BULLDOG FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Backfield Raring to Go As Season-Opener Approaches

August 15, 2008

BACKFIELD GIVES BULLDOGS A ONE-TWO PUNCH
Bulldog Preseason Update

They formed one of the most dangerous backfields in the Northeast-10 Conference last season and this year they take their talents to the highest level.  Junior running backs Lindsey Gamble (Boston, MA) and Jerell Smith (Brooklyn, NY) will look pave the way for the Bulldog offense this coming season as the Bulldogs begin their first year competing in Division I. 

With the first week of camp under their belts, the Bulldog coaching staff has used the first few practices to start with the basics, especially with so many new faces at various positions. But the one strength this year should be in the team's running game.

"It's only the first week, but so far so good," said fifth-year Bryant coach Marty Fine.  "We have some new faces in the program this year but we are certainly looking stronger and a little bit faster than we have in the past."

Filling the shoes of all-time standout Lorenzo Perry who graduated in 2006, Gamble stepped into Perry's shoes last fall and rushed for a team-best 941 yards and scored 14 rushing touchdowns in leading the Bulldogs to their second-straight conference title and second NCAA playoff berth. 

Highlighting Gamble's season was a 182-yard, four touchdown performance against Assumption which earned him the Coca-Cola New England Football Player of the Week by the New England Football Writers.

The week before, the speedster had breakout game the team's overtime win at Merrimack, rushing for 177 yards on 26 carries and scoring twice.  He also added three touchdown runs against Southern Connecticut during the regular season.

When Gamble (right) needed a breather, Smith, a transfer from Howard University, was more than capable of carrying the load.  Using his quick burst of speed through the line, Smith saw action in all 11 games, gaining 619 yards and scoring four touchdowns. 

A Saint Francis Prep graduate in Brooklyn, Smith ran for a season-best 135 yards against Saint Anselm and earlier in the year, played a key role in spoiling C.W. Post's homecoming game with a solid 125 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs' win on Long Island.

Senior Tim McManus (Smithtown, NY) and sophomores Perry Grisafi (Coral Springs, FL) and Michael Canfora (Verona, NJ) will be in contention for playing time this year along along with Connor Cardew (Danvers, MA).  Watch for freshmen BJ Aponte (New Britain, CT) and Eloma Johnson (Franklin, MA) to factor in the mix. 

Senior fullbacks Bryan Wood (Westboro, MA) and Steven Branch (Montclair, NJ) are two veterans back again in 2008.

Bryant will open the season August 30 at Central Connecticut (5 p.m.).

Fullback
Bryan Wood (Sr., 6-0,230, Westboro, MA)
Steven Branch (Sr., 5-11, 230, Montclair, NJ)
Shayne Millette (Fr., 5-10,210, Burlington, VT)
John Riley (Fr., 6-0, 227, Wakefield, MA)

Running Back
Tim McManus (Sr., 5-9, 225, Smithtown, NY)
Perry Grisafi (So, 5-10, 165, Coral Springs, FL)
Michael Canfora (So., 5-8, 190, Verona, NJ)
Connor Cardew (So., 5-10, 230, Danvers, MA)
BJ Aponte (Fr., 5-8, 183, New Britain, CT)
Eloma Johnson (Fr., 5-9, 190, Franklin, MA)