Alumni News - Shabazz Survives First Cut

Former Golden Ram Al-Hajj Shabazz remains on the Steelers' roster after the team's first round of cuts. NFL rules require that each team trim their roster to no more than 75 players by 4:00 pm on Tuesday August 30. Included in yesterday's release was cornerback Kevin White. Each team's final 53-man roster must be in place by 4:00 pm on September 3.

Even if Shabazz is not named to the 53-man roster, he still may be signed to the team's 10-man practice squad. While players who are listed on the practice squad still work out and practice with the team, they don't get to play in games or enjoy the financial benefits players on the final roster do.

The Steelers' final preseason games is Thursday night at the Carolina Panthers.

Steelers.com - Steelers trim roster to 75

Timesonline.com - What it means: Steelers reduce roster to 75 players

Game Preview - Bentley

The Golden Rams open the 2016 season with their first ever trip to Waltham, MA to take on the Bentley Falcons. Kickoff at Bentley University Football Stadium is set for Saturday at noon.

Series History:
This will be the first time these two teams meet on the football field.

Scouting the Opponent:

Bentley's high water mark in football came in the early 2000's when they twice qualified for the playoffs. In 2003, when only four teams from each region qualified for the postseason, the Falcons finished the regular season 10-0, but lost in the first round to eventual national champion Grand Valley St. The following year, the playoffs expanded to six teams from each region and Bentley finished the regular season 8-1 to garner the third seed in the Northeast Region. They again fell at home in the first round, this time to Edinboro. Besides winning the Northeast-10 Conference title outright in 2003 and 2004, they shared the title in both 2009 and 2010.

Head coach Bill Kavanaugh is a Bentley alumnus and enters his third season as head coach of the Falcons with the team finishing 5-6 in each of his first two years. Last season they lost at Mercyhurst 35-20 one week prior to the Golden Rams falling to the Lakers.

The Falcons' signal caller last year was Matt Montalto (114 of 207 for 1,161 yards, 6 TD's, 8 int's). He started the first nine games of the season before suffering a season ending injury at Assumption. This year, Montalto is listed as a running back as he had 263 yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries last season. So CJ Scarpa (60 of 98 for 584 yards, 4 TD's, 1 int in nine games in 2015) looks to be next in line. However, another possibility is Mack Lowrie who redshirted at Boston College in 2013, and started the first six games of the 2014 season for Rhode Island before an injury essentially ended his season. Now at Bentley, the 6'4" Lowrie was an all-state quarterback in high school where he threw for 5,000 yards and 75 TD's to go along with 1,600 yards rushing in his career. Keep a keen eye for Montalto who is 5'9" and Scarpa who is 5'8".

Last year's top receiver returns in Chris Calvanese (40 catches, 547 yards, 4 TD's). Drew Mahoney (17 catches, 160 yards, 1 TD) was named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie team after last year. Bentley returns their top three ground gainers - Martin Bannerman Jr. (162 carries, 721 yards, 5 TD's), George Craan (127 carries, 372 yards, 2 TD's), and Montalto. On the offensive line, left tackle Eric Beckwith is a two-time second team All-Northeast-10 honoree.

Punter Tyler Ford (43.0 yard avg, 4 touchbacks, 24 inside 20) was the only Bentley player to be named first team Northeast-10. Defensive back Sam McDonald (13 returns, 7.6 avg) handled the punt return duties last year. The Falcons will be introducing a new kicker and Mahoney will likely be the primary kick returner this season.

Linebacker Bryan Hardy (92 tackles, 7.5 TFL) was Bentley's top tackler last season and was named second team All-Northeast-10. He's helped in the middle by Brandon Brown (42 tackles, 2 forced fumbles). McDonald (42 tackles, 5 int's) was also a second team All-Northeast-10 honoree as a defensive back and is accompanied by Junior Chery (37 tackles, 2 int's, 5 pass breakups). Bentley graduated the entire three-man defensive line.

Analysis:

Bentley does a good job controlling the ball. The Falcons had a +9 turnover margin last season and were 12th in the nation in time of possession with 33:16. West Chester's experienced offensive line would seem to have a heavy advantage over a young Bentley defensive front, so it may be a matter of merely limiting mistakes.

Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan is 7-2 against the Northeast-10, with both losses coming on the road - a 35-32 overtime loss at New Haven in 2011 and a 24-20 loss at C.W Post in the 2005 playoffs...The last time West Chester faced a Northeast-10 team was a 35-30 victory at New Haven in 2014...Zwaan is 20-10 in the first meeting against an opponent...Bentley was picked to finish 6th in the NE10...Massey Ratings and Atomic Football are both predicting a 7-point West Chester win.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - 9/3 at Bentley

PSAC Site - Football Notes: Week 1

Northeast-10 Site - Assumption Tabbed as Preseason Favorite in NE-10 Football Coaches’ Poll

Bentley Athletic Site - Bentley Launches 2016 Season Saturday at Home against West Chester

KYW Newsradio - WCU Heads North For Saturday Season Opener Vs. Bentley

Boston Globe - New England college football preview

Daily Local News - Zwaan has high hopes for West Chester University this fall

D2football - NE10 Columnist - 2016 NE-10 Season Week 1 in the NE-10

D2football - PSAC Columnist - Previewing Week 1 in the PSAC

Team News - 2016 Second Scrimmage Report

The most notable item of the final scrimmage prior to the start of the 2016 season were the number of players that did not participate. Cornerback Ted Patton did not dress for either scrimmage this summer. Defensive back Quintin Smith played last week but not yesterday. Defensive back Blaise Schieler, who left last week's scrimmage early, was not dressed yesterday. Additionally, shark linebacker Nydair Rouse left Saturday's scrimmage with an apparent injury. Certainly the roster is full of defensive backs, but Patton and Rouse were both projected starters and Schieler started five games last season. Running back Mike Class, H-back Matt Sharp also sat out as did redshirt freshman Jordan Sadusky who is also slated to play tight end/H-back. Availability for any of these players for the season opener on Saturday is unknown at this point.

Besides the roster removals from couple of weeks ago, there have been a few other changes. Number 64 will be worn by freshman linebacker Zak Bousada. It was previously assigned to offensive lineman Dylan Krans who is no longer on the roster. Similarly, number 69, formerly assigned to transfer offensive lineman Steve Myers, now belongs to defensive lineman Todd Kreiss. Sophomore offensive lineman Sean Tomlinson and junior wide receiver Danny Jackson (appeared in five games in 2015) are no longer listed on the roster.

As for the scrimmage itself, the offense once again struggled to move the ball. West Chester's scrimmage rules are fairly lenient to the offense with starting field position set at the 40-yard line. And even with liberal moves, such as a gain of five yards on a third and eight resulted in a first down, there was only one touchdown scored when a defensive back got turned around.

Rashee Davis bats away a long pass down the sideline. He later had an interception. (Photo Ron Hockman)

Freshman wide receiverKhalif Sinclair makes a move around Deionte Wilson (Photo Ron Hockman)

The offensive line provides a huge hole for Jarel Elder (Photo Ron Hockman)

Diquan Gilbert closes in on Mike Alley (Photo Ron Hockman)

Check out the complete photo album at Purple Zone Pictures.

Alumni News - Shabazz Gets Limited Time Against Saints

Former Golden Ram Al-Hajj Shabazz played only the waning minutes of the Steelers' 27-14 win over the New Orleans Saints. Shabazz played right cornerback and registered a solo tackle on a kickoff return and a pass breakup later in the contest.

NFL rosters must be down to 75 players by 4:00 pm on Tuesday August 30. The Steelers final preseason games is Thursday night at the Carolina Panthers. Each team's final 53-man roster must be in place by 4:00 pm on September 3.

Steelers.com - Steelers defeat Saints 27-14, improve to 1-2

Observer-Reporter - Trimming the roster, a first look

Steelers Depot - 2016 South Side Questions: What Do Steelers Make Of CB Situation?

Steelers Depot - Several Spots Still Up for Grabs As Steelers Enter Second Half Of Preseason

Team News - Athletic Shirts Available

The Killinger Foundation and the West Chester University Football Alumni are offering limited time apparel. The "Michael Horrocks Dedication" shirt is the same one that was originally made for the Michael Horrocks statue dedication held on September 11, 2010. The "Strength of the Team" shirt is in honor of recently deceased Golden Ram Sean Boylan. Both shirts have high quality features such as 100% moisture-wicking, snag-resistant, pill-resistant polyester, an athletic fit and double-needle stitched crew neck and are available for just $21 (more for XXL and XXXL) with all proceeds going to benefit the West Chester University football program.

Orders must be submitted via the online order store by the end of August. Shirts will be available for pickup at the Slippery Rock game on September 10th. Any questions or special delivery arrangement requests can be e-mailed to Joe Walsh.

