Week 1 - Brockport Game Preview

The 2018 season opener is upon us!

For the third straight year, the Hobart College Statesmen will line up against the College at Brockport Golden Eagles. The Eagles took a slight 5-4 edge in the all-time series, after they ran up over 600 yards of total offense, in a 34-20 defeat of Hobart in 2017. A 12-game win streak, an Empire 8 Championship and trip to the NCAA Final Four followed. Not surprisingly, the Golden Eagles come into 2018 with a lot of expectations to go with a #6 ranking in the D3football.com Top 25 preseason poll.

That publication believes they will once again go 10-0, and named JR QB Joe Germiniero and SR S Jake O'Connell first team preseason All-Americans along with third team nods to JR RB Justin Morrison, SR NG Austin Dean and JR OLB Alex West.

Needless to say Brockport is bringing back a LOT of talent. So how do the Statesmen upset the latest "Beast of the East"?

The last time the Statesmen played here, they beat the Eagles in a 41-35 shootout.

Scouting the Golden Eagles:

The biggest question mark facing Brockport in 2018 is whether or not their OL can be as dominant a group as it was last season? Four starters graduated, so they have a lot to replace in this key unit. Back on August 19th, the Golden Eagles did an interesting preview that focused on their OL, so be sure to give that a look. Another came out on August 22 and you can see that here. SR OL and team co-captain Caleb Ferdilus is the one starter returning, but he's switching from his usual position of LG to RT.

Ferdilus and the OL will have the job of protecting one of the best signal callers in the nation in JR QB Joe Germiniero. He'll have a strong group of WRs to throw the football to including SO WR Tyree Brown, JR WRs Daquan Hubbard and Joseph Ortiz. This group had big days against the Statesmen defense last season, especially in the second half, racking up 18 total catches for 306 receiving yards and a TD. Brown is a dual threat, as he rushed for 355 yards and nine TDs in 2017. Morrison, a DII transfer, had a break out game against Hobart also, rushing for 169 yards and two TDs. The second was a back breaking 22-yard run for a score with 2:41 remaining in the game. He finished the season with 1,004 yards and nine TDs. Germiniero is a mobile QB, adding 55 rushing yards of his own and the first score of the game, a 14-yard scamper after putting the Statesmen defense on it's heels after a 45-yard bomb to Hubbard on the play before. He actually led the Golden Eagles in 2017 with 13 rushing TDs. Look for SR FB Casey Goldberg to lead the way for Germaniero and Morrison on running plays.

The Brockport defense held Hobart to only 79 rushing yards but more importantly forced three interceptions last season. The Statesmen didn't do themselves any favors, getting flagged 14 times for -107 penalty yards, but credit the Golden Eagles "D", they made the plays when needed. They were especially effective on third and fourth down, holding Hobart to 4-12 on third and 0-2 on fourth down conversions. The Brockport offense was the beneficiary of that, having nearly a 38-22 minute TOP advantage because of it. DC Mike Fox runs a 3-3 stack type of defense from his days at Saint John Fisher (which Hobart struggled with, especially in the 2013 NCAA playoffs), and he has the luxury of bringing back the bulk (eight or nine starters, depending on who you ask) of last year's squad. 5th-year SR DB Matt Arita will start opposite O'Connell in a weak-side S / FS role. JR OLB Alex West is back and SO OLB Lawrence Jenkins will move into the starting role opposite the All-American. SR LB Matt Szymanski is back via a red-shirt. He was a real pain for Hobart last season, getting a sack, two TFL and adding two QB hits to go along with five tackles. SR NG Austin Dean is back and will have SR DL John Tucci and SR DE Terry McDonald returning as the bookends of the DL. SR DB Rashad Baker returns at corner, although the Golden Eagles tend to be more heavy in playing safeties / hybrid players than most traditional defenses. FY DB Adonis Carrasco has reportedly had a good camp, and could work his way into the rotation at either CB or S. Another who should see some time Saturday is 5th year transfer (taking advantage of the new rules in DIII) Cedric Cambell III, who was a second team all-conference player for Birmingham-Southern (a DIII school in GA) last season at S.

