Metuchen's Gilman exemplifies toughness

Last season Metuchen football player Rob Gilman was given the "Iron Man Award" by his coach Bob Ulmer, an award that exemplifies the meaning of being a Metuchen football player.

"He won it by playing hurt. He won it by playing 100 percent all the time and giving 100 percent all the time," Ulmer said. "That's probably my biggest award, even bigger than MVP."

With less than 40 players in the program and only 22-24 upperclassmen, Ulmer is counting on players like Gilman to exemplify the toughness that will be needed throughout the team this fall as a number of players will be counted to contribute on offense, defense, and/or special teams.

Gilman, who has drawn recruiting interest from both Albany and Monmouth, is a skilled defensive end in the Bulldogs' 4-3 defense that may be the key in a tightly competitive Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division.

"We're working hard," Gilman said. "I want to be very competitive in our division. My goals personally, I'm just trying to be a team player. Give the best for the team."

He also plays at left guard on the offensive line forming a strong left side with fellow left tackle Tommy Gorman, a Bucknell commit

The defensive side of the ball is Gilman's strong suit though, as his 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame makes him an appealing prospect.

"He's very committed all off-season," Ulmer said. "People are really taking a lot of serious looks at him and he's on the board for a lot of certain teams. A lot of people like him because he has the height, he can still put on weight, and he leads that team in the weight room."

The leadership traits Gilman possesses on and off the field is something Ulmer hopes can be drawn down to other members of the team

"Rob leads by example, which I'm hoping continues to be," Ulmer said. "He's a real explosive kid. He gets to the ball carrier with a lot of aggression and that's what these colleges really like. I can't say enough good things about the kid. Good student too."

Metuchen's been looking to fill the quarterback void of graduated James Nicolaiason with juniors Trevor Firgau and Jake Lebovits battling it out during camp, both of whom Ulmer said are very confident at the position.

The Bulldogs also have a pair of experienced skill position players in junior receiver Evan Collier and senior Danny Briggs, who is also expected to see some carries out of the backfield this season after playing primarily on the outside last season.

"The goal of this team is be competitive as we can within our division," Ulmer said. "Hopefully the rest of the stuff can fall into place."

Staff writer Mike Becker: mbecker@mycentraljersey.com

METUCHEN

About the Bulldogs

Coach: Bob Ulmer, second season of second tenure, 11th season overall (56-47).

Assistants: Joe Yoschak (defensive coordinator, wide receivers); George Micak (running backs, linebackers); Ned Ennis (offensive line, defensive backs); John Thornton (tight ends, defensive line); Ed Angus (quarterbacks); Joe Demeglio (running backs, defensive backs, sub varsity).

Stadium: Metuchen High School (turf).

Colors: Blue and black.

Classification: Central Group I.

Offensive formation: Multiple I.

Defensive formation: 4-3.

Last year (4-6 overall, 3-3 GMC Blue): Dunellen 34-18 (L), South River 28-3 (L), Shore 21-14 (W), Cardinal McCarrick 49-0 (W), Middlesex 20-16 (W), Spotswood 20-14 (L), Asbury Park 32-0 (L), Mater Dei 39-15 (L), Bound Brook 40-7 (W), Highland Park 39-0 (W).

2014 schedule: Sept. 13 South River, 1 p.m.; Sept. 19 at Asbury Park, 7 p.m.; Sept. 27 Dunellen, 1 p.m.; Oct. 11 Keansburg, 2 p.m.; Oct. 18 at Middlesex, 1 p.m.; Oct. 25 Mater Dei, 1 p.m.; Nov. 1 Keyport, 2 p.m.; Nov. 8 Spotswood, 2 p.m.; Nov. 26 at Highland Park, 6 p.m.

RETURNING LEADERS

THE SKINNY

Returning starters: Tyler Valovcin (Sr., 6-0, 170, WR-FS); Danny Briggs (Sr., 6-1, 170, RB-LB); Trevor Firgau (Jr., 6-2, 170, QB-FS); Jake Lebovits (Jr., 5-9, 175, QB/RB-LB); Evan Collier (Jr., 6-2, 175, WR-CB); Anthony Maloney (Jr., 5-11, 195, K); Devin Miller (So., 6-3, 215, TE-DE); Tommy Gorman (Sr., 6-4, 275, T); Robert Gilman (Sr., 6-2, 235, G-DE); Jarett Sims (Jr., 5-8, 220, G-MLB).

Key losses: James Nicolaiason (QB); Andre Corvil (RB-LB); Zahir Powell (RB); Ryan Verlaque (TE-OLB); Joe Stern (FB-LB); Stephen Walsh (RB).

Top newcomers: Shamar Serioux (Jr., 5-7, 150, WR-CB); Justin Briggs (So., 6-1, 165, WR-S); Peter DiMeglio (Jr., 5-7, 150, RB); Cole Caposino (Jr., 5-9, 150, TE-DB); Fabien Maragh (Jr., 6-3, 320, T-DT); Joe Hronich (Jr., 5-9, 170, C-LB); Alex Buzzi (Jr., 5-8, 175, DL): Cameron McPartlan (So., 6-0, 225, OL-DL); Dan Blanchard (Sr., 6-2, 250, OL-DL); Derek Shapiro (So., 5-8, 165, FB-LB); George Decker (Jr., 5-9, 170, OL-LB); Joe Cammarano (Sr., 5-7, 150, FB-LB); Josh Hall (Sr., 5-9, 180, WR/CB).