Player News - Gilbert Lands Another Preseason All-American Nod

Senior offensive tackle Doug Gilbert received yet another honor as he was recognized as a second team preseason All-American by D2Football.com. Last week he was selected as a preseason All-American by FootballGameplan.com.

Gilbert is a two-time first team All-PSAC East selection and after last season was named first team CCA All-Super Region 1, first team All-ECAC, second team Dan Hansen Football Gazette Super Region 1 and second team USA College Football All-American. He was also named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete for the 2015-2016 season and was recently named second team preseason All-Division II by Lindy’s Sports.

D2Football.com - 2016 D2Football.com Preseason All-America Team

Team News - 2016 First Scrimmage Report

Linebacker Kevin Duggan and defensive back Blaise Schieler both had picks off Andrew Derr. Despite his escort to the end zone, Schieler tweaked something and did not return to action (Photo Ron Hockman)

Wideout Tyler Karpinski had several dramatic catches. This simple crossing pattern resulted in a touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)

Rashee Davis defends Marcus Sydnor in the end zone (Photo Ron Hockman)

True freshman running back Nafeese Nasir gets around Quintin Smith. There's a lot of running backs with seniority, but after yesterday's performance, it may be difficult to keep Nasir off the field (Photo Ron Hockman)

Guard Vince Lostracco pulls to provide a lead block for Jarel Elder
(Photo Ron Hockman)

True freshman quarterback Mike Alley rolled out to complete a pass to classmate Cody Boozel. The two connected a few times on the afternoon.
(Photo Ron Hockman)

Jordan Banks makes a leaping catch (Photo Ron Hockman)

Receiver Lex Rosario makes the catch but can't escape Kevin Duggan as Kevin Malone closes in (Photo Ron Hockman)

Defensive tackle Mark Webb fights through a double team (Photo Ron Hockman)

John Dubyk chases down Pat Moriarty (Photo Ron Hockman)

Player News - Four Golden Rams Receive D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award

Four West Chester Golden Ram players have received honors for their performance in the classroom this past season. Senior defensive back Pete Galiano, senior defensive back Kyle Keyser, junior linebacker Justice Smith, and sophomore kicker Blaise Toroni were all named recipients of the Division 2 Athletics Directors Association 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, 73 women and 24 men from West Chester University received recognition. The PSAC was the most represented conference in the country with 846 student-athletes honored.

National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics - Division 2 ADA Announces 2015-16 Academic Achievement Award Winners

Alumni News - Shabazz Gets More Playing Time in Pittsburgh

Former Golden Ram Al-Hajj Shabazz played most of the second half in the Steelers' 17-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Unlike last week when Shabazz played right cornerback, against the Eagles he was at left corner. He registered three solo tackles and an assist for four total tackles, good for sixth on the team for the game.

However, the highlight that's playing in Philadelphia sports media is at the end of the Eagles first drive of the second half. On a first and goal from the Steelers' five yard line, Philadelphia inserted newly acquired wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham in for his first play as an Eagle. Isolated against the 6'5 receiver in the corner of the end zone, Hajj got his head around in time to break up the potential touchdown pass.

Steelers.com - Steelers blanked, fall to 0-2

Steelers Depot - Steelers vs Eagles: Winners and Losers

Throwback Thursday - 1926

Head coach J.A. McGovern lost a lot of linemen to graduation and the 1926 replacements didn't match the alumni's size. As a result, points were at a premium this season, but the defense played very well. The season didn't start until October and a trip to the Hill School in Pottstown resulted in a 3-0 loss for West Chester Normal.

The Yellow Jackets, as they were then called, defeated Williamson Trade School 39-0, and Franklin and Marshall Academy 12-6, on Wayne Field. A trip to Bloomsburg Normal resulted in a 9-0 loss to the Tigers, as they were known. Then in the biggest game of the year in front of the biggest crowd ever to watch an athletic event at Wayne Field, West Chester hosted Shippensburg. The visitors shot out to a 9-0 lead, but West Chester closed the lead to 9-7 by halftime. In the second half, West Chester converted two blocked punts into touchdowns to take a 19-9 lead. Shippensburg tacked on a final touchdown, but West Chester won by a final score of 19-15.

The following week, the West Chester defense allowed just two field goals to visiting Stroudsburg, but the Yellow Jacket offense failed to score and West Chester lost 6-0. It was the first ever meeting between the two schools. The final game of the season was a 25-0 rout at Millersville Normal and West Chester would finish the season 4-3.

