Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh football spring preview and prospectus
4/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Lehigh football. At the Division I-AA level, it’s hard to argue that there has been a more consistently successful program in the nation over the last several years. In fact, since 1998, Lehigh and
The 2005 season was no different, as Lehigh posted an 8-3 mark and finished the regular season in the national top 25. But, Lehigh lost its final regular season game to rival
As if the bitter taste of that loss weren’t motivation enough for this year’s team, enter highly-touted new head coach Andy Coen. With his resume of past success coupled with his drive and determination to continue the program’s longstanding tradition, and it’s easy to see why this year’s Lehigh group is excited about what lies ahead.
DEFENSE
The Lehigh defense was one of the most potent in the Patriot League a season ago, despite having its third defensive coordinator in the last three years. Now, with a new coaching staff in place, it is up to new defensive coordinator David Kotulski to continue Lehigh’s strong defensive tradition. Last year’s Lehigh team paced the Patriot League in rushing defense, allowing only 104 yards per game on the ground. The Mountain Hawks also registered a league-best 36 sacks on the season.
Fortunately for Kotulski, despite losing five starters from last year’s team, the pieces seem to be in place for Lehigh’s defense to once again be amongst the league’s elite.
Defensive Line
Lehigh lost some experience on the line to graduation, but the Lehigh defensive line will be bolstered by the return of first team All-Patriot League selection Royce Morgan for a fifth season. Morgan was granted a fifth year of eligibility due to medical hardship suffered in 2004. Morgan led the Mountain Hawks with six sacks a year ago, and will be counted on to once again lead an experienced defensive line unit.
However, Morgan is not the only experienced lineman returning to the Lehigh defense in 2006. Rising senior Paul Fabre (24 tackles, 6.5 for a loss) played in all eleven games last year at defensive end, and should see significant time again in 2006. Senior Eric Rakus and sophomore Paul Bode also played quite a bit for Lehigh last year, and will be expected to contribute on the interior line this spring.
Junior Mike Dodson makes the move from the offensive guard position to the defensive line this spring, and will look to crack the lineup. Senior Kyle Adams, who missed all of last season due to injury, and sophomore John Warren will provide depth for the Mountain Hawks on the defensive line.
Linebackers
Perhaps nowhere on the Lehigh defense was as affected by graduation as the linebacking corps. Replacing all-league selection Anthony Graziani and standout Matt Purdy – Lehigh’s top two players in terms of stops a year ago – will be no easy task. The duo combined for over 160 tackles and six sacks last year, and several players will attempt to step in and fill the void this season. Senior Matt Mohler makes the move from defensive line to outside linebacker in hopes of helping to fill the void. Mohler looks to build upon a breakout junior campaign in which he registered 26 stops – including six for a loss.
Mohler will be joined by the likes of junior Joel Kriss and sophomore Keith Johnson – both of whom have made the transition to the outside linebacker spot as well. Both former linemen, Kriss (6-4, 220) and Johnson (6-4, 240) will add size in addition to depth at the outside linebacker spots. Additionally, the coaching staff expects sophomores Ben Pravata and Tim Diamond to plead their case for increased time at outside linebacker with a strong spring.
On the interior, rising senior Micah Greene returns the most experience amongst the group. Greene saw plenty of time on the field last season, and has worked hard on technique and conditioning during the off-season. Look for senior Chris La
Defensive Backs
Despite the graduation of two all-league defensive backs in Kaloma Cardwell (first team) and Andrew Nelson (second team) from last year’s squad, the cupboard is hardly bare in the Lehigh secondary entering the spring. Senior Brannan Thomas and junior Julian Ahye return as Lehigh’s primary options at cornerback. That duo combined for 21 pass break-ups and five interceptions last season, and their quickness is a tremendous asset in the defensive secondary. Junior Aaron Gillard returns experience and athleticism as a cornerback as well, making several key plays last year.
Senior Julian Austin, and junior Ernie Moore all bring back experience at safety.
The Mountain Hawks boast solid depth in terms of dependable defensive backs. The Lehigh coaching staff is particularly excited about junior Daynin Blake. Blake appeared in nine games last year, recording two sacks and a pair of interceptions. Junior Brian Tucker had a solid off-season, and the coaches believe he has a tremendous upside.
OFFENSE
With seven returning starters, including many at several key skill positions, the Lehigh offense should once again be fun to watch in 2006. The Mountain Hawks possess a potent mix of big-play options both on the ground and through the air. With Lehigh’s proven returning talent and some new ideas from a new coaching staff, the Mountain Hawks will certainly keep their opponents guessing when Lehigh has the ball.
