Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week: Exeter’s Anthony Caccese
Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week
A year ago at this time Exeter coach Matt Bauer said Anthony Caccese was only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.
In the months since the 6-6, 280-pounder has emerged as a top offensive lineman, earning All-Berks honors to go along with nearly two dozen scholarship offers.
Now he’s developing as a force on defense, too. He recorded three tackles for loss and was storming the pocket all night in the Eagles’ 36-6 win at Gov. Mifflin Friday to earn Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week honors.
“He had relentless pursuit to the ball,” Bauer said after watching the senior record five tackles, 2.5 sacks, two hurries and force a fumble. “He was constantly breaking the double-team. He definitely put a lot of pressure on the quarterback.”
Caccese moved into the defensive line rotation late last season, as the Eagles were on the way to their first District 3 championship. Friday he played more snaps than any Exeter defensive lineman and was a key in disrupting the Mustangs’ running game and limiting them to one score.
Caccese was also strong on offense, fronting Exeter’s 292-yard ground attack with six pancake blocks from his spot at tackle.
He graded out at 86 percent on that side of the ball.
“He definitely came into his own (last) year,” Bauer said. “If you watch the film from Week 1 vs. Central York to Week 15 vs. Penn Trafford, the leaps and bounds he made were very impressive.
“He really started developing a little bit of a mean streak down the stretch.
“You could see him finishing guys, and going to the next level (of the defense to make blocks). That just came with time, and confidence.”
Just before the season Caccese announced his decision to attend the University of Delaware, selecting it from a final six that included Army, Holy Cross, Kent State, Massachusetts and William and Mary. The Blue Hens were the 22nd and final school to offer, on July 7.
Earlier in the summer he was selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl Jan. 30 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fl., home of the Buccaneers.
“It’s very important to him that he’s leaving his mark here,” Bauer said. “He’s developed into a really nice leader for us. The kids emulate him, and his style of play. I’m thrilled for him to mentor our younger players.”
Caccese uses his size and mobility effectively on the basketball court, too. He averaged 8.6 points and was the leading rebounder as Exeter reached the PIAA Tournament last season. He was named to the West Reading Summer League all-star team in July.
It’s no surprise to learn he has a 3.78 GPA when you see schools such as Columbia, Delaware, Lehigh, Fordham and Bucknell among his list of suitors. Caccese said from the beginning his first priority in picking a college was academics, not football.
Caccese is the second Exeter lineman selected this season; Lucas Palange was the Week 1 selection. Caccese was selected for the honor once last season.
Players considered for Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.
Also nominated for Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week:
- Owen Reber, G, Berks Catholic
- Nate Casiano, DT, Conrad Weiser
- Mason Ketner, C, Twin Valley
- Jack Dendall, T, Wilson
- Caleb Brewer, DT, Wyomissing
Selected earlier this season:
- Week 1: Lucas Palange, Exeter
- Week 2: Jack Gartner, Wyomissing
- Week 3: Jven Williams, Wyomissing
Selected for Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week last season:
- Week 1: Tyler Hallock, T, Kutztown
- Week 2: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
- Week 3: Colin Leahy, T, Daniel Boone
- Week 4: Josh Pazdrick, TE, Conrad Weiser
- Week 5: Nate Goodman, Gov. Mifflin
- Week 6: Jven Williams, G, Wyomissing
- Week 7: Kyle Pry, T, Boyertown
- Week 8: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
- Week 9: Jon Ramsey, G, Wilson
- Week 10: Jack Durning, C, Wilson
- Week 11: Dominic Memmo, DT, Wilson
- Week 12: Kyle Lash, T, Exeter
- Week 13: Anthony Caccese, T, Exeter
- Week 14: Jven Williams, G, Wyomissing
