Local schools count on new blood to deliver
It’s an honor to be selected to replace a departed star, but the downside is the high expectations that accompany the promotion. Who are some of the players under the microscope this year for local college football teams? Here are four:
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow • VT
To replace the son of a Redskin, Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech looks to another player with burgundy and gold bloodlines. Gouveia-Winslow is the son of former Skins linebacker Kurt Gouveia.
At 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, Gouveia-Winslow is undersized, like Grimm, his predecessor at whip linebacker — a hybrid position which demands run-stopping and pass coverage ability. But their similar pedigrees are unmistakable.
For all their ability to recruit top-shelf talent, the Hokies have few peers when it comes to identifying and developing under-valued but highly productive players from strong high school programs. Grimm was a standout at Oakton High. Gouveia-Winslow led Stone Bridge to the 2007 Division 5 state championship.
Matching Grimm’s team-high numbers — 106 tackles, 12.5 TFL and seven forced fumbles — is too much to ask of the redshirt sophomore. But he will have to be good immediately as Virginia Tech, ranked No. 10 (Associated Press), opens against the prolific offense of No. 3 Boise State.
Cam Johnson • Virginia
Formerly an oversized safety/wideout at Gonzaga College High, Johnson — now a defensive end — keeps moving closer to the line of scrimmage at Virginia. After playing linebacker the last two years, the junior shifts to defensive end as the Cavaliers try to identify an edge pass rusher in the mold of Chris Long or Chris Slade.
“Cam is the guy with a lot of the tools to be that kind of pass rusher,” Virginia coach Mike London said. “Cam has that ability. He just has to want to do it every snap.”
Johnson (6-4, 260 pounds), who had 40 tackles last year, has the speed to get to the quarterback. The question now: Can he do it from a three-point stance.
Boise State’s Ryan Winterswyk — also a high school safety turned defensive end — has 19 career sacks heading into his senior year. If Johnson’s transition is anything similar, the Cavaliers will get what they are looking for as they shift out of a 3-4 set under Al Groh to a 4-3 under London.
Gee Gee Greene • Navy
Explosive runner and receiver Marcus Curry — who averaged 7.3 yards per rush and 28.7 yards per catch — was dismissed after two seasons, leaving Navy with a major hole to fill at slot back. Greene (5-8, 180 pounds) can’t measure up physically to the 5-foot-11, 214-pound Curry, but has comparable speed and hands. With opposing defenses keying on QB Ricky Dobbs and FB Vince Murray, there will be room outside for a playmaker.
“He has the tools to do it,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “Talented young man. He’s had a great camp, had a great offseason, very conscientious, athletic kid. Great human being. I’m excited for that kid.”
Justin Gilbert • Maryland
Last year the woeful performance of the Maryland offensive line had a domino effect, preventing a talented group of receiver and backs from showing what they could do. It all added up to a 2-10 record and a coach under fire.
This year, Ralph Friedgen needs dramatic improvement up front. The biggest key will be Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore who takes over for Bruce Campbell at the most important slot on the line, as he must protect the blind side of quarterback Jamarr Robinson.
Gilbert (6-6, 300 pounds) played in 11 games as a top reserve last year. Due to injuries, he was forced into action in 2009. But a strong spring and continued improvement this summer, have the Terps optimistic that he’s ready.
