I will be previewing all of the NE-10 football teams over the next 10 days. I will roll out each team in my preseason poll from # 10 to # 1. The NE-10 will release the coaches preseason poll towards the end of August.

The season starts on September 5th when American International travels to face PSAC opponent East Stroudsburg.

Here is the my pick for # 8 in the league in 2013:

Assumption College Greyhounds (3-7, 3-5 NE-10)

Coach: Bob Chesney, 1st season (0-0)

Opening Game: September 7th @ Bryant

2013 Schedule

2012 Stats

2013 Roster

Assumption has been on the cusp of good things the past couple of years. But a new coach might help to vault them into the upper half of the NE-10.

The Greyhounds have a solid nucleus of offensive weapons back in the fold for 2013. Senior quarterback Bobby Jordan will be called upon to led the offense. He threw for nearly 2,000 yards last year but will need to improve on his 48% completion percentage as well as his 10 interceptions. He is also a dual threat as gained 267 yards with his legs. His top threat out of the backfield will be senior Matt Pedone. He ran for 379 yards a year ago but will be called upon to repeat his 2011 campaign when he gained over 1,000 yards. Senior tight end Scott Simonson will be a major factor in the passing game as he led the team with six touchdown receptions last year.

The defense lost some starters to graduation but returns a solid core that limited teams to just 27 points per game last year. Senior defensive back Mike Bates is the heart of the defense. He is always making big plays and will be called upon to continue his stellar play this year. Senior linebackers Matt Colangelo and defensive lineman Mike Stuppiello will help to limit the opposing offenses and not allow them to spend much time on the field.

First year head coach Bob Chesney saw a lot of success at the Division III level and hopes to bring that same success to Assumption. He led Salve Regina to the NCAA tourney two years ago and is no stranger to winning programs. He has some solid players in the program and might catch some teams by surprise with a new scheme for the Greyhounds in 2013.