KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The defending 2019 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division champion Kutztown University football team signed 16 players on National Signing Day this month and filled out another strong class in 2021.
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"This recruiting year like everything else was restricted due to COVID," said head coach
Jim Clements. "I feel that our staff was able to add a good group of student athletes to compete with our current roster, we are excited to get this 2021 season underway."
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Clements, a two-time PSAC East Coach of the Year, and his staff filled needs in each position group to provide depth to the Golden Bears program. The trenches were once again good to KU, signing four offensive linemen and two defensive linemen. Kutztown also inked two wide receivers, two athletes and two tight ends, to go along with a quarterback, running back, defensive back and linebacker.
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Kutztown did not compete last fall as the board of directors of the PSAC voted on Tuesday, July 14, to suspend all mandated conference athletic events and championships through the fall semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In 2019, the Golden Bears tied a program record with 11 victories, won the PSAC East for the fourth time in school history and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Kutztown finished the year ranked 16th in the American Football Coaches' Association national poll.
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Since his arrival in 2014, Clements has transformed Kutztown into a consistent PSAC East title contender and one of the PSAC's elite teams. The newest Golden Bears come with tremendous scholastic credentials and accolades. Clements and his staff trust they will be impactful at the next level.
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Kutztown opens the 2021Â season on Saturday, Sept. 4, vs. Assumption.
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2021 KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS
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Gino Campagna | OL | 6-2 | 280 | San Diego, Calif. | Saint Augustine
HIGH SCHOOL
Did not play senior season due to pandemic…In 2019, Saint Augustine went 9-3 and advanced to the CIF SDS Open Division Final 4…As a sophomore, his team finished 10-4 and was the CIF SDS Div. 1 champion and a state semifinalist…Was a four-year member of the honor roll…Also wrestled.
PERSONAL
Son of Amy and Jack Campagna…Has two younger siblings: sister, Gia and brother, Joey…Plans to study business management and minor in psychology.
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Joe Capobianco | WR | 6-2 | 190 | Nazareth, Pa. | Nazareth
HIGH SCHOOL
Two-sport athlete at Nazareth Area High School, earning three varsity letters in both football and wrestling…Named All-East Penn Conference Northampton Division First Team TE and OLB, and Second Team P as a senior…Helped lead the Blue Eagles to an EPC championship, District 11 Class 6A championship and undefeated 8-0 record in 2020…Member of 2019 Nazareth team that went 12-2 with EPC and District 11 6A titles, and reached the PIAA Class 6A quarterfinals…Highly accomplished on the mats as well, placing fourth at regionals and fifth at districts as a junior.
PERSONAL
Son of Andrea and John Capobianco…Has two older siblings: brother, John P., and sister Caterina…Father and sister also attended Kutztown University…Currently undecided on a major.
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Zehier Cheeze | TE | 6-3 | 220 | Hatboro, Pa. | Hatboro-Horsham
HIGH SCHOOL
Two-time All-league player at Hatboro-Horsham…Three-year member of the basketball team.
PERSONAL
Son of Christina Cheeze and Andre Shepherd…Has three siblings: Yasmeen, Solomon and Ciani…Plans to major in sport management.
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Cade Clancy | ATH | 5-10 | 190 | Lititz, Pa. | Manheim Township
HIGH SCHOOL
As a senior, was named LL League Linebacker of the Year and a First-Team LL League linebacker and running back…Eastern PA Second Team Linebacker…As a junior, Manheim Township went 11-1 and was a district semifinalist…On the wrestling mat, he was a PIAA AAA State Qualifier and a League and Section finalist.
PERSONAL
Son of Lauren and Tim Clancy, the latter of whom is a member of the KU Hall of Fame for football…Has three siblings: McKenna, Declan and Aiden…Plans to study sport management.
