Football

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The defense showed that it is going to be a force to be reckoned with as it put on an impressive display during the Howard University Annual Spring football game at Greene Stadium.

The unit, which is returning several players from  last season's inexperienced squad, dominated the action against a Bison offense that was missing some key performers, who were out due to injuries.

"I was very pleased with the defense," said Howard head coach Carey Bailey, who is entering his third season.  "They had 11 three-and-outs and seemed to be doing a much better job of knowing where they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to do.  It is a big improvement over last season."

Coach Bailey singled out James Robinson (6-1, 280), Will Croner (6-2, 245), Sackie Kerkulah (6-4, 295) and James Carter (6-2, 265) on the front line.  He praised Ian Simon (6-3, 240) and Keith Pough (6-3, 230) on the linebacking crew and Martin Corniffe (6-2, 195), Gerald Jackson (5-11, 185), Arando Jamison (6-1, 190) and Dante Martin (5-8, 180) in the improved secondary.

"They had a good spring and it showed today in their performance," said Bailey, who has taken over the duties of defensive line coach.

Offensively, Bailey pointed to the performances of running back Terrence Leffall (6-1, 230), slot back Ramon "Ray Ray" McElrathbey (5-11, 205) and wide receiver Jeff Miller, a transfer from Iona.

"Terrence Leffall has shown throughout the spring that he is going to be a factor in our offensive success," said Coach Bailey.  "He is a good downhill runner and he gives us what we need from that position in order for us to improve."

McElrathbey, who is in his second season at Howard, turned a short swing pass into a 75-yard play during the scrimmage.

"Ray Ray gives us another dimension on offense with his ability to make plays," added Bailey.

Miller is a transfer from Iona who runs excellent routes and has fine hands.  He should fit nicely in Howard's passing scheme.

"We have been very impressed with Jeff and his ability," said Bailey.  "He is really going to factor into our success on offense."

Floyd Haigler (6-3, 200) and Jarad Dorsey (6-3, 200) shared the signal calling duties and Coach Bailey said that it is an even battle

Bailey added that seven players, who he will be counting on for the season, did not participate in spring practice due to injuries, including wide receiver Willie Carter, who caught 44 passes as a freshman and was named the MEAC Rookie of the Year despite missing the last five games with a knee injury.

The kicking, which suffered last year due to a rash of injuries, should be greatly improved once everyone gets healthy.  Dennis Wiehberg (5-10, 190), who was injured most of last season, had an outstanding spring game, nailing two field goals including a 49 yarder.

Patrick Wolff (6-0, 190), the regular punter, was forced to handle all the kicking duties at one point in the season.  Now that he is back to concentrating solely on punting, he figures to be a weapon with his strong leg and high booming punts.

The team will officially report on August 10 for pre-season training camp.  The season opener is September 12 at Rutgers.