Local products making noise
Nine more playing this season in Division I-A, I-AA
HERE ARE nine more Public/Catholic/Inter-Ac products projected to make strong impacts this season for Division I-A and I-AA football programs not covered on a regular basis by the Daily News:
1. IBRAHEIM CAMPBELL
* Defensive back, Northwestern, Senior, 5-11, 205, out of Springside Chestnut Hill
One of 39 players on the Jim Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back) preseason watch list. Named to ESPN's preseason All-Big Ten team. Two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection (media, coaches). Tied for third in the conference as a junior with four interceptions. Three-time Academic All-Big Ten. Fifth on the team last season with 73 tackles.
2. JAELEN STRONG
* Wide receiver, Arizona State, Junior, 6-3, 212, out of West Catholic
Busted on the scene in his first year with 75 receptions for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns, good for second-team All-Pac-12 honors. One of 55 receivers on the preseason Biletnikoff Award watchlist (nation's best receiver). Team leader in receiving yardage and had five consecutive 100-plus yard games in his first six starts (seven 100-plus games total). First wide receiver in ASU history with more than one 100-plus yard game in his first four starts (did so three times).
3. MATT GALAMBOS
* Linebacker, Pittsburgh, Sophomore, 6-2, 245, out of Haverford School
Projected by some publications to start this season for the Panthers. Made two starts at middle linebacker as a true freshman and played in all 13 games. Career-high seven tackles against Navy. Last season, finished with 38 tackles and had five tackles in three different games.
4. WILL PARKS
* Defensive back, Arizona, Junior, 6-1, 194, out of Germantown High
Last season, named the AdvoCare V100 Bowl Defensive MVP with a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown in Arizona's 42-19 victory. Played in all 13 games and started in four. Projected to start this season, according to multiple reports, after senior safety Tra'Mayne Bondurant was dismissed from the team, but was later allowed to rejoin.
5. DARYL WORLEY
* Defensive back, West Virginia, Sophomore, 6-1, 199, out of Penn Charter
Started five games as a true freshman. Expected to step into a leadership position this season as evidenced by coaches selecting him to the WVU panel, which addressed reporters during conference media day. Finished ninth on the team with 45 tackles (36 solo).
6. JAKE ZUZEK
* Offensive line, Navy, Senior, 6-2, 290, out of West Catholic
Has started 26 consecutive games at guard. According to the school's website, has developed into the leader on the offensive line and is one of the strongest players on the team. All-East selection and an honorable mention FBS All-Independent selection as a junior. Also, helped the Midshipmen offense finish ranked No. 1 nationally in fewest turnovers lost (10) and No. 2 in rushing offense (325.4) last season.
7. ERIC MEDES
* Linebacker, Harvard, Junior, 6-2, 220, out of St. Joseph's Prep
Named to College Football Performance Awards FCS Linebacker Award Watch List. Team leader in tackles with 72, good for seventh in the Ivy League last season. Named to one preseason All-Ivy defensive team (second team).
8. MATT SMALLEY
* Defensive back, Lafayette, Junior, 5-10, 188, out of Father Judge
Named preseason All-Patriot League as a defensive back. Last season, was named first-team All-Patriot league and earned his team's Defensive Back and Special Teams MVP. Team leader with five interceptions and third with 63 tackles. Returns of 98 yards and 99 yards via kickoff last season against Sacred Heart and Georgetown, respectively.
9. DESMON PEOPLES
* Running back, Rutgers, Junior, 5-8, 175, out of Archbishop Wood
According to multiple reports, Peoples will receive more carries this season due to his recent performance. Rutgers coach Kyle Flood moved the team's second-leading rusher, Justin Goodwin, to cornerback in part because of the improvements of Peoples, according to NJ.com. Played with the first team during the spring with other backs sidelined with injuries. Appeared in two games last season. Won the team's Most Improved Offensive Player during spring practice last year.