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Edinboro University head coach Lou Tepper
received a phone call early this summer from his old college
roommate. As they chatted, Tepper's roommate asked what was his
greatest worry heading into the 2005 season. "A holder,"
quipped Tepper.
Tepper's roommate was a bit taken aback by the
response, and in actuality the veteran coach was only
half-kidding. With 29 lettermen and 15 starters back, many view
the two-time defending Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
co-champion Fighting Scots as loaded. It's true that after
back-to-back 9-3 seasons, with trips to the NCAA Playoffs in 2003
and 2004, expectations are high. In fact, Edinboro is the
preseason favorite in the PSAC West, and is ranked in five
different national polls, including sixth by Sports
Illustrated, eighth by Street & Smith's 2005
Yearbook and tied for 14th in the AFCA Division II poll.
But Tepper will readily admit that while talent
had plenty to do with Edinboro's success the last two years, it is
not the team's greatest attribute. The Fighting Scots' recipe for
success has been a combination of talent, coaching, and the
immeasurables.
"Our kids stress our unity,"
stated Tepper proudly. "I really think our strength is our
camaraderie, our unity - the intangibles. We don't lack talent,
but if you were to compare our players versus another team's, we
may not have better athletes at each position.
"We have a lot of experience
coming back, and great unity. If the intangibles stay strong, I
think you'll have to be really good to beat us. I think the
players are very confident, but not cocky. They have kept striving
to be the best. I think we'll be in the thick of the championship
race, but they're saying the same things at IUP, California and
Shippensburg."
A year ago Tepper referred to a quote from
former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who said, "It takes
ability to win a championship, it takes character to repeat."
Tepper will no doubt enlist that quote again this year as Edinboro
strives for its third straight PSAC West crown.
Back-to-back-to-back PSAC crowns is something only accomplished
four times before in PSAC annals, by West Chester (1959-61),
Slippery Rock (1972-74 and 1997-99) and IUP (1990-94).
"Our goals are first to be the
best team in Erie, and the PSAC championship is our second goal,"
related Tepper. "Our third goal is the regional title. We
feel we are one of about six teams in the running for the regional
title. We're talented enough to beat anyone on our schedule, but
with poor execution we can lose to anyone. I don't know how many
'alarming' players we have. I look at IUP and California and I see
a lot of talent."
The 2005 schedule features six games in the
friendly confines of Sox Harrison Stadium, beginning with an
August 27 date with WVU Tech. The Fighting Scots also play
Shippensburg, a team ranked ninth by Lindy's and 13th by Street &
Smith's. The Red Raiders have handed Edinboro its only losses the
last two years in PSAC West action, prevailing a year ago by a
17-10 count.
But it's three road contests that will shape
the Edinboro fortunes in 2005. Week number two finds the Scots
traveling to East Stroudsburg for a rematch with the Warriors and
their scintillating signalcaller, Jimmy Terwilliger. Lindy's
preseason Most Valuable Player selection, Terwilliger has
bedeviled Edinboro in three previous meetings, including a 36-32
win in the NCAA Northeast Region quarterfinals a year ago. East
Stroudsburg is ranked second according to Lindy's and fifth by
Street & Smith's.
The other two road contests come against teams
unranked in the preseason, but Indiana(Pa.) has been a perennial
Division II power, and the Indians are no doubt seething after
losing two years in a row to the Fighting Scots. The IUP contest
is scheduled for October 15. One week earlier Edinboro will face a
California(Pa.) team which will look to celebrate Homecoming with
an upset of the Fighting Scots. With the talent the Vulcans are
assembling, "upset" may hardly be the proper
terminology.
Special Teams
Tepper's status as an outstanding defensive coach is
unquestioned, but he may get more pleasure out of standout special
team's play. Without question, few coaches in the country place
more emphasis on special team's performance. In Tepper's mind,
there are three equal phases to the game, and special teams always
comes first.
The kicking game is in solid hands, or feet,
with Kody Robertson returning. The junior converted 12 of 14 field
goals and set school records for extra points made (46) and
attempted (50) a year ago. Robertson was accorded first team
All-PSAC West honors after tying for the scoring lead among
kickers with 82 points. He was a D2football.com and Football
Gazette honorable mention All-American. Robertson will not only
handle the placekicking duties, but now adds the punting chores to
his resume. He has punted five times in his previous two seasons.