Team News - Key Summer Dates

The Golden Rams opened camp a week ago, so it's time to firm up the schedule for the rest of the summer. Below are the key dates for the next couple of weeks for Golden Ram football fans:

• Sat, August 20 - Scrimmage 11:00 am in John A. Farrell Stadium
  
• Sat, August 27 - Scrimmage 11:00 am in John A. Farrell Stadium
  
• Fri, September 2 - West Chester University Alumni Association event at Fenway Park at 5:30 pm and The Baseball Tavern at 7:00 pm
  
• Sat, September 3 - Game at Bentley 12:00 pm
  
• Thur, September 8 - The Bill Zwaan Show at 7:00 pm at Timothy's followed by the Golden Ram Football Club meeting
  

Please note - Scrimmage dates and times are subject to change.

Team News - AFCA Preseason Poll Released

The Golden Rams were not ranked among the top 25 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II preseason poll. West Chester was listed as "others receiving votes" and were 29th in points. The Golden Rams open the 2016 season on September 2 when they visit Bentley. Their week two opponent, Slippery Rock, is #11 in the AFCA preseason poll.

American Football Coaches Association - Northwest Missouri State No. 1 in Preseason AFCA Poll

Player News - Phillips, Toney Removed from Roster

After an off the field incident, wide receiver Russhon Phillips and defensive tackle Dominic Toney have been removed from the Golden Ram roster.

Phillips transferred from Lehigh prior to the 2014 season and spent that season as a defensive back but did not see game action. He was not appear on the 2015 roster. He had been listed on this season's roster as a wide receiver.

Although Toney reportedly redshirted at IUP in 2013, although his name did not appear on their roster or media guide. He then transferred to West Chester but did not appear in a contest in 2014. Toney was listed as the second string defensive tackle prior to 2015, but did not see game action last season.

As a result of Phillips leaving the team, senior wide receiver Jim Hurley has acquired jersey #2.

Daily Local News - Oxy bust involves ex-West Chester University football players

Alumni News - Shabazz Sees Action with Steelers

Former Golden Ram Al-Hajj Shabazz played the entire second half at right corner back for the Steelers in their 30-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. He did not factor statistically other than a questionable blocking in the back penalty on a punt return with two minutes left in the the game.

Steelers.com - Lions 30 - Steelers 17

Steelers Depot - Training Camp Recap: Secondary Evaluations

Herald-Standard - Getting to know the bottom of the Steelers roster

Behind The Steel Curtain - Steelers 2016 Roster, 90 in 90 Days: Al-Hajj Shabazz trying to prove his worth in the Pittsburgh secondary

Team News - Season Television Schedule Updated

The SPORTSfever Television Network has released its entire broadcast schedule for the 2016 season. Besides the four games previously announced, the Golden Rams will also be televised on October 29 at East Stroudsburg.

In addition, the PSAC Championship and NCAA Division II playoff games featuring PSAC teams will also be televised, so there are additional opportunities to see the Golden Rams on TV. That is, of course, if you're not going to attend the game in person!.

Day	Date	Opponent	Time	Notes
Saturday	September 10	vs Slippery Rock	12:00 pm
Saturday	October 8	vs Shippensburg	12:00 pm
Saturday	October 15	at Bloomsburg	2:00 pm	Bloomsburg's Homecoming
Saturday	October 29	at East Stroudsburg	12:00 pm
Saturday	November 5	vs Millersville	12:00 pm

SPORTSfever Television Network - SPORTSfever TV Network College Football “Game of the Week”

Throwback Thursday - 1936

Dr. W. Glenn Killinger opened his third season as head football coach with a 13-6 win over Slippery Rock. The score was tied until John Taronis "heaved a pass" to team captain Clevio Rogo on the six-yard line who took it into the end zone with five seconds left. It was West Chester's first victory over Slippery Rock as the first two meetings went to the opponent in 1929 and 1930.

In Reading, Albright avenged its only loss of 1935 by edging West Chester 7-6 in front of 8,000 spectators. West Chester then shut out Elon in their last ever meeting with them, but then lost to Penn Military College (now Widener) in a rain soaked event. PMC's points all came on special teams as a fumbled punt was recovered in the end zone by PMC and the Cadets later blocked a punt in the end zone.

