PL
Philip Lanieri
  • Industrial & Management Engr
  • Class of 2016
  • Port Jefferson, NY

Philip Lanieri Shines at NFL Regional Combine

2016 Mar 3

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (RPI) Philip Lanieri of Port Jefferson recently participated in an NFL Regional/Super Regional Combine in Baltimore and the senior defensive back stood out at the event, registering the highest vertical jump (40 inches) at the defensive session. He also participated in other tests and drills, showcasing the skills that earned him multiple National All-America recognition.

"Personally, I felt that was a great experience going down there and competing along with the high-level players who were there," Lanieri said. "Being able to stand out in a few areas was certainly reinforcing as a Division III player competing with some guys from Division I schools. The experience as a whole made me believe I would regret giving any less than my all to try and play at the next level. Whether that be here in the U.S., in Canada, or in Europe, I definitely would like to continue playing. I think this combine opened a lot of doors for me, and it was a solid first step toward continuing my football career after RPI."

A third-year starter at cornerback, Lanieri (Earl L. Vandermeulen HS) was named All-America by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as well as the Associated Press. In 11 games, he finished with a team-high five interceptions with 19 return yards, while also breaking up nine passes. He had 42 tackles, including 23 unassisted and 2.0 for lost yards (3), collecting multiple tackles in 10 games and at least one interception in four contests.

An industrial and management engineering major, Lanieri had a season-high three pass breakups with a pair of tackles at Alfred University on September 12. He picked up his first interception of the season, along wtih four tackles (3 solo) and a pass breakup, in a win at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the Transit Trophy Game two weeks later. He had five tackles (4 solo) with one for a loss of two yards and a pass breakup against the United States Merchant Marine Academy on October 3 before intercepting two passes (13 return yards) with two tackles, including 0.5 for lost yards (2), in a win over the University of Rochester on October 17.

The following week, Lanieri made a season-high five unassisted tackles (6 total) with an interception (2 return yards) and two pass breakups, including one in the end zone on a game-winning two-point conversion attempt with no time left in regulation, in a 21-20 win at Hobart College. He then had seven tackles (3 solo) against Springfield College and a team-best and season-high nine stops (4 solo) with a pass breakup in a win in the Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game at Union College to close out the regular season. Lanieri finished his career with two stops (1 solo), an interception with a four-yard return and a pass breakup in a victory over Buffalo State College in the Asa S. Bushnell Championship Bowl.

He finished third in the Liberty League in interceptions per game (0.45) and fourth in passes defended (1.27 per game) and was the Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Week following the game at Hobart. Lanieri was selected to the All-Liberty League First Team before being chosen to play in the National Bowl in Miami, Florida. He helped the Engineers to a 9-2 record and first place in the Liberty League standings with a 6-1 mark.

As a junior, he had six interceptions with 25 return yards and seven pass breakups while starting all 11 games. He made 28 tackles with 19 solo and one for lost yards. He also forced a fumble and recovered another, which he returned 64 yards for a touchdown. Lanieri was All-Liberty League First Team and the team's Defensive Ultimate Grinder Award winner. The year prior, he was All-League Honorable Mention after recording 44 tackles (29 unassisted) and a team-best four interceptions (4 return yards) with three pass breakups in 10 games.