Aug. 3, 2010
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Bethlehem, Pa. -
Though they won't be eligible for the 2010 Patriot League title, Fordham University head football coach and tri-captains Jordan Bledsoe, Jason Caldwell and Nick Magiera were in attendance at Patriot League Media Day today at the Green Pond Country Club. Media day marks the beginning of the 2010 season with the Rams scheduled to welcome back the student-athletes on Sunday.
Fordham will not be eligible for the 2010 Patriot League title due to the decision to start awarding athletic scholarships to the incoming freshman class. Despite not being eligible for the championship, the Rams will still be eligible for an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoff at-large bid. The NCAA will increase the number of playoff bids in 2010 from 16 to 20 (ten automatic bids/ten at-large bids).
"With the start of summer camp next week, I think it's a great time of year," said Masella. "We had a lot of guys stay around and work out all summer and I'm excited to get going and compete for an NCAA at-large bid."
At media day, the results of the preseason poll of Patriot League head coaches and sports information directors was announced with Colgate the preseason favorites to win the title. Lafayette was picked for second followed by Lehigh, Holy Cross, Bucknell and Georgetown. The Rams are not eligible for inclusion in the poll or preseason voting because it will not be able to compete for the Patriot League Championship in 2010, and its games against League members will not count towards the final standings.
Also named were the Patriot League preseason offensive and defensive players of the year in Colgate quarterback Greg Sullivan and Holy Cross senior defensive end Mude Ohimor, respectively.
Fordham returns outstanding players at the skill positions on offense with NCAA FCS preseason All-Americans Stephen Skelton and Jason Caldwell leading the way. Also back are running backs Xavier Martin and Darryl Whiting along with wide out David Moore. The big question is will who will get them the ball with the departure of record-setting quarterback John Skelton, a fifth-round draft choice of the Arizona Cardinals, to the NFL.
"I can't wait to get back on the field next week," said Caldwell. "We worked hard in the offseason and hope to see that hard work pay off with an NCAA playoff berth. We know nobody can replace a player like John Skelton but we will work to fill that void and need to have other players step up at every position."
On defense, the Rams returns six starters are back on defense, including leading tackler Nick Magiera at linebacker and Jordan Bledsoe on the defensive line.
"I'm excited to get the season started and compete for the NCAA bid," said Bledsoe. "I think we have enough talent on the roster to do it as long as we stayed focused."
Six of the seven Patriot League teams open the season on Sept. 4, with only Lafayette waiting until the second weekend of the season on Sept. 11. The Leopards' opener will also mark the Patriot League opener as they host Georgetown. The Patriot League champion earns the League's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship.
Patriot League Preseason Poll
1. Colgate (6 first-place votes) 46
2. Lafayette (2) 36
3. Lehigh (3) 35
4. Holy Cross (1) 34
5. Bucknell 17
6. Georgetown 12
Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Greg Sullivan, Sr., QB, Colgate
Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Mude Ohimor, Sr., DE, Holy Cross
