FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Jonny Utah]

Is it locked in that Milton QB Owen McHugh is going to Williams? 

[nescac1]

Jonny, per the Herald:

OWEN McHUGH

MILTON

This 6-foot, 180-pound quarterback and safety had a tremendous senior season for the Wildcats. McHugh completed 172 of 266 passes (a school-record 64.7 percent) for 2,409 yards, and a school-record 31 touchdowns, and rushed for 570 yards and five scores in leading the Wildcats to the Div. 3 title game. On defense, he made three interceptions, including a pick six. He will play football and baseball at Williams College.

[lumbercat]

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

[Charlie]

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

He is definitely going to Williams. Find it odd though in his choices Umass Loweel is Division 1 baseball. I also heard he had other Division 1 offers. I heard this kids sport is really baseball great arm. What is perplexing is that the academics are vastly different at Umass Lowell than Williams. Perhaps the intrigue about being able to play multiple sports attracted him to Williams. 

What is also intriguing is that Renzella the other QB primary sport was also baseball and is a catcher. In addition Marvan who is recruited for Football as RB is also a Lacrosse player and was sought after by other schools for this sport.

[lumbercat]

Charlie-

Not perplexing at all. The kid has very good grades. UML offered him a full ride early on. He had second thoughts and changed his mind.

You're missing something Charlie if you don't grasp the NESCAC attraction for athletes who want to play more than one sport.

I don't mean this in a condescending way but you are constantly baffled and puzzled by everything surrounding the NESCAC. Do you mind me asking where you are from?

[Jonny Utah]

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

Thanks.  He is one of the best QB's I've ever coached against in my 20 year career, and that includes coaching against Marimon, Flutie and other D1 QB's.  It will be interesting to see if the lack of height is a factor with him, even at the d3 level.  The one thing about him is that he does not "look" like a football player if you see him.  I'm interested to see what Williams does with him.

[LochNescac]

Way too early preseason ranking/poll/WAG....?   (I've learned my lesson with semantics on this board; trying to cover my bases!)

Also, what say y'all about the NESCAC's biggest "climber" & "faller" compared to last season?

Should be an interesting season...kinda like last...??

[lumbercat]

High praise Jonny- I certainly respect your take, maybe some are underrating McHugh.

Williams has 5 QBs in this class (Renzella, Johansen, Baker, Carroll and McHugh) that by all accounts would be eventual starting QB's elsewhere in the NESCAC.
Kind of a shame, an embarassment of riches. Some of these kids will just have make transition to other positions or assume backup role.

[Jonny Utah]

High praise Jonny- I certainly respect your take, maybe some are underrating McHugh.

Williams has 5 QBs in this class (Renzella, Johansen, Baker, Carroll and McHugh) that by all accounts would be eventual starting QB's elsewhere in the NESCAC.
Kind of a shame, an embarassment of riches. Some of these kids will just have make transition to other positions or assume backup role.

Yes I could have some recency bias as it was one game against us that McHugh was amazing.  Marimon was a fresh or soph when we played against him (one playoff game) so I'm sure he improved 1000% when he was a senior. 

[The Mole]

Sorry, pasted to wrong thread--responding to Loch's "early predictions"...cannot see too much movement up or down but there were surprises last year and 2023 will most likely offer some as well...

Trinity still team to beat year in and out, Tufts had them on the ropes in game 1, Wes up at half and Bants wore them out in 2nd half. Middlebury could've won too.
Middlebury shouldn't  have a drop off, Ritter built a very good, consistent program, they will be in the mix. Physically big too.
Wesleyan will be predicted by Charlie and others to drop off--lost some big individual names (Banks, Estevez, Helbig, Tomlinson) but a strong sophomore class got much playing time and there is depth returning. Cards won't be a cakewalk
Tufts was probably playing the best at end of the season, can they make the next step up?
Colby was just 4-5 with all the heralded improvement that was predicted. Need to get better on offense. Coaching change in the works?
Bates must improve defensively, see what Coach Coyne can do in year 2
Bowdoin knocked off Wes and Colby, still need more offense and depth and size
Williams has to improve, right? Passing game needs an upgrade, defense was on field too long
Amherst the best 2-7 squad in the country? Very good defensively, impotent offensively, not a great game day atmosphere
Hamilton somehow managed two wins (over Amherst & Williams), think they hold onto this spot.

