Players to Watch:

Andre Roberts, Sr., Wide Receiver

Roberts was the SoCon’s leading receiver in 2008, hauling in 95 passes for 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns while earning consensus All-America honors. As a junior, also returned three punts for touchdowns and finished the season as the nation’s punt return leader with an average of 19.2 yards per return.

Terrence Reese, Sr., Defensive Lineman

A force in the middle, the four-year starter was a first-team All-SoCon choice by the coaches last season. Reese, who had 8.5 tackles for loss a season ago, will be counted on as The Citadel looks to improve a defensive unit that ranked in the bottom third of the league in total defense and scoring defense in 2008.

Preview:

After improving in wins in each of coach Kevin Higgins’ first three seasons in Charleston, The Citadel struggled to a 4-8 overall mark and 2-6, seventh-place SoCon finish in 2009.

The Bulldogs featured a potent passing attack led by the duo of QB Bart Blanchard and WR Andre Roberts, but the lack of a consistent running attack slowed the team’s ascension to the top of the league standings.

Blanchard and Roberts will be the top playmakers again this season while Rickey Anderson and Terrell Dallas will be looked upon to revive the rushing attack. Preseason all-conference selections Thomas Suggs and Daniel DeHaven, the only fifth-year seniors on the team, anchor the offensive line while 2008 leading tackler Jordon Gilmore and Mel Capers provide defensive leadership from the linebacker position.

The Citadel’s 2009 home slate features attractive matchups against league power Appalachian State (Oct. 3) and traditional rivals Furman (Oct. 24) and Wofford (Nov. 7).