He's hoping for one last blast
ULM's Winchester eyes big senior year
Paul Letlow
pletlow@monroe.gannett.com
August 11, 2004
Senior linebacker John Winchester was smiling as he jogged off the practice field Tuesday evening.
Although it was the end of another hot and humid effort that left him drenched in sweat, Winchester says he's savoring the beginning of his final college season.
"This is my last season of this," Winchester said. "I've got to enjoy it."
A steady force for ULM's defense the last three seasons, Winchester is adding to his duties with the team.
"I've got to be more of a team leader," said Winchester, a toned 6-3, 246 pounds after a long summer in the weight room. "I thought I was in the past but I've got to be even more of a leader this year. People depend on me to make pays and I've got stand up and deliver."
One of the goals for the defense this season is to produce more turnovers. The Indians recovered just seven fumbles and made seven interceptions last year.
"Forcing turnovers is the name of the game," Winchester said. "We like to attack every play and create turnovers. That's the best thing we can do. We want to get the ball back to the offense and score as many points as possible."
Winchester said it seems strange not having fellow standout linebacker Maurice Sonnier alongside him this preseason. Sonnier was a senior last year and the pair played as a tandem for most of the last three years.
"It's definitely been different out there," said Winchester, who ranked second behind Sonnier in tackles with 91 in 2003. "I've played alongside Mo the last three years, but we've got a good group of guys coming up. I'm hoping to mold together with them as soon as possible so we can have a great year."
Winchester said Josh Alexander, Harry Bradley and L.B. Jeter are all progressing at the linebacker position.
"We have some other young guys who are also stepping up and will get playing time, but those are the main guys," Winchester said. "You get better as you get experience. As the season goes on, I expect them to get better and I expect myself to get better."
LOVETT LIMPING: Junior quarterback Darnell LoVett had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on Tuesday and is expected to miss the next seven to 10 days of practice. LoVett, a transfer from Pasadena (Ca.) City College, should be back on the field some time next week.
"He thought it was his hamstring because that's where it was hurting, the back of his knee," ULM coach Charlie Weatherbie said. "Actually it was the cartilage. But he's doing well."
ULM ADDS A QB: Quarterback Pat McMahon, a transfer from Louisiana Tech, is working out with the Indians. Weatherbie said McMahon, who left the Tech team in the fall of 2002, will gain his eligibility in mid-September.
McMahon (6-1, 215) is a native of Westfield, N.J., who passed for 1,370 yards and 12 touchdowns in a run-oriented offense at St. Joseph's High School. Rivals.com rated him as one of the top 20 dropback quarterbacks in the country at the time. During McMahon's junior year, St. Joseph's was ranked No. 7 in the nation and by USA Today.
McMahon joins a replenished quarterback pool that now includes starter Steven Jyles, LoVett, redshirt freshman Jesse Blair and true freshmen Ryne Miller and Kinsmon Lancaster.
"I think we've got six guys here that can throw the football," Weatherbie said. "All of them have Division I-A arms. I'm excited about what we've got out there to work with."
Jyles and Blair were the only scholarship quarterbacks available for ULM during spring practice.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE: ULM will practice in full pads for the first time this afternoon. After practicing twice on Friday, the Indians will conduct their first scrimmage Saturday afternoon during the 3-6:30 p.m. session.
"It's been basketball on grass for the last four practices," Weatherbie said. "It's time to get some collision into it."
ARROWHEADS: ULM has planned a "football fashion show" for the media at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Indians will show off their new Nike football uniforms. ... ULM president Jim Cofer, wearing starched white shirt and tie, watched practice for about 30 minutes. ... Miller, the freshman quarterback listed at 6-3, 230 pounds, can throw a baseball 92 mph according to Weatherbie. Miller, a prep baseball standout from Richland High School in Roanoke, Texas, is wearing No. 25 during preseason drills.
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