Fall camp is officially over and we’re less than a week away from our inaugural Patriot League game.

Practice updates

Wide Receivers – This group “won” fall camp in my mind. Outside of the top 3, Isaiah Dawson and Andreas Hill continue to impress. Dawson is insanely quick from his slot position and continually burns our secondary. I’m glad Coach Huesman mentioned #10 on Bob Black’s radio show and it seems we’re going to ensure we get the ball in his hands. Andreas Hill looks to be an improving outside threat, winning 1-on-1s and using his 6’4″ frame to haul in passes. The receiver room needed a few guys to step up this camp and to me these two did just that.

Linebackers – Strong play from the Mike is extra important given what our defense will look like in 2025, with defensive back Tayshaun Burner playing the hybrid Will/Nickel spot. More will be asked of our inside linebackers in run support meaning new starter Peyton Seelmann has a lot of pressure on him. If he does well this could be yet another spot secured by a younger Spider for multiple seasons. As a fellow Hanover Hawk, I’m hopeful #7 can do us proud.

Secondary – Stocker, Fraser, and Richardson all continue to see action. I’m still leaning towards CJ Fraser eventually winning at boundary corner since his physicality fits the spot well. Just as interesting will be who the fourth corner is on the two-deep. Multiple true freshmen, along with R-Fr. Kenyez Mungro, are rotating with the 2s. This could be a spot we rotate multiple true freshmen without burning anyone’s redshirt.

Special Teams – Coach Huesman described the kicking situation as “erratic.” Jackson Bonser had a good first week but was definitely shaky in week 2. I’ll reiterate what I said in the Specialists preview – this all comes down to 40 yards & in. Depending on Jayden Alsheskie’s health we could we the R-Sr. take a few kicks.

Coach also confirmed that Isaiah Dawson will return kicks and Jaiden Fair will return punts. Excited for everyone to see how dynamic our slot receivers are.

Final camp thoughts

At the end of the day everyone looks good in camp. I could go to any school and find positives from each practice that make you think the season will be good. There’s plenty to learn during the three-week stretch but we all know none of it matters if you can’t put it together on Saturdays.

A lot rides on two position groups – offensive line and the secondary. Like every team, there were good days and bad days at practice. Our D-line gave the O-line a battle every single day, and the improving receiver room was no easy task for our secondary.

For me this is less about talent and more about consistency and how early they can gel. There’s a big difference between a few good drives and putting a complete game together, just like there’s a big difference between clicking in August and clicking in October. In order to put ourselves in the driver’s seat we need a high level of consistency from these guys and we need it in our opening game.

True freshmen

Below are some of the true freshmen that stood out to me in their first camp. We won’t see most of them on the field in 2025 however it’s great to see them putting in excellent work to begin their collegiate careers.

Devin Geronomi – Looks like true freshman Devin Geronomi will find himself on the 2-deep this week, as #22 had a nice camp backing up Jordan Allen at strong safety. The 6’2″ Geronomi covers ground well and can compete with bigger receivers, but I also saw him do well playing down near the line of scrimmage. His involvement in special teams makes me think he won’t redshirt.

Moses Bailey – I watched more D-line play this camp given the number of players returning from injury and four new freshmen to see. Initially my focus was on the defensive tackles of Tanner Wheeler, Jack Reece, and Bryce Lee, yet defensive end Moses Bailey was impossible to miss. Bailey’s specialty is his pass rushing and he won plenty of 1-on-1s against our tackles. Quick on the edge and he fits that athletic mold we continue to see from our DEs.

Jack Callaghan – The 4th string QB doesn’t see too many reps but I thought Callaghan came on strong in the latter-half of camp. Callaghan’s release is smooth and he’s got the arm strength to make all the required throws. He made his share of freshman mistakes but showed some flashes that you don’t see from every true freshman QB. Looking forward to #14’s progression once he’s been in college football for a year.

Wide Receivers – I typically list five freshmen but I’m using my last two spots to grab all three receivers. Donovan Higgins, Justin Rice, and Matthew Martin are here to replenish our depleted WR room. Higgins stood out from day 1 – listed at 6′ but moves with that same quickness that Fair and Dawson possess. Easy to see why he had interest from lots of FBS programs. Rice and Martin are bigger weapons and could be outside threats for us down the road. A good freshman camp is a very small step in the span of a 4+ year collegiate career, however Coach Taylor has to be thrilled with the direction of this group.

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Game 1 – 2025: Lehigh Preview – Friday, August 29th