Fact Sheet
The Rowan University football team looks for improvement in 2012. The Profs finished the 2011 season with a 5-5 overall record and a 5-4 mark in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The team is optimistic with seven returning starters on both offense and defense and one on special teams.
“I think we can be really good and very competitive,” said head coach Jay Accorsi. “We will see early on. The team worked extremely hard in the spring and in camp. They want more than how we finished last year. We have a talented and deep group. I feel really good.”
In the NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll, the Profs were selected fourth and received two first place votes. SUNY Cortland was chosen first with five first place votes. Montclair State University, second, and defending NJAC Champion Kean University, third, each collected one first place vote. The College of New Jersey, fifth, was picked as the conference’s dark horse. William Paterson University and The College at Brockport were sixth and seventh respectively. Rounding out the poll were Morrisville State College, eighth, and Western Connecticut State University, ninth. Buffalo State College left the NJAC following the 2011 season and joined the Empire 8 Conference.
“Our veterans are much stronger and more physical,” continued Accorsi. “The newcomers have added a lot of depth quickly. This is one of the deeper teams at every position I have ever coached. This season, we need to decrease penalties and turnovers, which are both areas that we focused on in the spring and in camp. We also need to be more physical and create turnovers.”
Rowan opens the season at home against Delaware Valley College on Saturday, September 1. Last year, the Aggies went 11-1, won the Middle Atlantic Conference and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. Delaware Valley is ranked fifth in Lindy’s and ninth in the D3football.com and USA Today Preseason Polls. The Profs travel to Division II Merrimack College on Saturday, September 8. The Warriors are coming off a 6-4 campaign.
“One of the keys to our season is how we start,” commented Accorsi. “We open with Delaware Valley, which is ranked then head to Division II Merrimack College, which has scholarship athletes. We need to play well in our first two games to set the tone for the rest of the year. All our opponents are good. We face tough games against all the teams in the conference.”
The Profs open conference play at home versus William Paterson University on Friday, September 14. It is Rowan’s first Friday night home game since 2007. The Pioneers had a 4-6 overall record with a 3-6 NJAC mark. On Saturday, September 22, the football team faces Western Connecticut State University on the road. The Colonials went winless in 2011, going 0-10 overall and 0-9 in the conference.
Rowan takes on The College of Brockport in Glassboro on Saturday, September 29 for Family Day. The Golden Eagles posted a 3-7 record with a 3-6 NJAC mark. On Saturday, October 6, Rowan travels to Montclair State University. In 2011, the Red Hawks came in second in the conference. They compiled an 8-2 overall record and were 7-2 in the NJAC. The Profs have a bye on Saturday, October 13.
“Having the bye a week later in the season is good,” remarked Accorsi. “It allows the players to rest and gives them a break. Our bye comes after playing Montclair State and before Cortland. They are both physical and two of the better teams we play.”
Rowan is at SUNY Cortland on Saturday, October 20. The Red Dragons registered a 9-2 overall record and were 7-2 in the conference. Cortland defeated Albright College, 14-0 to win the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Southeast Bowl. The Profs play Morrisville State College in the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 27. The Mustangs had a 1-9 record with a 1-8 NJAC mark.
On Saturday, November 3, Rowan hosts Kean University. The Cougars posted a 10-2 overall record and were 8-1 in the NJAC. Kean earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament and advanced to the second round. The Profs conclude the regular season at The College of New Jersey on Friday, November 9. The Lions were fourth in the conference with a 7-3 overall record and a 6-3 NJAC mark.
Offense – This season, Rowan will have an experienced quarterback behind center. Louie Bianchini (sr. West Long Branch, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) is the starter for the second straight year. In his first season at the helm, Bianchini completed 174 of 305 passes for 1,984 yards and 19 touchdowns. He produced a 127.0 pass efficiency rating and only threw eight interceptions. Bianchini received NJAC All-Conference honorable mention.
