FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[CNU85]

Our starter is back from a 7-2 season! He's a big kid too. 6'2 210.  Had a good Jr  year. 61% 18TD

[bleedpurple]

What is D1 toughness?

For a receiver, he's pretty tough to bring down. He transferred in from Rutgers and his strength showed last year.

Thanks, WB.

[RowanPhan]

I have a 21 page "way to detailed, way too early" Rowan Profs team preview if anyone is interested.

[RowanPhan]

OFFENSE The Rowan Profs will rely on an experienced group in 2019 to lead the offense. Beside running back, the Profs return key contributors at every position on the offense.

The Quarterback position has been unsettled in Glassboro for several years and 2018 was no exception. The Profs found 2 talented QBs but juggled signal callers through out the year. Riley Giles was reliable (72% completion %) yet Nick Couzzi (D2 Transfer) showed glimpses of magic (beat Wesley) . Both now have valuable experience and will be counted on to lead the offense; however, look for talented transfer, Mike Husni (D1-FCS Marist Transfer), to push for playing time.

Messiah Devine, Rowan's returning rushing leader, will lead an inexperienced running back corp. He has the talent to break the long run including an 80 yard TD versus Widener in 2018. Big man Carlton Coleman and speedsters Nick Mainiero and Ifreke Andy should push for playing time.

Cody Madden may be the most talented TE in the NJAC and will be certainly be a sure-handed target for who ever wins the QB battle. The deepest position on offense will be at WR where Nick Grosso and Elijah Rehm (both voted captains) return. Rehm might be the most talented athlete in the NJAC (he's an electric, All-American Return Specialist). Watch out for John Maldonado and Kazmere Sturgis to step up in 2019.

The Profs will have a strong and experience corp of OL leading the way which includes nine players with significant experience. Tom Kane was a key contributor as a freshman and will man the LT position. Other veterans include Jake Stillings and Scott Dunscomb who should start at RG and LG, respectively. Pat McGowan and Jake Piccoli will lead at center. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at RT.

DEFENSE Rowan will rely on a strong secondary to stabilize the defense in 2019. The group consists of 4 returning starters including Nate Lanier (5 INT), Joe DiBari (2 INT), Malachi Winters (1 INT), and Kameron Kennedy. This group will be one of the stronger secondary units in the NJAC this season. Winters, a former Army D1 commit, has seen action since his first game and has the talent to have a break-out year in 2019. Look for Jared Wright, Elijah Arroyo, and Jake Schillinger to provide backup depth.

The Profs DL will be led by Captain David "Gator" Gajderowicz and talented prospect, Sunny Tapp (D1 Robert Morris transfer). DT's Antoine Alicia and Ruben Pierre both played key roles in 2018 and will provide much needed experience to the group. Look for top 2018 prospects Lamar Price and Kenny Cockerill to make an impact in 2019. Luke Genise is an undersized DL but is a tenacious defender and will strengthen the depth of the defense.

The Profs will need to quickly rebuild the LB group which was led by 4 seniors in 2018. Brandon Fernandes (very talented athlete), Greg Cooper, and Anthony Morisi all cracked the depth charts in 2018. Fernandes will likely start at LB due to the open opportunities, but he was also listed as a TE on the roster. The Profs elected senior Anthony LaRosa captain in 2019 and will hopefully provide leadership for the LBs.

SPECIALISTS Christian Ireland returns at punter and will be one of the best in the NJAC. In 2018, the Profs had to fill the void at kicker by graduated Tyler Knighton (4 year starter). Now, the Profs are deep at kicker and will be led by Alex Boyko and Ethan McCarren. Returning kicks and punts will be All-American return specialist, Elijah Rehm. He is fun to watch!

VERDICT I think the Profs will be competitive in 2019, however they have a lot to improve if they want to return to the top of the NJAC. The NJAC lost Frostburg State and SVU, and Rowan replaced these games with Linfield and Hobart, i.e., their schedule became tougher. If all the pieces come together, Rowan will likely land at another 6-4 season which is great, but not enough in the NJAC.

