RFH 2010, Colgate Sports

Colgate Announces Football Recruits

Tue, Apr 05, 2011

Colgate Head Coach Dick Biddle announces that 29 new players are members of the Raiders' Class of 2015.

They come from nine states – New York (8), Pennsylvania (6), Florida (5), New Jersey (5), California (1), Illinois (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1) and Ohio (1).

"We feel that this class is a balanced one and meets our needs," said Biddle. "A number of the incoming players will compete for playing time and will be called upon to play special teams. I think this is a very athletic group."

The Raiders add to their roster three quarterbacks, three wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two running backs, two fullbacks, two tight ends, six defensive linemen, four defensive backs, four linebackers and one kicker – though several of the players played multiple positions in high school and could move to other positions once they arrive on campus.

Among the Class of 2015 is the nephew Doug Williams, who played quarterback for the Washington Redskins and was the MVP in Super Bowl XXIII.

Members of the team's Class of 2015 include:

#28 Armani Aburto
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Carlsbad, Calif.
High School: Carlsbad

#85 Anto Almasian
Position: Defensive Lineman
Height: 6-5
Weight: 240
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Massena
High School: played at Massena Central High School in New York ... lettered four years with the Red Raiders ... ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 193 overall as outside linebacker by ESPN ... played defensive end and tight end in his junior and senior seasons ... also served as team captain both seasons ... finished his career with 115 tackles ... also caught 27 passes for 350 yards and four scores ... named NYS first team All-State Defense Selection by ESPN ... also named first team Northern Athletic Conference and Academic All-Northern Selection ... selected for the North vs. South NYS All-Star Game ... also lettered in lacrosse, wrestling and track ... was a member of the National Honor Society.

#18 Mike Armiento
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Sunrise, Fla.
High School: played at Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Florida ... lettered four years with the Mavericks ... played quarterback in his final three seasons ... also served as team captain all three seasons ... as a senior he completed 135 of 184 passes for 1,851 yards and 24 touchdowns, while rushing for 675 yards and eight scores ... was named to the 2011 All Broward All-Star Game as quarterback ... also was named all-County as a junior and senior ... coached by John Timmins ... was also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America.

#45 Tyler Butler
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-2
Weight: 225
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Loxahatchee, Fla.
High School: played at Seminole Ridge Florida ... lettered four years with the Hawks ... served as team captain junior and senior seasons ... as a senior had 153 carries with 805 yards for 12 touchdowns ... selected to play in the 2010 Outback Bowl ... named All-District ...first team All-Area ...first team All-Conference ... coached by Matt Dickmann ... also lettered in baseball.

#95 Brandon Cope
Position: Fullback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 220
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Sellersville, Pa.
High School: played at Pennridge High School in Pennsylvania ... lettered four years with the Rams ... two time first team All-League ...third team All-League ...Mini Maxwell award winner ...2010 first team All-Lehigh Valley by the Morning Call ... 2010 first team All-Southeast Region pre-season by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... 2009 All-State by the Pennsylvania Football News ...2009 and 2010 All-Southeast Region by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... 2009 first team by the Intelligencer ... two time second team All-League ... selected to play in the Bucks County All-Star game ... three time Team Defensive MVP ... as a senior had 139 carries for 720 yards for made nine touchdowns ... 93 tackles ... caught 17 passes for 296 yards ... coached by Randy Cuthbert ... also lettered in track.

#5 Jimmy DeCicco
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Hurley
High School: played at Kingston High School of New York ... lettered four years with the Tigers ... played all four years as quarterback ... also served as team captain as a senior ... as a senior he completed 112 of 197 passes for 1,458 yards and 13 touchdowns ... he also ran 129 times for 963 yards and 15 touchdowns ... was named first team all-League and Daily Freeman Player of the Year ... finished his career with 3,800 yards of total offense (2,300 passing, 1,500 rushing) ... also scored 45 touchdowns ... was a member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Club, Photography and Traval Club ... also lettered in baseball.

#30 Danny Epstein
Position: Running Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 200
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Weston, Fla.
High School: played at Cypress Bay High School in Florida ... lettered three years with the Lightning ... played all three years at running back ... ranked No. 24 in Florida and No. 169 overall as a running back by ESPN ... as a senior he had 205 carries for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns ... was named first team all-County ... selected to play in the 2011 Dade vs. Broward All-Star Game ... finished his career with 2,005 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns ... also lettered in track.

#9 PJ Franciotti
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-4
Weight: 190
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Clark, N.J.
High School: played at Arthur L. Johnson High School in New Jersey ... lettered four years with the Crusaders ... played all four years as wide receiver and defensive back ... served as team captain as a senior ... as a senior had 24 receptions for 700 yards and 11 touchdowns ... also recorded 48 solo tackles ... finished his career with 44 receptions for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns ... as a senior was named first team all-Conference, all-County and all-State Group 2 ... was also selected to compete in the 2011 North NJ vs. South NJ All Star Game ... was a member of the Key Club ... also lettered in baseball and track.

