University at Albany Football: What Will It Take to Three Peat The NEC?

Originally Posted at SportInformant.com

Bob  Ford and the Great Danes have a new image on their football jerseys this year: a bulls-eye.

The defending two-time Northeast Conference Gridiron Classic champions will have their first NEC game on Sept. 26 against Sacred Heart, but with 11 new players announced along with 13 returning starters from last year’s winning team, stakes are high for UAlbany to deliver another winning season. Teams like Monmouth University and Sacred Heart will fight to take away any chances of victory for the Danes and it will take a team effort to do the impossible come the fall.

Hardened veterans and newbies a like will help to strengthen the team and build upon recent victories. Players like quarterback Vinny Esposito, tailback David McCarthy, defensive end Eddie Delaney and newcomers like wide receiver Rhakeem Wiggins who was drafted out of Cheektowaga, NY earlier this year,  as a part of the 11 student-athletes who signed letters of intent to UAlbany, will be cornerstones to the team.  Other returning players including up and coming sophomores wide receiver Jason Poole and offensive tackle Andrew Stevens, and offensive guard Vince Gonzales could gain starter jobs this season after strong showings last year.

The Great Dane’s major opponent last season in conference was Monmouth University, who placed 6-1 right behind the 7-0 record of UAlbany. While the Hawks will lose All-NEC tight end John Nalbone they will not be shorthanded as coach Kevin Callahan announced in February that 14 recruits would be joining the Hawks next season.  

Sacred Heart, Central Connecticut State and Robert Morris ended last season tied for third place in the division and could all be threats to this year’s UAlbany team. While all three teams ended their seasons at 4-3 in conference play, each team has the chance to build upon earlier successes inside the conference and could upset both Monmouth and UAlbany’s recent dominance. Sacred Heart posted an 8-3 record and Central Connecticut tied Monmouth for overall wins- both can be damaging to both teams in the coming season.

Coach Ford has been with the team since its inception as a club in the late 1970s and has helped UAlbany to become the powerhouse it is as of late. Since 2002, Ford and the players on the UAlbany team have been able to control the NEC with strong and aggressive playing that puts many in the conference to shame. But with a back-to-back title to defend and the hopes of a three-peat with new players and a strong core of veterans returning, Ford and the Great Danes might have to watch out for target practice first come the fall.