One of the most prolific football players in Sachem history is on the verge of what could be a memorable final season at the University of Massachusetts.
Steven Casali, who won the Hansen Award as Suffolk County’s top player at Sachem East, was just named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, as announced by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America.
The Nagurski Trophy is awarded annually to the best defensive player in college football.
Casali has grown into a leader and defensive juggernaut at UMass. Here’s some insight into his college career, as per UMass Athletic Communications:
- Casali provided a team-best 105 tackles during the 2016 season, including 8.0 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.
- Casali is one of only 29 linebackers from across the country selected to the watch list, which encompasses all defensive positions and includes 103 total competitors. There are also 30 backs, 25 ends and 19 tackles on the watch list.
- Casali averaged 8.8 tackles per game, which ranked the 2016 Phil Steele First Team All-Independent selection among the top-20 across NCAA Division I.
- A disruptive player all over the field, he added three fumbles recovered, tied for the eighth-most by one player in Division I FBS, forced another fumble and broke up six passes.
Casali to be Honored at Sachem East Golf Outting
Casali will be the honored guest at this summer’s Sachem East Football Golf Outing to be held on Friday, July 29 at Rock Hill Country Club.
Check-in at Noon with a BBQ lunch. There is a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Enjoy a buffet dinner after golf with open bar, raw bar, prizes and raffles. There is a $175 fee per golfer.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro