The sprint football team heads into the season 20 years removed from its last CSFL title. Head coach Terry Cullen, now in his 42nd season with the Red, will look to rectify that situation this season.
Offense
On offense, expect to see a lot of shotgun formations and quick passes early. Sophomore Zak Dentes totaled over 100 yards passing and 50 yards rushing, winning MVP accolades in the team’s most recent victory against Penn. He will be the starter in place of injured junior Brian Kennedy.
Fourth-year senior tail back Mike Fullowan is a three-time all-league running back who lead the Red in touchdowns (four) and net yards gained (579 yards). Cullen describes Fullowan as the “main man for us on offense,” and he is a tri-captain this year. Fullbacks for the Red include a new transfer student, junior Jason Remillard, and classmate Glenn Palmer.
The offensive line is a strength for Cornell, with all five starters returning. Senior Andrew Plaisted mans the left tackle position, joined on the left side by classmate David Frumberg. Junior Daniel DeSantis starts at center, and a two-year starter, senior Robert Kurucza, and last year’s center, junior Ben Abramoff, will play right guard and tackle, respectively.
“This line though will be a big strength for us and will be important to give our quarterback protection and open up holes for Fullowan,” Cullen said.
Sophomore Michael Brennan, who started at free safety last year, has become the No. 1 wide receiver. He is joined by senior Sam Coe, who is in his first year of sprint football. Behind them will be a combination of senior Mario Aycart, sophomore David DeLucia, classmate Ian Kennedy, rookie Chris LaBerge, sophomore Chetan Mahajan and senior Sean Pardo.
Junior Warren Liao has alleviated some of Cullen’s fears over tight end this year.
Defense
The Red features a 4-2 defensive scheme, with three seniors, including Matthew Collin and tri-captain Derek Johnson at the ends, and Trevor Schwartz and sophomore Jim Gonos at tackles.
“I have a lot of confidence in our front four,” said Cullen. “The only problem I could foresee is a lack of depth on the line.”
John Parke, a sophomore transfer, is slated as one of the starting linebackers, along with veteran senior Jason Zittel. Zittel also serves as the team’s punter and kicker. Freshman Andrew Jeong, juniors Linn Lung and Greg Solomon will also see time.
Defensively, the Red institutes a rover position, which essentially is a roving linebacker. Cullen expects to see junior Cameron Johnson man the position.
The two starting cornerbacks are slated to be seniors Daniel Brewer and Ian Murray. Senior tri-captain Jon Samuel moved from strong safety to the free safety position this year, but the strong safety position is undecided, featuring either Lutgens or junior Steven Attanasio.