One of the all-time greats was RB Tom Arcidiacono. The All-American back and last year's Gagliardi Trophy Finalist and ECAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year accounted for 73% of the Dutchmen's rushing yards last season, with 1,357. Ready to take over the tailback role will be Zach Tillo (Lancaster, MA), who started at fullback last season and had 245 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. His strong inside and outside running skills will be valuable as he converts. Audino and his staff are encouraged by the number of younger players in the program from the JV unit and the recruits that were brought in.

           
Last season's leading passer, Anthony Marotti, also left his mark in the record books. He tossed 2,155 yards, 96% of the Union output in '06. The pre-season camp will be interesting with four sophomores battling for the job. All four have limited experience but the attributes that they bring to the table, including ability, speed and arm strength, will be counted on to direct a successful offensive performance. Ted Civetti (Wellesley, MA) has a solid arm and size, Andrew Catellier (Voorheesville, NY)  is an excellent athlete, Jared Gourrier (New Orleans, LA) has the talent to play a number of positions, and Isaac Bailey (Manlius, NY) transfers in from Division I-AA Villanova.

           
The receiving area also took a hit with the loss of two of Union's all-time best, Steve Angiletta and Ryan Twichell. But co-captain Andrew Reigle (Dania, FL) and junior Charles Kaliades (Ridgewood, NJ) are the names to watch this season. Reigle had 197 yards last season and is a dependable route runner who will help a young quarterback. Kaliades racked up 274 yards with a touchdown and the converted quarterback with great hands and jumping ability to make the big and tough grabs.

           
A question at the start of last season was regarding the offensive line. That was answered as the season developed. Now it is the strongest part of the offensive unit. Witness the fact that Union rushed for 185 per game and allowed just 11 sacks for 67 yards in 10 games, including the playoffs. Co-captain and tackle Dustin Connelly (Ballston Lake, NY) earned All-American honors and anchored the line, and fittingly earned the team's Most Improved Player award. Also back up front are seniors Anthony Morello (Riverside, CT) and Andrew Salvo (Harrington Park, NJ). The key to Union's offensive success has been the line's physical efforts and up front and the protection of the QB, which will be essential to give a new signal-caller time to develop on each snap this fall.

           
The returning tight end is Josh McKelligan (Canton, MA). His exceptional blocking skills and his improving skills at receiver provide the offense with a key veteran to count on for this year. Like other offensive areas, there is talent budding at tight end and the staff hopes to see the younger players step up to add depth to this position. Chris Boland (Plainville, CT) is a versatile receiver who could figure into the tight end mix.

 

For the second straight season, the defensive line will say "nice to meet you" to opposing backs and linemen. Once again, it will be time for new faces to enter starting roles. There are good pass rushers and strong run stoppers to look for and players returning who will see more time and thus have expectations to come through, including Ed Speno (Pompano Beach, FL), Sean Conerly (Mableton, GA), John Helmer (Manlius, NY) and Alex Zani (Winchester, MA). Dan LoBasso (Chappua, NY) adds great size to the line (6-4, 255).

Probably the most experienced area on the entire team is at linebacker. Veterans who have the numbers, post-season experience and talent at linebacker will be a major boost for the Union program this year. Co-captain Vito Pellerito (Pompano Beach, FL) led the squad in tackles with 91, solos with 65 and assisted stopswith 26, and also posted six tackles for losses with three deflections, a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception. He was a first team selection by the ECAC and the Liberty League. Co-captain Mike Wess (Allendale, NJ) excels on the field and in the classroom (an ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District selection). Wess had 61 tackles and eight for losses with 2 ½ sacks in 2006. Chuck Pinckney (Slingerlands, NY) is another key senior who had 64 tackles, second among returnees, with seven for losses and two sacks. Also watch for Joseph Catalano (Albany, NY) and Wess also saw action here last season.

Three starters return in the secondary. Pat Sheridan (Short HIll, NJ) leads all returning players with five deflections from a year ago, and had 21 solo tackles. Alex Markel (Miami, FL) forced a pair of fumbles with two interceptions and 44 tackles. Daley is the top returning tackler from last year's secondary, as he posted 49 tackles and 34 solo stops. Depth in the secondary is essential during a season and the Dutchmen have that with talented players in Chris Brolley (Miami Beach, FL) and R.J. Simoni (East Greenbush, NY).

 

Indeed, the special teams can turn the momentum around in a hurry. So it surely helps to have experience in both the kicking and punting games. It's a two-for-one deal at Union, as senior Ben Rapple (Queensbury, NY) returns. He had a fine season, making nine of his 10 2006 field goal attempts and 31 of his 35 PATs. The staff wants to see him improve his distance on field goals (he had a long of 38 last year), joining his consistent field goal conversion performance. If he can increase his hang time in the punting category, that would also boost the cause as well as assist his teammates heading downfield to put the opponent in precarious field position to start a drive. He placed eight inside the 20 and averaged 35.7 on 35 boots, with a long of 55, and was fourth in the league in punting.

           
Union needs Sheridan to stay injury free, as he is The Man for punt and kick returns. He had 101 yards returning punts and 102 off kickoffs. Simoni stepped in extremely well in kickoff returns, with an average of 20.4 (327 yards total) on a team best 16 returns.

There are numerous players who will figure into the mix for the holding and snapping roles in 2007.

 

The opener, Springfield, features an NCAA contender each season. It is quite the lid-lifter, so much so that it will be televised as the D3Football East Region Game of the Week on D3Cast.com. A third straight Liberty League title for Union will be a very formidable task. It is possible that the Dutchmen have the fewest returning starters of all the league squads in 2007. The teams improving are joining the teams that have had success in the post-season in recent years, making the Liberty League one of the most balanced, competitive and respected circuits in the NCAA Division III ranks.

           
Along with Springfield, Muhlenberg has a very good football program and has appeared in the NCAA tournament numerous times. These two programs fit the philosophy of Union football, playing as many strong non-league teams as possible. They are early tests that helps develop the players for the grueling league schedule that follows.

           
Another highlight is the annual Shoes Game vs. RPI. The 105th meeting of New York State's oldest football rivalry returns to Frank Bailey Field as Union hosts the Engineers to close out the regular season.