2014 Lehigh Football Spring Prospectus
4/11/2014 2:45:00 PM | Football
2014 Lehigh Football Spring Prospectus (PDF)
There's a newness surrounding the Lehigh football program as the Mountain Hawks enter the 2014 season. The Mountain Hawks are coming off an 8-3 campaign in 2013. Lehigh played in a Patriot League championship game for the fourth consecutive year but ultimately came up short in its quest for a third league title in four years. The Mountain Hawks' senior class finished their careers in the Brown and White with a 39-9 record.
Lehigh captured Patriot League titles and won FCS playoff games in 2010 and 2011 but after falling short in their league title and postseason aspirations the last two years; change has come upon the program. Six new coaches have joined the staff and ninth-year head coach Andy Coen must break in new coordinators on both sides of the ball. The Mountain Hawks will lose 13 starters to graduation, including seven of Lehigh's nine All-Patriot League selections from a year ago. A group of talented, but unproven players are waiting in the wings looking to help Lehigh reclaim its perch at the top of the Patriot League.
OFFENSE
Many of the questions surrounding Lehigh's offense heading into the 2013 season were answered by the emergence of quarterback Brandon Bialkowski, who completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,647 yards and 18 touchdowns, while leading the Mountain Hawks to a 6-1 start. A season-ending injury to Bialkowski at Bucknell slowed what was one of the nation's top offenses but seniors Keith Sherman and Lee Kurfis picked up the slack. Kurfis set a school record for receptions and led the nation in receiving yards per game, while Sherman became Lehigh's first 1,000 yard rusher since 2002. Drew Folmar takes over as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Folmar played a major role in developing one of the nation's top offenses in Division II at Kutztown University. Lehigh will once again be looking for a quarterback to emerge and take control of an offense that features four quality runners and a number of talented but unproven wide receivers.
Quarterbacks
Statistically, Brandon Bialkowski was one of the top quarterbacks at the FCS level before suffering his season-ending injury in late October. Bialkowski's performance through eight games was enough to earn the Arizona product second team All-Patriot League honors. In his absence, Matt McHale and Nick Shafnisky stepped up to lead Lehigh to wins over Holy Cross and Colgate but both signal callers came up short in their efforts in the season finale.
Quarterback is one of the biggest question marks facing Lehigh as it readies for 2014. The roster features four returnees, with three of the four healthy enough to compete in the spring.
McHale, a rising senior, has the most in-game experience, but will miss the spring segment as he recovers from offseason surgery. He appeared in eight games and made two starts in 2013 after serving as Lehigh's third quarterback in 2012. McHale possesses good size (6-3, 220 lbs.) and a strong throwing arm. He is a proven dual threat who completed 26 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns and is also Lehigh's leading returning rusher with 158 yards on 38 carries.
Fellow seniors Gerard Poutier and A.J. Visconti will also be in the mix. Poutier will be looking to bounce back after missing the entire 2013 season due to injury. He is a tough competitor who has a gunslinger-type approach where he never wants to give up on a play. Visconti has consistently improved since joining the program as a walk-on. He had moved up to third on Lehigh's depth chart by the end of last season.
Shafnisky is the fourth of Lehigh's returning quarterbacks and is the one who figures to receive the most repetitions in spring practice. The former Lehigh Valley Conference Co-MVP saw time at quarterback in four games as a freshman last season and led Lehigh to wins over Holy Cross and Colgate after McHale went down with an injury. A dual threat in the mold similar to McHale, Shafnisky threw for 326 yards and five touchdowns and also ran for 109 yards. He will also have the added benefit of a full season under his belt to learn the nuances of Lehigh's playbook.
Receivers
Lehigh's last three senior classes have produced some outstanding wide receivers, beginning with Jake Drwal '12 and then Ryan Spadola '13 who enters his second season in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Last year, Lee Kurfis '14 made up for Spadola's departure and in some cases vaulted past him in Lehigh's record book. Kurfis broke Spadola's single season receiving record with 99 catches and added 1,351 yards and nine touchdowns en route to All-America honors. Lehigh also loses reliable slot receiver Sergio Fernandez-Soto.
