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Today roster cuts were announced as all Imperial football franchises are required to get down to the league maximum 53 men. Say's GM Matt, " these were some very hard cuts. It seems like we do this every season, but it just doesn't get any easier. We wish these guys the best of luck."
Let's review today's casualties.
RB Emmanuel Contois - Contois joined the Bulldogs in 2008 earning the primary backup RB role to Alan Crespo. Contois leaves the team as the 2nd all time rusher in Bulldogs history. Contois was one half of the "Frankie and Manny Connection" last season when he rushed for 824yds and 5 TD's. Contois missed the entire preseason with a groin injury, and thus lost his spot to up and coming Sherman Emmons.
LT Gus Falkenberg - Falkenberg was brought in this past offseason as a potential replacement for all world LT Irwin Kao. When the Bulldogs drafted LT Marlon Gillette, it forced Falkenberg to step up his game to earn a spot. Falkenberg never did anything to impress the coaching staff in training camp or the preseason, and he was dismissed.
DE Bert George - George joined the Bulldogs in 2006 when he was drafted in the 3rd round. George has never lived up to the hopes of Bulldogs management. George appeared in 56 games in his 6 years. George became expendable as the young DE's on the roster are exceeding expectations.
SS Cary Schanding - This undrafted rookie FA was brought in to try and earn a spot on special teams. He fell short of his goal.
WR Neil Kozhin - Kozhin joined Newark in 2008, 2yrs after being drafted in the 7th round by Tulsa. Kozhin did not record a catch in his 3yrs with the Bulldogs.
TE Arnold Apple - Apple was signed last year in week #14 when the Bulldogs had some injury problems at the TE position. He was unable to secure a roster spot this season.
C Charles Runkle - Charles is an original Bulldog. He started with Newark playing at RG. He switched positions to C, where he played the remainder of his career with Newark. Runkle appeared in 92 games while starting 80 games. Runkle leaves as the 4th all time Newark KRBlocker. Runkle fell out of the starting role as Bryce Carr developed and even moreso when the Bulldogs acquired all universe C Wayne Rogers. Runkle will be missed both in the locker room and in the community. His foundation "Charles in Charge" helped raise significant money for the children's hospital in Montclair. However, Runkle became the odd man out on the Bulldog's roster. It was not feasible to have 3 center's on the roster. Runkle still has some gas left in the tank and should catch on to a team.
We wish all these guys the best of luck in their careers. There's always a special place in our hearts for players who spent time here in Newark.
Let's review today's casualties.
RB Emmanuel Contois - Contois joined the Bulldogs in 2008 earning the primary backup RB role to Alan Crespo. Contois leaves the team as the 2nd all time rusher in Bulldogs history. Contois was one half of the "Frankie and Manny Connection" last season when he rushed for 824yds and 5 TD's. Contois missed the entire preseason with a groin injury, and thus lost his spot to up and coming Sherman Emmons.
LT Gus Falkenberg - Falkenberg was brought in this past offseason as a potential replacement for all world LT Irwin Kao. When the Bulldogs drafted LT Marlon Gillette, it forced Falkenberg to step up his game to earn a spot. Falkenberg never did anything to impress the coaching staff in training camp or the preseason, and he was dismissed.
DE Bert George - George joined the Bulldogs in 2006 when he was drafted in the 3rd round. George has never lived up to the hopes of Bulldogs management. George appeared in 56 games in his 6 years. George became expendable as the young DE's on the roster are exceeding expectations.
SS Cary Schanding - This undrafted rookie FA was brought in to try and earn a spot on special teams. He fell short of his goal.
WR Neil Kozhin - Kozhin joined Newark in 2008, 2yrs after being drafted in the 7th round by Tulsa. Kozhin did not record a catch in his 3yrs with the Bulldogs.
TE Arnold Apple - Apple was signed last year in week #14 when the Bulldogs had some injury problems at the TE position. He was unable to secure a roster spot this season.
C Charles Runkle - Charles is an original Bulldog. He started with Newark playing at RG. He switched positions to C, where he played the remainder of his career with Newark. Runkle appeared in 92 games while starting 80 games. Runkle leaves as the 4th all time Newark KRBlocker. Runkle fell out of the starting role as Bryce Carr developed and even moreso when the Bulldogs acquired all universe C Wayne Rogers. Runkle will be missed both in the locker room and in the community. His foundation "Charles in Charge" helped raise significant money for the children's hospital in Montclair. However, Runkle became the odd man out on the Bulldog's roster. It was not feasible to have 3 center's on the roster. Runkle still has some gas left in the tank and should catch on to a team.
We wish all these guys the best of luck in their careers. There's always a special place in our hearts for players who spent time here in Newark.