UAlbany announced its seven-player 2011 recruiting class on Thursday. Here is a quick breakdown of each player ...

Nick Beach, cornerback
Beach is from Charlotte, N.C. ... intercepted three passes and totaled 43 tackles in his senior season ... Mallard Creek, Beach's high school, made it to the state semifinal round this past football season ... a speedster, Beach competed on his high school's track and field team in the 400-meter dash.

Here is an article from the Charlotte Observer about Beach's final high school game; he had two interceptions in the contest.

Danny Book, offensive tackle
Book is from Harrisburg, N.C. ... he was a four-year starter as both an offensive lineman and a defensive end ... twice selected as a member of the All-South Piedmont 3A Conference team ... he's listed as 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds.

Here is an article from the Independent Tribune previewing Book's senior season. Book's coach mentions him as the glue to his offensive line.

Brad Bowen, offensive guard
Bowen is from Elma, N.Y. ... attended Iroquois High School ... twice named to the Class A South all-league squad ... stands at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds.

Here is a story from the West Seneca Bee in which Bowen is praised by his coach for his run-blocking.

Cory Connell, defensive end
Connell is from Ramsey, N.J. ... named to the All-Bergen County second team as a senior ... also played tight end and was the long snapper for Ramsey, his high school team ... had over 60 tackles in both his junior and senior season; 12 sacks in his high school career ... member of a state championship team.

Here is a link to a highlight package of Connell on YouTube.

Joe Hoback, center
Hoback is from Washington, Iowa ... comes to UAlbany after competing at the junior college level at Ellsworth Community College ... at Ellsworth, contributed to an offensive line that blocked for a running game that averaged over five yards per carry ... the largest player in the recruiting class, Hoback is 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds.

Here is a video of Hoback going through his workout regimen.

Mat LaDucer, linebacker
LaDucer is from Wyckoff, N.J. ... named to the All-Bergen County second team and the Newark Star-Ledger's second team ... totaled 65 tackles and five sacks during his senior season; made 42 tackles as a junior ... also played tight end in football and lacrosse in high school.

Here is an article from NorthJersey.com about an upset victory LaDucer's Ramapo scored during this past season.

Adam Pasnik, offensive guard
Pasnik is from Orchard Park, N.Y. ... along with Bowen, Pasnik is one of just two players in the class from New York ... named to the All-Upstate Football Weekly third team and the All-Monsignor Martin League AA first team ... competed in the shot put in high school.

Here is a link to an article about Pasnik signing his letter of intent to come play at UAlbany.

--Michael Kelly