FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[PolarCat]

amh63, I wish I could provide some clarity for you, but there seems to be a "cone of silence" over Garcelon Field.  I was impressed by both Duggan and Radford when I saw them in action last year.  If my memory serves, they both played in the "JV" game when the Bobcats hosted Husson.  (That was an interesting experience, which puts NESCAC in perspective.  I swear the Husson roster was THREE TIMES the size of the Bates roster.  They may even have outnumbered the Bates fans, and it was Parents' Weekend!)

Rumor has it there is also an incoming QB recruit (or maybe it's a transfer) but who knows who will get the starting nod?  I do know that Matt Cannone will be incredibly hard to replace.  Cannone was a warrior and played through injuries time and again.  Pretty remarkable for D3.

The Bobcats have also lost a lot of big linemen, including DiPalma, Eversage, Hundley, and Guinee, and defensive backs like Hild, Gilligan, Brown, Newson, Kelliher and Cuomo.  But rumor has it there are some studs coming in to replace them.  And the strength and conditioning staff usually has the boys tough as nails by the opener.

For unknown reasons, Bates seems to have a surfeit of kickers.  There were 3 K's and a P on the roster last year (with the P being David Kurey, '15, who will be sorely missed) and my understanding is there will be 3 returning this year, plus at least one incoming freshman.  The three returners all have strong legs, so there's no telling who will get the nod this year.   (Though none of them may have the range and accuracy of Nwosu).  After last year's brutal Maine winter, maybe you can get one or more of them to transfer.  Maybe offer to pay their tuition to sweeten the deal? 

[hamfan88]

On the Harrington situation, I think we forget that the kid saw saw his first meaningful playing time last year. He will have an entire offseason and another year of maturity under his belt by the time he steps on the field next fall. If you expect to see the same exact product you saw last season, you really don't understand the reality of college football. Guys are working their tails off as we speak (or type) to get bigger, stronger, faster, smarter.

[NewtoNescac]

Hamfan88, you are right, he was a rookie and should get better. I hope he does, as it will help Colby. Every team getting better makes for a better league, with games that are more fun to watch. Not sure if you have Hamilton ties, looks that way, but I'm really rooting for that program to start winning. We'll see shortly who performs, both players and teams.

[RetiredMule]

I think hamfan is right about the increased maturity and meaningful experience that comes with not being a rookie.  I know this board has had a lot of issues with Colby's commitment to Harrington and his captaincy, but it should be viewed as a positive sign, at least in the hearts of Colby fans, that the team would take that vote of confidence.  Is that overly optimistic?  Probably, but that is what we do as fans (particularly alumni), believe.

With regards to other QBs on the depth chart for Colby, Riehle was moved to DB last season, Anile has been a backup down who Ecke immediately leap frogged, and Sparacio is a freshman built more like a linebacker who tends to panic then run under pressure (but he is bursting with confidence in himself, so there's that).

And responding to amh63, In terms of other positive signs for the Mules, Jabari Hurdle-Price played admirably for the Mules after Carl Lipani went down early in the season.  Assuming both can stay healthy, they could form a formidable running back duo for the next two years.  A young of the freshman wide receivers have shown promise after coming out from under the shadows of Luke Dunklee and Nick Joseph.  As well as the return of two DBs who missed their freshman season due to injury but have been showing well in passing drills this spring. 

[NewtoNescac]

Thanks for the great info and analysis, RetiredMule. Good stuff.

Hamfan, other than the QB transfer, any other big time skill position recruits for Hamilton?

[lumbercat]

3 good receivers will don the Buff 'n Blue to compliment the transfer QB.

AJ Cantarella WR Old Forge, Pa 6'7" 220
Ryan Phelps WR Salisbury Ct. 6'1" 190
William Nyamwange WR St. George's RI  6'2" 205

Another player of note:
Colby Jones DB Raritan, NJ. 6'3" 180

[NewtoNescac]

Wow, 6'7". I'd be throwing fades to that big target.

[hamfan88]

Definitely a good time to be a Buff n' Blue fan. I am hoping that the increased level of enthusiam from the team's supporters and (seemingly) the school, along with a new coaching staff will pay dividends.

Cantrella looks impressive. My bet is that he will likely to be moved to TE at some point in his career.

[lumbercat]

Yes those 4 Hamilton recruits look pretty good but beyond that I show a group of undersized, unproven prospects.

However, I have very little connection with Northern and Western NY sources which is where I think Murray may focus his recruiting efforts- so who knows- I'm sure he has some good prospects coming in.

It may take a strong group to pull off the new Nike uniforms the Continentals are proposing with "Hamilton"  spelled out vertically down the side of the pants....really?  Thought the current Conts uniforms looked pretty good. Hope they don't force a silly change from the status quo in an attempt to exorcise past Hamilton demons....that never works.

