Sportsbeat Preview: Mount Union Trojans

NEW ENTERPRISE (WTAJ) — A playoff win last fall during Mount Union’s 9-3 season was cause for celebration as it was the Trojans’ first playoff win since 2014. The question this summer is can the team find repeated success?

The loss of quarterback Bryce Danish, who threw for 957 yards, and ran for 1,193 yards leaves the biggest hole, but not the only one. Je’Saun Robinson, who scored 11 touchdowns, graduated, as did a trio of other first team. All where ICC players, Xavier Peck, who was second in tackles, Hunter Steel who had 10 sacks, and linemen Hayden Inch.

But defensive coordinator Zach Myers said replacing those players isn’t about finding one or two guys to step up.

“It’s going to be more of a team effort. This year it’s going to have to be because we we lost some guys,” Myers said. “They were big-time weapons. Bryce was really, really good. And we’re going to have to find a way to make up for all that lost yardage and lost scores. But I think these young guys have talent and these guys that we have returning have a lot of experience. So I think that they’re ready for the challenge.”

The cupboard is anything but empty for the Trojans, sophomore Nassir Collins is a nice up-and-coming face in the lineup, as is senior Cody McClain. Both earned all-ICC honors. But few returners will be more important than Josh Ryan. The senior running back rushed for 1,018 yards and 16 touchdowns and led the team in tackles with 134.

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“It’s always based on the offensive line and the play of the offensive line,” Myers said. “But Josh Ryan, who you’re talking about is, one of the best players in the area, and he’s going to be a leader this year, and we’re going to be relying on him a lot.”

“I think we’re going to be a very young team, and really got to make improvement, there’s always room for improvement, but I think we’ll be fine this year,” McClain said. “It’ll be good.”

Key Losses: Bryce Danish (QB/DB) Je’Saun Robinson (RB/DB) Xavier Peck (OL/LB) Hunter Steel (RB/DE)

Key Returners: Josh Ryan (LB/RB) Cody McClain (LB/OL) Nasir Collins (RB/DB)

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