Conference: Colonial League
Class: AA
Nickname: Green Knights
Coach: Paul Reduzzi
2012 Record: 11-3
Returning Players – Offense: Sr. OL Brady Mutton; Jr. OL Zak Ruppert; Jr. OL David Reyes; Sr. OL Joey Sisson; Sr. QB Ryan Hunt; Sr. RB Michael DePaolo; Sr ATH Nick Oyer; Sr. RB Ryan Lobb; Sr. WR Josh Salamone; Sr. WR Derek Nied; Jr. WR Chris Muller; Jr. TE Alex Bartleson
Returning Players – Defense: Jr. DL Alex Bartleson; Sr. DL Brady Mutton; Sr. LB Michael DePaolo; Jr. LB Zak Ruppert; Sr. LB Ryan Lobb; Sr. DB Nick Oyer; Sr. DB Ryan Hunt
Special Teams: “Our kicker will be Jacob Krincek. He will do both kickoffs and extra points. Michael DePaolo is our punter. Both guys return. My punt returner will be Nick Oyer. My kick returner will be Nick Oyer and Logan Ruppert at this point. We have three guys that can do the long snapping duties. They are Zak Ruppert, Brady Mutton and Joey Sisson.”
Top Newcomers: Fr. DB Logan Ruppert
Coaches comments:
How’s your offensive line?
“We have four guys returning with experience and we do move players around. Brady Mutton is returning and he will play either tackle or guard. Zak Ruppert is a returning center and he will play either center or guard position. David Reyes is a returning tackle. Joey Sisson will play center or guard position. Dan Yeisley will play guard or tackle depending on where we are at with the other guys. Keenan Schoenenberger will add depth to the line. We have guys that can move their feet and they all had a good offseason.”
Who’s your quarterback?
“We have Ryan Hunt back. He was our starter last year but he got banged up early last season. But he is back and healthy. We ask our quarterback to run the ball and he has shown in scrimmages he can do that. He can be a lead blocker too. He is a good pocket passer with good arm strength.”
How’s your running game look?
“Michael DePalo and Nick Oyer return. Ryan Lobb will get some carries this year. Michael is more of a inside/outside runner. He is 210-pounds and can lower his shoulder. Nick gives you that burst and good speed to the outside. The same with Ryan. They are more of the outside threat. Ryan Silvius will be our fullback. He is a good blocker.”
How do your receivers look?
“We have a lot of experience coming back at the receiver spot. You will see Oyer out there also. He will be all over the place and he is a three-year starter. Josh Salamone, Derek Nied and Chris Muller are all returning starters. We also have our tight end back and he is Alex Bartleson.”
How’s your defense line?
“We have our defensive end back and he is Alex Bartleson. He’s a big kid and we think he is going to have a break-out year for us this year. Brady Mutton brings back a lot of experience on the line. Other guys in the mix are Daniel Yeisley, David Reyes and we have some young kids we are hoping will step up this year. We do have a need at the tackle spot.”
How are your linebackers?
“We return all three linebackers from last year’s team. They are Mike DePalolo, Zak Ruppert and Ryan Lobb. Zak is our inside linebacker. He is a down hill type of back. He is really physical in there and has good speed. DePalolo and Lobb will both play on the outside.”
How’s your secondary look?
“Nick Oyer and Ryan Hunt are returning starters. It will be Derek Nied and Chris Muller joining them back there. We have a freshman named Logan Ruppert, who is going to get a lot of playing time there and on offense. He has really shown us a lot this summer.”
What are your strengths and concerns on offense?
“We are going to run the football. We feel that is what controls the game. We want to control the time on the clock and tempo of the game. We will let Ryan do things in play action and make plays. Even though we have guys back, I am concerned about being consistent. We do run multiple sets and staying consistent from one set to the next is important. We need everyone to be on the same page.”
What are your strengths and concerns on defense?
“Our strength on defense is at linebacker and our secondary. We have experience coming back and our communication between the players should be good. I think our adjustment and communication on the field will be good. My concern is always tackling. It’s one of the most fundamental parts of the game and it is the hardest to practice.”
What is your key this year?
“The league is so balanced we need consistency every week. We can’t have a down week. Even though our numbers are up this year, depth is a big concern. If you lose a guy you may be filling a couple of positions. So consistency and depth are the two biggest keys.”