Larkin prepared to take next step

Schue tops list of talented returnees

Following a respectable showing last fall, Larkin enters the 2009 season hoping to take a step forward in coach Matt Gehrig's second year at the helm.

The Royals finished 4-5 a year ago, and the return of several key seniors could be enough to lift the program into the postseason for the first time since 2006 and only the second time in the past six years.

Senior lineman Cody Schue (6-foot-2, 290 pounds) headlines the list of returnees. Schue, who will start at offensive tackle and defensive end, earned All-Upstate Eight Conference and Courier-News All-Area First Team honors as a junior.

"Cody has improved a lot since last football season because of his training habits," Gehrig said. "We're going to look to him to be a true leader on the field this fall."

Senior Eric Lindsey (5-6, 260) joins Schue as a returning starter on both the offensive and defensive lines. Senior Reid Ellis (5-9, 160) is another key returner at wide receiver and cornerback.

Senior Alex Wahl (6-1, 195) is back with the varsity squad but moves from receiver to tight end on offense and from safety to linebacker on defense. Senior running back Jalen Williams (5-7, 150) is another returner who figures to play a prominent role after leading the Royals with 511 rushing yards last year.

Larkin's experience doesn't extend to the quarterback position as sophomore Kyle Newquist (6-2, 170) is poised to handle signal-calling duties. Junior Lee Jackson (5-7, 155), who transferred late in the summer from Elgin, could also see time at quarterback, but for now Gehrig is prepared to see how Newquist develops.

"I sound like Lovie Smith when I say 'Kyle is our quarterback,' but that's the case at that position," Gehrig said. "He's throwing the ball well and he's learning from his mistakes and making progress. He has a positive attitude and we like what we've seen from him so far."

Senior Cam Martin (5-9, 245) also figures to be a key newcomer at fullback and defensive tackle. Martin was ineligible last season but could make a major impact this fall, according to Gehrig.

Senior Garrett McDaniel (5-10, 130) and juniors Cory Ulrich (6-1, 210) and Andy Laboy (6-0, 190) will play key roles on the offensive line. The Royals will be without junior lineman Joe Hitzeroth (5-10, 240) after he sustained a season-ending knee injury earlier this month.

Junior Trevor Whitehead (5-10, 145) joins Ellis and Jackson as Larkin's top threats at receiver.

Senior Brian Cooks (5-10, 150) and juniors Brent Cooks (5-11, 160) and Kendall Lawton (5-8, 165) will join McDaniel and Jackson as defensive backs.

Seniors Selwyn Hansana (5-11, 190), Anthony Dimiceli (6-1, 165) and Leandre Lee (5-6, 165) are in the mix at linebacker.