FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[SpringSt7]

Ditto, don't see the quickness with O'Regan. If anything, bulking up and being used as an extra TE in jumo/red zone sets makes more sense, which is also what I would imagine Cosolito doing as well.

[lumbercat]

I have a hard time imagining O'Regan being able to get enough separation against NFL cornerbacks as a WR.  I don't recall him having blazing top-end speed (like Hogan does) or fast-twitch quickness.  He didn't absolutely dominate NESCAC competition the way some other WRs have in recent years.  I think he would have to put on about 30 pounds and transition to an H-back sort of role to have a shot ...

No question about it NESCAC 1, that's why he has little or no chance.
He ran a 4.58 in tests for NFL scouts. You can make the fast twitch evaluation.
Either way he's got little chance but glad to see the kid try and make a run at it.

[SpringSt7]

In fairness, and maybe I'm downplaying d3 football a little too much, but a 4.58 is a LOT faster than I would've expected from a NESCAC WR who isn't a Stola-type speedster.

[lumbercat]

The kid is not getting glimpses because they think he's a typical D3 guy.  I think his other combine drill test scores are also enough for them to keep to keep an eye peeled on the kid.
He was measured at 6'3".3  205. He's not going to gain 50 lbs and become an H back or tight end. Again he's a huge long shot but he is being evaluated as a WR.
Seen this scenario before and can probably predict the outcome but fun to see a NESCAC guy get a glance.

[ColbyFootball]

I think all of the nescac  is test optional for the 2021 entering class. That should broaden the number of quality players available to all schools. And you may see a kid or two slip to Williams, Amherst and Middlebury. Don't think it will change a thing at Bowdoin though. It may help Hamilton and Tufts, as well. Little difference at Wes, Bates, Colby and Trinity as they were already test optional.

[Trin9-0]

Trinity football's Instagram account indicates that they have 31 incoming first year players. Meanwhile a tweet sent earlier today from their Twitter account indicates that the new Class of Bantams will be released next week.

My recollection was that NESCAC commitments couldn't be shared by schools until May 1, but perhaps something has changed given the shifting landscape of higher-ed admissions.

Just an update on this; in an email from Devanney sent to alumni earlier today he included that the incoming class will be announced on social media on May 1.

[amh63]

Trin8-0....From my "home arrest" position....it doesn't matter when the Nescac incoming football recruits are announced.  It is when the schools will open for the new recruits.  More to the point....will there be a Fall sports schedule without some restrictions.  Do not expect any FY player to make a big impact in football.  Maybe a transfer player, like a QB....to Midd/QB Un. .

[monjmafb]

Yes, I think that is the key question now - will there be a fall sports schedule?  One option may be that all of the athletes are tested upon return to school and in advance of each game.  This presumes, of course, that tests are readily available and that the NCAA has some guidelines developed.  Very possible that fans would not be allowed or only limited seating with social distancing would be available with the push for everyone else to watch the games on NSN.

[nescac1]

The good news for Nescac - most of the crowds, in most of the non-Homecoming games, are already essentially socially-distanced events .   If alums aren't encouraged to return for Homecoming games this year, it would not be hard to have every contest feature widely-dispersed seating.  Especially since plenty of people will be inclined to avoid crowds without prompting if schools that feature expanded big-game seating configurations set those up for the entire season.

All of this of course assumes a far different disease trajectory, and far better, proven treatment protocols, by the fall .. barring that, there will be no fall sports.  Alas ..... .  I wonder if fall sports are cancelled how many football guys, especially senior stars like Maimaron, Jernigan, etc., will consider skipping the semester and graduating instead in fall 2021.  It would create the most loaded NESCAC football season ever, that is for sure.  But hope it doesn't come to that. 

[Jonny Utah]

The good news for Nescac - most of the crowds, in most of the non-Homecoming games, are already essentially socially-distanced events .   If alums aren't encouraged to return for Homecoming games this year, it would not be hard to have every contest feature widely-dispersed seating.  Especially since plenty of people will be inclined to avoid crowds without prompting if schools that feature expanded big-game seating configurations set those up for the entire season.

All of this of course assumes a far different disease trajectory, and far better, proven treatment protocols, by the fall .. barring that, there will be no fall sports.  Alas ..... .  I wonder if fall sports are cancelled how many football guys, especially senior stars like Maimaron, Jernigan, etc., will consider skipping the semester and graduating instead in fall 2021.  It would create the most loaded NESCAC football season ever, that is for sure.  But hope it doesn't come to that.

