You know it's an important event when Rob Ambrose actually wears socks.
The Colonial Athletic Association officially kicked off preseason football Wednesday at the ESPNzone in Baltimore, Md.
"I am tremendously excited just to get to practice," Head Coach Rob Ambrose said.
Twelve coaches and a couple dozen select student-athletes gathered to face the local and national media for the first time this season.
The biggest questions for Coach Ambrose were in regards to his roster, or the lack thereof. It became evident coming out of last spring that Ambrose's roster was not set. Throughout spring, open competitions were held for every spot on the depth chart.
"It's a fluid depth chart, you've heard me say that before," Ambrose said.
The biggest news regarding the roster concerned certain key departures, receiver Steve Holmes and defensive back Dan Atwood.
Representing Towson were Ambrose, senior linebacker Alex Butt, and senior tight end John Godlasky.
Butt, a transfer from Alabama, was a big stand out in the Spring. The senior leads all returning players with 62 in tackles from 2008. He sees room for improvement for the Tigers on the defensive side of the ball.
"Let's just go out and say it, last year was terrible for our defense," Butt said.
Statistically, the 2008 Tigers had the worst defense in the conference, allowing both the highest total of points and yards.
Towson's most improved and quite possibly strongest unit on defense looks to be the defensive line. Anchored by two big-bodied tackles in Yaky Ibia and Rob Osbourne, and highlighted by big-time transfer Brady Smith at end, the switch to a 4-3 front has made Butt a free man at middle linebacker to make plays.
"I have those big guys in front of me, and they're taking up two bodies at once," Butt said. "Giving one little seam, one little bit of day light to go get it makes my job easier."
The biggest loss on the defensive line was the abrupt end of former defensive lineman Richard Lee. Lee, who was diagnosed Hodgkin’s Disease in high school, suffered a career ending injury to his neck against Columbia in 2008. This past offseason Lee was added as a student assistant to the football support team. Lee stands on the sidelines and serves as an emotional symbol to the team.
Even with the departure of Atwood, the Tigers' secondary still has a good amount of depth, highlighted by a trio of talented corners in Ollie Thomas, Jeremy Gardner and receiver-turned-corner Nick Oates.
"I think with the experience we have coming back in the secondary, we're going to be a lot better against the pass" Butt said.
The strength on the offensive side of the ball seems to be the offensive line. With virtually all players returning to this unit, a stud transfer in tackle Derek Cardaci, and one of only two holdover coaches from the Combs era in John Donatelli, continuity has helped the offensive line prepare for a difficult task. Holding together an offense that must replace the best quarterback in Towson history.
In case you didn't know, that quarterback was Sean Schaefer. The former Tiger captain shattered almost every passing record Towson had and ranks in the top ten of all-time FCS quarterbacks in passing yards and completions.
"It's gonna be tough losing Sean because he was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play for Towson," Godlasky said. "I think it helps that our entire offensive line is coming back and our receivers are looking good."
Quarterbacks Blair Peterson, Brian Potts, and Jeremy Jayne contended in the spring for the right to succeed Schaefer. However, the offense as a whole turned the ball over a lot during the spring. Something Ambrose wants to end, starting with the man who touches the ball every play. The three holdover quarterbacks will continue to try proving themselves, only this summer there will be two very talented incoming recruits for them to face.
"The guy who is turning the ball over, is not getting the job. Period," Ambrose said. "If we don't have consistent play at that position, we don't stand a chance. Period."
To play devils advocate, on the note of the freshmen QB recruits, who better to replace Schaefer than another stud gunslinger from Southern Maryland?
There's still much to speculate and predict, but the facts remain. On Saturday September 5, the Tigers will officially kick of the season at Big Ten powerhouse Northwestern. After all of the press conferences, two-a-days and luncheons, all that will remain is another year of something to prove for the Tigers, who were picked yet again to finish last in the CAA.
"This team is much more capable than what people expect of us," Alex Butt said. "If they walk in with the attitude that they're going to walk all over us, they will be very surprised when the walk out of our stadium."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
WMJF-TV: Simon A-H and Daniel Abraham discuss the beginning of spring football
"DA" Daniel Abraham and Simon A-H discuss the beginning of Towson University Spring football practices on WMJF's Towson Sports Weekly.