[JT2]

Nice summary.

[Ice Bear]

OFFENSE The Rowan Profs will rely on an experienced group in 2019 to lead the offense. Beside running back, the Profs return key contributors at every position on the offense.

The Quarterback position has been unsettled in Glassboro for several years and 2018 was no exception. The Profs found 2 talented QBs but juggled signal callers through out the year. Riley Giles was reliable (72% completion %) yet Nick Couzzi (D2 Transfer) showed glimpses of magic (beat Wesley) . Both now have valuable experience and will be counted on to lead the offense; however, look for talented transfer, Mike Husni (D1-FCS Marist Transfer), to push for playing time.

Messiah Devine, Rowan's returning rushing leader, will lead an inexperienced running back corp. He has the talent to break the long run including an 80 yard TD versus Widener in 2018. Big man Carlton Coleman and speedsters Nick Mainiero and Ifreke Andy should push for playing time.

Cody Madden may be the most talented TE in the NJAC and will be certainly be a sure-handed target for who ever wins the QB battle. The deepest position on offense will be at WR where Nick Grosso and Elijah Rehm (both voted captains) return. Rehm might be the most talented athlete in the NJAC. Watch out for John Maldonado and Kazmere Sturgis step up in 2019.

The Profs will have a strong OL leading the way. Nine players return with significant experience. Tom Kane was a key contributor as a freshman and will man the LT position. Other veterans include Jake Stillings and Scott Dunscomb who should start at RG and LG, respectively. Pat McGowan and Jake Piccoli will lead at center. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at RT.

DEFENSE Rowan will rely on a strong secondary to stabilize the defense in 2019. The group consists of 4 returning starters including Nate Lanier (5 INT), Joe DiBari (2 INT), Malachi Winters (1 INT), and Kameron Kennedy. This group will be one of the stronger secondary units in the NJAC this season. Look for Jared Wright, Elijah Arroyo, and Jake Schillinger to provide backup depth.

The Profs DL will be led by Captain David Gajderowicz and talented prospect, Sunny Tapp (D1 Robert Morris transfer). DT's Antoine Alicia and Ruben Pierre both played key roles in 2018 and will provide much needed experience to the group. Look for top 2018 prospects Lamar Price and Kenny Cockerill to make an impact in 2019. Luke Genise is an undersized DL but is a tenacious defender and will strengthen the depth of defense.

The Profs will need to quickly rebuild the LB group which was led by 4 seniors in 2018., Brandon Fernandes (very talented athlete), Greg Cooper, and Anothy Morisi all cracked the depth charts in 2018. Fernandes was also listed as TE on the roster. The Profs elected Anthony LaRosa captain in 2019 and will provide leadership for the LBs.

SPECIALISTS Christian Ireland returns at punter and will be one of the best in the NJAC. In 2018, the Profs had to fill the void at kicker by graduated Tyler Knighton (4 year starter). Now, the Profs are deep at kicker and will be led by Alex Boyko and Ethan McCarren. Returning kicks and punts will be All-American return specialist, Elijah Rehm.

VERDICT I think the Profs will be competitive in 2019, however they have a lot to improve if they want to return to the top of the NJAC. The NJAC lost Frostburg State and SVU, and Rowan replaced these games with Linfield and Hobart, i.e., their schedule became tougher. If all the pieces come together, Rowan will likely land at another 6-4 season which is great, but not enough in the NJAC.

Well done dude, +k

[MRMIKESMITH]

https://njacsports.com/news/2019/7/30/2019-njac-football-preseason-coaches-poll-results-announced.aspx

I guess Salisbury is the outright #2 pick in the NJAC this year although MSU has more 1st place votes...

[CNU85]

Wow! 4 teams getting 1st place votes by coaches. Should be a fun year!!

[jmcozenlaw]

OFFENSE The Rowan Profs will rely on an experienced group in 2019 to lead the offense. Beside running back, the Profs return key contributors at every position on the offense.

