Forde earned First Team honors on their All-D3 Defensive team, which is equivalent to the All-American team recognition he also received from Street & Smith.
Rising SO RB Rayshawn Boswell also made the Offensive All-D3 team as a return specialist (RET).
To be fair, Lindy's is the least qualified publication to make these rankings (they notably left out Wheaton, who was undefeated, including a head-to-head victory over eventual National Champions North Central College, until a fluke penalty and missed PAT saw them lose to Saint John's in the national quarterfinals. Long-time East Region powerhouse Wesley is also conspicuously absent, but they may not make it back to the field given financial struggles. Two SCIAC teams, not to mention Framingham State at 19 are among several other issues I have with this poll), but I do feel there are reasons that Hobart could be (but maybe not necessarily should be) considered a preseason Top 25 team.
The Statesmen return the vast majority of starters from the 2019 season's 9-2 squad, including key special teams performers. While Union is likely still the LL favorite, they lose some key defensive starters that makes the October 3rd rematch a virtual toss up. The biggest issue I have in placing Hobart in a preseason Top 25 is the question mark at the QB position. While I'm sure the coaches have a replacement in mind, with the lack of spring practice it's hard to say who will step into this role by September? The Statesmen will also need to fill a handful of key defensive roles, like DE, OLB and CB, given the graduations of Collin Hudgins, David McCarthy and Jayson Prince '19.
That said, I'd keep Hobart as "receiving votes" in my Top 25 ballot (if I had one). They certainly have the talent, but need to prove themselves - to the fans and more importantly, to each other - once the season gets underway. A good start would be a win over Alfred in 82 days from today.
That said there's away's to go before the season is officially under way. So far so good on the reopening front and we should know the HWS formal plan come July. The NCAA is leaning towards the season happening from all accounts, but there is some "fine print" that makes me concerned. We will have to see if this comes into play, or goes away, by August.
That's all I have for this edition. Thanks as always for reading (and to Gary Mathieson '74 for the photos) and go 'Bart!
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