Coastal Carolina puts emphasis on offense, especially linemen, in recruiting class

CONWAY -- Coastal Carolina focused its 2010 recruiting class on the unit with the most immediate needs - the offense.

The Chanticleers signed 18 players Wednesday, including 12 that will likely begin their careers on the offensive side. That includes four offensive linemen, five receivers, a big tailback and a quarterback.

"I don't know about recruiting magazines and blue star and five star and four star and all that stuff, but we're really excited about this class of young men," Coastal coach David Bennett said.

"I believe before this crowd is done at Coastal, maybe sooner than later, it will be a very, very special group and we'll have very some specials seasons at Coastal Carolina."

Coastal's offense struggled throughout the 2009 season, and the coaching staff made a concerted effort to upgrade the personnel there this offseason. That started with the transfer of former Clemson lineman Kenneth Page and continued with the key recruitment of four linemen, all chosen for various all-star games, two rangy, athletic receivers, a hard-nosed fullback and 6-foot, 235-pound tailback Aaron Jones.

Coastal's first commitment in the class, Timberland quarterback Cody Craig, figures to redshirt next season.

Bennett would prefer to redshirt all true freshmen linemen, but instate receivers Matt Hazel (6-3, 180 pounds) and Nayquan Fleming (6-1, 175) may factor into the equation immediately. The poor play of the team's receivers was a major hindrance to the offense last season and cost position coach Hunter Spivey his job.

All three Horry County products who signed with the Chants - Myrtle Beach's Morgan Byrd, Socastee's Zack Elliman and Carolina Forest's Ronnie Moses - will likely start their careers at receiver as well, adding a number of competitors to the fold.

"We don't plan of redshirting [Hazel or Fleming]," Bennett said. "It all depends on how fast they can learn. We told them that this summer they need to be walking by [the office of wide receivers coach Maurice Drayton] and learning what we're doing. I look at them and say ... more power to you. Whoever can pick it up the best and learn it and physically handle it [will play]."

Bennett also believes his team needs to get more physical at the point of attack. By adding 6-3, 245-pound fullback Jeff Allen of Morgantown, W.Va. - a player who has "something about him," Bennett said - and Jones, the Chants have certainly added FBS size to an FCS backfield.

But the Chants know that they're ability to move the ball on offense starts up front. Coastal didn't invest enough scholarship money into the offensive line in past seasons, Bennett said, and dedicated the necessary funds to land Shrine Bowlers Matt Ashley, Chad Hamilton and Devin Taylor and Tennessee East-West all-star Patrick Hansen.

Hamilton has the potential to play tackle or guard, Ashley will likely play guard, Hansen will play center and Taylor could compete for playing time down the road.

"I think it's the direction we wanted to go in," first-year offensive line coach Patrick Covington said. "Coach Bennett talked about putting more money and more emphasis on those guys. That's a big plus. [Hamilton, Ashley and Hansen] are athletic, even big "Moe" Ashley, who is a big and tall kid. ... You hope to redshirt most of those guys coming in. I'm not sure if we're there yet, but all of those guys talent wise have a chance to come in and compete."

To view Hoke's CCU sports blog, "The Roost," go to TheSunNews.com.