Yale Football Blog

The Bulldogs will be reporting to campus this afternoon for the start of preseason camp.  Here are the top storylines heading into the season:

Who will start at WR?  Bo Hines is finally healthy and Chris Williams-Lopez enters his senior season, so one is inclined to assume that those two will be on the field with the first string offense.  The 3rd WR spot will be a toss-up as there are several great players that can fill that role such as Klubnik, Siragusa, and Shohfi.  Drwal, Herring, Locke and Marcinick have all seen extensive action and could contend for a starting spot with a fantastic camp.  Incoming freshman Darrion Carrington might enter the mix if any injuries arise and there are still several talented WRs on the roster that we haven’t even mentioned.

What defense will show up?  Will the defense that fell apart against Colgate and Lehigh reappear this year?  With the coaching adjustment at defensive coordinator and the return of two All-Ivy defenders that missed last season, the defense on paper seems stronger.  Much of the success will depend on the development of young linebackers, the one area of relative inexperience on this side of the ball.  The defensive line has no excuse not to manhandle opposing fronts.

How has Rawlings developed?  We won’t know for certain how productive the offseason was for Rawlings until September 16th against Lehigh.  If Rawlings continues to improve at reading defenses, he could be one of Yale’s greats, but with his limited body of work, it’s simply too early to tell what kind of player he can become in the future.  Rawlings and his top receivers really need to nail down the timing of routes this camp.

Which freshman will make the biggest impact?  Awodiran comes in as the highest rated recruit by national recruiting sites, but rookies like Melvin Rouse or Darnell Robinson could find themselves starting if seasoned defensive backs go down with injuries.  Reno will play the best player regardless of age and that leaves openings on the offensive line and linebacker corps that could shake things up.

Can the special teams units continue to improve?  We return our starting K/P  Alex Galland, LS Hunter Simono, and holder Rafe Chapple, so the key spots are filled with experience.  The special teams units will need to further develop in the areas of protection and kick coverage, but all the ingredients are there for success on this side of the ball.

The Ivy League released its annual preseason poll with the Tigers and Crimson tied for first place.

Princeton

Harvard

Penn

Yale

Dartmouth

Brown

Columbia

Cornell

Why the poll is wrong: Princeton lost key components on defense.  Harvard melted down at the end of last season and coaching has seemed to deteriorate over the years.  Penn lost a potential starting QB and CB in the off-season, but adds a Georgia transfer at QB.  Yale has experienced starters coming back at every position group and Rawlings development could shock fans around the league.  Dartmouth has talented and young offensive players, yet lost their best defender and had a coaching shakeup with several assistants.  Brown returns the core of their offense, but Columbia seems to have out-recruited them the past two years.  Cornell has a top RB and seems to play hard when the cards are stacked against them.

Why the poll is correct: Besides the close loss to Harvard last season, Princeton dominated their Ivy League foes and returns several All-Ivy players.  Harvard is a perennial favorite and will be looking for vengeance after losing the title.  Penn’s defense will keep them near the top of the standings, but they lack the offensive firepower to beat Princeton or Harvard.  Yale has the talent in place to make a run, but coaching and injuries could derail the season.  Dartmouth will be looking to bounce back, but will not have the defense to limit offenses.  Brown should beat Columbia and Cornell and lose tight games to teams in the upper half of the league.  Columbia is starting to put the pieces in place, but will need another year or two to change the culture.  Cornell has limited support from administration and has not had fabulous recruiting classes to stock the shelves for future seasons.

Micah Awodiran (LB)-Arguably the top recruit in the class, Awodiran is a speedy sideline-to-sideline linebacker who effortlessly sheds blocks.  He is a great blitzer, has excellent tackling skills and demonstrates high effort on the gridiron.

Christian Sampleton (TE/DE)- Sampleton displays natural instincts on the defensive side of the ball with quick play recognition abilities.  He punishes smaller backs that attempt to block him and chases down ball carriers when given a window.  On offense, he is a solid downfield blocker with sure hands and is a threat after the reception.

Jake Hinish (OL)- Hinish is a bruising blocker that utilizes his hands well and generates a push off of the line of scrimmage.  He is quick enough to be an effective pulling guard and once he locks onto a defender, he will play through the whistle.

John Dean (LB)- Dean may be the best linebacker in pass coverage of this class as he is constantly disrupting throwing lanes.  He is also a very effective blitzer and open field tackler.

Jimmy Check (QB)- Check is a tall, lanky passer with a big arm.  He looks to throw first, but is evasive in the pocket and can create opportunities with his legs.  Check can adjust on the fly and keeps broken plays alive.  His throwing mechanics and most notably footwork, are excellent for a young QB.