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

Thanks.  He is one of the best QB's I've ever coached against in my 20 year career, and that includes coaching against Marimon, Flutie and other D1 QB's.  It will be interesting to see if the lack of height is a factor with him, even at the d3 level.  The one thing about him is that he does not "look" like a football player if you see him.  I'm interested to see what Williams does with him.

[LochNescac]

Sorry, pasted to wrong thread--responding to Loch's "early predictions"...cannot see too much movement up or down but there were surprises last year and 2023 will most likely offer some as well...

Trinity still team to beat year in and out, Tufts had them on the ropes in game 1, Wes up at half and Bants wore them out in 2nd half. Middlebury could've won too.
Middlebury shouldn't  have a drop off, Ritter built a very good, consistent program, they will be in the mix. Physically big too.
Wesleyan will be predicted by Charlie and others to drop off--lost some big individual names (Banks, Estevez, Helbig, Tomlinson) but a strong sophomore class got much playing time and there is depth returning. Cards won't be a cakewalk
Tufts was probably playing the best at end of the season, can they make the next step up?
Colby was just 4-5 with all the heralded improvement that was predicted. Need to get better on offense. Coaching change in the works?
Bates must improve defensively, see what Coach Coyne can do in year 2
Bowdoin knocked off Wes and Colby, still need more offense and depth and size
Williams has to improve, right? Passing game needs an upgrade, defense was on field too long
Amherst the best 2-7 squad in the country? Very good defensively, impotent offensively, not a great game day atmosphere
Hamilton somehow managed two wins (over Amherst & Williams), think they hold onto this spot.

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

Thanks.  He is one of the best QB's I've ever coached against in my 20 year career, and that includes coaching against Marimon, Flutie and other D1 QB's.  It will be interesting to see if the lack of height is a factor with him, even at the d3 level.  The one thing about him is that he does not "look" like a football player if you see him.  I'm interested to see what Williams does with him.

Good stuff Mole...pretty reasonable order I'd have to agree.  I'm guessing it'll be a close race for those top 3 spots!!

[The Mole]

To clarify, that was the 2022 order of finish. Not sure it will be a repeat of that order in 2023, but the top 4 are the likely contenders. The real question is, which of the 6 teams with losing records makes a push up the ranks?

Sorry, pasted to wrong thread--responding to Loch's "early predictions"...cannot see too much movement up or down but there were surprises last year and 2023 will most likely offer some as well...

Trinity still team to beat year in and out, Tufts had them on the ropes in game 1, Wes up at half and Bants wore them out in 2nd half. Middlebury could've won too.
Middlebury shouldn't  have a drop off, Ritter built a very good, consistent program, they will be in the mix. Physically big too.
Wesleyan will be predicted by Charlie and others to drop off--lost some big individual names (Banks, Estevez, Helbig, Tomlinson) but a strong sophomore class got much playing time and there is depth returning. Cards won't be a cakewalk
Tufts was probably playing the best at end of the season, can they make the next step up?
Colby was just 4-5 with all the heralded improvement that was predicted. Need to get better on offense. Coaching change in the works?
Bates must improve defensively, see what Coach Coyne can do in year 2
Bowdoin knocked off Wes and Colby, still need more offense and depth and size
Williams has to improve, right? Passing game needs an upgrade, defense was on field too long
Amherst the best 2-7 squad in the country? Very good defensively, impotent offensively, not a great game day atmosphere
Hamilton somehow managed two wins (over Amherst & Williams), think they hold onto this spot.

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

Thanks.  He is one of the best QB's I've ever coached against in my 20 year career, and that includes coaching against Marimon, Flutie and other D1 QB's.  It will be interesting to see if the lack of height is a factor with him, even at the d3 level.  The one thing about him is that he does not "look" like a football player if you see him.  I'm interested to see what Williams does with him.