Tepper will choose from a number of players for
punt and kickoff returns. Junior Ryan Valasek has seen the most
return duty, returning 22 kickoffs for a 19.5 yard average a year
ago. Several other newcomers figure to join Valasek, including
freshman Deonte Peters, a diminutive 5'6" wide receiver
brought in for his return skills.
Edinboro won't have to look far to replace long
snapper Joe Jowly, a standout the last two years. Tepper views Ben
Harris as a proven long snapper, stressing that he may even exceed
Jowly, who didn't have a bad snap in two seasons. The third-year
sophomore snapped for field goals and extra points last season.
Offense
Balance. Balance. Balance. Tepper couldn't stress a balanced
offense enough when he took over in 2000, but it didn't happen
overnight. Over the last two years the Edinboro attack has evolved
into one that is multi-faceted, featuring a plethora of offensive
sets that has moved the ball effectively on the ground and through
the air. On any given play Edinboro could showcase a one-back
offense, a four wide-receiver set, or three tight ends.
Running the ball has never been an issue for
the Fighting Scots. Edinboro has had a 1,000-yard rusher ten of
the last 12 years. But the evolution of the passing game has
pushed the Fighting Scott offense into one of the best in the PSAC
the last two years. In 2003 the Fighting Scots averaged 198.4
yards rushing and 184.2 yards passing. Last year the figures
jumped to 201.4 yards rushing and 192.3 yards passing. Edinboro
ranked 44th in Division II in total offense (393.8 ypg.), with the
ground game ranked 32nd nationally. With 33.2 ppg., Edinboro
ranked 31st in scoring offense.
Seven starters return on offense, most notably
four along the offensive line. The Fighting Scots were dealt an
unexpected blow with the loss of Andre Burke and Justin Lipscomb,
a pair of record-setting performers at tailback and wide receiver,
respectively. With fifth-year senior Justin Bouch at the helm,
Edinboro should again showcase a prolific offense. A year ago
Edinboro score 398 points, the most since 1989 and the
third-highest total in school history.
Quarterback:
Justin Bouch is a two-time All-PSAC West first team selection who
has started since midway through his redshirt freshman campaign.
The 6'3", 211 lb. senior is arguably the second-best
quarterback in the Northeast Region after East Stroudsburg's Jimmy
Terwilliger. He has put up some impressive numbers as a Fighting
Scot, and already ranks as one of the school’s most prolific
passers. But what sets him apart is his leadership skills and
ability to win. He is highly-respected by his teammates while
posting a 20-10 record as a starter.
Bouch completed 167 of 299 passes a year ago
for a school-record 2,281 yards with 20 TDs and 12 INTs, adding a
pair of touchdowns on the ground. He ranks third in career passing
yards (5,505) and career total offense (5,682), while standing
fourth in career touchdown passes with 39.
Despite his freshman status, it didn't take
long for Josh Hinkle to emerge as Bouch's backup last season. The
6'0", 190 lb. sophomore is an exciting package of running and
passing ability. He played in just three games, completing 2 of 4
passes for 5 yards, but the coaching staff predicts a bright
future following a fine spring performance.
After having just three quarterbacks on the
roster a year ago, and with third stringer Brandon Hunt
transferring, quarterback was a recruiting priority. Tepper
brought in three freshmen, all with impressive credentials, in
Trevor Harris, Brian Kiendl and Joe Wanton.
Running Backs:
The Edinboro backfield will definitely have a different look.
Consider that not one tailback on the roster has ever carried the
ball for the Fighting Scots. In fact, fullback Justin Olney is the
only ballcarrier with a rushing attempt at Edinboro, and he has a
mere three carries.
Tepper still has plenty of interesting options
to choose from at tailback, beginning with redshirt freshmen
Ulysee Davis. The starter at the end of spring drills, Davisa is a
compact 5’9”, 193 lbs. with speed and power.
Two transfers will push Davis. DeMarkus
Robinson is a 5'10", 180 lb. back by way of Kent State.
Robinson has already received his degree from Kent State, but has
two seasons of eligibility remaining. He did not see any game
action in 2004, and spent time both at tailback and wide receiver
for the Flashes. His brother Dru played for the Fighting Scots in
2003.
