Yale Football Blog

DL – The return of Ezekiel Larry is a game-changer for the defensive line as Larry could be the quickest defensive end in the Ivy League. Larry outperformed McDonough in 2023 and McDonough has been very impressive at Iowa State this season. Jackson-Bass was solid last year in his sophomore campaign with 23 tackles and 3 sacks. With another offseason of training under his belt, Jackson-Bass should have a breakout season. Rivers saw playing time as a freshman in 7 contests flashing his potential of becoming a disruptive end. Yang battled through injuries and was heavily utilized at end, but his natural fit might be at defensive tackle where he excelled in his earlier years. Freshman Xavier Coleman has had a strong preseason camp and could break into the 2-deep at defensive end. Egodogbare always seems to be banged up in some fashion, but when he is healthy, there is no stronger defensive tackle in the Ivy League. Egodogbare has manhandled interior offensive linemen since his freshman season and earned a 1^st Team All-Ivy nod in 2024. Shaber has played extensively at defensive tackle and was a starter in 2023, yet he did not show great improvement from 2023 to 2024. Austin, Tate, Johnson, Fadeyibi, Cave, and Michalik all saw time along the defensive front in 2024 and will likely factor into the rotations.

LB – As noted previously, the poor performance of the linebacking corps in 2024 was a major factor in the losses to Cornell and Dartmouth. Ayo-Durojaiye returns for a fifth season and he was able to provide some stability to the position by the end of the 2024 season, but his early season play left much to be desired. Yale still lacks a true middle linebacker in the mold of John Dean or Joseph Vaughn with the physical presence to intimidate opponents. Phoenix Grant appeared in 8 contests last season and made a handful of nice plays but will need to become more consistent in filling gaps. There’s hope that players such as Partin, Palumbo and Barry can develop into solid linebackers, although at this point, there are more questions than answers at linebacker. Schutzman returned to Yale after missing the 2024 season and could earn playing time in 2025. Despite the talented recruits that were brought in, it is a tall task both physically and mentally for a freshman linebacker to make an impact outside of special teams. With three safeties on the roster that could start nearly anywhere in the FCS, moving a player such as Tarver to outside linebacker could be a smart move as Tarver, Daniyan and Kamara are clearly among the best 11 defenders on the roster.

DB – There are holes to fill at the cornerback positions as Guyton graduated and Thompson transferred to Stanford. The cabinet is far from bare though as Gonzales, Webster, and Schmidt all return with experience. Gonzales has shown promise since his freshman season and finished the 2024 season with 14 tackles and 2 interceptions. Webster improved greatly throughout the season and had two crucial interceptions against Brown. With the defensive backfield limited due to injuries in the Harvard contest, Schmidt made an immediate impact with 3 tackles and a forced fumble against the Crimson. One could argue that Schmidt was more impressive in run support than Thompson was over their freshman campaigns. Kamara, Daniyan and Tarver all return at the safety position which should be the strongest unit on the squad. Kamara had a whopping 84 tackles, 2 interceptions and a sack in 2024 on his way to a 1^st Team All-Ivy and Honorable Mention All-American season. Daniyan had a down year in 2024 after a Freshman All-American nomination in 2023 but is expected to bounce back with a strong 2025 showing. Tarver made incredible strides to improve his skillset from 2023 and 2024, outperforming Daniyan by a slim margin last season. Whether the answer is implementing 3-3-5 defensive schemes or moving a safety to linebacker, all three of these safeties deserve to be on the field. Eastep has strong developmental potential, although he was likely thrown into live fire too early in his career with costly mistakes at Cornell. Banks, Barkley-Smith, Ingram-Eiser, Rickenbacker, and Kemp have all seen playing time and should expand their roles in 2025 on defense or special teams.

