2015 In Review: The Rams were 8-2, losing to Glassboro in the first round of the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs. They scored 283 points for a 28.3 average, while allowing 116 for an 11.6 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Pennsville, Glassboro, and Woodstown, while their other loss was to Clayton.

Departures: QB/DB Shareef Jefferies - Wesley (Del.), T/DT Trebor Maldonado - Cheyney (Pa.), LB Wuanjay Green - Jersey Coast Academy, WR/DB Terron Nance - basketball at Chestnut Hill Academy (Pa.), C/NG Cody Marich - baseball at Camden County College

Offense: Salem runs a multiple offense, returning five starters and two transfers who started elsewhere. The quarterback is senior Keanen Cheeks Jr. (6-foot-1, 225), who started on defense. The running backs are senior Jonathan Taylor (6-foot-0, 215) and junior Zaire Jones (5-foot-10, 175), who is back at Salem after spending sophomore year at Woodstown, where he was a starter.

Returning at wide receiver is senior Ray Bentley (5-foot-6, 175) and junior transfer Justin Harris (5-foot-8, 155), started at Deptford. Also getting time will be senior Nate States (), freshman Da’shon Bundy (5-foot-6, 135) and sophomore Jamael Bundy (5-foot-8, 150). When a tight end is used, senior Amani Justice (5-foot-11, 210) will do the honors.

The line returns three starters and another who rotated. Senior three-year starter Zaire Eason (6-foot-2, 283) is one tackle and Jamere Furbush (6-foot-1, 200) is another three-year starter at guard. Senior Nicholas Galante (6-foot-1, 240) is back at center, while junior Taye’Von Stanback (5-foot-10, 275) rotated at guard. The other tackle will be junior Taleem Thompson (6-foot-3, 375). In contention for playing time are freshman Josh Johnson (6-foot-2, 185) and senior Ra’Kere Carney (6-foot-0, 200).

Defense: The Rams run multiple three man fronts and return five starters and the same transfers on offense who started elsewhere. Eason is back at nose guard, while Carney and Stanback are the tackles, where Stanback rotated in last year. Rotating this year will be Galante and senior Zil Cupe (6-foot-1, 209).

All linebackers return in Taylor, Justice, Cheeks, and States. The two rovers will be freshman Zuri Dublin (5-foot-6, 160) and junior Namere Watts (5-foot-10, 205).

In the secondary, Bentley returns at one corner and harris will be the other, where he started at Deptford. Jones is also in the mix and he also started here at Woodstown, plus freshman Kaciir Street (5-foot-7, 140). The safety is Jamael Bundy, who saw time, while De’ Shon Bundy will also play.

Special Teams: The kicker and punter will be senior Jared Buck and the return men will be Jamael Bundy and Jones.

Schedule:

Friday, 9/9, at Glassboro, 7PM

Saturday, 9/17, at Burlington City, 2PM

Saturday, 9/24, Penns Grove at home, 11AM

Saturday, 10/1, Woodbury at home, 12PM

10/7-8, Bye Week

Friday, 10/14, at Gloucester, 7PM

Saturday, 10/22, Pennsville at home, 12PM

Saturday, 10/29, Clayton at home, 12PM

Friday, 11/4, at Deptford, 7PM

Thursday, 11/24, Woodstown at home, 10:30AM

Concerns: With only 35 kids, depth is the biggest concern.

Recruits: Taylor committed to Rutgers, while Justice is 1-AA or higher. Bentley has interest from Delaware and Fordham. Furbush has interest from Virginia and others. Eason will play somewhere.

In the junior class, Jones is a 1-A running back. Harris has interest from UMass and Delaware.

Coach’s Comments: “We have a good core of seniors, with a lot of leadership. We are changing the culture, working hard on the field and in the classroom. We are happy to see the guys buying in.” - Head Coach Montrey Wright