Who are the players that people are looking to take a big step up this year for their teams?

I would say Carter Jung WR from Amherst is my pick. Went to the same high school out in California as Richardson from tufts and had some pretty impressive flashes last year for the mammoths.

I think my dark horses from the UBears are Kanoa Young (DL) and Gordon Gozdeck (LB). Young stepped in for an injured Price towards the end of the season and maintained the same level of production. In his three games as a starter, he recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Gozdeck may be one of the most athletic linebackers in the league, and I'm expecting a monster season from him. After playing behind Jones-Garland, Gozdeck will finally have the chance to demonstrate his solid abilities. He made numerous impactful plays off the bench, especially in coverage. I anticipate a breakout season for both of them as they take the next steps with the Polar Bear squad.
-pbmf

Good question, NESCACFball, and I'd second Carter Jung.  His younger brother is also joining Amherst this year, while their QB is headed for Williams. Quite a wealth of NESCAC talent there! 

From Williams, guys to watch include the tight ends I previously mentioned, Sam Jaffe and Will Baker, Brady Stahelski at WR, and Holden Gering wherever he plays (CB/WR/returner). The defense is led by a veteran group with loads of multi-year starters, so there are fewer break-out candidates but I would keep an eye on Jack Wallace, a QB who converted into a very hard-hitting safety and was a late-season injury replacement. 

Quote from: NESCACFball24/7 on April 29, 2024, 02:54:37 AMWho are the players that people are looking to take a big step up this year for their teams?

I would say Carter Jung WR from Amherst is my pick. Went to the same high school out in California as Richardson from tufts and had some pretty impressive flashes last year for the mammoths.

Bates is expecting great things from WR Sergio Beltran who is yet another NESCAC standout from the Menlo School.
Beltran is a converted QB who was one of the top receivers in the NESCAC last year. Great speed and athleticism, All conference potential entering his junior year.

For Middlebury: WR Mike Ahonen 32 catches 440 yards and 3TDs as a sophomore.  I would not be surprised if those numbers double this fall with Wood departed and top 2 receivers now Jamin/Ahonen.
As freshmen RBs Caleb Smith averaged 5.3 yds per carry and Cody Weitzman averaged 4.8 yds per carry. Both could also have very good seasons this fall as sophomores.

Trinity I would look at Nolan O'Brien at WR would have easily been rookie of the year. I also like the RB Matt Hickey who is going toe a bruising back that will have an immediate impact on offense.

Defensively the secondary will all be new but the LB Corp bolstered by Sean Ryan should be solid. They have a few returners as Dan Calderon & Luca De Lancellotti which should provide some leadership.

The DL for Trinity is really going to be special DE Jordan Atkinson , DT Joe Toyias and DL Luke Ventura are young , athletic and will be stout team to run and pass against. Look for Trinity for some creative defensive packages with this group and utilizing their talents. Terrific upside to this unit who were able to get valuable experience last year.

Fischetti top 5 in rushing yards after only playing 3 games and about a quarter... would have ran for about 500 yards at least against Wesleyan and Amherst if healthy... that Reece kid is good but would certainly be the backup under a healthy Fischetti

Quote from: EphsML on April 30, 2024, 12:07:18 PMFischetti top 5 in rushing yards after only playing 3 games and about a quarter... would have ran for about 500 yards at least against Wesleyan and Amherst if healthy... that Reece kid is good but would certainly be the backup under a healthy Fischetti

Here we go....!!  (I predict a reply is imminent  )

Quote from: EphsML on April 30, 2024, 12:07:18 PMFischetti top 5 in rushing yards after only playing 3 games and about a quarter... would have ran for about 500 yards at least against Wesleyan and Amherst if healthy... that Reece kid is good but would certainly be the backup under a healthy Fischetti

Im pretty sure that Reece kid was a safety until like halfway through the trinity game. So let him have a full off-season and then let's talk. Personally this is like a Jaden richardson vs Donovan wood conversation. Ya one is slightly more productive if u look at stats but if you watch them both play it's really not close. I was a victim of it with richardson vs wood. Reece was literally running through kids and jumping over corners on a regular basis. I think if we went across the league and asked who coaches would rather have they'd say Reece. Wouldn't be surprised if that kid doesn't last much longer in the nescac before trying to transfer up.

In all reality this might be more of a Civetti not using his players well than it is a Fischetti being better. Let's face it, he's had that kid for 3 years and didn't play him until this year. He had a running back room with Tyler Johnson, Pedrini, Reece, and Aundre smith overlap with a receiver room with lutz and richardson for two seasons and still couldn't win the league.

Quote from: LochNescac on April 30, 2024, 01:37:31 PM

Quote from: EphsML on April 30, 2024, 12:07:18 PM... would have ran for about 500 yards at least against Wesleyan and Amherst if healthy...

Really ?

Quote from: EphsML on April 30, 2024, 12:07:18 PMFischetti top 5 in rushing yards after only playing 3 games and about a quarter... would have ran for about 500 yards at least against Wesleyan and Amherst if healthy... that Reece kid is good but would certainly be the backup under a healthy Fischetti

Oh, bless your heart! That's cuter than a bug's ear. But Reece? He's the whole darn farm, steady as a preacher on Sunday. To the tune of zero fumbles all last season 🏈🌟 Stat Facts 101

Lone Star you should be a poet

Just saw that Trinity is pulling in 29 new 2028 players? Looks like there will be a lot of cuts to get to the roster number!

Quote from: NescacNewbie on May 01, 2024, 03:09:45 PMJust saw that Trinity is pulling in 29 new 2028 players? Looks like there will be a lot of cuts to get to the roster number!

What's the roster limit? The Bants had a 102 on the roster last year

used to be 76--is it officially back to that for this season? I think only 76 are still allowed to dress....