2008 Woodie Awards
First-year defensive starter makes big impact
By Randy Klins
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Sports Extra
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After Godfrey, a nose tackle at SRU last year, played his final game and was invited to mini-camp with the Washington Redskins this past spring, it was apparent that someone needed to step up and assume the role as heavy hitter on the defense.
With three sacks in SRU's 21-15 win over Millersville on Saturday, it's safe to say that defensive end Cory Lacek is that guy.
Lacek has emerged, leading the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference with eight sacks; one ahead of Kutztown's Mike Grosso and West Chester's Jimmy Lewis. The next best sack total in the PSAC western division is three.
Coach George Mihalik said word is getting out around the league quickly that Lacek is an impact player.
"Cory gets a lot of attention from opponents," Mihalik said. "That benefits the front four as well as the linebackers. That's why the other guys got sacks (against Millersville)."
Senior Josh Zeisloft matched Lacek's total with three sacks against Millersville as the Rock tackled its quarterback seven times behind the line of scrimmage. Senior defensive lineman Robert Minnie and Freshman lineman Clinton Forsha are also helping Lacek with 26 and 28 tackles, respectively.
"It does give them (the defensive line) room when they bring two or three guys to defend me," Lacek said.
Lacek and Zeisloft, along with senior running back Josh Kniess, were also honorable mention Players of the Week this past week, according to D2Football.com.
"He's (Lacek) is having a great year," Mihalik said. "Honestly we didn't think he'd be this productive."
Lacek transferred from West Liberty State College in West Virginia this past spring where he was a middle linebacker.
He joined the Rock and the coaches immediately proposed that he become a defensive end. Mihalik said the move has worked to his benefit.
"We thought he could be an impact defensive end," Mihalik said. "He said 'sure I'll give it a try.'"
Lacek was hesitant to begin with but then realized he'd get the same amount of action on the line.
"At first, I thought it wouldn't be as fun because I'm not getting as many tackles," Lacek said. "The coaches showed me that there are so many good linebackers here."
The standout defensive end is also sixth in the conference with 14 tackles for a loss, only two behind leaders Matt Morris of Clarion and Edinboro's Ben Shoup. He's also fourth on the team with 34 tackles.