“Bianchini got great experience as a starter last year,” said Accorsi. “Over the course of the season, he made fewer mistakes and became very effective throwing the football. His leadership on offense really developed towards the end of the year. Bianchini’s decision making process is much quicker. He is more poised running the offense and as a result, he is releasing the ball a lot faster.”
Rookie Paul Hamersma (fr. Tenafly, NJ/Tenafly), a transfer from Rutgers, and veteran Frank Giardina (sr. Lakewood, NJ/Passaic Valley) are in competition for the backup job. Hamersma did not play football at Rutgers, however, he earned All-League honors at Tenafly High School in 2010.
Last year’s leading rusher Keith Corcoran (sr. Atlantic City, NJ/St. Joseph (Hammonton)) is back for his final season. He totaled 550 yards and two touchdowns on 133 carries. Corcoran also caught 16 balls for 97 yards. Joining him are veterans Matt Dortch (jr. Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and Jahseer Bronson (jr. Willingboro, NJ/Camden Catholic) and Wagner College transfer Michael Weber (so. East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick). In four games, Dortch tallied 97 yards and one touchdown on 25 attempts. Bronson moves to running back after playing wide receiver a year ago. At East Brunswick High School, Weber was selected to the All-Area and All-County second teams and All-Division Team.
“Corcoran brings experience to the running back position,” said Accorsi. “He is in the best shape he has ever been. Corcoran is much stronger than he was last year. Dortch is thinner, faster and stronger. He will push to carry the ball a lot. Weber has looked good. Just like Corcoran, he avoids tacklers and moves into space well.”
The wide receiving corps remains primarily intact and the Profs have added a few promising new players into the mix. The veterans include Ed Eisenhart (so. Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Reg.), Anthony Barone (sr. Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton), Dan Reed (jr. Westmont, NJ/Haddon Twp.), Jose Perez (so. Edison, NJ/Perth Amboy), Sean Mangold (jr. Oakland, NJ/Indian Hills) and Jake Yates (sr. Pitman, NJ/Gloucester Catholic). Lycoming College transfer Warren Oliver (jr. Beverly, NJ/Palmyra) will make an impact.
Eisenhart led the team with 759 yards and seven touchdowns on 46 receptions. He was named the NJAC Rookie of the Year. Eisenhart was chosen to the NJAC All-Conference first team and ECAC South All-Star second team. Barone hauled in 31 balls for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Reed made 38 catches for 428 yards and four touchdowns. At Lycoming, Oliver registered 28 grabs for 521 yards and six touchdowns.
“Eisenhart has big play ability,” praised Accorsi. “He was a surprise last year but teams will know what to expect from him this season. Oliver has more experience than any of the other newcomers. He looks really good in camp. It is extremely important to have an experienced group of receivers back. Not only on the field, but also in practice where they work as extra coaches for the younger players. They are really helping develop the future of our team.”
Chris Garcia (sr. Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery) will take over as the starting tight end. In 2011, he appeared in all 10 games, making 10 catches for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Returnee Joe Marchiani (jr. Margate City, NJ/Holy Spirit) moves from defensive end and will serve as the primary backup.
“Garcia had a great year,” commented Accorsi. “He is stepping into a full-time role. Garcia was selected by the team as one of the captains. He is a vocal player and person. We haven’t had someone like that as a captain in a few years.”