The most experienced of the returning receivers is senior Josh Parris, who started all 11 games opposite Kurfis and finished second on the Mountain Hawks with 41 catches for 443 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Derek Gaul emerged as a weapon for Lehigh quarterbacks as he hauled in nine passes for 96 yards. Gaul caught his first career touchdown in a win over Georgetown in October. Alex Buford is the third senior wide receiver on the Mountain Hawks' roster.
Speedy junior Derek Knott will look to take over for Fernandez-Soto in the slot. Knott caught just five passes last year, including the go-ahead touchdown in a win over New Hampshire, before suffering a season-ending injury. When healthy, Knott has shown the speed and ability to be a playmaker in Lehigh's offense.
Stefan Sansone had one reception last year and will look to play a larger role entering his junior season. The coaching staff is also excited about the group of sophomore receivers that includes Mike Anderson and Jarrod Howard on the outside and Trevor Socarras on the outside.
Running Backs/Fullbacks
The Mountain Hawks lose a great runner and leader in Keith Sherman, who put the team on his back late last season and finished with 1,064 rushing yards and eight touchdowns to become Lehigh's first 1,000 yard back in 11 years. Despite the loss of Sherman, the coaching staff likes what they have in a returning group that features four tailbacks (including one transfer) and one fullback.
Senior Rich Sodeke has the most in-game experience for Lehigh at the tailback position. Sodeke has rushed for 179 yards in his last two seasons and will look for a breakout season in his senior campaign.
Juniors DJ Kee and Dan Brown will also vie for time. Kee possesses good speed and looked strong on the practice field at the end of last season. Brown was Lehigh's offensive scout team MVP as a freshman in 2012 and will look to work his way back into the mix after missing all of last season due to injury.
The running back position will also be bolstered with the addition of sophomore transfer Brandon Yosha from the University of Miami. Yosha saw time on special teams and lettered as a true freshman for the Hurricanes. He was a top ten-rated running back in high school before suffering an injury as a junior, but came back to rush for 1,000 yards as a senior.
Lehigh loses its top two fullbacks in blocker Zach Hayden and short yardage specialist Sean Farrell, leaving sophomore Mackenzie Crawford as the primary option when the Mountain Hawks employ a fullback.
Tight Ends
The tight end position should be an area of strength for the Mountain Hawks in 2014 with five returning players including four significant contributors. Senior Tyler Coyle returns as the starter at tight end after catching 21 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns last season. Classmate Dylan Colgate is a strong blocker who added ten receptions and caught his first career touchdown at Princeton.
Lehigh also welcomes back Max Anderson, who totaled four receptions and a touchdown in 2011 and 2012, from a leave of absence.
Also returning is junior Chris Ruhl, who appeared in seven games and saw time on special teams, and sophomore Zach Bucklin.
Offensive Line
The coaching staff is excited about the prospects on the offensive line, with 13 bodies participating in spring practice. Lehigh's offensive line led the Patriot League in fewest sacks allowed while also paving the way for the program's first 1,000 yard rusher in 11 years. While just four of the returning players started games last season, there are plenty of young talented linemen eager to prove themselves if given an expanded role. The Mountain Hawks have enjoyed several strong recruiting years on the offensive line, and there should be a lot of talent, depth and good competition in the trenches.
Lehigh's offensive line features one of the top linemen in the Patriot League in left tackle Ned Daryoush. The senior has been the rock on the Mountain Hawks' line as Daryoush has started the last 22 games at left tackle. Daryoush is a two-time All-Patriot League selection, earning first team honors following his junior season. On the right side, senior Wenner Nunes is a strong pass protector who did well in his first significant playing time last season. He is working his way back from injury and may not be available for Lehigh's spring segment. The coaches are also high on two rising sophomore tackles, Zach Duffy and Micah Tennant, who will vie for time.
On the interior line, junior Terez Owens returns as the starter at left guard. On the right side, Lehigh hopes to have Shane Rugg back for a fifth year. Rugg has been a contributor for the last three seasons and is one of the strongest players on the team. Sophomore Brandon Short is expected to take over at center for All-League performer Matt Lippincott. Short is a smart, athletic player who was named offensive scout team MVP last season.
