FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[RetiredMule]

Still hoping for some Colby news. Does the defense look solid? How is the offense looking with the new OC? After 1 win each of the past 2 years can they scare any of the big boys like Middlebury or Amherst?

The quick run down of the team would be as follows. On offense there is a lot of talent and experience returning at the skill positions. At QB, Gabe Harrington returns for his third year at the helm, searching for more consistent play. At RB, Jabari Hurdle-Price seems a dark horse candidate for offensive player of the year if he can produce similar numbers at a more efficient clip. The WRs return a number of game time players in Kramer, Snyder, Miyakana, Greenberg and Arsenault. The offensive line returns 3 starters after graduating the left side of the line. Due to injuries last year, the replacements should have some decent experience. I cannot speak heavily towards from the new OC, but we have seen multiple OCs during the Michaeles era that have not dramatically shifted the schematics of the offense. On defense, 3 starters return on the DL, notably Captain Henry Wallrapp and Chris Marano. The linebackers will once again be anchored by Junior Bryan McAdams. The secondary will look to mature after a 2015 campaign where most starters were freshmen or sophomores. DC Dexter will likely continue his blitz heavy attack with increased comfort from formerly young players.

In terms of results, I do not think this team offers any real scare to the "big boys" of the league like Amherst and Middlebury. Three games (Williams, Hamilton, Bowdoin) seem the most likely to produce a win with Bates always being a near toss up due to its rivalry nature. Realistically I see this team in the 1-2 win range again. It hurts that Colby always starts with a tough slug of Williams or Trinity followed by Middlebury, Wesleyan, Amherst each season. But if this team can possibly take down a hurt Williams team in week 1 and then win out the CBB it could be a 3 win year.

[ColbyFootball]

Still hoping for some Colby news. Does the defense look solid? How is the offense looking with the new OC? After 1 win each of the past 2 years can they scare any of the big boys like Middlebury or Amherst?

The quick run down of the team would be as follows. On offense there is a lot of talent and experience returning at the skill positions. At QB, Gabe Harrington returns for his third year at the helm, searching for more consistent play. At RB, Jabari Hurdle-Price seems a dark horse candidate for offensive player of the year if he can produce similar numbers at a more efficient clip. The WRs return a number of game time players in Kramer, Snyder, Miyakana, Greenberg and Arsenault. The offensive line returns 3 starters after graduating the left side of the line. Due to injuries last year, the replacements should have some decent experience. I cannot speak heavily towards from the new OC, but we have seen multiple OCs during the Michaeles era that have not dramatically shifted the schematics of the offense. On defense, 3 starters return on the DL, notably Captain Henry Wallrapp and Chris Marano. The linebackers will once again be anchored by Junior Bryan McAdams. The secondary will look to mature after a 2015 campaign where most starters were freshmen or sophomores. DC Dexter will likely continue his blitz heavy attack with increased comfort from formerly young players.

In terms of results, I do not think this team offers any real scare to the "big boys" of the league like Amherst and Middlebury. Three games (Williams, Hamilton, Bowdoin) seem the most likely to produce a win with Bates always being a near toss up due to its rivalry nature. Realistically I see this team in the 1-2 win range again. It hurts that Colby always starts with a tough slug of Williams or Trinity followed by Middlebury, Wesleyan, Amherst each season. But if this team can possibly take down a hurt Williams team in week 1 and then win out the CBB it could be a 3 win year.

I appreciate the info. It is a bit discouraging to see a prediction of 1 to 3 wins. You honest take us welcome, but I sure do hope you're wrong.

[amh63]

FYI.....NothingButNescac has posted previews of Bates and Hamilton for the 2016 season.  As always...starting lineups.  Guess the previews of Midd and Amherst will be near the end of the week.
Amherst has two freshmen RBs.....both with unusual last names.  See the pic of the RB provided by IslandTime shows the RB in Nike uniform.  Prudent NEngland "tradition?

[westcoastDad]

Amherst keeping things close to the vest ala the Patriots up the 90 highway lol.  Roster has not been updated on the school site either. 

[IslandTime]

Amherst keeping things close to the vest ala the Patriots up the 90 highway lol.  Roster has not been updated on the school site either.

Here is link to "preliminary" 2016 roster:
http://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/fball/2016-17/roster

[middhoops]

Middlebury roster is now up.

http://athletics.middlebury.edu/sports/fball/2016-17/roster

[amh63]

IslandTime....thanks for the preliminary look! . Plus K
All in all, bunch of good-looking guys...really.  Seems the returning players have stayed the same in weight.  First time that a major is listed for Amherst.

[amh63]

Midhoops...thanks for the link.  Midd really likes tall QBs....and relative small DLs.  26 freshmen listed on the 75 man roster....five more than Amherst on the larger "prelim" list.  Just observations, nothing more.

[lumbercat]

By my count 15 non returning players from last years team. Must have been some difficult cuts for Coach Ritter.
The Panthers look to have Drew Jacobs, a fine RB, returning to the team this year.

[Trin9-0]

Looks like Trin may have some options for their headgear this season. I absolutely LOVE the Bantam head on the white lid, and I have a feeling recruits will as well.


Can't wait for this Saturday in The Coop!

[mariner75]

Tufts season preview from the Jumbos Athletics page:

http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/preview

The 2016 roster still has not been posted however.

[lumbercat]

Train 8-0
That new white helmet looks great. Trinity has always had the luxury of a very large football budget.
Are they going to have 2 sets of helmets or are they just contrasting the old and new helmets in that photo?
Rumor says the new stadium renovations are very impressive.

[Trin9-0]

Train 8-0
That new white helmet looks great. Trinity has always had the luxury of a very large football budget.
Are they going to have 2 sets of helmets or are they just contrasting the old and new helmets in that photo?
Rumor says the new stadium renovations are very impressive.

I'm actually not sure if they'll have both sets of helmets for use on game days. I don't believe the "stadium" renovations are taking place until next year. I've been told it will include moving all seating to the "home" side (similar to Middlebury). The turf field and track are new for 2016 however, and I'm excited to see how it looks in person.

Trinity also relocated their softball and baseball fields, both of which will be ready for the spring seasons.

[middhoops]

By my count 15 non returning players from last years team. Must have been some difficult cuts for Coach Ritter.
The Panthers look to have Drew Jacobs, a fine RB, returning to the team this year.

Good eye, lumbercat. 
Jacobs and Meritus together may decrease wear and tear on 1st down this season.
May be worth noting to those who haven't seen Leibowitz, but he can run.
Keep an eye on Tanner Contois.  Ritter will play him in the slot and he's too fast to be covered by LBs.
Defense is anyone's guess.
amh63, you've no doubt noted over the years that Midd plays with small, fast DLs.  Yeah, I know you knew that.  Sorry.

[AmherstStudent05]

Amherst season preview is out.  Not particularly illuminating, but its publications is a sure sign that kickoff must be close at hand! 

http://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/20160920lwlk43