QB – With Grant Jordan out of the mix, the quarterback competition seems to be a 3-way battle between Reno, McCaughey, and Howe.  McCaughey is the most experienced of the group as he played the majority of the first two contests last season and completed 60.4% of his passes for 390 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception. When Jordan was knocked out of the Holy Cross contest, McCaughey stepped in admirably and the offense did not lose a beat under his leadership. McCaughey’s talents in both the passing and running game were evident in the Holy Cross game, however, the combination of a disastrous defeat in all facets of the game at Cornell and the return of Jordan from injury, limited McCaughey’s playing time the remainder of the season. Howe was projected by many to start at quarterback for the Bulldogs in 2024 given that he was Nolan Grooms’ backup in 2023, but only saw limited action at the end of the Cornell game and completed just 33.3% of his passes for 9 yards and an interception. Dante Reno was a highly regarded recruit who spent the last year and a half at South Carolina before transferring to Yale to play for his father. Reno likely has the edge in the competition as Yale would like to develop a younger quarterback who can flourish in the system over the next few years, but if Reno struggles and the coaching staff does not respond effectively, the situation could deteriorate into a nightmare scenario for the team’s morale.

RB – Captain Josh Pitsenberger will lead the Bulldogs’ ground attack as he seeks his fourth straight All-Ivy season. Pitsenberger is a physical back with solid speed who can impact the ground game or the passing game. Last season, Pitsenberger seemed to gain momentum as the season progressed, culminating in a fantastic performance at Harvard. Daal has been impressive in practice and in limited game action last season. In the opening win at Holy Cross last season, Daal averaged 7.0 yards per carry and scored a rushing touchdown. Hugo Djeumeni Kemeni is a very talented freshman who will likely factor into the rotation as a home-run threat with the ball in his hands. Adams and Pandolfi could see carries if others are injured and should play roles on special teams as they continue to develop.

OL – The offensive line should be a strength of the team as five players with starting experience return. St. Aubyn had a stellar sophomore season at tackle and there are high expectations for his continued development. Bennett was a 1^st Team All-Ivy selection in 2024 and is poised for a dominant finish to his career. Charron has been one of the most consistent offensive performers at guard, starting at the position since his sophomore season. Lewis was able to break into the starting lineup in 2024 at guard with his size and strength. Bluhm started four games at center in 2023 and likely remains the best option at center. One knock on the offensive line could be a lack of depth, however, Reno has recruited well at the position and there should be a number of viable options in the event of injuries.

TE – The tight end position was hit hard by graduation, but Spencer Mermans returns as the best run blocking tight end from a year ago. The Yale coaching staff certainly knows how to develop run blocking tight ends as Jackson Hawes was recently described by the Buffalo Bills’ staff as the best blocking tight end that they have ever scouted. Beyond Mermans, there is very little experience at the position as Smith, Tattersall, and Sanders only saw limited action in 2024. Developing a tight end who can be a check-down receiving option for our signal caller will be a vital task of the coaching staff this season.

WR – The return of Mason Shipp is a huge win for a positional group that was the hardest hit of all by graduation. Shipp gives Yale a legitimate No. 1 wideout with the size, strength and speed to beat press coverage. Shipp recorded 39 catches for 431 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2024 while sharing targets with the departed Pantelis, Nenad and Felton. Santiago made an immediate impact as a freshman with his superior size and hands. Expectations are through the roof for Santiago in 2025 as he has the talent to dominate opposing FCS defensive backs. There is a dramatic drop in experience beyond Shipp and Santiago on the depth chart with Brown, Maltarich, Stephens, McKoy, Kemp, Collyer, and Smith seeing little previous action. Kemp and Stephens have been the most productive wideouts (excluding Shipp and Santiago) and they have combined for just 3 catches over their careers. The coaching staff is hopeful that sophomore transfer Clayton Sobecki can make an impact at wideout after a season at the Air Force Academy. The coaching staff turned to Nico Brown when Pantelis went down with an injury in the Princeton contest, so expect Brown to have a more prominent role in 2025. Given the talent of the young wideouts, it would not be a surprise to see a freshman or sophomore start as the No. 3 wideout.