Kelvin Collins joins Edinboro after previously
playing at Bowie State. Collins has plenty of size at 6'0",
230 lbs., yet has deceptive speed. He also has plenty of
experience, gaining 1,198 yards on 324 carries with 19 TDs in his
career. His top season came in 2003 when he rushed for 445 yards
on 124 carries with 5 TDs.
Matt Phillips will no doubt be sorely missed at
fullback. The free agent signee with the New England Patriots was
a bullish runner and bruising blocker. After serving as Phillips'
caddy, Olney steps in as the starter. Olney is 5'11" and has
bulked up to 235 lbs. He carried three times for 13 yards.
With depth an issue at fullback, Collins may
also see time at fullback. In addition, redshirt freshman Billy
Dick (5'11", 202 lbs.) is available, although he did not
participate in spring drills. Tepper wouldn't be surprised if
highly-touted freshman Larry Federoff (6'0", 220 lbs.) is one
of the few first-year performers to make an impact.
Receivers:
Depth abounds at wide receiver, but Tepper admits that the Scots
may not be able to entirely replace Lipscomb. He was one of the
few Scots singled out by Tepper as an "alarming" player,
able to turn a five-yard pass into a 20-yard gain.
The one player who may have those capabilities
is Ryan Valasek, but the junior is just 5'9", 170 lbs.
Valasek is a big-play specialist, with seven receptions of
30-or-more yards. He averaged 22.9 yards per catch on his 23
receptions with 3 TDs.
The rest of the receiving corps features solid
all-around players with plenty of height. Tepper felt a year ago
that Aaron Fetty had all-conference qualities, but the 6'5"
junior suffered an injury in the first game and missed the next
three contests. He was never the same after that, ending the year
with 8 receptions for 169 yards. Tepper hopes his prediction comes
true, just a year later.
When Fetty went down, Jeff Dinger stepped in
and produced career-high numbers with 24 catches for 265 yards and
a touchdown. He had entered the season with just four career
receptions. A 6'5" senior, Dinger is a fine possession
receiver.
Jordan Bobitski returns after missing the 2004
season due to injury. The senior is a proven wideout known for his
ability to make the tough catch. He caught 21 passes in 2002 and
25 in 2003.
Three other returnees look to make an impact in
2005. Tepper was particularly impressed with the spring
performance of Bob Reiter, a junior who has moved into the
two-deep rotation. Redshirt freshman Ryan Rybicki (6'2", 215
lbs.) and junior Michael Robinson (6'6", 209 lbs.) both fit
in with the big receiver concept. Rybicki may develop into a
player similar to Nate Eimer, who can play wide receiver or tight
end. Robinson is an immensely talented player who originally began
his career at Indiana University. He sat out the 2004 campaign,
and caught one pass in 2003 following his transfer from the
Hoosiers.
Edinboro must replace four-year co-starter Ed
Brown at tight end, but the Fighting Scots still possess three
talented players to rotate at the position. Nate Eimer, the
smallest of the group at 6'2", 227 lbs., enters fall drills
as the starter. The senior is a hybrid player capable of playing
tight end, wide receiver, H-back or fullback. He caught 19 passes
for 240 yards and 4 TDs last season.
C.J. Trivisonno was lost after two games due to
an injury. While he was missed a year ago, the Scots now welcome
him back for an unexpected fifth season. The 6'4", 258 lb.
senior is described by Tepper as a complete tight end, and was
starting to attract the attention of professional scouts. He
shared the starting job with Brown for three years, and was a
second team All-PSAC West choice in 2003 after catching 17 passes
for 194 yards and 2 TDs.
When Trivisonno went down, it meant Kyle
Witucki would not use a redshirt season. Instead, the 6'4",
247 lb. freshman became an integral part of the tight end
rotation. He finished with 7 receptions for 34 yards, with
touchdown catches in each of the two postseason games. The
sophomore figures to play an even greater role in 2005.
Redshirt freshman Joe Gable (6'3", 245
lbs.) is another option at tight end, and the coaching staff views
incoming freshman Josh Wachter (6'6", 264 lbs.) as a prized
recruit.
Offensive Line:
The offensive line definitely catches the attention of opposing
teams. Once one of his greatest concerns, now the offensive line
is possibly the team's greatest strength, featuring plenty of size
and experience, although experienced depth could become an issue.
