Blue Devils Slotted Third By NEC Coaches, Five Players Earn Preseason All-Conference Distinction

Central Connecticut was predicted to finish third by Northeast Conference coaches in the league's preseason poll, which was released prior to a media teleconference this morning. The Blue Devils, who collected one first place vote, were slotted behind Albany and Monmouth. Those two teams defeated CCSU last season. The preseason all-conference team was also announced this morning. Seniors Michael Bailey and Ernie Greywacz were joined by juniors Nick Colagiovanni and Anthony Pineiro and sophomore Josue Paul as honorees.

Head coach Jeff McInerney and his 2008 Blue Devils enter the season looking to earn a fifth consecutive winning campaign. Following a 6-5 mark in 2007, Central Connecticut, which finished the season ranked 10th in The Sports Network Mid-Major Poll, secured its fourth straight such season. It is the longest streak since a school-record string of seven winning seasons at CCSU from 1965-71.

NEC Preseason Poll and All-Conference Team
NEC Teleconference Soundbites

"The best part about this time of the year is that every team has a chance," McInerney said. "Last year's team was young. We've grown, and I think we are ready to win. The time has come to prove it."

Bailey and Greywacz will lead the Central Connecticut defense this season. Greywacz, a second team Mid-Major All-American and first team All-NEC honoree last year, had 73 tackles and led the team with 5.5 sacks and two interceptions in 2007. Bailey, a second-year captain, was selected as a defensive back but will likely move to a linebacker position this fall. He was a second team all-conference selection in the secondary as a junior after totaling 54 tackles and an interception.

Colagiovanni was a second team All-NEC selection last season. He led the Blue Devils with 39 receptions for 537 yards while also catching three touchdowns. Pineiro, who started all 11 games on the offensive line for the Blue Devils, collected second team All-NEC honors as a sophomore. He helped block for the nation's 10th ranked rushing offense, which averaged 257.6 yards per game on the ground. Paul, meanwhile, earned preseason all-conference honors as a return specialist. He averaged 21.9 yards per return on kickoffs last as a freshman. The Delray Beach, FL native had one touchdown, a 95-yard return against Southern Connecticut.

"All these guys play the game the way it should be played," McInerney said. "They work hard from snap to whistle, and I think the recognition from our league's coaches helps prove their value to our team."

The Blue Devils open the season at home on Saturday, August 30, at 5 p.m. against Bryant. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1410 and online at CCSUBlueDevils.com. Until then fans can check in with CCSU football by tuning into Open Mac every weekday during the preseason.