The Golden Eagles special teams unit was strong on kickoffs against the Statesmen, averaging over 62 YPKO. Brockport only punted twice (one was a quick kick by Germiniero), but one of them was downed inside the Hobart 20 yard-line. The Statesmen blocked one FG attempt, but otherwise their PK Brett Renzi was perfect, going 4-4 on PATs and hitting his other two FG attempts. With Renzi having graduated, however, Brockport will have to rely on someone new in the kicking game this season.

Keys to the Game:

1. Dent Dean (but Get to the Second Level) - One of the most important match ups of the new season will be how new starting center SO OL Alex Lanzana and projected starting guards SO OL Dillon Casey and FY OL Dalton Kindt handle Brockport SR NG Austin Dean. The LOS battle will start there and the interior three OL's ability to keep the 6'5" 272 lbs third team preseason All-American in check (along with his two classmates at tackle and end) will go a long way in deciding how this game plays out. It'll also be crucial for the OL to cover their initial gaps, but get to the "second level", i.e., the Brockport LBs and DBs who'll probably be very aggressive at the point of attack.

2. Convert / Win TOP - The most obvious "best defense" for Hobart is to keep arguably the best QB in the nation on the sidelines for a long as they can. This job will fall on the Statesmen OL, FBs and RBs as they will need to do a better job against the 3-3 stack than they did last season. While Hobart had success in the passing game against Brockport, I doubt you'll see JR QB Ryan Hofmann drop back 44 times like Shane Sweeney '18 did. SO RB Dakota Harvey scored his first career TD against Brockport last season, seeing limited action in that game. He'll need to have a couple more TDs than that to give Hobart a chance to win Saturday. The Statesmen may need to employ a rotation of players like SO FB Shane White and JR FB/RB Omari Davis to open up running lanes given all the LBs and safeties flying in for the Eagles (pun intended).

3. Keep Fighting (Nicely) - The Golden Eagles respectfully refer to Hobart as a "perennial powerhouse" on their website, but they are the clear favorites in this year's match up. The Statesmen will need to make some plays early on and try and avoid a lot of the mistakes, penalty and execution wise, that ultimately cost them a chance to really comeback and possibly win the game last season. Brockport HC Jason Mangone runs a good program, but if Brockport has an achilles heel, it's that they can get chippy and a little cocky, trying to intimidate their opposition. This behavior almost cost them in the national quarterfinals against Delaware Valley. So while Hobart needs to play hard and always to the whistle, they cannot afford to get baited into, nor start any, extra curricular activities in the game when emotions are high.

4. Limit Big Plays on Defense - The Statesmen "D" gave up pass plays of 67, 45 and 30 yards and every Golden Eagles receiver had double-digit reception yards in the game last season. Morrison had a 68-yard run to go with his 22-yard, second TD, as well. Hobart's young defense will have to look to limit these long gains and play a bend, but don't break style of play to limit Brockport's possessions and scoring opportunities.

Prediction:

On paper, this should be a two to three TD win for #6 Brockport. Hobart has a lot of question marks and inexperienced players at several key positions. That inexperience however gives the Statesmen the element of surprise, so if they can execute their game plan, not get to high if they're winning nor too low if they're losing, this should be a very competitive match up.

I can't wait to see it in person.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!

Statesmen Scrimmage Buffalo State

The Hobart College Statesmen hosted the Buffalo State Bengals last night at Boswell Field in their annual preseason scrimmage. The initial returns were encouraging as the Statesmen offense moved the ball well and JR QB Ryan Hofmann had the offense, especially the passing game, looking sharp. While not official by any means, reports of 21-7 from the second half seem to point to Hobart "winning" the scrimmage, for what it's worth.

The Hobart defense received a good amount of kudos, albeit they did have one momentary lapse on a 70-yard TD pass for the Bengals in the first half. However, while there were a lot of substitutions, the Statesmen otherwise kept the Buffalo State offense in check for the remainder of the night. SR DE Al Smith was noted for looking good as a pass rusher and run stopper. SO CB Jared Leake showed promise as in coverage and otherwise as well.

