Redshirt junior outside linebacker Paul Tangelo has spent a lot of time in opposing teams’ backfields through SFU’s first four football games in 2024.
Entering his team’s game at Delaware State this weekend, Tangelo has recorded 22 tackles (12 solo stops), four sacks, four quarterback hurries and six tackles-for-loss this season.
He opened the season with a bang at Dayton, recording eight tackles and two sacks. Both of his sacks forced Flyers’ fumbles. He was named the NEC’s Co-Defensive Player-of-the-Week after his season-opening performance.
“Keys to my success this year have been knowing what I need to do to get better each week, like working on my hands and eyes to get off blocks,” said the Gaithersburg, Maryland native.
“I make sure I am playing fast, playing to the whistle, and doing my job because the little things turn into big things.”
Tangelo had a sack and two tackles-for-loss in his team’s 23-17 upset win at FBS-member Kent State on Sept. 7. In SFU’s last game at Eastern Michigan two weeks ago, he tallied three tackles, a sack and two QB hurries.
Prior to the match-up against EMU, he was named a captain for the game.
Tangelo said he wants opposing quarterbacks to fear him coming off the edge.
A transfer from Lackawanna College prior to the start of the 2023 season, Tangelo faced some challenges last fall while transitioning to SFU.
He added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame and made it a priority to bring high energy to every practice and game. His challenges in 2023 have served as motivation for him to improve in 2024.
Both Tangelo’s coaches and teammates say that his persistent positivity, sense of humor and focus on the field spills over to the other players.
“His character and work ethic are key factors in his achievements,” said SFU linebackers coach Ben Bruni.
Bruni recruited Tangelo and said that while his edge pass rusher is currently playing very well, he sees a lot of future potential in him.
Bruni, who played linebacker at SFU from 2015-18, said he enjoys getting to work with Tangelo each day.
So do Tangelo’s teammates.
“PT is a great guy and I love playing alongside him,” said redshirt freshman defensive lineman Eyan Thomas.
“He’s funny, charismatic and outgoing.”
Tangelo and his teammates had a bye last week and return to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Delaware State. The game against the Hornets will be streamed on ESPN-Plus.
The next home game for the Flash is on Oct. 12 when SFU battles Duquesne.
The Dukes and the Flash were picked to finish one-two in the NEC in preseason voting by the league’s coaches.
“I am trying to become the best player I can be, and I know at the end of the season that (NEC championship) ring is coming back to Loretto,” said Tangelo.
