May 1st has come and gone, and while it's very likely that there will be a handful of other additions to the Class of 2027, it looks for now 30 new Statesmen is where we stand. This is a smaller class than in past years but keep in mind the whole COVID extra year of eligibility rule will basically ensure five classes of players per program for the next couple of seasons.
Here's a recap from a high level, then positional perspective (with a few of my notes and opinions thrown in for some additional color commentary):
So far, the Class of '27 comes from eight different states including NY (11), MA (5), NJ (5), CT (4), NH (2), OH, GA, and AL. The NYS group is broken up into the usual local Central/Western NY kids as well as "Strong Island" contingent we've seen for many years now. I'm kind of surprised we didn't get at least one player from PA, but we'll have to wait and see if there are any late additions over the coming weeks / months.
Based on my initial impressions I view this strong class as being broken out as follows (and should note this is complete conjecture on my part as the coaching staff will ultimately decide which positions these players are best suited to play):
3 DBs (1 CB, 1 SS, 1 FS)
6 DL (1-2 interior and 3-4 edge rushers)
3 RB (really talented group that we could see spelling #1 & #2 here and there)
2 PK (will be in the conversation for KO/P/PAT/FG duty competition)
3 QB (one guy stands out to me, but time will tell)
4 OL (another strong group with a NEPSAC lean)
2 TE (couple of interesting athletes here, one that reminds me of Mike Berkowitz '15)
3 WR (mix of possession and deep threats that will have to compete for time given depth here)
While time will tell which of these incoming Statesmen will have the biggest impact on the 2023 season, I can assure you that HC Kevin DeWall '00 believes that Hobart will need at least a handful of these players to begin contributing right away.
On the offensive side of the ball, there will be 3 starting roles open on the OL based on last year's roster. This to me is of critical importance, as last season's OL play dropped off from the 2021 season, in my opinion. To be fair, some of that was due to injuries at RB and an inexperienced WR group which made Hobart's offense less explosive. The OL excelled in pass blocking, allowing only 10 sacks in 11 games, but there was a noticeable drop in rushing totals (156.9 YPG and 23 TDs last season vs. 237.2 YPG and 36 TDs in 21). There will be a new starter at the TE position and given the athleticism of some of these new recruits, we could see one or more of these guys getting a shot sooner than later.
Defensively Hobart will need to replace a couple of starting DL (NG and DE) as well as two key DB roles. The LB corps was the best unit on the field during the 22 season and most, if not all, of these key players return. I think this why you'll likely see more newcomers on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense will rotate in younger guys per usual, so we'll have to keep an eye on these up and comers.
All in all, the future looks bright for the Hobart College Football program.
Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
