April 27, 2010
Bronx, N.Y. -
Photo Gallery
Throughout the spring practice season, we will attempt to post a positional breakdown of the Rams during the 2010 spring season. Today we look at the offensive line thanks to this write-up from Frank Rizzo, who spent the past four years playing on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Rams.
The first three installments of the Fordham football spring preview focused on who was going to be throwing, catching, and running the ball for the Rams in 2010. This installment will feature the players who will be blocking and opening the holes for the ball carriers; the offensive line.
The Rams have a number of things to look forward to offensively in 2010 despite the downward notion of no longer having Fordham's all-time passer, John Skelton, behind the line. As seen in the previous previews, the Rams have a healthy problem in the backfield, too many good running backs.
The Rams offensive line last year could be categorized as having a successful season with flashes of greatness. With the loss of All-Patriot League tackle Andrew Tyshovnytsky, senior guard Frank Rizzo, and former 20 plus game starter Robby Reis, who was lost to injury after Rhode Island, the Rams have a great core returning to open holes for the running backs and protect the quarterback of the future.
The offensive line opened holes for over 1,200 yards of rushing last fall not to mention the 3,500 plus yards in the air from, now Arizona Cardinal QB, John Skelton. The core of the unit returns with Jon Sheridan, Bobby Kubacki, Lloyd Morrison, and Adnan Vandyck. Look for Andrew Milmore, John Hohlt, and Conor Hartigan to make an impact right away to fill in the holes.
Here is a quick look at the Offensive Linemen competing this spring:
William DeLuca #65 (So, 6'3", 268): Did not see varsity action in 2009... A young strong offensive lineman who has good potential... Saw action with the JV team at center, looks to provide good depth at guard this upcoming season.
Connor Hartigan #52 (Jr, 6'3", 276): Has seen action since the beginning of his time here at Fordham... In 2008, he provided depth on the line but handled the majority of the long snapping duties seeing action in nine games... In 2009, his snapping duties continued while rotating with former Ram James Crockett... Also saw action on the line in 2009.... Started one game at left guard against Holy Cross... Should provide good depth and may have a chance to step in as a full time starter if he progresses enough.
John Hohlt #73 (So, 6'5", 277): Did not see varsity action in 2009... Promising prospect in camp prior to the 2009 season, at which time was hit with
injury, rendering him out for the season... Looks to compete for a starting spot this fall and has been starting at right tackle through the spring... A graduate of Strake Jesuit High School in Houston, Texas, where he played for head coach Ron Counter... A two-time Texas All-District 5A selection on the defensive line... Named to Dave Campbell's Watch List and to the Texas 5A Football Watch List... Served as a team captain.
Cahill Hooker #57 (Jr, 6'4", 278): A good player with some versatility, playing tackle or guard... Saw action with varsity in one game (Marist) as a freshman in 2008, while primarily playing junior varsity... In 2009, provided good depth staying in the two deep all-season and saw varsity action in four games (Rhode Island, Bryant, Cornell, and Georgetown) while also appearing with the junior varsity.
Wendell Joly #79 (Sr, 6'3", 305): A lineman that has good size and strength to make an impact... Looks to provide good depth on the line this season... In 2007, he appeared in one game with the varsity squad (Marist) and provided strong support on the JV team... In 2008, again saw limited action varsity appearing in two games (Marist and Lafayette)... Should push for time at guard.
Daniel Kessler #76 (Jr, 6'3", 282): A powerful young lineman that looks to break into the rotation this year as a junior... Did not see varsity action in his first two years as a Ram... A graduate of McKeesport Area High School where he lettered in football and wrestling... A two-year starter with the football squad.
Robert Kubacki #68 (So, 6'5", 310): An example of what Fordham is trying to do moving to full-scholarships... A big physical specimen who was thrown in the fire mid-season last year... With the loss of Adnan Vandyck to a knee injury, Kubacki stepped in a started the final six games at left tackle, protecting the blind-side of now Arizona Cardinal QB, John Skelton... Slated to continue starting on the left side at tackle for the 2010 season he is enjoying a successful 2010 spring season.
Andrew Milmore #66 (So, 6'3", 286): A graduate of Fairfield Warde High School in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he lettered in football for head coach Tony Catapano... 2008 Connecticut Post All-Star at defensive line... 2008 All-State pick on the defensive line... Named 2008 First Team All-FCIAC... Served as team captain as a senior... In 2009, saw action in one varsity game and on the JV squad... Has progressed greatly this spring and is slated as a starter at guard right.
Lloyd Morrison #53 (Jr, 6'3", 293): The longest mainstay on the Ram's offensive line... Has been a starter since mid-way through his freshmen season... In 2008, appeared in ten games, six as a starter... Started every game as a sophomore at right guard in 2009... Looks to continue to be a strong, physical presence on the line.
Anthony Perrone #61 (So, 6'1", 271): Did not see varsity action in 2009... Slated as the back-up center this spring... Looks to provide good depth at the position for Jon Sheridan... A graduate of New Hyde Park Memorial High School in New Hyde Park, New York, where he lettered in football for head coach Kevin Dolan... Named to All-Nassau County All-Star team as a senior team's leading tackler as a junior and senior... Served as a 2008 team captain.
John "Tom" Smalec #63 (Jr, 6'6" 312): A physically impressive lineman... Lots of potential... Did not see varsity action in 2008... In 2009, saw action at Georgetown... Helped the junior varsity team both seasons... Looks for an opportunity for lots of playing time in 2010... Slated for guard or tackle.
Matthew Van Orden #59 (Jr, 6'2" 290): In 2008, Matt saw primarily action with the junior varsity, however did see action in two games... In 2009, saw action in one varsity game, in addition to junior varsity action before having season ending shoulder surgery... Has responded from the surgery well and should provide good depth and push for time this season on the o-line.
Adnan Vandyck #75 (Sr, 6'4" 265): In 2007 action with the junior varsity... In 2008, saw action in all eleven games on the defensive side of the ball... Made a successful transition to the offensive side of the ball in 2009, starting the first five games of the season at left tackle, before having season ending knee surgery... Should respond with no problem and looks to pick up right where he left off.
Chris Watkins #77 (So, 6'3" 271): A graduate of Carmel High School in Carmel, New York, where he lettered in football for head coach Todd Cayla... An All-League and All-Conference selection on the line as a junior... Team captain junior and senior years... Three-year starter on offensive line and two-year starter on defensive line... Sat out the 2009 season with a knee injury... Looks to provide depth on the line this year could push for time at guard.
Jonathan Sheirdan #69 (Jr, 6'4" 285): In 2008, Jon saw his first varsity
action in four games, while also playing with the junior varsity... Started every game in 2009, one at left guard before moving to center to start the final ten games for the injured
Robby Reis... Jon is quickly becoming one of the best linemen in the Patriot League... He will continue to provide experience and leadership on the line that will guide a new quarterback right into next season.
