FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[MRMIKESMITH]

NJAC Coaches Poll: https://njacsports.com/news/2021/8/23/salisbury-voted-preseason-favorite-to-win-njac-football-title.aspx
1. Salisbury (4)
2. Montclair State (2)
3. Rowan
4. Christopher Newport (dark horse)
5. TCNJ (1)
6. William Paterson
7. Kean

[RowanPhan]

NJAC Coaches Poll: https://njacsports.com/news/2021/8/23/salisbury-voted-preseason-favorite-to-win-njac-football-title.aspx
1. Salisbury (4)
2. Montclair State (2)
3. Rowan
4. Christopher Newport (dark horse)
5. TCNJ (1)
6. William Paterson
7. Kean

Looks about right. Anyone have any updates out of CNU, William Paterson, or Kean?  I'll post my Rowan preview sometime this week.

[CNU85]

NJAC Coaches Poll: https://njacsports.com/news/2021/8/23/salisbury-voted-preseason-favorite-to-win-njac-football-title.aspx
1. Salisbury (4)
2. Montclair State (2)
3. Rowan
4. Christopher Newport (dark horse)
5. TCNJ (1)
6. William Paterson
7. Kean

Looks about right. Anyone have any updates out of CNU, William Paterson, or Kean?  I'll post my Rowan preview sometime this week.

Nothing really new from what I posted 10 days ago. So much uncertainty with essentially missing a full year. It's almost like starting over -- for a lot of teams.
I think there were some quality additions to the coaching staff. Recruiting class seems pretty good on paper. Will see how it plays out in games. And even the first couple of games may not tell how the team will end up. If it clicks right away, then CNU will earn the Dark Horse designation. If it takes some time, then the 4th place finish is probably likely.

[RowanPhan]

CNU played 2 spring games. Hopefully they were good for the coaches to evaluate. All I see is the box score and noticed the D scored more than the O.

Just for fun I went back to the last game of 2019 and looked at the 2 deep. Then looked at the current roster just updated.
Good news - lots of returners from that 2 deep
Not so good news - we went 2-8 in 2019

CNU has 83 players who have not endured a full college season (41 Fr, 41 So and a Sr who played LAX the past 3 years)

QB competition should be good. I noticed we landed the State 6A Champion starting QB. Will see how that translates to college ball.

Defense - loaded with LB. Not surprising since the HC played LB at Florida.  So perhaps CNU will run a 1-9-1 Defense! hahahahaha!

I have no idea of the talent, experience, injury factors, etc. All I can do is look at rosters, stats, bios, etc.

I'm just hoping we are competitive and can enjoy some really good games and a full season!!

Thanks for the post CNU85, somehow I missed this 10 days ago

[RowanPhan]

The Profs have been picked third in the 2021 NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Rowan is picked behind Salisbury and Montclair State, teams that each competed in the Spring of 2021 and captured their respective divisional titles. Several experienced players return for another season in the 'Boro and they will be supported by a very talented group of transfers and freshmen. Some are saying this is one of the more talented groups in Glassboro in several years. The Profs could be a surprise team in 2021 after missing the 2020 season due to Covid and only finishing 2019 at 4-6.

OFFENSE
The Rowan Profs will rely on an experienced Quarterback and Offensive Line in 2021 to lead the offense.

Finally, the Quarterback position has stability after several unsettled years in Glassboro with the return of Captain Mike Husni. In 2019, Husni started every game and took every meaningful snap for the Profs. Husni is a dual-threat quarterback who is Rowan's leading returning rusher. Ryan Barts will likely be the primary backup.

Rowan lost returning running back Messiah Devine who transferred up to D1 Wagner. In his place, Rowan will rely on a mixed group of returning players and promising new faces. Ifreke Andy and Jajuan Hays return but both have limited experience. Expect transfers James Fara and Greg Harris to take snaps (if not start). Rowan's top recruit is Hoboken's Kyrin Rhone and will be a top freshman to watch.

CJ Barrett returns at tight end after making the switch from QB in 2019. He is bigger and experienced and should be one of the better TE's in the NJAC in 2021. Six promising recruits will fight for playing time including tall targets Kevin Moylan (6'3) and Mac Carlin (6'2).