Others who are in the mix for time on the offensive line include juniors Matt Ford, Ryan James, Steve Camasta and Matt Cohen and sophomores Patrick Donohoe and Evan Sweeney.
DEFENSE
While the schemes will remain the same, change has come to the defensive side of the ball as well as the Mountain Hawks will look to improve upon a defense that gave up more than 31 points and 437 yards per game. Lehigh will look to reclaim the form that saw the Mountain Hawks annually rank among the Patriot League leaders in scoring defense, total defense, sacks and takeaways. Inside linebackers coach Joe Bottiglieri moves back into the defensive coordinator role, a role he previously held in Lehigh's 1998 and 1999 Patriot League championship seniors. Lehigh returns just five starters, but a number of returning players on defense have game experience and will look to move into expanded roles as Lehigh looks to continue its tradition of having a fast, physical and opportunistic defense.
Defensive Line
Lehigh will look for a bounce-back year from a defensive line that contributed to a defense that allowed more than 200 rushing yards per game while failing to lead the league in sacks for the first time since 2008. The good news is most of Lehigh's defensive line rotation is back, led by senior tackle Tim Newton who is Lehigh's lone returning All-Patriot League performer on the defensive side of the ball. Newton's first year as a starter featured 58 tackles and a team-best 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Senior Arturo Gyles emerged as a starter last year and can play tackle or nose guard. Fellow seniors Reed Remington and Scott Grossnickle will also be in the mix for playing time.
Greg Palma leads the quartet of defensive linemen in the junior class. Palma totaled 18 tackles in ten games. He is joined by converted linebacker D.J. Bourgeois plus Josh Chiasson and Grant Jamgochian.
Sophomore T.J. Stubbs is expected to battle for time in the fall but will miss Lehigh's spring segment along with classmates Jimmy Mitchell and Brad Smith who are working their way back from injury.
Linebacker
Much of Lehigh's recent defensive success has come in part from strong linebacker play. Last year, Lehigh was led by outside linebacker Nigel Muhammad who departs as a two-time All-Patriot League performer. While the linebacker position was an area of question heading into last season a number of young, talented players emerged, helping transform this deep and talented unit into an area of strength for the Mountain Hawks heading into 2014.
Lehigh's inside linebackers are led by junior Noah Robb, who recorded 55 tackles and three sacks in his first year playing on the inside. Robb should continue to improve as he gains experience at the position. Colton Caslow emerged as a force at the other inside spot as he finished second on the team with 64 tackles while starting six games as a freshman. The Mountain Hawks have built some depth behind Robb and Caslow with senior John Gonos, junior Cody Kondas and sophomores Evan Harvey and Evan Kauffman all looking to make contributions.
The Mountain Hawks have several quality options to replace Muhammad at the strong side outside position. Junior Matt Laub is the front runner, with 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a sophomore but Laub will miss the spring while he recovers from surgery. Classmate Mathew Verdon played well in limited action while Muhammad and Laub were injured and will be part of the competition along with senior Tashan Mitchell.
On the weak side, Isaiah Campbell returns after starting all 11 games and earning Lehigh's outstanding linebacker award at the year-end banquet. Campbell finished 46 tackles and notched his first career interception to seal a come-from-behind win at Princeton. Sophomore Pierce Ripanti impressed in his playing time as a freshman and could see an expanded role. Ripanti registered 17 tackles and impressed enough that the coaches may try to get he and Campbell on the field at the same time. Senior John Mahoney also returns as he works his way back after missing most of last season due to injury.
Secondary
Lehigh's secondary will feature four new starters as the Mountain Hawks must replace a unit that was led by safety Tyler Ward, the team's leading tackler with 98 stops. The good news is that many of the players who will compete for starting roles have seen significant time and have been strong contributors on Lehigh's special teams. The coaching staff is looking for players that can run and be physical and there are a number of young, hungry players looking to prove themselves in an expanded role.
At cornerback, senior Jason Suggs is the most experienced member of the group. Suggs has good speed and has contributed in the return game but has battled injuries in each of the last two seasons. Junior Olivier Rigaud came on at the tail end of last season with 19 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Rigaud was one of Lehigh's top performers in offseason workouts and could be primed for a breakout year.
