Aug. 7, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Coming into fall practice Stony Brook's football team returns a pair of starters at receiver from the 2007 season that will lead a relatively young group into the 2008 campaign. Seniors Lynell Suggs (Bronx, N.Y.) and Dwayne Eley (Bowie, Md.) are Nos. 3 and 8 on the all-time receiving yardage list at Stony Brook and form one of the top returning receiving tandems in the Big South Conference in 2008.

Suggs had a standout season in 2007, setting school records for receptions (75) and yards (962). A sure-handed wideout that can go up for balls over defensive backs with his 6-2 size, he finished among the top-20 in the nation last season in receptions per game and yards per game.

From his slot position Eley was nearly as good as Suggs, snaring 59 balls for 695 yards while matching Suggs with six touchdowns. He also provides a threat for opponents on end around plays, averaging over six yards per try a year ago and scoring one touchdown. Matched with Suggs, they give Stony Brook a pair of career 1,000-yard receivers that are sure to cause problems for opposing defenses.

Behind Suggs and Eley there is plenty of potential, but not much in the way of experience for the Seawolves. Junior Donald Lee (Clifton, N.J.), sophomore Donald Porter (Charles Town, W.Va.) and junior Anthony Hamilton (Copiague, N.Y.) all saw action a year ago, but totaled only six catches between them. Porter saw the most action, playing a key role on special teams were he led the squad in kick-off returns, taking back 21 for a total of 463 yards.

Depth at receiver will have to come from some players who have not yet played a down at Stony Brook. Sophomore Michael Lepore (Brick, N.J.) and redshirt-freshman Jonathan Spruill (Bellport, N.Y.) each have a year with the program after sitting out last season, and should provide some of the depth. Three new faces, junior college transfer Stephan Towns (San Diego, Calif.), freshman Jordan Gush (Richardson, Texas), a standout receiver/kick returner from Texas, and freshman Andre Garcia (Pacoima, Calif.) should also add their names to the mix.

"At the wide receiver position we bring back our season record holder in receptions in Lynell Suggs and we bring back Dwayne Eley who's had two very successful years for us as the slot receiver," said head coach Chuck Priore. "I'd say the receiver position after them has some inexperience. It's a nice mixture for us, they are all pushing each other. Suggs and Eley are providing good leadership and the rest of the group are working hard to learn what we are doing."