Last season Hobart ran the ball nearly 70% of their offensive possessions, but this statistic is misleading. The Statesmen were usually up by three or four TDs by the fourth quarter and didn’t really need to pass the ball more. Depending on a number of factors, how Hobart rises to the challenge of reloading key positions will be the story of 2014.
OL – This season Hobart only returns two starters, but they are both outstanding. SR OL and Co-Captain Ali Marpet was named a Preseason All-American by D3football.com, Lindy’s and the Sporting News. His size (6' 4" 310 lbs) and ability have garnered pro scout interest as well. SR OL DeAndre' Smith returns as a starter at guard. At 6’3” 300+ lbs Smith is one the biggest Statesmen, literally and figuratively, on the team. DeAndre' worked hard in the offseason and came into camp in the best shape of his college career. Given Offensive Coordinator Kevin DeWall’s rotational system the open positions will be filled by players who’ve seen some game action. With nine other returning OL, there is depth in numbers, but the key is whether or not this unit can stay healthy and gel over the season. If they do, Hobart will once again have a great shot at winning another LL title and making a push to the NCAA playoffs.
RB – Although Steven Webb can’t really be replaced, the Statesmen have a lot of strong legs ready to run the ball in 2014. Hobart fans will probably initially focus in on JR RB Connor Hartigan who definitely has similar speed and breakaway capability as Webb did. The question mark here is durability given Hartigan missed parts of his FY and SO campaigns due to injuries. SO RB Brad Burns saw action in relief of Webb, notching the most carries by a RB other than #34, and could play a bigger role this season. Fortunately there is no shortage of RB talent on the roster. The question I have is whether a “feature back” will emerge in 2014 or if Hobart will take a “RB by committee” approach, similar to what they had back in the 2008-09 seasons?
QB – Much like the 2012 season the Statesmen have the luxury of two returning SR QBs. In this case, Co-Captain Patrick Conlan and Kyle Bayly both have a year running the offense under their respective belts. Although Conlan threw for the fewest total yards of any Hobart QB in the past 10+ seasons, he was very accurate, leading the LL in passing efficiency (with a 137 rating, 20 points higher than any other LL QB in 2013). This experience should help both SR QBs be more confident and capable this season.
FB – A mainstay for the past three seasons, SR FB Dominique Ellis finished second on the team in rushing with 309 yards and four scores in 2013. Along with JR FB Christopher Holoman, Ellis will bolster the young OL by paving the way for Statesmen RBs. Defenses can’t sleep on these two big guys either. Both had runs of 52 and 30 yards from scrimmage, respectively.
TE – SR Co-Captain Mike Berkowitz led the Hobart receiving corps with six TDs last season and will likely remain a favorite target in 2014. JR TE’s Nick Liverio and Josh Britton will also be in the mix.
WR – It’s been a while since I can remember so many experienced WRs returning to the Statesmen. The trio of SR WR and Co-Captain Troy Robinson, SR WR John Fasano and SR WR Elvin Souffrant accounted for a total of 1,071 receiving yards and 10 TDs last season. Given their and Conlan’s experience with the offense, there’s a lot of potential for this group. Other Statesmen WRs, of which there are several, should have the opportunity to make an impact on the field (and the scoreboard) this fall.
Overall the returning line up demonstrates the depth Hobart has developed for the past several seasons. Given another strong recruiting class, we may see some FY players make their mark on the program. 2014 features two new out of conference opponents (one which qualified for the NCAA playoffs and is picked to win their conference in 2014) and three trips to the Boston area which will be great for the Alumni base. If things work out, the Statesmen should have another successful season this fall.
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