College Football - Southern Conference
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Elon Phoenix
| Location: Elon, North Carolina University Founded: 1889 Enrollment: 4,939 UG / 517 PG Mascot: Phoenix  School Colors: Marron & Gold Joined the SoCon: 2003 Varsity sports: 16 sports University President: Leo Lambert Director of Athletics: Dave Blank FootballHead Coach: Paul Hamilton Football Stadium: Rhodes stadium Current Capacity: 11,250-seat |
Former Lehigh coach Pete Lembo needed just two years to turn the once- beleaguered Phoenix into title contenders.
He did it by finding offensive playmakers like receiver Terrell Hudgins (117 catches, 12.8 average, 18 TDs) and quarterback Scott Riddle. Riddle passed for 3,817 yards and 31 TDs as a true freshman.
The offense lost receiver/returnman Michael Mayer, but has Hudgins, Riddle and Bo Williamson (40 catches, 15.4 average, six TDs) back, along with three offensive line starters.
Elon needs to develop a poor running game in order to take pressure off of Riddle. No back had more than 279 yards rushing last season and Brandon Newsome is the top returning runner with just 238 yards.
Injuries and depth issues hurt the Phoenix on defense last year, and Lembo has moved to address the problem in the offseason.
There are no worries at linebacker with Corey Weaver (80 tackles, four sacks). Brandon Wiggins (83 tackles) is another stalwart at LB, while safety Walker White leads the secondary.
Elon Phoenix 2009 Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| September 5 | Davidson | 7:00 PM ET |
| September 12 | at Presbyterian | 1:30 PM ET |
| September 19 | at Wake Forest | 6:30 PM ET |
| September 26 | Georgia Southern | TBA |
| October 3 | at Furman | TBA |
| October 10 | Citadel | 1:30 PM ET |
| October 24 | Chattanooga | TBA |
| October 31 | at Wofford | 1:30 PM ET |
| November 7 | at Western Carolina | 1:00 PM ET |
| November 14 | Appalachian State | 3:00 PM ET |
| November 21 | at Samford | 3:00 PM ET |