Aug. 8, 2007
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova football team officially began its pre-season camp with the first day of practice on Monday, August 6. The team will train for the next few weeks before opening the season on the road at University of Maryland on September 1. The team plays at Lehigh the following week before hosting Maine in the home opener on September 15.
The Wildcats return 27 letterwinners from a team that won its final four games in 2006 to finish the season with a 6-5 record. Including among the returnees are five starters on offense, two on defense and two specialists. Below is a complete season preview for the Villanova football team.
Offense
The Villanova offense will be faced with the task of having to replace six starters, including three offensive linemen, as they prepare for the 2007 season. Of the six offensive starters who have been lost to graduation, three earned All-Conference accolades in 2006 including running back DeQuese May and offensive linemen Christian Gaddis and Mike Costanzo.
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A big reason why Villanova was able to win its final four games of the 2006 season was due to the play of senior quarterback Marvin Burroughs. In the four-game winning streak, Burroughs averaged 245 yards of total offense and accounted for six touchdowns. With Burroughs now graduated, the Wildcats will look to sophomore Antwon Young (6-4, 215) to run the team from under center.
Young is a gifted athlete who plays the game with great confidence. Possessing outstanding arm strength, Young can also be a force running the ball. As a true freshman in 2005, Young played in five games and completed 7-of-12 for 76 yards and had five carries for 27 yards. Young redshirted last season and has three years of eligibility remaining.
Sophomore Travis Miller (6-2, 200) is slated as Young's backup entering the 2007 season. Miller is a talented performer who is still getting comfortable with the Wildcat offense. As a high school standout in Danville, Pa., Miller garnered first team All-Conference accolades as a senior, in addition to being named Honorable Mention All-State.
Running Back
After playing with a traditional two-back set in the past, Villanova will go with primarily a one-back attack in 2007. The Wildcats must replace running back DeQuese May, who has graduated. May turned in a very good senior year last season when he registered 538 yards rushing and five touchdowns to go with a team-high 40 receptions for 479 yards and four scores. For his efforts last year, May was named second team All-Atlantic 10.
Leading the way in the Wildcat backfield will be senior tri-captain Matt Dicken (5-10, 205). As a junior last season, Dicken carried the ball 104 times for 432 yards (4.2 yards per rush) and a team-best 11 touchdowns. A physical runner, Dicken is especially effective in short yardage and goal line situations.
Two youngsters who look to be in the mix at running back are redshirt freshmen Angelo Babbaro (5-10, 195) and Aaron Ball (5-9, 195). Babbaro is coming off a solid spring season and is listed as the number two running back entering fall camp. As a senior in high school at Canfield (Ohio) High, Babbaro rushed for 1,931 yards and scored 36 touchdowns. Ball is a hard worker who continues to show improvement and could be a factor for the Wildcats in 2007. Another back who will be in the mix is sophomore Luca Ragone (5-11, 220). A fullback by trade, Ragone was outstanding during spring drills and was named the team's Co-Most Improved Offensive Player.
Wide Receiver
The most talented position on the Wildcat offense appears to be at wide receiver as Villanova possesses a number of playmakers at the wideout positions. Villanova will use three receiver sets the majority of the time and a number of players should see playing time in these formations.
Entering fall camp the three starting wide receivers appear to be senior Anton Ridley (6-4, 215), junior Phil Atkinson (5-11, 190) and sophomore Brandyn Harvey (6-3, 195). Ridley suffered a season-ending leg injury in week six last season but is completely healed and ready for action. Ridley will provide the Wildcats with both a big target on the outside and leadership with the receiving group. Atkinson, who has all the tools to be a top-notch Colonial Athletic Association performer, appears poised for a breakout season. The athletic Atkinson finished second on the team last year with 29 catches for 361 yards and one touchdown. Harvey emerged on the scene midway through last year and showed the ability to be a frontline I-AA receiver. Harvey's size and soft hands will make him an offensive weapon for the Wildcats.
