2007 Outlook: Halfback

Just like fullback, there are four exciting and talented players looking to make an impact at halfback to help off-set the loss of Walter Crump who finished his career ranked 12th on the school’s career rushing list with 1,560 yards.

Red-shirt junior David Richards is the position's top returner after he finished second on the team in rushing last season behind Dykes. Richards totaled 420 yards and two touchdowns in 2006 while leading the team in yards per carry with a 5.8 average. He was also a threat to catch passes out of the backfield as he had 13 receptions for 152 yards which is the second-highest total among all returning players, trailing only receiver Howard Chavous. A standout running back in high school, Richards is averaging 5.7 yards per carry in his two seasons with the Red Raiders.

Joining Richards as the team's second starting halfback will likely be red-shirt senior Kyle Fogarty, who has been one of the team’s most versatile threats over the last three seasons. Primarily used as a lead blocker in Shippensburg’s Wing-T attack because of his physical style, he has proven to be most effective as a receiver out of the backfield, totaling 23 receptions for 285 yards and three touchdowns in his career.

Also among the experienced veterans at halfback is senior David Wilkerson, who, since joining the team in 2003, has appeared in 33 career games. During that time, he has proven the ability to get into the end zone, scoring six touchdowns, three rushing and three receiving which is the second-highest total among all returning running backs. Wilkerson has complimented that with 258 receiving yards and 247 yards rushing.

The fourth player to watch this season is red-shirt freshman Kevin Marshall. The coaching staff is very high on Marshall who showed explosive speed and skill in spring practice. As a senior at Scotland School in 2005, he totaled 986 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns in nine games while totaling a season-high 217 yards in one game.

"Halfback could be a real strength for us this season," said Rees. "There is a lot of big play capability with Richards, Fogarty, Wilkerson and Marshall."

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