Villanova's Cherry earns defensive honors

While the amazing season of Villanova quarterback John Robertson seems to get more impressive by the week, one of his teammates is enjoying a Robertson-like year on the other side of the ball.

While Robertson was named the Colonial Athletic Association's offensive player of the week for the third time this season after throwing for 285 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-20 win Saturday at Maine, junior linebacker Don Cherry was the CAA defensive player of the week.

Not only that, but Cherry was named the co-national defensive player of the week by the Sports Network.

Cherry was credited with 12 tackles, 31/2 tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup.

"I think that was my best game ever, but that is all because of the scheme Coach Crocker put together and everybody else [playing well] on the defense," said Cherry, referring to Villanova defensive coordinator Billy Crocker.

Like Robertson, Cherry has put together a dominant season for the 4-1 Wildcats.

The 6-foot-1, 221-pounder from Trumbull, Conn., has 45 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 71/2 sacks.

Cherry set the tone in Villanova's opener, a 27-26 double-overtime loss at Syracuse. He had a team-high nine tackles and two tackles for loss.

He said that game gave him and the Wildcats the confidence that they could compete at a high level.

"We played an ACC team like Syracuse, who have a lot of athletes and a great offense, and fighting to the bitter end made us realize we have something special here," Cherry said.

Actually, Cherry has picked up where he left off last year, his first as a starter. After recording 10 tackles in 10 games as a freshman, Cherry had 99 tackles, 121/2 tackles for loss, and one sack last season in earning second-team all-CAA honors.

This season he has taken his game to a new level.

"He just diagnoses extremely well, is very physical, and he can run to the football, so he has been a mainstay to us in the middle of the defense," coach Andy Talley said.

Villanova, which is fifth nationally in the FCS Coaches Poll, will host Rhode Island (0-5) on Saturday. Cherry vows that the Wildcats won't be overlooking Rhode Island.

"They might not have a good record, but they have great athletes, some Division I transfers, and we have to be ready to play," Cherry said.

That has been a key to Cherry's success. He prepares the same way for a team like Syracuse as he does for Rhode Island.

Most of all, he has a great comfort level because of the experience he has gained.

"Freshman year I came in not really knowing what is going on," he said. "Having two years under my belt has helped me be confident out there and make decisions fast."

And he's making tackles (for loss) at just as fast a pace.