Another good thing for the NESCAC is that NCAA football scheduling changes don't really impact them because they are an inclusive league.  Also hearing that applications for schools in NE and NY are down significantly because of the Covid hot spots, and this may impact schools in various ways.

Still so many unknowns at this point but I was thinking that some of these decisions might happen from the top down.  If the Patriots play (and I hear from official sources that masks will be required for large MA events through 2022), and have crowds, then Nescac schools will be able to play as well.  But the main thing for any college is whether or not students will be allowed back onto campuses at all. 

[maineman]

I guess NSN ran a Saturday free replay of five games from last season they thought were the best.  It was tweeted out, but I didn't see the tweet until Sunday, too late to take advantage of it.  With replays of some of the best NFL games being aired on NBCSN, CBS, etc. it would be nice to see some NESCAC games, too.

[nescac1]

Updated unofficial list of Eph recruits:

Colin Schofield, QB, St. John's
Jack Dickinson, QB, Lakeside School (WA)
Will Sheskey, TB, Scituate
Jack Murphy, DB, Duxbury
Tim Landolfi, TB / LB, Duxbury
Austin Dehmel, DB, Darien
Ryan Levrault, DE / LB, South Hadley
Zach Barnes, LB/S, Stepinac (NY)
Mike Tartaglia, OL/DL Stepinac (NY)
C.J. Vilford, DL, Lawrenceville
Raymond Knuckles, DB, Greeneville (TN)
Major Cook, OL, Abington (VA)
Tim Forth, DE, Pittsford Sutherland (NY)
Calvin Jackson, DE, New Rochelle (NY)
Cal Ewanich, WR/DB, Amador Valley (CA)

That's 15 guys, so probably about 5-10 more out there ...

The Eph QB depth chart will be loaded next year with those two intriguing recruits behind Maimaron, Bischoping, and a few other guys.  After bringing in only one defensive linemen in last year's class, Raymond is really loading up on the DL in this class.  Forth and Jackson, both with strong credentials and excellent size on the DL, look like a pair of bookend 3-4 defensive ends for the future.  Sheskey and Landolfi both had really impressive H.S. careers but I wonder if their future lies elsewhere from TB, given that the Vaughn / Nicholas combo will be hoarding all the carries (one would expect!) for the next few years.  WR, on the other hand, definitely needs some young talent!

[The Mole]

I checked out the Williams @ Wesleyan game, Cards were kind of dominated but pulled out an OT W, great to watch. Eph defense was very good. Also watched first half of Williams @ Middlebury. Panthers had some physically impressive players. Ivy/Patriot type athletes, I thought. The level of play in those two games was pretty good, made for an enjoyable Saturday.

I guess NSN ran a Saturday free replay of five games from last season they thought were the best.  It was tweeted out, but I didn't see the tweet until Sunday, too late to take advantage of it.  With replays of some of the best NFL games being aired on NBCSN, CBS, etc. it would be nice to see some NESCAC games, too.

[lumbercat]

Watched the Bates comeback at Hamilton which was a pretty spectacular game that flew under the radar in November.

With Buff and Blue domination of the first half they built a 21-0 lead. Couldn't believe the Conts called a fake punt at midfield with about 1:30 to go in the first half on a fourth and 8.
Bates stuffed the fake attempt and marched down the field to score as the half ended.

Bates forced a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half deep in Conts territory and Costa quickly threw another TD to make it 21-13.

Looking back, the Conts were done at that point but Costa had to orchestrate 2 TD drives in the last 5 minutes to cement the win.

Reminded me of the NFL playoff game in January between the Texans and Chiefs. With a 24-0 lead in the first half the Texans elected to try a fake punt around their 30 yard line. The Chiefs stuffed the fake attempt and promptly scored the first of 5 straight TDs- game over. While I think the Chiefs ultimately would have won that game it was similar. 2 bad coaching calls.

I actually felt bad for a Hamilton team that posted some fine wins during the season but lost out on their opportunity to post the best record at Hamilton in many years in terms of total wins.

[nescac1]

Truly wonderful news:

https://www.sunjournal.com/2020/04/17/former-bates-lacrosse-player-released-from-hospital-after-battling-coronavirus/