FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[CNU85]

Good points JK. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a logical D2 option in this part of SE Va. The best non D3 option would be D1 FCS. But then you're talking scholarships and increased salaries and department budgets. The current endowment just doesn't seem to support it. I'm curious how other D1 schools manage it with a smaller endowment. CNU already has steep student fees for athletics at $111.03 per credit hour (includes intramural support as well as intercollegiate athletics).

But hey - if there was an easy or obvious answer, it would have been figured out by now and by folks a lot smarter than I am.

Did you see the NJAC/C2C Men's Lacrosse new conference?

I had that same thought, that DIV 1 would be a more viable option based upon traveling purposes. Salisbury could make the jump, I think offering scholarships could increase what donors can do for the athletic department. Going back to the DII discussion and this is allowing our Lacrosse and other sports programs that may not be viable at DII to go DI only (similar to what Utica is going to do). There are conferences like South Atlantic and CIAA (which has divisions) that could be a temporary home in DII. I think Bluefield and UNC-Pembroke are Independent, could get E&H on board and possibly Newport News (Considering the current NIL laws) so they could improve their membership. It is just easy that the likes of CNU and Salisbury may end up on the outside of conference reshuffle (all speculation at this point). Salisbury and CNU take pride in all their sports and respect what DIII has and continues to offer them.

When you say "Newport News" are you talking about The Apprentice School? If so, they couldn't change anything. They are strictly an apprentice program attached to Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipyard. Some graduate with an Associates degree (but not all).....while working the docks...while playing sports....My hats off to those guys. They work hard! And they build amazing nuclear powered aircraft carriers!

[RowanPhan]

One more day until Rowan kicks off camp

I will likely post my annual Rowan preview later in the summer

It appears they have a good number of players returning, especially on the offensive side of the ball

They have a talented group of freshmen joining the program including 3 good quarterbacks

[MRMIKESMITH]

We should be expecting the NJAC Coaches Poll in a few weeks. Last year release was on August 24th.

[CNU85]

We should be expecting the NJAC Coaches Poll in a few weeks. Last year release was on August 24th.

Here's my guess:

1. Salisbury
2. Rest of NJAC

[RowanPhan]

We should be expecting the NJAC Coaches Poll in a few weeks. Last year release was on August 24th.

Here's my guess:

1. Salisbury
2. Rest of NJAC

Yup .. too early to tell how the Rest of the NJAC is shaping up.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Here is the NJAC Coaches Poll - NJAC Coaches Poll

[@d3jason]

The NJAC release missed this. RB Terrique Riddick transferred from William Paterson to Delaware.

Good luck to everyone in the NJAC this season, except Salisbury...lol.

[MRMIKESMITH]

The NJAC release missed this. RB Terrique Riddick transferred from William Paterson to Delaware.

Good luck to everyone in the NJAC this season, except Salisbury...lol.

As long as he didn't transfer to the other DIII school in Delaware. So Good Luck to Wesley too...

[@d3jason]

Hoping that Alvernia will be able to hang with the Gulls and DelVal within a couple years.

Heading up to Reading tomorrow because they recruiting my daughter as a field hockey player. She has looked at CNU as well.

[Teamski]

Hoping that Alvernia will be able to hang with he Gulls and DelVal within a couple years.

Heading up to Reading tomorrow because they recruiting my daughter as a field hockey player. She has looked at CNU as well.

I am thinking about catching them at Widener later this year.  I wish them the best.

-Ski

[ppn512]

The NJAC release missed this. RB Terrique Riddick transferred from William Paterson to Delaware.

Good luck to everyone in the NJAC this season, except Salisbury...lol.

conferences usually dont mention those who left in releases for preseason polls

[@d3jason]

The NJAC release missed this. RB Terrique Riddick transferred from William Paterson to Delaware.

Good luck to everyone in the NJAC this season, except Salisbury...lol.

conferences usually dont mention those who left in releases for preseason polls

True, but they mentioned someone  who had already left. No big deal, mistakes happen. I was an SID myself long ago. My purpose was to let those interested that Riddick had moved on, not slam the NJAC PR crew. They do a great job!

[RowanPhan]

For the 4th year in a row, my Rowan 2022 preview is done.   I also have a PDF copy that I share with those interested (via email) - right now I mainly share it with former players and parents.

The Profs have been picked second in the 2022 NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll. The Profs were slotted ahead of Kean in third place and Montclair State in fourth.

