March 21, 2001
marquis de leopard from [208.59.249.9], at 2:07pm ET
Coach T - How many wins do you honestly think the Leopards are capable of getting in 2001?
Frank Tavani at 2:09pm ET
I'm not in the business of being a prognosticator, but I think we are capable of winning every game on the schedule. Obviously we have a lot of work to do to achieve that goal.
marquis de leopard from
[208.59.249.9], at 2:09pm ET
How many years does it take to turn around a program?
Frank Tavani at 2:10pm ET
Every situation is different. The situation at Lafayette, in terms of talent and depth levels, will take three full-year round recruiting cycles. We just completed the first.
marquis de leopard from
[208.59.249.9], at 2:10pm ET
Does Marko Glavic have a legitimate shot at playing professionaly?
Frank Tavani at 2:11pm ET
He certainly has the size and arm strength. A lot will be determined in the next two years as to how he develops.
Wes Johnston from
[152.163.201.211], at 2:11pm ET
Coach Tavani:
I noted that you attracted several recruits from Florida.Do you cover the entire state?When will your 2001 schedule be released?
Frank Tavani at 2:12pm ET
We recruit the entire state of Florida. Our defensive coordinator, John Loose, did a great job for us there in recruiting that state. As far as the schedule goes, stay tuned to GoLeopards.com in the coming weeks.
Sam from
[216.37.255.158], at 2:13pm ET
who do you think are the top of the class and have the best chance to contribute next year
Frank Tavani at 2:18pm ET
I think the two post-graduate offensive linemen -- Mike Lewandos (6-4, 285 pounds from Walpole, Mass. and Blair Academy) and Joe Ungrady (6-5, 300 pounds from Hollandale, Fla. and Wyoming Seminary) have an excellent opportunity to play early. Other possible impact players include TB/DB Joe McCourt from Roman Catholic in Philadelphia, TB James Sommers from Clearwater, Fla., as well as several others on special teams.
Mike from
[164.156.104.2] at 2:18pm ET
I've seen your recruits, they look good, great job recruiting this year. My question deals with last year's class, any potential at tailback in that group?
Frank Tavani at 2:21pm ET
Definitely. With Billy Stocker and Scott Warden dominating early last season, unknowns Ed Carter and Kevin Kozup look very promising. We will take a hard look at at least three tailbacks during spring practices and create an opportunity to evaluate incoming freshmen in preseason camp.
RamapoLeopard from
[208.249.92.73], at 2:21pm ET
Coach,
Congratulations on an exciting recruiting class. I know its early, but I was wondering how you see the D-Line shaping up in '01. Which players would you project in the your 2-deep and which incoming frosh could see action?
Frank Tavani at 2:24pm ET
In the two-deep, Jorge Rosa, Pat Brown and Casey McKeen will be battling for the starting defensive end jobs, with Barrett Diefenderfer, Philip Burger, Adam Allen, and Ryan Maloney competing for the two inside positions. Two impact freshmen who we are excited about are Mike Ruell from Camp Hill, Pa. and Eduardo Sanchez from Panama City, Panama and Clearwater (Fla.) Regional High School.
JoePa's girl from
[139.147.202.39], at 2:24pm ET
Who do you consider the preseason conference favorite for the 2001 season?
Frank Tavani at 2:25pm ET
Great question! Towson and fortunately we open the season with them at their place. Good to hear from JoePa's girl.
JoePa's girl from
[139.147.202.39], at 2:26pm ET
What gaps in your lineup still need to be filled with the graduation of this year's seniors?
Frank Tavani at 2:27pm ET
Phil Yarberough would obviously be difficult to replace in any one's program. However, we are very pleased with the talent level, especially in the offensive and defensive line.
Fran from
[12.25.48.58], at 2:27pm ET
What about returning players? Besides Glavic, who do you see making the major contributions?
Frank Tavani at 2:30pm ET
Andrew May has certainly been a big play maker for us and will hopefully step up to the next level. We expect solid play from returning linemen Kevin Moss and Chris Royle. In the receiving corps., Jim Dietz, Stew Kupfer, Vince Boyer and Joel Cesare all should contribute.
Defensively, I feel our front seven will be strong up front with Nick Boccagno, Matt Bourdon and Adriel Linyear at linebackers. Holes in the secondary to be filled include two-time All-Patriot League defensive back Jeremy Beamon and Bryant Ibekwe.
John from
[18.247.1.146], at 2:31pm ET
With the loss of the league's best receiver
in Phil Yarberough, who will you turn to at the
receiver position this year?
Frank Tavani at 2:31pm ET
Please see answer No. 20.
Bill from
[208.59.249.9], at 2:32pm ET
Is there enough money in the recruiting budget now to compete with Lehigh for recruits?
