Aug. 30, 2005
Head coach Frank Tavani
On replacing Joe McCourt:
Obviously, it's going to be tough to replace Joe McCourt, but we have four or five guys that really stepped up during preseason that we think will be major contributors for us. Coming into camp, Jonathan Hurt had the edge on the starting role, but Alfred Belton had a tremendous preseason, one of the best that I'm able to remember in some time, and so he'll be the first guy out there this week. We're also really excited to have Anthony D'Urso and Chris Williams back there, along with Brandon Mitchell. I really like both the freshmen (Tim Watson and Maurice White) also, but we're in the fortunate position to let those guys be freshmen and get them some action on Monday in the JV game against Moravian.
On the offensive line:
The first couple weeks are always tough. It's a mix-and-match of a few guys to find the right balance, especially up front. We're putting together an offensive line, and the number one priority there right now is getting some game experience. When you look at last year, I don't think our line really came together until week five or six. We have Joseph Lanzot at one guard, with Ryan Nase, who's put in his time and is ready to go as a starter. Greg Lippert's been doing a great job since moving over from the defensive line. Of course it also helps to have three guys with starting experience, and we're confident in Mike Saint Germain, Robert Stroble and Drew Buettner getting the job done. We're focusing on running a balanced attack. You know my philosophy, if you run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense, you're going to do alright.
On Marist:
First off, there's not a lot of film to go on, and there are still a lot of secrets. By week seven or eight, it's tough since there's a lot of film and your opponent knows a heck of a lot more about your team than in the early going. Although we beat them (Marist) last season, they're a team that is looking to capitalize on their opportunities to gain respect.
Marist is hungry and has a lot of fifth-year starters, including a quarterback that's a lot like Brad Maurer. He's quick, and you never know what he's going to throw at you. He sets up back there but he still likes to pull it down and move around and run. However, our group is focused and has great leadership, especially from our seniors and captains. As far as I'm concerned, last season is history - good history, but still history. With the championship and seven home games, of course the expectations are higher.
On traveling:
The Patriot League allows no more than 58 guys to travel, but with Marist being non-league, we're probably going to end up taking about 65. When you're on the road you have to make sure you're backed up. We have a lot of positional people that have to gain game experience, and a non-league game on the road will give us a chance to do that. Then we're at home for a while, and the other three road games are all against league opponents, so this is our chance to get these guys some time if the opportunity presents itself in a hostile environment.
On the running back competition:
Jonathan Hurt is at 100 percent as far as I can see. He looks great and is in solid physical condition. He came back strong, although he's taken some hits in practice, but he seems to be doing fine. He's hungrier now and he's looking to earn his starting spot back, but they'll play equally for now. As I said, Alfred Belton has come a long way and is tremendous shape. When I got the program, I said the only way to get better is to create competition within your program for starting roles, and I think we're at that point now. Guys come out to practice hungry and ready to go, and I think we're making that next step.
