Packers Wire - Tracking Packers' roster cuts down to 53 players
Fuller Metrics - Fuller's Final Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Alumni News - Packers Release Rouse
The Green Bay Packers have reportedly released former Golden Ram defensive back Nydair Rouse. In four preseason games this summer, Rouse logged nine solo tackles while the Packers went 2-2.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Player News - Five Golden Rams Receive D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award
In order to be recognized, each player must have completed a minimum of four semesters of college work, have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during the past academic year, and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.
Overall, 101 women and 33 men from West Chester University received recognition. Once again, the PSAC was one of the most represented conferences in the country with 975 student-athletes honored.
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics - D2 ADA Announces 2018-19 Academic Achievement Recipients
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Lands 134 Student-Athletes On D2 ADA List
Monday, August 26, 2019
Team News - Golden Rams Ranked in AFCA Preseason Poll
West Chester opens the 2019 season when they host Bentley on September 7 at noon.
American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – August 26, 2019
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Ranked 22nd in AFCA Preseason Poll
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Team News - 2019 First Scrimmage Report
It's difficult to make meaningful observations during scrimmages. The primary challenge is that practice jerseys are worn, so of the numbers that are actually not too faded to still be legible, they often do not match to those of the official roster. Secondly, head coach Bill Zwaan has the first string offense face the second string defense and vice versa, so players are not against equal strength. Nonetheless, here are some attempts from Saturday's game action:
West Chester's final scrimmage of the summer is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 am.
Phil Poquie makes a nice after catch move for a big gain (Photo Gina Chapman)
Yahmir Wilkerson looks for a receiver downfield (Photo Gina Chapman)
- Running back Phil Poquie looks ready for football. The former Virginia lacrosse player hasn't played organized football since his senior year at the Haverford School in 2015. But he showed no signs of rust running, catching and making moves on would be tacklers.
- IUP tranfer Yahmir Wilkerson got the first nod as the number three quarterback. Honestly, the morning was difficult for any quarterback that didn't have the benefit of the first offensive line blocking the second defense, but Wilkerson made good decisions in finding a one-on-one receiver and keeping the ball away from defenders.
- Zwaan was none too happy when the offense fumbled away the football in a goal line situation.
- Freshman Izaiah McPherson (if it truly was him) saw a lot of time at the one corner position. True sophomore Sterlen Barr looks to have the other corner spot locked up, but both positions will be inexperienced.
- The only player that appeared to suffer an injury during the exhibition was running back Maurice Mazzccua and he even returned to action.
- Defensive tackle Joe DeSanto looked as hungry as a guy who hasn't played football in almost two years. It was great to see him on the field and he could be a real menace for opposing offenses this season.
West Chester's final scrimmage of the summer is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 am.
Phil Poquie makes a nice after catch move for a big gain (Photo Gina Chapman)Yahmir Wilkerson looks for a receiver downfield (Photo Gina Chapman)
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Team News - 2019 Roster Changes
Now that camp has opened, there have been a few changes to the 2019 roster.
Departures:
The most notable omission from the roster is receiver Rasheem James. James, the 2017 ECAC Offensive Rookie of the Year, had last season cut short when he was injured in the fifth game of the year against Shippensburg. Despite the shortened season, James still led the 2018 Golden Rams in receiving touchdowns with seven and was second on the team in receptions with 28 and receiving yards with 376. He appeared physically fine in his performance in the spring game.
Defensive end David Simmons is also not listed on the roster. In his 2018 sophomore season, Simmons logged 14 tackles including 3.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries in eight games. Also gone are receiver Ethan Price (13 catches, 298 yards, 3 TD's in his one season at West Chester after transferring from Bloomsburg), offensive lineman Jack Mummert (played in 12 games in his three years for the Golden Rams) and receiver Darnell Ferrell (24 yards rushing and 53 yards receiving in 2018).
It may be worth noting that James' #11 and Simmons' #94 remain unassigned for 2019.
Additions:
Some intriguing additions have also occurred in the offseason. Running back Phil Poquie has joined the West Chester football team after his coach dismissed him from the University of Virginia lacrosse team in January 2017.
