Editor's Note: This is the third in a series of 10 features that highlight a group or position of the 2010 Mercyhurst College football team.
Tight Ends
The graduation of Josh Szeluga and Mitch Lorig leave the tight end position up for grabs. The position is an integral part of the Lakers’ offense, finishing as one of the team’s top three leading receivers in each of the past four seasons. Additionally, a Laker tight end has won all-conference honors in each of the last six seasons, including two honorees in 2006.
Szeluga departed as one of the Lakers best receivers of all-time, ranking sixth on the charts with 117 receptions for 1,391 yards and 16 career touchdowns. Before Szeluga was Dan Schuler (2003-06), who ranks 23rd on the all-time charts with 44 catches for 637 yards and four touchdowns. Kicking off the string of consecutive all-conference tight selections was Jeff Thiel (2001-04), who ranks third on the all-time receiving list with 138 catches for 1,910 yards and eight touchdowns while leading the team in 2002 and 2003.
In 2010, the Lakers look to continue their power at tight end but must do so with an inexperienced group.
None of the possible replacements for the two-time All-PSAC West selection and Valero Cactus Bowl Participant Szeluga have substantial experience as projected starter sophomore
Ryan Bartizal leads the charges with one reception for 14 yards in five games played in 2009. Red-shirt freshman R.J.
Miller will work in for repetitions behind Bartizal but was hurt in the spring season, along sophomore
Tymothy Takacs. Takacs played in two games, picking up time against Lock Haven and Slippery Rock.
Freshmen
Matt Hyland and
Mitch Knapp will also work to find playing time in a wide open position.