It's shaping up to be a big and talented class, so let's take a look and start getting to know these new Hobart players:
I reported on Austin's commitment a couple of weeks ago, but it appears I was a bit off in my assessment. Coy will joining the team as a DB instead of a RB or OLB as I originally thought. I am happy to be wrong though, as the secondary needs help and depth. Austin brings Tommy D'Antonio '18 type of size too which is definitely welcome.
Bernard comes to Hobart via a PG year at Worcester based FB powerhouse program, St. John's (I played against those guys in summer camps at Holy Cross a million years ago). He played HS ball in Shrewsbury, playing RB and SS. Look for Mike to join the OLB corps this season.
"Cross" is making the short drive to Geneva after winning a Class C State Championship his SR season with the Lakers. Bianchi had two receptions, a tackle and kicked four PATs, which proved to be the difference in SHS's 28-25 championship win.
I updated you on Gavin back in February, and he looks like a nice get for Hobart's WR corps.
Camposano is the third A-B player to enroll at Hobart in the past two seasons. SO FS Cal Sullivan remains on the squad. Kyle is an explosive runner - he averaged nearly eight YPC in his SR season to go with nine TDs.
Coleman was a team captain for HHS, playing WR, RB and occasionally QB en route to over 1250 yards of total offense and nine TDs. He will switch to the defensive side of the ball in college, looking to bolster Hobart's secondary with his size (6'1" 205 lbs) and speed.
While SO PK Kyle Hackett had an incredible FY year - being the only PK at any level of CFB to have a perfect FG percentage (he was 10-10 in 2017) - DiGregorio is a great pickup to challenge him and/or take over KO and/or punting duties now that Rio Schmidt '18 has graduated.
Frucci was another commit I recently reported on. He is a tall and quick OL that will compete at guard, or potentially tackle, depending on what he weighs in at when he arrives for preseason camp.
Gibson was a team captain for HHS and also starred as the center of the hockey team. He played both LB and DL for the Fords, rushing the passer, penetrating gaps on the LOS and even dropping back into coverage when needed. At 6' 215 lbs Gibson may need to add some weight to be an every down DL player in college, but he has good football smarts and athleticism to get him there.
Grieco is yet another recruit from "Strong Island" making his way up to Geneva. He'll fit well in the NG position in Hobart's 4-4 defense as his size (6'2" 260 lbs) and "nose for the ball", will help him succeed as an interior DL in college.
Hopkinson may be smaller in stature, but his highlight reel was really impressive. He has great vision and break away speed once he hits the open field. He has great moves as a runner and is a solid receiver to boot.
One of two Blue Devils coming in from HHS, I did a preview on Jamison about a month ago. He could be in the mix at for the open center starting role given the graduation of Alex Helm '18.
A HHS teammate of Jamison's, I previewed Alex last month in what was one of my favorite stories of the off-season.
Aside from having a great name, Matthews is an impressive athlete who is a solid slot / inside receiver who runs good routes and has break away speed once he has the ball. Given Hobart's depth at WR his abilities as a special teams player / KOR man could get him valuable playing time as a FY.
Another coach's son, McCoy will convert from being a QB/LB for BBA into a DB at Hobart. This may be a tough transition, but this two sport star should have the athleticism to pull it off. Like his teammate Coy Austin, McCoy will bring more size (6'2" 195 lbs) to the Statesmen secondary.
Noel is from NJ, but played football and basketball just across the PA border for PS. He was a WR, but will convert to DB in college. Standing 6', he'll add more height to the Statesmen secondary, as well as the important "ball hawk" skills cover corners always need.
Onaiwu will look to bolster the Hobart DL. While a bit undersized at 5"11" 260 lbs, his lower center of gravity, strength and technique as a NG can be an asset to the Statesmen's 4-4 scheme.
Another Floridian, Anthony will head to Hobart from Tampa (I wonder if he's a Bucs fan?) to bolster the Statesmen OL, most likely at guard (or center). He is athletic for his size and pulls well on roll outs and run plays. More the stocky side (5'11" 250 lbs), he leverages his center of gravity to get under DL's pads and drive them where they need to go (out of the way).
Smyth played football in my hometown of Avon, CT which is just over the "mountain" from his hometown of West Hartford. While I couldn't find information to confirm, I'm guessing he attended AOF for a PG year. Pierce will look to compete for a spot at guard. At 6' 280 lbs and having played with a number of Division I caliber players at AOF (he blocked for a QB that signed with Clemson), Smyth could be in the mix early on.
Spano earned All-County honors as a LB / DE hybrid player for BBPHS his SR season. He lined up outside as an end but also played on the interior DL sometimes also, showing good technique in shedding blockers and getting to the ball carrier. At 6'2" 230 lbs Kyle will bring size and strength to the DE/DL unit.
There's a few more players left to feature, and I'll have those up later this week.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
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