Northeast Conference Recognizes Three UAlbany Football Players After Hofstra Victory

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. – University at Albany’s David McCarty has been selected as the Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced by the conference office on Monday, Sept. 13. Dave Casale and Raphael Nguti were named the NEC’s defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.

McCarty, a junior tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., scored on a 7-yard run in overtime to lead his team to last Saturday’s 22-16 victory over Hofstra, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. McCarty ran for 178 yards on 27 carries, the second-highest rushing total of his career. He established a school record with his eighth consecutive 100-yard game, eclipsing a mark set by Gary Jones in 2002. McCarty ranks third among the NCAA Division I FCS rushing leaders at 151.5 yards per game.

Casale, a junior free safety from Troy, N.Y., sent the non-league game to an extra period when he blocked Brian Hanly’s 34-yard field goal attempt with nine seconds remaining in regulation. He also made a career-high 13 tackles, including seven unassisted, and reached the double-figure mark for the first time as a collegian.

Nguti, a senior offensive tackle from Rochester, N.Y., used his 6-foot-7 and 330-pound frame to block a pair of kicks in the victory. He stuffed a point-after attempt after Hofstra’s first-quarter touchdown. Nguti was at it again in overtime when he blocked a potential go-ahead 30-yard field goal that set the stage for McCarty’s winning touchdown. Nguti, a first-team All-NEC recognition, helped end a nine-game losing streak in the series.

UAlbany meets New Hampshire on Saturday, Sept. 20 in the first-ever meeting between the programs. The Wildcats are ranked No. 10 in the current Sports Network and FCS Coaches national polls.