Quote from: Charlie on November 05, 2023, 09:05:00 PMQuote from: nescac1 on November 05, 2023, 08:10:21 PM
I do think Williams has a returning core of skills guys with some real potential, they were just extremely young at those positions this year. McHugh has to improve some of his decision-making but he has shown that with some seasoning he can be a good starting QB -- he certainly is a stellar overall athlete with plenty of upside. Also in the mix will be another QB recruit who is supposedly quite good who missed this season with an injury, so hopefully some quality depth at the position. Oris has improved and developed into a quality back-up TB (overtaxed at his size as a fill-in starter), and next year the Ephs could be loaded at RB if Fischetti can just stay healthy, plus Oris and adding Jon Marvan to the mix, who was a major recruit and has also missed the entire year with injury and hopefully give the Ephs that power back they REALLY need to thrive.
WR has further to go but Gering and Stahelski have each made some plays here and there -- both need to become more consistently reliable and improve their chemistry with McHugh, but since all three are frosh there is certainly some hope there; certainly there is some talent there, but it woudl sure help to add one true star to the receiving core in the next recruiting class. I also think Williams can get more out of the TE unit with soph Sam Jaffee and big FY Will Baker starting to see more action, two guys who can hopefully develop into desperately needed big targets over the middle. Williams' receivers really need to improve at making the tough catches in traffic or snagging balls that aren't perfectly thrown. Against Bowdoin, Tufts, Wesleyan, Midd, Trinity, you just see the difference, the receivers simply make plays and beat DBs to tough balls (in addition to being more adept at getting open). I'm hoping the young Eph receivers can get bigger, stronger, tougher, and more aggressive going up for the really difficult catches, and also polish the route running over time. Again, there are no guarantees but this is at least an extremely green skill position group and all of them are back and most of them are back for several years at least. And Fischetti alone is a major difference-maker.
OL is another story, Williams is starting three seniors on the line (though one does have eligbility if he seeks to return) and Freeman is by far their best lineman. They will need some rising sophs to really step up at that position.
As for defense, the Ephs have been excellent at rushing the passer all year. There are some talented, fast guys in the front seven and most of them are back next year. Whether it's schemes or personnel, though, coverage deep down the field has killed the Ephs for, really, the last two years. Too many wide open receivers and too many pass interference and defensive holding calls. They just have to clean that up going forward. For two years in a row loads of guys have cycled in and out of those positions so clearly the coaches are looking for some answers.
I think the Ephs have great deal of talent needs and OL next year going to be a big problem. RB position seems like Medical unit. Frishetti always hurt and Marvan has been injured throughout his career. So This will be a need in recruiting as well. Williams cannot afford anymore busts in recruiting they have found there QB and now need to work on skilled positions and Defensive and Offensive line help.
New to this board, long-time NESCAC fan, former high school coach, this board is great. I was at the Wesleyan-Williams game and wanted to join the town hall. The Williams D is strong, those kids were on the field all game; until Williams can avoid going three and out so often, (they have to find a way to complete a third-down pass) it will be impossible to judge the D. Those kids played hard and looked tired. Williams does have talent on O, they are just so one dimensional, even when they pass, they seem to turn it into a run. We could see that Williams has no intermediate passing game...I saw WR open, but missed chances, taking 4 yards on a scramble, it's tough to beat good teams that way... The QB looks like a good athlete, more of a runner/ath vs. one who sticks a 3rd and 9 pass that moves the chains, you would think Williams could recruit a passer as well.. I was impressed with Wesleyan's mental toughness; the offense had a rough first half and battled, got bailed out with some calls, although so did Williams on the last drive, so I guess it's equal... You are what your record says you are and Wesleyan pulled it out in the end, respect earned. Exciting game. Colby - Bowdoin this weekend.