After playing three years at running back for East Stroudsburg, James Bell has joined the Golden Rams as a defensive back. And quarterback Yahmir Wilkerson has come to West Chester after spending his true freshman season at PSAC rival IUP. Wilkerson was a two-time first team All-State quarterback at Harrisburg, advancing to the class 5A state championship game in 2016 and throwing for 2,104 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2017.
Other newcomers include linebacker Rashon Wiggins (Shippensburg), offensive lineman Saleem Lockett (Morgan State), and defensive tackle A.J. Perez (Temple).
Position Changes:
Every year there are some position changes and this year is no different. Jalik Smith had 53 all-purpose yards over his first two seasons and has now switched from receiver to defensive back. Trael Seegers (58 carries, 284 yards, 2 TD's) , the Golden Rams fourth leading rusher last season, has also moved to defensive back. And defensive end and long snapper Shane Griffin is expected to do all the snaps now as the top center for the offense.
Returning:
After not appearing on last year's roster, running back Isaiah Bruce, offensive lineman Caden Alexander-Gray, receiver Nasir Mundy, and defensive back Devin Darden are all listed after a one-year hiatus. But probably the most notable return is defensive tackle Joe DeSanto. In his redshirt freshman year in 2016, DeSanto appeared in all 11 games and made 17 tackles. The following year, he was limited to just five games and missed all of 2018. His return will certainly bolster a defensive line that was affect by graduation.
No Shows:
Of the massive 2019 unofficial recruiting class, only quarterback Javon Clements, receiver Marcus Simmons, and receiver Andrew Vera do not appear on the 2019 roster.
Departures:
The most notable omission from the roster is receiver Rasheem James. James, the 2017 ECAC Offensive Rookie of the Year, had last season cut short when he was injured in the fifth game of the year against Shippensburg. Despite the shortened season, James still led the 2018 Golden Rams in receiving touchdowns with seven and was second on the team in receptions with 28 and receiving yards with 376. He appeared physically fine in his performance in the spring game.
Defensive end David Simmons is also not listed on the roster. In his 2018 sophomore season, Simmons logged 14 tackles including 3.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries in eight games. Also gone are receiver Ethan Price (13 catches, 298 yards, 3 TD's in his one season at West Chester after transferring from Bloomsburg), offensive lineman Jack Mummert (played in 12 games in his three years for the Golden Rams) and receiver Darnell Ferrell (24 yards rushing and 53 yards receiving in 2018).
It may be worth noting that James' #11 and Simmons' #94 remain unassigned for 2019.
Additions:
Some intriguing additions have also occurred in the offseason. Running back Phil Poquie has joined the West Chester football team after his coach dismissed him from the University of Virginia lacrosse team in January 2017.
After playing three years at running back for East Stroudsburg, James Bell has joined the Golden Rams as a defensive back. And quarterback Yahmir Wilkerson has come to West Chester after spending his true freshman season at PSAC rival IUP. Wilkerson was a two-time first team All-State quarterback at Harrisburg, advancing to the class 5A state championship game in 2016 and throwing for 2,104 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2017.
Other newcomers include linebacker Rashon Wiggins (Shippensburg), offensive lineman Saleem Lockett (Morgan State), and defensive tackle A.J. Perez (Temple).
Position Changes:
Every year there are some position changes and this year is no different. Jalik Smith had 53 all-purpose yards over his first two seasons and has now switched from receiver to defensive back. Trael Seegers (58 carries, 284 yards, 2 TD's) , the Golden Rams fourth leading rusher last season, has also moved to defensive back. And defensive end and long snapper Shane Griffin is expected to do all the snaps now as the top center for the offense.
Returning:
After not appearing on last year's roster, running back Isaiah Bruce, offensive lineman Caden Alexander-Gray, receiver Nasir Mundy, and defensive back Devin Darden are all listed after a one-year hiatus. But probably the most notable return is defensive tackle Joe DeSanto. In his redshirt freshman year in 2016, DeSanto appeared in all 11 games and made 17 tackles. The following year, he was limited to just five games and missed all of 2018. His return will certainly bolster a defensive line that was affect by graduation.
