Several key position battles highlight Yellow Jackets football camp
I hate to say it, but residents of South East Street in Waynesburg better be ready for the annual migration that takes place every year around this time.
That’s right, the Waynesburg University football team is back in town and summer camp will be in full swing within the next few days. For those that make their homes near John F. Wiley Stadium, that means they will have to get used to the sound of cracking pads, music blaring over the loud speakers and the shrill sounds of coaches’ whistles piercing the hot, humid August air.
Over the next two weeks, second-year head coach Chris Smithley and his staff have some big decisions to make before the 2018 season kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 1. Unfortunately, for the Yellow Jackets, one of their toughest position battles is the same facing the likes of Alabama, Clemson and Florida State.
Who is going to be the starting quarterback?
Back in 2015, it looked like Waynesburg might not have to deal with a position battle behind center for four years after then-freshman Jake Dougherty hit the scene and was named honorable mention All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC).
However, a season-ending injury during his sophomore year opened the door for current junior Tyler Perone, who highlighted his first year with the team after transferring from Seton Hill by lighting up Thiel for 401 yards during a 2016 loss.
Last year, Perone proved to be the more proficient passer, but the Jackets opened the year 0-7 with the former Seton La Salle standout under center. Waynesburg then took Dougherty, who was moved to wide receiver before the year started, back to quarterback and he led his team to back-to-back victories while running a more streamlined, run-based attack.
Flash forward to this year’s training camp and once again, the two will be jockeying for the starting job. Adding some intrigue to the question of who gets the top spot on the depth chart is Smithley’s comment at PAC Media Day that he expects at least one of this year’s incoming freshmen to push the veteran favorites.
Unfortunately for Waynesburg, quarterback isn’t the only offensive backfield position battle. The graduation of senior Austin Wilson, who rushed for a team-best 472 yards and four touchdowns on 109 carries, means he is no longer an option. In terms of veteran returners, speedy junior Chad Walker and senior power back Ben Ciero look to be the first in line to take the bulk of the touches.
However, Walker, who spent time at slot receiver in 2017, also projects as a major contributor to the passing game. Ciero has shown flashes of being effective, but he has to stay healthy to reach his full potential. Again, Smithley expects this year’s freshmen to be legitimate contenders for starting snaps.
This season could mark the beginning of a great run for Waynesburg wide receivers after several young individuals showcased what they could do last year. Along with Walker, both JaWuan Jones and Cole Booth seemed to make drastic enough improvements to work their way into starting spots before 2017 came to an end.
The Orange and Black defense will be anchored by its secondary, which is led by senior cornerback Justin Willkow, who may be the most physically gifted player on the entire team. At 6-2 and over 200 pounds, Willkow looks the part of a Division-I defensive back playing at the Division-III level.
Raider football fans need to get to Wiley for all five of Waynesburg’s home games to see the final act of former Waynesburg Central standout John Glen Davis’ stellar scholastic playing career. Davis, a returning honorable mention All-PAC pick at linebacker, led the Jackets and ranked fourth in the conference with 9.1 tackles per contest.
After three weeks of practice and scrimmages, the Yellow Jackets officially kick off the 2018 season against Muskingum on the first day of September.
Start time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.