The Playbook
Inside the Game Plan for Tulane Football
Dear Tulanian, It has now been about six years since Katrina almost destroyed New Orleans and Tulane. Since that time Tulane Tulane has not only survived but b ut it has re-imagined itself and become stronger academically and nancially. This recovery has not been easy but the
Tulane community was determined to move forward. We have met or made substantial progress in achieving our academic and nancial goals, which have been the primary
focus of our efforts since August 29, 2005. We are now in the stage of our renewal as a university that we can and should focus on the development and success of Tulane Athletics. Next year we will once again have a full complement of athletics programs to be NCAA compliant. We have signicantly
increased the university subsidy to Athletics and we are making a major commitment to our basketball and volleyball programs with a new practice and training facility. Our next challenge is to build a consistently successful program in football. In the following pages you will see the objectives we have set for Tulane Football. All of us — Rick Dickson, Coach Bob Toledo and I — understand this is a watershed moment. A clear vision, strategy and plan will guide us as we move toward the success we anticipate in the months and years ahead. Our vision is to develop a highly successful program (as opposed to one that has periodic winning seasons) — one that opens every campaign with the talent and resources to win our division, conference and participate in post-season games. We will not achieve this overnight but we must begin the journey for success right now with clear and unambiguous progress made every eve ry year, starting this September. September. The university is committed to building a successful program while adhering to its philosophy of enrolling student-athletes who desire a rst-rate educational experience.
Our student-athletes are committing their collegiate careers to achieve at high levels, on and off the eld, and our coaches will dedicate every bit of their talent and
experience to help them in their quest. You, too, are a member of a group that is critical to our success. You You have demonstrated unbelievable loyalty and support for the Green Wave. It is my hope that within the pages of The Playbook you will nd reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season and that you will invest more of your resources in Tulane Football, along with the university. As the last six years have shown, if we all work together we will succeed in whatever we do. It is now time for Tulane Football to succeed and we all need to be on the same team to build a highly successful, sustainable program. The young men in Olive and Blue will take the eld on September 3 to open the
season. I hope you will be there to cheer them on.
Scott S. Cowen President
Dear Tulanian, We are excited to introduce The Playbook to Playbook to our fans and friends across the country. Just as the title suggests, The Playbook takes Playbook takes you inside the game plan for Tulane Tulane Football. This is a critical time for our football program and we have a vision for the future of Tulane Football which includes appearances in bowl games as well as competing for conference championships. championships . In short, we aspire to build a football program that wins consistently . With the support of the entire institution, we are condent these goals will soon be met.
When we evaluated the program following the 2010 season, we were able to uncover the layers to expose a football program on the verge of excellence. There are many elements that we pointed to during the analysis that gave us great optimism for the future – progress in recruiting, returning talent and depth, increased nancial support,
enhanced academic support, and much more. Furthermore, and of even greater importance, Tulane University is committed to providing the resources necessary to achieve our vision for this program. The bottom line is this: a foundation is being laid that will allow Tulane Tulane University to build a high-quality football program for the long-term. The Playbook is Playbook is broken down into two distinct sections: 1) “An Institutional Priority,” Priority,” which details the institutional commitment commitment to Tulane Tulane Football; and, 2) “A Foundation Is Laid,” which chronicles the progress over the past few years within the football program. Included in this document is our vision and mission, as well as details regarding the increased investment inve stment in Tulane Tulane Football. For example, we illustrate a 45% budget increase for the football program. program . We have all overcome many challenges in recent times. But now is not the time to focus on the past. Our city, alumni, neighbors, friends and institution have proven to be resilient. It is time for us to unite yet again and commit commit to a common common cause: a promising future for Tulane Football. With your support, our playbook will be executed successfully. Thank you for your interest and support. Roll Wave!