A few other players who made some big plays included SO WR Mike Giacobbe, who had a nice one-handed catch. JR FS Andrew Koonz had an INT and SO RB Alex Milliken did a nice job running the ball as SO RB Dakota Harvey sat out recovering from a mild injury from camp (much like Ali Marpet '15 will do  this Friday night for the Bucs. Better save it for the regular season, as they say).

While it was just a practice, ultimately, there were a lot of positives going into the Week 1 match up against #6 Brockport next Saturday.

I'll have my Week 1 game preview next week, and don't forget to like the In the D3FB Huddle Facebook page and catch our preseason preview show on Tuesday, August 28th.

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!

Getting to Know Coach Hadley

Director of Player Development and DBs Coach Greg Hadley will be a new face on the Statesmen sideline this season, but he's no stranger to Hobart. I recently reached out and asked "Coach Hads" some questions to help long-time and newer Statesmen alums, fans and families get to know him better.

Originally from the Syracuse area, he attended Christian Brothers Academy before playing linebacker and studying studio art at Colgate University. At Colgate he helped lead the Raiders to Patriot League title in 2008.

Hadley shown here during his stint as a defensive coach at Ithaca.

Our conversation is below, Hadley's responses are in bold text:

Although you're new to the Hobart coaching staff, you're not new to Division III football. How's your perspective changed now that you're on Hobart's team vs. being on the opposite sidelines from the Statesmen?

It has been a pleasure being on this staff since Day 1. Coaching against Hobart has always been the most challenging and most memorable times as a DIII coach. The Statesmen have always been a team that we circled as a special opponent when I was at previous schools. The tradition I have become a part of is the best part of being here. Incredible support from alumni and the history we have here make Hobart a great place to work.

You've had the opportunity to coach alongside several Division III "legends", such as Mike Welch at Ithaca and Mark Raymond, who did an awesome job turning around the Saint Lawrence and Williams College programs. What are some of the best lessons you've learned from them and how will you apply those as a coach for the Statesmen?

While coaching for Coach Welch and Coach Raymond have been amazing experiences, the assistant coaches I have worked under and alongside have taught me just as much about college football as the head coaches have. Men like Mark McDonough (Williams D.C.), Jack Mrozinski (Salve Regina D.C.), Tom Blumenauer (Williams OL), Scott Brisson (Lehigh O.C.), Dan Puckhaber (SLU H.C.) have all played a role in my development as a coach and mentor to student-athletes. I have been unbelievably fortunate to be around those coaches. They shaped who I was when Kevin DeWall first hired me (which has, to this day, been the best opportunity anyone has given me in this profession). Since my first day working for Coach Raymond, I have learned how to recruit the right way, polished my work ethic, learned further how to collaborate with a campus, compassion and love for each other and the students you coach, and undeniable loyalty. My experience working with Jenn Potter and Ithaca Women's Track and Field was the "X factor" in my career. Those women taught me just as much as any football coach has.

How have your past experiences shaped your approach to coaching / philosophy?

As a young coach, I was able to wear many hats. The more responsibilities you take on, the more you learn. Some of those learning experiences are harder than others, but each of them have shaped me into a coach with empathy, sympathy (and knowing the difference between the two); a coach who is dependable; a coach who truly cares; a loyal, hard-working man who will do everything possible to make sure the students get the most out of their experience.

How do you think being a student athlete at a school like Hobart is similar to your experience as one at Colgate? What do you think are the differences?

Hadley was a three-year starter for the Raiders at LB.

The three biggest similarities between the two:  smaller-sized, liberal arts campus with excellent athletics and unwavering alumni connection and support. The main draw for me to Colgate was a unique learning experience at a place that values athletics as a part of your education with a proven history of success. Other than the level of football, there are not many differences that I can see up to this point. Colgate and Hobart each have their own unique traditions and experiences for student-athletes. I'm certain I would have thoroughly enjoyed playing for Coach Cragg and studying at Hobart. Colgate (under Head Coach Dick Biddle) was the right fit for me (go 'gate).

What does "Player Development"- from your new job title - mean to you?

