Hens seek return to winning ways

As it enters the heart of the 2007 schedule, the University of Delaware football team is battling to make a strong showing in its first season in the Colonial Athletic Association and possibly earn a trip to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

After winning the national championship in 2003 and reaching the playoff quarterfinals in 2004, Head Coach K.C. Keeler’s Fightin’ Blue Hens have played just .500 ball. The Hens went 5-6 last year, Keeler’s first losing season in 14 years as a head coach.

“Losing seasons are not acceptable here at the University of Delaware,” he said after the final game.

This year’s team entered the season with reason for optimism. The Hens returned strong-armed senior quarterback Joe Flacco, senior All-America running back Omar Cuff, a strong receiving corps and an experienced offensive line, led by co-captain Mike Byrne.

Flacco had an outstanding 2006 season for the Hens, completing 264 of 417 passes for 2,783 yards and 18 touchdowns. The 264 completions was a UD single-season record.

Cuff, also a co-captain, battled injuries much of last season but still managed to lead the team with 541 yards on 124 carries in seven games. He scored eight rushing touchdowns and also caught 31 passes for 277 yards.

“Omar is a great player with a great work ethic,” Keeler says. “He also plays with a lot of emotion, which raises the level of play from all the people around him.”

Backing up Cuff last year were Jared Bradley, who ran for 307 yards and six touchdowns, and converted receiver Kervin Michaud, who had 234 yards. Bolstering the rushing attack this season will be Jerry Butler, a transfer from the University of Wisconsin.

The receivers include tight ends Robbie Agnone and Josh Baker, who replace Arizona Cardinals draft pick Ben Patrick, along with Aaron Love, Mark Duncan, Jon Heydt, Tommy Crosby, Martwain Johnston, Mark Mackey and Michaud.

Providing Flacco with time to throw and Cuff with running lanes will be an offensive line anchored by Byrne.

“Mike’s an outstanding player, who is one of the best offensive linemen in the league,” Keeler says. “He has tremendous respect from his peers and is a leader by example.” Another key player on the line will be Rich Beverly, a senior and third-year starter.

The Hens’ defense struggled last season but should be improved with the return of co-captain Matt Marcorelle and the arrival of University of Notre Dame transfer Ronald Talley at the defensive end positions.

“Matt’s strong will to succeed makes him an outstanding leader,” Keeler says, adding that Marcorelle is mature beyond his years, earning him the respect of his teammates and the co-captaincy. “To earn an honor like this as a sophomore says a lot about the kind of leader he is.”

Linebackers include Erik Johnson, who was second on the team with 78 tackles and who added three sacks, and University of Connecticut transfer Johnathan Smith. Defensive backs include Fred Andrew and Aaron Hicks.

On special teams, Love is one of the nation’s top punt return specialists, and punter Stuart Kenworthy averaged 37.2 yards per kick.

After opening action for the new CAA football conference at the College of William and Mary in late August, the Hens are now entering the heart of the schedule. They will face Monmouth University on Sept. 29 at Delaware Stadium and will travel to the University of New Hampshire on Oct. 6 before returning to Newark for the Homecoming game Oct. 13 against Northeastern University.

The Hens will travel to the U.S. Naval Academy on Oct. 27 and then will return home to face James Madison University on Nov. 3 and the University of Richmond on Nov. 10. They will close the regular season at Villanova University on Nov. 17.

The NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs will open Nov. 24, with the championship scheduled Dec. 14 at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tenn.