- Posted in All University
- Category: AthleticsCampus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. - The past is the past for the Lincoln University football team.
By the time the Lions step on the field for their 2021 season opener, it would have been 665 days since they last played a game, and only seven starters from that 2019 team remain. Lincoln has been able to boost its talent and depth by virtue of two recruiting classes and is primed to take a huge step in the development of a program that is only 11 years old.
In his third season as the head coach of the Lions, Josh Dean believes you will see a different team wearing the Orange and Blue.
“I believe that the depth is the biggest difference on this year’s team,” said Dean. “My first two years at Lincoln, we had to rely heavily on our freshman players and we lacked roster depth at multiple positions. We were able to improve our roster retention and add key players that consist of transfers and incoming freshmen.
“What we like about this team is our balance along with the mix of veterans and youth,” Dean added. “We have great, speed, length, and athleticism in our skill positions to go along with great size up front.”
Only two of the seven starters – sophomore receiver Hunter Terrell (Washington, D.C./H.D. Woodson) and sophomore lineman Vances Russell (Washington, D.C./Eastern) reside on the offensive side of the ball.
Russell highlights a group of linemen that includes junior Justin Gowan (Brooklyn, N.Y./Abraham Lincoln/ASA College) and junior Shawn Kemmerer (Columbia, Pa./Columbia/Valley Forge Military) that will be the backbone of any offensive improvements. The primary improvements will have to come in the running game in which Lincoln averaged just 47.5 yards per game.
Junior Aaron Powell (Jessup, Md./Hammond) and sophomore James Koluboi (Levittown, Pa./Neshaminy) are the only other linemen to have suited up for the Lions. They will be pushed by seven newcomers for the final two starting positions.
“Our strengths would be found in offensive and defensive lines,” said Dean. “Two years ago, we were talented but very young in the offensive line group. Being able to transfers like Shawn Kemmerer and Justin Gowan brought a much-needed veteran presence to the group. The past year we saw great strides from a development perspective.”
Whoever claims the starting jobs in the trenches could potentially have an embarrassment of riches to block for as a quartet of backs could all see carries this season.
Sophomore running back Ahman Foster-Powell (Henrico, Va./Highland Springs), who had 12 carries for 42 yards in 2019, is the only running back with experience. However, junior college transfer Samuel Bryant (Tucker, Ga./Tucker/ASA College), freshman Charlie Burnett (Gettysburg, Pa./Gettyburg), and freshman Zaheer Seabrooks (Paterson, N.J./Bethlehem Catholic) are uber-talented backs that all bring a different dynamic to the backfield.
A fierce three-person battle for the starting signal-caller has been the buzz of camp with three newcomers to the program. A pair of transfers – junior Trae Green (Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro) - Pictured - and redshirt sophomore Zeke Wilson V (Smyrna, Del./Smyrna/Norfolk State) – are battling with true freshman Andrew Banks (Atlanta, Ga./Mays/Fork Union).
Terrell and junior Ricardo Patterson (Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro/Shaw) are the only receivers with receptions. Terrell was second on the team with 22 receptions for 330 yards and a touchdown, while Patterson hauled in five catches for 94 yards and a score.
Junior Michael Credle, Jr. (Bear, Del./Glasgow/Wesley College), junior Ismael Pierre (Middletown, N.Y./Middletown/Alcorn State), and freshman Drew Stephens (Newark, N.J./Abraham Clark) will be tasked with providing production when the Lions take to the air. Freshman tight end Marcus Fequiere (Philadelphia, Pa./Northeast) will aid in both the running and passing game for the Lions.
Lincoln should be improved in the defensive trenches as the Lions return five starters up front, including the top two tacklers in senior Devon Cathcart (Chicago, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) and junior Islam Abdul-Rabb (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport).
Despite playing in just eight games, Cathcart led the team with 62 stops, including a team-high 48 solo tackles, with 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He added one interception and a fumble recovery. Abdul-Rabb added 53 tackles, 31 solos, with 5.5. tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
Depth along the defensive line will be pivotal to the success on that side of the ball. Sophomore Kyle Wilkins (Dickerson, Md./Poolesville), sophomore Malik Malloy (Washington, D.C./McKinley Tech), sophomore Derrick McCoy, and senior Sadique Moore (Philadelphia, Pa./Mastery Charter/California (PA)) will be vital parts of the rotation. Wilkins notched 32 tackles in his first college season, while Moore added 13 tackles over seven games.
Junior Evan Chavous (Silver Spring, Md./Bullis/Wheeling Jesuit) and junior Elliott Chavous (Silver Spring, Md./Bullis/Wheeling Jesuit) will be pushed by a host of freshmen for snaps upfront.
“Our biggest improvements are in the defensive and offensive line groups,” said Dean. “This will lead this team to success. It begins upfront with us.”
The biggest questions mark surrounds a talented, yet inexperienced core of defensive backs. Junior college transfers Eric Best (Burlington, N.J./Burlington/LA Pierce CC), Rontay Dunbar (Brooklyn, N.Y./Freedom/Snow College and Kentrell Pierce (Calumet City, Ill./Harold Richards/Laney College) will guide the group through the season.
“This group could be the most talented position grouping on the team, but it’s the position that is also the youngest.”
Lincoln opens the season 6 p.m. September 4, hosting Lock Haven.
