Another quiet month for the Spiders (disregarding any conference affiliation news) but still some updates heading into the summer.

Recruiting

Most times our transfer strategy requires an educated guess, and we tend to be fairly accurate, however this time the staff couldn’t be more clear. The below is a Twitter/X post from cornerback’s coach Jameson Zacharias:

Grad Transfer LB – This one has been at the top of their list from the beginning. Specifically looking for a grad transfer means you just need a 1-year rental, and in our case this likely means we’re focused on depth. Aside from the starters of Galloway, Glassmyer, and QMW, there isn’t a ton of game experience. Ed McDonough, Owen Laughlin, Jordan Allen, and Zach Chambers all have multiple years with the program but not a ton of game action. Would I love one to step up as the clear LB #4? Of course – but at the same time finding an experienced LB that you only have to commit one season to is likely worth the scholarship.

Defensive Tackle – I love that most transfers we are adding are multi-year guys. While every program needs to utilize the portal, not becoming a school built on one-year guys remains important. This is another depth play, as Fitz, Stocklinski, and Baldwin seem to be the clear top-3. Very similar to linebacker, as other DTs on the roster (Desir, McMillan) just don’t have a lot of snaps.

Cornerback – Obviously. Whoever comes in will have a chance to compete, so I’m hoping there’s a gem out there this staff can land and really help stabilize this position group.

Roster update

Thanks to a few new names we’ve grown to 86, with a real shot at being 90+ entering 2024. Anything in the high-80s is good for Richmond, and 90 would be a very promising sign. Here’s the roster activity since my last update:

Three of the freshmen additions are local, continuing our strong Virginia focus. Sean O’Haire comes over from Ireland and will be an interesting addition to the kicking competition between Will McManus and transfer Brandon Peskin.

Colin Freer is a Princeton alum who played football in high school but spent the past four season playing lacrosse for the Tigers. He’s got a 5th year of eligibility, which he can’t use at Princeton, so I like this out-of-the-box addition for the Spiders. I’ll never argue with added depth.

Regarding the departures, I haven’t seen any announcements on these – this is purely based on guys no longer being listed on the official team roster. We added nine freshmen offensive linemen the past two years, so it was unlikely a couple didn’t leave over the next few seasons. Isaiah Wilson sadly never really got on track in his one year at UR, as an early injury put him in a difficult spot to earn snaps. Add in Ja’Vion Griffin and Landon Ellis playing well, and Wilson found himself in a tough spot.

Even after the departures UR will enter 2024 with 14 offensive linemen, which is still a fine number. Wide Receiver gets a little interesting with Wilson leaving, as our experience isn’t where it has been in the past. Garcia Jr. & Veney will be in the slot, but outside we only have DeGennaro, Griffin, and Ellis with game experience. That’s a phenomenal top-3, but I’m definitely going to watch for the development of a #4 WR at the X/Z.

QB competition

Congrats to Kyle Wickersham on winning the QB battle…. at least according to FloFootball. Last week they posted this article outlining all returning & new QBs, with Wickersham listed as the only Richmond quarterback. While they could ultimately be correct, it’s too bad they’re going to miss a fun QB competition this fall – although I don’t think we’ll be missing FloFootball once we’re on ESPN+ in 2025.

https://www.flofootball.com/articles/12571773-2024-coastal-athletic-association-quarterback-preview

Next Post

In late June, I’ll go over our recent history with the transfer portal. It’s obviously a big part of college football these days and although the 2023 wasn’t as strong as we hoped, Huesman has navigated this well during his time.