STEPHENVILLE - The 2012 season is about to get underway when Tarleton hosts No. 4 Midwestern State at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at Tarleton Memorial Stadium.

Here is a break down of the 2012 squad for the upcoming campaign.

OVERALL
The Tarleton Texan football program has grown exponentially over the past two seasons under head coach Cary Fowler, and is prepared to turn the corner in a run for the Lone Star Conference title and a playoff birth.  Coming off a 6-5 season in which the Texans won their last five games, Tarleton is one of the hottest teams not only in the conference, but in all of Division II.  The reason the 2011 season is a factor is because of the number of returners Coach Fowler has for the upcoming season.
    “We return 10 starters on defense and nine starters on offense,” said Fowler.  “On top of that, we have 4,000 yards of career receiving coming back.  Our line is experienced, our defense knows what is expected of them, and even though we are under-classmen heavy with 68, they have all played in tough games.”
    Fowler talks about those tough games, such as one possession losses to Abilene Christian, West Alabama, and Texas State.  This season will be just as difficult though with Tarleton facing a gauntlet of top 10 teams, national title contenders, and NFL prospect-laden squads.
    “We are going to find out what we are truly made of this season,” Fowler stated.  “We open up with the No. 4 team in the nation and reigning Lone Star Conference Champions in Midwestern, and it doesn't get any easier from there.  But like I said, we have a lot of sophomores and juniors that played against these guys last season.  Now it is time for us to step up to the next level.”
    The motto for the 2011 season was that of “believe”.  The Texans believed they could win every game and believed they could stand up to the tougher opponents.  That has all changed in Fowler's third year, and the new theme is “expect”.
    “As a coaching staff, we just wanted the guys to believe they could win,” said Fowler.  “If they believed they could win, they would go out and give their all.  If we lost, well that was just how life is.  We don't think that way now.  We expect to win each and every time we take that field.  That is what Tarleton football is all about.  Now it is time for the players to take the next step and expect to succeed, on the field and off.”

OFFENSE
    The Tarleton offense is entering its second year of the “Air-Raid” philosophy.  New offensive coordinator Justin Carrigan spent the 2011 season learning the system under then offensive coordinator and current University of Houston coach Lee Hays.  This year, Carrigan will be implementing his own variation of the Air-Raid attack as the Texans look to take their fourth-ranked passing attack in the conference to the next level.
    Last year, Tarleton took some time getting the kinks of the system worked out with players that were not necessarily recruited for that style of offense.  In 2012, head coach Cary Fowler and his staff have brought in players specifically designed to operate in the Air-Raid.  A combination of quick hits to receivers and optional running lanes for the running backs takes advantage of getting the ball into the playmakers hands.
    “We have spent the past two springs and two falls getting used to this offense,” said Fowler.  “Now we are comfortable back there, making the right reads, and getting the ball out quickly.  That is what it is designed to do.”
    The 2012 season plans to be an exciting one on the offensive side of the ball.  The Texans return over 4,000 yards of career receiving, have five running backs that are competing for the starting job, and lose only two starters from last season.  With such a brutal Lone Star Conference and non-conference schedule, the Texans will need to rely on a potent offensive attack in order to stay in some tough ball games.
    “We need to continue to get quality reps in each day,” said Fowler.  “We are going to put guys in situations where they can make plays.  It is exciting for us to coach, it is exciting for the fans to watch, and it is exciting for the kids to play in this style of offense.”

QUARTERBACKS
    The Texans have to replace one of the most talented and best statistical quarterbacks the program has seen in decades in last year's starter Nick Stephens.  The Flower Mound native spent two years at the helm of Tarleton, and now practices his craft with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday's.  The job this season falls to junior Aaron Doyle, who is no stranger to Tarleton football.  Doyle is a 6'2”, 215-pound native of Evant that has spent three years learning the Texan system.  He made appearances in six games last year and saw a lot of reps in practice in the Air-Raid offense.  This year, Doyle will lead the Texans from day one as the starter and is expected to be effective early on.
    “Aaron is our starter hands down,” said Fowler.  “He is heads and shoulders above the rest, but it helps being here for three years.  He is making the right decisions in this offense and has the ability to be a very good quarterback for us.  Everything flows through him and his leadership is where it needs to be.”
    Behind Doyle is a mixture of veteran journeymen and talented young players.  Senior Jake Fenske is in his fourth year at Tarleton and heads into the season as the No. 2 man.  Strong spring and fall camps have displayed Fenske's football intelligence as well as his growth physically at 6'4”, 220-pounds.  Also bringing a different set of skills to the quarterback position is redshirt-freshman Collin Strahan, true freshman Matt Bishop, and true freshman Zed Woerner.  All three players have shown flashes of brilliance in camp, it is just up to them to put the consistency together.  Coach Fowler really likes the depth he has at the quarterback position though.
    “We have put together a unit of quarterbacks that have won a lot of ball games in high school,” said Fowler.  “That is something you can teach.  Each guy brings a different approach to the position and it allows us to do different things in our offense.  Whether it is sitting in the pocket and making reads, getting outside and making plays, or scrambling for extra time, this unit of quarterbacks is one of the most physically gifted I have ever coached.”