#70 Owen Houser
Position: Offensive Lineman
Height: 6-2
Weight: 300
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Factoryville, Pa.
High School: played at Tunkhannock Area High School in Pennsylvania ... lettered three years with the Tigers ... had 27 tackles, four for loss and two sacks ... selected for the Unico All-Star game as a center and tackle ... 2008 Coaches All-Conference Honorable Mention ... two time first team Coaches All-Conference ... 2010 Times Leader All-Star ... 2010 Citizen's Voice All-Star ... named 2009 Team Lineman MVP ... named 2010 Special Team MVP ... coached by Frank Berardelli.

#49 Louis Jacob
Position: Tight End
Height: 6-4
Weight: 240
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Ridgefield Park, N.J.
High School: played at Ridgefield Park High School in New Jersey ... lettered four years with the Scarlets ... played final three years at tight end ... served as team captain as a senior ... finished his career with eight catches for 110 yards and four touchdowns ... two-time first team all-league at tight end ... also selected to compete in the 2011 North NJ vs. South NJ All Star Game ... was a member of the Stock Market and P.O.W.E.R Clubs ... also lettered in track.

#36 Kristopher Kent
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pa.
High School: A 2011 graduate of Nazareth High School in Pennsylvania ... lettered one year for the Blue Eagles ... team went 9-3 in senior year ... coached by Rob Melosky ... 23 catches for 206 yards with one touchdown and six interceptions ... first team All-Conference ... first team All-Area ... selected to play in the 2011 McDonald's Lehigh Valley all-star game ... also lettered in basketball and baseball ... member of the National Honor Society.

#11 Jake Kern
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Emerald, Pa.
High School: played at Northern Lehigh High School in Pennsylvania ... lettered three years with the Bulldogs ... team captain junior and senior seasons ... had 82 carries for 997 yards and 15 touchdowns ... passed for 73 yards and two touchdowns ... had 65 tackles ... 20 receptions for 326 yards and five touchdowns ... finished his career with 1305 rushing yards, 102 carries, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions ... selected to play in the 2011 McDonald's All-Star game as a free safety ... two time first team Colonial All-League ... 2010 first team All-State ... first team All-Area ... second team All-Area ... named Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2008, 2009 and 2010 ... 2010 Colonial League and District XI Champions ... coached by Joseph Tout ... also lettered in baseball.

#93 Jeff Koch
Position: Defesive Tackle
Height: 6-2
Weight: 290
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
High School: played at Allen D. Nease High School in Florida ... lettered four years with the Panthers ... played final season as a defensive tackle ... served as team captain as a senior ... recorded 68 tackles, 14 for a loss and five sacks as a senior ... finished his career with 125 tackles, 25 for a loss and nine sacks ... also recorded three carries for 30 yards and two touchdowns ... two-time all-County selection ... was also selected to the 2011 Shrine Bowl as a defensive tackle ... also lettered in weightlifting and track.

#17 Aaron Morgenstern
Position: Running Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 195
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Poughkeepsie
High School: played at Roy C. Ketcham High School in New York ... lettered four years with Ketcham ... played all four years at running back ... served as team captain as a senior ... had 121 carries for 763 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior ... also returned one kickoff for a touchdown ... finished his career with 240 carries for 1,578 yards and 20 touchdowns ... also had 23 receptions for 365 yards and six touchdowns ... two-time all-League and first team Poughkeepsie Journal selection ... named to the 2010 Section I All-Star Game ... also lettered in track.

#91 Anthony Muraco
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Mentor, Ohio
High School: Northfield Mt. Herman

#94 Vince Myers
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-3
Weight: 205
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
High School: played at Ponte Vedra Beach High School in Florida ... lettered three years with the Sharks ... played three years at defensive end ... recorded 69 tackles, 18 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss as a senior ... also forced two fumbles and recorded one interception ... was named first team all-County ... also selected to the 2011 Shrine Bowl as a defensive end ... also lettered in lacrosse.

#8 Kevin O'Connell
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Class: Freshman
High School: played at Williamsville South High School in New York ... lettered four years with the Billies ... played four years at wide receiver ... recorded 38 receptions for 618 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior ... finished his career with 95 catches for 1,233 yards and 18 touchdowns ... named WNY first team in 2009 and WNY second team in 2010 ... also named to the WNY All-Aceademic Team in 2010 ... was a member of the National Honor Society ... also lettered in baseball and basketball.

