By Chris Estrada
A litany of accolades has followed senior running back Maurice Murray in the wake of his record-breaking season, his final in a Northeastern Husky uniform. Now one more has come: first-team status on the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Football All-Conference first team.
Murray was one of four Huskies named to the league’s inaugural all-conference list, which was released before Thanksgiving weekend.
Joining him on the list is junior tight end Brian Mandeville, sophomore lineman Kevin Newhall and senior linebacker Joe Mele. Mandeville and Newhall made the All-CAA second team, while Mele was named to the All-CAA third team.
Leading the contingent is Murray, who ran for 1,421 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, tying the school record. His final season as a Husky helped him take control of both the school’s career rushing record (3,806 yards) and touchdown record (43). He also ran for six 100-yard rushing games, including a 206-yard performance in NU’s 31-13 upset over then-No. 8 New Hampshire.
Mandeville emerged as a major pass-catching threat during the season, catching 30 balls for a team-high 411 yards and five touchdowns, which was tops among the receiving corps. After failing to be much of a presence in the early games, the junior came alive with two touchdown receptions in a 21-14 loss to James Madison at Parsons Field Oct. 6. He also caught two touchdowns in the Huskies’ final home game of the season against Hofstra, including the game-winner with 17 seconds left in a 35-31 Northeastern triumph.
The Huskies’ offensive line was among the best in the nation in terms of allowing sacks (16th) and tackles for a loss of yards (second). Playing a key role in that group was Newhall, who has been a starter since his Northeastern debut. He and the line were a key element in Murray’s stellar season and enabled the Husky ground game to average almost 167 yards per contest in 2007.
Mele led the team with 90 tackles, including 50 solo stops. He also finished second on the team in sacks with 3.5, behind the five racked up by junior defensive lineman Wil Colon. Mele also made the third-team All-Conference list in 2005.
