UAlbany Begins Spring Football Practice Today; Intrasquad Game Slated for April 24

Albany, N.Y. - Spring practice for the University at Albany football program begins on Monday, April 5. The first workout is scheduled from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the Mara-Tisch Practice Field, adjacent to the SEFCU Arena parking area. The Great Danes, who are allowed 15 practices, are slated to play an intrasquad spring game on Saturday, April 24.

2010 SPRING PREVIEW

UAlbany was once again among the Northeast Conference leaders after finishing second in the league standings one year ago. The Great Danes, who have won four NEC titles since 2002, also defeated a national top-20 program for the first time in three years.

Head coach Bob Ford, the active Division I FCS leader with 241 career victories, has 45 letterwinners back from last year's 7-4 squad. Ford expects a highly competitve spring with several questions to be answered.

"On defense, we need to identify depth at inside and outside linebacker and cornerback," says Ford, who is faced with replacing 17 seniors. "The development of our quarterbacks, who are starting tailback will be and the role of our offensive guards and tight ends are also areas to be addressed." Ford continues, "Leadership is an important factor. Who are the leaders on this team and who will step forward."

OFFENSE: The Great Danes return four of five starters on the offensive line for a unit that averaged 26.6 points and 341.3 total yards. Andy Sparano (5-11, 270) shared the team's top offensive lineman award in his first year as a starter. Sparano can play at center and guard. Vince Gonzales (6-4, 275) started all 11 games at left tackle in earning the program's most improved award. Sophomores Keith Peifer (6-4, 280) and Kyle O'Keefe (6-3, 285) were regulars at right tackle and left guard, respectively. Andrew Stevens (6-4, 280) also has starting experience, while Matt Faughnan (6-3, 275) and Chaz Mitchell (6-3, 250) have taken snaps in the heat of the action.

The Great Danes lost their top passer, an all-conference receiver and the school's career rushing leader. However, quarterback Andrew Smith represents the future after having been used as a triple-threat weapon during his redshirt freshman season. Smith rushed for 379 yards and five touchdowns, threw a scoring pass and caught a pair of TDs. Dan Di Lella (6-5, 225) has some game experience.

In the receiving corps, Jason Poore (6-6, 210) is the top returnee with 26 receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Kirchner, a sure-handed sophomore, and John Lullen increased their production with 16 and 14 receptions, respectively. Tight end Paul Booker (6-4, 230) is a rising star who must expand his role. He caught two TD passes last year. UAlbany will have new faces in its rushing attack. Fullbacks Ben Carl and Justin Petersen did not have one single carry last season. Tailbacks Tramaine Wilson, a redshirt freshman, and true freshman Dillon Romain are in the same boat. Romain, a prep school star in the fall of 2009, will be available for spring practice after entering school in January.

DEFENSE: The Great Danes were tough against the run and allowed just over 19 points per game. "We have a solid line with decent safeties and a good cornerback," Ford states. "I am concerned about our depth."

Trevor Anderson (6-2, 285) may elevate his play to another level after earning first-team All-NEC honors. Anderson, who has more than 100 career tackles, was second the team in sacks (3.0). Zach Gallo (6-0, 245) had 38 tackles as a defensive tackle. Mike Kelly (6-2, 235), Eddie Delaney (6-6, 240) and Marc Wargo (6-2, 235) are all talented defensive ends. Kelly had 26 tackles in a season interrupted by a leg injury. He had 5.5 sacks the previous year. Delaney, who plays with one hand, made 33 tackles, including six for losses, after receiving second-team all-league recognition in 2008. Wargo had 13 tackles and 3.0 sacks as a sophomore.

All four starting linebackers, including two first-team selections, graduated. Chris Wilk (6-2, 230) and Dave Plungas (6-2, 230) earned quality time at the inside positions. Wilk had 14 tackles and one interceptions, while Plungas made 17 stops. Hofstra transfer Said Gaida, who has 32 career appearances, and Chris Van Zelfden will also see the field. The Great Danes will have several veteran outside linebackers vying for starting roles. Jon Morgan (6-2, 210) had 33 tackles and two fumble recoveries in his first year as a collegian. Chris Blais, who missed all of last season with a pair of hand injuries, saw his first time on the outside in the 2008 campaign and made 31 tackles.

Ross Bertrand, who has 105 career tackles, will start for the third consecutive season at cornerback. Duane Harper (13 tackles) made the transition from tailback last year. Jake Ciccarello, the star of last year's Maine victory, and Justin Hassan appear to have the edge at the safety positions. Ciccarello totaled 30 tackles, two interceptions and three blocked kicks.

KICKING GAME: A talented group of kickers include Herb Glass, a second-team All-NEC pick. He led the team in scoring with 61 points and made 12 of 18 field goals. Bobby Woods averaged 36.2 yards per punt. Redshirt freshman Paul Layton will challenge.

PAW PRINTS: The Great Danes return nine starters from last year's 7-4 squad ... UAlbany finished second in the Northeast Conference standings ... the Northeast Conference champion receives an automatic berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Championship for the first time in 2010 ... UAlbany's Bob Ford is first among active NCAA Division I FCS coaches with 241 career victories ... Ford, the architect of the UAlbany program, has a 232-147 career record in 37 varsity seasons as head coach.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information