Junior Wide Receiver Julanee Prince Reflects on Disappointing Season For Montclair State

(Photo by Double G Media)

Despite a disappointing 4-6 season, Montclair State junior wide receiver Julanee Prince focused more on leading by example and next year’s team. This season, Prince led the Red Hawks in receiving with 23 catches for 501 yards and six touchdowns. In 2015, he reeled in 28 catches for 551 yards and five touchdowns ranking him ninth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference in total yards.

“We had a lot of high moments during the season but didn’t live up to the expectations,” said Prince. “I set personal goals for myself this year and didn’t reach them all but still had a very productive role and hopefully can do better next year.”

“This season I took more of a leadership role while being one of the two juniors and rest freshmen that starting with the most playing experience I could teach them and next season to be prepared to contribute to the team having a year under their belt,” he continued. “I believe the wide receiver group is the best on the team and just adding more freshman will push us more and having that competition between us all.”

This season, Price had to adjust to catching the ball from two quarterbacks in freshman Ryan Adzima and sophomore John Apicella. “It was difficult working with two quarterbacks at times, didn’t know which one would start week to week but they both played well,” explained Prince.

On playing the wide receiver position the past couple of years for the Red Hawks, Prince said, “I think it’s the most fun position because you’re always one on one with a corner and basically man on man and who wants the ball more. If you do it will help the team out and looks good in turning the game with one catch.”

The majority of the team returns next season, but still several played their final game in a Montclair State uniform last Saturday at Kean University. “The seniors were a key part of our team especially with Johnny D. (John DiStefano) who was a monster and we count on all the times and knew Falato (Joe Falato) would get at least one sack a game,” Prince said of his departing teammates. “Two key pieces we will be missing next year and everyone will have to step it up.”

On the impact Head Coach Rick Giancola has had on him and Montclair State program, Prince explained, “A very fun guy who I respect a lot because I know what he is doing and been here forever. Off the field he is great if you have either financial or class problems and always there to help and do anything. He feels like we’re all his kids.”

Prince is from Matawan, New Jersey and attended St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel. “I played football and basketball and loved playing there and a great atmosphere” he said. “I played wide receiver, running back and cornerback but played wide receiver my whole life.”

Playing at Sprague Field has always been special to Prince. “I love playing at home and the environment because I’m playing in front of my friends,” he said. “The support from my family and friends has been great because they see me doing well. People on campus will come up to me and say good game, nice catch, nice touchdown and that means a lot to me.”