Longwood set to improve

CICS-Longwood

2007 record: 2-7

Coach: Robert Lang (6th year)

Returning starters: 11

Players to watch:

DE Melone Shurney, 6-4, 220, Sr.

QB Nate Williams, 6-2, 180, Sr.

LB Donnell Jones, 5-10, 195, Sr.

Outlook: The small charter school is intent to make up for a subpar showing last season. Coach Robert Lang has a strong nucleus behind top prospect Melone Shurney, a long, athletic and rangy defensive end.

The team's key is likely the development of Nate Williams, a talented quarterback blessed with excellent size, a strong arm and quick feet. Donnell  Jones leads the defense. The key is finding enough complementary players to support the top-line athletes.

Coach's take: "Hopefully, we're going to be much improved offensively. We have to be able to move the ball more effectively, because sometimes our defense struggles. We're a small school, and we play a lot of bigger, tradition rich programs in Indiana and Illinois. We like the challenge."--Robert Lang

Patrick Z. McGavin