North Dakota State Set to Tackle Another Challenging Schedule in 2007 (Part One)
8/11/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
North Dakota State completed the 2006 season with a 10-1 record under the direction of head coach Craig Bohl, including an 8-0 record against NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly I-AA) schools and a 29-24 win over Mid-American Conference member Ball State.
The Bison went 4-0 to win the Great West Football Conference championship ? the program's first league title since 1994 when NDSU was a member of the Division II North Central Conference.
NDSU was ranked No. 5 in The Sports Network and CSN Coaches final Top 25 polls. The Bison lost 10-9 to bowl-participant Minnesota of the Big Ten at the Metrodome.
North Dakota State averaged a school record 16,377 fans over five home games at the Fargodome and ranked No. 6 in FCS attendance. The Bison were 5-0 at home last season and stand 20-3 over the four seasons since Bohl has arrived in Fargo.
However, that was last year. And the focus of the offseason workouts has been toward the 2007 season that features a new set of challenges. Here's a look at the offense, on deck tomorrow is the defense and special teams.
OFFENSE
The offense returns eight starters including senior quarerback Steve Walker, who was the Great West Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award and All-America offensive tackle Nate Safe to mention a few.
The Bison ranked sixth nationally in scoring offense (34 ppg), ninth in total offense (398.91 ypg), 17th in rushing offense (193.82 ypg) and 34th in passing offense (205.1 ypg).
"The thing we strive to do is have a balanced offense. Anytime you look at the offense, it starts with the quarterback and we're fortunate to have a four-year player in Steve Walker," said Bohl.
"Steve has a good understanding of our offense and last year he really improved his completion percentage and touchdown to interception ratio. He made a lot of plays and had a really good spring. We're really pleased to have him back."
With Walker at the helm the Bison were efficient in the two-minute offense, hit on 54 percent on third down conversions and were only turned away seven times in 47 attempts in the always important red zone.
The next place you look at is the offensive line. In my mind, this is the most physically talented group," said Bohl.
"Even though we have some new players up there, potentially, it can be our best offensive line that we've had since I've been our head coach. They have a good understanding of what's going on and have their size and movement is all positive."
Quarterback
Senior Steve Walker (6-0½, 210) returns as one of the top quarterbacks in the FCS. He has continued impress coaches and teammates with his poise and his tenacity. His uncanny ability to lead with the game on the line sets him apart
Walker completed 185 of 288 passes (64.2%) for 2,220 yards and 16 TDs to lead the Bison to their highest regular season national ranking (4th) since the move to Division I.
His four interceptions in 2006 was a Great West low among starting quarterbacks.
Walker is within 64 yards of the program's all-time record. He looks to add to the NDSU's career pass completions, attempts and touchdown marks.
"Historically, you can see when offenses have a talented quarterback; you are never out of a ballgame," said Bohl.
"Last year there were several games where we had 10 other players out there but his decisions and his abilities to make plays are unique. He's an excellent playmaker and he played some excellent competition. He's set himself apart and he's a force to be reckoned with."
He has also been a mentor to the younger players including sophomore Nick Mertens (6-0½, 212), who moved to No. 2 on the depth charts after spring practice. Junior Ryan Parson (6-1, 200), who is at No. 3, figures into the offense in a variety of roles.
"Many times, he's pulled the guys aside on the practice field and a lot of things he'll talk about with Coach (Brent) Vigen and bring up in meetings. He's not only mentoring the other quarterbacks but also a lot of the other players," said Bohl.
"Without question, he'll be a three-year captain for us. Those guys are very unique and his abilities as a person exceed his athleticism and his statistics speak for themselves so that's a compliment for his attitude and leadership. It's a huge X-factor for us.
Running Backs/Fullbacks
Gone is three-time 1,000-yard rusher and first team all-GWFC running back Kyle Steffes. It's left a big void to fill, but the Bison enter the season with a great deal of confidence with the players returning to the backfield.
"The wildcard in the running game is the tailback position and so much of it is contingent upon where we are at with our fullback," said Bohl.