The offensive line will get a makeover this season. Rowan has to replace its starters at left tackle, center, right guard and left guard. The Profs have a large group of veterans and a few newcomers to fill the voids. Rob Barrett (sr. Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Reg.) is the only returning starter at right tackle. He received NJAC All-Conference honorable mention. Kyle Jones (jr. Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Reg.) is the center. He started five of seven games he appeared in last year. Zak Taylor (sr. Allendale, NJ/Northern Highland Reg.) and Zaire Pollard (so. Camden, NJ/Woodrow Wilson) will start at left and right guard respectively. Taylor missed last season with an injury and Pollard played in five games as a rookie. George Meyers (so. Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Twp.) will be at left tackle. He played in six games with three starts. Depth will be provided by veterans Joe Borden (jr. Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.), Derek Sierchio (so. Somerville, NJ/Somerville) and Carlos Cardenas (so. Elizabeth, NJ/Elizabeth) and newcomers Steven Schwartz (fr. Galloway, NJ/Absegami) and Frank Malecki (fr. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield). Schwartz was a two-time All-Conference selection at Absegami High School.
“We feel we have a good nucleus of nine to 10 guys with experience that can play on the offensive line,” mentioned Accorsi.
Defense – The defense will be strong up front again this season. Veteran defensive tackle Steve Williams (sr. Westmont, NJ/Haddon Twp.) returns for his final year. A captain, he totaled 43 tackles (14 solo, 29 assisted), 4.5 tackles for a loss (-12 yards), two sacks (-8 yards), two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Williams garnered NJAC All-Conference first team and ECAC South All-Star and D3football.com All-East Region second team honors.
“Williams is in the best shape of his life,” stated Accorsi. “At times last year, he was dominating. This season, we are looking for that dominance on a more consistent basis. Williams leads by example.”
Veterans Max Trotman (jr. Somers Point, NJ/Mainland Reg.), Mike Rinaldi (jr. Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) and Connor Pastrick (so. North Brunswick, NJ/North Brunswick Twp.) will all see time at defensive tackle. Trotman did not play last season. In 2010, he registered 16 tackles (three solo, 13 assisted), two tackles for a loss (-1 yard) and two pass breakups. Last year, Rinaldi compiled 17 tackles (seven solo, 10 assisted).
There will be a rotation at defensive end that will include Chris Popper (sr. Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Holy Spirit), Josh Popper (so. Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Holy Spirit), Chris Alvarez (so. Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park), John Dokouslis (so. Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan), Ian Carter (jr. Matawan, NJ/Matawan Reg.) and Cullen McHugh (so. Cinnaminson, NJ/Lenape). Last season, Chris Popper tallied 38 tackles (14 solo, 24 assisted), 5.5 tackles for a loss (-18 yards), one sack (-9 yards) and two fumble recoveries. Josh Popper posted 22 stops (eight solo, 14 assisted), three tackles for a loss (-9 yards), two sacks (-6 yards) and one interception. In nine contests, Alvarez amassed 37 tackles (22 solo, 15 assisted), a team-high nine tackles for a loss (-41 yards), three sacks (-20 yards) four forced fumbles and one blocked kick. Dokouslis recorded 14 tackles (six solo, eight assisted), four tackles for a loss (-23 yards), two sacks (-20 yards), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Carter chipped in with eight tackles (two solo, six assisted) and one sack (-9 yards). McHugh transferred from Wesley College. At Lenape High School, he received All-Conference honors.
“Defensive end is one of our deepest positions,” mentioned Accorsi. “We will be rotating the players in and out.”
Rowan has to find replacements at middle linebacker and one of the outside linebacker positions. Patrick Ruley (sr. Margate, NJ/Atlantic City) is the only starter back. In nine games, he totaled 52 tackles (19 solo, 33 assisted), 6.5 tackles for a loss (-27 yards), three sacks (-17 yards), three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. He earned NJAC All-Conference honorable mention.
“Ruley brings experience at linebacker,” remarked Accorsi. “He played quite a bit last year. We will have to see who steps up at the other linebacker positions.”