A year ago all five of the offensive linemen
tipped the scales at over 300 lbs., and that is something
offensive line coach Scott Browning hopes will change. He still
expects a pile-driving unit that paved the way for an average of
201.4 rushing ypg. while giving up a PSAC-low 9 sacks.
Four starters return, including a pair of
All-PSAC West performers. Leading the way is Greg Bzorek, a 6'6",
330 lb. senior who begins his third year as the starter at right
tackle after starting as a redshirt freshman at left tackle. All
told, he has started 34 of 35 career games. A year ago Bzorek was
chosen a third team Associated Press Little All-America, in
addition to landing on several other All-America teams. He enters
the 2005 campaign as a Lindy's and Street &
Smith's first team preseason All-American. A technically-sound
lineman with a nasty streak, Bzorek moved up to the All-PSAC West
first team after being named to the second team as a sophomore.
Chris Kaczor earned second team All-PSAC West
accolades at left guard as a redshirt freshman, and followed that
up with a second team selection after moving to center a year ago.
The 6'2", 293 lb. junior is another lineman with plenty of
experience, starting all 24 games in his career.
A pair of players debuted as starters a year
ago at the guard positions, and both are good enough to receive
serious all-conference consideration. Andy Young, a 6'4", 297
lb. third-year sophomore, at times was Edinboro's best lineman a
year ago. He started 11 games at right guard. LaMont Singleton
battled injuries and conditioning issues when he first arrived
after transferring from Erie(NY) Community College. He still
started all 12 games, and is a bulldozer of a blocker. Singleton
came to Edinboro weighing almost 350 lbs., but he is now down to
304 lbs. on his 6’4” frame.
The fifth starter figures to be a familiar name
in PSAC circles. Josh Bzorek will be the third member of his
family to play at Edinboro, and he also had brothers play at
Clarion and Slippery Rock. The 6'4", 285 lb. redshirt
freshman looks to join his brother Greg as a starter, opening at
left tackle. He enjoyed an outstanding spring.
Mike Mills and Anthony Tedesco represent the
lone experienced depth. Mills will likely serve as the backup at
left tackle, but he has also played guard in the past. The 6'5",
290 lb. sophomore sat out the 2004 season, but started four games
in 2003. Tedesco is a 6'4", 266 lb. junior who will line up
at right guard.
Sophomore Anthony Byerly (5'10", 299 lbs.)
is a backup at left guard, with no fewer than five redshirt
freshmen battling for reserve duty. If Josh Bzorek was the biggest
surprise this spring, not far behind was Eric Costello (6'3",
264 lbs.). He will serve as Kaczor's backup. Vince Lutman (6'2",
302 lbs.) and Brian Shreve (6'4", 307 lbs.) are in reserve
behind Greg Bzorek at right tackle, with Scott Christie (6'4",
295 lbs.) backing up Singleton. Jim Curtin (6'0", 302 lbs.)
is a reserve center.
Defense
A year ago the nature of the defense was changed. Gone were the
behemoth linemen, in their place a group of small, aggressive
players. That was the trademark of the defense, flowing and
attacking the football.
In some respects the statistics bely the
effectiveness of the defense. The Fighting Scots had the
misfortune of facing two of the best quarterbacks in Division II
in the NCAA playoffs. Lost in the 47-44 win at Bentley was the
play of the defensive unit in the second half, when Edinboro
limited the Falcons to 140 yards and ten points. Also, in several
games Edinboro jumped out to huge halftime leads, which resulted
in a conservative offense and plenty of reserves defensively in
the second half. Consider that the Fighting Scots gave up just 47
points in the first quarter and outscored opponents 242 to 128 in
the first half.
The Edinboro defense excelled against the run,
ranking 14th nationally and second in the PSAC with 97.3 ypg.,
allowing just nine rushing touchdowns. That being the case, teams
loaded up on the pass, throwing a record 406 passes against the
Fighting Scots. While giving up 262.8 ypg. through the air, a more
indicative figure of the pass coverage was a school-record 30
interceptions, a figure which led the country. In addition,
Edinboro led Division II in turnovers forced (42) and ranked first
in the PSAC with 33 sacks.
