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:

Ratings Service	Rank
Lindy’s	15
AFCA	22
Massey	28
D2Football.com	19
ComputerRatings.com	24

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