I have been previewing all of the NE-10 teams over the past nine days and here is my pick to win the NE-10 in 2014, American International. The defending champs have a target on their back but have a lot of key players back who led them to the title last fall.

They kickoff the season with a road trip to Assumption whom is the only NE-10 team to defend them last year. The game is scheduled for Thursday September 4th.

Here is the my pick for #1 in the league in 2014:

American International College Yellow Jackets (9-3, 8-1 NE-10)

Coach: Art Wilkins, 21st year (128-79)

Opening Game: September 4th @ Assumption

2014 Schedule

2013 Stats

2014 Roster

American International was the team to beat in 2013 in the NE-10. They won the league and advanced to the playoffs. But they are hungry for more. With numerous key players back, the Yellow Jackets are looking to repeat and play a little bit deeper into November.

The offense has senior Kevin Arduino back under center. He has been one of the top quarterbacks in the league during his time at AIC and is looking to finish it in style. Last year, he had over 2,500 yards passing and nearly 1,000 on the ground. He is big and strong and will be looking to duplicate that 2013 season. Graduate student Terrell Williams is back after missing most of last year with an injury. He is a bruising back that had nearly 500 yards in the three games he played. Senior Shervon Barthelmy will also see some carries out of the backfield. Senior Maurice Easterling will be the main threat down the field. Graduate student Craig Zuszek and Gary Farley will also play a role in the passing game. The hallmark of the AIC offense is their offensive line. Seniors George Grosz and Daniel Naja are back to open holes and protect the quarterback.

The defense for AIC is always quick and physical and 2014 will be no different. Senior Jaquawne Simpkins will be the leader from his linebacker position. He amassed 66 solo tackles last year and will be around the ball again this year. Senior Andrew Justice was the top sacker last year and will spend a lot of time in the opposing backfield again. The secondary has plenty of experience with seniors Mike Ford and Darion Chappel as well as junior Daquan Holmes. The defensive line will feature juniors Omari Manhertz and Danny Omoregie as well as senior Patrick Hunter in charge of pressuring the quarterback.

Head coach Art Wilkins faced a lot of juggling last year because of injuries to key players. He was able to push all of the right buttons to get AIC to the top of the league. He will hope to push all of the right buttons again but skip the injury part. The Yellow Jackets have the talent to repeat as league champs but need to play smart and disciplined football the entire season. If they do, they know the drill of hoisting the league championship up and celebrating.