In what was described as a "beautiful punting duel", West Chester and St. Joseph's "treated" a homecoming crowd to a 0-0 tie. West Chester advanced to the four-yard line with less than a minute to play, but failed to cross the goal line. A trip to Lock Haven resulted in a 10-7 loss to the eventual conference champions. Another road trip, this time to LaSalle in their new McCarthy Stadium, also resulted in a loss, by a 19-14 score. With two games remaining, West Chester's record stood at 2-4-1.

The Purple and Gold then overwhelmed Washington College 41-6 and nipped Waynesburg 12-7 to even the team's record for the season at 4-4-1. It was the last time that West Chester ever played Washington and Waynesburg. The West Chester team was filled with colorful names, like Ray "Mush" Patrick, Michael "Poogie" Shello, and Robert "Pappy" Nye. In addition to Rogo and Taronis, tackle Russell "Lee" Sturzebecker are members of the Killinger Football Hall of Fame.

Glenn Killinger
Clevio Rogo
Russ Sturzebecker

Team News - Golden Rams Picked To Finish First

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.

Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses:

Eastern Division
1. West Chester (6)
2. Shippensburg (1)
3. Bloomsburg
4. Kutztown
5. East Stroudsburg (1)
6. Lock Haven
7. Millersville
8. Cheyney

The Golden Rams were represented by head coach Bill Zwaan, senior captain offensive lineman Doug Gilbert and senior captain and defensive back Kevin Malone.

PSAC Site - West Chester Picked to Repeat as PSAC East Champions

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Football Picked To Defend PSAC East Title

Player News - Tragedy Strikes Golden Rams

Several social media outlets are reporting that sophomore defensive lineman Sean Boylan has died.

Last season as a redshirt freshman, Boylan saw action in seven games, registering seven tackles and one pass breakup. In his senior year at Archbishop Ryan, the team captain was first team Daily News All-City, first team All-Catholic, and second team Inquirer Preseason All-Southeastern PA.


Visitation is scheduled at John F. Givnish Funeral Home on Friday, August 12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, August 13 from 9:30 am to 10:15 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the FOP Survivors Fund.

Daily Local News - West Chester University reeling after death of sophomore football player

philly.com - Sean Tomas Boylan

philly.com - West Chester reeling over death of defensive lineman Boylan

Event News - PSAC Football Media Day

The PSAC will hold its annual Football Media Day on Monday, August 8. The schools from the East Division will be hosted by Kutztown University while the West Division schools will gather at Slippery Rock University. Along with head coach Bill Zwaan, the Golden Rams will be represented by senior captains offensive left tackle Doug Gilbert and defensive back Kevin Malone.

PSAC Site - 2016 PSAC Football Media Day

Player News - Gilbert Earns Another Preseason Accolade

Senior co-captain Doug Gilbert has been named to the 2016 FootballGameplan.com Preseason All-America Team.

Gilbert is a two-time first team All-PSAC East selection and after last season was named first team CCA All-Super Region 1, first team All-ECAC, second team Dan Hansen Football Gazette Super Region 1 and second team USA College Football All-American. He was also named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete for the 2015-2016 season and was recently named second team preseason All-Division II by Lindy’s Sports.

FootballGameplan.com - FootballGameplan's 2016 Preseason D2 All-American Team

West Chester Athletic Site - Gilbert Named Second Team All-America By Football GamePlan

Event News - Bentley Game

The season opener is less than a month away and the Golden Rams will be playing in Massachusetts for the first time since 1988 when they take on the Bentley Falcons in Waltham on Saturday, September 3 at noon. If you're going to the game, consider joining the West Chester University Alumni Association Friday evening for a tour of historic Fenway Park followed by a buffet dinner at The Baseball Tavern which is a five-minute walk from the ball park. Cost for both events is $35 and is open to all Golden Ram football fans! For more information and registration, click here.

There are plenty of 24/7 parking lots nearby including SP+ Parking and LAZ Parking in the Landmark Center.

Don't feel like driving to New England or fighting with Boston traffic? No problem. The Killinger Foundation is sponsoring a bus as they've done for away games in the past. The bus will leave at 6:30 am on Friday, September 2 from the carpool lot near the Kmart in the West Goshen Shopping Center, 986 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA and includes a tour of historic Boston, transportation and admission to the West Chester University Alumni Events at Fenway Park and The Baseball Tavern, and transportation to the hotel Friday night (details below). Also included is transportation to the West Chester football game on Saturday morning and return home after the game Saturday evening. Cost is $125. To reserve a seat, e-mail Jim Brazill.

