August 27, 2009

BRYANT FOOTBALL PRESEASON PREVIEW

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW PART THREE
TIGHT ENDS AND RECEIVERS CRUCIAL IN BRYANT'S OFFENSIVE SUCCESS

SMITHFIELD, RI - For the Bryant running game to be successful, the Bulldogs are going to have to find success in the passing game as well.  Aside from having a new signal caller under center this year, head coach Marty Fine will need to find the replacement for last year's go-to receiver Ross Giffune who graduates after an outstanding season. 

Giffune led the team with 29 catches for 340 yards but with his departure comes opportunities for others to step up.  Junior Anthony DiNaso (Staten Island, NY) is the odds on favorite to take over as the top receiver.  As a sophomore, DiNaso hauled in 24 passes for 303 yards- second on the team behind Giffune.

DiNaso is a physical wide out who can pick up extra yards after a catch.  He had three touchdowns including two against Robert Morris and a season-best 70 yards receiving against Monmouth.

Vinton South (Dumont, NJ) is a tremendous athlete who is poised for a strong senior season along with junior Denzal Person (Brookhaven, NY) who at 6-foot-4, 220-pounds should give the Bulldogs quarterbacks a big target.  Speedster Khalel Pritchard (Boston, MA) returns for his senior season after taking a year off.

The tight end position will have some new faces as the Bulldogs look to replace another standout in Jarett Solimando who also graduated this past spring.  Solimando was third on the team with 18 catches, most coming in key third-down possessions. 

Senior Doug Emerzian (Rowley, MA) has battled injuries for the past two seasons so watch for juniors Matt Kelley (Lincoln, RI), Matthew Hunt (Greenbrook, NJ) and newcomer Matt Tracey (Littleton, CO) to compete for the starting position.  All three have excellent size and blocking skills that will be critical in keeping the chains moving on offense.

Next up, we'll take a look at the Bryant defense as the Bulldogs head into the final week of preseason camp.  The 2009 season opener is Saturday, September 5 against Southern Connecticut starting at 3 pm.