Sophomore Brandon Leaks showcased his talents as a kickoff returner as a freshman but he excelled as a cover corner on the practice field as he was named Lehigh's defensive scout team MVP. Junior Randall Lawson is the fourth cornerback competing for time.
At safety, senior Stephen Wilmington and junior LaQuan Lambert will get the first crack at trying to replace Ward and two-year starter Rickie Hill. Both players have been major contributors on special teams with Wilmington notching 21 tackles as a junior and Lambert adding six in his sophomore season.
Senior Jamil Robinson returns to provide depth at safety along with rising sophomores Joe Barrett and Brian Githens.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Lehigh's special teams units were solid in 2013 but the Mountain Hawks will have to address several key losses with new faces moving into key roles. The Mountain Hawks will have a new punter as Tim Divers capped his three-year stint by earning first team All-Patriot League honors. Lehigh will also have to search for a new snapper as three-year contributor Kyle Lechner graduates as well.
Junior Austin Devine will take over the punting duties. Devine possesses a strong leg and is a left footed kicker, which could throw off opposing returners.
Ryan Pandy enjoyed a strong freshman season as Lehigh's placekicker. Pandy converted 42-of-44 extra point attempts and connected on 8-of-12 field goals. The strong-legged Pandy's season-long was 41 yards while the Florida native averaged 59 yards per kickoff with 16 touchbacks.
With Lechner's departure junior Matt Laub and senior Derek Gaul will be in the mix for the snapping duties. Laub handled several snaps on placements as a freshman when Lechner was injured. Quarterback Nick Shafnisky held for Pandy last year while Devine may also get a look.
The coaches will once again look at a number of players in the return game. Brandon Leaks emerged as Lehigh's top kickoff returner in 2013, averaging 22 yards per return as a freshman. Senior Jason Suggs and junior Derek Knott have returned kickoffs in the past while senior Rich Sodeke may get a look as well. Senior Josh Parris served as Lehigh's punt returner last year and will likely serve in that role again. Suggs has also see time as a punt returner and could figure in as well.
For the complete 2014 Lehigh Football Spring Prospectus, please click on the link at the top of the page
There's a newness surrounding the Lehigh football program as the Mountain Hawks enter the 2014 season. The Mountain Hawks are coming off an 8-3 campaign in 2013. Lehigh played in a Patriot League championship game for the fourth consecutive year but ultimately came up short in its quest for a third league title in four years. The Mountain Hawks' senior class finished their careers in the Brown and White with a 39-9 record.
Lehigh captured Patriot League titles and won FCS playoff games in 2010 and 2011 but after falling short in their league title and postseason aspirations the last two years; change has come upon the program. Six new coaches have joined the staff and ninth-year head coach Andy Coen must break in new coordinators on both sides of the ball. The Mountain Hawks will lose 13 starters to graduation, including seven of Lehigh's nine All-Patriot League selections from a year ago. A group of talented, but unproven players are waiting in the wings looking to help Lehigh reclaim its perch at the top of the Patriot League.
OFFENSE
Many of the questions surrounding Lehigh's offense heading into the 2013 season were answered by the emergence of quarterback Brandon Bialkowski, who completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,647 yards and 18 touchdowns, while leading the Mountain Hawks to a 6-1 start. A season-ending injury to Bialkowski at Bucknell slowed what was one of the nation's top offenses but seniors Keith Sherman and Lee Kurfis picked up the slack. Kurfis set a school record for receptions and led the nation in receiving yards per game, while Sherman became Lehigh's first 1,000 yard rusher since 2002. Drew Folmar takes over as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Folmar played a major role in developing one of the nation's top offenses in Division II at Kutztown University. Lehigh will once again be looking for a quarterback to emerge and take control of an offense that features four quality runners and a number of talented but unproven wide receivers.
Quarterbacks
Statistically, Brandon Bialkowski was one of the top quarterbacks at the FCS level before suffering his season-ending injury in late October. Bialkowski's performance through eight games was enough to earn the Arizona product second team All-Patriot League honors. In his absence, Matt McHale and Nick Shafnisky stepped up to lead Lehigh to wins over Holy Cross and Colgate but both signal callers came up short in their efforts in the season finale.
