UNH lands in top spot
The University of New Hampshire football team was picked to finish first in the North Division of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) preseason coaches' and media poll, and junior quarterback R. J. Toman (pictured) was named one of three CAA Preseason Players of the Year. The announcement was made Wednesday by the CAA during its annual Media Day at the ESPNZone in Baltimore.
The Wildcats, who recorded 12 first-place votes in the poll, were followed by Massachusets (seven first-place votes), Maine, Hofstra, Northeastern and Rhode Island. Richmond and Villanova were picked as the preseason favorites to win the CAA and the South Division, as each had nine first-place votes, followed by James Madison (1), Delaware, William and Mary, and Towson.
The Wildcats are coming off their fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA FCS Tournament and have advanced to the quarterfinals four of the last five years. UNH also won the CAA North Division title in 2008.
Toman, who was named a first-team preseason all-conference selection at quarterback, was selected as the CAA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He passed for 3,110 yards and connected for 28 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Joining Toman on the first team was senior tight end Scott Sicko, who returns as UNH's leading receiver after making 50 receptions for 660 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Also named to the first-team defensive all-conference squad was UNH junior cornerback Dino Vasso, who led the Wildcats in interceptions (five) and tackles (99) last season.
The Wildcats will open the 2009 season on Sept. 5 vs. St. Francis (Pa.) at Cowell Stadium.
