Mercyhurst posted a 9-2 record last season, including a 6-1 conference record that led them to a Co-Championship with IUP. Going into 2013, the Lakers are returning five offensive starters and five defensive starters. Among their returners are an experienced quarterback and a 1,000 yard rusher in the backfield. Defensively, a senior defensive lineman leads the way. With hunger on their mind from last season, expectations are high for the Lakers this season.
Here’s a preview of what to look for from the Lakers in 2013.
PSAC WEST PRESEASON POLL RANKING: 2
OFFENSE
RB – Brandon Brown-Dukes – Brown-Dukes was ranked as the no. 68 best player in the NCAA Division II coming into 2013. Last season as a redshirt-freshman, Brown-Dukes ran for 1,295 yards and 19 touchdowns. The 5-7 running back averaged 5.3 yards per carry in 2012 en route to earning First Team All-PSAC West and PSAC West Freshman of the Year honors. He rushed for over 100 yards six times in 2012, including a 213 yard and 3 touchdown performance against Millersville. Brown-Dukes should prove to be one of the more exciting players in all of Division II this coming season. Keep an eye on him.
QB – Anthony Vendermia – Vendermia threw for 1,938 yards and 17 touchdowns last season as the Lakers’ starting quarterback. He added four touchdowns on the ground for 21 total scores. He had his best game of the season against East Stroudsburg at the end of the season, posting 379 yards, 3 touchdowns, and only 1 interception. He recorded a 54.5 completion percentage in 2012 to go with 151.61 efficiency rating. He’ll be without his top two receivers from last season, but with the offense going through Brown-Dukes, the passing game should open up.
WR – Vladmir Rock – Rock is the all-purpose guy for Mercyhurst. He plays receiver, some defensive back, and anywhere on special teams. Last season he caught 4 passes for 84 yards and a score. Three of the those receptions came in the first game of the season when he caught 3 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. He also recorded 8 tackles on defense, and blocked two punts in one game on special teams. He even threw a pass for 41 yards. This season, he could counted on more at receiver than anything else. Watch for him to be a playmaker wherever he is on the field.
OL – The offensive line is returning three starters in Tony Ferraro, Ben Gysin, and Steve Reinhardt. None of them have missed a game and all have contributed to the success in the run game, including leading two PSAC West Freshman of the Year winners.
DEFENSE
DB – Keith Polson – Polson is coming off a solid sophomore season for the Lakers. He started 9 of 11 games, recording 60 total tackles (2nd on the team) and led the team with 32 solo stops. He posted at least five tackles in seven games last season, including a 14 tackle performance against Notre Dame College.
DL – Matt Hyland – Hyland led the defensive line with 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in 2012. Hyland recorded at least one tackle in all 11 games in 2012. He had six tackles, including a tackle-for-loss and a sack in the final game of the 2012 season. He’ll be counted on this season to get after the quarterback.
DL – Dustin Galich – Galich was slowed by injuries last season but still finished third on the team in tackles with 55. He recorded 6 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks. He’s the senior on the defensive line. Even with missing three games in the middle of the season, Galich earned PSAC West Second Team honors. He’s healthy going into 2013 and will be counted on to bolster this defensive line.
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