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Derrik Cosenza | DL | 6-3 | 225 | Warminster, Pa. | William Tennent
HIGH SCHOOL
Suburban One All-League First teamer as a linebacker and Second teamer as a wide receiver…Also a Suburban One All-League selection and four-year member of the basketball team.
PERSONAL
Son of Kristyn Cosenza and Jamie Brown…Has two siblings: Stephen and Brielle…Plans to major in accounting.
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Dan Engel | WR | 6-2 | 190 | Lititz, Pa. | Manheim Township
HIGH SCHOOL
As a senior, First-Team LL League defensive back…Third on the team in tackles and receiving yards… As a junior, Manheim Township went 11-1 and was a district semifinalist…Also a four-year member of the basketball team.
PERSONAL
Son of Jill and Dave Engel…Has two siblings: David and Jon…Plans to major in business.
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Billy Everitt | OL | 6-3 | 310 | Abington, Pa. | Abington
HIGH SCHOOL
All-Suburban One League National Conference First Team OL and Second Team DL (2019, 2020)…All-Intelligencer/Courier Times First Team OL (2020)…Big part of Abington's turnaround from a four-win team during his freshman season to an eight-win team in 2019 and back-to-back winning seasons in 2019 and 2020.
PERSONAL
Son of Catherine and William Everitt…Has four siblings: Amanda, Rebecca, Lauren and Riley… Plans to major in computer science.
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Adam Fakih | DL | 6-4 | 235 | Bayonne, N.J. | Bayonne
HIGH SCHOOL
Bayonee HS Unsung Hero award winner...First Team NJSFC All-Conference and First Team Hudson County All-Area...Bayonne was third in the league last fall…Finished with 42 total tackles and a sack in eight games as a junior.
PERSONAL
Son of Mouna and Hussien Fakih. Undecided on major.
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Derek Frinzi | DL | 6-3 | 250 | Easton, Pa. | Easton
HIGH SCHOOL
As a senior, was named Second Team All-State (OL), EasternPafootball.com First Team (OL) and EPC First Team (DL)…Easton qualified for districts all four years he was there.
PERSONAL
Son of Sheri and David Frinzi…Plans to major in business.
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Pat Fulginiti | OL | 6-3 | 280 | Manahawkin, N.J. | Southern Regional
HIGH SCHOOL
Team captain for Southern Regional…Named First Team All-South Jersey, All-Division and All-County…Also lettered in wrestling and track & field…Member of the honor roll.
PERSONAL
Son of Geralyn and John…Has one sibling: Megan… Currently undecided on a major.
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Noah Kensey | DB | 5-7 | 175 | Philadelphia, Pa | Roman Catholic
HIGH SCHOOL
As a senior, named Honorable Mention All-League as a DB…Helped Roman Catholic to win five more games as a junior than his sophomore year…Member of the honor roll.
PERSONAL
Son of Shanita and Brian…Has two siblings: Ciani and Jeremiah…Plans to study criminal justice.
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Nick Lovenguth | TE | 6-3 | 230 | Downingtown, Pa. | Downingtown East
HIGH SCHOOL
All-Ches-Mont League National Division (2020) and Honorable Mention (2019)…Daily Local News All-Area First Team TE (2020)…Maxwell Football Club PA Mini Max High School Award winner (2020)…Caught 12 passes for 140 yards and two TDs during a COVID-shortened senior season…Helped team to a 10-win season as a junior…Also a member of the baseball team.
PERSONAL
Son of Beverly and Peter Lovenguth…Has one sibling: Chad… Plans to major in biology with an allied health focus.
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Ben Martin III | RB | 5-10 | 190 | Middletown, Del. | Middletown
HIGH SCHOOL
Blue Hen Flight A Honorable Mention RB (2019, 2020)…Amassed 97 carries for 609 yards and five touchdowns, and 10 receptions for 118 yards and two scores during his senior season…The Cavaliers reached three DIAA Division I championship games (2017, 2019, 2020)…Member of the honor roll.