Quarterback is one of the biggest question marks facing Lehigh as it readies for 2014. The roster features four returnees, with three of the four healthy enough to compete in the spring.
McHale, a rising senior, has the most in-game experience, but will miss the spring segment as he recovers from offseason surgery. He appeared in eight games and made two starts in 2013 after serving as Lehigh's third quarterback in 2012. McHale possesses good size (6-3, 220 lbs.) and a strong throwing arm. He is a proven dual threat who completed 26 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns and is also Lehigh's leading returning rusher with 158 yards on 38 carries.
Fellow seniors Gerard Poutier and A.J. Visconti will also be in the mix. Poutier will be looking to bounce back after missing the entire 2013 season due to injury. He is a tough competitor who has a gunslinger-type approach where he never wants to give up on a play. Visconti has consistently improved since joining the program as a walk-on. He had moved up to third on Lehigh's depth chart by the end of last season.
Shafnisky is the fourth of Lehigh's returning quarterbacks and is the one who figures to receive the most repetitions in spring practice. The former Lehigh Valley Conference Co-MVP saw time at quarterback in four games as a freshman last season and led Lehigh to wins over Holy Cross and Colgate after McHale went down with an injury. A dual threat in the mold similar to McHale, Shafnisky threw for 326 yards and five touchdowns and also ran for 109 yards. He will also have the added benefit of a full season under his belt to learn the nuances of Lehigh's playbook.
Receivers
Lehigh's last three senior classes have produced some outstanding wide receivers, beginning with Jake Drwal '12 and then Ryan Spadola '13 who enters his second season in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Last year, Lee Kurfis '14 made up for Spadola's departure and in some cases vaulted past him in Lehigh's record book. Kurfis broke Spadola's single season receiving record with 99 catches and added 1,351 yards and nine touchdowns en route to All-America honors. Lehigh also loses reliable slot receiver Sergio Fernandez-Soto.
The most experienced of the returning receivers is senior Josh Parris, who started all 11 games opposite Kurfis and finished second on the Mountain Hawks with 41 catches for 443 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Derek Gaul emerged as a weapon for Lehigh quarterbacks as he hauled in nine passes for 96 yards. Gaul caught his first career touchdown in a win over Georgetown in October. Alex Buford is the third senior wide receiver on the Mountain Hawks' roster.
Speedy junior Derek Knott will look to take over for Fernandez-Soto in the slot. Knott caught just five passes last year, including the go-ahead touchdown in a win over New Hampshire, before suffering a season-ending injury. When healthy, Knott has shown the speed and ability to be a playmaker in Lehigh's offense.
Stefan Sansone had one reception last year and will look to play a larger role entering his junior season. The coaching staff is also excited about the group of sophomore receivers that includes Mike Anderson and Jarrod Howard on the outside and Trevor Socarras on the outside.
Running Backs/Fullbacks
The Mountain Hawks lose a great runner and leader in Keith Sherman, who put the team on his back late last season and finished with 1,064 rushing yards and eight touchdowns to become Lehigh's first 1,000 yard back in 11 years. Despite the loss of Sherman, the coaching staff likes what they have in a returning group that features four tailbacks (including one transfer) and one fullback.
Senior Rich Sodeke has the most in-game experience for Lehigh at the tailback position. Sodeke has rushed for 179 yards in his last two seasons and will look for a breakout season in his senior campaign.
Juniors DJ Kee and Dan Brown will also vie for time. Kee possesses good speed and looked strong on the practice field at the end of last season. Brown was Lehigh's offensive scout team MVP as a freshman in 2012 and will look to work his way back into the mix after missing all of last season due to injury.
The running back position will also be bolstered with the addition of sophomore transfer Brandon Yosha from the University of Miami. Yosha saw time on special teams and lettered as a true freshman for the Hurricanes. He was a top ten-rated running back in high school before suffering an injury as a junior, but came back to rush for 1,000 yards as a senior.
Lehigh loses its top two fullbacks in blocker Zach Hayden and short yardage specialist Sean Farrell, leaving sophomore Mackenzie Crawford as the primary option when the Mountain Hawks employ a fullback.
