50 Years of Devils Football
The 1974 Devils.
In 1973, after much discussion and anticipation, the University added football to the DIII Devils athletics program at the Florham Campus. Fifty years later, the football program works to create a space for players to continue playing the game they love while receiving a world-class education. The Devils have a strong history of excellence, including 16 All-Americans and four bowl appearances. Let’s take a look back at the Devils under the bright stadium lights.
1970s
Former DIII athletics director Robert Shields and former campus provost James Griffon come together to bring football to FDU. They believe that adding football will increase the enthusiasm for campus life and the student body.
The Devils’ first head coach Bill Klika.
In 1973, the program is officially announced to launch in the fall of 1974 and Bill Klika is hired as the first head coach for the program. Klika would serve as head coach for more than 20 years.
In the fall of 1974, Klika along with three assistant coaches bring together a team of student-athletes, including lacrosse players, and some players who have never played the game before. The inaugural game was played against Kean University.
The 1975 season brought the team’s first win against Ramapo College.
1980s
The 1980s brought the first All-Americans to the program. In 1983, tight end Greg Rutter is named to third team, and defensive lineman Ira Epstein was given an honorable mention. In 1984, Epstein is named first team. Defensive back Eric Bray was named to the first team in 1986. Frank Illidge, a defensive tackle was named first team in 1987. Glen Kipila was named first-team All-American in 1988 after a record-breaking season for the Devils of 6-2.
1990s
In 1993, the Devils rejoined the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) and qualified for a spot in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) playoffs.
The 1990s brought Vic Moncato onto the scene. Moncato set several school records during his junior year including receiving yards in a season (1,217) and in a game (220). He also set records for the most catches in one year (64) and in one game (11). He set a Devils all-time high record of 14 touchdowns.
Moncato was featured in Sports Illustrated as the most versatile DIII football athlete and named MAC Most Valuable Player.
After 23 years as head coach, Klika steps down to focus on serving as DIII Director of Athletics. In 1997, Larry Arico would take the helm as head coach.
2000s
After Arico’s short tenure with the Devils, Klika would return for the 2001-02 season. Ed Cracchiolo set a single-game record for the longest rush with 93 yards during that season. Rich Mosca takes over for Klika during the 2002-03 season.
2010s
Brian Surace took the helm in 2011 and would remain with the Devils for eight seasons. Several school records were broken during this decade including — the longest touchdown reception by Bayshawn Wells in 2010 (95 yards) and the most tackles in a single game by Isaiah Turner in 2017 (20). During the 2017 season, Jagger Green broke several season records including pass completions (245), passing attempts (394) passing completions percentage (62.2), and pass yards per game (266.6).
2020s
Jimmy Robertson takes the helm as head coach in 2020. The 2020s brought the Devil’s first-ever ECAC bowl win in 2021 under Robertson. The Devils took home the James Lynah Bowl title defeating Saint Vincent College 38-21. That historic season also included Alnazir Blackman being named to the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. He was the first FDU student named on the team and was only one of two DIII players named on the team.
Anthony Van Curen is elevated to head coach for the 2022 season upon the departure of Robertson. Van Curen would help bring the Devils back to the James Lynah Bowl for a second appearance.