Offday thoughts: Coaching staff- Head Coach
Taking some time out from discussing the players, it's time to evaluate the coaching staff. I can't name any starters per se, but going down the roster unit by unit will give an idea of how this team will mold.
To start, let's try the head honcho. Rob Ambrose was introduced as the fourth head coach of Towson's program in January of 2009. Since he has been on campus, he has made it clear that this program will and must change for the better.
His point was heard loudly and has been since March 27, when the team took to the practice field for the first time this spring. Most of the campus heard it, as the intensity and volume were turned up higher than ever before. Coaches and players were screaming throughout their drills, and the tempo was the fastest it's ever been for a Towson practice.
Ambrose has started a great deal of new drills and plays in the relatively short time being here, and one of his greatest accomplishments was putting together a staff of assistants and position coaches that buy into his vision of the program's future.
"You better hire a bunch of people that are smarter than you, and listen," was the advice Ambrose received from his father, a long time football coach as well.
Can Ambrose's philosophy translate into wins on the gridiron? It's too early to tell - that's why they play the games. One thing is for certain, things will be different.
To start, let's try the head honcho. Rob Ambrose was introduced as the fourth head coach of Towson's program in January of 2009. Since he has been on campus, he has made it clear that this program will and must change for the better.
His point was heard loudly and has been since March 27, when the team took to the practice field for the first time this spring. Most of the campus heard it, as the intensity and volume were turned up higher than ever before. Coaches and players were screaming throughout their drills, and the tempo was the fastest it's ever been for a Towson practice.
Ambrose has started a great deal of new drills and plays in the relatively short time being here, and one of his greatest accomplishments was putting together a staff of assistants and position coaches that buy into his vision of the program's future.
"You better hire a bunch of people that are smarter than you, and listen," was the advice Ambrose received from his father, a long time football coach as well.
Can Ambrose's philosophy translate into wins on the gridiron? It's too early to tell - that's why they play the games. One thing is for certain, things will be different.
Coach Ambrose meets the campus
There's a little over a week until the annual Black and Gold game that wraps up the spring football season. Head Coach Rob Ambrose took the time this past week to meet and eat with the students of Towson University at various campus locations.
Thursday afternoon, Ambrose, his son Ryan, members of the Athletic Department and Dr. Terri Hall of Student Life were present at Newell dining hall as Towson students shared a meal and football talk with the new head coach. Even Doc, the tiger mascot, made an appearance.
About a dozen students sat with the coach and his 5 year-old son. Various students who passed by would stop to say hi and share a few words. The entire volleyball team came up to introduce themselves. Ambrose was particularly taken by 6 foot 5 middle blocker Susan Gansor. After she introduced herself, Ambrose had to stand up next to her to compare his height and immediately sat down.
The topics of questions ranged from football tailgates to a hopeful rise of in interest regarding the current lack of attendance at games. When a student asked Ambrose how he plans to put fans in the seats of Johnny Unitas Stadium, his response was simple.
"Win," Ambrose said. "Or at least play a hell of a lot harder."
Thursday afternoon, Ambrose, his son Ryan, members of the Athletic Department and Dr. Terri Hall of Student Life were present at Newell dining hall as Towson students shared a meal and football talk with the new head coach. Even Doc, the tiger mascot, made an appearance.
About a dozen students sat with the coach and his 5 year-old son. Various students who passed by would stop to say hi and share a few words. The entire volleyball team came up to introduce themselves. Ambrose was particularly taken by 6 foot 5 middle blocker Susan Gansor. After she introduced herself, Ambrose had to stand up next to her to compare his height and immediately sat down.
The topics of questions ranged from football tailgates to a hopeful rise of in interest regarding the current lack of attendance at games. When a student asked Ambrose how he plans to put fans in the seats of Johnny Unitas Stadium, his response was simple.
"Win," Ambrose said. "Or at least play a hell of a lot harder."
Offday Thoughts: Linebackers
With a beefier defensive line in front of them, the linebacker corp will be freed up to maneuver on the field. This very athletic unit could produce in 2009.
