Defense Spearheads Boro Efforts for Fourth Straight PSAC West Championship
July 29, 2006

Like a master historian, Edinboro University football coach Scott Browning is well aware of the Fighting Scots’ heritage. That’s why when he was introduced as the head coach on January 5, 2006, it was not only the beginning of a new era, but the return of an old one. Browning wasted little time in proclaiming “The Boro is Back!”

A veteran of twenty seasons as an assistant coach at Edinboro, Browning knows all too well the tradition of Fighting Scot football. He has been a part of five of Edinboro’s nine Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles, and all seven of its NCAA Division II Playoff appearances. During that time he has worked with some of the greats in Boro football, players such as Ernest Priester, Elbert Cole, Larry Jackson, Jody Dickerson, Jason Perkins, etc. The list goes on and on.

“I have always felt there is a great deal of alumni pride in the Boro,” stated Browning. “Bringing back the tradition is the best way to connect with the Edinboro alumni. There is a great amount of pride in the Boro, and we intend to exhibit it.”

Browning inherits a team which finished 8-2 a year ago, winning its third straight PSAC West title and narrowly missing a third straight NCAA playoff appearance. Over the past three years the Fighting Scots have won 26 games, the most wins in school history for a three-year period. Now the Fighting Scots seek a fourth straight divisional crown, last accomplished by IUP in the West from 2000-03. In fact, IUP (twice) and Slippery Rock are the only teams to ever win four straight PSAC West crowns.

A total of 37 letterwinners return, including 14 starters. Browning served most of his twenty seasons as an assistant on the offensive side of the ball, but he’s fully aware of the value of a strong defense.

“Our goal is to win the PSAC West,” Browning commented. “You win championships with defense. We think ours can be special this year.”

Like a pennant-winning baseball team, Edinboro has assembled a defense which is strong up the middle, beginning with a pair of interior stalwarts in defensive tackle Chris Amico, the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year, and A.J. Cousins, a two-time All-PSAC West selection. They are the frontline for a linebacker corps that Browning feels is one of the best in Division II. The group includes seniors Ben Stroup, Jim Soltis and Dave Jazenski. The last line of defense is the outstanding safety tandem of Tom Davidson and Damion Malott.

A year ago Edinboro’s defense ranked as the best in Division II in three key categories, ranking first in scoring defense (9.3 ppg.), total defense (211.2 ypg.) and rushing defense (53.7 ypg.). In addition, the Scots finished third in turnover margin in Division II and led the PSAC in sacks (39).

“Our strength is definitely our defense,” admitted Browning. “Seven starters are coming back. We do have some concerns on defense. Both ends are inexperienced, and we have some unanswered questions in the secondary. We had some kids step up in the spring. Now it will be interesting to see how they respond.”

Five starters return on offense, but it will be a new-look attack, beginning at quarterback, where redshirt freshman Trevor Harris replaces Justin Bouch, a three-and-a-half year starter. While new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich will provide a few new wrinkles, Browning is a firm believer in the ability to run the football while mixing in the pass, but he admist that Yurcich is not of the same conservative nature.

“Offensively, we have some holes to fill,” Browning surmised. “Obviously that starts at the quarterback position. Trevor Harris has clearly won the starting role. He had a nice spring and progressed each day. I think he shows signs of being a very good field general. We lose two premier players in the offensive line. We have had some young guys step up. Now we have to settle and create some continuity.”

Browning feels the pieces are in place for another run at a PSAC crown. But standing in the way is a schedule which not only features the traditional PSAC West rivals, but the top three teams in the PSAC East, all NCAA playoff outfits in 2005.

“I think this may be the toughest schedule since I’ve been here,” related Browning. “The only year might be 1995 with Appalachian State and Portland State. That is very comparable. That’s good. In ’95, our kids stepped up to the challenge. We went after it. That’s what our kids have to do.”

The 2006 campaign kicks off at West Chester on September 2. The Golden Rams were 8-4 a year ago. The Fighting Scots then play five of their next six contests at home, albeit a brutal stretch. After debuting at home on September 9 against St. Anselm, Bloomsburg invades Sox Harrison Stadium on September 16. The Huskies were 11-1 a year ago and won the PSAC East title.

The Boro opens PSAC West action with a familiar foe on September 30, as former head coach Lou Tepper will bring Indiana(Pa.) to Sox Harrison Stadium. That is followed the next week by a Homecoming date with California(Pa.). A year ago the Vulcans tied Edinboro for the PSAC West crown, and come off an 8-2 campaign. Wrapping up the homestand is a date with East Stroudsburg on October 14. The Warriors reached the NCAA Division II semifinals a year ago, finishing with a 11-3 record behind the top player in Division II, Jimmy Terwilliger. The senior signalcaller won the 2005 Harlon Hill Trophy, and has bedeviled the Scots in previous meetings.

