BEVERLY — When the Endicott College football team was hit with a rash of injuries last season, it proved to be a difficult hurdle for the Gulls to overcome.
If one positive came out of those injuries, however, it's that many freshman and sophomores were pressed into varsity action out of necessity. Now, those same players are a year older, wise to the ways of Division 3 college football and ready to contribute in an even bigger way this fall.
Despite losing several three and four-year players to graduation, Endicott head coach J.B. Wells is optimistic heading into this, the program's sixth year. The Gulls begin the 2008 season Saturday at Framingham State (1 p.m.).
"I think things look pretty good," said Wells, the only coach the Gulls have ever had. "We had very big senior classes the last two years while we were getting the program established. This season, what we lack in numbers we make up for in ability. We also have some good senior leaders to guide the young players."
Coming off of a 3-6 season (3-4 in the New England Football Conference's Boyd Division), Wells said his team has come back to school in good shape and take a great work ethic with them to practice each day.
"I love a team like that," he said. "We're going play a lot of different kids this season. I always say if you are the best on the team at one thing, we will find a way for you to do it. Of course, if you are the best at five things, you will see a lot more time."
Wells believes one of the Gulls' strengths will be at tailback, where there are three or four candidates in the mix to start. That includes two of the team's top returning players — senior Drew Cusato and junior Colby Hawkins. Cusato led the team in rushing with 568 yards and two touchdowns a year ago, while Hawkins gained 358 yards and had three TDs. Cusato also had six receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
"They're an excellent 1-2 punch," said Wells.
There's also a battle going on at quarterback, where former Arlington Catholic signal caller Matt DeOliveria, junior Danny Leary and several freshmen are all in the mix. Wells is also happy with what he's got at receiver.
"We're going to stick with a multiple pro-I set and branch out more with one-back sets," he said. "(Senior) Angelo Ortiz was a good wingback for us last year; now he's a receiver with the best hands on the team.
"(Junior) Aaron Santos, a first team All-Conference center fielder for our baseball team, and a first team All Conference will help out as a punt receiver (having returned 15 punts for 256 yards and a 17.1 yards per carry average last year). Mike Drinkwater (of Hamilton-Wenham) is tall (6-foot-4) and came back a bit bigger this season; he'll figure into our passing game. I feel confident with those guys. We should be able to throw the ball."
Heading up the offensive line is All Conference first team selection George Samaras, who Wells considers to be "the best offensive guard — and possibly the best offensive lineman — in the league".
The addition of transfer Chris Durocher, who played for St. John's Prep before going to college in Canada, will provide size (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) on the line, along with junior Sarkis Sarkisian of Peabody, who is coming back from a serious knee injury.
The defensive line also figures to be strong led by the only team's senior, end Dan Orlando of Haverhill and Cushing Academy. Other returnees include Tom Sieminski and Jason Devonshuk.
The Gulls will be strengthened by the return of junior defensive tackle Rob Brandt and All-Conference end senior Mike Eagan. Both played two years ago, but Brandt left school to pursue a biology degree (returning when Endicott offered that major) and Eagan was out with medical problems.
Barletta, a linebacker from Swampscott who came out for the team as a freshman two years ago but didn't play last season, is back and having a very good camp. Former Masconomet player Rob Modoono is a transfer from Central Connecticut State with good size and athleticism at defensive end.
"Youth is both our strength and weakness," said Wells. "It will be a challenge to get them to understand what we're trying to do, but there was a time not too long ago when we had all freshmen and sophomores (when the program started) and we won a lot of games. With youth you get some great plays, and also some mistakes. We know that will happen, but we feel we have some very talented younger guys and expect them to contribute right away."
Endicott's home opener is next Saturday in Beverly against Rensselaer at 1 p.m.
