UB's Sackmaster: Vince Canosa

UB's defense in the 2000's has been headlined by their secondary. UB produced greats including: "Mark Graham, Gemera Williams, Mike Newton, Davonte Shannon, and Josh Thomas. So the current influx of front 7 talent seems like a revolution, but it is actually a throwback to the UB defenses of the 90's when Pete Conley, Craig Guest, Hardy Mitchell, Rich Dadabo, Keith Hansen and perhaps most of all, Vince Canosa.

Canosa played during the down times as UB transitioned from Division III to Division 1-AA. They moved into a new stadium, and lost a lot of games due to the talent disparity. Canosa however was ready for the spotlight. In 1993, he set a UB record that still stands today, recording 12.5 sacks. His standout game was against Buff State, the last game of the rivalry. Canosa recorded 3.5 sacks a high that would not be broken until Duane Williams recorded 4sacks in 2000.

Despite UB's 1-10 record, Canosa continued to work hard and lead the team. In 1994, Canosa set another season record, recording 21.5 tackles for a loss. The record also still stands today, thanks to Khalil Mack coming a half tackle short of tying the record in 2012.

Canosa a career leader in both sacks and tackles for loss could have put both records out of reach, however, Canosa was bothered by a lingering ankle injury his senior year and only recorded 35 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Nevertheless, his tackle for loss record lasted 17 years, before Khalil Mack was able to best it in 2012. Canosa remains tied for 1st in career sacks with Rich Dadabo, thanks to the fact that Trevor Scott played Tight End for a few years. At this point, Canosa & Dadabo's sack record looks safe for the foreseeable future.