Patrick Conte (QB)- Conte is able to fit the ball into tight spaces and keeps his eyes downfield when the pocket collapses.  He throws accurate passes rolling out to his right or left side.  Conte is great at reading defenses and loves getting the ball to his deep threats when there is a breakdown in coverage.

Walker Lott (DB)- Lott is a former QB who has the size and tools needed to successfully transition to defensive back.  His film shows off his speed and power.  Given his QB experience, he should be able to learn Yale’s coverage packages quickly.

Jordan Carey (LB)- Carey is a downhill linebacker that can shoot into the backfield and disrupt plays from the start.  He is shifty in a short area making it difficult for linemen to latch onto him.  His most impressive traits are his speed and tackling abilities.  Coaches look for linebackers that run like safeties and Carey definitely fits this mold.

Blake Hill (LB)- Hill looks like the classic middle linebacker with the size and power to limit offenses.  He is a big hitter and seizes opportunities to lay the wood on opponents.  Hill was a solid runningback at the high school level and that athleticism should serve him well chasing down backs at the collegiate level.

Donovan Slater (OL)- Slater is a strong center that maintains leg drive through the whistle.  His snapping skills are solid and he uses his size to overpower smaller linebackers at the second level.  He is also effective at recognizing blitzes and stunts.

D. Major Roman (TE)- Roman is a tall tight end with the hands and leaping ability to catch balls in traffic.  After the catch, Roman has the speed and power to extend the play.  He could develop into a serious weapon for Rawlings.

Thomas Vissmann (RB)- Vissmann runs with aggression and easily breaks arm tackles.  When the hole is clogged, he has the patience and vision to turn a loss into a gain.  With the talented RBs we have and a defensive backfield that will graduate several starters after this season, Vissmann could find himself on the defensive side of the ball given his talent at safety.

Ethan Campbell (LB)- Campbell is a technically sound player that loves running down ball carriers.  With his height and pass rushing abilities, he may be better suited to play defensive end than linebacker at the next level.  Campbell loves to punish quarterbacks and is hard to block at the point of attack.

Brandon Peterson (DE)- Peterson has the leg strength to bullrush offensive tackles into the backfield and the speed to run down quarterbacks after disengaging with the blocker.  He is quick off the ball and keeps containment on the outside shutting down sweeps and reverses.  Peterson could develop into a defensive tackle with additional weight.

JJ Howland (TE)- Howland is another tall target at tight end that is able to catch the ball at its highest point leaving smaller defensive backs helpless.  Howland’s biggest strength is receiving balls in traffic as he will catch contested balls and isn’t afraid to get hit over the middle.  He is also strong run blocker and keeps his legs driving through the whistle.

Cameron Warfield (OL)- Warfield shows that he has the power to move defenders in the run game and the quick feet to stay with speedy defensive ends in passing scenarios.  He utilizes his size and leverage to seal off defenders on the backside of plays and likes to finish with a pancake.

Michael Purvey Jr. (RB)- Purvey is a well-rounded back that is dangerous on handoffs and short passes out of the backfield.  Once he has a step on the defender, there is no chance of running him down.  As he extends plays laterally, he can find a hole and quickly turn upfield for a big gain.

Darrion Carrington (WR)- Carrington is the complete package at wideout.  He is fast, tall, runs sharp routes, and has sticky hands.  Carrington is also a dangerous punt returner and could make an impact on special teams early in his career.

Melvin Rouse II (CB)- Rouse has all the tools to be a shutdown corner in the Ivy League.  He’s quick, has great awareness, and packs a punch when tackling.  Rouse is fantastic at reading quarterbacks and once he intercepts the pass, he is electric with the ball in his hands.

Zane Dudek (RB)- Dudek simply could not be tackled at the high school level.  He breaks arm tackles, stiff arms defenders and spins away from the opposition as he dashes for large gains.  Dudek’s vision and patience allow him to wait for teammates’ blocks to spring free.

Sasha Hoban (TE)- Hoban is a versatile tight end that can be lined up on the outside or in the box.  He runs sharp routes often leaving defenders yards behind as the ball is delivered.  Hoban is also great at releasing from the line of scrimmage as he rarely will get jammed by linebackers or safeties.

Tyler Jost (OT)- Jost uses quick feet to set up nicely in pass protection and looks to put defenders onto the turf when they lose their balance.  He is most comfortable when down blocking a defensive tackle as he clears the gap for the back.  When Jost engages a defender, he keeps his legs driving through whistle.