No Shows:
Of the massive 2019 unofficial recruiting class, only quarterback Javon Clements, receiver Marcus Simmons, and receiver Andrew Vera do not appear on the 2019 roster.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Team News - 2019 Season Preview
The reigning PSAC champion Golden Rams enter the 2019 season seeking their third consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearance. And despite being picked to win the PSAC East again by the conference coaches, there will be a lot of new faces on this year's squad.
Offense
Of the ten offensive lineman listed on last year's playoff game depth chart, seven are gone. Only left tackle Brendan Ruskowski, right guard Frank Tranzilli, and right tackle Patrick Ferry return, although they have plenty of starts under their belt. Filling out the offensive line and building depth will be a challenge for this young group as Tranzilli is the only senior.
Last season's top three rushers - quarterback A.J. Long, running back Mark Dukes, and running back Mike Class - have all completed their eligibility. Those three accounted for 1,812 (80%) of the team's 2,249 rushing yards and 24 (86%) of the team's 28 touchdowns on the ground. Expect to see a lot of Ja'Den McKenzie and Trael Seegers (58 carries, 284 yards, 2 TD's).
Although quarterback Paul Dooley was limited to just three games last season, he started 11 games in 2017 throwing for 2,372 yards and 21 touchdowns. He'll likely be backed up by Mike Piperno and Zach Gilbert.
The receiving corps is the most experienced unit on offense with four of 2018's top receivers returning including Lex Rosario (52 catches, 755 yards, 5 TD's), former ECAC Rookie of the Year Rasheem James (28 catches, 376 yards, 7 TD's), H-back Dan Neuhaus (16 catches, 214 yards, 3 TD's), and tight end Cody Boozel (14 catches, 298 yards, 4 TD's).
Defense
On the defensive line, the only returning significant contributors from last season are defensive end Ch'aim Smith (35 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and tackle Omar Peterkin (24 tackles, 5.5 TFL), so there will some new faces there as well. Look for 6'5" Fulani Freeman to emerge at the other defensive end spot.
All three of last year's linebackers are gone, including unanimous All-American Tyler Morrissey, Nydair Rouse (now with the Green Bay Packers), and Nate Barnes due to legal issues. Last season, Nyeem Jones (21 tackles) spelled Rouse but made most of his tackles on special teams. It's possible that Jordan Burney (28 tackles, 2 int's) moves from his strong safety position to linebacker much like the team did with Barnes last season. Regardless, this unit appears to be young and vulnerable.
There's no doubt that the secondary will be led by senior safety Jarey Elder (46 tackles, 7 int's). After finishing third in the country in interceptions last year, Elder has picked up pre-season national recognition from Street & Smith and College Football America Starting Lineup. Other than Sterlen Barr (23 tackles, 2 PBU), who saw increased playing time at cornerback as the season went on, the secondary will also be lacking experience.
Special Teams
Two-time All-PSAC East kicker Andrew Chegia (6-9 FG, 51-56 PAT) returns and expect George Lambritsios to do the punting. Elder is the likely punt returner and Shane Griffin should do the long snapping.
Camp
Players are due to report on Sunday August 11. Scrimmages are tentatively planned for Saturday August 24 and Saturday August 31 at 10:00 am.
Here's a summary of where the Golden Rams are ranked in the national preseason polls and rating services:
Offense
Of the ten offensive lineman listed on last year's playoff game depth chart, seven are gone. Only left tackle Brendan Ruskowski, right guard Frank Tranzilli, and right tackle Patrick Ferry return, although they have plenty of starts under their belt. Filling out the offensive line and building depth will be a challenge for this young group as Tranzilli is the only senior.
Last season's top three rushers - quarterback A.J. Long, running back Mark Dukes, and running back Mike Class - have all completed their eligibility. Those three accounted for 1,812 (80%) of the team's 2,249 rushing yards and 24 (86%) of the team's 28 touchdowns on the ground. Expect to see a lot of Ja'Den McKenzie and Trael Seegers (58 carries, 284 yards, 2 TD's).
