OFFENSE: The unit took a major step forward in 2022 averaging 30.6 points per game. It was one of the most improved offenses in NCAA Division II after averaging just 9.5 points per game in 2021. The renaissance can be pinpointed by a revamped offensive line and the emergence of standout transfers in Jason Whittaker at quarterback and Sy Barnett at wide receiver. The Panthers averaged 365.7 yards per game which ranked fourth in the GLIAC, but they vastly improved in the passing game leading the league with 233.4 passing yards per contest. Whittaker, a transfer from Northwestern, earned Second Team All-GLIAC honors after leading the conference in completions (185), attempts (346), yards per game (209.9) and touchdowns (26). He got his first start in week 3 and never looked back. He was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week three times in 2022 and set single-season DU record for attempts, completions, passing yards, and passing TD's. Barnett was a transfer from Ferris State at wide receiver and was named Don Hansen Honorable Mention All-American and First Team All-GLIAC. Barnett hauled in 53 catches for 694 yards and four touchdowns in his one season in Caledonia. He ranked third in the GLIAC in receptions and fourth in receiving yards. Preston Smith was a great compliment to Barnett at wideout and was used to stretch the defense vertically. Smith was named Second Team All-GLIAC in his first season at DU. He appeared and started in 10 games and finished with 43 receptions for 567 yards and six touchdowns. He ranked fourth in the conference in receptions, eighth in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns.
DEFENSE: The defense has always been the calling card for Davenport under head coach Sparky McEwen and defensive coordinator Adrian McEwen. The numbers took a step back in 2022 but the offensive firepower made up for any shortcomings on most occasions. The defense yielded 29.3 points per game and 327.6 yards per game a year ago. The team would like to have the points per game number lowered in 2023 but the yards per game allowed did rank fourth in the GLIAC. The pass defense was second to none leading the league at 155.1 yards allowed per game. The defense also recorded 23 sacks to rank tied for fourth in the conference and they also had 24 takeaways with 13 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries.
The defense must replace their top three tacklers from last season in Payton Mitchell (85), Jalen Robinson (68), and Shaq Floyd (48). Austin Alward has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the GLIAC over the last two seasons and should once again be busy in the opponent's backfield. Alward is the leading returning tackler with 46 and led the team with 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was selected First Team All-GLIAC and finished fifth in the league in sacks. Newcomer Julius Wilkerson from Wayne State will be roaming in the middle at linebacker and was a huge pickup to quarterback the defense. Wilkerson was the 2022 recipient of the McAvoy Award in the GLIAC to the player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom and in the community. He was voted Second Team All-GLIAC and was a team captain for the Warriors. He led the squad with 37 assisted tackles and finished second with 61 total tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS: This was a very strong unit and helped the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA playoff appearance in 2022. Barnett made an impact in this area as well with nine punt returns for 59 yards, two kick returns for 25 yards, and 19 punts for 798 yards including a DU record of 87 yards on a punt at Ferris State (Nov. 5). DU will be looking to replace that productivity in 2023. Brandon Gielow was as steady as it gets in the kicking game and earned First Team All-GLIAC honors in 2022. Gielow made 9-of-11 field goals with a long of 41 yards. He also connected on 38-of-42 extra points and finished with a team-high 65 points. He led the GLIAC in made field goals and ranked third in field goal percentage. He set single-season school record for points, PAT's made, field goals made, and field goal percentage. Kyle Wojahn split punting duties with Barnett last season but should be the primary punter this season. The senior averaged 37.4 yards per punt in 2022 but had a breakthrough 2021 when he was named Second Team All-GLIAC. He averaged 38.6 yards per punt and had 20 punts inside the 20 yard line.
