HERO Sports welcomes you to "Three-a-Days", where we will preview every single one of the 126 FCS programs from June 17 to August 6. Then, we'll preview all 13 conferences from August 12-15. Today, we present … Robert Morris.
We'll leave no stone left unturned when it comes to giving the FCS diehards all they could ask for this offseason. Learn about every program in the country, with HERO Sports.
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- FCS Home
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Robert Morris (2-9 IN 2018)
NEC (RMU finished 7th in 2018)
COACH: Bernard Clark Jr. – At School: 2nd Year (2-9) Overall: Same
LAST FCS POSTSEASON: 2010 (First Round)
2018 OFFENSE: 24.6 ppg (85th in FCS)
2018 DEFENSE: 43.5 ppg (121st in FCS)
KEY GAME: Nov. 9 vs. Duquesne: The Dukes are picked to finish first in the NEC once again this year. This is a great test for RMU to see how it stacks up against the best in the conference.
SUM IT UP: RMU's record remained the same from 2017 to 2018, going 2-9 overall with an 0-6 mark in the NEC. But the Colonials were competitive in Bernard Clark Jr.'s first season, losing 49-46 to Bryant and 40-39 to Eastern Kentucky, one of the better teams in the Ohio Valley Conference.
With nine starters back on offense and eight returning on defense, expectations are to get better in Year 2. There are solid weapons on offense with tight end Matthew Gonzalez, a HERO Sports Preseason All-American who had 40 receptions for 642 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Leading rusher Terence Stephens is also back after running for 831 yards last year with four touchdowns.
The offensive line has four guys with significant experience: Matthew Fennell, Trevor Hicks, Conner Mundy and Alex Minford.
In order for this team to compete, the defense needs to improve after being near the bottom of the FCS with 43.5 points allowed per game. The experience returning along with adding some transfers into the mix suggests that will happen.
OUR TAKE: The Colonials haven't had a winning record since going 8-3 and making the FCS playoffs in 2010. It'll be a process to climb back up the NEC standings, but progress should be made in 2019. With a 12-game schedule and some winnable nonconference games, RMU will improve its 2-9 record.
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COUNTDOWN: The Best Player in FCS Who Wears Each Number, 1-99
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TOP RETURNEE: Sr./TE Matthew Gonzalez (HERO Sports Preseason All-American, 40 rec. for 642 yards and 12 TDs)
THE FOUNDATION: Sr./RB Terence Stephens (Top rusher, 831 yards and 4 TDs); Sr./WR DeLano Madison (25 rec. for 326 yards and 1 TD); Jr./OL Trevor Hicks (Returning starter); Sr./LB Tyler Lamica (36 tackles)
TOP NEWCOMER: Fr./DT Colton Richards (HERO Sports' 232nd ranked FCS recruit in 2019)
THE QUOTE: "We filled a great void that we needed with our defensive line. We signed some young guys out of junior college that we feel can help us out immediately and we feel strongly about those guys. We also got some help at linebacker and, hopefully, we'll be getting some help at offensive line later on (in the signing period). The big spot that really was filled was defensive line today and we feel good about that." — Head Coach Bernard Clark Jr. said
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WERE WE RIGHT?: Last Year's RMU Preview
FCS 2020 NFL PROSPECTS: The List
BEST FCS TRADITIONS: The List
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PREVIEWS: The Rest Of The NEC
Bryant | Central Connecticut | Duquesne
Long Island | Merrimack | Robert Morris
Sacred Heart | Saint Francis | Wagner
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