July 31, 2006

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats enter the 2006 season with 31 letterwinners returning from last season, including eight starters on both the offensive and defensive ends. The team opens its season on September 2 at the University of Central Florida with a 6 p.m. game. Villanova's home opener will be on September 9 against Lehigh at 6 p.m.

Offense

The strength of the offense will lie in the return of quarterback Marvin Burroughs along with a veteran and battle tested offensive line. Burroughs suffered a season-ending arm injury in last year's opener that cost him his junior campaign. After going through spring drills with no setbacks, Burroughs looks poised to be the leader of the Wildcat offense in 2006. Up front, all five starters return to provide Villanova with a strong foundation on the offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback

Villanova will have one of the top playmakers in the Atlantic 10 Conference in quarterback Marvin Burroughs (6-1, 215). The Wildcat offense took a big hit last year when Burroughs suffered a broken arm in the first game of the season at Rutgers. The injury forced Burroughs to miss the entire year. Burroughs returned to the field this spring and excelled throughout spring drills.

Burroughs will provide the Wildcats with versatility at the quarterback position. An outstanding athlete, he possesses a strong, accurate arm to go with good speed that makes him a threat on the ground.

In his first year as a starter during his sophomore season in 2004, Burroughs completed 209-of-334 for 2,486 yards to go with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In the final six games of 2004, he eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark in three of the six contests, including a career-high 382 yards passing versus New Hampshire.

The back-up quarterback this year will be sophomore Antwon Young (6-4, 200). A talented performer with a strong arm, Young is a gifted athlete with a bright future. In limited time last year, Young completed 7-of-12 for 76 yards. On the ground, he tallied 27 yards on five carries.

Running Back

The Wildcats will have to replace Moe Gibson at the running back spot. Gibson led Villanova in rushing in two of the last three years, including last season when he gained a team-best 796 yards rushing and scored a team-high five rushing touchdowns.

Junior Matt Dicken (5-10, 205) heads into the season number one on the depth chart. As Gibson's back-up last year, Dicken registered 49 carries for 121 yards and one score. Dicken is a hard-nosed runner with deceptive speed. Fifth-year senior Aaron Jones (5-10, 195) will also see time in the backfield. Jones spent a good portion of last year recovering from a knee injury suffered during 2005 spring drills. He now looks to be in top form and ready to become a consistent contributor in 2006.

Villanova will have one of the league's top fullbacks in senior DeQuese May (5-11, 215). A multi-dimensional performer, May is one of Villanova's most sure-handed receivers. Last season, he ranked third on the team in receiving with 34 catches for 296 yards. May's back-up is expected to be junior Tyree Hughey (5-11, 225). For the better part of his Wildcat career, Hughey has been plagued by nagging injuries. After a strong spring season, Hughey looks ready to earn valuable playing time. Like May, Hughey will provide the Wildcats with a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Wide Receiver

Of all the positions on the field, wide receiver is the area where Villanova has lost the most production. Lost to graduation were two players who finished their Main Line careers ranked in the top 10 on the school's all-time reception list. J.J. Outlaw, who garnered first team All-Atlantic 10 distinction last year after tallying 83 receptions for 878 yards and seven touchdowns, finished his career fourth all-time at Villanova with 199 career grabs, while John Dieser ranks eighth with 166 career catches. Dieser was second on last year's squad with 55 catches for 805 yards and six scores.

Head coach Andy Talley is looking for three Wildcats to step-up and fill the void left by Outlaw and Dieser at the wide receiver spot. Senior Chris Polite (6-1, 195) had a solid season last year as the third wideout with 33 catches for 469 yards and one touchdown. A good athlete with a full understanding of the Wildcat offense, Polite should improve on his totals from a year ago. After registering 18 receptions for 256 yards and two scores a year ago, junior Anton Ridley (6-4, 220) will be expected to be a force for the Villanova offense in 2006. A physical performer with good instincts, Ridley will provide quarterback Marvin Burroughs with a big target. Look for Ridley to be a go-to player in the red zone.

