Editors’ Note: While 99 percent of the work done in these previews is credited directly to the author, the projected records are a decision made together by the editors, Adam and Joe. So if you don’t like it, blame us.
Projected Record: 6-2
Projected Offensive Starters (*Four Returning)
QB: Sonny Puzzo ’18
RB: Joe Moreno ’19
TE: Matt Hirshman ’17
WR: Darrien Myers ’17*
WR: Ian Dugger ’16*
WR: Nick Gaynor ’17
LT: Matt Porter ’16*
LG: Franco Serrao ’16
C: Angel Tejada ’17
RG: Steve Krushell ’18
RT: Chris Simmons ’18*
Projected Defensive Starters (*Five Returning)
DE: Lyle Baker ’16*
DT: Matt D’Andrea ’17*
DE: Preston Kelly ’16*
LB: Liam Kenneally ’18
LB: Frank Leyva ’16
LB: Kevin Martin ’17
LB: John Murtagh ’16
Boundary CB: Yosa Nosamifan ’17*
FS: Spencer Donahue ’17*
DB: Dominique Seagears ’18
DB: Archi Jerome ’17
Offensive MVP: QB Sonny Puzzo ’18
QB Sonny Puzzo ’18, RB Joe Moreno’19 and WR Darrien Myers ’17 all stand out as X-factors. However, Puzzo will be the Offensive MVP because if Moreno and Myers are going to have good numbers, it will be a result of Puzzo’s performance. In his first collegiate season two years ago the dual-threat QB was the NESCAC Rookie of the Year, an award that Moreno might have an eye on this season, which would make it a three-peat for Trinity players and the aforementioned award. In Puzzo’s freshman year he threw for 950 yards on 72 completions with a 58.5 completion percentage and chipped in 191 yards on the ground.
Defensive MVP: FS Spencer Donahue ’17
There have been a few standout defensive players thus far in camp. Donahue and Lyle Baker ’16 at defensive end should make big impacts this season. The defensive MVP could go to either of these guys. Donahue might win the award because of his great instincts in the secondary. Last season, he had 23 tackles and two interceptions in eight games. He has improved this off-season and looks to be in great shape for a great season. His game-to-game preparation will be key in his success. Look for improved consistency from Donahue this fall.
Biggest Surprise in Camp: Coach Devanney feels great about how camp has gone this season.
“We’ve had more surprises – more positive surprises – in camp that I can ever remember. We have some upperclassmen who haven’t really done much for a couple of years, and they’ve worked their butts off to get themselves in a position to be better than I thought they would be. We also have some young players who are acting like they aren’t young players.”
It seems as though the Bantams will have a lot of depth this year, which may be very important considering that last season the team faded while going 0-3 down the stretch, and an injury to the team’s quarterback, Henry Foye ’16, really damaged the Bantams’ chances.
Biggest Game: October 31 at Middlebury
The biggest game will be the Middlebury game on Halloween – the same team that broke the Bantams’ hallowed home winning streak. Both teams hope to be undefeated at that point barring any slip ups. This game will be a grinder, playing in Vermont in October the air will be thinner and both teams are going to have to exhaust their engines in order to win this game. Trinity has lost two heartbreakers the past two seasons to Middlebury.
Best Tweet of the Offseason:
When a kid has all kind of obstacles thrown in his face, and for three straight years wants nothing but to walk out on the football field geared up and ready to play but for multiple reasons he can’t do it, and still he sticks with the game he loves and finally makes it back to where he wants to be … that’s when we remember what sports, especially at this level, are all about. Congrats, Joe, on making it to this point. Can’t wait to see you in these on September 26.
These are so beautiful ? pic.twitter.com/3fHlYKa185
— Joe Moreno (@joe_moreno16) August 20, 2015
Summary:
The Bantam offense is laced with talent this year beyond the three key players mentioned above. There is still a battle at quarterback between Puzzo and Foye, tough it seems to be Puzzo’s spot to lose. Yet when Foye was healthy last season the Bantams did not lose and the Trinity faithful have trust in Foye and believe that either quarterback will be able to lead the Bantams to another undefeated season. Moreno is a gritty downfield type of runner who should be able to produce very consistent numbers running the ball. It is hard to see him breaking into defensive backfields for huge gains, but he is a guy that will get you yards on every carry. On the occasion he does come face-to-face with opponents in the backfield, Moreno can break tackles and get back to the line of scrimmage. Even though he has not played a collegiate game before, he will pose an immediate threat to opposing defenses. He may be a freshman in terms of eligibility, but he’s not a boy anymore at 21 years old. Coach Devanney even went so far to say Moreno reminds him of the dominant Evan Bunker ’14, the NESCAC’s all-time leading rusher. Myers plays the role of the speedster and doubles as the team’s go-to kick returner. As a freshman, Myers set a school record with 455 kickoff return yards. In addition to his light feet, he led the team with 21 receptions last season. Darrien is a clear veteran at this point in his career having played in all 16 games and recording at least one catch in all eight games in 2014. A new role at tight end may emerge this year with Matt Hirshman ’17 in place of the H-back role formerly filled by All-NESCAC player Michael Budness ’14. The big-bodied Hirshman stands at 6’3″ and has converted to tight end from being a quarterback as a freshman. Puzzo and Hirshman put in a lot of off-season work running routes, so look for the two of them to connect throughout the season. Trinity’s offense could prove to be lethal this year, and it may come down to protection at the line. Look forward to seeing Matt Porter ’16 and Chris Simmons ’18 at the tackles. Simmons is coming off a Rookie of the Year season. Franco Serrao ’16, a homegrown boy from right outside of Hartford, is also a lock to start somewhere on the O-line. The other two spots are entirely up for grabs, and in the mix are Angel Tejada ’17, Steve Krushell ’18, Joe Farrah’18 and Mike Castellana ’16. Their roles on the interior have yet to be decided, as well.
Fortunately Trinity’s defense is sound as always. The defensive line boasts some vicious athletes and might be the best in the NESCAC; the starters are DE Preston Kelly ’16, DT Matt D’Andrea ’17 and DE Baker. Beyond their veteran line, their defensive backfield should be consistent with Donahue holding down the reigns at a safety position. Also look for Frank Leyva ’16 to be a force at linebacker. The Florida native had 41 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2014.
The Bantams are very solid on both sides of the field this year, and they are hoping for a huge improvement on special teams with a new kicker. The past two seasons have been plagued by poor field goal kicking, so Devanney has brought in a freshman who he claims is a real competitor and an athlete. Beyond all the good, a weakness this year for the Bantams will be their experience, as they are a generally young team. But, their biggest strength is speed, and speed kills. That is exactly what Coach Devanney and the Bantams plan to do this year. And the Head Coach has high hopes, predicting an undefeated season for his team. A lack of confidence will not be what causes the Bantams to fall short this season.