Offense

The success of the Fighting Scots may well depend on the identity taken by the offense. A year ago Edinboro averaged 31.4 ppg., the second straight year over 30 ppg.. The Fighting Scots topped the 40-point mark on four occasions.

Balance has been the keyword in recent years, and last year was no exception. Edinboro averaged 199.3 yards rushing and 174.8 yards on the ground. Yet more than that, it has been a team that hasn’t beaten itself. While ranking third in Division II in turnover margin, the Fighting Scots turned the pigskin over just 11 times, including losing just two fumbles. In addition, Edinboro led the PSAC in fewest sacks allowed for the second straight year, tying California(Pa.) with seven sacks allowed.

The 2006 offense returns five starters, but it is how the six new starters pan out that will ultimately decide whether this will be a high-octane attack. With the quarterback depth chart showing two redshirt freshmen at the top, Browning admits the team may be a little conservative at first. Edinboro has made use of multiple feature backs in recent years, meaning several freshmen backs may have to step up. Finally, the offensive line was shuffled during the spring while looking to replace two starters.

Quarterback

Justin Bouch is gone, turning over the reins to highly-touted redshirt freshman Trevor Harris. The 6’3”, 200 lb. Harris did not disappoint in the spring, but the Fighting Scots still don’t have a quarterback that has taken a snap in a game.

“We may limit things a little bit at first,” admitted Browning. “We’ll look to take care of the ball. Early in the season we’ll ask Trevor to do things he’s comfortable with.”

Harris, an intelligent player with a strong arm, put up some gaudy numbers as a prepster at Marion Pleasant (Oh.) High School, and is a former All-Ohio selection. If his spring is any indication, he’s ready to replace Bouch. If he’s as good as the coaching staff feels he is, he may well be rewriting some of Bouch’s records before it’s all over.

Joe Wanson, another redshirt freshman, will serve as Harris’ backup. At 6’3”, 218 lbs., Wanson possesses good size and showed a good understanding of the offense in the spring. Bill Schneider, a 6’1”, 195 lb. sophomore who joined the team in the spring, is another option.

Running Back

Ulysee “Spud” Davis had three 100-yard games in his first five career games, but the sophomore’s playing time was reduced over the second half of the season with the emergence of Kelvin Collins. With Collins gone, Davis assumes the main ballcarrying role again.

Davis is a darting 5’10”, 200 lb. sophomore who was in great condition in spring drills. “ Spud had a very good spring, and exhibited an outstanding work ethic. He has grown up a great deal and really matured. But he’s the only proven tailback we have,” related Browning. Davis ended the season as the second-leading rusher with 739 yards on 151 carries with 8 TDs.

Chaz Cobbs, a 5’11”, 197 lb. sophomore and a converted cornerback, and Jay Van Leer, a 5’9”, 190 lb. redshirt freshman, served as Davis’ backups in the spring. They will battle for that role in the fall, as will a host of promising freshmen who could make an immediate impact.

Justin Olney returns at fullback after starting three games in 2005. A junior, Olney has bulked up to 245 lbs. Caleb Mayer is expected to push Olney for the starting role. A 6’0”, 239 lb. junior, Mayer sat out the 2005 campaign after transferring from Liberty. He played linebacker for the Flames, but moved to fullback at the conclusion of spring drills. Billy Dick, another junior, provides more depth.

Receivers

Edinboro’s receiving corps is solid if not spectacular. While searching for the elusive home-run threat, the Fighting Scots possess a host of solid wideouts. The common thread is good hands and the ability to block.

“We made positive strides in the spring at wide receiver,” stated Browning. “We’re very solid as a core. We don’t have one feature guy.”

Ryan Valasek became Edinboro’s big-play receiver a year ago. The 5’11”, 175 lb. senior earned second team All-PSAC West honors after hauling in a team-leading 28 passes for 509 yards, an 18.2 yard average, with 5 TDs. Valasek ranks eighth in career receiving yards (1,233) and 12th in career receptions (68).

“Ryan had a really productive spring,” Browning mentioned. “He caught everything, and improved as route runner.”

Aaron Fetty is one of a host of big receivers. The former tight end has battled injuries and has yet to realize his full potential, but the coaching staff feels this may be the year the 6’5”, 220 lb. senior breaks through. He caught 12 passes for 129 yards a year ago.

