National Signing Day 2014 results: Villanova

The Villanova Wildcats football program brought in thirteen scholarship players, and two preferred walk-on players on National Signing Day. On first glance, it's another very good job by the coaching staff to bring in raw talent, as is becoming the norm for Andy Talley & Co.

Let's take a look at who the Wildcats brought in, position by position.

Quarterback

In: Zach Bednarczyk

Out: None

Bednarczyk is a lefty dual-threat quarterback, very much in the same mold as currents Wildcats starter John Robertson. Bednarczyk committed to the Wildcats over offers from Monmouth, as well fellow CAA member Albany. As long as Robertson stays healthy for the next couple of seasons, Bednarczyk will have two seasons to prep for the starting gig. He looks like the next quarterback for Villanova.

Running Back

In: Matt Gudzak

Out: Ransford Quarrie

Quarrie was more of a fullback/H-back in Villanova's spread offense than a true running back, but his departure does leave a hole in the roster for that role. Gudzak is a true running back, and if he had to be classified into the 'speed' or 'power' role, it will likely be the latter, following in the footsteps of Kevin Monangai.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

In: Alex Padovani, Taurus Phillips, Matt Brown (preferred walk-on), Ryan Bell (preferred walk-on)

Out: Joe Price, Vinnie Gatti, Garrett Waller

Gatti and Waller were walk-ons who didn't see much playing time, but Joe Price is a big loss as he was one of Robertson's favorite targets. Padovani comes in as the lone wideout, while Phillips and Matt Brown will play in the slot. Both players having a running back's background, so they are candidates to take handoffs in the offense as well as go out to receive passes.

Bell played both linebacker and tight end in high school, and looks more equipped to handle defensive duties right now. There's no indication of where he will play yet, however.

Offensive Line

In: Brandon Hitner, Chris Buchalski

Out: Dan Shirey, Billy Vogel, Josh Bucci

Perhaps the biggest need area on the team, as Villanova lost three starters from a season ago. Hitner comes from a run-heavy program at Garnet Valley and should eventually be a key contributor on the offensive line once he bulks up. Buchalski was a two-way player

Defensive Line

In: Eric Drains, Ricky Young

Out: Rakim Cox, Antoine Lewis, Josh Lumer

The second biggest concern lies on the defensive line. Cox and Lewis were both all-conference players and multiple year starters. Both played on the outside last season due to the emergence of Pat Williams. Drains and Young both project on the interior of the line - an important position in Villanova's 3-3-5 setup.

Linebacker

In: Ed Shockley, Jeff Steeb, Ryan Bell (preferred walk-on)

Out: Pat Haggerty

Haggerty started a year ago, but his season was cut short after an early season injury. Shockley looks to have the frame to slot into the middle linebacker position, while Steeb's game is about attacking the line of scrimmage. Villanova is stocked in this department, which should afford both the opportunity to come in under little pressure.

Bell played both linebacker and tight end in high school, and looks more equipped to handle defensive duties right now. There's no indication of where he will play yet, however.

Defensive Back

In: Rasaan Stewart, Rob Rolle, Malik Reaves

Out: Craig James, Corey Reeder, John Maughan

The Wildcats' secondary was consistently beaten last season by good passing attacks. James and Reeder had their moments, and their experience will be missed while Maughan was in the rotation as safety. Rasaan Stewart looks to be the jewel of the Wildcats class after coming to Villanova over Penn State and Pitt, while Rolle and Reaves should help shore up a unit that needs a major overhaul.

Kicker/Punter

In: Steve Weyler

Out: Mark Hamilton, Conor McAliney

Hamilton was snubbed as an All-CAA player after a stellar season in both kicking jobs, and while kickoff specialist Chris Gough will likely be the favorite to take over the kicking duties, Weyler should be in the mix for the placekicking job and the punting job where Villanova brings back the unproven John Hinchen.