OFFENSE
The Rowan Profs Offense will be an experienced crew from top-to-bottom. Expect the Profs to continue to attack teams with their usual blue-collared, balanced offense. With so many returning players on the offense this season expect the Profs to be a tough team in the NJAC in 2022.

QB's – Mike Husni (Toms River North) returns for another season in Glassboro to lead the offense. Over the past 2 seasons, Husni has started every game (19 gms) and has taken every meaningful snap for the Brown & Gold. Husni is a dual-threat quarterback who is Rowan's leading returning career rusher. Ryan Barts will be the primary backup. Also, three promising freshman join the team in 2022.

RB's – The Profs will have one of the best running back groups in the NJAC. James Fara and Jajuan Hays will provide a formidable one-two punch. Fara's debut in the NJAC garnered All-NJAC First Team Offense selection as he led the conference in rushing with 82.9 yards per game. Overall, he compiled 600 yards in seven games in his first season with the Profs. Hays played in all nine games and gained 331 yards on 77 attempts. Hoboken's Kyrin Rhone will be player to watch and brings size to the position. Former Raritan star, Luke O'Hea, is a speedster who will be a great addition to the group.

TE's - CJ Barrett, a dynamic player, will again lead the tight end crew. He emerged as one of the better TE's in the NJAC in 2021 and earned All-NJAC Honorable Mention. He posted career-best numbers with 29 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Back up tight ends will include former Seneca star Mac Carlin (6'2) and Hammonton grad John Scibilia (5'11). Promising recruit Loukas Plasteras (6'4, 235 lbs) brings impressive size to the position.


WR's - A wild card group last year will now be a position of strength for the Profs. The talented group of receivers will be led by Glassboro native, John Maldonado. The hardworking Maldonado has been a contributor since day 1 and has emerged as an elite target. A 6-0 wide receiver, Maldonado earned All-NJAC First Team Offense after notching career bests of 64 receptions for 873 yards and seven touchdowns. Both Terry Carlstrom and Eddie Jamison emerged as dangerous playmakers and will solidify the position. Carlstrom caught 23 passes for 244 yards in his first year with the Profs. Jake Schicke (6'5) is a tall target who adds depth to the group. Other players to watch include Andrew Spinello.

OL - On the offensive line, the Profs will again return several players with significant playing experience. Pryce Bouchard, Jeff DeJean, Mike Klein, Brady Smith, and Rob Stashek will pave the way for the Profs. Stashek emerged in 2021 to anchor the offensive line and earned All-NJAC Second Team Offense. 2020 highly prized recruit Clem Carfaro has starting experience and will add depth to the position. Veterans JT Plasteras will provide depth. Top recruit Jordan Drayton (Seneca, 6-5, 305 lbs) brings impressive size to the group.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Last year's "Top New Comer" James Fara did not disappoint in his first season in Glassboro enroute to earning All-NJAC First Team Offense selection. Fara will be the top player to watch in 2022.

TOP NEW COMER
Speedster Luke O'Hea will add depth at the RB position. At Raritan HS, O'Hea was a dynamic utility player who made contributions as a rusher, pass-catcher and defensive back.


DEFENSE
Similar to the Offense, Rowan's Defense will rely on an experienced group of players in 2022.

LB's - The linebacking group will be led by veterans Mike Mascioli (St. Joseph / Hammonton, NJ) and Eric Matos (Paul VI). Mascioli is a hard-nosed defender who has led the Profs in tackles for the past two seasons. Last season Masciloi led the NJAC in tackles and earned All-NJAC Second Team Defense. Matos ranked third on the team with a personal best 45 tackles (22 solo tackles) and earned All-NJAC Honorable Mention. Brandon Saghafi and Brad Small will round out the starting crew.

A stable of talented LB's will provide depth - watch out for Chris Rodgers, Aeneas Robinson, Nick Cerulli, Cody Young, Zachary Morrison, and Nick Mellusi to provide depth. Top recruits include Mike Kurilew (Marisa Rose Bowl) and Ryan Driscoll.

DL - The Profs will have to replace standouts AJ Akin and Luke Genise. Look for 2019 top recruit Ahmad Gantt (Cinnaminson) to make an impact at defensive end. Last season, Josh Ortiz (Highland) made an immediate impact and will lead at DT (started all nine games and recorded 20 total tackles). Watch out for Dhani Clifford (appeared in seven games), Eric Hill (6'4, 240), and Javen Cuff. Several talented freshmen join the team including Jaylen London (Lakewood HS).