Rick Dickson Director of Athletics
Breaking down the offense: University Support pages 8-9
Budget Enhancement page 9
Academic Resources page 11
Facility Vision page 13
Rich History pages 14-15
Tulane and New Orleans page 16
ooo
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Returning Talent pages 18, 20
Recruiting page 19
ooo o o
Conviction page 21
Bigger, Faster, Stronger page 22
Continuity page 23
“Individual commitment to a group effort effort... ...
makes a team work." (Vince Lombardi quote posted in the Tulane Football locker room)
An Institutional Priority
University Support - Commitment to the Tulane University has a clear vision for our football program and as you have already read the commitment starts at the top. This vision will be achieved by laying the appropriate foundation for the long-term. However However,, in order to move forward, for ward, we must remember our past. Below is a list of major events over the past ten years which further illustrate that Tulane is indeed committed to resourcing and developing a nationally respected respecte d football program. While each of these events even ts have directly or indirectly impacted Tulane Football, it is time to move forward. As President Preside nt Cowen reiterates in his letter letter,, Tulane Tulane University is now in the stage of our renewal as a university that we can, should and will focus on the development and success of Tulane Athletics.
A Recent Timeline "The Board of Administrators of the Tulane Education
Fund hereby afrms its unequivocal commitment for Tulane University to maintain its place among the nation's Tulane outstanding institutions of higher education. In this context, the Board commits to the continuation of Division I-A intercollegiate athletics at Tulane University. After a comprehensive review of the Athletics Department's nances and plans, and directly inuenced by the unprecedented and passionate support demonstrated by the Tulane and New Orleans community, the Board is condent it can and will operate an intercollegiate athletics program that is, rst and foremost, a model in terms of the academic performance and graduation rates of its student-athletes and is nancially viable and accountable on a sustainable basis in support of the academic mission and goals of the university." university."
Tulane announces the Renewal Plan in which eight programs would continue competition even after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans. President Cowen charged Tulane student-athletes to "carry the torch, be the face and represent the name" of the university. For its fortitude in the face of Hurricane Katrina, the football team received the 2005 Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award and the Football Writers of America Annual Courage Award.
In the aftermath of Katrina, Rick Dickson presented a plan to the Tulane Board of Administrators to return the Green Wave athletics programs to full-time Division I status with the full complement of the required 16 sports. The reinstatement plan was adopted by the board in 2007.
A thorough, long-term plan was presented by Rick Dickson to the university administration which was unanimously approved. Effective immediately, a greater investment was made into the areas of scholarship, operating costs, personnel and facilities. The board's action prompted Doug Hertz, an Atlanta businessman and the chair of the Tulane
Board Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, to make the naming gift for Tulane University's new $13 million basketball and volleyball practice and training facility.
Tulane Athletics adds a dds Women’s Women’s Sand Volleyball and Women’s Bowling as the nal two sports completing the Reinstatement Reinsta tement Plan which was part of the university’s uni versity’s Renewal Plan following follo wing Hurricane Katrina. Both programs will begin competition in 2011-12 and their arrival brings Tulane Athletics into NCAA compliance with 16 Division I programs. programs. The process began in 2007 when Women’s Golf and Women’s Tennis coaches were hired to prepare for competition in 2008-09.
"It all starts from the top and the Board's support, coupled with President Scott Cowen's plan for the future of the department, shows me that there is a renewed commitment for Tulane Athletics. I also feel that as a board member it's important to lead the way by making a gift that will make a difference. Now that Tulane Tulane has gained so much momentum academically, it is my hope that the university's decision to invest more in its athletics program will create a renaissance for Tulane Athletics, enhance the collegiate experience for all of our students and spark some excitement among our fans." Doug Hertz, Chair of the Tulane Board Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics
University Support - Commitment to the Each year, Tulane Tulane invests millions of dollars into the football program and that investment continues to grow annually. Tulane University has now reached the point where the institution is able to allocate more funds and focus more attention on improving the entire athletics program, specically football. Tulane is fully aware that a successful football program will generate positive goodwill in the community and from our alumni. Additionally, it will provide great exposure nationally to the university as a whole. The Tulane administration approved a dramatic increase in the operating budget for the athletics program – beginning this year. The quality of the student-athlete experience has improved greatly because of this investment and will bring noticeable results for all programs, especially football. Even though this is an expensive venture, it is one to which Tulane is completely committed.
How does the increased budget benet Tulane Football? Increased recruiting budget Improved travel amenities Increased academic support including the hiring of an additional academic counselor who will focus on football Increased salary pool for coaching staff and other football support staff, including strength and conditioning coaches Increased summer school opportunities
Tulane Football - A University Investment Total Athletics Budget by Fiscal Year $30,000,000 $25,000,000 $20,000,000 $15,000,000
% 8 *
$10,000,000
4-Year Athletics Budget Increase
$5,000,000 $0.0
FY07
FY08
% 0 1 * FY09
% 5 . 5 * FY10
% 1 1 *
Football Operating Budget Increase
FY11
*Marks the % increase over previous year.