There's a block of rooms available at Boston Marriott Newton at $149 + tax. Contact the hotel directly and ask for the "West Chester fan rate" to make a reservation.

It's Labor Day Weekend, so there's plenty of time to see Fenway on Friday, watch the Golden Rams' season opener on Saturday and still have Sunday and Monday to enjoy the holiday! See you at the game!

Throwback Thursday - 1946

After not playing football in 1943 and 1944 due to World War II, and playing only a four-game season the following year, 1946 represented the first full season back under Dr. W. Glenn Killinger. Talk about a shutdown defense! En route to a 9-1 record, the team allowed 33 points. For the entire season! After a fairly routine 13-6 win over Moravian, they shutout Drexel, City College of New York and Penn Military (now Widener). Their lone flaw that season, a 13-6 setback to Lock Haven, was followed with ruining Alrbight's homecoming 26-0. The season finished with three more road games - a 13-7 win at Ithaca, a 12-0 shutout at Millersville and a 32-0 win in the only football game ever between West Chester and Wagner.

Among the roster was U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Hank Boney. Boney was shot up in the South Pacific and received a disability discharge. He played end at West Chester with a special protective pad to cover the shrapnel hole in his back. Also suiting up was Barney Williams who played varsity football at West Chester in 1941. But he then spent 1942 until the spring of 1946 in the U.S. Navy serving in the South Pacific. He was Killinger's best open field runner who alternated between fullback and quarterback, although he was hampered by a knee injury. And there was Joe Jurich who stood 6'3" and 240lbs. He played football in the 1942 season, then served in the European Theatre as a member of the U.S. Army. For West Chester, he played right tackle and specialized in throwing events for the track team.

Hank Boney
Joe Jurich
Barney Williams

Alumni News - Scott a Blue Bomber

Sam Scott

Former Golden Ram defender Sam Scott has been removed from the Winnipeg Blue Bomber's 6-game injured list and placed on their practice squad. He won't be eligible to play tonight when Winnipeg hosts the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Team News - 2016 Roster Changes

With the 2016 roster now posted, it's worth noting some of the changes. There were 15 players that appeared on the 2015 team and had eligibility remaining for this season, but are no longer listed on the official roster.

Some notables:

• A.J. DePietro - didn't play in the 2014 regular season due to an injury, but appeared in both playoff games. Last year, DePietro played in all 11 games, hauling in nine catches for 172 yards and four touchdowns, including two scores in the season opener against Lenoir-Rhyne. Would have been a senior.
  
• Corey Kelley - as a redshirt freshman last season, tallied 17 total tackles and four pass breakups in 11 games.
  
• Dan Sherry - as a redshirt freshman in 2014, registered 20 tackles in ten games including a sack against Shippensburg. Injured in the final game of the regular season at Indiana and missed the playoffs. Logged five tackles in seven games last season.
  
• Mike Catalano - as a redshirt freshman last season, registered 16 tackles and two blocked kicks in ten games.
  
• Byron Cooper - started the first three games of last season and played in another six games finishing with ten tackles on the season. Blocked a punt at New Haven as a redshirt freshman in 2013.
  

Two others not listed on the 2016 roster that saw playing time last season are wide receiver Dion Shaw (one catch and one rush in three games played in 2015) and tight end Connor McGrath (19-yard catch against Slippery Rock). Offensive lineman Shareef Clinton transferred from PSAC West rival California as a junior prior to last year but is no longer listed. The remaining players did not see action as freshman last year - offensive linemen Eric Morrison, Matt McGovern, Colby Faasuamalie, Bobby Rider, wide receiver Elijah Hall, fullback Ryan Fay and linebacker Steve Marrazzo.

Two players are back on the roster in 2016, after appearing in 2014 but not in 2015. Defensive tackle Shaquil Ryder started in all 13 games in 2014, finishing fifth on the team in tackles with 54, including four sacks. Ryder was named PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week for his ten tackle performance at Kutztown. Russhon Phillips transferred from Lehigh and was listed as a defensive back in 2014 but did not see game action. This season he's listed as a wide receiver.

Other position changes include Jordan Sadusky moving from quarterback to tight end and Deionte Wilson from wide receiver to defensive back.

A couple of number changes: Tyler Karpinski has switched from #80 to #1, formerly worn by Eddie Elliott and Shaquille James has traded #36 for #21.