. John’s records. For the first time since the first week of the 2004 season, the Johnnies enter 2008 with someone besides Kofoed as their quarterback. Barely more than a week before the season kicks off, there are still three viable candidates for the job.
Junior Jordan Hansel spent 2007 as the top backup to Kofoed, appearing in 7 games and attempting 28 passes, three of which went for touchdowns. He benefits from getting the most reps with the second team offense in 2007, much of which has graduated to first string this season.
Sophomore Joe Boyle opened quite a few eyes with the athleticism he displayed as a freshman third string quarterback in 2007. Entering most games well after the matter had been decided and offense had been shut down for the day, Boyle still showed glimpses of a running/passing combination that has been missing from the St. John’s quarterback position in recent years. While he is a year behind the other quarterback candidates in experience, he also has an extra year of eligibility on them—something that might pay off if the coaching staff is concerned with cultivating a quarterback for the future.
Something of a forgotten man, junior Michael Crees returns to action after missing all of 2007 with a shoulder injury. The principle backup quarterback in 2006, Crees is the last Johnnie to start a game at the position besides Alex Kofoed, starting in place of an injured Kofoed against Carleton in 2006. The biggest question mark surrounding Crees is whether he is fully recovered from his injury and whether any rust remains from his missed campaign. If fully healthy, he could add another strong arm to the quarterback mix.
Remember, the last time the Johnnies entered a season without a clear-cut favorite for the starting quarterback position, 2004, they elected to use the season’s opening game as something of an open audition. They lost the game, 30-28 to UW-Eau Claire, but gained a starting quarterback as their fourth candidate, one Alex Kofoed, led them on a spirited 4th quarter comeback that fell just short. Expect this season’s battle to play out much the same way, with the competition spilling over into the first game or two and all three quarterbacks seeing plenty of action until one player seperates himself from the pack.
While the Johnnies certainly enter 2008 with a bunch of holes to fill on offense, this is familiar territory for the team that always seems to be replacing irreplaceable legends with new irreplaceable legends. In addition to the names mentioned above, there are countless others at each position striving for their chance. Part of the fun of each new Johnnie season is finding out which new legend will emerge.