The likely third starter in three receiver sets is Ryan Rybicki, a 6’2”, 220 sophomore. Rybicki caught 4 passes for 79 yards while seeing increased playing time as the year progressed.

A host of other receivers will battle for time. Diminutive Deonte Peters (5’7”, 163 lbs.) was a solid return man as a freshman, but he made a limited impact as a receiver. Like Valasek, the sophomore has the ability to turn a short gain into a big play. Junior Marshall Ellison returns to the team after sitting out the 2005 season. He caught a pair of passes in 2004. Rich Cerro and Mykel Griggs redshirted in 2005. Cerro is a transfer from Clarion who played defensive back for the Golden Eagles. The sophomore enjoyed a solid spring and could become a factor. Griggs likely needs more seasoning, but the redshirt freshman possesses the speed the team desperately needs. Tom LaVerde is another player with speed. A 6’2”, 195 lb. senior, LaVerde has bounced between cornerback and receiver during his career. He has not played on the offensive side of the ball since 2003, when he caught a pair of passes.

A position of concern several years ago, tight end has now become a strength. With C.J. Trivisonno and Nate Eimer both gone, depth is a concern, but talent isn’t. Kyle Witucki has seen plenty of action in a reserve role his first two seasons, and the 6’3”, 245 lb. junior could play a major role in the offense. A year ago Witucki caught 15 passes for 144 yards, with four going for touchdowns. In fact, six of his 22 career receptions have been for six points.

“Kyle had a super spring,” commented Browning. “He runs good routes and catches the ball very well. He needs to continue to improve as a blocker, but we expect big things from him.”

Joe Gable is the only other experienced tight end on the roster. The 6’3”, 245 lb. sophomore has been a pleasant surprise and should allow the Fighting Scots to once again use plenty of two tight end sets.

Offensive Line

A strong offensive line has become the Edinboro trademark in recent years, and Browning hopes that continues this season. The Fighting Scots have led the PSAC in fewest sacks each of the last two years, giving up nine in 2004 and seven a year ago. Four linemen have been chosen to play in the Cactus Bowl since 2002.

Browning’s concerns are replacing two-time All-American Greg Bzorek at right tackle and LaMont Singleton at left guard. Both were Cactus Bowl participants a year ago. Their loss has led to a shifting of positions for two other returning starters, leaving the unit in a state of flux.

Chris Kaczor assumes the mantle of Edinboro’s next great linemen. The 6’2”, 300 lb. senior is a three-time All-PSAC West selection, earning first team honors as a junior after being named to the second team in 2004. He was a second team choice at left guard as a redshirt freshman, and returns to that position this year. A third team Football Gazette All-American a year ago, Kaczor was recently accorded first team preseason All-American honors by Lindy’s Magazine, and was also a Football Gazette preseason All-American selection. He has started all 34 games in his career.

“Chris by far is not only our offensive leader, but a team leader,” Browning emphasized. “He’s tough, and plays the game the way it should be played. He’s a special guy.”

Like Kaczor, Andy Young will move to another spot on the line. The 6’3”, 310 lb. junior would likely receive more recognition if not for the presence of players like Bzorek and Kaczor. Young moves outside to right tackle after starting 21 of his first 22 career games at right guard.

The third returning starter on the line is Josh Bzorek. The 6’4”, 295 lb. sophomore gave Edinboro a pair of bookend Bzorek’s at tackle, starting all ten games at left tackle. A former defensive tackle who has gained 30 lbs. since coming to Edinboro, Bzorek continues to improve, and the only remaining question is if he will be better than his brother.

Mike Mills, an enigmatic player who excellent potential, assumes the starting role at right tackle, while Eric Costello’s development at center has allowed the coaching staff to move Kaczor to left guard. Mills is a 6’5”, 300 lb. junior who has sat out the last two seasons, but made four starts in 2003. Athletic for his size, he actually spent most of the spring at tackle before flip-flopping with Young late in spring drills.

Costello is a former walk-on who is the smallest offensive lineman at 6’3”, 280 lbs. The sophomore made great strides this spring. He is very intelligent and extremely athletic. Costello saw considerable action as a reserve a year ago, with Kaczor moving to guard at times.

Costello is backed up by senior Anthony Tedesco (6’4”, 275 lbs.) and promising redshirt freshman Mike Fazio (6’4”, 290 lbs.). Tedesco has played both center and guard, although he was forced to sit out the spring due to an injury. Fazio enjoyed a solid spring and has a bright future, although the coaching staff is still trying to figure out what his best position may be.