The slot position in the offense will be handled by sophomore Phil Atkinson (5-11, 185). After moving from the defensive secondary to wide receiver last year, Atkinson looks completely comfortable on offense and should be a mainstay at wideout. Due to his speed and agility, Atkinson will be looked upon to be a playmaker for the Villanova offense. Adding depth at wide receiver will be redshirt freshman Shawn Smith (5-9, 200) and junior Jonathan Hughes (6-4, 215). Smith is a tough receiver who needs game experience to improve his skills, while Hughes is a big target who needs to maintain consistency.

Tight End

Villanova returns one of the top tight ends in the Atlantic 10 in junior Matt Sherry (6-4, 250). Due to his size, good hands and route running ability, Sherry will be an important part of the Wildcat passing game. As a sophomore last season, he caught 25 balls for 275 yards and three touchdowns. This is the year Sherry could become one of the best tight ends in all of Division I-AA.

Sherry has two capable back-ups in sophomores Michael Bradway (6-2, 225) and Steve Pimm (6-4, 235). Bradway is a good athlete with outstanding hands. He will be used to provide mismatches in the passing game. Pimm is a physical player with good blocking skills. Pimm also has soft hands and will provide the team with another receiving threat.

Offensive Line

A major strength of this year's team is the offensive line. Villanova returns all five starters up front, in addition to adding a talented transfer.

The unquestioned leader of the offensive line is senior center Christian Gaddis (6-1, 300). A third team All-Atlantic 10 selection last season, Gaddis is a fiery competitor with a good feel for the game. Gaddis was voted a team captain for the 2006 season by his teammates.

One tackle spot will be occupied by senior Lavdrim Bauta (6-5, 285) who transferred to Villanova from Duke University. Bauta's younger brother, Izzy, transferred from Duke last season and earned significant playing time along the Wildcat offensive line. Lavdrim was a starter at tackle last season at Duke and earned his degree this past May. He is enrolled in the MBA program at Villanova. The second tackle spot will be between Izzy Bauta (6-4, 280) and senior John Finneran (6-6, 310). Finneran has shown great improvement this past year and is coming off a strong junior season. Izzy Bauta is a lineman with good technique. He looks to be primed for an outstanding Wildcat career.

Senior Michael Costanzo (6-4, 305) is slated as the starter at one of the guard spots. An experienced veteran, Costanzo will be starting for the third consecutive year. One of the strongest players on the team, Costanzo will be a key to the team's offensive line play. The second guard spot will be a battle between sophomore Jonathan Krohe (6-5, 310) and sophomore Peter Caroppolo (6-3, 270). Krohe is a hard-nosed player who started all of last season. Caroppolo moved from offense to defense in the spring and showed signs of being ready to contribute this year.

Led by sophomore Michael Sheridan (6-3, 300), Villanova also possesses good depth along the offensive line. Sheridan held his own as a true freshman last year earning valuable playing time. The versatile Sheridan can play center, guard or tackle. Other Wildcat offensive linemen who will fight for playing time include junior Alex Suder (6-5, 310), sophomore Michael Probasco (6-2, 285), junior Kris Brown (6-0, 255) and redshirt freshman Jonathan Bugli (6-5, 255).

Defense

Villanova will face the unenviable task of replacing two players who were both first team All-Atlantic 10 Conference the last three seasons. Linebacker Brian Hulea and defensive end Darrell Adams, who were the leaders of the 2006 Wildcat defense, have been lost to graduation. Hulea finished his Main Line career with a school record 431 tackles. He is one of just three Villanova defenders to register 400 career stops. Adams closed out his Wildcat career with 40 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback sacks. Adams is currently in camp with the New York Jets after signing a free agent contract.

Defensive Line

In addition to replacing Adams, Villanova must also fill the void left by the graduating Matt Costantino. A blue collar performer, Costantino finished fourth on the team in tackles last year with 53 total stops from his defensive line spot. He also added four tackles for loss and two sacks.

The two defensive tackles positions will be occupied by junior Brian Hentosz (6-3, 260) and sophomore Dave Dalessandro (6-3, 275). After starting at offensive guard as a true freshman, Hentosz moved to defense last year where he started all 11 games. For the year, he was credited with 24 tackles and a fumble recovery. Dalessandro turned in a solid rookie campaign last year with 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery. Senior Adam McLaughlin (6-2, 250) will also be in the mix for playing time along the defensive line.

