11 named to Phil Steele Preseason Big South teams
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University football team placed 11 student-athletes on Phil Steele Preseason All-Big South team announced last week.
Bryant saw six offensive players, four defensive players and one specials teams player named to the list.
Sophomore quarterback Zevi Eckhaus, classmate and running back Fabrice Mukendi and senior wide receiver David Zorrilla were named to the first team on offense. Senior offensive lineman Trevor Smith was named to the second team, while senior wide receiver Anthony Frederick and junior offensive lineman Jamichael Watts were named to the third team.
Seniors Jack Daly (DL) and Joe Andreessen (LB) were named to the first team on defense, while classmates Kenny Dyson Jr. (DL) and Ryan Saddler (LB) were named to the second team. Junior long snapper David McCain was named to the first team for specialists.
Eckhaus completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 2,392 yards, 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions last fall. He also got it done with his feet, running for 242 yards and two scores, finishing the year with 2,634 yards of total offense.
Mukendi enjoyed one of the finest rookie seasons for a running back in school history, rushing for 652 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 59.3 yards per game as a true freshman.
Zorrilla had a career-year in 2021, leading the NEC with 69.0 receiving yards per game. He posted 47 catches (5.2 per game) for 623 yards and two scores. Zorrilla teamed with Anthony Frederick to form one of top receiving tandems in the league. Frederick caught 32 passes for 516 yards and eight touchdowns, posting three games with multiple touchdown receptions.
Smith and Watts were part of an offensive line that helped the Bulldogs lead the league in total offense and points per game.
Daly returns to anchor a formidable defensive line after earning first team all-conference honors in each of the last two years. He's coming off a 2021 season in which he 40 tackles (4th on the team) and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Andreessen has also earned first team all-league honors each of the last two years and is coming off his best season with the Black and Gold. He posted 80.0 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and a league-high three interceptions.
Dyson is also coming off an all-conference season in which he led the team with 7.0 sacks and 12.5 TFLs. He had a sack in six of the 11 games a year ago.
Saddler forms the other part of the Bash Bros. at linebacker and is coming off a career-high 91.0 tackles. He finished with 10+ tackles on three occasions and also added 6.0 TFLs.
McCain was named to the first team for specialists after a successful first season as Bryant's snapper. He served as the long snapper on field goals, PATs and punts.
Bryant opens its season on September 1 at Florida International. The Bulldogs play their first home game on September 10 when Rhode Island comes to Smithfield for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.