In Travis Rundle’s first season as Sewanee’s football coach last year, the Tigers went 3-7, but the previous three years combined they were 3-27, with a 0-10 record in 2016.
The modest improvement in 2017 may make a significant leap in 2018, with only two starters having graduated from each side of the ball and each unit blessed with depth.
And every returner is stronger than he was a year ago, as well as much more knowledgeable about the schemes and terminologies Rundle and his staff have implemented.
“We’ve got a ton coming back, so hopefully we can make some noise. We’re stronger, and we have a different level of confidence,” Rundle said as preseason practice was about to begin.
He held to that assessment Thursday evening, saying, “Oh, yeah, we’ve been really sharp, especially the last couple of days. You can see a difference not only in how quickly we move through practice but in how the guys carry themselves.”