Published: August 07, 2008 10:09 am            

New faces fuel optimism at UWA

By Brandon Walker

assistant sports editor

LIVINGSTON, Ala. — Bobby Wallace could barely hide his excitement.

As West Alabama's third-year head coach welcomed visitors to UWA's media day Wednesday at Tiger Stadium, Wallace had a hard time suppressing a grin.

So why would a coach coming off a winless conference season be so excited?

The answer is simple. The veteran coach is starting to see things coming together for the Tigers.

"We've got a new coaching staff, we'll have a great deal of new starters," Wallace said Wednesday, "but this team is really coming together. We've got a great deal of individual talent, probably as good as we've had yet, but this season the team really seems to be ready to take that next step and become a winner.

"You can have all the talent in the world, but unless you've got the intangibles, you're not going to compete for championships."

Competing for the conference title on a yearly basis is where Wallace believes the Tigers are headed. Apparently, there are some who agree with the legendary coach as UWA is picked to finish seventh in the 11-team Gulf South Conference, ahead of four other teams despite a 1-9 mark last season.

A few players with local ties could be the root of a bit of Wallace's optimism. Among players in attendance Wednesday included former West Lauderdale and East Mississippi Community College running back Dameon Baylor, who figures to see a prominent role in UWA's spread-option attack this season.

"He's going to be a starter in our backfield," Wallace said of Baylor. "He fits in with what we're trying to do and he gives us a dependable option in the backfield."

For Baylor the chance to shine in UWA's ground-oriented offense is a tremendous opportunity.

"I'm very excited. I feel that God led me here for a reason and that this is where I'm supposed to be," Baylor said. "They told me that I will get to tote the ball a lot, so of course I'm excited about that. I really feel comfortable here playing for these coaches and I feel good about going into battle with the players we have here."

Other notable UWA players with area ties include former East Central wide receiver Deon Williams, former Noxubee County standout James Patterson and former ECCC offensive lineman Mentral Ledbetter.

Another player to receive Wallace's acclaim was former Ole Miss linebacker Garry Pack, who will take the field for the first time this season at UWA after transferring from Ole Miss two seasons ago.

"I am ready to play football," Pack said. "I had to sit out last year and watch these guys play the games, so I'm just ready to get back to what I do best."

UWA will open its 2008 season with a home date against Belhaven on Aug. 30.

        

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