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The 2004 Wagner College football team, under the direction of Head Coach Walt Hameline, now in his 24th season, has the tough task of replacing their starting quarterback of the past two seasons (David Bateman), a two-year starting tailback (Chris Davis), a record-setting receiver (Sean Simmons), an offensive center (Brian Dilworth) and six of their top eight tacklers (Tim Heaney, Franklin Bright, Truesun Thomas, Luke Schmidt, Kevin Hazzard, Keon Hines) of a year ago.
Fortunately for the Seahawks coaching staff, the 2004 recruiting class is one of the strongest in recent memory with a stable of talented newcomers set to contribute right away.
The Seahawk offensive line unit consists of three returning seniors, Danny Emanuele, Stephen Herring, John Parreco and three returning sophomores, Anthony Perilli, Matt Lamela, Sean Drier. The sextet made 43 appearances last season and should see most of the playing time up front again in 2004.
Junior quarterback John Schiarra, a transfer from UCLA, has the tools to become a big-time NEC player, as he was mentioned as a Player to Watch on the I-AA.org website. Junior Nick Anzalone and sophomore Alex Conlan, a transfer from Siena, will also see snaps in camp as they look to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
The receiving core will again be a major strength for the green and white. Juniors Shaun Grover and Mark Jepson as well as sophomore 9.8 yards/catch, while Turner had a stellar rookie campaign leading the team with 12.4 yards/catch to go along with five TD passes. Jepson, who was Wagner’s primary kick returner, can be used as a third down receiver or as a deep threat adding options to the Seahawks offensive attack.
The rushing game will have a bit of a new look after the graduation of tailback Chris Davis and fullback John Barrett who combined for ten touchdowns. The Seahawks have a committed crew of backs that will all have a chance for playing time this fall. Senior Tyshon Henderson was limited to seven games due to injuries, but gained over 220 yards on just 53 carries last season. Seniors Julius Davis (5.2 ypc), Patrick Payne (4.8 ypc) and sophomore Warren Barnett (4.1 ypc) will add depth to the backfield while newcomers Alija Betts (5-11, 195 Carol City, FL / Cooper City) and Billy Clancy (5-6, 175, Parkland, FL / Stoneman Douglas) could see a significant number of carries out of the tailback spot.
The Seahawk defensive unit took a hit due to graduation, but all is not lost from a team that lead the NEC by allowing just 157.1 passing yards per game and only eight passing TD’s last fall, as there are several key experienced returnees who are certainly capable of leading the charge.
Heading up the defense are inside linebackers senior Brian Giroux and junior Craig Romano. Combined last season, the duo ranked second and third on the team in tackles with more than 170 a year ago.
Outside linebackers Dan Leary (61 T, 6 TFL) and Ryan Layton (28 T, 5 TFL) also return after combining for more than 80 tackles a year ago. Leary suffered a broken leg during the off-season but should be ready to return to the lineup mid-season. In addition, the Seahawk faithful can expect sophomore newcomers Patrick Barnette (Eatontown, NJ) and Jovan Bonelli (6-0, 220, El Mirage, AZ / Cactus) to both push for playing time.
Up front, junior Aaron Robinson, who played in every game last season, returns and should anchor the defensive line along with graduate Josh Russell. Russell, who represented Wagner at the NCAA Track & Field Championships in the shot put the past two years, returns to the gridiron to assist in clogging the middle and applying pressure to the opponent’s backfields. Sophomore James Andrea saw limited time last season due to injuries, but expects to contribute more this season. Classmate Charles Bryant showed aggressiveness in limited action at defensive end last fall and will be called on to increase his production for Defensive Coordinator Mark Collins.
In the defensive backfield, junior Terek Henderson is poised to lead a relatively new unit. Henderson led the team and ranked second in the NEC with six interceptions while compiling more than 30 tackles in 2003. Senior John Stewart, who missed two games with an injury, will get a crack at a starting job after making more than 20 tackles a year ago. Junior Virgil Avery also returns after notching more than 20 tackles to go along with two pass deflections and a forced fumble in a reserve role, while sophomore Bruce Burley seeks more playing time, as both are capable of making big plays.
