CCSU Picked to Finish Third in Northeast Conference, Three Blue Devils Earn Preseason All-Conference Honors

Central Connecticut State University was picked to finish third by Northeast Conference coaches in the league's preseason poll, which was released prior to a media teleconference this morning. The Blue Devils were slotted behind Albany and Monmouth. Those two teams defeated CCSU last season. The preseason all-conference team was also announced on the teleconference. Seniors Anthony Pineiro and Ray Saunders and junior Alondre Rush represented Central.

Fourth-year head coach Jeff McInerney and his 2009 Blue Devils are aiming for a sixth straight winning campaign for CCSU. Central will face a difficult non-conference road schedule to begin the season; however, the Blue Devils do get to host Albany and Monmouth in New Britain, where Central has lost just twice in its last 25 games. That includes one stretch of 12 consecutive wins over NEC foes. The Blue Devils went 5-0 in home contests last year.

NEC Preseason Poll Release
NEC Preseason All-Conference Release
NEC Preseason Media Teleconference Audio Clips

"We have an experienced team ready to reach new levels this season," McInerney said. "It is time for Central Connecticut State University football to get back to the top of the conference."

Saunders and Rush are two cogs in the Blue Devil defense. Both were first team All-NEC selections in 2008. Saunders led the conference with seven sacks. He ranked fourth on the CCSU defense with 48 tackles, including 13 for loss. The defensive end also forced a team-best four fumbles. Rush, meanwhile, is back in the strong safety spot after enjoying a 70-tackle season as a sophomore. He added two interceptions and a sack while also blocking two kicks.

Pineiro will anchor the CCSU offensive line for a fourth straight season. He has been a starter at guard and center since 2006, blocking for the conference's top rushing team in each season. The Blue Devils have also ranked in the nation's top-10 during each of Pineiro's three years on the line. They led all FCS teams in rushing offense during 2006, ranked tied for 10th in 2007, and posted the seventh-best rushing attack last year. Pineiro was a second team All-NEC selection in 2007.

"These three student-athletes are all deserving of the recognition," McInerney said. "They are invaluable to our team's success."

The Blue Devils open the season on the road on Saturday, September 5, at 12:30 p.m. against Lehigh. Until then fans can check in with CCSU football by tuning into Open Mac every weekday during the preseason.