PITMAN, N.J. – The TCNJ football team was picked to finish fifth in the NJAC Preseason Poll, released Monday by the league office.
The league's head coaches slotted the Lions just outside the top half of the eight-team conference. Salisbury topped the poll with six first-place votes, while second-place Christopher Newport and third-place Rowan each received one. Montclair State earned 'dark horse' status and landed in fourth. TCNJ was next, followed by Kean, William Paterson, and Castleton in its final season as an affiliate member of the conference.
TCNJ is eager to duplicate last season's success under debut head coach Tyler Moody, who led the blue and gold to a 6-4 record to cement the first consecutive winning campaigns since a run of four straight from 2001-04.
Eight of last year's 10 All-NJAC performers are gone to graduation, with second team selection Tyler Addonisio and first-team special teamer Albert D'Alessandro III the lone returners. Addonisio is set to anchor the offensive line for a second straight season after transferring from Franklin & Marshall and is expected to be joined by juniors Teddy Shepardson, Cooper Struble, and Logan Ritchie as well as sophomore Salisbury transfer Robbie Stigliano across the line.
D'Alessandro, meanwhile, will be counted on to lead a young defense with a surplus of new starters. He'll be joined in the secondary by junior Sam Kuhns and sophomores Brayden Kelly and Shane Walsh. Senior Sean Gallagher, who has suffered a series of injuries during his career, gets his opportunity as a starting linebacker alongside junior Noah Croutch and sophomore CJ Dingle, while the front four looks to be headlined by sophomores Chimmy Ozokpor, Brandon Rector, Clifford Dirkes, and Remy Feniello.
Wagner transfer Raymend Lao is the projected starter at quarterback, with a core of slots and pass-catchers that includes senior Max DiPietro, redshirt junior Michael Strachan, junior Bryce Cammarata, and sophomore Aaron Viray among others.
Junior Jordan Morrell, who rushed for 520 yards and three touchdowns a year ago, is back in a backfield also expected to feature first-year Sam Dech.
"We're replacing 15 starters from last year, which brings a ton of excitement as new guys step up to earn those roles," Moody said. With more than half the team made up of underclassmen, we've got a hungry group that worked hard this offseason and is ready to compete."
The Lions open their season at home against Lycoming on Saturday, September 5.
