The William Paterson Pioneers were two games below .500 with a 4-6 record last season as they finished fourth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). For the Pioneers however, their record does not define how well they played throughout the season. Out of the ten-game season, William Paterson lost three games by four or fewer points.
Take away certain mistakes and costly penalties and the Pioneers would have had a winning season. A lot has changed since the 2021 season came to end with the roster and coaching staff.
The Pioneers were led by Dustin Johnson in his fourth season with the team as head coach in the 2021 season. Johnson will not return after accepting a cornerback coaching position for Villanova University. The main core group of starters was a big senior class, who returned for another shot at competition due to the COID-19 eligibility year, have all graduated. The leading rusher in the backfield for the Pio's last year Terrique Reddick transferred over to the Division 1-FCS level to play for his home state University of Delaware Blue Hens.
The end result however is leaving a positive track and foundation for the many returners playing in this upcoming 2022 season and including a loaded and talented 2022 loaded freshmen class.
Pioneers Preseason Poll Position
Despite the unique circumstances and adversity, the Pioneers are still looking to shake the NJAC. The 2022 Official Preseason Polls of the NJAC were released and leading in the number No. 1 spot is the powerhouse of the NJAC Salisbury, followed up by N0. 2 Rowan, No. 3 Kean (Dark Horse), No. 4 Montclair State (1 first-place vote), No. 5 Christopher Newport, No.6 TCNJ, No. 7 William Paterson University. The Pioneers being marked last in the polls just motivates the team to prove the whole NJAC wrong.
Look at the two teams that William Paterson lost to last year by four or fewer points in Montclair State and TCNJ, who are ranked higher in this year's NJAC polls. The Pioneers brought a lot of attention last year, especially after winning their first NJAC game against Christopher Newport at home last season.
Even with the heavy improvement and making a slight statement last year, it was not enough to make the committee put Pio's up higher this year.
Shaking Up The NJAC
There is a new era beginning in Wayne, New Jersey on the campus of William Paterson University for Pioneer Football.
Photo Courtesy of William Paterson University
Who is Shaun Williams? Shaun Williams was a former NFL player (1998-2006) who was drafted 1st round in the 1998 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He spent eight seasons with Big Blue playing safety, reaching Super Bowl XXXV with the Giants. Williams also started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in his final season in 2006.
Coach Williams has been part of the Pioneer staff for 13 years joining the program in 2009. In 2013 he became William Paterson's defensive coordinator. This summer Williams was hired as the new head coach after the departure of Johnson.
Here is the full detail of William Paterson's new coaching staff as well as returning staff members:
Assistant Coach Greg Lusardi
(Offensive Line/
Co-Recruiting Coordinator)
Assistant Coach Tim Sternfeld
(Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks/Co-Recruiting Coordinator)
Assistant Coach Ali Beh
(Running Backs/Video Coordinator)
Assistant Coach Matthew Bijas
(Defensive Backs)
Assistant Coach Christopher Diaz
(Linebackers/Run Game Coordinator)
Assistant Coach Dashawn Johnson
(Defensive Line)
Assistant Coach Andre Snead
(Cornerbacks)
Assistant Coach Kristiana Zick
(Wide Receivers)
Defense Wins Championships
Williams has one of the most brilliant minds when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. The Pioneers' defense coming into the 2022 season is bringing back a talented core with aggressiveness and skill. The Pioneers are sticking to their traditional 3-4 defensive look as it's been successful in previous years.
One of the advantages of the defense this year is the experience that returns to campus. The group of guys of this three-man front is going to be an exhausting group for opposing offensive linemen. Senior defensive lineman Nasir Adams is coming off a season where he racked up 41 tackles, nine for a loss, and 3.5 sacks as he picked up All-NJAC honors.
Another returning senior on that defensive line is Matt Gore. The 5'10" defensive lineman started all ten games totaling 26 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Another starter, senior Tahir Taylor, is back after seeing a lot of action last season in 2021.
Other key members of the interior foe are Yubir Rojas, Nick Bianco, Thor Connelly, Jamar Cuffe, David Pierre, and a transfer from Hudson Valley Ricardo Colon. Each of these players will see playing time as Coach Williams heavily rotates his interior line to keep the guys fresh in order to wreak havoc on each play.
At the linebacker position, another set group of returners is ready to hit the field running. Senior OLB Nazier Wright who is someone to look out for after putting up a monster season last year with 70 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 11 pass breakups. Junior Alajuwon Bell is a key inside linebacker who, along with great play, is a vocal leader as he looks to be a huge part in stopping the run.
Along with Bell and Wright are experienced linebackers senior Key'mann "Haddy" Coleman (transfer from Wesley College), senior Emilio Vasquez, junior Samod Wingo, and junior Daniel Torchio. This entire group is vital to the linebacking corps.