Deonte Henson (CB)- Henson is a very quick athlete than can turn on a dime. He has excellent catch-up speed allowing him to intercept well thrown balls.  His sticky hands and awareness make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.  Henson has all the tools to play on an island and shut down a team’s top target.

Grant Neagli (OT)- Offensive line coaches love players like Neagli who can create a hole at the line of scrimmage and then run downfield to continue blocking multiple defenders.  He has a nasty streak and routinely plants defenders.  Neagli’s strength and long arms keep defenders at bay and allow him to defeat pass rush moves with ease.

Rodney Thomas (DB)- Thomas has great route recognition skills and the agility to stay glued to fast wideouts.  He is a high effort athlete that is always competing whether it be on defense, offense or special teams.  Thomas’ speed and athleticism enable him to play man coverage without a 5 yard buffer.

Darnell Robinson (CB)- Robinson is yet another talented defensive back in this class.  With his confirmed 4.5 speed, receivers simply cannot outrun him.  When he’s not shutting down wideouts in coverage, he is equally impressive in run game support.  He knows how to get off blocks and is a sure tackler.

AJ Ryan (LB)- Ryan has the prototypical size, speed and strength for an inside linebacker.  He shoots downhill with aggression and obliterates backs on contact.  Aside from the run game, Ryan is also a skilled blitzer and a talented defender in pass coverage.

Michael Chime (DT)- Watching Chime block a punt and then proceed to scoop and score should show you everything you need to know about this athlete.  Chime is solidly built and is able to bull rush through blockers, yet he also has the speed and hip flexibility to rush an outside edge.  Chime has a powerful first step and is quick enough to penetrate the backfield before the play develops.

 

Yale released the official recruiting roster for the 2021 class today.

Micah Awodiran, LB, 6-2 220, Marist (Chicago, IL)

Christian Sampleton, TE/DE, 6-3 245, Nazareth Academy (La Grange Park, IL)

Jake Hinish, OL, 6-3 295, Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)

John Dean, LB, 6-2 228, Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT)

Jimmy Check, QB, 6-4 210, Paul VI Catholic (Fairfax, VA)

Patrick Conte, QB, 6-5 230, Fairfield College Preparatory (Fairfield, CT)

Walker Lott, DB, 6-3 225, Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT)

Jordan Carey, LB/RB, 5-11 203, Hazelwood Central (Florissant, MO)

Blake Hill, MLB, 6-1 228, Milford (Milford, MA)

Donovan Slater, OL, 6-3 290, Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)

D. Major Roman, TE, 6-5 215, New London (New London, CT)

Thomas Vissman, RB, 6-0 210, Upper St. Clair (Pittsburgh, PA)

Ethan Campbell, MLB, 6-4 218, La Salle (Cincinatti, Ohio)

Brandon Peterson, DE, 6-3 250, Alamo Heights (San Antonio, TX)

JJ Howland, TE, 6-6 250, Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford, CT)

Cameron Warfield, OL, 6-5 285, Gonzaga (Washington, DC)

Michael Purvey Jr., RB, 5-10 215, Strake Jesuit (Houston, TX)

Darrion Carrington, WR, 6-2 175, Toms River North (Toms River, NJ)

Melvin Rouse II, CB, 5-10 170, Charlotte Latin (Charlotte, NC)

Zane Dudek, RB, 5-10 190, Armstrong (Kittanning, PA)

Sasha Hoban, TE, 6-4 245, Newton South (Newton, MA)

Tyler Jost, OT, 6-6 290, Libertyville (Libertyville, IL)

Deonte Henson, CB, 5-9 170, West Brook (Beaumont, TX)

Grant Neagli, OT, 6-8 295, Episcopal (Alexandria, VA)

Rodney Thomas, WR/DB, 6-0 170, Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)

Darnell Robinson, CB, 5-10 178, Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach, FL)

AJ Ryan, LB, 6-1 230, Xaverian Brothers (Westwood, MA)

Michael Chime, DT, 6-1 265, St. Ignatious (Cleveland, OH)

Andrew Grinde, RB, 5-11 210, CM Russell (Great Falls, MT)

 

Noah Pope, Jaylan Sandifer and Demani Hansford (Air Force) were formerly committed to Yale, but do not appear on this list.

Look for our analysis of each recruit over the next week.

As the Great Falls Tribune reported, Andrew Grinde will be suiting up for the Bulldogs next season.  Grinde has shed some pounds and feels more agile than ever.  He will join a talented position group led by Alan Lamar and Deshawn Salter.  With incoming recruits such as Zane Dudek and Michael Purvey, the running back position is likely the second most talented group behind the receiving corps.  Yale continues to add weapons to help take the pressure off Rawlings, but as always, the success will largely depend on the play of the offensive line.

