BULLDOG FOOTBALL LOADED AT RUNNING BACK IN 2009

August 21, 2009

BULLDOGS LOADED AT RUNNING BACK IN 2009
Bryant University Football Season Preview Continued

SMITHFIELD, RI – With the season opener against Southern Connecticut just two weeks away, the Bryant University football team has been hard at work on the practice field.  Head coach Marty Fine has put the team through a rigorous nine days of practices and workouts. 

Following one of the hottest weeks of preseason practice in recent memory, the Bulldogs conducted Thursday’s practice under the lights at the Turf Field Complex.

While the quarterback position is up for grabs, one position that the Bulldogs are solid is at running back.  Bryant returns its dangerous one-two combination of seniors Jerell Smith (Brooklyn, NY) and Lindsey Gamble (Roxbury, MA).  The pair worked hard in the weight room over the offseason and spent the summer going through an extensive conditioning program.

In addition, the Bulldogs have several others ready to challenge for time.

“Smith and Gamble had a nice year in ’08,” said Fine who enters his sixth season at the helm of the Bulldogs.  “They were both a bit nicked up with the change in level of competition but were really committed to gaining strength in the weight room over the summer and we are looking for them to lead the way in the running game and help us control the clock on offense.” 

Smith, a transfer from Howard University who begins his third and final season this fall, rushed for a team-best 1,254 yards and six touchdowns in Bryant’s first year competing in Division I.  He went over 100 yards in seven of Bryant’s 11 games including a career-high 221 yards in the win over Southern Connecticut. 

Gamble, a four-year veteran and like Smith has explosive speed out of the backfield, rushed for 792 yards in 10 games and led the team with seven touchdowns.  After a breakout year as a sophomore, Gamble came through with several big plays during the ’08 season including a big 75-yard touchdown scramble in the win over Iona last November.

Don’t be surprised if you see junior Mike Canfora (Verona, NJ) - pictured above - have his number called a few times off the bench.  The speedy back saw action in all 11 games a year ago where he rushed for rushed for 89 yards including a season-best 24 against Saint Francis and scored two touchdowns in the win over Southern Connecticut.  Canfora has excellent blocking skills in a pass situation and will give the Bulldogs another option in the passing game out of the backfield.

Sophomores BJ Aponte (New Britain, CT) and Eloma Johnson (Franklin, MA) have loads of talent and enjoyed a successful spring and should be ready to see action this season.

Freshman Jordan Brown (Glastonbury, CT) has impressed the coaches so far in camp with his speed and quickness.  Brown was the New Haven Register Connecticut Player of the Year in 2008 and also named Player of the Year by the Hartford Courant in leading Glastonbury to a 13-0 record and state championship.

Juniors Zach Wilson (Yarmouthport, MA) and Connor Cardew (Ipswich, MA) are projected starters at full back looking to open holes for the talented and speedy tailbacks while sophomore Nick Sengotta (Wayne, NJ) has looked good in camp and should compete as well.

Running back

BJ Aponte, So., 5-8, 190
Jordan Brown, Fr., 5-9, 185
Mike Canfora, Jr, 5-10, 210
Lindsey Gamble, Sr., 5-9, 200
Eloma Johnson, So., 5-9, 205
Jerell Smith, Sr., 5-9, 185

Fullback

Kyle Bell, Jr., 5-9, 245
Brian Campanille, Fr, 6-1, 240
Connor Cardew, Jr., 5-10, 230
John Riley, So., 6-0, 227
Nick Sengotta, So., 6-2, 235
Connor Sweeney, So., 6-1, 200
Zach Wilson, Jr., 6-3, 290