Good stuff Mole...pretty reasonable order I'd have to agree.  I'm guessing it'll be a close race for those top 3 spots!!

[LochNescac]

To clarify, that was the 2022 order of finish. Not sure it will be a repeat of that order in 2023, but the top 4 are the likely contenders. The real question is, which of the 6 teams with losing records makes a push up the ranks?

Sorry, pasted to wrong thread--responding to Loch's "early predictions"...cannot see too much movement up or down but there were surprises last year and 2023 will most likely offer some as well...

Trinity still team to beat year in and out, Tufts had them on the ropes in game 1, Wes up at half and Bants wore them out in 2nd half. Middlebury could've won too.
Middlebury shouldn't  have a drop off, Ritter built a very good, consistent program, they will be in the mix. Physically big too.
Wesleyan will be predicted by Charlie and others to drop off--lost some big individual names (Banks, Estevez, Helbig, Tomlinson) but a strong sophomore class got much playing time and there is depth returning. Cards won't be a cakewalk
Tufts was probably playing the best at end of the season, can they make the next step up?
Colby was just 4-5 with all the heralded improvement that was predicted. Need to get better on offense. Coaching change in the works?
Bates must improve defensively, see what Coach Coyne can do in year 2
Bowdoin knocked off Wes and Colby, still need more offense and depth and size
Williams has to improve, right? Passing game needs an upgrade, defense was on field too long
Amherst the best 2-7 squad in the country? Very good defensively, impotent offensively, not a great game day atmosphere
Hamilton somehow managed two wins (over Amherst & Williams), think they hold onto this spot.

Yes Jonny- as N1 states I think it's official based on a connection on the Milton staff.

Originally, McHugh made verbal commitment to Mass Lowell to play baseball. As Football season commenced he decided he wanted to play both sports so the NESCAC came into consideration resulting with his eventual commitment to Williams.
Do not believe he will end up as a QB at Williams.

He's a 3 sport athlete currently playing Hockey for Milton. Team Captain. Special kid. Might be a 3 sport captain.

Thanks.  He is one of the best QB's I've ever coached against in my 20 year career, and that includes coaching against Marimon, Flutie and other D1 QB's.  It will be interesting to see if the lack of height is a factor with him, even at the d3 level.  The one thing about him is that he does not "look" like a football player if you see him.  I'm interested to see what Williams does with him.

Good stuff Mole...pretty reasonable order I'd have to agree.  I'm guessing it'll be a close race for those top 3 spots!!

Gotcha....I'm sticking with the top three being Trinity & Tufts/Midd?

As far as the biggest push up....I'll take Williams.?

Need some other opinions!

[SpringSt7]

What is the hit rate on dual sport athletes in the NESCAC? And by hit rate I mean, compete for both sports in all four years. It seems like most end up only completing one, which I would assume the coaches factor into their calculus. In recent memory, both Frank Stola and Edward Manzella came to Williams to play football and baseball and neither played more than two baseball seasons. Maimaron was allegedly a lacrosse recruit too but was never listed on the roster.

Off the top of my head I remember Adam Regensburg, who played baseball at Williams, Frank Cosolito at Middlebury, who also played lacrosse, and Jon Lindgren at Bates, who also played baseball. I think there was another DB from Colby that also played lacrosse but the name is escaping me. I'm sure there have been more.

Cosolito was a different breed clearly, he played two seasons of hockey as well and I think his choosing not to continue had nothing to do with the physical demands.

[lumbercat]

Speaking of 2 sport athletes in the NESCAC. In the Bates class of 2012 there we two guys who played 2 sports for all 4 years.
John Squires and Kevin Helm.
Not only did they play 2 sports, they were both ALL NESCAC in Football.
Squires also played Basketball. Helm played Lacrosse and was ALL NESCAC in Lacrosse as well.
Quite an achievement which was under the radar at the time. Former SID at Bates sleeping on the job.