One of the more lively spring games in recent memory saw multiple trick plays, a few too many turnovers, and a pick-6 (on a 2-point try) by a defensive end to cap off an all-around solid spring for the Spiders.

Spring Game recap

Running Backs – Really liked what I saw from all three guys on Saturday. The Spiders weren’t fully tackling in the game however Jamaal Brown, Zach Palmer-Smith, and Aziz Foster-Powell each showed solid inside running ability. I like this younger group more every time I see them.

O-line/D-line – More pressure than I was hoping for, as the QBs were facing a strong rush off the edge throughout the four quarters. The defense did blitz much more than you usually see in a spring game but overall it was a good summary of where I thought this O-line stood throughout spring – solid with the 1s, thin with the 2s. On the flip side the D-line played well even without starters Matei Fitz and Jeremiah Grant. Camden Byrd finds himself squarely in the rotation entering the fall and Donovan Hoilette continues to progress in his switch to a full-time defensive end.

Nick DeGennaro – The spring is meant to focus on guys competing for snaps and younger guys that we haven’t seen much from. Yet you couldn’t watch Saturday, or the 14 practices leading up to it, and not be focused on #11. His route running, catch radius, and instincts in space are a cut above the rest. Definitely something I’ll dive more into over the summer but for now DeGennaro is set for a fantastic senior season.

Special Teams – Aaron Trusler remains steady and there’s no reason to think he won’t earn another All-CAA honor this season. The FG kicking was fine, the kickoffs left a lot to be desired. Truthfully I was most excited about seeing two solid long snappers in action. The Spiders boast good depth at plenty of positions in 2024 and long/short snapper happens to be on that list. Catanzarite and Sharpe both did well, and while we likely won’t see them share any time this season it speaks to the current roster composition that an FCS team has two solid options at an easily overlooked position.

Position Groups entering the summer

As the portal starts to heat up in late April/early May I’ll do an updated roster overview, as well as any additions/subtractions we’ve had. For now, here are my top-3 areas to keep an eye on entering the fall (and no, QB isn’t one of them).

Offensive Line – At this point I’d be shocked if anyone beat out Trey Gray or Parker Mitchell at the tackle spots. You’re starters are likely Gray, Gouveia, Elia, Salyers, and Mitchell. This does assume Cade Salyers continues to progress well and is ready come August – if not it will be Scott Hummel, who got plenty of snaps last season. Right now we’ve got solid depth inside and question marks outside, which isn’t surprising given only one tackle is listed at a junior or older (Gabe Carbajal). Hoping a younger Spider steps up at tackle this fall to help establish more depth.

Front-7 – Stupid of me to come on here and say a front-7 losing Aidan Murray, Marlem Louis, and Tristan Wheeler won’t see a drop-off in 2024, so I won’t say that. What I will say is the impact might not feel as severe as you’re expecting. TJ Baldwin is set to take over the #3 DT spot in Murray’s absence – is the R-Fr. already at the level of a guy who’s about to get invited to NFL camps? Of course not, but he looks like a lot like Murray did early in his collegiate career. Is Freshman All-American Carter Glassmyer at the level of five time All-CAA and All-American linebacker Tristan Wheeler? Of course not, but they had eerily similar stats their freshman seasons. We’re going to miss those three guys this season, but don’t think this roster is depleted without them. This is the area where the true depth of this team will show itself in 2024 and I think people will be pleasantly surprised with how strong our front will be once again.

Cornerback – I’m not sure we’re any closer to naming our two starting corners after spring. They had their best week in the practices leading up to the spring game and all four guys have shown upside this spring. We have a few secondary additions in the incoming freshman class but I still wouldn’t be shocked if we added a transfer. With the O-line and D-line rotations fairly well set, cornerback will be the #1 non-QB position to watch during fall camp.

Next Post

Roster update – late April/early May