Centered around senior middle linebacker Alex Butt, the linebackers carry less of the load than they did in 2008. Instead of molding the system to fit the personnel, new Defensive Coordinator Matt Hachmann is installing his system into his players.
"I'm not concerned with the past," Hachmann said. "I'm more concerned with what these kids can do from here on out."
Along those lines, Hachmann is planning on moving Donte Blakey to strong side linebacker. This leaves the weak side to up-and-coming linebacker Frank Beltre, who has had a sensational spring, truly earning his spot on the roster.
The weak point in this unit is the lack of depth. Paul Stefanik has been sidelined most of the spring with lingering injuries, but will likely produce later in the spring. Besides Stefanik, there's not much outside of the starters to look forward to.
Simon's starters - Frank Beltre, Alex Butt, Donte Blakely
Centered around senior middle linebacker Alex Butt, the linebackers carry less of the load than they did in 2008. Instead of molding the system to fit the personnel, new Defensive Coordinator Matt Hachmann is installing his system into his players.
"I'm not concerned with the past," Hachmann said. "I'm more concerned with what these kids can do from here on out."
Along those lines, Hachmann is planning on moving Donte Blakey to strong side linebacker. This leaves the weak side to up-and-coming linebacker Frank Beltre, who has had a sensational spring, truly earning his spot on the roster.
The weak point in this unit is the lack of depth. Paul Stefanik has been sidelined most of the spring with lingering injuries, but will likely produce later in the spring. Besides Stefanik, there's not much outside of the starters to look forward to.
Simon's starters - Frank Beltre, Alex Butt, Donte Blakely
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 6: Family
April 7
Coach Rob Ambrose is a well-known family man. One of the first reasons he gave for taking the head coaching job was to be with his 8 year-old daughter on birthdays. He hired his younger brother onto his coaching staff. And he reminds his players everyday that they are a family. Every huddle is broken on the word family.
"We're trying to get them to play hard, fast," Defensive Coordinator Matt Hachmann said. "Coach Ambrose does a good job managing the culture around here."
Day 6 of practice once again raised the intensity of the atmosphere. The coaching staff, seeking to eliminate all mental errors, has enforced a stricter discipline procedure for players.
When players were caught walking in between drills, everyman on the field would do up-downs until the coaching staff told them to stop. If any player would commit a procedural.
On the brighter side, the constant yelling seems to finally be heard by the players. Especially seen on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers look to be in mid-season form compared to last spring.
The offense has had the hustle, but as a unit there's still some rough edges that need smoothing. There are a few concerns right now as far as chemistry is concerned.
The first is to solid five quality starters on the offense, establishing one strong unit. This squad has been plagued with injuries the past few years, and has seen several guys get quality start time. For returning offensive line Coach John Donatelli, this presents a good problem. He has an abundance of experience, and has the task of forming a strong front for this offense.
The second is quarterback to receiver chemistry. Sean Schaefer will be hard to replace. There's a great deal of talent to step up to the unit, in Blair Peterson and Brian Potts. Both have great arm strength and good vision. However, with only a few weeks of time to gel with the receivers, there's been some difficulty connecting on certain routs.
During the pride drill Tuesday, every interception thrown was a ball tipped by a receiver. Often because the receivers was not in position to make the catches where the quarterbacks placed them.
The talent is there, and there's more hustle than ever before. All they need is chemistry. To win, they MUST be a family.
"The most important thing is these kids need to learn how to play football and making a winning commitment to one another," Hachmann said.
Coach Rob Ambrose is a well-known family man. One of the first reasons he gave for taking the head coaching job was to be with his 8 year-old daughter on birthdays. He hired his younger brother onto his coaching staff. And he reminds his players everyday that they are a family. Every huddle is broken on the word family.
"We're trying to get them to play hard, fast," Defensive Coordinator Matt Hachmann said. "Coach Ambrose does a good job managing the culture around here."
Day 6 of practice once again raised the intensity of the atmosphere. The coaching staff, seeking to eliminate all mental errors, has enforced a stricter discipline procedure for players.
When players were caught walking in between drills, everyman on the field would do up-downs until the coaching staff told them to stop. If any player would commit a procedural.
On the brighter side, the constant yelling seems to finally be heard by the players. Especially seen on the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers look to be in mid-season form compared to last spring.
