There were 20 former Stateliners who participating in football at various NCAA levels during the 2019 football season. We could not be prouder of these student-athletes and the accomplishments they received this year. They are a part of our school's rich history of student-athletes who are succeeding at the next level. As the NCAA football season ends this coming Monday night, check out how your former Liners finished off the 2019 season.
SENIORS
Alex Annan earned his first all-conference accolades of his career as he was named to the All-PSAC East First Team as a linebacker. Annan played in all 11 games for the Huskies this year and led the team with 71 total tackles and 36 solo. Annan racked up 7.5 tackles for loss and forced one fumble. He posted double-digit tackles against Shippensburg with 11 while recording at least one TFL in six games this season. Annan had one sack for five yards this year against Shippensburg. Annan finished his career with the Huskies with 252 tackles and 25.0 TFL (89 yards). In four years, Annan had 6.0 sacks, one pass defended, six forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Offensive Lineman, Zac Cyphers played in all 10 games for Muhlenberg College as they finished the best season ever in school history making it to the Davion III National Semi-finals.
Taji Lowe, who ends his career with 249 total tackles, earned his first-ever All New England and All-CAA selection with a spot on the first team. Lowe led the Black Bears with a career-high 98 total tackles to go along with 9.5 tackles for loss and a half sack. Lowe ranked fourth among CAA leaders at 8.9 tackles per game and wrapped up his senior season with a total of four, double-digit tackling performances including a career-best 15 stops in a win over Rhode Island.
Jimmy Marinelli became the first Ursinus offensive lineman to garner three all-conference awards since Mike D'Amico in 2012 following second-team laurels in 2017 and 2018. Starting at center once again, Marinelli paved the way for a Bears offense that sat third in the conference in rushing (164.7 yards per game) and second with 100 rushing first downs.
Matt Yanes ends a strong a strong career as a defensive lineman at Bentley University with a Northeast 10 Conference Championship. Yanes finishes his career with 55 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks , and 2 fumble recoveries.
JUNIORS
Manni Romero had one of the finest seasons by a wide receiver in Norwich history hauling in 60 catches for 1235 yards and 10 touchdowns. Romero caught touchdown passes that went for more than 50 yards five times with his longest coming in the first game of the year when he struck for an 83-yard touchdown grab on the first offensive play of the game. He recorded eight games this season with more than 100-yards receiving helping him rank 9th in the NCAA Division III in receiving yards and 5th in receiving yards per game (123.5). The distinction from D3football.com adds to Romero's bevy of offseason accolades as he was previously awarded the Joe Zabilsky Offensive Player of the Year award by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston, was named to the New England Football Writers All-New England Team and the GNAC All-Conference First Team.
Offensive lineman, Blaise Santini and wide receiver, Kyle Santini competed in 6 games for Kean University. Kyle finished the season with 4 receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive end, Zach Troxell played in all 11 games for Lehigh University and recorded 1 fumble recovery.
SOPHOMORES
Triplets, Ja’len, Jaleel, and Jevon Boothman all competed for NJCAA National Champion runner-up Lacakawanna Junior College. Defensive linemen, Ja’Len recorded 2 tackles and .5 sack and brother, Jaleel recorded 2 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss. Jevon a linebacker finished the season with 6 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss.
Anthony Capitini started all 11 games at offensive center for East Stroudsburg University in 2019.
Defensive back, Stephen Davis played in all 10 games for Fairleigh Dickinson University and recorded 17 tackles.
Billy Oertel played in all 10 games for William Patterson University. Oertel averaged 37 yards on his punts this season with a long of 53 yards.
Defensive back, Frank Stettner was named to the Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. To be a member of the Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, student‐athletes must be enrolled full time and have attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the designated academic term.
Elian Telford an offensive tackle for Salve Regina University has started on the offensive line since his freshman year. He was named to the Commonwealth Coast Football (CCC Football) second team for the 2019 season.
FRESHMAN
Running back, Joe Green played in 5 games for William Patterson this season and totaled 34 yards on 6 carries. Joe also recorded 1 reception for 2 yards in his freshman campaign.
Jack Stagaard was red-shirted this season and looks to compete for the starting quarterback position at Millersville University in 2020.
Sterling Walker-Sutton played in all 11 games for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A receiver, Sterling finished the season with 10 receptions for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also returned 7 kickoffs for 144 yards and recorded 2 tackles on special teams.