Linden Tigers
2018 in Review:
- 7-3 record
- Lost to Cranford in the North Jersey Section 2 Group 4 playoffs
- Scored 214 points – 21.4 average
- Allowed 118 points – 11.8 average
- Wins Included: Elizabeth, Westfield, South Plainfield, Hillsborough
- Losses: Union, Ridge
Departing Seniors:
- RB/LB BJ George – Lackawanna JC (Pa.)
- WR/LB Alex Dorce – St. Benedict’s for wrestling (NJ prep)
- WR/DE Schadrac Petit-Home – Caldwell sprint football
- LB Michael Afolabi – Union County College for wrestling
- NG Jhalil Thompson – enlisted in the US Air Force
*The bold print below is a returning starter. This includes one who had playing time and one who started on the other side of the ball only in 2018, with explanation included after their name.
Offense:
Formation: Multiple Spread
Returning Starters: 6
Quarterback:
- Zion Marshall, Senior, 5-11, 175 – 3-year starter
- Adonis Adad, Sophomore, 5-11, 170 – provides depth
Running Back:
- Christian San-Clemente, Senior, 5-11, 196 – returning starter moving from slot receiver
- Caleb Davis, Senior, 5-8, 170 – will split time with San Clemente
Wide Receiver:
- Jonathan Ortiz, Senior, 5-5, 160 – returning starter at slot receiver
- Jaden Pierre, Senior, 5-10, 170 – projected starter
- Joshua DeLaCruz, Senior, 5-10, 180 – rotating at third wide receiver
- Jordan Bethea, Senior, 6-3, 190 – rotating at third wide receiver
- Kenny Taylor, Junior, 5-11, 170 – rotating at third wide receiver
Tight End:
- Dami Awoyinfa, Senior, 6-0, 205 – returning starter
Offensive Line:
- Sebastian Sanchez, Junior, 6-3, 260 – projected starter at left tackle
- Mike Martinez, Senior, 5-11, 245 – returning starter at left guard
- Syrus Casanas, Senior, 5-8, 215 – projected starter at center
- Darrin Williams, Senior, 6-1, 215 – projected starter at right guard
- Shawn Patterson, Junior, 6-3, 313 – returning starter at right tackle
Defense:
- Formation: 3-3 Stack
- Returning Starters: 6
Defensive Line:
- Dami Awoyinfa, Senior – returning starter at end
- Mike Martinez, Senior – projected starter at end
- Kenny Medina, Senior, 6-2, 265 – projected starter at nose guard
Inside Linebacker:
- Nashsawn Holmes, Senior, 5-11, 210 – 3-year starter in middle
- Mike Mitchell, Senior, 5-6, 185 – returning starter on strong side
- Darrin Williams, Senior – projected starter on weak side
- Taelly Baez, Junior, 5-10, 190 – rotate at all three positions
Outside Linebacker:
- Sameer Scott, Senior, 5-11, 185 – returning starter moving from cornerback
- Ramo Julius, Senior, 5-11, 170 – projected starter
- Kenny Taylor, Junior – part of rotation
Cornerback:
- Zion Marshall, Senior – projected starter and played in situations
- Caleb Davis, Senior – returning starter
- Jaden Pierre, Senior – third cornerback will rotate
Safety:
- Christian San-Clemente, Senior – 3-year starter
Special Teams:
- Junior Rafael Martinez, returns kicking extra points and junior Jonathan Rengifo is back punting and kicking off
- Marshall and Davis are the return men
Schedule:
- Friday, 9/6, at Donovan Catholic
- Saturday, 9/14, at Westfield
- Friday, 9/20, Watchung Hills at home
- Friday, 9/27, Elizabeth at home
- Saturday, 10/5, at Plainfield
- Friday, 10/11, Union at home
- Friday, 10/18, at North Brunswick
- Saturday, 10/26, at St. Joe’s (Metuchen)
- Friday, 11/1, Ridge at home
Concerns:
- Three new starters on the offensive line
- Finding someone to replace the leadership role of BJ George
Recruiting:
- San-Clemente has an offer from New Mexico Highlands
- Awoyinfa has interest from Delaware, Bucknell, Lehigh, Washington & Lee, plus other 1-AA schools
- Marshall has interest from Monmouth, Stony Brook, and other 1-AA schools
- Holmes has interest from Monmouth and other 1-AA schools
- Underclassmen:
- Patterson is getting on the radar and interest should pick up
Coach’s Comments:
“I love our team speed and how aggressive we are on defense. We have a tough schedule and look to compete every week.” – Head Coach Al Chiola