Richardson leads wealth of University returning experience

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University bounced back from an abnormal two-win campaign in 2015 with an eight-win season and playoff appearance in 2016.

With most of that talent back, the Hawks have even higher expectations heading into 2017.

“Last year, I thought that we probably overachieved,” said University coach John Kelley. “We had a big win over Wheeling Park and only lost to Fairmont Senior and Morgantown in the regular season – two really good teams. Our group is all back, so now they have to live up to that hype.”

A lot of that hype has centered around 6-foot-2, 200 pound junior receiver Amir Richardson who has scholarship offers from both WVU and Marshall.

“Amir has several offers on the table and more to come. He’s only a junior and that’s great to have around,” Kelley said. “He’s multidimensional – he’s not just a good receiver or defensive back. He can also play the Wildcat at quarterback and he’s a great kick returner. To have him back, with the other talent we have, is very reassuring.”

The Hawks will have another veteran at quarterback in senior and three-year starter Clay Bailey who threw for 1,098 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He added 294 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground as well.

“We’re going to keep people real honest, because they’re going to have to double-cover Amir (Richardson) or they’re going to be in trouble,” Kelley said. “We have a lot of good receivers overall, including Amir, Hunter (Cottrell), Kobe Turlington and Evan Parow. We’re going to spread people out and make them play the whole field.”

One significant loss for the Hawks will be replacing all-state fullback and linebacker Isaiah Utt who was a preferred walk-on with WVU.

“A franchise player like Isaiah Utt is difficult to replace,” Kelley said. “We’re not going to be able to line up and just pound people. But with our receivers, along with depth and speed in the backfield, I feel good about that.

“Like every other coach, I’m worried about the offensive line, but they’re coming together really well and I think we’ll be okay there,” Kelley continued. “We have a lot of kids play on both sides of the ball and defensively we should be strong, too.”

Senior running back/linebacker Trevor Barnhart is another one of the Hawks’ leaders back in the mix after rushing for 309 yards and eight touchdowns a season ago. He also collected 103 tackles (25 for a loss) and four sacks defensively.

Senior Robert Sanders and junior Ben Gribble will add to that offensive backfield depth, while sophomore fullback Logan Raber is also expected to make an impact.

Plenty of experience returns defensively as well.

“I think our linebacking core is strong and our secondary will be really good,” Kelley said. “I think our strength will be our linebackers. We have four guys up front who can plug some holes and we’ll take it from there.”

The Hawks open up the year at home against John Marshall, while an important mid-season stretch includes back-to-back games against Wheeling Park in Week 4 and Fairmont Senior in Week 5.