Offensively, David Taylor, a wide receiver from Mount Vernon, IA was voted as the rookie of the year. Starting from day one, David was second on the team with 31 receptions, and led the team with 525 yards receiving and four receiving touchdowns. He scored the first touchdown of the season for us, and had a huge game in week three. Against conference foe Beloit College, David hauled in 6 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. That total ranks as the 6th best single game total of all time for Grinnell. David had a great first season and we look for even better things in the years to come.
Rick Johnson, an outside linebacker from Davenport, IA was our defensive rookie of the year. Rick played in seven games before suffering an injury, but he made the most of his time in the lineup. His two best games were at home against Trinity (7 tackles, 2 tfl, 1/2 sack, and a forced fumble) and on the road against Macalester (8 tackles and 1 sack). Rick was improving week to week, and his best football is yet to come.
Overall, seven different first-year players saw significant playing time, and another was slated as a starter before suffering an injury. We look to build around this solid, young core!