The Quarterback position has been unsettled in Glassboro for several years and 2018 was no exception. The Profs found 2 talented QBs but juggled signal callers through out the year. Riley Giles was reliable (72% completion %) yet Nick Couzzi (D2 Transfer) showed glimpses of magic (beat Wesley) . Both now have valuable experience and will be counted on to lead the offense; however, look for talented transfer, Mike Husni (D1-FCS Marist Transfer), to push for playing time.

Messiah Devine, Rowan's returning rushing leader, will lead an inexperienced running back corp. He has the talent to break the long run including an 80 yard TD versus Widener in 2018. Big man Carlton Coleman and speedsters Nick Mainiero and Ifreke Andy should push for playing time.

Cody Madden may be the most talented TE in the NJAC and will be certainly be a sure-handed target for who ever wins the QB battle. The deepest position on offense will be at WR where Nick Grosso and Elijah Rehm (both voted captains) return. Rehm might be the most talented athlete in the NJAC (he's an electric, All-American Return Specialist). Watch out for John Maldonado and Kazmere Sturgis to step up in 2019.

The Profs will have a strong and experience corp of OL leading the way which includes nine players with significant experience. Tom Kane was a key contributor as a freshman and will man the LT position. Other veterans include Jake Stillings and Scott Dunscomb who should start at RG and LG, respectively. Pat McGowan and Jake Piccoli will lead at center. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at RT.

DEFENSE Rowan will rely on a strong secondary to stabilize the defense in 2019. The group consists of 4 returning starters including Nate Lanier (5 INT), Joe DiBari (2 INT), Malachi Winters (1 INT), and Kameron Kennedy. This group will be one of the stronger secondary units in the NJAC this season. Winters, a former Army D1 commit, has seen action since his first game and has the talent to have a break-out year in 2019. Look for Jared Wright, Elijah Arroyo, and Jake Schillinger to provide backup depth.

The Profs DL will be led by Captain David "Gator" Gajderowicz and talented prospect, Sunny Tapp (D1 Robert Morris transfer). DT's Antoine Alicia and Ruben Pierre both played key roles in 2018 and will provide much needed experience to the group. Look for top 2018 prospects Lamar Price and Kenny Cockerill to make an impact in 2019. Luke Genise is an undersized DL but is a tenacious defender and will strengthen the depth of the defense.

The Profs will need to quickly rebuild the LB group which was led by 4 seniors in 2018. Brandon Fernandes (very talented athlete), Greg Cooper, and Anthony Morisi all cracked the depth charts in 2018. Fernandes will likely start at LB due to the open opportunities, but he was also listed as a TE on the roster. The Profs elected senior Anthony LaRosa captain in 2019 and will hopefully provide leadership for the LBs.

SPECIALISTS Christian Ireland returns at punter and will be one of the best in the NJAC. In 2018, the Profs had to fill the void at kicker by graduated Tyler Knighton (4 year starter). Now, the Profs are deep at kicker and will be led by Alex Boyko and Ethan McCarren. Returning kicks and punts will be All-American return specialist, Elijah Rehm. He is fun to watch!

VERDICT I think the Profs will be competitive in 2019, however they have a lot to improve if they want to return to the top of the NJAC. The NJAC lost Frostburg State and SVU, and Rowan replaced these games with Linfield and Hobart, i.e., their schedule became tougher. If all the pieces come together, Rowan will likely land at another 6-4 season which is great, but not enough in the NJAC.

Reading about those D1 transfers (and the D1 commit).........................I'm having flashbacks to the K.C. Keeler days in Glassboro. Please tell me it ain't so. I still here stories to this day about some of the shenanigans from back in those days. They've cleaned it up over time. I hope that it does not rear it's ugly head again.

[RowanPhan]

Reading about those D1 transfers (and the D1 commit).........................I'm having flashbacks to the K.C. Keeler days in Glassboro. Please tell me it ain't so. I still here stories to this day about some of the shenanigans from back in those days. They've cleaned it up over time. I hope that it does not rear it's ugly head again.