"If Tyler Jangula comes back as a capable player, it gives us flexibility to add another tailback with Tyler Roehl. We'll transition him from the fullback position. He's showed good signs but all that is for not if we can't have a solid fullback in there. If we do, we have a good combination of size and speed."
And that combination of size and speed had one local sportswriter say the Bison backfield could feature "Two Tons of Tyler".
Roehl (5-10, 232, Jr.) showcased his running ability catching passes out of the backfield. Last season he caught 22 passes for 259 yards and one TD. He rushed eight times for 14 yards and one TD.
Jangula (6-1½, 249, Jr.) had his season cut short when he injured his knee scoring against Ball State in the third game. He has been course with his rehab.
Sophomore Pete Blincoe (5-7, 182) provided a breather for Steffes as a true freshman and already has a 100-yard effort against Cal Poly under his belt. Junior Mike Brower (6-0, 201) continues to learn the offense. Redshirt freshman Lee Vandal (5-11½, 233) is expected to see time at fullback.
Offensive Line
The NDSU offensive line was tied for fifth nationally in tackles for loss allowed (3.73 tflapg) and 33rd in sacks allowed (1.27 sapg). Five players are back who started at least two games from a line. That experience will pay dividends.
The leader of the group is junior Nate Safe (6-4½, 310), a Street & Smith FCS Preseason All-American, who has started 22 straight games for NDSU at left tackle. He will be backed up by sophomore Gerry Ebel (6-6, 306).
"Nate's been a three-year starter now. The left tackle position is so important on any offense. He has a great understanding of the game. He is strong and has always protected the quarterback's backside," said Bohl.
"He's a very good run blocker with the combination of size and speed. He's the best player we have front up."
Seniors Jerrod Wagner (6-4, 289) and Tyler Lekang (6-2½, 290) will battle for the starting nod at left guard. Wagner started in seven games and fought through injuries, while Lekang stepped in to start two games at center last season.
Junior center Zach Harrington (6-2, 295) continues to improve with each snap and started nine games in 2006. James Septak (6-3, 292, Jr.) will provide depth at that spot.
Sophomore Ryan Foster (6-2, 293) is the projected starter at right guard. Foster provided relief when Wagner went down for four games. Redshirt freshman Michael Arndt (6-6, 306) is expected to contribute this year.
At right tackle, sophomore Keith Buckman (6-4½, 293) will be pushed by Colorado transfer Paul Backowski (6-6, 295) for playing time.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
The Bison coaching staff was sad to see the depature of Travis White, the program's all-time reception leader. However, they're excited about the talent returning at the wide receiver and tight end position.
Junior Kole Heckendorf (6-1, 188) has led the team in receiving over the past two seasons. He caught 52 passes for 752 yards and five TDs. He has the ability to make the sensational catch, but more importantly ? the routine ones.
"Kole Heckendorf turned out to be a big play guy in a lot of games. He's a proven player now," said Bohl."
"He possesses good size and speed to go along with a great work ethic."
Also expected to see time at split end is sophomore Jordan Schultenover (6-2, 207), who showed his speed on special teams.
Senior John Majeski (5-11, 192) and junior Alex Belquist (5-11½, 186) will push each other at flanker. Majeski was one of the top kickoff returners in FCS last season, and also displayed his running ability against South Dakota State. Belquist continues to make strides and looks to build on a strong showing in the spring.
And look for the return of speedy junior Shamen Washington (5-6, 150), who is eager to hit the field after missing last year with a knee injury. Redshirt freshman Gary Williams (5-10, 176) will also provide depth.
"The tight end position in the West Coast offense is very important and we were pleased last year with maturity and improvement of Jerimiah Wurzbacher," said Bohl.
"We saw more of it during the course of spring football and you will see us integrate him into our offense more, getting him some more touches and his blocking ability has improved. He will be a more prevalent weapon than what we had last year."
Wurzbacher (6-5, 250, Jr.) caught 20 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns last year. Sophomore Thor Brown (6-3, 255, So.) is expected to figure into the Bison scheme offensively.
