Football: Secondary weakened as Malloy upholds decision
By: ANDREW SOUKUP
Sports Writer
What was one of the strongest and deepest positions on the Irish football team heading into the spring could become one of the weakest and thinnest after University President Father Edward Malloy upheld a University decision to expel three football players accused of rape.
Entering the spring, the secondary was seen as one of the strengths of the Irish. But after the expulsions of projected starter Donald Dykes and key backup Abe Elam, the Irish only have two scholarship safeties on roster.
Dykes and Elam, along with Gerome Sapp and Glenn Earl, were expected to be major contributors on defense. Dykes had started at safety eight games last year for the Irish and Elam was a key backup who had a knack for being at the right place on the field at the right time.
Now, Sapp and Earl are the only scholarship safeties on the roster. Walk-on Matt Sarb, who has significant special teams experience but never played a down, is the lone backup.
While coaches refuse to discuss anything related to the expelled football players, it is clear that the Irish have a depth problem. Since the Irish return both starting cornerbacks and have six scholarship backups, Lionel Bolen, the lowest player on the depth chart, could move to safety. Incoming recruit Jake Carney could also fill the gap.
The third player expelled, wide receiver Lorenzo Crawford, wasn't expected to make significant contributions next season, but his departure hurts a woefully thin wide receiver corps. Crawford had yet to catch a pass and didn't have an impressive spring.
But the Irish lack a quality standout wide receiver. Arnaz Battle looked the most impressive in the spring game and Omar Jenkins and Ronnie Rodamer both have some game experience. But Jenkins has the most receptions of any returning receiver — and he has just seven.
In the fall, the Irish will benefit from highly touted recruits Maurice Stovall and Rhema McKnight, who will be expected to contribute immediately.
All Sports Stories for Friday, May 17, 2002
