University of Albany FCS Football Begins 2009 Preseason Camp on Monday, Aug. 10 with Afternoon Practice - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head coach Bob Ford leads the school's football program into its 37th varsity campaign when preseason camp begins on Monday, August 10. The Great Danes will conduct their first practice, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., on the Western Avenue practice fields, adjacent to where the New York Giants hold training camp. UAlbany opens its 2009 schedule at perennial national power Georgia Southern on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. Eastern.

2009 SEASON PREVIEW

UAlbany put together its most celebrated campaign at the NCAA Division I FCS level last year by winning its second consecutive Northeast Conference title and becoming the first NEC program to be crowned Gridiron Classic champions.

The seasons change, but the goals remain the same. "I thoroughly believe in this bunch," offers UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who is first among active FCS head coaches with 234 career victories. "We have solid senior leadership and a good work ethic. They have put to bed the 2008 season and want to get on with 2009."

Ford has 45 letterwinners, including 14 starters, returning from a squad that finished with a 9-3 record, the top win total in the program's FCS history.

"The cupboard is not empty," Ford says. "We have a decent nucleus on both sides of the football. There is better balance between the offense and defense."

The Great Danes, who became just the second conference program to go undefeated in back-to-back seasons against league opponents, open with former national champions Georgia Southern and Massachusetts and last year's NCAA playoff participant Maine in preparation for the NEC schedule.

OFFENSE: All-America tailback David McCarty leads an offense that averaged more than 26 points and 363 yards per game. McCarty, a preseason candidate for the Walter Payton Award, rushed for a school-record 1,852 yards and 13 touchdowns. McCarty set another standard with eleven 100-yard efforts, including 271 on the ground in the Gridiron Classic win against Jacksonville. He was second among the FCS rushing leaders (154.3 ypg).

"He has great balance, good vision, the unique ability to stay on his feet, and the great attribute of holding on to the football," Ford offers. "Besides his great work ethic, he is an unselfish kid and that is hard to do at that position."

Justin Gannon, a second-team All-NEC kick returner who works behind McCarty, may see his role increase. The speedy tailback accounted for 973 all-purpose yards as a junior.

Senior quarterback Vinny Esposito continued to improve in his second season as a starter. He passed for 1,934 yards, the second-best figure in program history, and 13 touchdowns, plus upped his accuracy to a 60.3 completion percentage.

"His ability can't be measured on a film," explains Ford about a quarterback who ran for 10 touchdowns. "He makes as many plays with his feet as with his arm. Although not fast, he has a good feel for the game."

The Great Danes will have to reconfigure their offensive line following the graduation of one All-American and two all-league standouts. Kevin Richards (6-2, 270) made his second straight appearance on the All-NEC team. He anchored a line that blocked for a nationally-ranked rushing attack.

Guards Andrew Stevens (6-4, 275) and Andy Sparano (5-11, 270) have starting experience. Sparano has also seen time at center and as a blocking tight end. Help is on the way in the form of guards Matt Faughnan (6-3, 275) and Kyle O'Keefe (6-3, 275) and tackles Keith Peifer (6-4, 280) and Jordan Migliore (6-6, 295).

UAlbany's Tim Bush returns after being granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. The first-team all-conference receiver caught 67 passes, a school record, for 794 yards and five touchdowns. Jason Poore, a 6'6" wideout, grabbed 15 passes for 146 yards and one TD. Chris Kenneally and Justin Petersen were reliable as H-backs, as the pair combined for 16 receptions. Paul Booker represents the future at the tight end position.

DEFENSE: In 2008, the Great Danes led the conference in scoring defense and rushing yards allowed. The unit was dominant in the stretch run, as evidenced in the shutout of Pioneer Football League champion Jacksonville.

Justin Brancaccio, a first-team All-NEC inside linebacker, is one reason why UAlbany allowed 14.9 points per game in conference play. He led the team with 91 tackles. Chris Simpson, who moved back inside last year, made 38 tackles and solidified his spot with a great spring.

"Justin has pretty good instincts, plays the run well and is tough physically," Ford says. "He has that mean streak to go with being mentally tough."

The Great Danes appear to be loaded at outside linebacker. Dave Nicomini (6-3, 230) missed all of last season with a knee injury after earning first-team all-conference honors the previous year. He has 169 career tackles. Returning starter Rich Duff (46 tackles) is always around the ball. Chris Blais (31 tackles) has found a home after working in the secondary.

Trevor Anderson (6-2, 285) may be ready to step in for All-America defensive tackle Tom Pandolf. The junior had 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks. "He has every tool when his motor is running," Ford explains. "He has size and explosiveness."

Mike Kelly (6-2, 235) and Tony Sparano (5-11, 245) are both sound and productive defensive ends. Kelly came of age with 52 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Sparano had 18 hits despite playing half the season due to injury. He has appeared in 24 career games.

All-NEC second-team selection Eddie Delaney (6-6, 235) was impressive as a redshirt freshman. Delaney, who plays with one hand, totaled 37 tackles and was second on the team with six pass deflections. Marc Wargo (6-2, 235) looks like a promising end after switching from outside linebacker.

The defensive backfield is led by All-ECAC performer Dave Casale, who recorded the most interceptions by a UAlbany defender since 1990 with seven. Casale, a fierce hitter, was second on the team with 74 tackles.

"He is an excellent football player who has far exceeded my expectations," Ford states. "He is a team kid." Safeties Emerson Kinsey and Jake Ciccarello made the change from outside linebacker during the spring. "He (Kinsey) has the speed to play the position and could be the fastest on the team," Ford says. Ross Bertrand (36 tackles, 4 PBUs) and Jean Juste (27 tackles) are proven cornerbacks. Daniel Avery, who was all over the field in the spring game, totaled 17 tackles and two interceptions.

KICKING GAME: Sophomore Herb Glass was third on the squad in scoring with 51 points, plus handled kickoffs. Iona transfer Bobby Woods and freshman Paul Layton will try to replace a record-setting punter.