DB's – In the secondary, the Profs will have to replace Malachi Winters who was a mainstay at safety for the last 4 seasons. At safety, look for the talented trio of Jason Blanks (Hoboken), Kevin Vandever (Hammonton) and Dwight Wilkerson (Middletown) to take over. Blanks, a top recruit in 2021, contributed as a freshman and is posed for a breakout year. Vandever was a Hammonton All Decade player and continues the long line of Hammonton DBs at Rowan (Bobby Barbieri, Jared Sanchez, and Winters).

At the corner positions, look for veterans AJ Kirvin (Secaucus) and Miles Cook (Holy Cross Prep Academy) to takeover. Cook had  23 total tackles and two pass breakups in seven games played. Other veterans include Trevon Reid, John Perez and Alfredo Gonzalez. Adding depth will include Nick Wright, Eric Bryant, and Colin Petrullo. Watch out for top recruit Ti-Yon Cephas (Millville HS) to contribute.

SPECIALISTS
Jake Hurler won the kicking job in 2019 as a freshman and hit 4 of 9. Last season he improved and hit 8 of 9 field goals. Watch out for Danny Kay (16 punts, 601 yards, 55 long) to take over punting duties. Veterans Connor Batten and Peter Parigi will provide depth.

PLAYERS TO WATCH (Last year Malachi Winters)
Mike Mascioli and Jason Blanks. Prof fans will be excited to see Mascioli for another year in Glassboro. He has been at rock at the position and has a great nose for the ball. Blanks is a hardworking player who now has one year of college experience on his resume.

TOP NEW COMER (Last year Brad Small)
Ti-Yon Cephas (Millville HS) was a dynamic two-way star at Millville High School. Along with teammate, Nate Robbins, Cephas was a 2021 All-South Jersey Second Team member.

VERDICT
The Profs have been competitive the last two seasons but have only managed 6 victories. The 2022 Profs bring back experienced players at every position group and should improve the win total.

[MRMIKESMITH]

For the 4th year in a row, my Rowan 2022 preview is done.   I also have a PDF copy that I share with those interested (via email) - right now I mainly share it with former players and parents.

The Profs have been picked second in the 2022 NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll. The Profs were slotted ahead of Kean in third place and Montclair State in fourth.

OFFENSE
The Rowan Profs Offense will be an experienced crew from top-to-bottom. Expect the Profs to continue to attack teams with their usual blue-collared, balanced offense. With so many returning players on the offense this season expect the Profs to be a tough team in the NJAC in 2022.

QB's – Mike Husni (Toms River North) returns for another season in Glassboro to lead the offense. Over the past 2 seasons, Husni has started every game (19 gms) and has taken every meaningful snap for the Brown & Gold. Husni is a dual-threat quarterback who is Rowan's leading returning career rusher. Ryan Barts will be the primary backup. Also, three promising freshman join the team in 2022.

RB's – The Profs will have one of the best running back groups in the NJAC. James Fara and Jajuan Hays will provide a formidable one-two punch. Fara's debut in the NJAC garnered All-NJAC First Team Offense selection as he led the conference in rushing with 82.9 yards per game. Overall, he compiled 600 yards in seven games in his first season with the Profs. Hays played in all nine games and gained 331 yards on 77 attempts. Hoboken's Kyrin Rhone will be player to watch and brings size to the position. Former Raritan star, Luke O'Hea, is a speedster who will be a great addition to the group.

TE's - CJ Barrett, a dynamic player, will again lead the tight end crew. He emerged as one of the better TE's in the NJAC in 2021 and earned All-NJAC Honorable Mention. He posted career-best numbers with 29 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Back up tight ends will include former Seneca star Mac Carlin (6'2) and Hammonton grad John Scibilia (5'11). Promising recruit Loukas Plasteras (6'4, 235 lbs) brings impressive size to the position.


WR's - A wild card group last year will now be a position of strength for the Profs. The talented group of receivers will be led by Glassboro native, John Maldonado. The hardworking Maldonado has been a contributor since day 1 and has emerged as an elite target. A 6-0 wide receiver, Maldonado earned All-NJAC First Team Offense after notching career bests of 64 receptions for 873 yards and seven touchdowns. Both Terry Carlstrom and Eddie Jamison emerged as dangerous playmakers and will solidify the position. Carlstrom caught 23 passes for 244 yards in his first year with the Profs. Jake Schicke (6'5) is a tall target who adds depth to the group. Other players to watch include Andrew Spinello.

