2008 Bloomsburg University Spring Football Preview

BLOOMSBURG- The Bloomsburg University football team is breaking new ground this season, both literally and figuratively. Redman Stadium, the home of the Huskies, is in the midst of stadium renovation, which will move the Huskies spring game to Bloomsburg High School stadium, where Saturday's kick-off is set for 11 a.m.

The 2008 version of the Huskies will feature a renovated look as well, as the Huskies will adjust to life without Jamar Brittingham, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's all-time leading rusher and one of the top five in the history of Division II. Wide receiver Brahin Bilal and linebacker Rob Biernat also depart after record-breaking careers.

The cupboard is far from bare though, as head coach Danny Hale enters his 16th season as head coach. With the return of starting quarterback Dan Latorre and five starters back on the offensive line, Hale is confident as the season approaches. "So far this spring, I've been really pleased. Our captains, Kyle Ream and John Ochs have really come to the forefront, and the team has a great attitude. We've managed to stay healthy for the most part as well."

Quarterback

The Huskies Offense will be buoyed by the return of quarterback Dan Latorre, who is entering his third season as the starter. The 6-0, 207 pound junior from Catawissa threw for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. With the departure of Brittingham, Latorre will be asked to raise his level of play this season. "Dan is a coach on the field and we have the utmost confidence in him," said Hale. "He has a lot of input into our offense, and he's a fierce competitor. He will do great things this season."

With Latorre set as the starter, talented backup Alex Landis has been moved to safety. Backing up Latorre this season will be Andrew Flogel, who was injured in the fall and redshirted last season. "Andrew is a talented kid who needs some experience. With him being injured last year, he missed practice time, so he's going to have to get caught up. But he's going to be a good player."

The Huskies brought in three quarterbacks in the 2008 recruiting class, and all will be counted on to provide depth in 2008.

Running Back

The Huskies will have a makeover at the running back position, where Brittingham and fellow senior Josh Heck both depart. The Huskies return a stable of talented runners, but return very little experience. Marc Best and James Sweeting saw the most action last season, combining for 150 yards rushing. They join a crowded back field that will feature Bucknell transfer Kyle Passeri, redshirt freshmen Derrick Price and Kenny Domzalski, as well junior Jake Serfass, a former all-state running back at Northern Lehigh who is returning to football after several years away from the sport.

According to Hale no one has emerged as the clear cut starter as of yet, but the competition has been fierce. "Losing a player like Jamar is tough, but you have to move on. Running the football is a staple of our offense, and right now, we have a bunch of tremendously gifted individuals. You would hope someone would step up and make a big impact."

At fullback, Steffen Adams returns for his junior season. Adams was the Huskies third leading rusher a year ago and their leading returning rusher after gaining 249 yards on 35 carries, including a 110-yard effort against Clarion. "Steffen is a feature player and we want to get him the ball. He will be a big part of our offense," said Hale. Depth will come in the form of redshirt freshman Matthew Cox and Ryan Maggs.

Wide Receiver

The Huskies have a gaping hole to fill following the departure of Brahin Bilal, who finished his Husky career fourth in school history in receiving yards. However, the Huskies do return Bilal's counterpart from last season in Kyle Ream. Ream finished second on the team last year with 29 receptions for 461 yards and four touchdowns, and will be counted on to fill the role as Latorre's top target.

Jordan Weisman is one player who could emerge as the counterpart to Ream. "Jordan has had a big off-season for us," said Hale. "He's up to 214 pounds and has improved his speed. He presents mismatches for opposing defenses, and will be a big factor in our offensive game plan."

Look for redshirt freshman Ryan Dickerson to bring some speed to the position. The 5-11, 160 pounder has great acceleration and body control. "Dickerson has a lot of ability. Once he polishes up his route running and gets some more experience, he will be a very good player for us."

Ryan Barr and Cory Stiger also return at wide receiver. The 6-3, 210 pound Barr, who filled in part-time as a tight end in 2007, is a physical player who is adept at fighting for jump balls. Stiger had a strong winter program and is expected to have an impact on the Huskies receiving corps.

The Huskies will count on redshirt freshman Keter Crosby and Luke Nagy to provide depth.

At tight end, sophomore Ben Weaber returns after starting a year ago. In a position decimated by injury, Weaber stepped up to the challenge in 2007, catching 11 passes for 147 yards. "Ben is a great player. He has great hands and is such a reliable target. Combine that with his solid blocking and we feel very comfortable with the tight end position."

Ty Traister and Kelby Taylor will back up Weber. Traister moves over from the defensive line where he provided depth last season, while Taylor was injured all of last season. Both are expected to be healthy by the fall.

Offensive Line

The Huskies return four starters on an offensive line that paved the way for what was the highest scoring offense in the PSAC in 2007, as well as second in the conference in rushing. "We are very fortunate to return so many talented individuals on the offensive line. We are not as deep this spring as we would like to be with only having 10 linemen, but they are all quality players who will see time this fall."

At tackle, Matt Truscott and Justin Walker will man the right and left tackle positions. Truscott started 10 games for the Huskies last season, and Walker stepped in for an injured Joe Kantz early in the season and played well. Kantz and sophomore Daryl Kurtz will provide depth at the tackle spots.

At guard, the Huskies will count on Matt Bosso and Pat Casey. The 6-2, 315 pound Bosso was first-team all-PSAC last season and started all 10 games for the Huskies. Casey, a rising sophomore, has had a good winter session and is primed to make an impact this fall.