The wild card group will be the wideouts in 2021. They will be led by Glassboro native, John Maldonado, who was elected captain by his teammates. The hardworking Maldonado has been a contributor since day 1 and he emerged as a trustworthy target in 2019. Talented newcomers Terry Carlstrom and Dwight Wilkerson will likely start the season. Hobart transfer, Jake Schicke (6'5) is a tall target who brings D3 experience to the group.

On the offensive line, the Profs return several players with significant experience. Matt Melamed returns for his senior season to lead the linemen. Pryce Bouchard returns after a nasty injury in the 2019 Wesley game. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at tackle. Mike Klein played in several games in 2019 and will likely start as well. Look for 2020 highly prized recruit Clem Carfaro to get snaps. Also watch out for the massive Kyle Young (6'5 305) to fight for time as well.

DEFENSE
Rowan's Defense will rely on an experienced group of players in 2021.

The linebacking group will be led by veterans Tim Hutchison (Captain), Mike Mascioli, and Eric Matos. In 2019, Mascioli lead the Profs in tackles while Matos played in 10 games. Watch out for transfer Brad Small to fight for playing time.

The Profs defensive line will be led by AJ Akin and senior Luke Genise. Both Akin and Genise played together at Somerville high school in NJ. Genise is an undersized DL (5'10 265) but is a tenacious defender. Look for 2019 top recruit Ahmad Gantt to finally make an impact after an injury plagued 2019 season. Promising transfer, and Glassboro HS graduate, Keshon Williams is a promising prospect. Keshawn Munford (Wesley transfer) brings massive size to the group. Top recruits include Tony Thompson (D1 offers), Josh Ortiz, and Will Drain.

The defensive backs will be led by Hammonton native, Malachi Winters. Winters, a former Army D1 commit, has seen action since his first game and has the talent to have a break-out year in 2021. Calvin Harper returns for his senior season and will bring experience to the group. Transfers Miles Cook and Isaiah Johnston should also fight for time. Look for veterans Jared Wright, Damir Washington, and AJ Kirvin to provide backup depth. Watch out for top recruits Jason Blanks Jr and Mike Ancona.

SPECIALISTS
Tommy Brennan returns at punter. In 2019 he punted 53 times for 1836 yards. Jake Hurler won the kicking job in 2019 as a freshman and hit 4 of 9. Watch out for transfer Danny Kay and top recruit Connor Batten to fight for time. It is unknown who will replace All American Returner, Elijah Rehm but keep an eye on freshman Tai-Shuan Warren and Terry Carlstrom – both are explosive athletes who might win the opportunity. Watch out for athlete Dwight Wilkerson as well at returner.

VERDICT
The Profs were competitive in 2019 but only managed 4 victories. The 2021 Profs bring back experienced players at every position group including quarterback. They should win games against Widener, Salve Regina, Kean, WPU, CNU, and TCNJ. Springfield, Salisbury, and Montclair State will be challenges. Given the returning experience, talented transfers, and promising freshman, RowanPhan predicts Rowan to finish 6-3

[Ice Bear]

The Profs have been picked third in the 2021 NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Rowan is picked behind Salisbury and Montclair State, teams that each competed in the Spring of 2021 and captured their respective divisional titles. Several experienced players return for another season in the 'Boro and they will be supported by a very talented group of transfers and freshmen. Some are saying this is one of the more talented groups in Glassboro in several years. The Profs could be a surprise team in 2021 after missing the 2020 season due to Covid and only finishing 2019 at 4-6.

OFFENSE
The Rowan Profs will rely on an experienced Quarterback and Offensive Line in 2021 to lead the offense.

Finally, the Quarterback position has stability after several unsettled years in Glassboro with the return of Captain Mike Husni. In 2019, Husni started every game and took every meaningful snap for the Profs. Husni is a dual-threat quarterback who is Rowan's leading returning rusher. Ryan Barts will likely be the primary backup.

Rowan lost returning running back Messiah Devine who transferred up to D1 Wagner. In his place, Rowan will rely on a mixed group of returning players and promising new faces. Ifreke Andy and Jajuan Hays return but both have limited experience. Expect transfers James Fara and Greg Harris to take snaps (if not start). Rowan's top recruit is Hoboken's Kyrin Rhone and will be a top freshman to watch.