I can assure you it's a different program now. If the Profs are lucky to get a high calibur recruit/transfer it's usually because the student wishes to continue their studies closer to home. In the case of the QB transfer, had he been several inches taller, he would be on top D1 roster, but in HS he was listed at 5'10 and 165 lbs.

Additionally, Rowan has been cutting back on budgets which is reflected in a smaller football team size. They are holding 115 or so players which is substantially smaller than the top programs in the country. They can't hide liabilities (no matter how good they are) on the roster.

[Teamski]

Not used to seeing Wesley out of the preseason top 25..... Now the Wolverines have something to prove.  It will be an exciting year with a new QB that won't literally throw the game away each week.  That drove me nuts.  Now that Coach Knapp has a season under his belt, I hope he found his niche with the team.  It was a tough year last year all around without Coach Drass.  This is now Coach Knapp's team.   

Joe Callahan was 3 for 4 for 30 yards this last week with the Ravens.  Here is hoping he gets more snaps as the preseason goes on.....

-Ski

[MRMIKESMITH]

Not used to seeing Wesley out of the preseason top 25..... Now the Wolverines have something to prove.  It will be an exciting year with a new QB that won't literally throw the game away each week.  That drove me nuts.  Now that Coach Knapp has a season under his belt, I hope he found his niche with the team.  It was a tough year last year all around without Coach Drass.  This is now Coach Knapp's team.   

Joe Callahan was 3 for 4 for 30 yards this last week with the Ravens.  Here is hoping he gets more snaps as the preseason goes on.....

-Ski

Yet somehow, we still can't score when needed.

[thewaterboy]

Not used to seeing Wesley out of the preseason top 25..... Now the Wolverines have something to prove.  It will be an exciting year with a new QB that won't literally throw the game away each week.  That drove me nuts.  Now that Coach Knapp has a season under his belt, I hope he found his niche with the team.  It was a tough year last year all around without Coach Drass.  This is now Coach Knapp's team.   

Joe Callahan was 3 for 4 for 30 yards this last week with the Ravens.  Here is hoping he gets more snaps as the preseason goes on.....

-Ski

Hoping for a bit of a return to form for the Wolverines.... last year was definitely a shake up. Coaching changes are always tough, putting in new plays, schemes and styles, but I think it hits a little harder when that change is so unexpected.

Really interested to see what comes of the QB battle for the Wolverines. Mullin and Marrocco are the two returners who would seem most likely to take the spot. Jared Wagenhoffer is there, but only a sophomore. Of course, Drew Fry throws a wrench into that whole equation if the hype turns out to be true. Per their Twitter, there is another freshman QB: Brady Walters. Wonder what Coach Knapp will do. Looking at history (below) the trend would appear to be to lean towards an upperclassman. The last freshman QB Wesley had was Chris Warrick in 2003. McSweeny and Callahan both started as sophomores though.

2003: Chris Warrick- Freshman when he got the job.
2007: Jason Schatz- Junior.
2008: Shane McSweeny- Sophomore. Unseated Schatz.
2010: Justin Sottilare- Junior. Via injury to McSweeny.
2011: McSweeny- Senior.
2012: Sottilare- Senior.
2013: Joe Callahan- Sophomore.
2016: Nick Falkenberg- Junior.
2017: Khaaliq Burroughs- Junior. By injury to Falkenberg.

Seeing Joe for the Ravens was nice. From what I am seeing, he's kind of on the outside looking in as a temporary arm until RGIII comes back. He just has to keep making the most of every opportunity he has.

[CNU85]

Rosters are starting to be populated on school web pages. I just came across this....but it looks like it has been on social media for a while (I'm slow)...the Stevenson starting QB transferred to CNU.
Well, he started the last 6 games for the Mustangs and went 5-1

Interesting

[CNU85]

If I counted correctly, the NJAC just landed 6 on the Preseason All-America team