Yale fans are still eagerly waiting to see the official recruiting list released from the athletic department.  We have already lost Demani Hansford to Air Force (thanks for the info, Ray) and perhaps there will be a few recruits headed to Choate for a post-grad year, but why not release the list earlier?  If it’s an attempt to mitigate pain from any lost recruits, the delay only leads to more speculation.  The Reno era continues to be shrouded in mystery for now.

It was a short and sweet Spring Game this year, but the progress this offseason has been encouraging to say the least.  The standout units on Saturday were the defensive backs and defensive line, while the special teams left much to be desired (with a starting punter/kicker out this was expected).  The offensive line that appeared to be coming together well just weeks ago was hit with injuries as Strother was seen on crutches and the unit struggled at times containing the rush.

Rawlings, Moore and Chapple looked light years ahead of where they were during preseason, although we do not anticipate Reno conducting a lengthy QB battle as we witnessed last year.  This might be one of Yale’s deepest receiving corps in years with Williams-Lopez, Hines, Klubnick, Siragusa, Drwal, Shohfi, Locke, Marcinick, Herring and others.  The most interesting position battles in preseason might be for the starting WR slots.

Copache Tyler was seen on the sidelines and it certainly does not appear that he will be transferring to Northwestern as one poster suggested.

It was nice to see Bezney, Hines and Siragusa bounce back from their injuries from last season and each player should be a key contributor on the 2017 squad.

The annual Spring game will be held this Saturday at 1:30 PM at the Class of 1954 Field.  Those who have attended practices have mentioned that the O Line appears to developing nicely with Strother and Eiselen holding down the left side, Marback at Center, and Bezney and Lee manning the right side.  Jaeden Graham and Conor Furey are competing for the starting TE role.  Timing between the QB’s and WR’s has improved tremendously this offseason.

Yale announced that Paul Rice has taken over coaching duties for the defensive backs and oft-criticized Steven Vashel will now be coaching the OLB’s.  This is a smart move for Reno as the defensive backfield is loaded with experience, but has yet to become dominant against great passing teams.  Anyone who watched the Lehigh game last year understands that a change was necessary as a backup QB marched down the field relentlessly on the hapless secondary.  With another talented recruiting class coming in and wise coaching adjustments, Reno has shown that he is developing as a head coach and is not content with a single win over Harvard under his belt.

It’s that time of year again when the Bulldogs shed the fat accumulated over Spring Break and sharpen their skills for the 2017 season.  Team 145 is officially here!

As others have noted, Sean McGowan has taken the reins as Defensive Coordinator, while Steve Vashel will be coaching the OLB’s.  We applaud this decision as McGowan’s contributions to the Harvard win cannot go unnoticed.  We still have not seen a response from the administration in regards to the understaffed and mistake-prone sports medicine department.  Let’s pray that we avoid significant knee and shoulder injuries this spring as Team 145 is talented, but not as deep as one would hope at several positions.

The Senior Dinner will be held April 12th at the Yale Club in NYC and don’t forget about the Reno Road Show from May 2nd to the 18th in a city near you.

 

The keys to a successful spring:

Develop the younger offensive linemen to fill the holes left by Cannon, Friedline and Iverson

Improve timing between QB’s and WR’s

Work on QB fundamentals: footwork, reads, staying in the pocket as long as possible

Create more penetration along defensive front

Promote unity within the defensive backfield

Implement the TE’s more effectively in the offense

 

 

Yale’s Athletic Medicine Department has come under intense scrutiny in the past months as Yale’s injury plague derailed its football and basketball campaigns among others.  As the YDN reported, the department is understaffed, underfunded and most importantly has been misdiagnosing athletes.  The fact that Rafe Chapple, while in contention for the starting QB position, has to circumvent Yale’s internal process to get an MRI scheduled is appalling.  The trainers and physical therapists should be vocal advocates for getting the athletes scheduled for diagnostic imaging procedures as soon as possible.  Shoulders and knees are complex joints that demand specialists to properly diagnose ailments as even MRIs can fail to show the true extent of damage.  This will require bringing in additional orthopaedic surgeons to consult on a part time basis as Dr. Ruwe alone cannot solve the issues.  Clearly the department needs more hands on deck to manage the massive inflow of athletes (Qpac interns do not count) as well as an overhaul of the entire infrastructure.  We can’t let the strength and conditioning department off the hook either as injury prevention begins there.