After finishing 6-5 and 3rd in the PSAC West in 2013, the Gannon Knights are slated to finish fifth according to this year’s preseason poll. Although the team returns nine offensive starters, the team will be replacing its best player from a season ago at the running back position.
In 2013, the Gannon Knights were possibly one of the best stories of the PSAC West despite just having a 6-5 record. The Knights recorded their first winning season since 2010 and hope to keep that momentum alive.
At the forefront of most of the Knights’ success a season ago was running back Jansen Jones, who racked up 1,588 yards and 15 scores on the ground. He also caught 30 passes out of the backfield for 229 yards, scoring twice.
Gannon does, however, return its starting quarterback and top three receiving threats along with three starting offensive linemen.
Leading the charge is redshirt junior Liam Nadler, who is the team’s top passer and also the returning leading rusher. Nadler started all 11 games last year and completed 224-of-377 passes for 2,859 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also had 14 scores on the ground after rushing for 296 yards on 101 carries. His top targets, senior Justin Caliste and junior Quad Law, also return. The tandem hauled in 104 passes for 1,309 yards and five touchdowns. Adding to that list, senior Abraham Ocasio also returns for the Knights. He led the team in receiving scores last season with five in addition to catching 45 passes for 565 yards.
Manning the offensive line will be Randy Toth, Matt Andry and Alex Davis.
On the defensive side of the ball, returners dot the entire lineup.
On the line, the Knights have junior Trenton Donald who had 53 tackles last season. At linebacker, leading tackler Luke Rankie returns. The redshirt senior wrapped up ball carriers 115 times last year, including 5.0 sacks. In the secondary, second leading tackler Mike Zanders returns after posting 91 tackles and four interceptions last year.
In the kicking game, three freshmen will battle for time.
The Knights open their season Sept. 6 at Noon at home against Southern Connecticut State University.
Photo Credit: Gannon