Offensive Line
With the graduation of two all-league offensive linemen in Adam Selmasska and Tom Toth from the 2005 team, this spring will be a key time for the coaching staff to evaluate talent and identify potential starters. At the same time, the goal is to develop depth on the line which would likely pay dividends as the season wears on. Fortunately, the Mountain Hawks do have a strong nucleus of talent returning that does boast game experience.
Seniors Jim Petruccelli, John Reese and Jason Russell – along with junior Jimmy Kehs – have all played a measurable number of snaps on the o-line, and will be counted upon to lead the way for the group in 2006.
A plethora of Mountain Hawks are anxious to see time in 2006, and will use the spring as their proving ground to the Lehigh coaches. Sophomore Kevin Bayani is a name that stands out as one who has impressed the coaches early on. Expect to see stiff competition between several other players for back-up spots on the offensive line, including the likes of sophomores Kevin Evanko and Chris Tiefenthal, and senior Colin Hewko. With so much up for grabs, the offensive line is an area to watch throughout the spring.
Receivers
Lehigh said goodbye to several talented receivers following the 2005 season, but the Mountain Hawks still return talent and speed in 2006, and once again should have plenty of options. In particular, Lee Thomas returns for his senior year and will be counted on to make big plays. Thomas tied for the team lead with 38 catches last season, and will no doubt be the focus of opposing defenses.
While Thomas is the only returning receiver with significant experience, several others have contributed when given the opportunity, and will need to show continued improvement in 2006. Senior Frank Trovato and junior Pete Donchez, two local products, have worked hard in the off-season to be ready for the spring. Trovato was the recipient of one touchdown pass last year, and Donchez is fully recovered from injury.
Other names to keep an eye on this spring in terms of wide-outs include sophomores Sekou Yansane, Mike Fitzgerald, Nick Johnson, Kyle Skoczen, and Ben Ivester. This young group collectively made a name for itself in J.V. action last year, and many of these players will make the leap to the varsity squad this year.
Tight Ends
Lehigh returns both Landon Maggs and Pete Morelli to the tight end spot this spring. Maggs and Morelli, both seniors in 2006, split time at tight end with much success in 2005. Those two will battle for the starting nod, and will both see the field in two tight end sets. The back-up spots on the depth charts are up for grabs heading into the spring.
Running Backs
Lehigh’s ground game was one of the tops in the Patriot League last year, thanks to a three-pronged attack of Marques Thompson, Eric Rath, and Greg Fay. All three featured unique styles, and all kept opposing defenses on their heels. With Rath’s departure, there are some questions to be answered for sure, but Thompson and Fay return and bring high expectations with them.
Fay, back for a fifth year because of medical hardship, will be Lehigh’s starting fullback. In his first full season as a starter, Fay came into his own in 2005, and scored five touchdowns while starting every game. Junior John Piascik saw limited time in 2005, and is the early favorite for the back-up fullback position. Piascik will be challenged by Adam Watson for positioning on the depth chart.
Thompson meanwhile gave defenses fits with his small size and ability to get lost in the offensive line, stop, and change directions. Standing just 5-foot-7, Thompson has nearly two full years of starting experience to his credit. Several other candidates for playing time at tailback have begun to emerge. Keep an eye on sophomore transfer Matt McGowan, junior transfer Josh Pastore, and junior Rich Forman. As a freshman in 2004, Forman had 16 carries.
Quarterbacks
The emergence of Sedale Threatt as Lehigh’s quarterback was one of the biggest positives during the 2005 season. Threatt took over for an injured Mark Borda, and the Lehigh offense didn’t miss a beat. Now a junior, Threatt begins his first full season as a Lehigh starter. When he took over the starting role last season, Threatt’s leadership abilities quickly became apparent. He started the final five games in 2005, throwing 12 touchdown passes and just four interceptions.
Senior Mike Probst heads into the spring as Lehigh’s most seasoned back-up signal caller, attempting ten passes last season. Junior Kevin Marshall will push Probst for time as the second-string QB in the Lehigh system.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sophomore Jason Leo did an excellent job as Lehigh’s starting punter for most of the 2005 season, and this year he will be called upon to add placekicking duties to his repertoire. Leo, who is also a pitcher on the Lehigh baseball team, averaged well over 37 yards per punt in 2005. He skillfully pinned 14 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Junior Tom Viscuso now has a year at Lehigh under his belt, and will push Leo for time. Eric Rakus returns as the team’s long snapper.
For the complete 2006 Lehigh football spring prospectus, please click on the link above.
