COASTAL CAROLINA CHANTICLEERS
Keeping O’Neal Healthy
Senior running back Eric O’Neal has not been able to showcase his talent, battling
injuries throughout his career. In fact, he missed most of the final five games of 2009.
O’Neal’s last surgery required his ligament to be screwed to his bone, which has proven
to be successful to date.
Despite his limited time, and Coastal’s young history, O’Neal still ranks sixth on the
school’s all-time rushing list (1,107 yards).
Childers Makes Move to TE
Junior Jamie Childers sent 2009 sharing time at quarterback, completing 27-of-53
passes for 289 yards and three TDs. He added 163 rushing yards — fourth-best on the
team —with three rushing TDS — second-best on the squad.
With transfer quarterback Aramis Hillary coming from South Carolina, the backlog at
QB behind third-year starter Zach MacDowall left some talented players on the sideline.
“Any coaches’ job is to put the best players on the field,” head coach David Bennett
said. “As a staff, we looked and saw a big, fast, talented kid standing on the sideline a lot
so we asked Jamie to move to tight end. He causes a lot of match-up problems due to his
size and speed and will really benefit our other talented tight end David Duran.”
Childers had an excellent camp at tight end, causing problems for Coastal’s talented
defensive backfield. However, do not be surprised if Childers still does not see some
snaps at quarterback this season.
Tough Way to Open; Home Slate No Picnic
Coastal Carolina will open the season playing four of its first six on the
road, including games at FBS #24 West Virginia and FCS #6 Richmond.
After opening at West Virginia, the Chants will travel to Towson and, in
addition to Richmond on the road, will play at Presbyterian.
Coastal’s home games in September include six-time FCS national
champion Georgia Southern and Delaware State.
The good news is Coastal will close the season playing three of its final
five at home. However, two of those games will be with 2009 co-Big
South champions Stony Brook and Liberty along with rival Charleston
Southern.
Keeping It Real
Coastal Carolina plays in Brooks Stadium with Benton Field being natural
grass. Prior to last season, Coastal Carolina only had played 10 games
on artificial turf. However, last year, the Chants played on artificial turf in
four of its six road games.
For its history, Coastal has played 65 of its 79 games on natural grass.
The Chanticleers are 46-19 (70.8) on natural grass and 30-10 (.750) at
home thanks to a 5-0 mark in Brooks Stadium in 2009.
When playing on artificial surfaces, Coastal Carolina is just 4-10 in its
seven years.
A Good Start is Good
In seven seasons, Coastal Carolina is 32-5 (.865) when scoring first in a
game.
Going a step further, Coastal Carolina is 37-7 (.841) all-time when leading
at the half. Coastal is 21-3 when leading at the half at home and 16-4
when doing so on the road.
Get to 200 and Win is a Near Lock
In seven season, Coastal Carolina is 33-4 (.892) when rushing for 200
or more yards in a game. The only losses have been in the 2005 season finale
versus Charleston Southern and losses in 2008 to Georgia Southern,
Presbyterian and Liberty.
