THROGGS NECK, N.Y. (July 11, 2014) – Earlier this week, the USA Football Network announced the 2014 USA College Football Pre-Season Division III All-Americans and Maritime had three student-athletes named to the list: seniors Hugh O'Brien (Westbury, N.Y./Westbury), Kyle Gardner (Amityville N.Y./St. Anthony's) and Nick Coffiey(Wilmington, Del./Delaware Military Academy).
 
        O'Brien was selected to the Second Team Defense after the defensive lineman had a sensational year in 2013 for the Privateers. He led the team with 15 tackles for losses of a combined 63 yards including eight sacks. O'Brien finished the year with 57 total tackles, which ranked third among Maritime defenders. He recorded two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and one forced fumble while also breaking up one pass. The Westbury, N.Y., native was named to the All-ECFC First Team after the 2013 season.
 
        Gardner was named as an honorable mention Pre-Season All-American on the offensive side. He is Maritime's leading returning rusher. The fullback had 961 yards on the ground last year, the third most in a single season by a Privateers, and he also found the end zone six times. He earned All-ECFC Second Team Offense honors at the end of the season.
 
        Coffiey was also named an honorable mention Pre-Season All-American, on the defensive side of the ball. He led the Privateer defense in 2013 with 95 total tackles, including 4.5 for losses of 24 yards with two sacks. Coffiey recorded three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception throughout last season. He was selected to the All-ECFC Second Team Defense for his performances in 2013.
 
        For the complete release from the USA Football Network, click here.
 
        This is the third season of the past four years that a Privateer has been named to a Pre-Season All-American list, as former standout linebacker Keith Barnes was selected in 2011 (Consensus Draft Services) and 2012 (Beyond Sports and D3Senior Classic).
 
        O'Brien, Gardner, Coffiey and the rest of the Privateers will open the 2014 season on Friday night, Sept. 5, with a home contest against William Paterson University. The season-opener will begin under the lights at 7 p.m. at the "newly-returfed" Reinhart Field.