The offense has had the hustle, but as a unit there's still some rough edges that need smoothing. There are a few concerns right now as far as chemistry is concerned.
The first is to solid five quality starters on the offense, establishing one strong unit. This squad has been plagued with injuries the past few years, and has seen several guys get quality start time. For returning offensive line Coach John Donatelli, this presents a good problem. He has an abundance of experience, and has the task of forming a strong front for this offense.
The second is quarterback to receiver chemistry. Sean Schaefer will be hard to replace. There's a great deal of talent to step up to the unit, in Blair Peterson and Brian Potts. Both have great arm strength and good vision. However, with only a few weeks of time to gel with the receivers, there's been some difficulty connecting on certain routs.
During the pride drill Tuesday, every interception thrown was a ball tipped by a receiver. Often because the receivers was not in position to make the catches where the quarterbacks placed them.
The talent is there, and there's more hustle than ever before. All they need is chemistry. To win, they MUST be a family.
"The most important thing is these kids need to learn how to play football and making a winning commitment to one another," Hachmann said.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Offday thoughts: Wide Receivers
In what has been a rich passing team for quite some time now, Towson's offense can usually be judged on the wide receiver corp. In the time of Sean Schaefer, with Phil Albert at offensive coordinator, 4 and 5 wide receiver sets were quite common.
With the regime change this past offseason,the one unit that doesn't seem to have changed much has been the wide receiver corp. This unit returns 4 of their 5 most productive receivers. Only two of them, Casey Cegles and Tamba Tongu, enters this season as seniors. With so much youth around them, this season could be a breakout season for Tongu and a leadership opportunity for Ceagles
"I've always considered myself a leader," Cegles said. "Now that I realized I'm the oldest one, I knew it was my turn to take over."
The depth and speed in Towson's receiver corp will be their strength. The development of the run game this offseason will help take the pressure off the corp to put up the numbers they have in the past. To be quite frank, they probably won't match those numbers with the loss of Schaefer, and having only one year of chemistry with both Blair Peterson and Brian Potts who are likely to take over at QB.
"Sean is tough to replace, he's one of the best QB's to ever come through the state of Maryland," Ceagles said. "[Peterson and Potts], they're all good. We're not on the same page yet."
The formula is there for a productive air attack, two strong arm QB's competing for the starting job with a corps of WR's who are very hard to out throw. The only question is who will stretch the field on this unit. David Newsom, Hakeem Moore and Cegles are all reliable slots, and all brought down at least 30 receptions last season. The Tigers will likely look to Steve Holmes and Tongu to be deep threats.
Once again, for a unit with a good amount of depth, naming starters now doesn't mean much, but here it is...
Simon's Starters - Casey Cegles, Hakeem Moore, David Newsom, Tamba Tongu.
With the regime change this past offseason,the one unit that doesn't seem to have changed much has been the wide receiver corp. This unit returns 4 of their 5 most productive receivers. Only two of them, Casey Cegles and Tamba Tongu, enters this season as seniors. With so much youth around them, this season could be a breakout season for Tongu and a leadership opportunity for Ceagles
"I've always considered myself a leader," Cegles said. "Now that I realized I'm the oldest one, I knew it was my turn to take over."
The depth and speed in Towson's receiver corp will be their strength. The development of the run game this offseason will help take the pressure off the corp to put up the numbers they have in the past. To be quite frank, they probably won't match those numbers with the loss of Schaefer, and having only one year of chemistry with both Blair Peterson and Brian Potts who are likely to take over at QB.
"Sean is tough to replace, he's one of the best QB's to ever come through the state of Maryland," Ceagles said. "[Peterson and Potts], they're all good. We're not on the same page yet."
The formula is there for a productive air attack, two strong arm QB's competing for the starting job with a corps of WR's who are very hard to out throw. The only question is who will stretch the field on this unit. David Newsom, Hakeem Moore and Cegles are all reliable slots, and all brought down at least 30 receptions last season. The Tigers will likely look to Steve Holmes and Tongu to be deep threats.
Once again, for a unit with a good amount of depth, naming starters now doesn't mean much, but here it is...
Simon's Starters - Casey Cegles, Hakeem Moore, David Newsom, Tamba Tongu.
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