Kean football wins first home opener in four seasons
By: Joel Joly | Posted on Sept. 28, 2015
Prior to the first game, Kean’s Head Coach Dan Garrett stressed the importance of beginning the season on the right foot.
Kean University’s football team won their season opener for the first time in four years against Bridgewater State 47-21 back on September 12. Quarterback Tyler Rodriguez led the off ense with four touchdowns, as he tallied 190 yards on ten completions, and ran for 86 yards.
Junior Damian Corredor ran for a total of 122 yards. Senior wide receiver Qaudir Johnson ended the game with a total of 116 receiving yards.
Robert Meade III led all players on defense with 14 total tackles, including a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. Junior Stephan Lewis fi nished with nine tackles, and Junior Tom Winters provided eight tackles and a sack.
“Winning the first game obviously reinforces everything I’ve been talking to this group about since December 1 of last year when our season ended,” Garrett said. “Every week we talked about how we have ten single week seasons and every week we have to win one game at a time.”
When asked about key returning players for this upcoming season, Coach Garrett had high hopes for many of them.
“Tom Winters is a defensive lineman I expect really big things from him,” Garrett said. “Steph Louis is going to be a three year starter for us. Austin Davis played at corner for us last year. He had a heck of a camp and just really did everything the right way.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Damien Corredor returns as running back, along with both Jonathan Schmitt and Quadir Johnson at wide receiver, and Anthony Mangan on the offensive line.
There were some adjustments made to the team, as well. Robert Meade III, who was the starting quarterback last season, was converted into a linebacker. Coach Garrett was very impressed with what Meade has shown him.
“We moved him up to the linebacker position this season,” Garrett said. “I’ve jokingly said with him that he’s been playing the wrong position his whole life. I’ve been coaching football now for a long time, and he’s probably one of the better linebackers I’ve ever seen, since I’ve been coaching and defense is kind of my forte, he’s like a heat seeking missile; he’s physical, he’s fast, he understands the game, and he processes things so well.”
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