FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[RamapoRUFan]

I am kicking off my previews for each NESCAC team - first up is Bowdoin.  Check it out at https://nescacfootballreport.com/team-overviews/

[TheJeff]

Adding to the offensive conversation, can say it's the first time in years I can say I'm excited about the Amherst offense. The success of their offense this year mainly rests on Marek Hill, but I really think Amherst has found a legitimate NESCAC starter in him.

It will certainly be tough without Jung at wideout, but Moore along with a slew of young guys should fill those roles. Additionally, Matt Diaz was one of the most effective TE's in the league.

For running back: Demitrius Smith will be one of the leaders of the rushing attack. He was a key in revitalizing the rushing layer of the Amherst offense that was dormant for a couple of years (which I attribute a significant amount of their offensive shortcomings to). A name to look out for is Michael Dunmore, a sophomore running back, who I'm assuming was going to see significant time last year, but was injured in Bates to end his season. He supposedly had some serious D1 looks and I think could do some serious damage this year. I'm sure there will be other backs seeing time as the season goes on.

The biggest loss for the offensive line was Coach Ballard, hopefully the group doesn't miss a beat. They return senior Miles Roberts (possible the best lineman in the league), two sophomores: Jack Martin (monster tackle) and Emmett Haughney (could see him player either center or guard), both played well as FY's last year. Additionally, junior Jonathan McLaughlin (started at center first half of '25 season before injury) and senior Ryan McGurn (started '24 season until an early injury and missed all of '25) will be back from injury. Not quite sure where those two will be used, but I'm assuming they will be starters. Amherst has experience up front and I believe will have depth having recruited 5+ OL the past 2 recruiting classes.

Although Amherst may not have the star power of a team like Wesleyan going into the season, some players seem like they could have breakout years. I look forward to week 1 vs. Bates at Pratt, should be a great one.