Another Tough One?
Last season's 6-5 record and fourth-place finish in the PSAC East were the worst for the Golden Rams since 2011. And more than 25 players from last year's team are not on the 2022 roster. While most of the departed had exhausted their eligibility, a handful of players were further along academically and graduated with eligibility remaining. Such is life. So while some key pieces do return, there will be a lot of new faces that will need to be identified and then quickly mesh in order to realize any success.
Offense
Taking pressure off the passing game last year was a very successful running game paced by Ja'Den McKenzie (980 yards, 12 TD's) and Phil Poquie (629 yards, 7 TD's) who both return. McKenzie is a two-time first team All-PSAC East selection and he led the entire PSAC with 12 rushing touchdowns last season. Poquie had his 2021 campaign cut short due to an injury incurred at Shepherd, but led the PSAC in 138 all-purpose yards per game in the eight contests that he did play.
However, there will certainly be challenges on offense. As was discussed during the spring preview, tight ends Dan Neuhaus (22 catches, 482 yards, 5 TD's) and Jalen Jackson (4 catches, 73 yards, 3 TD's) are now gone, so sophomore Stone Huffman and redshirt-freshman Thatcher Miller will be seeking to make their first collegiate contribution. Receiver Rasheem James (40 catches, 603 yards, 4 TD's) exhausted his eligibility and Seth Degree (30 catches, 512 yards, 6 TD's) is not on the roster. All other remaining, non-running backs combined for 11 catches, 113 yards and 1 touchdown last year. Significant increases in contributions will be needed from Mari Wright (8 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD), Isaiah Allen, Junior Duffault and transfer Julian Kelly.
And offensive line coach Nick Sama will have his work cut out for him. Among last year's regular starting five, only right tackle Quinton Derr returns, although right tackle and team captain Brendan Ruskowski's number is still available on this year's roster. After Derr and Ruskowski, sophomores Bill Martelon (11 games), Luke Stengel (8 games), and Trey Wells (3 games) have the most experience on the line.
Special Teams
Defense
The secondary doesn't have anyone with big name recognition, but they do have a lot of experience. Obi Anyatonwu (38 tackles, 6 pass breakups) started all eleven games at one corner spot. After starting in eleven games in 2019, Sterlen Barr was slated to be the other corner last year. But an injury in the opener at Bentley ended his season. The positive effect is that Izaiah McPherson (10 tackles, 3 pass breakups) got some experience. Senior Nyeem Jones (25 tackles, 3 sacks) is back at the shark linebacker position as is strong safety Shamar Edwards (22 tackles, 2 pass breakups). This leaves Zach Demarchis (13 tackles, 3 pass breakups) to assume the other safety position. The secondary adds experienced depth with Elijah Beard (15 tackles, 1 int), Ronnie James (9 tackles, 1 pass breakup), and Michael Alexander.
The extensive losses on the defensive line were also discussed in the spring preview. Leading the returnees is team captain Zach Liggitt (31 tackles, 6.5 sacks). Expected to make more of a contribution this season will be Noah Collachi (19 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss). IUP transfer Ayyub Dail should also get an opportunity. Beyond that, there are several redshirt freshman that are going to get a lot of playing time in 2022.
Conclusion
With only seven players on the roster that started at least eight games last season, this year's roster is certainly young. Can the talent be ready for the season opener? One thing is for sure - newcomers, be they transfers, redshirt freshmen, or even true freshmen - will have an opportunity to play immediately if they can demonstrate their ability.
Daily Local News- West Chester looks to rebound from unacceptable 2021 season
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