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5 Days Until Opening Day; My Take on the 2-Deep

Can you believe we're only 5 days away from Monmouth/Lehigh? I can't wait ! There's a real buzz in the air this season that maybe, just maybe, Lehigh is poised for great things this season. It all starts with a good win against Monmouth this weekend; and it's the only thing to be concerned about this week. On Wednesday I will be posting my Lehigh/Monmouth preview and breakdown, so look for that later this week.

[8:58 8/30 Missed Will Mitchell - revised.]

Last year I started the tradition on speculating about who coach Lembo will be picking for his 2-deep on opening day. This year, I'm happy to continue the tradition by picking who I think will be on the squad for 2005.

Many of the faces are the same as 2004. Rath, Borda, Walker, Graziani, Morgan, Cardwell - you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that they are the starters. But there are a few surprises.

On offense, QB Sedale Threatt to me is the unquestioned #2 QB, solidifying his hold on that after a great spring and great camp. TE Pete Morelli appeared to squeak by TE Landon Maggs to be former TE Adam Bergen's replacement, though both may end up getting their fair share of receptions in 2005.

A mild surprise may be having WR Lee Thomas as the #3 wideout. WRs Gerran Walker and Winfred Porter are locks on the #1 and #2 slots, but I liked what I saw from him last year over Adam Kovacs and Aaron Argenta. In the event, the Moutain Hawks appear to be stacked at wideout - so stacked, that I was unable to keep a spot open for WR Pete Donchez, one of my faves.

The "O" Line still is gelling, but one name to note is OL Colin Hewko, who rose from the scout team this year and got some key time in camp. I think he has a great shot to see game action this year.

Quarterback: Mark Borda; Sedale Threatt
Running Back: Eric Rath; Marques Thompson
Fullback: Greg Fay; John Piascik
Tight End: Peter Morelli; Justin Welsh
Tight End: Landon Maggs; Joe Sutherland
Tackle: Adam Selmasska; Andrew Plummer
Guard: Jim Petruccelli; Colin Hewko
Center: John Reese; Jason Russell
Guard: Jimmy Kehs; Shaun Strickland
Tackle: Tom Toth; Eric Anderson
Wide Receiver: Gerran Walker; Adam Kovacs
Wide Reciever: Winfred Porter; Aaron Argenta
Wide Receiver: Lee Thomas; Gregg Petrosky

On defense, we have a great looking front four that if healthy could cause opponents fits. Fabre, Morgan, Mitchell and Breninger are a talented group that I'm realy excited about. The second-team is also mighty good, notably Matt Mohler and Tyrell Jenkins. Mike Murwanski, another fave, is waiting in the wings as well.

No surprises in the linebacking corps, but our first freshman, DB Jarvis Lewis, cracks the second-team CB position.

Defensive End: Owen Breninger; Matt Mohler
Defensive Tackle: Royce Morgan; Chris Zambrano
Defensive Tackle: Will Mitchell; Josh Cooney
Defensive Line: Paul Fabre; Tyrell Jenkins
Outside Linebacker: Travis Stinson; Micah Greene
Inside Linebacker: Matt Purdy; Justin Weaver
Outside Linebacker: Anthony Graziani; Chris LaMont
Cornerback: Andrew Nelson; Jarvis Lewis
Strong Safety: Courtney Elder; Julian Austin
Free safety: Kaloma Cardwell; Calvin LaMont
Cornerback: Brannan Thomas; Devin Dobson

Special teams sees another freshman, P/K Jason Leo, backing up K Justin Musiek and P Josh Mann. I think Leo may be booting on kickoffs too - just a hunch. Returning kicks will be Gerran Walker primarily, but Petrosky and Trovato should also figure in the mix.

Kicker: Justin Musiek; Jason Leo
Punter: Josh Mann; Jason Leo
Return Specialist: Gerran Walker; Devin Dobson
Return Specialist: Gregg Petrosky; Frank Trovato

Comments

Anonymous said…
cooney has even practiced - been on total rest since beginning of summer. Zambrano will back up Mitchell. Mohler will start at DE - I think.
Anonymous said…
What is nice is the depth Lehigh has at most positions. TB is another. Was duly impressed with Copacia at the scrimmage on Saturday night. The one area that does not appear deep is linebacker. Need to stay healthy there.

-Ngineer

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