PERSONAL
Son of Kimberly and Ben Martin Jr…Has one sibling: Quincy… Intends to major in sport management.
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Andre O'Neal | ATH | 6-0 | 215 | Philadelphia, Pa. | Penn Charter
HIGH SCHOOL
Was a four-year member of Penn Charter's football team and also competed in track & field and wrestling…Seventh in the state on the mat as a freshman.
PERSONAL
Son of Sandra Muller and Ryan O'Neal…Has four siblings: Ryan, Josh, Jordan and Zion…Plans to major in sport management.
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Aidan Sanchez | QB | 6-3 | 185 | Smyrna, Del. | Smyrna
HIGH SCHOOL
Three-year starter at Smyrna…Finished his senior season throwing for 2,243 yards and a career-high 25 TDs… Led the state in passing yards in 2019…Two-time First Team All-Conference Selection and was an All-State Selection.
PERSONAL
Son of Kelley and Mike Sanchez…One sibling: Cheyenne…Plans to study sport management.
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Ryan Schernecke | OL | 6-5 | 280 | Hatboro, Pa. | Upper Moreland
HIGH SCHOOL
Two-time First Team All-Intel, Third Team All-Region…Helped lead Upper Moreland to a district championship in 2020…Also a member of the basketball team.
PERSONAL
Son of Carrie and James Schernecke…Plans to major in finance.
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Brandon Strausser | LB | 6-0 | 210 | Reading, Pa. | Governor Mifflin
HIGH SCHOOL
PA Football Writers' All-State Class 5A Second Team LB (2020)…PFN Coaches Select All-State Class 5A Second Team LB (2019, 2020)…Two-time Berks County Linebacker of the Year (2019, 2020)…All-Berks First Team Linebacker (2019, 2020) and Running Back (2020) and Second Team Linebacker (2018)…Registered 43 tackles (nine for loss), four sacks and forced a fumble as a senior when the Mustangs went 8-1, won the District 3 Class 5A title and reached the PIAA Class 5A semifinals
PERSONAL
Son of Sandra and Neil Strausser…Has one sibling: Ben…Considering majoring in finance.
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KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL 2021 RECRUITING CLASS ROSTER
|
| Name |
Yr. |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Hometown/High School (Previous School) |
| Gino Campagna |
Fr. |
OL |
6-2 |
280 |
San Diego, Calif./Saint Augustine |
| Joe Capobianco |
Fr. |
WR |
6-2 |
190 |
Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth |
| Zehier Cheeze |
Fr. |
TE |
6-3 |
220 |
Hatboro, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham |
| Cade Clancy |
Fr. |
ATH |
5-10 |
190 |
Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township |
| Derrik Cosenza |
Fr. |
DL |
6-3 |
225 |
Warminster, Pa./William Tennent |
| Dan Engel |
Fr. |
WR |
6-2 |
190 |
Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township |
| Billy Everitt |
Fr. |
OL |
6-3 |
310 |
Abington, Pa./Abington |
| Derek Frinzi |
Fr. |
DL |
6-3 |
250 |
Easton, Pa./Easton |
| Pat Fulginiti |
Fr. |
OL |
6-3 |
280 |
Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional |
| Noah Kensey |
Fr. |
DB |
5-7 |
175 |
Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic |
| Nick Lovenguth |
Fr. |
TE |
6-3 |
230 |
Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown East |
| Ben Martin III |
Fr. |
RB |
5-10 |
190 |
Middletown, Del./Middletown |
| Andre O'Neal |
Fr. |
ATH |
6-0 |
215 |
Philadelphia, Pa./Penn Charter |
| Aidan Sanchez |
Fr. |
QB |
6-3 |
185 |
Smyrna, Del./Smyrna |
| Ryan Schernecke |
Fr. |
OL |
6-5 |
280 |
Hatboro, Pa./Upper Moreland |
| Brandon Strausser |
Fr. |
LB |
6-0 |
210 |
Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin |
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