No fewer than three experienced reserves return at the guard spots. Sophomores Scott Christie (6’4”, 295 lbs.) and Vince Lutman (6’2”, 300 lbs.) are reserves at left and right guard, respectively. Lutman played tackle a year ago, and comes off a solid spring at guard. Anthony Byerly, undersized at 6’1”, 265 lbs., is a hard-nosed junior.

Redshirt freshman Cyrus Kersey and sophomore Brian Shreve are in reserve at left tackle. Kersey is huge at 6’6”, 350 lbs., and continues to drop weight. However, he also has immense talent to go with surprising athleticism. Still raw, he could play a major role in the future. Shreve is 6’4”, 310 lbs. and has experience at both tackle spots. He, too, is in better shape than a year ago.

Josh Wachter came to Edinboro a year ago as a tight end, but was quickly moved to tackle. Now up to 285 lbs. on his 6’6” frame, he is another redshirt freshman with a bright future.

Defense

It’s not hard to see why Browning feels that the defense can carry Edinboro to a fourth straight PSAC West crown. Seven starters, four All-PSAC West performers, return to a unit which led the country in scoring defense (9.3 ppg.), total defense (211.2 ypg.) and rushing defense (53.7 ypg.), not to a mention a PSAC-high 39 sacks.

Unlike the offense, which features a big, physical nature, the defense is built on the premise of attacking the ball, with speed and aggressiveness overcoming size. In fact, just one starter weighs more than 250 lbs.

“We have an attacking defense,” noted Browning. “We’ve changed over the years, based on the type of offenses we see and the type of players we have. We’ve utilized our strengths – the ability to run and hit. We are strong from the inside out, getting big plays from Chris Amico and A.J. Cousins, along with three very good linebackers.”

Browning also has great praise for defensive coordinator Wayne Bradford. In fact, in many respects the defense exemplifies the intensity Bradford brings to the table.

Defensive Line

It would be hard to find two better interior performers than Chris Amico and A.J. Cousins. At 6’0”, 250 lbs., Amico is hardly your typical defensive tackle, but tell that to interior linemen asked to block him week-in and week-out. Possessing great strength and quickness, Amico was recognized as the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year and was later named a first team Football Gazette All-American and second team Daktronics All-American. He finished third on the team in tackles with 49, with 14.5 for losses and a team-high 8.5 sacks. Amico is a first team Lindy’s Magazine preseason All-American and a Football Gazette preseason All-American.

“Chris is an effort guy,” noted Browning. He prepares 365 days a year to be the best he can be.”

Cousins enters his third season as the starting noseguard. The 6’1”, 280 lb. senior is a two-time All-PSAC West first team selection and has All-American capabilities. Like Amico, he is strong yet very quick. Cousins totaled 47 tackles, with 10.5 for losses and 6 sacks.

“A.J. is much the same as Chris Amico,” equated Browning. “He’s another hard worker. I think he’s as good as there is at noseguard.”

The questions on the line come on the outside, where starters Seth Fragale and Greg MacAnn, a pair of All-PSAC performers, must be replaced. Joe Malizia and Syl Hanner are battling for the left side starting job, with promising sophomore Mike Enoch taking over on the right side. Malizia, a 6’2”, 240 lb. junior, finished with 10 tackles in a reserve role. He is somewhat of an unknown but a player the coaching staff believes in. Hanner has made great strides after bouncing between linebacker and end. The 5’11”, 220 lb. junior now appears to have found a home at end.

Enoch (6’3”, 250 lbs.) saw limited action a year ago, totaling seven tackles. He comes off a very productive offseason and fits in very well with the aggressive nature of the defense.

Steve Renfro, a 6’3”, 220 lb. junior, provides further depth on the left side, although the coaching staff is still waiting for his athletic ability to relate to production. Jeremy Appell (6’1”, 230 lbs.) opened more than a few eyes this spring as a backup to Enoch, emerging as one of the biggest surprises.

Depth in the interior is a concern, with Donnie Marsteller the lone experienced reserve. A 6’4”, 240 lb. sophomore, Marsteller actually spent the first half of spring drills at tight end before moving back to defensive tackle. He’s another player who fits the nature of the defense and should see increased time after appearing in five games a year ago.

Linebackers

Probably the greatest strength of the team lies in the group of linebackers. Again, it is a group somewhat small in stature, but very aggressive, intense, and intelligent. The leader of the group is Ben Stroup. While Chris Amico was named the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year, Bradford feels that honor could just as well have gone to Stroup. A 6’1”, 213 lb. senior, he led Edinboro with 76 tackles. Like Amico, he ranked among the national leaders in tackles for losses with a team-leading 15.5, including 5.5 sacks. In his first year as a starter, Stroup was a first team All-PSAC West choice. He was recently named a Football Gazette preseason All-American.