Although quarterback Paul Dooley was limited to just three games last season, he started 11 games in 2017 throwing for 2,372 yards and 21 touchdowns. He'll likely be backed up by Mike Piperno and Zach Gilbert.
The receiving corps is the most experienced unit on offense with four of 2018's top receivers returning including Lex Rosario (52 catches, 755 yards, 5 TD's), former ECAC Rookie of the Year Rasheem James (28 catches, 376 yards, 7 TD's), H-back Dan Neuhaus (16 catches, 214 yards, 3 TD's), and tight end Cody Boozel (14 catches, 298 yards, 4 TD's).
Defense
On the defensive line, the only returning significant contributors from last season are defensive end Ch'aim Smith (35 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and tackle Omar Peterkin (24 tackles, 5.5 TFL), so there will some new faces there as well. Look for 6'5" Fulani Freeman to emerge at the other defensive end spot.
All three of last year's linebackers are gone, including unanimous All-American Tyler Morrissey, Nydair Rouse (now with the Green Bay Packers), and Nate Barnes due to legal issues. Last season, Nyeem Jones (21 tackles) spelled Rouse but made most of his tackles on special teams. It's possible that Jordan Burney (28 tackles, 2 int's) moves from his strong safety position to linebacker much like the team did with Barnes last season. Regardless, this unit appears to be young and vulnerable.
There's no doubt that the secondary will be led by senior safety Jarey Elder (46 tackles, 7 int's). After finishing third in the country in interceptions last year, Elder has picked up pre-season national recognition from Street & Smith and College Football America Starting Lineup. Other than Sterlen Barr (23 tackles, 2 PBU), who saw increased playing time at cornerback as the season went on, the secondary will also be lacking experience.
Special Teams
Two-time All-PSAC East kicker Andrew Chegia (6-9 FG, 51-56 PAT) returns and expect George Lambritsios to do the punting. Elder is the likely punt returner and Shane Griffin should do the long snapping.
Camp
Players are due to report on Sunday August 11. Scrimmages are tentatively planned for Saturday August 24 and Saturday August 31 at 10:00 am.
Here's a summary of where the Golden Rams are ranked in the national preseason polls and rating services:
|
Ratings Service |
Rank |
|
Lindy’s |
15 |
|
AFCA |
22 |
|
Massey |
28 |
|
D2Football.com |
19 |
|
ComputerRatings.com |
24 |
D2Football - PSAC East Columnist - PSAC East Season Preview
KYW Newsradio - College football preview: WCU looks to defend PSAC title
Monday, August 5, 2019
Team News - Golden Rams Picked To Finish First Again
The West Chester University Golden Rams were picked to finish first in the division by the conference coaches at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference annual Football Media Day. West Chester, the reigning division and conference champions, received six of eight first place votes among the division's coaches. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Golden Rams were chosen to win the division.
Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses:
Eastern Division
1. West Chester (6)
2. Shepherd (2)
3. Kutztown
4. Shippensburg
5. Bloomsburg
6. East Stroudsburg
7. Millersville
8. Lock Haven
The PSAC East Head Football Coaches
Mark Maciejewski (Shippensburg), J.C. Morgan (Millersville), Ernie McCook (Shepherd), Dave Taynor (Lock Haven), Jimmy Terwilliger (East Stroudsburg), Bill Zwaan (West Chester), Paul Darragh (Bloomsburg), Jim Clements (Kutztown)
(Photo PSAC Sports)
Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses:
1. West Chester (6)
2. Shepherd (2)
3. Kutztown
4. Shippensburg
5. Bloomsburg
6. East Stroudsburg
7. Millersville
8. Lock Haven
The PSAC East Head Football CoachesMark Maciejewski (Shippensburg), J.C. Morgan (Millersville), Ernie McCook (Shepherd), Dave Taynor (Lock Haven), Jimmy Terwilliger (East Stroudsburg), Bill Zwaan (West Chester), Paul Darragh (Bloomsburg), Jim Clements (Kutztown)
(Photo PSAC Sports)
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Picked To Repeat In PSAC Eastern Division Preseason Football Poll
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)