With nine starters back, including five
All-PSAC West performers, and several reserve ready to step up and
play major roles, the defense looks for another strong season.
Defensive coordinator Wayne Bradford will once again showcase
speed and movement.
Defensive Line:
Edinboro's defensive front might have been the smallest in the
PSAC, but it led the PSAC in sacks and ranked second in rushing
defense. Three All-PSAC West players return along the front, led
by Seth Fragale at rush linebacker. The 6'2", 217 lb.
graduate student not only moved up from the second team to the
first team all-conference a year ago, but was named the PSAC West
Defensive Player of the Year.
Fragale has been the perfect player to assume
the multiple roles of the rush linebacker spot, requiring a player
to rush the passer, play the run, and drop in coverage. Fragale
led Edinboro with 100 tackles and 5.5 sacks, while finishing
second in tackles for losses (11). He added a pair of
interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. An honorable mention
D2football.com and Football Gazette All-American, he was
named a preseason Lindy's second team All-American.
A.J. Cousins emerged as an All-PSAC West
performer at noseguard, earning a spot on the first team. He was
joined by Chris Amico, a second team choice at tackle. Cousins, a
6'1", 275 lb. junior, is Edinboro's biggest starting lineman.
He totaled 51 tackles, with 9 for losses and 5 sacks, in his first
season as a starter. Amico is a 6'0", 250 lb. third-year
sophomore who finished with 53 tackles and a team-leading 12
tackles for losses, including 4.5 sacks in his year as a starter.
The fourth starter is defensive end Greg
MacAnn. At 6'4", 226 lbs., the senior is probably the
smallest defensive end in the PSAC, yet he is a fierce competitor
who has started 20 games in his career, including all 12 last
season. MacAnn ended the year with 49 tackles, 9.5 tackles for
losses and 3.5 sacks.
The interior line positions showcase a pair of
experienced players, each a unique story. Njieya Chafeh (5’10”,
250 lbs.) originally hails from Cameroon, and did not arrive in
the United States until he was 14. Extremely strong, the senior is
in reserve at noseguard. He had 16 tackles a year ago.
Justin Koi last played for the Scots in 2001,
when he started all ten games, totaling 46 tackles, with 12 for
losses. The 6'0", 270 lb. senior tackle is a powerful,
intense performer who must shake the rust off his game.
Redshirt freshmen Donnie Marsteller (6'4",
230 lbs.) will provide further depth at tackle.
Joe Malizia returns as Fragale's reserve at
rush linebacker, where he will battle Syl Hanner. A 6'2", 214
lb. sophomore, Malizia finished with 8 tackles an interception.
Hanner moved from inside linebacker to rush backer in the spring.
The 5’11”, 218 lb. sophomore had 8 tackles in seven
games. Steve Renfro, a lanky 6'3", 220 sophomore, tries to
find his niche as a speed pass rusher. Renfro had 5 tackles,
including 2.5 sacks.
Mike Enoch is a 6'3", 245 lb. redshirt
freshman who will relieve MacAnn at defensive end. He is the most
advanced of a young group of linemen. Sophomore Josh Otto (6'4",
235 lbs.) played in three contests last year. Redshirt freshman
David Dix (6'3", 235 lbs.) is another option at end.
The front was further strengthened over the
summer with the addition of Caleb Mayer, a transfer who played two
seasons at Liberty. A 6'1", 240 lbs. junior, Mayer could see
time at a number of linebacker positions. He appeared in seven
games for the Flames last year, and as a true freshman in 2002 he
had 22 tackles while starting twice.
Linebackers:
While Edinboro loses two inside linebackers who started a total of
19 games last season, two players who saw equal time are back, and
Tepper expects Ben Stroup to assume the mantle as the team's next
great inside linebacker.
A 6'1", 205 lb. junior, Stroup started
five of the last six games a year ago, and ended the season with
49 tackles. That included 6.5 for losses and 3 sacks. An
instinctive player with great acceleration, Tepper feels that
Stroup has put the final touches on his play to join the likes of
Jermaine Hughley and Foster Johnson, recent standouts.
Dave Jazenski is expected to start alongside
Stroup at inside backer. A 5'11", 220 lb. junior, Jazenski is
extremely strong and gained plenty of experience last year,
sharing one of the positions with Brandon Banas. Jazenski totaled
43 tackles.
