BROCKPORT, N.Y. – It's clear at this point that The College at Brockport football team has some playmakers coming back on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, but special teams is also appearing to be a strong point in 2017.
 
DATE – August 20, 2017
DAY OF CAMP – Ten
 
The Golden Eagles return one of the top placekickers in Division III in Brett Renzi. In his junior season, Renzi set multiple program records, including extra points in a season (52), and points by kicking in a season (70). He made 42 consecutive extra points to begin the year, making the PAT try an all-but guarantee for the Green and Gold.
 
"It will be comforting to have a great placekicker back in Renzi for his senior season," said Brockport head football coach Jason Mangone. "We never hesitated last year to kick a field goal and we won't again this year."
 
The team also returns a terrific punter in Eric Yaeger, who like Renzi, sits atop the Brockport record books in multiple punting categories.
 
"Eric is a special talent," remarked Mangone. "It looks effortless when he punts. He is a legitimate weapon every game for us, because not only can he change the field if we punt from our own end, but he has great touch and can put the ball inside the 10-yard line for the opponent."
 
The return of two players like Renzi and Yaeger will be key for the Golden Eagles in 2017, especially as they transition away from the guidance of coach Bob Ellis, who retired after the 2016 season. The team will undoubtedly miss the knowledge and experience of Coach Ellis, but Mangone is confident the staff he has will be able to fill his shoes.
 
"Bob Ellis will be tough to replace because he was such a terrific coach and person," noted Mangone. "He had the respect of every coach and player he's ever coached. Coach Dueppengiesser, Fox, and Blahowicz have all stepped up and are taking over special teams. It has been a great transition because all three of them are excellent coaches and have put a ton of energy into the units."
 
Brockport will also have some weapons in both the return and coverage units as well, as the roster certainly does not lack speed or athleticism in 2017.
 
"Tyree Brown and Jake O'Connell are going to be used as returners, and are both weapons with the ball in their hands," said Mangone. "Lawrence Jenkins has been doing a great job on cover teams and will be used a lot this year."
 
That special teams unit will be the first to touch the field this year when Brockport travels to Hobart College on September 2nd for a 12 p.m. kickoff.
 
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