Under the Radar on D

Vinny Pugliese

Yesterday, I focused on two players who are already admirable “comeback” kids and tapped two others who need to really come back stronger in 2014.

But they were all offensive players.

When I think of the current group of Lion defensive players, a few names of players who aren’t talked about much come to mind.

I hesitate to call anyone who plays for an 0-10 team an “unsung hero,” or “underrated,” but these are some CU defenders fans should keep an eye out for this fall.

Of course, the real star of the defense is junior Niko Padilla, but he is the one defensive player lots of people DO talk about. So again, here are three players you might not have heard about:

Vinny Pugliese

Pugliese was a tackling machine last year and should be poised for a great senior season. He is the undisputed leader of the linebacker corps, with guys like Zach Olinger and Brian East gone to graduation. I like Vinny’s pedigree especially; a good Ohio Catholic school kid from a good Catholic school football league. He may not have been one of Head Coach Pete Mangurian’s recruits, but he’s earned his respect.

Travis Reim

Reim is making the move from corner to safety, where I think he will be even more effective. Reim has had a good first two years at CU under tough conditions. He’s a pass disrupter and a good tackler. And I think by moving away from corner, his relative weakness for one-on-one coverage along the sideline will be less of a problem. Reim could have a very, very good year at safety. And don’t forget that he was very good as a punt and kickoff returner last season too. Given a chance to play even on a remotely competitive team this year, Reim should shine.

Brock Kenyon

Another safety who could be a very big deal for CU this year and in years to come is Brock Kenyon. He played pretty well for a freshman last year and he comes from a super-competitive football conference in Texas. And the fact that he’s being paired with Reim at safety should make things even better for him, or at least provide him with more chances to prove what he can do.

Are there more of these “unsung” players on the roster? Of course, but these are three names that jumped out at me after a disaster season that understandably clouded over any good personal development on the team.

Jim Gossett

Gossett’s Milestone

Speaking of “unsung,” today is Jim Gossett’s 35^th anniversary as a Columbia employee. He’s been the Head Athletic Trainer for 30 of those years.

Gossett is so valued in his job that he’s survived through umpteen head coaches and three athletic directors.

Congratulations Jim!