TCNJ’s Graham honored to wear No. 1 jersey
Erik Graham has put up some pretty impressive numbers over the last three seasons for the The College of New Jersey football team.
The senior defensive lineman has 90 career tackles, including a career high 37 in 2018, and is coming off a year in which he led the Lions with four sacks.
But entering his senior season the number that means the most to Graham is the No. 1 on his jersey.
“Although I am going to miss my old number 92,” said Graham, “I am ecstatic to be able to wear number 1 this year as it is a great honor here on the football team.
“At the end of spring ball, the team votes on who gets to wear number 1. Coach Goff brought this tradition here to TCNJ, and it’s definitely a player favorite.’’
Graham, a team captain, was an All-New Jersey Athletic Conference second team selection in 2018. A Finance Major, he was honored as an All-Academic performer in the District, as well.
He has played in all 30 games in his career and besides having the support of his coaches and teammates, his biggest supporter is no doubt his mom, Tiffany. All that support will be on display when the Lions head to Muhlenberg for the season opener on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
“Not to be cliché, but he is the anchor of our defense,’’ said TCNJ coach Casey Goff. “It all starts up front and up front it starts with him. Expect a big year from Erik.’’
After having a career year in 2018, Graham is expecting a huge season, too.
“Coming into camp this year, the focus has been different for me than it has been in the past,” Graham said. “My first two years at TCNJ, I was simply just trying to put on size and strength in the offseason. Now, coming into this camp, I focused on getting as strong and fast as possible while maintaining a similar size. This is the best I have ever felt coming into a fall camp so far, and I’m hoping I will be able to generate even more positive plays for my team that allow us to be in position to win.”
The Lions, who were picked seventh in the NJAC preseason poll, are coming off a 3-7 campaign. Graham is hopeful the positive attitude of the spring and the early days of preseason camp can equate to wins.
“Camp is off to a good start,” Graham said. “We had a great spring practice and I feel it is carrying directly over to our camp. The feelings of optimism and overall energy surrounding the team so far has been great.”
As a freshman, Graham remembers the effect captains like Shane Kelley and Hank Harvey had on him, and although it might be surreal to comprehend, he’s now the captain, but he is ready for the challenge.
The No. 1 on his jersey shows he’s proven worthy of the honor both on and off the field.