Photo Credit: MSU Athletics
After a week one 20-30 loss to Delaware Valley College, the 2014 Montclair State University Red Hawks went on a seven-game winning streak only to fall short of playoff contention in a loss to Morrisville State College in the second-to-last game of the season. Montclair State finished with a record of 8-2. With the departure of savvy veterans such as defensive back C.J. Conway and running back Tariq Turner, the Red Hawks will have to rely on returning stars to help cement their ever-changing roster.
The previously injured tailback, Denzel Nieves, is expected to be completely recovered for the 2015 season and after compiling 908 yards rushing in only eight games, expectations for a 1,000-yard season are high.
Quarterback Ryan Davies led the New Jersey Athletic Conference in completion percentage last year and ranked fourth in both total passing yards and yards per game with 1,333 and 148.1, respectfully.
With plenty of film highlighting his highs and low from the previous two seasons, Davies will have to remain consistent and continue to play at a stellar level to fulfill the status of a quarterback fighting for a playoff spot.
The Red Hawks’ starting kicker and punter both graduated this past year. They will have to rely on a rebooted special teams unit that was subpar at best in 2014.
With the coaching staff and key positional players remaining the same, Montclair State once again has the ability to compete for a post-season berth starting Sept. 5, when they will open up the season against Delaware Valley.
To receive live updates of the game, visit montclairathletics.com.
