Hennelly hoping TCNJ can stuff Salisbury, gain win

Kevin Hennelly knows how frustrating it can be start the season 0-3.

The College of New Jersey senior also understands not maintaining a positive outlook can only lead to more frustration.

“We are staying positive and we are putting in the extra work whether it’s in the film room or on the field,” said Hennelly, one of the Lions’ captains. “Thinking negatively isn’t going to do anyone any good. We know the last three games got away from us, but if we continue to make the adjustments we believe we can play with anybody.”

TCNJ (0-3, 0-2 NJAC) welcomes Salisbury (2-1, 2-0 NJAC) on Saturday for a noon kickoff at Lions Stadium.

One source of angst has been getting adjusted to a new coach, Casey Goff, who was only hired in July.

It has made it difficult for Goff and his staff to put the system, on both sides of the ball, that they want to run in place.

“We have had to take steps back to make sure we are putting our guys in a position to win,” Goff said. “Having a shorter time to feel things out left us doing so in game situations, which is not ideal. But, on the plus side I feel as though we are headed in the right direction.”

Hennelly is one of those guys moving the Lions in the right direction. The linebacker, who missed all of 2016 with an injury, has 21 tackles and is one of the leaders on the defense.

“The defense fits our scheme,” said Hennelly, of the switch to the 3-4 defense. “Coach Goff wants to put the best 11 players on the field and that gives us the best chance to win. The only individual goal I have is to win football games and that’s the same as our team goal.”

Hennelly, who would like to teach and coach when he graduates in the spring, fueled his coaching passion last year when he was forced to sit on the sideline.

“It was difficult to sit out,” said Hennelly. “Wanting to be a coach I was able to learn the game from a different perspective. I got a lot out of last season as a coach, but I’m happy to be back playing.”

The Sea Gulls’ triple-option offense grinds out 394 yards of offense a game.

“Are we disciplined enough and have we come far enough to play the type of football necessary to contain the triple option on defense,” said Goff. “We have to sustain drives that equal points on offense.”

Hennelly fits the mold of a program player, looking beyond the 2017 season.

“We have to stay positive and as leaders we have to set the example in every aspect,” said Hennelly. “TCNJ being a student athlete is difficult because the academics are tough. We have to set an example for the young kids and by the end of the season we have changed the culture and set it up for the upcoming years of TCNJ football.”