2006 Season Preview
"The 2005 season is history and we need to find an identity," is how Bloomsburg University coach Danny Hale sums up his feelings as he prepares for a new season.
The season that Hale refers to was an 11-1 (undefeated regular season) that also featured a berth in the NCAA playoffs. In addition, the team featured Jahri Evans, a fourth-round pick in the NFL draft, and Jamar Brittingham, the PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Year, who also finished third in the balloting for the Harlon Hill Award.
"We have enough returning players, especially on defense, that I know we will be in the hunt for the PSAC East title," Hale added. “But, we need to put the past to rest and focus on getting better as a team each and every day."
"Our schedule is also one of the toughest we have ever had here at Bloomsburg," continued Hale. "We open with a 1-AA opponent (James Madison) and also face tough PSAC-West teams in California, Edinboro and Shippensburg, along with all our Eastern Division rivals."
OFFENSE
"We will have a new look at the quarterback, but should once again be a very effective running team," said Hale. "And while the loss of Evans will hurt on the offensive line, we do have three returning starters on the line on which to rely."
QUARTERBACK
The Huskies go into the new season with a question mark at quarterback. With three players battling for time, Matt Freedman has the edge based on his experience with the team. However, he has yet to attempt a pass in a regular season game. Battling with Freedman will be Dan Latorre and Bryan Rankin. Both performed well at times in spring ball, but are new to the program.
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RUNNING BACK
Running back is one of the deepest positions on the team led by Jamar Brittingham, a Harlon Hill finalist in 2005. Brittingham smashed nearly every single-season record for both the team and the PSAC last year, while also leading all of college football in both yards per game and in scoring. He will be joined at tailback by Josh Heck, Christian Allen and Brad Nailor.
At fullback, Jay Collins returns to the lineup after his 2005 season was cut short due to an injury. Look for three experienced players in Jake Engle, Tony Ruth and Colt Givler to see time behind Collins.
WIDE RECEIVER
The Huskies return a talented group of players at wide out in 2006. Leading the way is Ryan Schuck, a “go-to” guy for the Huskies last year, while Greg Masters and Brahin Bilal will also be called on to make big plays. Masters is a two-year starter, while Bilal is a deep threat receiver with good speed.
In addition, look for Kyle Ream to make the transition from quarterback to wide receiver with Matt Hamm, Jordan Weisman and CJ Lapp providing depth.
TIGHT END
The Huskies return a solid performer in Luke Kuklick, who made 13 receptions a year ago. Backing up Kuklick will be Al Meacham, Ryan Barr and John McFillin.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Despite losing Evans to the NFL draft, Bloomsburg returns quality and experience at every position. Wynton Shelton, Bryan Scruggs, Dave Shemaria are all returning starters for the Huskies, while Luke Adams is back with the team and also has a great deal of experience. Also competing for playing time will be guards Brock Carpenter, Mike Heydt, and Steve Sweigert. At tackle, look for Joe Kantz, Seam Krim and Luke Beall to see a lot of field time, while Steve Colston will backup at center.
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DEFENSE
"I feel very good going into the pre-season practice our defense will be the strongest part of the team," Hale continued. "We posted shutouts in four games last year and have lots of players returning. Along with that, the team selected three defensive players as captains for the 2006 season, which tells me a lot about how our team respects the job these guys have done."
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Huskies defensive front will be led by tri-captain Scott Keating along with Corey Gipe, both tackles. Both players had excellent spring practice and will be counted to provide leadership up front. On the outside, look for returning starters Justin Colon and Zac Barton to once again have big seasons. Providing depth at tackle will be Jermaine Booker, while Jon Ochs and Stevie Draper backup at tackle.
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LINEBACKER
Always one of the team's strongest positions, 2006 is no exception. Led by tri-captain Rob Biernat, a first team All-PSAC selection, along with Kyle Sosnovik and Matt Smith, the Huskies have three solid performers at the position. Providing backup will be Dan Tillotson, Greg Myers, Pete Wonderland and Christian Boyer. Overall it is an outstanding group of players with lots of experience.
DEFENSIVE BACK
On the corner, Marcus Waddy is back after starting last season, while Jesse Cooper and Domenique Price will battle for the other starting spot. Pat Kaiser and Brahin Bilal, from the offensive side of the ball, will also be competing for playing time at the position.
At safety, tri-captain Tyler Trettin, a first team All-PSAC East selection last year, leads a solid group of players with lots of field time. Among those players are Jeremy Lightner, Phil Riccardi and Joey Kleiner.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Huskies will have a new look in 2006 at both placekicker and punter. Kyle Ream and Bryan Rankin will do battle in the fall along with incoming freshman Pat Yorks for the punting job.
Placekicking duties will be handled by either Jon Koening or Pat Kaiser. Koening handled the duties in the spring and performed well in the spring game.
Punt returns will be fielded by Ryan Schuck and Brittingham, while kickoff return duties will be done by Schuck, Jesse Cooper or Kyle Ream.