$30,000,000 $25,000,000 $20,000,000 $15,000,000 $10,000,000
30%
$5,000,000 $0.0
FY07
45%
FY11 FY07
FY11
Cost of Supporting a Football Student-Athlete Tulane Football maintains a roster of approximately 95 players. The NCAA permits 85 scholarships to be awarded for each Division I football program. Funds raised by the Tulane Athletics Fund (T (TAF), AF), the fundraising fundr aising arm for Tulane Athletics, help he lp offset the costs c osts of all student-athletes stud ent-athletes at Tulane University.
Game Day Gear Academics Tuition: $43,434
Helmet: $250*
Books: $1,200
Face Mask: $25*
Room: $6,700
Chin Strap: $25*
Board: $4,750
Shoulder Pads: $250
Tutoring: T utoring: $300 Miscellaneous: $952 Total: $57,336
Dri Fit Shirt: $30* Game Jersey: $79* Girdle: $35*
Game Pants: $53*
Practice & Travel Gear
Thigh Pads: $15*
Total: $1,005
Knee Pads: $10* Socks: $8*
Grand Total: $60,520 per football student-athlete
Shoes: $110* *Indicates each player receives multiple
Total: $2,179
Academic Resources - Achieving in the Classroom and on the Field With over 44,000 applications for 1,500 spots in 2010, the level of interest and quality of applicants is higher than anytime in Tulane's history. This incoming freshman class will be the most successful students we’ve ever had. Tulane realizes student-athletes bring other skill sets that will not only t in with all students, but enhance the experience of everyone on campus. Tulane Athletics is provided exibility
on admission standards, just like other departments on campus who seek to attract young people with special talents. We are going to admit the type of student-athletes who will not only be successful at Tulane Tulane athletically and academically acade mically,, but who will become leaders in their families, professions and communities.
Providing the Tools to Succeed Additional academic counselor who will focus on football Priority registration for student-athletes Academic Resource Center with enhanced technology Additional tutors for student-athletes A mentoring program between upper and lower classmen Increased summer school opportunities
What about offering additional degree tracks that may be
appealing to student-athletes? We are now in a position to consider additional full-time degree tracks that are appealing to both student-athletes as well as the general student body. Tulane recognizes that the vast majority of our undergraduate students do not have 20 hours of practice a week, plus lm,
strength and conditioning workouts, and team meetings. Being a student-athlete at Tulane University is a full-time job. While we have no interest in establishing courses with the sole purpose of catering to student-athletes, we also realize there are degrees out there that fulll Tulane’s mission while specically
being of interest to student-athletes, such as sports management. Director of Athletics Rick Dickson is currently working closely with Provost Michael Bernstein and Dean of Newcomb-Tulane College James MacLaren to explore which of those new degree tracks might be the best t for Tulane. We are
A Product of Tulane Football Although Matt Forte was selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, earning his degree was just as important. Matt continued working towards this goal, while starting at running back for the Bears, and joined the ranks of fellow Tulane University alumni, achieving a B.S.M. in Finance in 2009.
optimistic that additional degree tracks will be added in the near future.
TU Football Stands Out Nationally Currently in its sixth year, the NCAA's Academic Performance Rates (APR) measures the eligibility eligibility,, retention and graduation of student-athletes competing on every Division I sports team. The Green Wave football team logged a 967, placing the squad in the 70-80th percentile, and ranked TU 23 points
above the national average and four points ahead of private institutions.
Facility Progress Tulane Athletics has been bee n rebuilt and renewed in many ways since sinc e Hurricane Katrina struck s truck New Orleans in 2005. Programs have been reinstated, budgets have grown signicantly
and our student-athletes are being provided more resources than ever in our history. Another area of focus and a nd progress is in the way of facilities. With the addition add ition of the stateof-the-art Greer Field at Turchin Turchin Stadium and the soon-to-be-opened soon-to-be-ope ned Hertz Center, Tulane Tulane University will now focus its efforts toward a major football project.