RUNNING BACKS
    The running back position is one that has taken on new meaning in the 2012 offense with offensive coordinator Justin Carrigan utilizing the backs in a variety of ways.  Tarleton will see a few familiar faces, but mostly newcomers when it heads out onto the field on Sept. 8 for the first game against Midwestern State.  Through fall camp, the Texans have been led by Jerome Regal, a sophomore from Garland.  Regal is a name that Tarleton fans may have heard of after he was a major player in the Texans' rushing attack two years ago as a true freshman.  He carried the ball 72 times for seven touchdowns in 2010 as the No. 2 running back.  He chose to sit out the 2011 season in order to take care of his family, a selfless move on the part of the young 19-year old.  Regal is back for this season though, and has already cemented himself as the leader of the backfield for Tarleton.
    “Jerome is a very talented football player,” said Fowler.  “We really missed him last season, but he had to take care of his family, and that is most important.  We are glad to have him back though and we expect b big things from him.”
    Along with Regal at the front of the rushing attack are junior transfers Vaughn Smith and Josh Reed. Both players bring different styles to the game with Smith being a more physical, power rusher and Reed being the smooth, speedster.  Between the three of these veterans, the quarterbacks will have a reliable unit to check down to and get the ball to in open space.  Behind the elder backs is a number of young players who could compete for playing time.  Zach Henshaw and Savion Washington are two guys who have really shown the coaches why they should be on the field.
    “I have been pleasantly surprised with our backs,” said Fowler.  “We brought in Vaughn and Reed to compete for that starting job and I think they have really stepped up.  Zach Henshaw has broken off a couple of good runs and Savion has made some big plays as well.  Having this much depth at the running back position helps us in a number of ways.  We can limit the amount of wear and tear on the individuals, we can show defenses different looks at different situations, and we can keep a fresh, dangerous back in

WIDE RECEIVERS
    The Tarleton receiving core returns over 4,000 career yards with the likes of Jeken Frye, Arthur Buckingham, and Jamal Mays returning for yet another season in their long careers.  Those three veterans join the young, but effective group of receivers in redshirt-freshman Le'Nard Meyers, true freshman Andre Plata, and last year's leading receiver, sophomore Clifton Rhodes III.  Rhodes caught a team-high 52 catches for 837 yards and three touchdowns en route to All-Conference honors.  A preseason All-American selection, Rhodes will be counted on to make another impact on the Tarleton offense this season.
    “We have a number of receivers that can make a game-changing play every time they are on the field,” stated Fowler. “When you bring back 4,000 career yards, you're in a good situation.  Frye, Gray, Buck, Cordell, Jamal, Rhodes, these are all guys who have been in this system for years.  They understand what we expect of them, and like our running back group, we will continue to rotate these guys in and out to get fresh players on the field.”
Coach Fowler also likes what he has seen from his freshmen receivers as well.
    “Andre Plata and Le'Nard Meyers both had outstanding fall camps,” said Fowler.  “They made big plays and showed us coaches why we brought them here in the first place.  Kason Fornes, Tate Whitten, Dominique Martin, Spencer Edmonds, Van Liew, these guys have all gotten reps and help bring depth to the receiving core.  The most important thing is that we are not dropping balls, which can kill you in any game situation.”