Luke Beall returns at center after an injury-riddled 2007 season, where he was admirably replaced by Tyler Azzalina. "The offensive line has had a very good spring. Guys are getting stronger and have had great winter sessions. We are in good shape there," said Hale.

Look for sophomore Andrew Watrud and red-shirt freshman Michael Finnerty and Brandon Allen to break the two-deep as well.

Defensive Line

The Huskies defensive line returns several talented players from a front four that had three players selected first-team All-PSAC in 2007. While only one starter returns, the Huskies return a wealth of players with game experience.

The defensive line will be led by the return of John Ochs. The senior captain finished with 27 tackles, including six for loss, which tied for the team lead in 2007. He also had two sacks, four passes broken up and a fumble recovery. "John Ochs is such an important player for us. He brings great quickness and versatility to the defensive line as he can play inside and outside. His leadership in the huddle is invaluable."

On the other side, Dave Huot is fully recovered after missing the 2007 season due to injury. Huot and Alfonso Nathan are expected to split time at defensive end. Juniors Brandon Groff and Justin Presley will be looked upon to provide depth. Presley returns to the defensive side of the ball after moonlighting at tight end last season.

Earl McNeil returns as a starter at defensive tackle. McNeil finished 2007 with 17 tackles and two sacks and provides experience up front. At the other tackle, Todd Giver and Marcus Zimmerman will battle for a starting job. Givler finished last season with ten tackles and a sack, while Zimmerman's three tackles for loss in limited action makes him a viable candidate.

Redshirt Freshman Tyree Dudley and John Pettine could make an impact as well in the fall.

Linebackers

The Huskies have a formidable task trying to replace middle linebacker Rob Biernat, a three-year starter who logged 259 career tackles.

Senior Greg Myers moves to the inside this season after playing outside linebacker last season. The 5-11, 232 pound senior finished 2007 fourth on the team in tackles with 50, and second on the team in tackles for loss with five. His back-up is the steady Anthony Smith, who will be expected to provide quality depth.

Dan Tillotson returns at one outside linebacker after a 2007 season where he finished third on the team in tackles and second in tackles for loss. Tillotson added 12 pounds to his frame in the off-season, and will be counted on to bring experience to the linebacking corps. Or the other side, look for Michael Varanavage and Thomas McFarland to wage a battle for the other spot on the outside. Varanavage contributed 20 tackles in limited action last season, while McFarland was a standout on special teams.

Sophomore Mark Keely and redshirt freshman Josh Sigman will provide depth at linebacker.

Secondary

The Huskies lose three starters from 2007 and are counting juniors Jesse Cooper and Domonique Price to lead a secondary that is high on talent, but low on experience.

Cooper had a break-out season in his first season as a starter, finishing 4th on the team in tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, both of which were returned for touchdowns. He will likely contend for all-conference honors this season. On the other side, sophomore Bryant Joseph will move into a starting role after playing nickel back last season. Joseph was tied for second on the team in passes defended with three.

Redshirt freshman Vince Browning, Oscar Rivera and Mark Scattene add depth to the secondary. All three will vie for playing time at corner, as well as in nickel and dime packages.

At safety, Price will occupy one spot after playing corner last season. "Domonique gives us a lot of versatility in the secondary. He's a guy who can play multiple positions and play them well." Senior Andre Ellis also will figure into the rotation at secondary. "Ellis is a tough, physical player who brings a lot of experience to the position. He's had a great spring and will be a contributor in the secondary."

The wild card at the safety position could be sophomore Alex Landis, who served as back-up quarterback last season. "Alex is a kid that we felt we needed to have on the field, and he wanted the opportunity to play more. He's such a talented athlete that he could have been a very good receiver or quarterback as well."

Sophomore Rich Guilmette and redshirt freshmen Nick Ciccone and Jeff Owsley will provide depth at safety.

Special Teams

John Koenig will serve as both placekicker and punter this season, as Drew Snyder opted not to return for 2008. Koenig was 5-8 on field goals last season, as well as 43-46 on extra points. "Jon has had a great offseason. He is kicking the ball better than ever and we are confident in his abilities as a punter as well." Kyle Ream is capable of filling in as a punter when needed. Mark Keely will replace Pate Wonderland as the long-snapper.

Look for Jesse Cooper and Ryan Dickerson to handle the return duties. Cooper returned a kick-off for 76 yards against Cheyney last season.

Coaching

The Huskies made several coaching changes in the off-season. Ed Rush will move over from running backs to coach the kickers, where he will be replaced by Mike Kogut. Howie Reed was added to the staff to help with the offensive line, and Frank Williams has retired from coaching.

"We have tremendous assistant coaches here. They take on an enormous amount of work and do an outstanding job. We are very fortunate to have such a great staff."

Outlook

The Huskies schedule looks to be tougher than ever, as they travel to play Ohio-power Ashland on August 30th, and the following week host defending PSAC-West champion California (Pa.). Hale is aware the gauntlet that lies ahead.

"This season is going to present plenty of challenges. It's only going to be more difficult with the expansion of the PSAC-East, now that C.W. Post and Shippensburg have been added to the schedule. We face some very talented teams in the first few games of the season that will provide a barometer to how good we can be."

"I've always said winning is a byproduct of what you do as a whole, as far a being prepared and ready to play. We can't just go in expecting to win games based on our personnel. We are going to have to win as a team."

The Huskies will play their annual spring football game this Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bloomsburg High School Stadium.