To this coaching staff, college football is more than wins, losses, and stats. Our responsibility is to ensure each student we come in contact with leaves here a better man than when we first met him. While much of my time will be focusing on the individualized physical development of our students (through collaboration with Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Gray), I spend a great deal of time teaching Hobart Statesmen valuable leadership skills and character development. My goal is to mold better fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons. Before they take on those roles, I work to create the most explosive, healthiest football players. I teach strength, conditioning, nutrition, mental fitness, leadership, career building, character development, punctuality, etiquette, humor, love, etc.  "Player Development" fits a little better on a business card or at the end of an email signature.

The defensive backfield struggled last season, as evidenced in Hobart's pass defense stats. What do you plan to work on to bolster this unit in preseason camp?

Our hope is that each of the DBs takes a huge step forward this pre-season in their communication and confidence. We have an exciting group returning. The defensive backs need to be the most dependable people on the football field. To do that, personal accountability and merit need to be extremely high. It's going to take a great deal of repetition and studying to get there. Based on the experience I had with them in the Spring, I'm very happy to be working with this group. They are not okay with being okay. Each of them bring something great to the table, but collectively, we need to eliminate some fear of failure to be a truly dangerous group of men the Statesmen DBs are meant to be.

I saw something on social media that your "leg day workout" is pretty tough - what's up with that ;)?

Every day is "leg day" or you won't be able to get from Point A to Point B faster than the other guy. We preach technique and movement more than we chase numbers. Sometimes, when you get to your true, full range of motion you start to use muscles you didn't know you had. They might be sore for a few days, but we'll eliminate major injuries that way. We like to squat, lunge, RDL, clean, run. I'm excited for Coach Gray to get to campus.

Speaking of social media, you and some of the other assistant coaches have very strong twitter games. How critical is that to recruit today's 16-18 year old future Statesmen?

Recruiting is obviously a major aspect of college athletics. Recruiting strong student-athletes and what you do with those student-athletes once they're on campus is essentially the name of the game. With "strong Twitter game" I think you are referring to our sense of humor (or maybe lack thereof) and use of GIFs, quotes, graphics [I was and they are pretty funny, I have to say]. We're not doing anything different than some others in the profession but we like to have fun with our social media accounts. Social media in college football is like an arms race: who can have the best graphics, GIFs, tweets, instagrams, etc. This group of coaches always remains professional, but we think it's important to be informative, transparent, honest, and (above all) be ourselves. Open and honest communication and developing a relationship with our prospects is more important than a Michael Scott GIF or a great Photoshop job, but we like to mix it up.

On a more personal level, how does it feel to be "back home" in Upstate NY? What are some of your favorite aspects of being a Genevan?

While my future wife is from the South Shore of Massachusetts (Marshfield, MA), I will always prefer an Upstate New York lake to the Atlantic Ocean. Transitioning to another institution is always difficult for coaches and their families but knowing Coach DeWall, Coach Cragg, Art Garvey, Mike Green, Aaron Backhaus and moving an hour from where I grew up and went to college has made this a seamless move. I love the scenery, traffic, food, weather (yes...weather), and most importantly the people. I developed some strong friendships with New Englanders and will always appreciate them and view them as an extension of my family, but there's something special about Upstate New Yorkers (specifically Finger Lakes residents). Can't beat it. #FLX

Hobart sure has a great assistant coach with this hire. While I've been aware of him on the D3 scene for a few years now, I'm looking forward to meeting him (and his fiance' Allison) in a couple of weeks at the Brockport game. Next time I'll have to ask Coach Hads where we can find his artwork for sale in Downtown Geneva or maybe on display at Houghton House?

Thanks again for reading - only 18 days until the season opener!

Let's Go 'Bart!

It's Officially Football Season!

The Hobart College Statesmen's 125th football season officially starts today as new and returning players check in for preseason camp. #Team125 will start working under HC Kevin DeWall '00 and staff as they prepare for the 2018 season opener on September 1st at Brockport, only 22 days away.

Picture courtesy of @HobartFootball 

If you want to read up more on the Statesmen, the Golden Eagles and Hobart's other opponents this season, please consider a subscription to D3football.com's annual preseason preview called Kickoff. I contributed nearly 20 team previews, two features and a lot of information on the Liberty League race which you'll start to see more of on this site as we get into the 2018 season.

Here's to a great camp! 

Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!