SRU 3rd-year inside linebacker receives honor from coaches
SLIPPERY ROCK — The pride swelled so high in Tim Vernick's body that it forced a huge smile to come across his face.
And why not.
Vernick learned days before Friday night's annual Slippery Rock University spring football game that he was named a defensive captain for The Rock for the 2019 season.
The 6-foot-0, 220-pound inside linebacker and Butler graduate led SRU with 92 tackles last season as the team won the PSAC West and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
“He's a pretty amazing story, really,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “I mean, nobody was really recruiting him out of high school and nobody figured he'd get on the field here.”
Vernick was named a team captain by the Rock coaching staff. Jermaine Wynn, a wide receiver, was named an offensive team captain by the coaches.
Two other captains will be named via vote of the team during summer camp.
“I can't describe what it means to me to be a captain, especially as a junior,” Vernick said. “I appreciate the fact the coaches think of me in that way. It shows a lot of respect.”
Vernick started seven games his freshman year at SRU and recorded 28 tackles, including three for loss. Last year, he had 47 solo stops, 45 assists, 13 tackles for loss and a pair of quarterback sacks.
“Tim's not particularly big, strong or fast,” Lutz said. “He just goes out there and makes plays. He's invaluable to us.”
SRU has the bulk of its defense back next season, thiough 14 starters overall sat out the Green and White Game due to assorted minor injuries.
Vernick led the first-team defense in that game, recording five tackles, including one for loss.
“Nobody thought I could play here,” Vernick said. “Everybody thought I was crazy to come here. People told me I'd never get any playing time.
“This is where I wanted to play. You can't be afraid to work for what you want.”
SRU came out of its spring game — a 27-7 win for The Pride over The Rock — with no injuries. The Pride team was coached by 1983 SRU graduate Rick Allen and featured The Rock's No. 1 defense and No. 2 offense.
Doug Labor, a 1980 SRU graduate, coached The Rock team that consisted of the team's No. 1 offense and No. 2 defense.
Rushawn Grange, a newcomer to the team, rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown. Braden Fochtman added 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Andrew Koester, SRUs starting quarterback at the beginning of last season, completed 12 of 19 passes for 128 yards. Last year's eventual starter, Roland Rivers, did not play in the spring game.
Receiver Henry Litwin had five catches for 78 yards. Defensive back Khadir Roberts had four solo tackles and the two biggest hits of the game.
“I like where we're at coming out of the spring,” Lutz said. “Our spring drills were solid and guys are competing.
“Our biggest question mark going into next year is who's going to be our featured back. Cinque Sweeting (transfer from Seton Hill) is the leading candidate going into summer camp.”
Last year's record-setting Rock running back, Wes Hills, was not selected in the NFL draft over the weekend. Considered one of the top non-drafted free agent running backs available, he has not signed with an NFL team through Sunday night.
SRU opens the 2019 season Sept. 5 at Wayne State (Mich.). The Rock ended last season ranked No. 7 in Division II and will likely receive a preseason national ranking.
