Gontarek Named Offensive Rookie Of The Year, As Seven Great Danes Earn CAA Honors
CAA ALL-CONFERENCE
RICHMOND, VA. -- True freshman wide receiver Josh Gontarek has been named the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, headlining the University at Albany's group of seven players who have been honored by the CAA. Announced by the conference office Tuesday, redshirt senior running back Omar Osbourne earned All-CAA accolades for the second straight season, being named to the second team. Redshirt senior tight end Brian Parker, redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Kevin Malloy, redshirt junior place kicker Patrick Toole, and redshirt sophomore linebacker Michael Nicastro were all named to the CAA's third team. In addition, redshirt senior wide receiver Jake Meek was the recipient of the Chuck Boone Leadership Award.
JOSH GONTAREK, Fr., WR, Mount Airy, Md.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Finished his rookie campaign with a team-high nine touchdowns, 58 receptions, and 687 receiving yards … Named CAA Rookie of the Week four times and is on the Jerry Rice Award Watch List and CFPA Freshman Performer of the Year Watch List … Totaled a season-high 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Delaware (Nov. 8).
OMAR OSBOURNE, RSr., RB, Syracuse, N.Y.
Second-Team All-CAA Offense
Ranked third in the CAA with 100.9 rushing yards per game … Led the team with 1,211 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry … Recorded seven 100+ rushing performances, including 193 yards on 15 carries vs. Columbia (Sept. 27) and 166 yards on 24 carries vs. Stony Brook (Nov. 22) … With 3,229 career rushing yards, Osbourne ended his career ranked third all-time in UAlbany's archives … Recorded 29 total touchdowns in his career … Was a first-team All-CAA selection in 2013.
BRIAN PARKER, RSr., TE, Henrietta, N.Y.
Third-Team All-CAA Offense
Totaled 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 39 receptions this fall … Finished his career with 1,006 receiving yards and nine touchdowns … Had a career-best game vs. Villanova (Nov. 15) with 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five receptions.
KEVIN MALLOY, RSo., OL, East Northport, N.Y.
Third-Team All-CAA Offense
Started all 12 games at left tackle … Helped UAlbany's offense to 26.8 points per game, good for fifth in the conference … Protected quarterback Will Fiacchi, allowing him to break the single-season passing record (2,636 yards) and career passing record (7,150 yards).
PATRICK TOOLE, RJr., PK, Walkill, N.Y.
Third-Team All-CAA Offense
Named CAA Special Teams Player of the Week twice … Made 12-of-18 field goal attempts, including a CAA season-long 52-yarder against Maine (Oct. 18) and a 46-yarder vs. Rhode Island (Sept. 20) … Made 38-of-39 PAT's.
MICHAEL NICASTRO, RSo., LB, Clarksville, Md.
Third-Team All-CAA Defense
Ranked third in the CAA with 120 tackles (54 solo) this fall, averaging 10.0 per game … Recorded a 40-yard fumble recovery at Villanova (Nov. 15) and had a key interception for 14-yards in UAlbany's win over Stony Brook (Nov. 22) … Also picked off a pass for 24-yards against Richmond (Oct. 11).
JAKE MEEK, RSr., WR, Penfield, N.Y.
Chuck Boone Leadership Award
The award, which is in its third year, is presented annually to the CAA Football player who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship in his academic and athletic achievements … Meek boasts a 3.78 cumulative GPA and is enrolled in graduate school … He also serves as an executive member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and has led the football team in numerous community services initiatives throughout his career … Jake was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and the CAA Academic Honor Roll last spring … On the field, Meek was one of the team's most versatile athletes, transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver in his career, while also serving on special teams … In 12 games this fall, Meek scored four rushing touchdowns on 21 carries and 83 yards, while also recording 10 receptions for a total of 67 yards.
UAlbany wrapped up its first season under the direction of Head Coach Greg Gattuso with a 7-5 overall record and 3-5 mark in CAA play.