CJ Barrett returns at tight end after making the switch from QB in 2019. He is bigger and experienced and should be one of the better TE's in the NJAC in 2021. Six promising recruits will fight for playing time including tall targets Kevin Moylan (6'3) and Mac Carlin (6'2).

The wild card group will be the wideouts in 2021. They will be led by Glassboro native, John Maldonado, who was elected captain by his teammates. The hardworking Maldonado has been a contributor since day 1 and he emerged as a trustworthy target in 2019. Talented newcomers Terry Carlstrom and Dwight Wilkerson will likely start the season. Hobart transfer, Jake Schicke (6'5) is a tall target who brings D3 experience to the group.

On the offensive line, the Profs return several players with significant experience. Matt Melamed returns for his senior season to lead the linemen. Pryce Bouchard returns after a nasty injury in the 2019 Wesley game. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at tackle. Mike Klein played in several games in 2019 and will likely start as well. Look for 2020 highly prized recruit Clem Carfaro to get snaps. Also watch out for the massive Kyle Young (6'5 305) to fight for time as well.

DEFENSE
Rowan's Defense will rely on an experienced group of players in 2021.

The linebacking group will be led by veterans Tim Hutchison (Captain), Mike Mascioli, and Eric Matos. In 2019, Mascioli lead the Profs in tackles while Matos played in 10 games. Watch out for transfer Brad Small to fight for playing time.

The Profs defensive line will be led by AJ Akin and senior Luke Genise. Both Akin and Genise played together at Somerville high school in NJ. Genise is an undersized DL (5'10 265) but is a tenacious defender. Look for 2019 top recruit Ahmad Gantt to finally make an impact after an injury plagued 2019 season. Promising transfer, and Glassboro HS graduate, Keshon Williams is a promising prospect. Keshawn Munford (Wesley transfer) brings massive size to the group. Top recruits include Tony Thompson (D1 offers), Josh Ortiz, and Will Drain.

The defensive backs will be led by Hammonton native, Malachi Winters. Winters, a former Army D1 commit, has seen action since his first game and has the talent to have a break-out year in 2021. Calvin Harper returns for his senior season and will bring experience to the group. Transfers Miles Cook and Isaiah Johnston should also fight for time. Look for veterans Jared Wright, Damir Washington, and AJ Kirvin to provide backup depth. Watch out for top recruits Jason Blanks Jr and Mike Ancona.

SPECIALISTS
Tommy Brennan returns at punter. In 2019 he punted 53 times for 1836 yards. Jake Hurler won the kicking job in 2019 as a freshman and hit 4 of 9. Watch out for transfer Danny Kay and top recruit Connor Batten to fight for time. It is unknown who will replace All American Returner, Elijah Rehm but keep an eye on freshman Tai-Shuan Warren and Terry Carlstrom – both are explosive athletes who might win the opportunity. Watch out for athlete Dwight Wilkerson as well at returner.

VERDICT
The Profs were competitive in 2019 but only managed 4 victories. The 2021 Profs bring back experienced players at every position group including quarterback. They should win games against Widener, Salve Regina, Kean, WPU, CNU, and TCNJ. Springfield, Salisbury, and Montclair State will be challenges. Given the returning experience, talented transfers, and promising freshman, RowanPhan predicts Rowan to finish 6-3

Ice Bear says great ****ing write up RowanPhan. +k

[CNU85]

good stuff, RowanPhan

Good luck to the profs this season! I'm hoping everyone gets in a full season!

Cheers to all!

[@d3jason]

On the offensive line, the Profs return several players with significant experience. Matt Melamed returns for his senior season to lead the linemen. Pryce Bouchard returns after a nasty injury in the 2019 Wesley game. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at tackle. Mike Klein played in several games in 2019 and will likely start as well. Look for 2020 highly prized recruit Clem Carfaro to get snaps. Also watch out for the massive Kyle Young (6'5 305) to fight for time as well.

Glad to see that Pryce made it back. That was an ugly injury. I have never seen the other players on the field react the way they did when it happened. Nice work on the write up.