Veterans Dominic Caruso (jr. Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill W.), Dan Curtis (so. Brooklawn, NJ/Camden Academy Charter) and Evan Picariello (sr. East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park) and newcomers Brian Purnell (fr. Woodbury, NJ/Woodbury) and Anthony Townsend (so. Lindenwold, NJ/Camden Catholic) are all in competition for the other outside linebacker position. Last season, Caruso made 28 tackles (eight solo, 20 assisted) and three tackles for a loss (-9 yards). Curtis tallied nine stops (six solo, three assisted), one forced fumble and one interception, while Picariello added six tackles (two solo, four assisted) and one sack (-3 yards). Purnell transferred from the University of Delaware, where he did not play football. As a senior at Woodbury High School, he was named to the All-Conference and All-South Jersey teams. Townsend is a transfer from Livingstone College. He played in four games, making nine tackles (three solo, six assisted). At Camden Catholic High School, he received All-Conference second team and All-West Jersey honorable mention.
Matthew Quinn (so. Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock), Jerrett Clark (so. Pilesgrove, NJ/Woodstown) and Bobby Reilly (jr. Galloway, NJ/Absegami) are the favorites to take over at middle linebacker. Justin Villani (fr. Fairview, NJ/Cliffside Park) and Nick Seidenberg (jr. Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown) will provide depth. Quinn and Reilly both saw action in three games, while Clark played in two. Villani collected All-League first team honors at Cliffside Park High School. Seidenberg was sidelined with an injury last season. In 2010, he made three assisted tackles in five games.
There are several players vying for the two starting cornerback positions. Returnees Frank Rubino (sr. Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery), Mookie Holland (so. Millville, NJ/Millville) and Frank Ruopoli (jr. Jamesburg, NJ/Monroe Twp.) and newcomers Steve Fortune (sr. Bridgeton, NJ/Bridgeton) and Wit Marcelin (fr. Ocean Twp., NJ/Ocean Twp.) are in a tight competition. Rubino and Holland both saw time as starters in 2011. Rubino collected 26 tackles (17 solo, nine assisted), four pass breakups, a team best three interceptions and one blocked kick. Holland totaled 30 stops (25 solo, five assisted), 1.5 tackles for a loss (-8 yards) and one interception. Ruopoli made two solo tackles in nine appearances.
“All five players will see time on the field,” continued Accorsi. “Marcelin is very explosive and can play safety and cornerback.”
The Profs will have two new starting safeties this year. Rowan will replace Eric Sharkey and Jack Buckley with Kurt Kingett (so. Sewell, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) and Casey Dillon (sr. Northfield, NJ/Mainland Reg.). Anthony Verrilli (so. Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and Cody Watts (fr. Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) will also be in the mix. Kingett moves to safety from cornerback. In five games, he made two assisted tackles. Dillon appeared in all 10 games, registering 26 tackles (13 solo, 13 assisted) and one interception. Watts transferred from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he did not play football. At Hillsborough High School, he was selected to the All-Conference first team.
“Part of the reason for moving Kingett was for experience in the middle of the field,” explained Accorsi. “The safeties are the leaders of the secondary and set up the defense. It is very important for them to play well early. It will take the heat off the younger players around them.”
Special Teams – Punter Joe Janovic (jr. Montvale, NJ/St. Joseph’s (Montvale)) returns for his second season as the starting punter. Last year, he totaled 2,029 yards on 58 punts for a 35.0 average. Janovic had 15 punts inside the 20 yard line and a long of 54 yards.
Rowan has to replace Tommy Wilczynski at kicker. Rookies Mike Burke (fr. Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown) and Christian Mattos (fr. Jamesburg, NJ/Monroe Twp.) are in a tight race for the job. Dan Dawson (jr. Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Reg.), Burke and Mattos are also challenging Janovic at punter. Dawson transferred from Valley Forge Military Junior College.
“As of right now, Burke and Mattos are dead even,” said Accorsi. “They are both very explosive kickers. We are relying on them to perform. They are talented but I am not sure how they will react to the transition of a live game in college as opposed to high school.”
The kickoff and punt returners have not yet been determined. It is likely it will be some combination of Dortch, Bronson, Rubino, Holland, Ruopoli, Fortune, Oliver, Barone, Perez and Corcoran.