Sam Connelly is a 6’4”, 255-pound offensive lineman who was a 3-star recruit as a defensive line prospect and held an offer from Air Force. He is very athletic for his size and shows quick feet in his pass protection sets. He plays with a mean streak in the run game, consistently pancaking opponents, and he demonstrates excellent pulling ability. Connelly’s high motor and strong leg drive make him a physical presence up front.

Hugo Djeumeni Kemeni is a 6’0”, 208-pound running back who displays the complete package of speed, power, balance, and vision. He explodes through open lanes and can either outrun defenders or run over them. His leg strength and explosiveness are exceptional, and he chose Yale over D1 programs such as Boston College. He has the talent to contribute immediately and could be targeted by FBS programs in the future.

Erik Ekens is a 6’3”, 280-pound defensive tackle who can disrupts plays using his effective spin move or a powerful bull rush. He has a surprisingly quick first step and uses his hands effectively to disengage blockers. His long arms allow him to bat down passes at the line, and he maintains strong gap integrity while fighting through double teams. Ekens is an effective pass rusher even in a 3-4 alignment, and he shows traits reminiscent of Brandt Hollander.

PJ Hartsfield is a 6’2”, 180-pound defensive back who excels at making plays on the ball. He turns naturally to track passes in the air, which often leads to interceptions. His long arms and reliable hands allow him to break up throws, and he shows good recognition of routes to react quickly. Hartsfield provides solid support in the run game and uses physicality to box out wide receivers, leveraging the sideline to his advantage.

Charlie Hewitt is a 6’5”, 225-pound quarterback with prototypical size and a strong arm. He is capable of throwing with power on deep routes and demonstrates good ball placement even while on the move. Hewitt shows poise in the pocket and does not shy away from contact while delivering throws. He scans the field effectively and avoids locking onto a single target, while his long stride running ability gives him a measure of mobility.

Thomas Hoey is a 6’4”, 280-pound offensive lineman who thrives as a run blocker. He plays with a road-grading mentality and loves to play through the whistle. In pass protection, he uses a strong hand punch and sets up well against defenders. He also has good instincts when transitioning off double teams to engage linebackers and shows consistent awareness against stunts.

Jevidi Hutton is a 6’2”, 230-pound defensive end who was rated as a two-star prospect with offers from Army, Air Force, and Navy. He plays as a stand-up end with excellent quickness off the edge. His athleticism allows him to occasionally drop into coverage and make plays on the ball. Hutton consistently uses leverage and speed to get around offensive tackles, and he has the explosiveness to blindside quarterbacks. His physicality on contact and his relentless backside pursuit make him a dangerous defender.

Reid Jones is a 6’2”, 195-pound wide receiver who possesses excellent hands and body control. He uses his frame to shield defensive backs and adjusts late in routes to gain leverage. Jones is not afraid to block on the perimeter and is a willing teammate. After the catch, he is tough to bring down and uses good vision in the open field. He also shows impressive sideline awareness, often tapping his toes inbounds to secure catches.

Tru Kendrick is a 6’5”, 291-pound offensive lineman who was rated as a three-star prospect with offers from Army and Air Force. He has excellent size and uses his long arms to create separation from defenders. Kendrick is punishing on down blocks and demonstrates a physical edge in the run game. With his frame and tools, he has a high developmental ceiling.

Alex Kraus is a 6’3”, 215-pound linebacker who is very athletic and known as a big hitter. He has also played safety, giving him valuable experience and coverage skills. Kraus shows strong instincts and play recognition, allowing him to react quickly to developing plays. With his athletic profile and family ties to the game—his father played at Cornell—he projects as a versatile defender with upside.

Grayson McGown is a 6’6”, 285-pound offensive lineman who moves exceptionally well for his size. He has quick feet that allow him to hold the line in pass protection and effectively mirror defenders. McGown also has the strength to seal off running lanes and create space. His combination of size, mobility, and power makes him a high-upside offensive line prospect.