OFFENSIVE LINE
    The offensive line is one of the most veteran units on the Tarleton team, and is definitely the biggest Coach Fowler has had in his tenure with the Texans.  Tarleton's Air-Raid attack has not only meant big changes for the quarterbacks and skill position players, but also the big guys up front.  Leading the way is All-Conference performer Adrian Campbell, a 6'6”, 310-pound senior for the Texans.  Along with Campbell on the line is sophomore Lucas Love at tackle, senior Chris Burnett at center, Stephenville native Nic Perez at guard, and transfer Xavier Ruben on the other side.  Behind those guys will be a rotation of new guys as well as returners from last year's 6-5 team.  Jerell Jones, Matt Green, Robert Hinton, and Michael Di Domenico are all players that had impacts on the offensive line last season and will be relied upon again this year.  Newcomers Kody Travis, Kevin Day, Blake Atnip, and JD Harris bring size and mobility to the line as well.
    “We have put together a really talented front line,” Fowler stated.  “When you look down the line you see 6'5”, 6'6”, 6'7”, even 6'9”, that's a huge change from last year.  We are so much taller, but our foot work has improved as well.  I'm excited with the guys we brought back, led by Adrian and Lucas and the newcomers are going to provide us depth and versatility at the position.  Having an O-line that you can trust in and knowing they won't make the penalties that hurt us last year, that is a positive step forward.”

DEFENSE
    Coach Fowler and defensive coordinator Henry Cofer remain at the helm of the Texan defense, a unit that loses only one starter from last year's squad in defensive end Logan Johnson.  Fans and opposing teams can expect another dangerous defensive unit that is capable of the big play, as well as winning the battles up front.  With 10 starters returning, as well as having their key players healthy, Tarleton hopes to really make an impact on games defensively this year.  The 2011 team set a school record for penalties, which is something the coaching staff has worked on improving.
    “Last year we were making dumb penalties and mental mistakes,” said Fowler.  “We have corrected those errors and our preparation and reps are designed to make these players react instinctively.  We had such a young group of players last year, with redshirt freshmen and true freshmen starting for us.  Now those guys are back with experience.  They are confident now and with the depth at every position, our defense is going to make or break this football team.”
    Coach Cofer will utilize quick players in the secondary, cerebral players in the middle, and a combination of size and speed up front to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.  Not only does Tarleton return their top four leading tacklers, but also All-American standouts in junior linebacker Marquis Wadley and junior cornerback Dashaun Phillips.  Behind those two, All-Conference performers Matt Knicky, Desmond Jackson, and Rufus Johnson are poised to have career years for the Texans.  Opposing coaches will have plenty to fear when going up against the depth and ferocity of the Tarleton defense.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
    The defensive back position is one for Tarleton that has the most talent overall of any unit.  With Division I transfers, All-American players, and game-changers at Assistant Coach Ryan Craven's disposal, the Texans can put a number of players on the field that have the ability to take over a game.  Junior Dashaun Phillips returns to Tarleton as the Lone Star Conference Defensive Back of the Year, an All-Region selection, and the league leader in interceptions with seven.  Opposite Phillips will be Desmond Jackson, a senior leader that transferred to Tarleton from Oklahoma a year ago.  In 2011, Jackson recorded two touchdowns, one on a fumble and one on an interception.  Along with that, the Arlington native had 64 tackles, three picks, two fumble recoveries, and was the punt returner for Tarleton.
    “Between Des and Dashaun, I believe we have the two most talented defensive backs in the conference,” said Fowler.  “Dashaun was an All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American performer last year while Des earned All-Conference honors playing with a laundry list of injuries last year.  Those two are going to lead us this season in turnovers, which is something this defense prides itself on.”
    Besides the two corners, the Texans have two steadfast safeties that are just as dynamic.  Senior Blair Johnson and junior Charles Moore will be controlling the secondary from the safety position this season.  Johnson finished third on the team in tackles last year with 67 while Moore saw significant time alongside him after appearing in all 11 games.  Returners Devin Figures, Brandon Moore, and Chance Wallace, as well as newcomers Robert Adkinson, Jamel Hale, Kyle Chandler, and Deaveron Dean make the secondary for Tarleton a very dangerous threat to opponents.  Each and every one of these players can make the key interception, light up an opposing receiver across the middle, or use their blazing speed to get into the back field for the Texan defense.  
    “Our secondary is going to cause a lot of problems for opposing coaches,” said Fowler.  “We can leave them out one-on-one, bring them in on blitzes, or put them in variety of assignments that will help the linebackers and defensive line focus on their players.  We have speed, size, and intelligence back there that make our jobs easier.  The young guys have really shown what they are capable of, and even the starters are young guys themselves.  Fans can expect an exciting style of football out of our secondary this year.”