Finally, we talk about the defensive backs, another group of guys who have experience and are major contributors to disrupting the opposing offense. Here are some key names in this strong secondary to look out for this 2022 year:
Junior Devyn Blount:
- Garnered second-team all-NJAC defensive honors
- Started all ten contests, posting 37 tackles (28 solo, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack), two interceptions and nine pass breakup
Junior RJ Massey:
- Started all ten games, posting 47 tackles (29 solo), four pass breakups, an interception, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick
Sophomore JoJo Kirby:
- An honorable-mention all-NJAC selection
- The Sept. 26 and Oct. 31 NJAC Defensive Player of the Week
- Started nine of 10 appearances, compiling 55 tackles (29 solo, 0.5 TFL), two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, three interceptions, two pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns
- Broke the record for longest interception return (100 yards, 9/25/21 vs. Maritime)
For William Paterson's defense, this year is about playing with a chip on their shoulder as they are looking to keep producing at their end of the bargain, slowing down every team. The NJAC is going to have a challenge preparing for this defense.
Pio Power!
The defense for the Pioneers has always been a strong suit for the program, but what will this year's offense look like for Coach Williams' squad? The offense is running a new style focusing on a spread look while now installing an outside run zone scheme. This year's offense will be electrifying to watch with the new scheme being in place and the players allowing it to work.
When you look at the wide receiver core, one guy who is a highlight reel is junior Matthew Clarke from Long Branch, NJ. Clarke had an outstanding year in 2021 and is looking to carry the momentum into this year. Clarke broke the program's single-game records for receiving yards and all-purpose yards while leading the NJAC in receiving yards and touchdowns. He will be a big problem for many teams this year in the NJAC.
It does not stop there as another exciting and talented receiver to watch is junior Taz Burton, who was another transfer from Wesley College to come over to William Paterson. Taz was another standout star for the Pioneers making a forceable impact alongside Clarke as he picked up All-NJAC second team honors after catching 31 catches with four of those catches being for touchdowns.
Two other sneaky slot guys to look out for this year who also made attention for themselves are Tye Brookins and Ethan Mayes. Both saw a lot of action last year and are looking to up their roles at the receiver position.
The tight end group is competitive this year all fighting for the starting job. All four tight ends on the roster Jermey Connelly, Mike Osafo, Bishop Nichols, and Matt Romano are all sophomores, which will help as they are getting the experience they need to fill the position.
Filling the running back and replacing Reddick will not be an easy one for the Pioneers. There are a number of running backs all fighting for the spot consisting of a lot of freshmen. It looks like junior Rasheed Woods could be the favorite to start week 1 for the Pios.
Pancake Season
The offensive line will need to be huge this upcoming season to keep this offense rolling. The O-line has experience coming back and here are some key guys that will keep the train moving:
Senior Ariel Higuera who is a vocal leader on the line has been a starter since his freshman year in 2019.
- An all-conference honoree
- Has started all 18 appearances on the offensive line
- Started all seven appearances at guard
Junior Will Valentine:
- Started all seven appearances on the offensive line
Junior Raul Rivera:
- Has made four starts in seven appearances on the offensive line
Senior Zahere Ritman has returned to the team this year as well being another experience lineman who has not played since 2019.
To close the remaining gaps on the O-line James Koegler, CJ Brown, and Peyton Willey will all be saying playing time this season as well. The O-line will have to set the tone this year for the Pioneers to keep this talented offensive unit moving.
The Battle for QB1
After the departure of freshman quarterback Spencer Lee who put up some big numbers, questions remain about the QB position. There is no clear starter set for Week 1 home game against Western Connecticut State.
The quarterback battle is so far between two 6'4" signal callers in Mele' Stallings and freshman Simon Condemi. Mele looks to have the advantage since he has been in the program for two years now and progressed a lot in those two years. However, do not be shocked if Simon does get some playing time in certain situations. The freshman played for Chantilly High School in New Jersey during his junior and senior years.
There has been so much happening in this training camp for William Paterson leading up to the 2022 season. The team is hungry as they are eager to show the NJAC what has been cooking in Wayne. This team is looking to stay on the right path and continue to build this program with Coach Williams at in charge.
Below is the 2022 Pioneers Football Schedule:
Sep 3 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Home Western Connecticut State, Wayne, N.J. (Wightman Stadium )
Sep 9 (Fri) 7:00 p.m. Away FDU-Florham, Madison, N.J.
Sep 17 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Home Keystone College, Wayne, N.J. (Wightman Stadium )
Sep 24 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Away Maritime College, Throggs Neck, N.Y.
Oct 1 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Away Kean University, Union, N.J.
Oct 8 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Home Salisbury University, Wayne, N.J. (Wightman Stadium )
Oct 15 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Home Rowan University, Wayne, N.J. (Wightman Stadium )
Oct 22 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Away Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA.
Oct 29 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Home The College of New Jersey (Homecoming), Wayne, N.J. (Wightman Stadium )
Nov 12 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Away Montclair State University, Montclair, N.J.
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