Blue Devils Picked to Repeat in 2010 NEC Football Coaches Poll

The Central Connecticut football team won its third Northeast Conference football title since 2004 last season and finished the year with a 9-3 overall record. On Wednesday the NEC Coaches picked the Blue Devils to repeat in 2010, placing Central first in the preseason coaches poll. Central received four first place votes on its way to being picked first for the first time ever. In addition, four Blue Devils were picked on the preseason All-Conference Team.

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"It's an honor to be picked first," head coach Jeff McInerney said. "But in the end it doesn't mean much on the field. It is a reward for having a successful season in 2009. We need to go out and prove that we are deserving of that selection this season. Camp starts in less than a week and we can't wait to get started."

Four players that earned All-Conference honors a year ago were placed on the preseason team this season for the Blue Devils. Senior Mike Allison, Josue Paul, Dominique Rose and Alondre Rush all made the preseason team.

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Rush was a First Team All-Conference pick a season ago at defensive back. He is joined in the defensive backfield by classmate Rose, a Second Team selection a year ago. On the offensive side of the ball is Paul, a wide receiver, and Allison, on the offensive line, were honored on the preseason squad. Both were Second Team All-Conference picks a season ago.

Albany, who was not chosen for the top spot in the poll for the first time in five seasons, was chosen third. Robert Morris is second, followed by Albany, Wagner, Monmouth, Bryant, Duquesne, Sacred Heart and St. Francis (PA).

McInerney and the Blue Devils open camp for the 2010 season on Sunday, with the first practice coming on Monday night. A complete practice schedule can be found HERE, and as always, all practices are open to the public.

The Blue Devils open the season on Sept. 4 on the road at national power New Hampshire at 12 p.m. They open their home season on Sept. 11 against Bentley, before taking to the road on Sept. 18 at Youngstown State. The NEC schedule opens on Sept. 25 at home again Bryant.

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