Frank Tavani at 2:34pm ET
Budgets are confidential, but I am comfortable with the direction we are headed at this time. However, we are taking donations. Please feel free to contact Maroon Club Executive Director Joe Samaritano at 610-330-5047.
john from
[63.17.98.239], at 2:34pm ET
with phil yarberough graduating who will marco glavic be throwing too?
Frank Tavani at 2:34pm ET
Please see answer No. 20.
Bill from
[208.59.249.9], at 2:35pm ET
Do we now have enough money in the football budget to compete with Lehigh?
Frank Tavani at 2:36pm ET
Please see answer No. 24.
Goleopards from
[139.147.17.105], at 2:38pm ET
Are you still recruiting for the coming year, in reference to last year with late addition of Jeremy Burkes?
Frank Tavani at 2:39pm ET
We recruit every day (R.E.D.), and in fact we are involved with a similar situation again with Army Prep.
chris from
[216.37.255.70], at 2:40pm ET
what area was the weakest this year in recruiting
Frank Tavani at 2:41pm ET
We would have liked to have gotten one more corner back .... but like I said in answer No. 31, we recruit every day (R.E.D.).
Pard Player from
[139.147.202.33], at 2:45pm ET
It seems like Lehigh is getting more of an athlete and less of a student. Do you think Lafayette is at an unfair advantage vs. those people in Bethlehem?
Frank Tavani at 2:50pm ET
Obviously we have consistently taken better student-athletes than any one in our conference, evidenced by the fact that we have led the Patriot League in Academic Index for five consecutive years .... by a lot. When I accepted the job, I fully understood that we would not compromise the academic mission here at Lafayette. With our national recruiting supported by the College, I am comfortable to say that we can rebuild and take the program to championship level.
BILL from
[208.59.249.9], at 2:50pm ET
We have one of the oldest stadiums in america do you think a new stadium would help the program lure recruits?
Frank Tavani at 2:53pm ET
Anything new always helps, but I am extremely proud of the tradition and character that Fisher Field offers. We are working on getting you more comfortable seating. We are taking donations. Please feel free to contact Maroon Club Executive Director Joe Samaritano at 610-330-5047.
hanes from
[139.147.17.105], at 2:54pm ET
Boxers or briefs?
Frank Tavani at 2:55pm ET
Great question! The answer is NONE!
chris from
[216.37.255.70], at 2:55pm ET
how does this class rank with others in recent history
Frank Tavani at 2:55pm ET
I think this class is as good as any since I have been at Lafayette.
Pard Fan from
[164.156.104.2], at 2:56pm ET
What is the situation concerning your linebackers?
Frank Tavani at 3:02pm ET
Besides the three starters (Boccagno, Bourdon, and Linyear), we are anxious to see Chris Patridge (returning from knee surgery) and Chris Holland, as well as incoming freshmen Wesley Erbe from Wall, N.J./Admiral Farragut in St. Petersburg, Fla. and Greg Gibbs from Salisbury High School right in the Lehigh Valley.
Pard Fan from
[164.156.104.2], at 3:02pm ET
Understand you now have a coach on board, who is he and what area(s) will he be responsible for?
Frank Tavani at 3:03pm ET
We recently hired two new coaches. Bob Heffner is the assistant head coach and will coach the offensive line. John Troxell '94 will coach the running backs.
hanes from
[139.147.17.105], at 3:03pm ET
What players are you looking to fill the holes in the secondary?
Frank Tavani at 3:06pm ET
Someone has big shoes to fill in replacing two-time All-Patriot League defensive back Jeremy Beamon. Darnell Azeez is the heir apparent and has tremendous talent. Anthony Hawthorne will have to step up to fill in for strong safety Bryant Ibekwe.
FULU Fan from
[139.147.202.33], at 3:06pm ET
When can we expect a win over the Engineers or Mountain Hawaks or whatever their nickname is?
Frank Tavani at 3:07pm ET
Hopefully very soon. Who cares what their nickname is.
LC Fan from
[164.156.104.2], at 3:07pm ET
Do you ever think that LC will go to full scholarship rather than financial need?
Frank Tavani at 3:08pm ET
Not before I collect my TIAA-CREF.
hanes from
[139.147.17.105], at 3:08pm ET
How do you feel your recruiting class compares to the rest of the league's, I saw that Bucknell has a pretty diversified (geographically speaking) class coming in?
Frank Tavani at 3:09pm ET
I have only seen two other schools at this point, and we certainly have as good a spread geographically as anyone.
chris from
[216.37.255.70], at 3:10pm ET
what are your thoughts about the post graduate recruting class
Frank Tavani at 3:11pm ET
They are all players who should contribute early.
chris from
[216.37.255.70], at 3:14pm ET
what do you think about paul ziska
Frank Tavani at 3:15pm ET
Outstanding prospect with leadership qualities.
GoPards from
[164.156.104.2], at 3:15pm ET
Last year it appeared you concentrated on the passing game, this season do you plan to concentrate on the run, giving you an two dimensional offensine attack and even increasing the passing game's success?