#40 Ed Pavalko
Position: Fullback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 235
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Girardsville, Pa.
High School: played at North Schuylkill High School in Pennsylvania ... lettered three years with the Spartans ... played three years at fullback, defensive end and linebacker ... served as team captain as a senior ... had 120 carries for 1,107 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior ... also recorded 67 tackles, 17 for a loss and 15 sacks ... finished his career with 350 carries for 2,413 yards and 34 touchdowns ... also finished with 203 tackles and 32 sacks ... selected to compete in the 2011 Schuylkill County All-Star Game as fullback and defensive end ... named Anthracite Football League Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year ... Standard Speaker Offensive Player of the Year ... Player of the Year Republican Hearald ... Maxwell Football Club Player of the Year ... WNEP News Super 16 Dream Team, Defensive Player of the Year ... nominated for Old Spice Player of teh Year and Mr. Pennsylvania ... First Team PFN All-State AA ... member of the National Honor Society ... also lettered in track.

#92 Matt Porter
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-4
Weight: 220
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Haddonfield, N.J.
High School: played at Haddonfield Memorial High School in New Jersey ... lettered four years with Haddonfield ... played all four years at defensive end ... had 88 tackels as a senior ... was named first team all-Conference and second team all-State ... was a member of the National Honor Society ... also lettered in lacrosse and swimming.

#33 Vinny Russo
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-2
Weight: 210
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Syracuse
High School: played at Christian Brothers Academy ... lettered four years with the Brothers ... played linebacker and wide receiver in his senior season ... served as team captain as a senior ... named third team All-State, first team All-Section, and first team All-League ... received Team Player Award ... team was New York State Section III League Champions in 2010.

#80 Eric Schleich
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-5
Weight: 185
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Berwick, Pa.
High School: played at Bedwick Area Senior High School of Pennsylvania ... lettered two years with the Bulldogs ... played wide receiver in his junior and senior seasons ... finished his career catching 49 passes for 790 yards and six scores ... named All-Conference ... selected for the UNICO All-Star Game ... team was 2009 District 2 Champions ... coached by Gary Campbell ... also lettered in basketball and was named MVP in 2009-10 season.

#12 Ryan Smith
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-2
Weight: 205
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Slingerlands
High School: played at Guilderland Central High School ... lettered four years with the Dutchmen ... was quarterback all four seasons ... also served as team captain both seasons ... finished his career rushing 389 yards and seven touchdowns ... in passing, 292 attempts with 539 completions, 4032 yards and 39 touchdowns ... named third team NYS Sportswriter's All-State ... two time first team All-Area by Albany Times Union ... 2010 Offensive Player of the Year ...Section II Class AA Empire Division ... received National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete award ... 2009 first team Section II Class AA Empire Division ... two time Team MVP ... selected for the Section II All-Star Game ... member of the national honor society.

#53 Zack Smith
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Webster
High School: played at Webster Thomas High School in New York ... lettered four years ... played all four years at running back and linebacker ... was team captain as a junior and senior ... named first team all-County ... also selected to the 2010 Eddie Meath All-Star Game ... also lettered in baseball, lacrosse and track.

#96 Charles Stempeck
Position: Tight End
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Grayslake, Ill.
High School: played at Grayslake Central High School in Illinois ... lettered two years with the Rams ... played four years at tight end ... recorded 20 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns as a senior ... also served as captian ... named all-Conference, all-Area and earned all-State honorable mention ... was a member of the National Honor Society ... also lettered in basketball and track.

#90 Joe Uglietto
Position: Kicker
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Belmont, Mass.
High School: played at The Governor's Academy in Massachusetts ... lettered three years with the Govs ... played all three years as kicker and punter ... averaged 36.0 yards per punt and made 23 of 25 extra point attempts ... also made 2-of-3 field goal attempts ... ranked No. 2 in the state by ESPN ... also lettered in hockey and lacrosse.

#60 Zach Vinci
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-2
Weight: 235
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Allendale, N.J.
High School: St. Joe's Regional

#52 Spencer Wallach
Position: Defesive Tackle
Height: 6-3
Weight: 250
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Binghamton
High School: played at Chenango Valley High School ... lettered four years with Chenango ... played all four years on the offensive and defensive lines ... served as team captain as a senior ... finished his career with 107 tackles ... named first team all-Stac, first team all-Section and first team all-State ... selected to compete in the Ernie Davis Classic All-Star Game ... was a member of the National Honor Society ... also lettered in lacrosse and wrestling.

#76 Brendan Walsh
Position: Offensive Lineman
Height: 6-2
Weight: 270
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Waldwick, N.J.
High School: played at Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey ... lettered three years with the Paladins ... played three years on the offensive and defensive lines ... served as team captain as a senior ... two-time All-League selection ... also lettered in track and field.

#3 Michael Williams II
Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Zachary, La.
High School: played at Episcopal High School in Louisiana ... lettered four years with the Knights ... played all four years as a wide receiver and defensive back ... had 13 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns as a senior ... also had two carries for 89 yards and a score ... on defense he recorded 38 tackles and three interceptions ... was named first team all-District three times ... also earned honorable mention all-Metro ... also lettered in basketball and track. His uncle Doug Williams played quarterback in the NFL and was Super Bowl XXIII MVP with the Washington Redskins.