Chicago, Ill. - The North Park University football season is just around the corner. Head Coach Mike Conway enters his 6th season with some familiar faces and plenty of new ones.
"We are optimistic regarding the 2018 team. Even though we lost a good class to graduation, we have a solid returning team with an exciting influx of new Vikings," said Head Coach Mike Conway.
"Our recruiting has been one of best in recent years bringing in a total of 66 freshman and transfers to round out our squad of 115 arriving at camp. We are excited about this very diverse class who have come to North Park and our football program from literally all over the world".
"This recruiting class exemplifies the core values of our university and program," Conway concludes.
THE OFFENSE
North Park will lean on a young, yet battle-tested group of returners to lead their offense along with an energized, talented group of newcomers.
Grant Borsch (So./QB), who played in 4 games for the Vikings during his 2017 freshman season, completed 41 of 85 passes (48.2%), tossing 5 touchdowns while averaging a team-best 140.5 yards per game. He will have plenty of targets in the pass-game as senior starters, Travis Dworzynski (Sr./WR) and Hunter Hinkel (Sr./WR) return, as well as juniors Woodrow Corey (Jr./WR), Sid Smith IV (Jr./WR), and Na'im Smith (Jr./TE/HB). These returning starters will be flanked by a good group or returners vying for playing time with some exciting newcomers to add to the mix.
Pictured, on left: Travis Dworzynski (Sr./WR) will be a main target for the Vikings in 2018
For the running game, Jeremiah Madden (So./RB) returns as the leading Viking rusher, having started 5 games as a freshman in 2017. The Vikings also bring on board some accomplished newcomers at the running back position, which should bolster the much-needed running attack.
The offensive line returns four starters in George Tafua Jr. (Jr/C)., George Corey (Sr./G), Rush Asing (So./G) and Zach Sandlin (Sr./T). The emergence of Justyn Williams (Jr./T) at tackle adds to this veteran group of experienced offensive linemen.
"I am very excited about our offense as we are building upon a great spring and offseason," Conway discusses. "We need to develop some continuity, but our coaching staff has done a good job developing a system to fit our talent."
The new-look offense will hope to improve in many areas for the 2018 season.
THE DEFENSE
Defensively, the Vikings will be tasked with replacing three-time All-CCIW and 2017 All-Region linebacker Chaun Maiava and a two-time All-CCIW selection in safety, Matt DiFecchio. These losses to graduation, coupled with the loss of an outstanding defensive front will present quite a challenge in 2018.
"We lost some great players to graduation, but we are confident in our returners and newcomers to rise to the challenge in certain positions," said Coach Conway.
However, the Vikings will return senior cornerback, and 2017 All-CCIW selection, David Simmons, Jr. (Sr./CB) to help steer the defense. Simmons, a two-time All-CCIW honoree (2015, 2017) led the Vikings' defense with 10 pass break-ups and was 8th in the CCIW with 3 interceptions. In a standout game against Carroll University, Simmons totaled 8 tackles (5 solo), 2 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, a blocked kick, a tackle for a loss, and Interception returned for TD. This performance gave the Vikings a 37-6 victory and earned Simmons CCIW Defensive Player of the Week recognition.
Pictured: David Simmons, Jr. (Sr./DB) spearheads the 2018 Viking defense
The secondary is expected to be a strength for the Vikings as they return a number of starters from 2017. Junior safeties Ryan Howson (Jr./S), and Gary Anish (Jr./S) will continue their progress at the safety positions and Dalton McKay (Jr./CB), who played in all 10 games and led the Vikings in interceptions, will join the versatile senior Sidney Francois-Friis (Sr./CB), who is returning at corner. These players will be supported by a number of returners who received valuable playing time in 2017 alongside a crew of impactful newcomers.
Also returning to the defensive unit is two-year starter and 7th leading tackler in 2017, Uluao Letuli (Sr./LB), Yoan Castellanos (So./LB) and Dillon Sunday (So./DE). The return of emotional leader Quentin Voce (Sr./DE) and Harold Alexander (DL/Jr.) along with converted offensive lineman Obadiah Faletoi (Jr./DL) should be impactful players on the front. The return of Uati Pati (DE/Jr.) and Patamo Soa (So./DL) from the 2016 season will also help in the transition up front.
Of the defense, Coach Conway says: "Our defense was formidable in 2017, so our challenge is that we need some players to step up and take an increased role. I am confident in our leadership and work ethic on defense, and we are excited to see our progress."
SPECIAL TEAMS
The specialists will include a familiar face in Alexis Santillan (Jr./PK), who will handle the placekicking and punting duties after an efficient year, along with excellent long snapper Seth Swanson (Jr./Snapper). There will be a number of options to use in the return game which will include senior Travis Dworzynski.
"We feel our kicking game will be one of our strengths in 2018", said Coach Conway.
A good mix of returners and exciting newcomers should make for some exciting games and, hopefully, make the 2018 season one to remember.
WHAT'S FIRST?
The Vikings will take will open up their season at home on Saturday, September 1st against Anderson University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
