Staff report
SALISBURY ó The second year of the Elvin James era begins for Livingstone tonight when they travel to Murfreesboro to take on the Chowan Hawks in the season opener.
The Blue Bears will have a new quarterback in transfer Jaren Troutmanwhile sophomore returner Levon Stanley will be the backup. Stanley was Livingstoneís top passer last season, finishing with 406 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Whoever is under center, they will be protected by an experienced offensive line which includes three returners (Allyne Hall, Josiah Simms and Chris Woodard), a Division I transfer in Harlee Frink and freshman Stuart Wallace.
In the backfield, Livingstone has a strong returning core with senior Jamel Moore, junior Terrill Gourdine and sophomore Tevin Mishoe. Each of them finished in the top four in rushing for the Blue Bears last season. The Blue Bears have also added some depth, starting with Javon Williams, a freshman from Goldsboro.
Livingstone returns only one wide receiver from last season, sophomore Anthony Holland. Holland finished with 277 receiving yards last season, but failed to find the endzone. Carl James, Levell Sears and Craig Murdock are all incoming freshmen. Miles Harris will anchor the tight end position to start the season.
On defense the only returning starters senior Michael Haygood who had 27 tackles last season including two sacks. Freshman Devin Evans will occupy the tackle position while Wesley Jackson, a transfer from the New Mexico Military Institute and freshman Bobby Williams will work at the defensive end positions.
At linebacker, the Blue Bears will look for returners Justin Johnson, Travis Holliday and Tyheim Pitt to lead the group.
Senior Devonta Harmon will start at the free safety position. Harmon was second on the team in tackles last season with 57. Freshman Anthony Townsend is slated to start at the strong safety spot while junior Isiah Simms and freshman Justin Avery will start at the corners.