Four other receivers who are expected to see time include senior Jonathan Hughes (6-4, 210), sophomore Shawn Smith (5-9, 195), junior Salim Koroma (5-6, 150) and sophomore Ramin Mobasseri (6-1, 190). Hughes is a physical receiver who has made himself into one of the best blockers of all the Wildcat receivers, while Smith is a steady performer with good hands. Koroma has been used as a returner the last two seasons and will fight for playing time at receiver in 2007. Mobasseri excelled during spring drills and was named the team's Co-Most Improved Offensive Player.
Tight End
Senior tight end Matt Sherry (6-4, 255) is expected to be a key component to the Villanova offense. Due to his size, good hands and knowledge of the offense, the senior tri-captain should be one of the team's top receiving threats. Sherry also has good blocking skills that will help the Villanova running game.
Junior Michael Bradway (6-2, 235) will also see playing time at tight end. Bradway has excellent hands and should figure prominently in the Villanova passing game. Due to his hands, Bradway will also serve as the team's holder for field goals and extra points. Junior Steve Pimm (6-4, 240) will add depth at the tight end position. Pimm is a physical performer with good blocking skills.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is the one area on the Villanova team that was hit the hardest by graduation. Villanova loses three of its five starters from last year's line, including two who earned All-Conference honors. Gone are center Christian Gaddis who was a first team All-Atlantic 10 honoree, Mike Costanzo who was a third team All-Conference selection and Lav Bauta who started all 11 games at tackle after transferring from Duke University.
The most experienced member of the 2007 offensive line will be junior tackle Izzy Bauta (6-4, 285), who will be starting for the third consecutive season. Bauta appears ready to challenge for All-Conference distinction. Joining Bauta at tackle will be junior Peter Caroppolo (6-3, 285), who moves to the offensive line from the defensive side of the ball. Caroppolo moved to offense in the spring of 2006, but was forced to go back to defense last fall due to injuries. He is now back on offense and looks ready to secure a starting spot.
After turning in an outstanding rookie year where he started all 11 games at guard as a true freshman, sophomore Brian Brannigan (6-4, 280) returns to solidify one of the guard spots. Brannigan was named the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts in 2006. Redshirt freshman Gene Oakley (6-3, 280) appears to have the inside track on the other guard position. Oakley spent his true freshman year at defensive tackle before moving to offense in the spring of 2007.
Junior Michael Sheridan (6-3, 300) is slated to take over the center duties. Sheridan is a tough competitor with a bright future.
Four other Wildcats who will fight for playing time along the offensive line include the junior trio of Jonathan Krohe (6-5, 305), Sean Malone (6-4, 280) and Michael Probasco (6-2, 295), along with sophomore Jonathan Bugli (6-5, 270). Krohe has good strength and will battle for time at guard, while Malone is a versatile performer who can play guard and center. Probasco can play guard and tackle, while Bugli has added a great deal of strength and figures to be in the mix for time at tackle.
Defense
The Villanova defense returns seven starters from last year's unit that gave up 22.4 points per game and 337.8 yards of total offense per contest. Villanova's biggest void on defense is replacing the graduated Allyn Bacchus, who started at safety in every game of his Wildcat career. Bacchus was named first team All-Conference and first team All-ECAC in 2006 after leading Villanova in tackles (103), interceptions (2) and fumble recoveries (2).
Defensive Line
The strength of the Villanova defense will be the defensive line. Entering the 2007 season, Villanova has six quality defensive linemen who will help fill the three defensive line spots. With this type of depth, the Wildcats should receive good production up front this season.
The nose guard spot will be occupied by junior Brian Hentosz (6-3, 260), who returns to the field after missing all of last year with a knee injury. Hentosz looked completely healthy during spring drills and his return should bolster Villanova's run defense. For his efforts during the spring, Hentosz was named the team's Most Improved Defensive Player. Sophomore Phil Matusz (6-3, 285) will serve as the backup at nose guard. Matusz possesses good strength and should be a valuable reserve.
You would be hard-pressed to find a better group of defensive ends than the four who will occupy the playing time for the Wildcats. Villanova's leader at defensive end is junior Dave Dalessandro (6-3, 275), who was voted a tri-captain by his teammates. Dalessandro is a tough competitor who should challenge for All-Conference accolades this season. Last year as a defensive tackle, Dalessandro tallied 46 tackles, six tackles for loss and a team-best tying 3.5 sacks. Sophomore Greg Miller (6-3, 250) is also slated as a starter at defensive end. Miller is a hard-worker who will be looked upon to be a playmaker for the Villanova defense. Miller saw his 2006 season cut short by a shoulder injury, but he looks fully recovered entering the 2007 season.
