The Cal U Vulcans posted an 8-3 record last season and a third place finish in the PSAC West. With a lot of questions on offense, the Cal U defense should be stout once again in 2013. Overall, the Vulcans are returning 10 total starters. They’re losing their starting quarterback and their starting running back but are returning their top receiver. Defensively, a transfer senior safety should come up big along with an All American defensive lineman.
Here’s a look at what to expect for the Vulcans in 2013.
PSAC WEST PRESEASON POLL RANKING: 4
OFFENSE
WR – Mike Williams – Though he doesn’t have a star at quarterback, Williams is rated the 27th best player in D2 football coming into 2013, the highest rated player from the PSAC West. He’s also a D2football.com Preseason All-American First Team selection coming into the season. Last season he caught 73 passes for 1,006 yards and 10 touchdowns. All of those were career highs for Williams. Coming in as a senior leader on this offense, Williams will be looking to take over. With his speed, he’ll be looking for a chance to impress NFL scouts and put up big numbers in 2013.
RB – Jeff Knox Jr – Though he’s listed as a running back, Knox Jr. is a guy who literally do everything for the Vulcans. Last season he saw time at running back, defensive back, and special teams. He posted 205 yards on 57 carries and a team-leading 9 rushing touchdowns. Defensively he finished with 38 total tackles and 1.5 tackle-for-loss. He also had 21 kickoff returns for 512 yards. He’s been playing all three phases of the game since coming to Cal U.
WR – Trey Johnson – Johnson will be on the other side of Williams on offense and make an impact in the return game with Knox Jr. He was second in receiving last year for the team with 50 catches for 651 yards and 6 touchdowns while only starting seven games. He finished with 133 yards on 13 punt returns and 274 yards on 12 kickoff returns. He led the team in all purpose yards with 1,058 yards. Also a senior, Johnson will impact the game one way or the other.
DEFENSE
DE – BJ Stephens – Stephens is the returning leader on defense. He was rated the 41st best D2 player in the country and named to the Preseason All-American first team by Lindy’s and Sporting News, and a D2football.com Preseason All American Third Team selection. He tallied 60 total tackles last season including 22.5 for a loss. 14.5 of those were sacks. He can step back and play linebacker or bullrush you from the line. He’ll be drawing double teams and freeing up everyone else on the defensive line.
DB – Dewey McDonald – McDonald is a guy that fans should be excited about. After transferring from Fairmont State, McDonald will be filling the shoes of Rontez Miles, who is currently on the New York Jets roster. McDonald sat out last season due to an injury but in 2011 he registered 73 total tackles, 4 for a loss, and defended 6 passes. He’s known for his hard hitting ability and his ability to step up and play the run. A running back in high school, McDonald has good ball skills and instincts. This is my player to watch in the entire division.
DB – CJ Townes – Townes is a returning senior on the defensive side of the ball. He played in every game last season and started seven. He finished with 66 total tackles with 31 of them being solo tackles. He had three games in which he posted double-digit tackles, including 13 against Millersville and West Chester. He’ll be counted on to step up in 2013.
Photo Credit: Cal U