Greer Field at Turchin Stadium
A $10.5 million state-of-the-art facility opened in 2008 and is named in honor of Philip Greer and Robert R obert and Lillian Turchin - the namesake n amesake of the old Turchin Turchin Stadium. A pro-style stadium with a capacity of 5,000, Greer Field at Turchin Stadium features a grandstand design of structural steel. In addition, the facility also features private suites, an open-air club suite, a partially covered seating area and a new press box. The Green Wave's facility also features a different playing surface in FieldTurf - the same surface used in several Major League Baseball and NFL stadiums.
The Hertz Center
The 43,000 sq. ft., two-story building will have two regulation basketball/volleyball courts, a conditioning, training and hydrotherapy center, video and lm rooms, ofces
and locker rooms for men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball, and several conference rooms. To be completed during the fall of 2011, the practice facility will alleviate space contraints in the Wilson Center, Center, allowing Tulane Tulane Football more academic acad emic and strength and conditioning resources.
Facility Vision Tulane is exploring every eve ry option to improve the game day experience for Tulane Tulane Football. We are aggressively pursuing alternative options, including an on-campus stadium. The Superdome has been a great home for Tulane Football. However, the location is not conducive to maximizing student interest, and the size s ize is simply too large for our needs at this time. Ultimately, Ultim ately, we will nd another venue. This project is going to be very ver y expensive and signicant private support must be generated in order to see it become a reality.
This is a priority for President Cowen and Rick Dickson who are actively meeting with potential benefactors. We hope to have a denitive answer within 12 months.
Facility Fundraising Goal Total Goal: $60,000,000 Stadium Naming Rights: $20,000,000 Additional Naming Opportunities: $20,000,000 Other Commitments (individual donations and ticket commitments): $20,000,000
What about an indoor practice facility? While an indoor practice facility on campus would be nice, this project takes a distant second behind the possibility of a football stadium. If that does not come to fruition, an indoor practice facility will be a priority for Tulane Football.
Tulane Stadium was home to the Green Wave from 1926 to 1974. Starting at a capacity of roughly 35,000, it was expanded to seat up to 81,000 fans.
The Saints (in regards to their indoor facility) and the Superdome have graciously allowed Tulane Football access whenever needed (as long as available). Football is provided the resources necessary to get to those venues quickly.
A Rich History and Tradition
1893 Tulane's rst football team took the eld in 1893 and earned its rst win with a 34-0 shutout of LSU.
1934 The legendary Claude Simons led the 1934 Greenies to a 10-1 season, an SEC Championship and a victory in the inaugural Sugar Bowl.
1966 Large crowds were common at Tu Tulane lane Stadium, including this game on November 19, 1966, when 82,567 fans were in attendance for the Tulane-LSU game.
1979 Led by quarterback Roch Hontas, the Green Wave went 9-3, defeated LSU at the Superdome in front of 73,496 fans, and played Penn State in the Liberty Bowl.
1901 One disputed loss was the only thing stopping the 1901 Olive and Blue from posting a second-straigh second-straightt perfect season.
1939
While Tulane's 1931 team was arguably the best in school history, it was not the rst Green Wave squad to earn a bid to the Rose Bowl. The 1925 Greenies also were selected but turned down the offer.
1949
Paul Krueger captained a blue-collar Tulane team which earned a bid to the 1939 Sugar Bowl and also a perfect SEC record of 5-0.
Eddie Price led the Green Wave to the 1949 SEC title as a senior. It was one of three SEC titles won by the Green Wave from 1934 to 1949
1973
1970 The 17-3 upset over Colorado in the 1970 Liberty Bowl capped off the "Year of the Green." Tulane head coach Jim Pittman was carried off of the eld as 44,640 witnessed the Greenies dominate.
The 1987 Green Wave scored more points than any other TU team in the rst 100 years of the program. Marc Zeno closed his career as the NCAA's career leader in receiving yards with 3,725.
2005
In addition to playing in the Astro-Bluebonnet Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, the 1973 Tulane squad defeated LSU, 14-0, before 86,598 fans, the largest football crowd in the history of the South at that time.
1998
1987
2002 An aggressive and opportunistic defense, superior special teams play and a young offense that came together behind new quarterback J.P. Losman and star running back Mewelde Moore, propelled Tulane to just its second eight-plus win season since 1979 and a victory in the Hawai'i Bowl.
