Upbeat Indians ignoring gloomy forecasters
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ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
JONESBORO -- As far as Arkansas State Coach Joe Hollis is concerned, the "training wheels"are off as the Indians enter their first season back in the Big West Conference after a three-year hiatus as an independent.
ASU was picked to finish last in the conference in a poll taken by coaches and media, but Hollis can't help but feel the Indians will be a factor come November with the return of 16 starters from a 4-8 season.
"It didn't surprise me a bit they picked us last,"Hollis said. "None of the Big West schools, especially the media, can relate to Arkansas State. I don't put any stock in preseason polls. They picked Idaho last last year and they went to the Humanitarian Bowl, beat a very talented Southern Mississippi team and finished 9-3.
"We'll be a better team. We have more veteran players, and they know exactly what we want. Yes, we'll be better."
His optimism may be fueled by the number of skill players he has returning on both sides of the ball. Returning at quarterback is 6-2 junior Cleo Lemon, who enters his third season as a starter. Last season, Lemon set a school record for yards passing with 2,781 and became the first player in school history to throw for more than 400 yards in a game in a 34-31 victory over New Mexico State.
"Cleo gives us an opportunity to win,"Hollis said. "He has physical and mental skills and knows our system. Cleo could be a starter at a number of Division I schools. We're just glad he's at Arkansas State."
The tailback contingent is seasoned, with the return of three-year starter Lamont Zachery and sophomore Jonathan Adams.
Hindered by injuries early in the season, Zachery rallied late to lead the team in rushing with a 50.7-yard average and was sixth in receiving. Adams, a Parade All-American out of Osceola, also was limited by injuries last season but is full speed and 15 pounds lighter when he reported for preseason drills.
"Lamont and Jonathan both had great off-seasons,"Hollis said.
At receiver, junior Robert Kilow is expected to fill the void left by Lennie Johnson, who finished his career as the school's all-time receiving leader. Kilow suffered a season-ending collarbone injury in the ninth game against Memphis but finished second on the team in receptions (29) and receiving yardage (661).
But the biggest question mark from last year is the offensive line, which yielded 37 sacks and was primarily responsible for a Division I-A low 85.1 yards rushing per game.
"I truly think you achieve what you emphasize,"Hollis said. "We've recruited a stronger, bigger offensive line. We have redshirt freshmen who will be involved in a two-deep. Patrick Birdwell is healthy and Garrick Jones and Jamie Pond started 12 ballgames for us last year and they've gotten better and better.
"With the depth we've established the last two years, I feel good about it."
Defense was also a sore spot from last season as the Indians yielded an average of 32 points and 446 yards. Leon Burtnett, a former head coach at Purdue, was named ASU's fifth defensive coordinator in as many seasons.
"You'll see us be more aggressive because we have better athletes,"Hollis said. "The total defense has been somewhat like the offensive line in that we have channeled our recruiting toward making it better. We have better size and I think we'll get some help from our newcomers. We've emphasized stopping people and being able to win a game 13-10."
One strength will likely be in the secondary. Junior Sean Mitchell, who led the team with 75 tackles, returns at strong safety, and Reggie Cooley, a former outside linebacker, will likely get the start at free safety.
Junior Kishan Kotton returns as a starter at cornerback. Junior college transfer Hanis Bowens will likely be the other starting cornerback.
This article was published on Sunday, August 29, 1999
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