[RowanPhan]

On the offensive line, the Profs return several players with significant experience. Matt Melamed returns for his senior season to lead the linemen. Pryce Bouchard returns after a nasty injury in the 2019 Wesley game. Top 2018 recruit Jeff DeJean will likely start at tackle. Mike Klein played in several games in 2019 and will likely start as well. Look for 2020 highly prized recruit Clem Carfaro to get snaps. Also watch out for the massive Kyle Young (6'5 305) to fight for time as well.

Glad to see that Pryce made it back. That was an ugly injury. I have never seen the other players on the field react the way they did when it happened. Nice work on the write up.

Me too.  I'm honestly not 100% sure how the OL will shake out, Rowan has a ton of experienced guys coming back and some of the new guys are big guys. I would imagine Pryce would reclaim his starting role.

[@d3jason]

Eight former Wesley players on the Delaware State roster:
Ryan Clemons, DB
Joe Delgado, K
Tyler Poulson, TE
Leroy Pendleton, TE
Jamuel Cypress, LB
Brandon Bradford, OL (d3football.com All Region in '19)
Jerrish Halsey, WR
Devin Curry, WR

[MRMIKESMITH]

Found this on Twitter:

Salisbury preview for their upcoming game this Friday in Reading, PA against Albright.

VISUAL PREVIEW ➡ https://spark.adobe.com/page/gvFe0yEZf4hk9/
VIDEO ➡ https://youtu.be/iXpONjFz1us

[RowanPhan]

Eight former Wesley players on the Delaware State roster:
Ryan Clemons, DB
Joe Delgado, K
Tyler Poulson, TE
Leroy Pendleton, TE
Jamuel Cypress, LB
Brandon Bradford, OL (d3football.com All Region in '19)
Jerrish Halsey, WR
Devin Curry, WR

Which D3 institution(s) do you think will benefit the most from the DE talent? I believe Wesley was the only D3 football team in the state, and the only other options are D1 UDel and DSU, so that would leave a lot of athletes looking at out-of-state options. I see a lot of DE guys on the William Paterson roster. I would imagine Salisbury will land more DE guys too.

[thewaterboy]

Eight former Wesley players on the Delaware State roster:
Ryan Clemons, DB
Joe Delgado, K
Tyler Poulson, TE
Leroy Pendleton, TE
Jamuel Cypress, LB
Brandon Bradford, OL (d3football.com All Region in '19)
Jerrish Halsey, WR
Devin Curry, WR

Interesting... no David Pierre, Marcus Gaspard, Dante Daniel or Isiah Mitchell. QB Brady Walters is not on Widener's roster either.

I looked at William Paterson's roster and here's what I found for Wesley transfers:
Keshaun Henry WR
Tazmire Burton WR
Daquan Knight DL
Key'maan Coleman LB
Matt Gore DL
Will Valentine OL
John Devonish TE

I know Del Val got Shymere Vessels, but that's it. WR Mike Credle is at Lincoln University. Not sure where others landed. EJ Lee, Xavier Drummond, Jalund Johnson, etc. Coaches are easier to track. Coach Knapp is the head coach at Dover High. Art Smith is on staff at Del State. Mike Sabino went to Bluffton (a D3 in Western Ohio). Marc Saldana is coaching QBs at Widener, and Pat Mahoney is at Stevenson.

[@d3jason]

Looking at the William Paterson schedule, call me crazy but could the Pioneers have a winning record heading into the CNU game?

I think they are a team that could benefit from pulling kids out of Delaware. Their coach has ties to the area. Del Val has always done well recruiting the diamond state.

[MRMIKESMITH]

In Delaware particular, I think the MAC schools and William Patterson (obviously due to Head Coach Dustin Johnson being from Delaware and is considered a living legend) as previously mentioned will do well in that state. As far as Wesley recruiting areas (PA - Philadelphia, Jersey, DMV), I think you'll see the MAC schools in grabbing a player or two that would have went their typically. As far as DMV, Salisbury, Stevenson, CNU (maybe) will look to take advantage of the DMV athletes. However, they can't take all of them. There will be 30-50 freshman that typically went to Wesley that will be looking to play Division III.

Now without further ado, let's play some football. Some great games within the NJAC today and tomorrow. I'll save my predictions as this season is surely unprecedented coming off adjudicated seasons and/or no season for teams. I know the coaches and players are excited and happy to get to some normalcy. Good luck to everyone today and this weekend.