Tepper used spring drills to assess a group of
inexperienced reserves at inside linebacker, and he liked what he
saw in redshirt freshmen Paul Burger and Hardin Moss. Burger was
an all-state performer in Ohio as a prepster, and was also a top
wrestling recruit who took over as the starter at 197 lbs. late in
the year. Now 224 lbs. after arriving at Edinboro weighing 231
lbs., he now fits in much better with the defensive scheme. Moss
is 6'1", 225 lbs. and could have a huge impact this fall.
Sophomore Mike Cradduck is small at 195 lbs.,
but is very active and seems a better fit at inside linebacker
after playing strong safety a year ago. Hanner or Mayer could also
play inside.
Jim Soltis was one of the most improved players
on the team last year. The 6'3", 196 lb. junior made great
strides in his first season as the starter at drop linebacker, and
ended the year with his two best efforts of the season in the
playoff games against Bentley and East Stroudsburg. After
recording 8 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries at Bentley, he
earned national Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play
at East Stroudsburg, totaling 9 tackles, 3 for losses, with a
sack, a fumble recovery, and a 47-yard interception return for a
touchdown. Soltis ended the year with 45 tackles, adding 5
interceptions for 85 yards.
James English moves from wide receiver to drop
linebacker. One of the few true freshmen to see playing time a
year ago, English is 6'2", 200 lbs. and very athletic. He
made a smooth transition in the spring. Senior Regis Burns, a
prominent player at strong safety and drop linebacker the last two
years, suffered a serious knee injury in the loss at Bentley. He
hopes to return after totaling 33 tackles last year, but his
playing status is in doubt.
Defensive Backs:
With two starters back, both All-PSAC West selections, and a pair
of talented newcomers set to make their mark, the secondary is in
a strong state. The secondary gave up an alarming 262.8 ypg.
passing, but with teams unable to rush the ball against the
Fighting Scots, most took to the air. Members of the secondary
accounted for 22 of the team's school-record 30 interceptions.
Chris Avery is a two-time All-PSAC West second
team selection who has started 26 of 28 games in his career. The
senior is tied for second in career interceptions at Edinboro with
13, including 6 a year ago after picking off 7 passes as a
sophomore. Avery added 42 tackles and 6 passes broken up, yet may
be the most unappreciated player in the secondary. He returned one
interception for a touchdown, and also scored after blocking a
punt.
Tom Davidson took over as the starter at free
safety for All-American Raji El-Amin in week number two, and the
defense didn't miss a beat. The third-year sophomore went on to
rank second in the PSAC and seventh in Division II with 8
interceptions for 117 yards. The 8 interceptions were one shy of
El-Amin's school record, and helped Davidson earn second team
All-PSAC West accolades. He is a Lindy's second team
preseason All-American. He is expected to move to strong safety.
Damion Malott, a highly-regarded transfer from
Hudson Valley Community College, moves in at free safety. Malott
had 74 tackles and 4 interceptions for the Vikings last year while
playing free safety in a system very similar to Edinboro's.
The other cornerback spot shapes up as a battle
between Jermaine Truax, who began the 2004 campaign as the
starter, and junior college transfer Rodney Stevenson. Truax was
injured early in last year's season opener and also missed spring
drills. The senior is a former standout at Alfred State who had a
pair of interceptions for Edinboro in 2003. Stevenson joined the
Fighting Scots in January and had an opportunity to impress the
coaching staff during the spring. A junior, he is another of the
former standouts at Erie(NY) Community College to join the
Edinboro program.
Tom LaVerde is the most experienced of the
secondary reserves. A former wide receiver, he played in a backup
role at cornerback last year, and will compete with Donnye Aiken
this fall. He had 15 tackles in his first season in the secondary.
Sophomore Mike Mader played in five games a year ago, and will
play in a backup role at strong safety. He'll battle Keelyn
Roberts, a sophomore who transferred from Bowie State but did not
play for the Bulldogs, for time behind Davidson.
Aiken, a sophomore and senior Pat Aretz will
vie for time at cornerback. Aiken sat out the 2004 campaign after
transferring from Colgate, while Aretz formerly played at Thiel
and proved a valuable special teams player in his first season at
Edinboro.
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