Coen Goes Country?

No word from Lehigh camp if coach Coen has Trisha Yearwood in his iPod, but he was recently seen sporting a cowboy hat in LehighSports.com's report on preseason practice.

More important than his choice of headwear, however, was the content of the release and who he singled out for praise.

One player he singled out has been an LFN fave for some time: junior DT B.J. Benning. “He’s big, he’s physical, and he keeps improving every day we’re out here,” Coen said. “BJ put on some extra weight and muscle in the off-season, but he’s every bit athletic as he was last season.”

The other big news? How about the emergence of a couple of underclassman challenging at wideout and tight end?

“Sophomore WR Craig Zurn has really come on strong during camp,” Coen said. “He had a strong spring and he’s been able to carry that through. He was definitely in the mix at the start of camp, but he’s worked his way up the lineup even more.” Coen added, “He’s tough, he’s gritty, he’s a hard-nosed football player.” He continued, “Freshman TE Mark Wickware has done some nice things and freshman WR De’Vaughn Gordon will be in the mix at wide receiver.”

Battles at WR and TE that promise to go down to the end of preseason camp? I sure like the sound of that!

Add to the mix New Jersey freshman LB Bryce Arruda, who according to coach Coen had a great camp and will have a chance to make his mark on special teams, and you have one crazy Lehigh fan who cannot wait for September 6th. I'm already filling out my two deep as we speak.

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