With most of campus still quiet, the music and yelling coming from Duane Stadium on the campus of Merrimack Wednesday morning probably startled those few families walking around on tours or getting their freshman son or daughter adjusted to college life.
The football team could be heard from the parking lot at 9:30 as another day of camp got started and the energy remained consistent for 2:40 of practice. The Warriors may have finished 5-6 last year, but Merrimack has reason to believe it can contend with the likes of Sacred Heart this season.
Here’s 10 of them…
1. The quarterbacks: Replacing Westin Elliott won’t be easy, but the guys that were slinging it around Wednesday morning are impressive. Sophomore lefty Malakai Anthony and sophomore UConn transfer (from Montreal) Jack Zergiotis both looked really good short, intermediate and long. In total there’s six guys currently wearing red jerseys, but those two are at the top of the food chain.
2. The running backs are all skilled: As soon as you see the group of backs Merrimack has, you can’t help but say “wow” at the athleticism – a common theme with many position groups. Sophomore E’Lijah Gray is a Mike Tolbert clone and his quads could give AJ Dillon a run for their money. Freshman RB/WR Donovan Wadley (Newark, NJ) was easily the most electric player Wednesday morning. Another sophomore Tyvon Edmonds Jr. and red-shirt freshman Victor Dawson also looked good.
3. Wide receivers can play: Aside from Wadley, Merrimack has some big guys that can go get it. Red-shirt freshman Myles Wilson (Brockton, Thayer), classmate Brandon Pszenny (Peabody), sophomore Hayden Fisher and Brandon McGonagle are all big targets. Sophomore Jacari Carter can fly and sophomore Maurice Nelson can too.
4. Solid at Tight End: Wilmington’s own senior Tyler Roberts will lead the group this season. Sophomroe H-Back/TE Jared Dunn and junior H-Back/TE Pat Conroy (Reading) all look like they can play and contribute.
5. Strong front seven: Merrimack has some big guys up front that can move. Senior Nathan Harvey (Newton, Bridgton Academy) and junior Nick Lenon stood out, but the entire unit was able to get push during team periods while also making the running game difficult for the O-line at times. They’re going to be a handful this year, especially rushing the passer.
6. O-Line consistency: Having said that, the O-line looked good throughout practice. There’s a good balance there with two graduates (Ryan Wetterberg, Weymouth/CM & Austin Pyne, Milford/Lawrecne Academy), two freshman (Patrick Evans, Loomis & Joey Trainor) and a junior (Mike Fierstein) probably leading the way when Holy Cross comes to North Andover on September 2.
7. The coaching staff: If you’re a Merrimack fan or your son is on the team, you should be thrilled with the staff. For nearly three straight hours, coaches were constantly moving or motivating guys. Walking wasn’t an option, even if it was just a light jog. The buy-in from the team is noticeable too. Coach Curran was doing up-downs with the O-line after a 1-on-1 period…how many head coaches are doing that?
8. Energy: Piggy-backing off that, right from the time the team started stretching, to the time that a field goal split the uprights and a giant roar erupted since it meant no sprints, guys were engaged. The celebration of a Josh Wilson pick during the final team period just screamed “camaraderie,” as did the constant hugs or helmet taps between the O-line before any drill or team period.
9. Clean operation: There were zero false starts or offsides (at least I didn’t see any) during team stuff. The Patriots have had several every single day. It’s a big deal in August whether people realize it or not. Wednesday’s practice felt very clean, particularly since there was never any cuss out moments by coaches. There was a get in. get your work done and get out feel to the whole day.
10. Overall athleticism: There is legitimate talent at every single position for this Warriors team. If Curran and his staff can continue to get the buy-in they’re getting and a pretty young roster can take that next step this season, there’s no reason Merrimack can’t compete for the Northeast Conference title this season.
You can watch/listen to what Coach Curran had to say about the team here (and here.) Tyler Roberts and former Bishop Hendricken DB Anthony Witherstone also spoke with NEFJ after practice as well.