Two other Wildcats who will figure into the plans at defensive end are junior Damian Kelley (6-5, 240) and sophomore Tim Kukucka (6-3, 255). Kelley is a terrific athlete with big play capability. In 11 games last season, he was credited with 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks. Kukucka, who plays with great emotion and intensity, earned valuable playing time last season as a true freshman when he had 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Linebacker
Villanova is looking for big things at linebacker from junior Darrel Young (5-11, 235). Young has a good combination of strength and speed and possesses all the tools to be a top-notch college linebacker. As a sophomore last season, he registered 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a sack. He also tallied two blocked kicks. Look for Young to be the team's top defensive playmaker in 2007.
The Wildcat linebacker position will get a big boost from the return of junior Michael Holland (6-0, 230). He will help provide intensity to the Villanova defense and should be one of the three starters at linebacker. The third starter entering pre-season camp is sophomore Osayi Osunde (6-2, 240), who moves to linebacker after playing defensive end last year as a redshirt freshman. Osunde has good athleticism and possesses a wealth of potential.
Also vying for playing time at linebacker are senior Marco Radocaj (6-0, 220), junior PJ Padden (6-1, 235) and redshirt freshman Jacob Wade (6-0, 220).
Secondary
The Wildcat secondary will consist of a combination of youth and experience in 2007. The most experienced member of the group will be fifth-year senior Zach Mariacher (5-10, 195), who is slated as the starter at free safety. Mariacher has the tough task of replacing the aforementioned Bacchus. As a junior last year, Mariacher finished third on the team in tackles with 63. He also registered six tackles for loss, a team-high tying two fumble recoveries, two pass break-ups and one sack. Mariacher will be joined at safety by fellow senior Eugene Clay (6-1, 205), who is set to start at the strong safety spot. The hard-hitting Clay posted 33 tackles, five tackles for loss and three pass break-ups last year. Joining Mariacher and Clay at the safey positions will be fellow senior Kalise Cook (5-11, 205), who returns to the field after missing the last six games of the 2006 season due to a knee injury. The athletic Cook will be looked upon to be a playmaker for the Villanova defense. Cook has the ability to play both corner and safety. Joining the mix at safety will be redshirt freshman Martel Moody (6-0, 180). Moody is a raw talent with a big upside. Adding depth at safety is redshirt freshman Thomas Teel (5-10, 205). The inexperienced Teel has shown great improvement and will be in the mix for playing time in the secondary.
Villanova will look to senior Derek Durkin (5-11, 185) and sophomore Justin Murrell (5-10, 185) to handle the cornerback positions. Durkin came out of nowhere last year after moving to defensive back from wide receiver. The former walk-on played extremely well the second half of last season and earned a scholarship for his fifth year. He finished the 2006 campaign with 41 tackles, four pass break-ups and a fumble recovery. Murrell gained valuable experience last season and should use that experience to be a consistent performer in 2007. Two other Wildcats expected to be in the mix at corner are redshirt freshmen Jarred Corey (5-10, 180) and Michael Lynch (5-11, 200). Corey is a tough competitor with good cover skills, while Lynch was one of the most improved players during spring drills.
Kicking Game
There will be a two-way battle for the place kicking duties between junior Joe Marcoux (6-4, 210) and junior Derek Fiorenza (5-8, 175). Both handled the kicking duties at various times last season with Marcoux holding the job for the last seven weeks of the season. Marcoux, who possesses a strong leg, finished the year 5-of-11 in field goals attempts and 24-of-25 in PATs. Marcoux also tallied a career-long 42-yard field goal in a win at Hofstra. Fiorenza is a tireless worker who was 0-for-1 in field goal attempts and 6-of-7 in PATs last season.
The punting duties will once again be given to sophomore Zach Ugarte (6-0, 205). As a true freshman last year, Ugarte punted 44 times for 1,695 yards for an average of 38.5 yards per punt. Ugarte also had 13 punts placed inside the 20-yard line and he recorded a career-long 59-yard effort versus Towson.