1931
Charged by President Cowen to "carry the torch, be the face and represent the name" of the university, the football team wore a commemorative patch throughout the 2005-06 academic year.
The most successful season in the rst 107 years of Tulane Football and marked the rst Tulane squad to win 12 games in a season and the third unbeaten, untied squad in school history. The C-USA champions met BYU in the Liberty Bowl before a national television audience where they won 41-27. The Green Wave nished the season the #7 ranked team in the country.
to be continued...
Tulane Bowl History
TULANE ALL-TIME BOWL RESULTS Season 1931 1934 1939 1970 1973 1979 1980 1987 1998 2002
Bowl Rose Sugar Sugar Liberty Astro-Bluebonnet Liberty Hall of Fame Independence Liberty Hawaii
Site Opponent W-L Tulane Opp. Pasadena, CA Southern California L 12 21 New Orleans, LA Temple W 20 14 New Orleans, LA Texas A&M L 13 14 Memphis, TN Colorado W 17 3 Houston, TX Houston L 7 47 Memphis, TN Penn State L 6 9 Birmingham, AL Arkansas L 15 34 Shreveport, LA Washington L 12 24 Memphis, TN Brigham Young W 41 27 Honolulu, HI Hawaii W 36 28
and more to come!
Tulane and the New Orleans Community Now more than ever, Tulane University is a critical part of the New Orleans community. Through Tulane Empowers and the Devlin S-AFE Center for Leadership Development, which houses Tulane Athletics community outreach efforts, our institution is making an impact on our community each and a nd every day. With more than 4,400 employees, Tulane is the city’s largest private employer. Green Wave Football is excited to build upon this foundation and become more of a prominent player in our city and region.
Tulane
empowers HELPING PEOPLE BUILD A BETTER WORLD
At Tulane, Tulane, “empower” is not only a word, it’s an ethos and a call to action. It’s Green Wave student-athletes tutoring in local schools or hosting “Shadow a Student-Athlete Day” on campus. It’s Tulane employees volunteering for a day of service. It’s Tulane Tulane alumni coming back year after year to aid the city’s recovery by building homes and hope. These are just a few of the amazing stories of Tulane Empowers, a new program that enables Tulane students, faculty, staff and alumni to bring about positive change in New Orleans and around the world.
Thanks to the generosity of Kate and Bob Devlin, longtime supporters of Tulane Athletics, we have established a center devoted to the expansion of the role of our student-athletes in the New Orleans community. The Devlin S-AFE Center helps our student-athletes make an even greater impact on our community by developing new associations and relationships with schools and nonprot organiza organizations. tions.
The S-AFE Center incorporates the principles of philanthropic service and leadership into the student-athlete experience and enhances the Tulane Athletics department's outreach efforts with coordinated planning, training and oversight.
Student-Athletes Making a Difference More than 20 annual events result in 2,500 hours of community service. Key events include:
NFL / Tulane Youth Impact Program Progr am
Wave Days
400 students from eight different elementary schools attend a Tulane Football game at 120 underprivileged boys from ages the Superdome and are educated about the opportunity to attend college and continue 9-12 are exposed to an innovative their education. program focusing on academics, life skills and athletics.
Shadow a Student-Athlete Day
70 elementary school students follow individual student-athletes through a typical morning, attending classes and experiencing a full day in the shoes of a Tulane student-athlete.
A Foundation Is Laid
Returning Talent Talent - Depth Next Season Hurricane Katrina devastated our recruiting recr uiting and player development efforts. Many recruits de-committed and our team was wa s without a weight room for multiple months. When hired, Coach Toledo Toledo was instructed instruc ted to keep all commitments Tulane Tulane had made, many of whom have gone on to become some of the best ambassadors this school has ever seen. We have not had the luxury to redshirt as many players as he would have liked and this is why we have elded a young team each year. Since that time, the program has made
huge strides in recruiting, which equates to increased talent and added depth.
