DC Search Casts a Wide Net, Woodard to Shenandoah

A couple of reports for this week:

Word from Geneva is that over 200 applicants have posted for the open Defensive Coordinator (DC)  position at Hobart College.  Head Coach Mike Cragg has whittled down the candidates to an initial group and plans to start interviewing them soon.

It's not surprising the open position has drew so much given the reputation of the Hobart program (not to mention a likely high preseason ranking and having two All-Americans on the defensive side of the ball).

Speaking of great defenders, one of the Statesmen's best ever CB's, Drake Woodard '12, will join former DC Scott Yoder '01 who's now the Head Football Coach at Shenandoah University (VA). 

Woodard worked on the Hobart Football staff last fall as a graduate assistant, coaching the WR unit.  No word on who Coach Cragg will bring in to cover this opening, but trust it will be filled soon.  The Statesmen WR corp brings a number of players back in 2013 but will need at least one Statesmen to step into the  "deep threat" role given the graduation of Drake's brother Junior Woodard '13 (maybe Junior will follow in his brother's footsteps into coaching?).

We wish Drake and Coach Yoder the best as they work to turn around the Shenandoah program.  I'll post any updates on the DC search in the coming weeks.

Cunningham Stays Home with Hobart

Sportsfive.net reports that Geneva High School SR WR Sean Cunningham, a prized D1 lacrosse recruit, was accepted Early Decision at Hobart.  Cunningham was part of a record setting Section V Panther football team that finished the season 8-2.

Here's an interview with Cunningham and his QB Shane Sweeney (headed to FCS SUNY Albany on a scholarship):

http://www.13wham.com/content/sports/highschool/story/Record-Setting-QB-Leads-Geneva-Into-Section-V/kC5YhGbnCkqTOf_ffI-Suw.cspx

Sean was named to the Class B All State 2nd Team at WR (see link below):

http://blogs.hudsonvalley.com/high-school-sports/2013/01/02/class-b-c-d-all-state-football-teams-announced/#

While Cunningham excelled at lacrosse (http://sportsfive.net/players/players.php?team=Geneva&player=Cunningham|%20Sean) he is also planning on playing football for the Statesmen in the fall.

Congratulations to Sean on his early acceptance and we look forward to seeing him rack up touchdowns and goals on the gridiron and lacrosse field during his Hobart career!  Go 'Bart!

Rochester Area OL and A-Student Hoping to Go to Hobart

Happy New Year Statesmen Football fans!  I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season.  Although Coach Yoder's move to take over the Shenandoah University Football Program was a big change, what hasn't changed is Hobart's ability to bring in top recruits.

The first one to report for 2013 is Red Jacket High School (Shortsville, NY) SR OL/DT Matthew Skinner.  Skinner was quoted as saying he "would like to attend Hobart College and play football there" in mid-December.

The 6' 2" 300 pound C/DT has the right combination of size and academics (97 average) to make an impact as a Statesman, on the gridiron and in the classroom.

Skinner was a key leader on a NYS Section V team that finished the 2012 season with an 8-1 overall record.  

Matt's bio and highlight reel can be found below:

http://www.redjacketfootball.com/class-of-2013-bios.html

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/245822/matthew-skinner

Let us be the first to welcome Matthew to the Statesmen football family and Go 'Bart!