In terms of other recruiting intelligence I note very little for Amherst and even less for Williams which is not unusual but it is even less in contrast  to past years.

The Jeff's landed a fine receiver in Nate Showalter from Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg, Pa 6'3" 195 along with a D1 prospect kicker- Andrew Ferrero from St Ignatius HS in San Francisco, Ca.

Ironically Ferrero is a teammate of a recruit who may be among finest incoming FYs this year- also from St Igaatius is Tufts recruit QB Ryan Hagfeldt who was all everything in a high level, very competitive conference in Ca. The next Jack Doll......no, better.....looks bigger faster and stronger.

5 known outstanding incoming QBs coming in this year:

Bates:  Sandy Plaskhes Torrey Pines HS San Diego, Ca 6'2" 190
Wesleyan:  Mark Piccirillo Shelton, Ct 6'0" 185
Tufts:  Ryan Hagfeldt St Ignatius, Ca 6'3" 190
Tufts:  Ryan McDonald No Hunterdon, Va 6'3" 205
Bowdoin: Devon Kennedy The Hill School Pottstown, Pa 6'2" 185

[PolarCat]

Wow.  Just watched Plashkes highlight reel.  Kid is AMAZING.  Watch the bomb he throws at 3:10 in the video.

I feel really, really good about the future of Bates Football - providing he stays healthy and can cut it academically.  (He had a 4.0 GPA in HS but we all know the academic rigors of the 'CAC can be a rude awakening).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZAnCii8PwY

[NewtoNescac]

Just watched some of Plashkes' hilights. I like what I see. Deceptively fast, watching him gain separation from defenders. Look's like he has long easy strides that chew up turf as he runs. Fun stuff to watch. Man, I miss football!

[amh63]

PolarCat.......watched the QB prospect from Torry Pines, CA.  Agreed he has skills and appears to be an athlete.  Bates may use him as a WR or in the backfield as an option passer, end around plays, etc.....if he does not start.  The  only thing that may stop him will be the weather in Maine!
Spent a great deal of time in my working days in the San Deigo area....Torrey Pines where the initial Hang Gliders launched, Salk Institute built and near the infamous nude beach...I am digressing here.
Reese Foy, the Amherst QB from Hawaii, spent a little time in nearby UC at San Diego down the street.before transferring.

Lumbercat.....your recruiting intelligence is surprisingly good!  Plus K to you. The kicker coming to Amherst will please the fine Amherst special team coach and ease my fears.  The WR recruit from Harrisburg, Pa. is most interesting.  I met an Amherst WR of the same last name, same HS, at a lacrosse game played on the Gettysburg College campus.  First name of Nathan...about the same size....presently listed as 6'2"on the Amherst roster.  Could they be related?

[RetiredMule]

Hamfan, one of the major things that I think has always held Hamilton back is the size of their linemen.  In the past 5 years, their starters have been consistently been "topping" out in the 250-260 range with an exception or two.  A lot of teams in this league have their "smaller" starters in that range.  I know Colby's lightest starter last year was the center at 260 and the biggest were the tackles at 285.  This doesn't even account for some schools like Midd and Trinity that are known to favor (and get) guys in the 280-300 pound range.  And on the other side of the ball, most of the d lines are larger than Hamilton with tackles weighing 270-300 and ends in the 220 range consistently. 

Do you view that as largest hurdle for Hamilton's move forward? I know the coaches are doing a fantastic job and the skill prospects look great, but the line concerns me in Clinton, especially with a great role/scheme player like de Percin leaving

[hamfan88]

I think the O-line is definitely an area of focus moving forward, especially given the state of the QB position. And I think as the oline improves so will the QB play and that of the other skill positions.

I think that size is definitely a starting point--but without athletisism, and skill--is a moot point. I think especially with the scheme we are trying to implement, getting athletic guys is most important. Trinity and Amherst have traditionally done a great job of getting big and athletic guys that fit well in their respective themes.

[lumbercat]

Retired Mule

Continue to enjoy your posts.
I'm in total agreement with you relative your comments on O linemen in the NESCAC but your representation of 270-300 lb guys as the norm on the DL inerior line may not be the case.

I know you have a big 290 kid up in Waterville but not sure he was a starter for the Blue and Grey.
I beleive the NESCAC all conference interior guys on the DL tend to be smaller than 270 which leads me to my observation.

This is my opinion only- the biggest recruiting challenge that NESCAC schools face relates to their efforts to recruit big (270+) tough, athletic, D linemen......They are few and far between.......it's far less challenging for NESCAC recruiters to land a solid 280 Offensive lineman.

It looks like the White Mules will be ready for the CBB this year.

On a lighter note, can't believe Michaeles is removing the traditional Chicago Bears pointed "C" from those great Colby helmets......if they need to make a change---bring back the Colts horseshoe!!.....That would be a nice nonor honor of the late Dick Magee whose teams wore those classic Colby helmets with the Colts U  horseshoe.