Returning Starters
Returning Letterman Offensive Defensive Special Teams
22 25 4
Offense QB RB OL
Roster by the Numbers
OL Starters Returning 2010 Redshirts
17 15
2011 Green Wave by Class Seniors (12):
OG Emmanuel Aluko, DT Chris Asumnu, CB Taylor Echols, OG Harris Howard, WR Joe Kemp, DE Dezman Moses, C J oey Ray,, LB Kristophar Rhymes, DE Josh Smith, FB Kasey Stelly, Ray RB Albert Williams, DT Cedric Wilson Juniors (22):
OL WR WR
DT DE DE LB
Grant, QB Ryan Grifn, LB Chris Hanuscin, DE Austen Jacks,
LB
Sullen, NB/CB Ryan Travis, S Devon Walker Sophomores Sophomor es (26):
DE Wendell Beckwith, TE Kevin Burris, WR Brent Comardelle, RB Orleans Darkwa, S Kyle Davis, LB Zach Davis, DT Shane Delery,, WR JoJo Dobbs, P Jonathan Delery Jo nathan Ginsburgh, LB Logan Hamilton, OT Mike Henry, RB Keith Harvey II, OT Pat Husain, OL Rio Mares, FB Mitchell Reilly, LB Dominique Robertson, K Ryan Rome, K Cairo Santos, CB Derrick Strozier, RB Jamar Thomas, WR Wilson Van Hooser, DE Julius Warmsley, CB Kendrell Washington, CB Kendrick Washington, DE Devin Redshirt Freshmen (13):
QB Taylor Taylor Bullock, LB Kerchal Byrd, S Cameron DeJean, OT Sean Donnelly, S Steven Funderburk, TE Matt Marsi,
LB Ray Oppman, CB L.J. Parker, LB Andre Robinson, OG
Adam Skidmore, C/OG Ben Stone, DT Kenny Welcom Welcome, e, C Ian
Wiggins
True Freshmen (22):
LB Matthew Bailey, QB Leon Blouin, IV, WR Devin Boutte, DL Aaron Bryant, DL, Lawrence Burl, RB Dante Butler Butler,, TE Josh Drum, WR Marc Edwards, RB Robert Kelley, WR/DB Brandon
LeBeau, DL Michael Pierce, DL Corey Redwine, WR Xavier Rush, QB Nick SanGiacomo, DB Sam Scoeld, WR Justyn
Shackleford, DL Andrew Siden, OL Nate Skold, TE Evan Tatford, Tatford, DB Renaldo Thomas, TE Greg
Ryan Grifn Orleans Darkwa
Harris Howard Eric Jones Zach Morgan Ryan Grant Joe Kemp
Defense
RB Stephen Barnett, DL Casey Blum, WR Jacob Davis, DS John Edwards, LB Darryl Farley Farley,, WR Devin Figaro, WR Ryan OT Eric Jones, CB Alex Lauricella, LB Trent Mackey, OG Zach Morgan, DB Peter Morreale, QB D.J. Pond er er,, TE Brock Sanders, S Shakiel Smith, TE Stephen Suchy, CB Jordan
Career Starts
NB S
Chris Asumnu Austen Jacks Dezman Moses Trent Mackey Darryl Farley Ryan Travis Shakiel Smith
Special Teams DS K P
John Edwards Cairo Santos Jonathan Ginsburgh
17 6 16 10 17 6 12
Career Starts 20 13 9 12 14 12 23
Career Starts 24 12 12
Recruiting Talent The increase in the overall Athletics budget equates to an increase in the recruiting resources for Tulane Football. For example, if a coach needs to y to California for a day,
he is able to do so. Tulane Football will not lose recruiting battles due to lack of resources. This is demonstrated through the implementation of our football satellite camps as well as an increase in national recruiting.
Satellite Football Camps In 2009-2010, Tulane Football held six camps across Louisiana. "These camps are a convenient and very affordable way for players in our state to learn from our coaches without traveling long distances. We have 28 players currently on our roster that we have seen in these camps over the past three years. They are now members of our team because they took advantage of this opportunity in their own back yards. The camps really give our program a presence throughout the state, and that is one of the biggest reasons why almost half our roster is now lled with players from the state of
Louisiana." - Tulane Head Football Coach Bob Toledo Toledo
Local Talent Tulane University is the largest private employer in New Orleans and was voted the best place to work in the city. For Tulane Tulane Football to become bec ome "New Orleans' College Team," we not only need to be successful, but we need to do so by utilizing homegrown talent. Louisiana is a traditional hotbed for Division I college football players. Next season, nearly half of our entire team will be from Louisiana.