Tight Ends
The tight end position should be an area of strength for the Mountain Hawks in 2014 with five returning players including four significant contributors. Senior Tyler Coyle returns as the starter at tight end after catching 21 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns last season. Classmate Dylan Colgate is a strong blocker who added ten receptions and caught his first career touchdown at Princeton.
Lehigh also welcomes back Max Anderson, who totaled four receptions and a touchdown in 2011 and 2012, from a leave of absence.
Also returning is junior Chris Ruhl, who appeared in seven games and saw time on special teams, and sophomore Zach Bucklin.
Offensive Line
The coaching staff is excited about the prospects on the offensive line, with 13 bodies participating in spring practice. Lehigh's offensive line led the Patriot League in fewest sacks allowed while also paving the way for the program's first 1,000 yard rusher in 11 years. While just four of the returning players started games last season, there are plenty of young talented linemen eager to prove themselves if given an expanded role. The Mountain Hawks have enjoyed several strong recruiting years on the offensive line, and there should be a lot of talent, depth and good competition in the trenches.
Lehigh's offensive line features one of the top linemen in the Patriot League in left tackle Ned Daryoush. The senior has been the rock on the Mountain Hawks' line as Daryoush has started the last 22 games at left tackle. Daryoush is a two-time All-Patriot League selection, earning first team honors following his junior season. On the right side, senior Wenner Nunes is a strong pass protector who did well in his first significant playing time last season. He is working his way back from injury and may not be available for Lehigh's spring segment. The coaches are also high on two rising sophomore tackles, Zach Duffy and Micah Tennant, who will vie for time.
On the interior line, junior Terez Owens returns as the starter at left guard. On the right side, Lehigh hopes to have Shane Rugg back for a fifth year. Rugg has been a contributor for the last three seasons and is one of the strongest players on the team. Sophomore Brandon Short is expected to take over at center for All-League performer Matt Lippincott. Short is a smart, athletic player who was named offensive scout team MVP last season.
Others who are in the mix for time on the offensive line include juniors Matt Ford, Ryan James, Steve Camasta and Matt Cohen and sophomores Patrick Donohoe and Evan Sweeney.
DEFENSE
While the schemes will remain the same, change has come to the defensive side of the ball as well as the Mountain Hawks will look to improve upon a defense that gave up more than 31 points and 437 yards per game. Lehigh will look to reclaim the form that saw the Mountain Hawks annually rank among the Patriot League leaders in scoring defense, total defense, sacks and takeaways. Inside linebackers coach Joe Bottiglieri moves back into the defensive coordinator role, a role he previously held in Lehigh's 1998 and 1999 Patriot League championship seniors. Lehigh returns just five starters, but a number of returning players on defense have game experience and will look to move into expanded roles as Lehigh looks to continue its tradition of having a fast, physical and opportunistic defense.
Defensive Line
Lehigh will look for a bounce-back year from a defensive line that contributed to a defense that allowed more than 200 rushing yards per game while failing to lead the league in sacks for the first time since 2008. The good news is most of Lehigh's defensive line rotation is back, led by senior tackle Tim Newton who is Lehigh's lone returning All-Patriot League performer on the defensive side of the ball. Newton's first year as a starter featured 58 tackles and a team-best 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Senior Arturo Gyles emerged as a starter last year and can play tackle or nose guard. Fellow seniors Reed Remington and Scott Grossnickle will also be in the mix for playing time.
Greg Palma leads the quartet of defensive linemen in the junior class. Palma totaled 18 tackles in ten games. He is joined by converted linebacker D.J. Bourgeois plus Josh Chiasson and Grant Jamgochian.
Sophomore T.J. Stubbs is expected to battle for time in the fall but will miss Lehigh's spring segment along with classmates Jimmy Mitchell and Brad Smith who are working their way back from injury.
Linebacker
Much of Lehigh's recent defensive success has come in part from strong linebacker play. Last year, Lehigh was led by outside linebacker Nigel Muhammad who departs as a two-time All-Patriot League performer. While the linebacker position was an area of question heading into last season a number of young, talented players emerged, helping transform this deep and talented unit into an area of strength for the Mountain Hawks heading into 2014.
