The Maroon & White coaches and players head into the 2010 campaign in familiar territory a season after their fourth Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game.  Ever since Jones became the head coach on “The Hill” in 2002, the Bulldogs have enjoyed four SCG appearances. A&M’s fourth SCG ended like the two previous contest did with a lost to end the season. Despite another rugged schedule in 2010, A&M returns 35 letter winners and 10 starters and are poised to work their way back to their fifth SWAC championship.

The Team: Alabama A&M returns six starters on offense and eight on defense for the 2010 season, along with 15 returning letter winners on offense and 20 on defense. The Bulldogs also retain the services of quarterback Deaunte Mason and five other players who have earned All-SWAC accolades during their careers.

Offense: Jones said the 2010 offense looks a lot different now that three of A&M’s all-time players are gone.  Here is a position-by-position look at the Bulldog offensive unit. 

Quarterback – Deaunte Mason returns after earning the starting role at the fourth game of the year.  Mason threw 1018 yards on 94-180 completions/attempts last season. He threw six touchdowns and just six interceptions, plus scoring six rushing touchdowns on the season. According to Jones no one behind him has seen a snap at the collegiate level.

Tailback – All-American running back Ulysses Banks is gone and the job of replacing him begins. Tony Green who, gives a solid punch to the A&M backfield, carried the ball for 209 yards on 72 carries and a score in 2009. Green along with Terrell Badie, Reuben Ford and Kaderius Lacey will look handle the tailback position.

Fullback – Devron Ownesby looks like the early favorite but Barney Nelson’s move from the line backer role will help with speed. 

Wide Receiver – Rashad Johnson looks to assume the playmaker role in 2010.  The Mobile, Alabama native caught 38 passes for 455 yards and two scores. Quintin Carlock and Torey Smith are two of a host of Bulldogs who will look to make it a smooth transition.  Jones mentioned they will look to all their receivers to make the passing game as efficient as possible. 

Offensive Line – Three of the five starters returning include Jamaal Johnson-Webb (left tackle), Russell Jackson (left guard), and Anquez Jackson (right tackle). These three individuals along with a host of young players will see action on the field because of the limited bodies available.

Tight End – A&M lost a stout tight end in Todd Leichtfuss, who also served as long snapper. Jared Bing, Kenneth Harris, and a newcomer who is making his way into the program Bobby Goldsby, will secure the tight end position.  “With Tedric Owens and another signee at that position we look to have a good one-two punch in which we will use to solidify the tight end position, “Jones said.

Defense: “We look to have a sound unit, hopefully we come together early and find the right playing style that fits the players on the field,” Jones said

Here is a position-by-position look at the Bulldog defensive unit.

Defensive line –Frank Kearse, Marcus Powe, Preston Nelson, Anthony Jackson and Joey Howard continue to hold up the defensive line position.  Kearse leads the way coming off an All-SWAC season with 33 tackles, 12 for loss. 

Linebackers – Afu Okosun will start at middle linebacker after a 2010 season that saw him total 79 tackles, six for loss, nine sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. Willie Fuller, Larry Lumkin and Markeith Cliatt will add depth throughout the position. With the talent and experience at the position Jones mentioned they will be the heart and soul of the defense.

Cornerbacks – “Maurice Thomas eligibility was up but his leadership and spirit is something we will miss and it will be hard to get by without it,” said head coach Anthony Jones.  Korey Morrison, Cedric Clayburn, Chris Faush and Clarence Morrison will help lead the corners for A&M.  Morrison enjoyed 2009 posting 22 tackles (16 solo) and five interceptions for 113 yards.

Free Safety – Rico Porch will continue to maintain the safety position.  In 2010 Porch ended the year with 44 tackles and three interceptions. Jones said they will have to find some guys who could back Rico up.

Special Teams: “This will be our biggest concern. We lost the long snapper, holder and the kicker.  It is going to be difficult for Chance Wilson but he will assume more roles having to handle the kicking duties while the Bulldogs develop along snapper.  We are going to spend a lot of time on special teams during the preseason,” Jones mentioned.

Punt Returner – The Maroon & White have a few freshmen and a couple of transfers who have expressed interest in the position.  They along with a few other players will have to earn the position by committee.

“Overall we have a chance to compete with our schedule.  We will spend a lot of time during the preseason working on things to create a cohesive unit,” said Jones.   “It is not going to be easy with everyone gunning for us.  As coaches we have to replace what we lost and we have to do it quickly.