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“Louisiana is rich in football talent and therefore we are committed to recruiting elite local high school players and have made great strides in doing so. We target many of the top players in the state and our satellite camps have paid great dividends in that effort. We also strategically recruit student-athletes nationally nationally,, focusing on parts of the country where Tulane has a high profle.”
Doug Lichtenberger Recruiting Coordinator
Leadership on the Field 41 Dezman Moses
Class: RS Senior Hometown: Willingboro, N.J. Major: Sociology
26 Orleans Darkwa
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 260 Position: Defensive End Last College: University of Iowa
Named to Phil Steele's All-Conference All -Conference USA second team and received honorable mention All C-USA honors by the league's coaches 11.5 stops for lost yardage, four quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, recovery, four pass break-ups, seven hurries and one interception Ranked 10th among C-USA players in tackles for loss Named C-USA Defensive Player of the Week after posting six stops with 1.5 sacks among 2.5 tackles for loss (-10) at Rutgers
Class: Sophomore Hometown: Nashville, TN Major: Undecided
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 200 Position: Running Back High School: The Ensworth School
Finest performance by a rst-year running back
in school history
Named to Phil Steele's Freshman All-America Third Team Named to the All-Conference USA Second Team
and All C-USA Freshman Team...became the rst
running back since Mewelde Moore to be named to a Freshman All-America team Ninth freshman in school history to earn Freshman All-America honors Rushed for 925 yards on 184 carries (5.0 yards per carry) and had 11 touchdowns No. 2 rusher in Conference USA and the top freshman running back in C-USA
20 Trent Mackey
Class: RS Junior Hometown: Port Sulphur, LA Major: Sociology
11 Ryan Grifn
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 230 Position: Linebacker Last College: Duke
Named the Louisiana Newcomer of the Year Year and to the All-Louisiana First Team Defense Selected to Phil Steele's Conference USA First Team and was tabbed by Conference USA coaches to the All C-USA Second Team Defense One of the nation's leaders in tackles with 124 tackles (63 solo), ranking third among C-USA players and 17th nationally Notched 10-plus tackles in eight of 12 games, including a career-best 17 vs. Army First player to record 100 tackles in a single season since 2005 (Anthony Cannon)
Class: RS Junior Hometown: Westlake Village, CA Major: Management
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 215 Position: Quarterback High School: Chaminade College Prep
Started all 11 games he played and completed 223of-378 pass attempts for 2,371 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions which ranks eighth among TU's single-season leaders Recorded the fourth-best passing day in school history with a 412-yard effort at Tulsa Notched 300+ yard passing games against Rice (314) and Marshall (370) Named the Louisiana Offensive Player Pla yer of the Week on Nov. 15
Leadership off the Field Dezman Moses
Orleans Darkwa
“I transferred to Tulane from the University of Iowa and, as with anything, the adjustment wasn’t always easy. With that said, after spending the last two years here I could not be more excited to play for Tulane University. It is very clear to me that we are better now than we have ever been. I am incredibly excited about the upcoming season and look forward to reaching our goal of playing in a bowl game and competing for a Conference USA Championship. There is no doubt in my mind that my last year here, in 2011, is going to be a great one for Tulane Football.”
“After only one season with the Green Wave, I don’t have much to compare my experience with. But after talking to the upperclass upperclassmen men and to former Tulane players, I know that our football program is in better shape than it has been in a long time. I have set many personal goals that I hope to achieve here, rst and foremost to earn a Tulane
degree, but none of those goals can compare to the collective goals our team has set for 2011 and beyond. Next year is going to be a season to remember and under the direction of this coaching staff the future is going to be even better.”
Conviction: "I believe in this program." Trent Mackey
“As a local guy, Tulane is home for me. There is nothing I want more than to be a part of this program when we are competing for conference championships and playing in bowl games again. It makes me extremely happy to play for a staff that has made such an increased effort to recruit the New Orleans area and keep local talent here at Tulane. Last year left a bad taste in the entire team’s mouth and my teammates and I can’t wait for next season to start.”
Ryan Grifn
“As the quarterback for the Green Wave, I take great pride in leading a program with such great tradition. Our coaching staff and every player on our roster continues to put in the necessary hard work and I am condent we are ready to take the
next step. I’ve always believed in every coach we have on the staff and I know that belief is consistent throughout the entire team. It is time for the Green Wave to get back to the level we all aspire to. Roll Wave!”