Cameron Nelson is a 6’2”, 205-pound safety who was an underrated recruit despite holding an offer from TCU. He has outstanding speed and tackling ability, and he excels in both run support and disrupting wide receiver screens. Nelson is a high-effort player who could contribute early on special teams. He times his hits well to jar the ball loose and consistently keeps plays in front of him.

Chenna Onwuasoanya is a 5’11”, 175-pound defensive back who comes from North Haven and completed a post-graduate year at Choate. He is a sticky cover corner who stays close to receivers in man coverage. Onwuasoanya uses active hands to contest passes and has demonstrated athleticism as a two-way player, lining up at running back, wide receiver, and as a returner. His quickness and change-of-direction ability give him versatility.

Noah Piper is a 6’2”, 180-pound kicker and punter with dependable mid-range field goal accuracy. He remains composed under pressure, even with bad snaps or poor blocking. Piper has shown the ability to execute onside kicks and possesses strong punting power with a high trajectory. His consistency and versatility make him a reliable special teams weapon.

Lucas Price is a 6’2”, 210-pound linebacker who moves fluidly and tackles with confidence. He is effective as a blitzer and recognizes plays quickly. Price has the athleticism to contribute in pass coverage, and he is versatile enough to play both inside and outside linebacker. He has also played running back, displaying toughness and vision that translate well to defense.

John Prokapus is a 6’3”, 280-pound offensive lineman who primarily plays guard. He keeps a low pad level and drives defenders back in the run game. Prokapus transitions smoothly off double teams to locate linebackers, and he shows strong footwork in pass protection. With his powerful upper body, he can effectively neutralize defenders at the point of attack.

Jimmy Randazzo is a 6’5”, 285-pound offensive lineman who offers positional flexibility as either a guard or tackle. He maintains a wide and stable base in pass protection and demonstrates the ability to climb to the second level to block linebackers and defensive backs. Randazzo is strong on down blocks and has the size and strength to finish plays with authority.

Max Ruedebusch is a 6’5”, 250-pound defensive end who played as a stand-up rusher in high school. He has excellent hand usage to disengage from blockers and shows quickness off the line of scrimmage. Ruedebusch plays with consistent effort and is strong enough to chase down plays across the field. His combination of power and speed gives him the potential to be a disruptive edge defender.

AD Adelabu is a 6’5”, 320-pound offensive tackle who demonstrates excellent leg drive and consistently finishes defenders. He possesses prototypical size for the position and shows the athleticism needed to pull and make blocks downfield. In high school, he also played defensive end, where he proved effective as a pass rusher and used his long arms to deflect both field goals and passes. A three-star prospect, he received offers from Army, Fresno State, and Navy.

Lucius Anderson is a 6’2”, 200-pound wide receiver with great height and reliable hands. He is very shifty after the catch, showing the ability to break tackles and use a strong stiff-arm to gain extra yardage. His vision and cutback abilities allow him to find open lanes, and he has the skill to disengage from a cornerback at the last second to create separation.

Brady Carson is a 6’1”, 200-pound safety who excelled as a two-way player at the high school level, contributing both as a safety and as a quarterback. He rushed for over 1,400 yards, displaying impressive speed, power, and balance with the ball in his hands. On defense, he shows a strong feel for coverages and possesses good ball skills. Given his offensive background, he could also be an intriguing option to run wildcat quarterback plays at the next level.

Hutch Chipman is a 6’4”, 235-pound tight end who plays in the mold of Jimmy Graham, with the versatility to line up both at tight end and wide receiver. He has a knack for finding holes in zone coverages and was nearly impossible for smaller defensive backs to bring down, consistently racking up yards after the catch. With his combination of height and strong hands, he is highly effective at securing contested catches.

Xavier Coleman is a 6’2”, 238-pound defensive end who shows strong hand usage to disengage from blockers and make plays. He has solid speed that allows him to chase down plays from the backside and can quickly collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Against the run, he is powerful enough to push around offensive tackles and disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage. His overall skill set is comparable to that of former outside linebacker Brian Abraham.