Colby College Football Preview
2017 Record: 1-8
Projected Record: 2-7
Starting Offensive Players: (*5 Returning Players):
QB: Jack O’Brien ‘20*
RB: Jake Schwern ‘19*
WR: Bernie Sander ‘21
WR: Andrew DeFranco ‘20*
TE: Ethan Smith ‘21
OT: Shane Normandeau ‘19*
OT: Trevon Bradford ‘20
G: Brandon Leibman ‘21
G: Brandon Troisi ‘19*
C: Rashawn Grant ‘21
Starting Defensive Players: (*5 Returning Players):
DB: Pat Yale ‘19*
DB: Asher Inman ‘20
S: Will Caffey ‘19*
S: Don Vivian ‘19*
LB: Marcus Bullard ‘21
LB: Sean Godin ‘20
LB: Will Turzi ‘22
DE: AJ Carrigan ‘19*
DT: Harrison Verdani ‘21
DT: Patrick Sopko ‘20*
DE: Hans Gabriel ‘20
Projected Special Teams Starters (0 Returning):
K: Walter Thilly ‘21
P: Moises Celaya ‘22
Offensive MVP:
RB Jake Schwern ‘19
Jack Schwern was the heart and soul of a lackluster offense for the Mules last season. The running back will return for his senior year after leading the Mules in rushing, receptions, all-purpose yards, and touchdowns. He also returned nine kicks for 183 yards. Schwern does a little bit of everything for the Mules who needed help on almost everything last season. In Colby’s final game of the season last year, their sole win versus Bowdoin, Schwern rushed for 262 yards as well as tied school records for most touchdowns scored in a game and most points scored in a game. In order for the Mules to turn their luck around this year and have a shot at a CBB championship, they will need Schwern to perform well against mid and top tier team as well as bottom tier teams such as Bowdoin.
Defensive MVP:
S Will Caffey ‘19
Will Caffey will lead a fairly experienced defense for the mules, who return 5 starters. Caffey played in all 9 games for the Mules last season and lead the team in pass breakups with 9 and recorded 2 interceptions. The Mules (along with Bowdoin and Bates) allowed over 30 points per game last season while scoring less than 14. Colby allowed the 2nd most rushing yards per game as well as the 3rd most passing yards. The stats don’t lie, Colby’s defense was really, really bad last year and they’re going to need some new leadership to turn it around. Someone like Caffey who has the experience and the talent to right the ship may be just what they need.
Best Tweet: https://twitter.com/CoachJBrooks/status/1034069989786042373
This tweet comes to us from the Mules’ defensive line coach Jason Brooks. Gotta love that enthusiasm.
Everything Else:
The biggest X-factor for the Mules this season is their new head coach, Jack Cosgrove. Cosgrove is the winningest coach in the history of the University of Maine, where he had coached for 23 years. This hiring shows that Colby is starting to get more and more serious about their athletics. In the past, especially in football, the Mules have not fared as well as the likes of Tufts or Amherst in NESCAC athletics. with many new coaches, fields and athletic centers coming to Waterville, the Mules are looking to up their game. The Mules have a healthy mix of returning starters and fresh faces on their roster. Jack O’Brien will return as quarterback, last season he put up 130 yards per game and threw for 8 touchdowns as well as 8 interceptions. When it comes to catching O’Brien’s passes, there’s plenty of competition. The Mules list 4 tight ends as well as 10 wide receivers on the roster. Andrew DeFranco should be the WR1 for the blue and gray this year. Last season DeFranco ended with the third most receptions on the team as well as being the go-to punt and kick returner. WR2 looks to be Bernie Sander, who saw limited action as a Freshman last year but the Mules are very excited about him. Jake Schwern will be trying to show the league that he is an elite running back after breaking several school records last season. Defensively the Mules are deep at linebacker, including Sebastien Phileman, Marcus Bullard, Sean Godin and freshman Will Turzi. The offensive line has now had another year to mature and with that hopefully they will be able to help O’Brien have a little more time in the pocket. Colby has an up-and-coming program which they have entrusted to Coach Cosgrove. Don’t be surprised if the former Black Bear is able to pull off a few upsets and possibly steal a CBB ‘ship.
