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.