Frank Tavani at 3:16pm ET
We definitely intended to open up our attack last season with the passing game. As a former 25-carry-a-game tailback, I know we have to establish a strong running game to complement the pass.
Sal from Lehigh from
[139.147.202.50], at 3:17pm ET
I love your threads. Any advice on where I can hook up some great buys?
Frank Tavani at 3:18pm ET
Well, the Sal from Lehigh that I know needs no advice from me. The difference is Sal from Lehigh actually owns Armani suits. I find Today's Man and Boscov's to be more in my budget.
LADLoves2Run from
[139.147.202.231], at 3:18pm ET
Coach Frank,
Just wanted to say that in my book, you guys won them all this year. Your stats were great! Phil and Marko...and the entire team were so much fun to watch. Go 'Pards.
Frank Tavani at 3:19pm ET
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Stay with us. The best is yet to come.
Buddah from
[139.147.202.50], at 3:21pm ET
What impact will your new staff have?
Frank Tavani at 3:23pm ET
Bob Heffner brings great expertise and a wealth of experience at all levels, and has been here twice before on Championship staffs. John Troxell '94 has an obvious loyalty to his alma mater and will be a great addition, especially in recruiting.
hanes from
[139.147.17.105], at 3:23pm ET
What do you see as the major differences between last year's team and this year's? Who seems to be emerging from the pack as team leaders?
Frank Tavani at 3:24pm ET
I will better be able to answer those questions after spring practice. Please check in for the next live chat.
LADLoves2Run from
[139.147.202.231], at 3:24pm ET
In your opinion, could Phil Y played pro ball, if not for his injury? He is just so smooth!
Frank Tavani at 3:26pm ET
If given the opportunity, I firmly believe he would surprise a lot of people. Unfortunately, raw data (i.e. 40-yard time) does not always tell the tale. I'm with you. I really like his game too.
pardforlife from
[12.27.77.2], at 3:28pm ET
You didn't mention Jeremy Burkes in the list of recievers who should contribute next year? I really liked his game. Are you at liberty to say anything?
Frank Tavani at 3:28pm ET
That was definitely an oversight, due to the fact that Jeremy is in a walking boot right now because of an ankle injury and will miss spring practice. He is an impact player.
Pardman from
[164.156.104.2], at 3:28pm ET
From your comments I see you are expecting great things from this year's recruiting class, can you see any of last year's class being major contributors (both offennse and defense)?
Frank Tavani at 3:29pm ET
There are definitely players that will be getting a close look during spring practice from last year's freshmen group.
RamapoLeopard from
[208.249.92.74], at 3:30pm ET
In certain games last year (ex. Fordham), QB Chad Ritchie saw some time in games. Would you expect similar rotation this year or is Marko going to get all the snaps? Also, any position switches expected in the spirng practices?
Frank Tavani at 3:32pm ET
Marko is our starter and Chad is the back-up, and we enjoy the luxury of having two outstanding quarterbacks.
At this point, Ryan Maloney has switched from fullback to defensive line and John Ricketts has moved from quarterback to tight end. We are also looking forward to seeing Jeff Werrell, who moved from wide receiver to corner back late in the season.
LADLoves2Run from
[139.147.202.231], at 3:32pm ET
Marko is also very exciting to watch. He keeps the game on edge with how far he drops back before passing...Do you see him tightening up his game?
Frank Tavani at 3:33pm ET
Marko had as good a freshman year at quarterback as I have seen in my career. As always, there are a lot of things to improve on and we are looking forward to his ongoing development.
Maroon Fan from
[164.156.104.2] at 3:34pm ET
How good is your strength program?
Frank Tavani at 3:35pm ET
We think we have an outstanding program, headed up by Gary Talijan and Maroon Club strength center director J.C. Moreau.
April3320 from
[209.92.170.233], at 3:37pm ET
Coach i hear you have 4 wonderful kids. DO you believe your family plays an important role in lafayette football?
Frank Tavani at 3:38pm ET
Absolutely! I am very blessed to have a great family and my children are fortunate to have a wonderful mother, my wife Saint Agnes.
Lafayette Leopards from
[216.37.255.245], at 3:38pm ET
Who have you brought in at Linebacker?
Frank Tavani at 3:39pm ET
Reggie Clark, Wes Erbe, Greg Gibbs and Paul Ziska.
Past Kicker from
[164.156.104.2] at 3:39pm ET
Last year your kicking game was often inconsistent, any prospects on improving it?
Frank Tavani at 3:39pm ET
Yes. We are actually changing the type of ball we use this season. You never know?
Pardman from
[164.156.104.2] at 3:40pm ET
What is your team goal for next year?
Frank Tavani at 3:40pm ET
Win!
Frank Tavani at 3:40pm ET
Thanks for taking the time to ask such great questions. It was a lot of fun. See you soon on GoLeopards.com! Come see us this Fall!