OL - On the offensive line, the Profs will again return several players with significant playing experience. Pryce Bouchard, Jeff DeJean, Mike Klein, Brady Smith, and Rob Stashek will pave the way for the Profs. Stashek emerged in 2021 to anchor the offensive line and earned All-NJAC Second Team Offense. 2020 highly prized recruit Clem Carfaro has starting experience and will add depth to the position. Veterans JT Plasteras will provide depth. Top recruit Jordan Drayton (Seneca, 6-5, 305 lbs) brings impressive size to the group.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Last year's "Top New Comer" James Fara did not disappoint in his first season in Glassboro enroute to earning All-NJAC First Team Offense selection. Fara will be the top player to watch in 2022.

TOP NEW COMER
Speedster Luke O'Hea will add depth at the RB position. At Raritan HS, O'Hea was a dynamic utility player who made contributions as a rusher, pass-catcher and defensive back.


DEFENSE
Similar to the Offense, Rowan's Defense will rely on an experienced group of players in 2022.

LB's - The linebacking group will be led by veterans Mike Mascioli (St. Joseph / Hammonton, NJ) and Eric Matos (Paul VI). Mascioli is a hard-nosed defender who has led the Profs in tackles for the past two seasons. Last season Masciloi led the NJAC in tackles and earned All-NJAC Second Team Defense. Matos ranked third on the team with a personal best 45 tackles (22 solo tackles) and earned All-NJAC Honorable Mention. Brandon Saghafi and Brad Small will round out the starting crew.

A stable of talented LB's will provide depth - watch out for Chris Rodgers, Aeneas Robinson, Nick Cerulli, Cody Young, Zachary Morrison, and Nick Mellusi to provide depth. Top recruits include Mike Kurilew (Marisa Rose Bowl) and Ryan Driscoll.

DL - The Profs will have to replace standouts AJ Akin and Luke Genise. Look for 2019 top recruit Ahmad Gantt (Cinnaminson) to make an impact at defensive end. Last season, Josh Ortiz (Highland) made an immediate impact and will lead at DT (started all nine games and recorded 20 total tackles). Watch out for Dhani Clifford (appeared in seven games), Eric Hill (6'4, 240), and Javen Cuff. Several talented freshmen join the team including Jaylen London (Lakewood HS).

DB's – In the secondary, the Profs will have to replace Malachi Winters who was a mainstay at safety for the last 4 seasons. At safety, look for the talented trio of Jason Blanks (Hoboken), Kevin Vandever (Hammonton) and Dwight Wilkerson (Middletown) to take over. Blanks, a top recruit in 2021, contributed as a freshman and is posed for a breakout year. Vandever was a Hammonton All Decade player and continues the long line of Hammonton DBs at Rowan (Bobby Barbieri, Jared Sanchez, and Winters).

At the corner positions, look for veterans AJ Kirvin (Secaucus) and Miles Cook (Holy Cross Prep Academy) to takeover. Cook had  23 total tackles and two pass breakups in seven games played. Other veterans include Trevon Reid, John Perez and Alfredo Gonzalez. Adding depth will include Nick Wright, Eric Bryant, and Colin Petrullo. Watch out for top recruit Ti-Yon Cephas (Millville HS) to contribute.

SPECIALISTS
Jake Hurler won the kicking job in 2019 as a freshman and hit 4 of 9. Last season he improved and hit 8 of 9 field goals. Watch out for Danny Kay (16 punts, 601 yards, 55 long) to take over punting duties. Veterans Connor Batten and Peter Parigi will provide depth.

PLAYERS TO WATCH (Last year Malachi Winters)
Mike Mascioli and Jason Blanks. Prof fans will be excited to see Mascioli for another year in Glassboro. He has been at rock at the position and has a great nose for the ball. Blanks is a hardworking player who now has one year of college experience on his resume.

TOP NEW COMER (Last year Brad Small)
Ti-Yon Cephas (Millville HS) was a dynamic two-way star at Millville High School. Along with teammate, Nate Robbins, Cephas was a 2021 All-South Jersey Second Team member.

VERDICT
The Profs have been competitive the last two seasons but have only managed 6 victories. The 2022 Profs bring back experienced players at every position group and should improve the win total.

Great analysis RowanPhan, looking forward to a more improved Rowan squad from top to bottom, especially from the QB and WRs, a scary duo.

[jmcozenlaw]

Hoping that Alvernia will be able to hang with the Gulls and DelVal within a couple years.

Heading up to Reading tomorrow because they recruiting my daughter as a field hockey player. She has looked at CNU as well.

I'm stunned that Alvernia hasn't made more progress up to this point, especially with how they package financially (i know some wrestlers there) nd given that Albright has been down for a few years now.