Bigger,, Faster Bigger F aster,, Stronger St ronger Tulane Football student-athletes have made huge gains in strength and conditioning over the past four years. years . A committed weight staff, along with a motivated group of players has h as transformed a football program – literally. In addition, the majority of our football studentathletes are on campus participating in summer school and summer workouts. Recently, Rob Phillips was named the Director of Strength and Conditioning and oversees the development of all student-athletes, working hand-in-hand with football strength and conditioning coach Derick Atchley. Rob brings 14 years of experience to Green Wave Athletics, including a ve-year stint as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns. The
charts below illustrate the strength and conditioning progress of our football program:
s r e y a l p f o
2007
2008
2009
2010
#
s r e y a l p f o
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011 (Expectation)
#
n o i t a p i c i t r a P %
2011 (Expectation)
2007
2008
2009
2010
s r e y a l p f o
2007
2008
2009
2010
s r e y a l p f o #
2011 (Expectation)
#
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011 (Expectation)
2011 (Expectation)
"We are making progress each year in the weight room and on the eld. The numbers listed
above are where I expect our players to be by the end of summer. We have many players that have changed their strength, appearance and attitude this past year year.. I am looking forward to a much improved Tulane Football team in 2011." - Derick Atchley, Football Strength and Conditioning Coach
Continuity Just over four years ago, Bob Toledo was hired as the Head Coach Coac h of Tulane Football. As you know, he was facing a signicant challenge – the effects of
Hurricane Katrina lingered much longer than any of us anticipated. Yet, throughout the past four years, yea rs, he and his coaching staff have stayed focused on the task at hand. It has not been a fast rebuilding process – he said all along it would take time and he has been afforded that time for those reasons. Continuity is a concept that is largely ignored in today’ss college athletics. Many programs today today’ make the mistake of ring a
coach before he truly has been given the chance to right the ship. We believe that Bob Toledo and his staff are best suited to lead us there. The foundation has been laid and everyone associated with the program understands our goals and expectations are to become bowleligible in 2011. Coach Toledo and his staff provide continuity to follow the plan and fulll
these expectations.
“As someone who has been a part of this program for 5 years, I have seen a lot of ups and downs. As a former starting quarterback who lost the job, I could have been bitter about my experience. Yet, I am here to say that rst and
foremost, I am 100% behind this
coaching staff and am condent
they have this program on the brink
of
signicant
success.
There is no doubt in my mind that Tulane Football Footb all is in a much better position than when I arrived. I have
seen rsthand the development
of our players once they are in the program; I have seen the progress on the recruiting front; and, most importantly, I know our current players BELIEVE in the direction and EXPECT to win starting next year. I am proud to have been a part of the growth of the program. It is my only regret that I will not be a part of next year's team. It is going to be a season to remember.”
Kevin Moore B' 10
Building a Foundation for Tulane Football Institutional Commitment You have now had an opportunity op portunity to read about ab out the tangible commitment c ommitment to Tulane Tulane Football – a commitment that begins at the top and extends throughout the entire university. This is apparent with enhanced resources such as: Increased nancial support
Increased admissions support Additional degree tracks Priority registration for student-athletes Additional academic advisors and tutors Increased strength and conditioning staff Commitment to enhancing game day experience We know our game plan will lead to, rst and foremost, the necessary foundation for a
consistently successful football program - one that aspires to greatness each and every year.
The Vision To develop a highly successful program that opens every campaign with the talent and resources to: 1) Win our division 2) Win the C-USA Championship 3) Participate in post-season post-season bowl bowl games
A Renewed Commitment We hope that The Playbook has Playbook has increased your awareness of our game plan for Tulane Football. In order to achieve our goals, we need your support. Now is not the time for you to sit on the sideline. We challenge you to help us share this exciting information with other Green Wave alumni, fans and community members. Let’s paint the Superdome green in support of Tulane Football as we embark on a promising future.
2011 Tulane Green Wave Football Schedule
(Homecoming)
Questions? Questions about The Playbook or Playbook or for more information on how to become an ambassador for Tulane Athletics, please contact Tulane Tulane Athletics at at 504.865.5356 or
[email protected].
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www.TulanePlaybook.com
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