A CLOSER LOOK AT: WEST MEMPHIS
Preseason ranking: 6th Head coach: Lanny Dauksch Last season: 10-2 (lost to Bentonville, 42-14, in second round of 7A playoffs) So long: RB-DB Quinton Sparkman; WR-LB Cody Dauksch Welcome back: RB Kendell Allen (speed burner in line for big season, provided offensive line develops quickly); FB Jarvis Cooper (240-pounder also boasts 4.6 speed); OL Jamarcus Arnold (leader on a young unit) run a slew of trick plays, never punt no matter how much is needed for a first down and onsides kick constantly. Against Cabot last season, they scored 29 points before their opponents even touched the ball.
Add in a beefed up conference schedule that will feature games against 7A newcomers Cabot, North Little Rock and Little Rock Central and it makes for a challenging year.
“It’s going to make the regular season a lot tougher,” said Dauksch. “But hopefully those games will get us ready for the post- nal guy,” Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen said. “The Big East, they did a very, very thorough and impressive search. I’m very excited to be able to get to work with him.”
Before joining CBS Sports, Aresco worked at ESPN where he was responsible for overseeing the acquisition, scheduling and development of long-term strategies for all of ESPN and ESPN2 season.”
As they often do, the Blue Devils will rely on the ground game to produce offense. And they have a pair of good ones in speedy tailback Kendell Allen (5-11, 175) and 240-pound fullback Jarvis Cooper.
“We’ve got good speed on offense,” said Dauksch. “We need our offensive line to come on quickly, we’ve only got two starters returning. And our defensive backs are skilled but not experienced. It’s tough; if you’re not ready at those two positions you’re going to get beat quick.” college sports properties. He joined ESPN in 1984 and was named assistant general counsel in 1988.
U of M president Shirley Raines, through athletic department spokesman Bob Winn, said she was involved in the review of the candidates, but, as a nonmember institution, said “we did not have a vote.” The Associated Press contributed to this story.