LINEBACKERS
    The linebackers for Tarleton are vital to the success of the defense, with the generals of the field controlling the ebb and flow of the rest of the team.  The Texans have compiled a number of skilled players that use their speed, strength, and football intelligence to counter the talented quarterbacks Tarleton will face.  Led by 2011 All-American and 2012 preseason All-American Marquis Wadley, the Texans have leadership and experience in the linebacker core.  Wadley, a Mesquite native, led the LSC last season with 119 total tackles, including 75 solo tackles.  With him are senior Matt Knicky, a former All-Conference performer, and sophomore Marc Martinez, who has really impressed the coaches coming into the season.
    “With Marquis and Knicky back, we have two All-Conference performers leading us in the middle,” Fowler said.  “With that, we have Marc Martinez who has really come on strong as a true mike linebacker.  He was injured last year so he didn't get to play, but he has had an outstanding offseason.”
    There are a number of other potential players for Tarleton at the linebacker position, including returners Julius Hurndon, Bo Davis, and Kade Cole.  Newcomers CJ Johnson, DJ Haynes, Damien Ward, and Anthony Lee are also pushing for reps and playing time.  All that is certain though, is that there is a healthy competition for the linebacker positions, especially the rover spot.
    “Dan Jackson played rover for us last year and was second on the team in tackles,” said Fowler. “This year, we expect guys to step up with Garrett Hughes, Jamel Hale, and Julius Hurndon to really make that a dangerous spot on this defense.  These guys can all flat out play.  They bring another dimension to our defense that allows us to move the guys in the secondary around.”

DEFENSIVE LINE
    The Tarleton defensive line must replace the team leader in sacks last year in Logan Johnson.  Johnson graduated and left an open spot in the defensive end position.  Coach Cofer believes they have a plethora of talented players that can fill that void, if not improve on that position.  Across the defensive line, the rest of the names are the same.  Rufus Johnson will start his second season at the defensive end slot after recording 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season, both amongst the league leaders in the LSC.  Next to him will be his former Kilgore Junior College teammate in Chase Bowers, a 6'4”, 290-pound beast at the defensive tackle position.  Going down the line will be Brian Ford, a senior and leader for this Texan defense.  Those two players bring size and experience on the interior defensive line.  Similar to the wide receiver and running back positions, Tarleton will utilize a rotation of players in order to wear down the offensive line of opponents.  Transfer Ronnie Faimoa, returner Cole Vitolo, and sophomore Juan Gonzalez are all expected to contribute and add depth to the defensive tackle spot.  Jarett Alvarado and Ryan Watkins could also see time in the middle.
    In the open defensive end spot, sophomore Patrick Bettiol has positioned himself as the starter for day one.  Coach Fowler likes the intensity and discipline with which he plays, putting him as the front runner for Sept. 8.  Close behind him is Cory Jackson, Ty Melton, Andre Allen, and Brian Ngwa, who all saw time last year on the defensive line.  They will also be used to spell Johnson for plays.   Kole Johnston, Jake Blount, and Garrett Roget are also names to be mentioned as possible contributors to Tarleton's defensive line.
    “I am really excited about our defensive line this year because we have so many playmakers,” said Fowler.  “Logan (Johnson) was a great pass rusher, but I believe we have some guys this year that are complete players.  They can pass-rush, drop into coverage, or even come inside to stop the run.  We are going to win battles up front because of the size, experience, and veteran leadership we have.  Rufus, Brian Ford, Chase Bowers, these guys led us last season and we expect them to do the same this year.”

SCHEDULE
    “I don't think we did ourselves any favors with this schedule,” said Fowler.  “It has to be one of the toughest in the country.  You're talking about five teams that were top 25 last year.  North Alabama constantly sends more players to the NFL than any other DII school, and Delta State, who is the National Championship Runners-Up.  We definitely have our work cut out for us, but that is what we wanted.  To be the best, you have to play the best.”
    Tarleton starts off on Sept. 8 with defending LSC Champs Midwestern State at home for playing Abilene Christian in the second annual Lone Star Conference Football Festival at Cowboys Stadium on Sept. 15.  The Texans will then host Eastern New Mexico before heading to West Texas A&M on Sept. 29.  
    The first of two games against Gulf South opponents is Delta State on Oct. 6 at Memorial Stadium.  Next will be Texas A&M-Commerce on Oct. 13 and Texas A&M-Kingsville on Oct. 20 with both schools looking to avenge losses to Tarleton last season.
    The Texans wrap up their schedule with Incarnate Word on Oct. 27 on the road, at North Alabama in Florence, Ala. on Nov. 3, and a home game against Angelo State on Nov. 10, which will be broadcast on FoxSportsSouthwest.com.

For more information regarding the 2012 Tarleton football season, check out TarletonSports.com.