Sophomores Damian Kelley (6-5, 230) and Greg Miller (6-3, 260) appear to have the inside track at the starting defensive end positions. Both of these guys earned valuable experience last season as true freshmen. Kelley is an athletically gifted performer with the ability to be an All-Conference honoree. Miller is a hard-nosed player with great potential. Redshirt freshman Osayi Osunde (6-2, 230) should also earn playing time at defensive end. Osunde missed all of last year due to a shoulder injury, but looks to be in good shape entering the 2006 campaign.

Linebacker

Villanova will look to replace the departed Hulea by using a linebacker by committee approach. Five players look to be in position to earn playing time in 2006. Senior Bryan Adams (5-11, 235) is the most experienced of the group having seen significant playing time the last three seasons, including starting the last two. Last year, Adams tallied 52 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. Adams is expected to be joined in the starting line-up by senior J.C. Cooper (5-10, 200). Possessing good football instincts, Cooper looks ready to have a strong senior year for the Wildcats.

The sophomore duo of Darrel Young (5-11, 230) and Mike Holland (6-0, 230) figure to earn significant playing time in 2006. Young appears to have all the skills to be a big time playmaker. As a true freshman a year ago, he had 13 tackles, three sacks, two tackles for loss and punt block for a touchdown. Holland saw most of his action last year as a true freshman on special teams. An intense performer with a passion for the game, Holland should see his role increase this season.

Junior Blake Shubert (6-1, 220) should also see playing time at linebacker. As a sophomore last season, Shubert totaled 31 tackles and two tackles for loss.

Secondary

The Wildcats boast one of the top defensive players in the Atlantic 10 Conference in senior safety Allyn Bacchus (6-0, 205). Since arriving at Villanova in the fall of 2003, Bacchus has started every game of his collegiate career. Last season, he finished second on the team in tackles with 118 to go with six tackles for loss, a team-high three forced fumbles, five pass break-ups, one sack and a fumble recovery en route to being a second team All-Conference selection. With 129 tackles this season, Bacchus will become just the fourth player in Villanova history to record 400 career tackles.

Villanova will again this year play a three safety system. Joining Bacchus in the safety rotation will be senior Terrance Reaves (6-1, 205) and junior Eugene Clay (6-1, 210). Reaves is a seasoned veteran who has seen significant playing time throughout his Wildcat career. A gifted athlete, Reaves will be expected to be a playmaker for the defense. Clay is coming off a sophomore season where he posted 34 tackles and eight tackle for loss. Now a junior, Clay will be looked upon to provide the Wildcats with consistent play in the secondary. Clay will be pushed for his starting by junior Zach Mariacher (5-10, 190). After being slowed earlier in his career by a back injury, Mariacher is back in top shape and appears ready to be a contributor on defense for Villanova. Adding depth at safety will be redshirt freshman Justin Murrell (5-10, 195).

Two starters return to handle the cornerback positions. Senior Rodney Badger (5-9, 170) is coming off a season that saw him earn third team All-Atlantic 10 distinction in just his first year as a starter. Badger registered a team-high three interceptions and a team-best eight pass break-ups last season to go with 42 total tackles. Junior Kalise Cook (5-11, 200) has played both safety and corner during his Villanova career. He continues to improve as a cover guy and is slated as a starter at corner in 2006. Last year, Cook was credited with 55 tackles (third on team), three pass break-ups and an interception.

Junior Adam Clements (5-9, 185) and redshirt freshman Johnnie Davis (5-9, 165) enter the season as the back-up cornerbacks. Clements provides Villanova with a capable veteran reserve, while Davis is a newcomer who missed all of last season with a knee injury.

Kicking Game

Sophomore Joe Marcoux (6-4, 210) returns to handle the place kicking duties. Marcoux took over the kicking duties midway through last season and connected on 3-of-4 field goal attempts, including a season-long 41-yarder and 17-of-20 PATs. Adding depth at the kicking spot will be junior Robert Lee (6-3, 210) and sophomore Derek Fiorenza (5-8, 170).

Villanova will have to replace third team All-Atlantic 10 punter Adam James who averaged 40.1 yards per punt last season.