Lehigh's inside linebackers are led by junior Noah Robb, who recorded 55 tackles and three sacks in his first year playing on the inside. Robb should continue to improve as he gains experience at the position. Colton Caslow emerged as a force at the other inside spot as he finished second on the team with 64 tackles while starting six games as a freshman. The Mountain Hawks have built some depth behind Robb and Caslow with senior John Gonos, junior Cody Kondas and sophomores Evan Harvey and Evan Kauffman all looking to make contributions.
The Mountain Hawks have several quality options to replace Muhammad at the strong side outside position. Junior Matt Laub is the front runner, with 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a sophomore but Laub will miss the spring while he recovers from surgery. Classmate Mathew Verdon played well in limited action while Muhammad and Laub were injured and will be part of the competition along with senior Tashan Mitchell.
On the weak side, Isaiah Campbell returns after starting all 11 games and earning Lehigh's outstanding linebacker award at the year-end banquet. Campbell finished 46 tackles and notched his first career interception to seal a come-from-behind win at Princeton. Sophomore Pierce Ripanti impressed in his playing time as a freshman and could see an expanded role. Ripanti registered 17 tackles and impressed enough that the coaches may try to get he and Campbell on the field at the same time. Senior John Mahoney also returns as he works his way back after missing most of last season due to injury.
Secondary
Lehigh's secondary will feature four new starters as the Mountain Hawks must replace a unit that was led by safety Tyler Ward, the team's leading tackler with 98 stops. The good news is that many of the players who will compete for starting roles have seen significant time and have been strong contributors on Lehigh's special teams. The coaching staff is looking for players that can run and be physical and there are a number of young, hungry players looking to prove themselves in an expanded role.
At cornerback, senior Jason Suggs is the most experienced member of the group. Suggs has good speed and has contributed in the return game but has battled injuries in each of the last two seasons. Junior Olivier Rigaud came on at the tail end of last season with 19 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Rigaud was one of Lehigh's top performers in offseason workouts and could be primed for a breakout year.
Sophomore Brandon Leaks showcased his talents as a kickoff returner as a freshman but he excelled as a cover corner on the practice field as he was named Lehigh's defensive scout team MVP. Junior Randall Lawson is the fourth cornerback competing for time.
At safety, senior Stephen Wilmington and junior LaQuan Lambert will get the first crack at trying to replace Ward and two-year starter Rickie Hill. Both players have been major contributors on special teams with Wilmington notching 21 tackles as a junior and Lambert adding six in his sophomore season.
Senior Jamil Robinson returns to provide depth at safety along with rising sophomores Joe Barrett and Brian Githens.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Lehigh's special teams units were solid in 2013 but the Mountain Hawks will have to address several key losses with new faces moving into key roles. The Mountain Hawks will have a new punter as Tim Divers capped his three-year stint by earning first team All-Patriot League honors. Lehigh will also have to search for a new snapper as three-year contributor Kyle Lechner graduates as well.
Junior Austin Devine will take over the punting duties. Devine possesses a strong leg and is a left footed kicker, which could throw off opposing returners.
Ryan Pandy enjoyed a strong freshman season as Lehigh's placekicker. Pandy converted 42-of-44 extra point attempts and connected on 8-of-12 field goals. The strong-legged Pandy's season-long was 41 yards while the Florida native averaged 59 yards per kickoff with 16 touchbacks.
With Lechner's departure junior Matt Laub and senior Derek Gaul will be in the mix for the snapping duties. Laub handled several snaps on placements as a freshman when Lechner was injured. Quarterback Nick Shafnisky held for Pandy last year while Devine may also get a look.
The coaches will once again look at a number of players in the return game. Brandon Leaks emerged as Lehigh's top kickoff returner in 2013, averaging 22 yards per return as a freshman. Senior Jason Suggs and junior Derek Knott have returned kickoffs in the past while senior Rich Sodeke may get a look as well. Senior Josh Parris served as Lehigh's punt returner last year and will likely serve in that role again. Suggs has also see time as a punt returner and could figure in as well.
For the complete 2014 Lehigh Football Spring Prospectus, please click on the link at the top of the page
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