By Jennifer Toland
Telegram & Gazette Staff
Telegram & Gazette Link
WORCESTER — Over the last few years, Dan Orlando has covered some ground going from his hometown of Westboro to Merrimack College to Worcester State, and from there, to eight countries around Europe.
While studying last spring semester in Florence, Italy, Orlando, a Lancers junior wide receiver, and teammates Jimmy King and Brett Stuart, "gave Italy a taste of Worcester State," Orlando said with a laugh.
WSU was one of Orlando's original suitors when he was coming out of Westboro High. He headed to Merrimack, where he was a member of the team for one season, but didn't play. Orlando decided he wanted to go to school closer to home and also have the chance to play with his brother, former Worcester State linebacker Brian Orlando. Plus, he was familiar with the WSU campus.
"It seemed like a better fit," said Orlando, who is in his third season with the Lancers. "All the guys welcomed me coming in. It was a good transition. It was pretty easy."
In 2016, Orlando had 33 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown as the Lancers tried to find consistency in the passing game. Due to injury, WSU used three different quarterbacks last season.
"We all did a pretty good job working together," Orlando said. "All three (quarterbacks) have a different skill set, so you have to adjust to that. We have a good receiving corps. One of last year's captains, Arron Witkus, did a good job of getting all the troops together and working with the quarterbacks. I'm trying to emulate that from last year."
Orlando is a captain this year and coach Brien Cullen has a lot of confidence in his leadership abilities.
"He's a great leader and we're fortunate he wanted to come back," said Cullen, who is in his 33rd season as Lancers coach. "He's done an outstanding job here, not only as an athlete."
As a Presidential Student Ambassador, Orlando is among an elite group that promotes Worcester State at select on- and off-campus functions throughout the academic year.
Last fall, Orlando traveled with Worcester State president Barry Maloney to Ireland.
"I was lucky enough to get picked to go to Ireland with the president and some other staff members," Orlando said. "We saw the whole country. Worcester State has given me a lot of good opportunities."
While studying in Italy — and missing spring practice, Cullen needled, while adding with a laugh, "I'd probably make the same choice" — Orlando also toured Spain, France, England, Greece, Hungary and Austria.
"It was amazing," he said. "We saw a bunch of cool stuff."
Orlando, who is on track to graduate in May, would like to study abroad again after college, possibly in Scotland. He will still have one year of football eligibility left if he decides to go that route instead.
The Lancers struggled to a 3-7 mark last season, but did win two of their last three games, so that may be something to build on in 2017.
"We have a lot of returners on both side of the ball," Cullen said, "and it's been going smooth getting in sync with the new kids."
Cullen said the competition at quarterback is between Mike Kadick, who played in five games last season, and Noah Brum, who played for the Lancers two years ago.
"If one of them can step up, we have some pretty good running backs and wide receivers," Cullen said, "and our offensive line is strong."
The strength of Worcester State's defense is in the secondary, where all the starters return. Cullen has liked what he's seen up front, too.
"I'm excited about what the defense can offer," he said.
All-MASCAC kicker Noah Hwang returns for his junior season.
"In the kicking game, we're two-deep solid," Cullen said, "so I feel good about that."
—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @JenTandG.
Worcester State at a glance
Coach: Brien Cullen (33rd season, 173-143)
League: MASCAC
2016 record: 3-7, 3-5 MASCAC
Top returners: Jr. RB Dexter Andrews (64 carries, 195 yards, TD), Jr. WR Dan Orlando (33 catches, 224 yards, TD), Jr. WR Jacob Maher (played in 2 games as sophomore), Sr. OL Chris Walles, So. LB Mike Quinn (19 tackles, forced fumble), Jr. DB Theo Bryant (83 tackles, sack), Sr. DB Rafael Guzman (30 tackles, 2 INTs), Jr. PK Noah Hwang (5-7 FGs, 19-23 PATs).
Key losses: RB Matt Lezama (117 carries, 581 yards, 8 TDs, 3 receiving TDs), WR Tyler Barrie (36 receptions, 506 yards), WR Arron Witkus (33 catches, 404 yards, TD).
Notable newcomers: Fr. LB Fernando Montalban (Ware), Fr. LB Kyle Driscoll (Spencer), Fr. WR Kyler Brown, Fr. WR Tur Woods, Fr. LB Gus Ranstrom.
Schedule:
Sept. 2, at Salve Regina, noon
Sept. 8, Becker, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16, Fitchburg State, noon
Sept. 23, at Westfield State, 2 p.m.
Sept. 30, Plymouth State, 1 p.m.
Oct. 7, at Western Connecticut, 6 p.m.
Oct. 21, UMass-Dartmouth, 2 p.m.
Oct. 28, Mass. Maritime, noon
Nov. 4, at Bridgewater State, noon
Nov. 11, at Framingham State, noon