“Ben is a special guy,” emphasizes Browning. “He is very good.”

Browning went on to compare Stroup to the best players he’s seen in his 21 years at Edinboro.

Stroup is joined by seniors Jim Soltis and Dave Jazenski. Soltis is 6’2”, 205 lbs., and a unique player in his ability to be physical against the run yet very efficient in coverage. He ranked second to Stroup in tackles with 64, with 11.5 for losses. He forced a pair of fumbles and blocked a pair of punts. Soltis is a two-year starter who earned second team All-PSAC West accolades a year ago.

Jazenski is the biggest of the linebackers at 5’11”, 225 lbs. , and benefited from playing in the spring for the first time in three years. He is affectionately known as a blue-collar player. Jazenski finished fourth in tackles with 48 despite missing one game.

The future bodes well with the likes of Hardin Moss and James English. Moss is a 6’1”, 225 lb. sophomore who saw considerable action in a reserve role a year ago. He finished with 21 tackles. He has good size and strength and doesn’t make many mistakes. English has bounced from position to position, starting out as a wide receiver before playing drop linebacker a year ago. The 6’2”, 205 lb. junior looked to find a home behind Stroup this spring. He’s very athletic. English may redshirt this season to give him two full years of eligibility. He had 17 tackles a year ago.

Mike Mader and Mike Cradduck are smaller linebackers who will probably play more of a role on special teams. Mader, a 5’10”, 180 lb. junior, makes the transition from strong safety. Cradduck, a 5’11”, 205 lb. junior, must recover from a knee injury which forced him to miss the final eight games of the season and the entire spring.

Defensive Backs

Continuing with the theme of strong up the middle, Edinboro possesses a pair of strong safeties in Tom Davidson and Damion Malott. While the duo is almost interchangeable, they will swap positions this year, with Davidson lining up at free safety and Malott at strong safety.

Davidson has started 21 of 22 career games, and is already tied for 12th in career interceptions with 12. He moves back to free safety, where as a redshirt freshman in 2004 he intercepted eight passes while earning second team All-PSAC West honors. A year ago he had 4 interceptions while taking part in 25 tackles.

“Tom is the quarterback of our defense,” related Browning. “He’s extremely intelligent and keeps things together back there.”

Malott joined the Fighting Scots a year ago as a junior college transfer. The senior did not disappoint, finishing with 38 tackles, a pair of interceptions, and a team-high 8 interceptions. He is also an outstanding special teams player.

Things are not quite as settled at the two cornerback spots, where all-time career interception leader Chris Avery and Jermaine Truax are gone. Senior Rodney Stevenson and junior Taurean Valentine are expected to step in. Stevenson played in all ten games, with one start, finishing with 16 tackles and an interception. He had a very good spring. The coaching staff feels Valentine could be a special player, with good cover skills and nice size at 5’11”, 180 lbs. He played at Allan Hancock (Ca.) Junior College before transferring to Edinboro a year ago and redshirting in 2005.

Depth is a major concern in the secondary. In fact, the only two players back from a year ago are junior Donnye Aiken and sophomore LaVaughn Wesley. Aiken is a former transfer from Colgate who has been a reserve cornerback the last two years. He is solid reserve and special teams performer. Wesley is a converted wide receiver who is still learning the secondary. He backs up Malott at strong safety.

Special Teams

Kody Robertson once again will handle both the placekicking and punting chores. The senior already ranks among the top kickers all-time at Edinboro, standing third in career field goals made (28) and fourth in career field goals attempted (45). He also needs just 24 extra points attempted and 25 successful PATs to break those school records.

Robertson made 11 of 19 field goals and 34 of 39 extra points as a junior. He also handled the punting duties for the first time, averaging 35.8 yards on 43 punts. However, he dropped 13 punts inside the 20 and had 12 others go for fair catches.

“Kody had a good spring,” stated Browning. “This is his last go-around. We expect big things.”

Ben Harris returns as the long snapper. With a year under his belt, the coaching staff feels the junior will be even better this year.

Several players will be in the running for return duties. Rodney Stevenson ranked third in the PSAC in kickoff returns, averaging 23.8 yards on 12 returns. Damion Malott averaged 19.6 yards on five returns. Deonte Peters handled most of the punt return duties, ranking fifth in the PSAC at 9.8 yards on 13 returns.

As always, Edinboro will look to make noise with its special teams. Over the past few years the fighting Scots have made a habit blocking kicks. A year ago the Boro blocked six kicks, including five punts, with two turned into touchdowns. The year before Edinboro blocked five kicks.