EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Northeast Conference (NEC) announced its preseason poll and all-conference teams before the start of the 2023 media day at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Wednesday morning. Merrimack was picked second out of eight teams, which is the program best since becoming a Division I member during the 2019 season. The Warriors picked up two first place votes. Merrimack finished last season with an 8-3 record, which included going 6-1 in NEC play. The 2023 season will be the first season the Warriors are eligible for the FBS playoffs.
Nick Reimer,
Brandon Roberts,
Garry Rosemond Jr. and
Cole Peterson were the four Warriors that were named to the NEC Preseason Team.
Nick Reimer - Junior Offensive Line
Nick Reimer will be the primary cog on the offensive line for the Warriors during the 2023 season. Reimer has started every game for Merrimack in the last two seasons, as well as 24 games overall in his three-year career. The Allentown, PA native has one tackle to his credit, which was during his freshman campaign.
Brandon Roberts - Junior Defensive Line
Junior lineman
Brandon Roberts will be on the defensive side of the ball. As season ago, Roberts started every game for the first time in his Warrior career. He had a total of 42 tackles, which ranked him fifth on the team. The Hagerstown Md. native had a season-high seven tackles in the Merrimack win over Stonehill. He also had four separate occasions where he had two or more tackles for a loss, all were in Merrimack victories. Roberts finished the season with three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup.
Garry Rosemond Jr. – Sophomore Defensive Back
Sophomore defensive back Gary Rosemond Jr. had one of the best starts for a corner in the country last season. The Washington D.C. native had four interceptions in the first three games of the season, including two against Harvard. He finished the season with six pass breakups and one forced fumble. He will be a staple on the secondary for the Warriors this coming season.
Cole Peterson – Junior Punter
Peterson started his second full season for the Warriors as their punter during the 2022 season. He pinned an outrageous 22 balls inside the 20-yard line. He also punted the ball a total of 2888 yards in 73 attempts for a total of close to 40-yards a kick. After the season, the Bristol, R.I. native was named to the second team All-NEC team for his kicking.
NEC Football Preseason Coaches Poll
- Saint Francis U (5)
- Merrimack (2)
- Duquesne (1)
- Sacred Heart
- LIU (1)
- Central Connecticut
- Stonehill
- Wagner
The Warriors will open the season up in exactly 45 days, on September 2 at the College of Holy Cross. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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