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Albany head coach Bob Ford’s sixth season at the Division I-AA level might be the most challenging for his program. Ford must replace 11 starters — six on offense and five on defense — from a 7-4 squad that shared its second consecutive Northeast Conference championship.
The list of graduates includes the school’s all-time rusher and two-time NEC offensive player of the year Gary Jones, All-America offensive tackle Mike Laroche, All-NEC defensive tackle David Parks, linebacker Victor Camacho, the team’s leading tackler, and kicker/punter Stan Zylinski.
"We lost some quality people to graduation, and that group of seniors will always hold a special place in my heart," states Ford, who has a 201-141-1 career record in 35 seasons at the collegiate level. "But I still believe we will compete for the conference championship. My job is to get the right people on the bus."
The Great Danes, who return 37 lettermen, play an ambitious schedule with two of the better Patriot League teams in Lehigh and Fordham, Brown of the Ivy League, and Atlantic 10 Conference opponent Hofstra on the non-league slate.
OFFENSE: Albany’s multiple, option scheme must replace its entire offensive backfield, including an Associated Press All-America tailback. Fortunately, the Great Danes have a pair of All-NEC linemen returning.
Left tackle Geir Gudmundsen (6-6, 315), who has made 33 consecutive starts, was named to three All-America teams. Gudmundsen, a two-time All-NEC first-team selection, continues the program’s fine tradition of quality offensive tackles. Brandon Shaw (6-0, 295) is a valued performer with his ability to play at center and left guard. Both players were instrumental in helping the offense rank fourth nationally in rushing at 292.3 yards per game.
Aaron Kimball (6-3, 310) appears to have a firm grasp on the starting left guard position. The right side on the line is more up for grabs with Tom DePalma (6-0, 280) and Jacob Anderson (6-6, 285) on top of the depth chart following spring drills. Tom Burkart (6-4, 230) looks like the man to beat at tight end. Eddie Unverzagt (6-1, 235) has switched to the position after two seasons as a fullback.
Uli Delgado and Nicholas Bazan battled for the starting quarterback job throughout the spring. "Uli is a bit of a riverboat gambler, but he’s become a student of the game," Ford says. "Nick also had a good spring, but needs to take control of that huddle. Our quarterback situtation should allow us to be better in the passing game and at the same time spread the ball around." Delgado, who started five games, passed for 284 yards and ran for 95 more. Bazan missed all but one game last year with a broken collarbone.
Rohann Vidal is the likely starter at tailback. Vidal, a three-year letterman, rushed for 370 yards and five touchdowns as a junior. "He’s a blue-collar worker," Ford offers. "I can count on one hand the mental mistakes he has made." David Fantell and Dustin Wilson will also compete for playing time. The fullback spot will be decided between a pair of redshirt freshmen in Wayne Carrabus and Dan Beigel.
Split end Jason Miller led the Great Danes with 15 receptions for 321 yards and two touchdowns, and became a solid blocker in the run game. "He’s better than given credit for," Ford says. "He runs great routes and has good hands." Young receivers like Ronnie DeAraujo (6-2, 200), Gabe Gallucci (6-2, 185), Topher Davey (6-0, 190) and Mike Wall (5-8, 170) represent an up-and-coming group that possess both size and leaping ability.
DEFENSE: The Great Danes’ defense probably turned in its best season as a Division I-AA unit in 2003, and were among the national leaders in scoring and rushing yards allowed.
UAlbany can employ an excellent corps of linebackers. "We should be as good as last year," Ford offers. "There will be more emphasis placed on our linebackers in an effort to take advantage of their strengths. We have kids with size who can run."
Brian Becker (5-11, 225), the team’s most improved player, emerged as a top-notch performer. He was second on the team in tackles with 63, plus added two sacks and two interceptions. "Pound-for-pound he may be the strongest player on the team," Ford states. "He has blossomed into the cornerstone of our defense." Will Boone (6-0, 205) had 40 tackles despite missing three games with an injury. Redshirt freshman Colin Disch (6-1, 203) has moved to the inside.
A healthy Kurt Campbell (6-1, 225) gives the defense an all-conference type roverback. Campbell, plagued by injuries as a collegian, has combined for 86 tackles and 16 pass break-ups during his career. "Kurt was molded for his position," Ford explains. "He has size, strength and speed. Tom Cuozzo (31 tackles) filled in admirably for Campbell last year and will move to outside linebacker. Chris Stellato (31 tackles) can also play both positions. Trevor DuPont, a redshirt freshman, has moved up the depth chart.
Three starters have graduated on the defensive line, but tackles Matt Kryzak (6-0, 295) and Justin Sands (6-1, 285) have played many downs in the trenches. Kryzak made 22 tackles and 3.0 sacks last year, while Sands had 25 tackles, including eight for losses. Jermaine Lee (30 tackles, 3.5 sacks) has tremendous ability.
Andre Coleman (14 tackles, 3.0 sacks, could become a dominating player at defensive end, but needs to become a more consistent force. Redshirt freshman Kelsey Jenks showed quickness and strength at the end spot during the spring.
The team’s deepest positions may be in the secondary. Starting cornerbacks Kamar Elliott (27 tackles) and Ryan Chrobak both return. Chrobak, a former receiver, was fifth on the squad in tackles (47) and added eight pass break-ups. Lucas Kurtz (55 tackles, 15 PBUs) has the size, at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, to be an imposing free safety. Olubunmi Awofeso (12 tackles, 3 PBUs) has played both cornerback and safety during his career.
KICKING GAME: All of the kicking and punting last year fell into Zylinski’s hands. Freshmen Chris Lynch and Kevin Wilary will get an opportunity to have an impact in their first collegiate seasons. Lynch scored 81 points (10 FGs and 51 PATs) as a scholastic senior.
