PREVIEW: Daniels Helps Fuel Defensive Success as Football Preps for Bentley
Gameday Info
Franklin Pierce vs. Bentley
Sodexo Field -- Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Raven Row opens: 10 a.m.
Ticket sales open: 11:30 a.m.
Coin toss: Dr. Leslie Buddington, Northeast-10 Conference Faculty Mentor of the Year
Halftime
Raven Marching Band
Recognition of Gameday Sponsor, Fenton Family Dealership
Raven Thunder
By Rich Rosa, staff writer.
Fresh off its first Northeast-10 Conference win in program history, against American International College, 7-3, on the road last weekend, the Franklin Pierce University football team now has its sights set on a big challenge against the Bentley Falcons. Ravens head coach Russell Gaskamp believes the team can beat anyone in the conference, but considered preparation this week to be critical, both in the film room and on the practice field. Bentley is physical on both sides of the ball, and Franklin Pierce is dealing with offensive and defensive injuries.
There was a lot of excitement for the players and coaches winning a conference game last week. "I am happy for the guys. Everyone has worked hard for several years, and they have stayed positive through it all," said Gaskamp. "The outcome we had against American International College is what the team needed." Gaskamp discussed that the team has been confident throughout the season, but coming off a win changes the energy in practice. "The guys are excited to build on the momentum, and that will make us successful for the remainder of the season," said Gaskamp.
Despite the team's confidence, there are questions still to be answered. Saturday's game will see senior Bryce Macina take the reins as the quarterback. "The team has a lot of confidence in Macina. He has a live arm and has proven he can make plays and has been a leader," said Gaskamp. Offensively, the Ravens need to figure out the run game. The offensive line and tight ends showed improvement last week, but still need to do a better job blocking for graduate student running back EJ Burgess. "Our offensive line was significantly better in our pass protection against AIC," said Gaskamp. Defensively, Gaskamp wants to change some things because Bentley likes to run the ball, and they do many option plays. Historically, he knows Franklin Pierce has struggled to defend the run.
The mindset is that the Ravens can beat anyone in the conference. At this point in the season, the game turns mental. The work starts to happen more off the field. One player that has stepped up in a big way is defensive back Tyvarius Daniels. Daniels, a senior, has been a key contributor on defense for the Ravens. He was originally recruited to Franklin Pierce as a wide receiver, but the coaching staff decided to use him both as a receiver and as a defensive back. He made the Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team in his debut season, capping a campaign which included a three-interception game against Saint Anselm. Daniels has the most interceptions (5) and most receptions (36) in a single season in program history. "Tyvarius is an amazing athlete. He is reactive, physical, a quick-twitch athlete, and has good ball skills," said Gaskamp. Gaskamp believes he has the ability to be an All-Conference defensive player this season. Daniels is not a big guy, but he is physical. He can cover sideline to sideline and help limit mistakes.
Daniels is from Springfield, Mass., and one of the veterans on a still-young Ravens squad. His focus against AIC was stopping the Yellow Jackets from running the ball and forcing them to throw it deep. Daniels said his switch from the wide receiver position was not too difficult. "I feel like the coaches saw that I can have a bigger impact on defense, and I feel like I'm a receiver playing safety," said Daniels. He learned at his new position he needs to play faster and can't miss any big tackles. "As a team, we have to all do our jobs and focus on our mission," said Daniels.
Daniels' experience helped him avoid too many complications with switching positions. He previously played defensive back in youth ball and at Springfield Central High School. Daniels had to work on his craft over the summer and off-season. Over the first four games, he feels the defense has been locked in and trying to prove it is among the best in the Northeast-10 Conference. "We are all playing as one, we all swarm the ball, and everyone has a chip on their shoulder," said Daniels.
Daniels' goal for this year was to be more vocal and energetic. Generally, he is not a vocal person, but he wants to have more of a leadership role on the team. He plays football for his family, especially for his mom. "I want the best for her and my family members. They sacrifice so much for me to be here, so I put my blood, sweat, and tears into football," said Daniels. The most important thing to Daniels is the bond between himself and his teammates. Daniels said team has become more of a family over the past two seasons, especially the group which has been in Rindge since 2019. He likes to go out to eat with his family, go on trips, and have family game/movie nights. When he is with his friends, they all like to relax and make each other laugh.
The Ravens are now ready to try to get their first-ever conference home win in program history. Daniels and Gaskamp believe if the team plays well like they did last week, there is a chance they can come out on top. Kickoff against Bentley is at 1 p.m. at Sodexo Field on Saturday.