FB: Liberty League

[IC798891]

One game samples aside, LaMons was significantly more productive overall, averaging 148 yards from scrimmage per game to Taylor's 119; and on a per touch basis, averaging 6.7 yards per carry vs 5.7 yards per carry and 10.7 yards per catch vs 7.3

[IC798891]

Regardless, Taylor is an outstanding back, and probably the favorite to be the LL OPOY again, unless the QB play in the conference improves drastically.

[IC798891]

Overall LL thoughts:

Ithaca's probably the slight favorite, given that the only LL team to be within two scores of them was Hobart, who has yet to win at Ithaca ever.I also think Ithaca returns the top QB in the conference, as Matthew Parker led all LL QB's in conference-only...everything.

But Ithaca's got some major holes of their own to fill. And, again Hobart has E.J. Taylor who strikes me as the kind of game-taking over back that can carry a team to a conference title by himself. A lot will depend, IMO on which team's QB takes the next step. The game between the two last year featured, uh, let's call it suboptimal QB play from pretty much everyone involved.

[Bartman]

Overall LL thoughts:

Ithaca's probably the slight favorite, given that the only LL team to be within two scores of them was Hobart, who has yet to win at Ithaca ever.I also think Ithaca returns the top QB in the conference, as Matthew Parker led all LL QB's in conference-only...everything.

But Ithaca's got some major holes of their own to fill. And, again Hobart has E.J. Taylor who strikes me as the kind of game-taking over back that can carry a team to a conference title by himself. A lot will depend, IMO on which team's QB takes the next step. The game between the two last year featured, uh, let's call it suboptimal QB play from pretty much everyone involved.

Agree that Ithaca is the slight favorite this year, but with JLO and Williams graduating , who will pick up the slack? Parker was certainly the best QB for the entire season but Hobart had his number at the BOZ. Getting over the hump in Ithaca is critical for Hobart to end the streak, but I've said that before. A few EJ Taylor runs behind an experienced Hobart Line( 4 of 5 starters returning) may be the difference in a ball control game.I also think Tru Styles at QB  will make a big leap this year. The big question will be on Defense , will the LBs step up to replace last year's standout LB Seniors.All that said , RPI is always a threat to break your plans and should also challenge for the LL Championship. I've watched parts of a few of the Hobart practices and I'm impressed with some of the speed and agility of the DBs and WRs. It should be a fun season. 

[Caz Bombers]

I can't help but note through social media and their website, as well as the LL website, that Union appears to have restored the old U logo without the cell phone charger symbol. The 1795 hockey puck emblem remains as well.

[UfanBill]

Union has released their 2025 Football Roster... https://unionathletics.com/sports/football/roster ...One name noticeably absent is punter Hayden Hall. Hall burst onto the scene last season as a surprise D1 transfer (Monmouth/UConn) and his booming punts were instrumental in the Garnet defense. He averaged a 10th best in the country 41.5 yds/punt which repeatedly changed field position in Union's favor. Hall was named All-Liberty League second team and D3football.com All-Region 2 Third Team (2024) I'm guessing his punting prowess enabled him to get a better offer. Good luck to Hayden but he'll be missed.

Union traveled to Hartwick yesterday for a controlled scrimmage which was unfortunately interrupted by a 45 minute weather delay. With a lot of holes on both sides of the ball to fill the Garnet had many new faces in new places. The 1st team offense led by QB Patch Flanagan moved the ball reasonably well and the defense had an early pick-six. The place kicking of sophomore Francesco Pileggi was a solid plus.  Sadly the injury bug bit the Union O-line. Versatile senior Davis Cooperstein, who started games at RT,G and Center last season went down with what appeared to be a significant injury. "Coop" was set at starting center this season and with him out the back-ups had problems with the shotgun snaps, hiking the ball over the QB's head multiple times. That needs immediate fixing. Hopefully Cooperstein is a fast healer. 

[Bartman]

I can't help but note through social media and their website, as well as the LL website, that Union appears to have restored the old U logo without the cell phone charger symbol. The 1795 hockey puck emblem remains as well.

I've heard ever since the name change the U hasn't gotten any International students from the Netherlands...they must have been insulted.  

[Jonny Utah]

Union has released their 2025 Football Roster... https://unionathletics.com/sports/football/roster ...One name noticeably absent is punter Hayden Hall. Hall burst onto the scene last season as a surprise D1 transfer (Monmouth/UConn) and his booming punts were instrumental in the Garnet defense. He averaged a 10th best in the country 41.5 yds/punt which repeatedly changed field position in Union's favor. Hall was named All-Liberty League second team and D3football.com All-Region 2 Third Team (2024) I'm guessing his punting prowess enabled him to get a better offer. Good luck to Hayden but he'll be missed.

Union traveled to Hartwick yesterday for a controlled scrimmage which was unfortunately interrupted by a 45 minute weather delay. With a lot of holes on both sides of the ball to fill the Garnet had many new faces in new places. The 1st team offense led by QB Patch Flanagan moved the ball reasonably well and the defense had an early pick-six. The place kicking of sophomore Francesco Pileggi was a solid plus.  Sadly the injury bug bit the Union O-line. Versatile senior Davis Cooperstein, who started games at RT,G and Center last season went down with what appeared to be a significant injury. "Coop" was set at starting center this season and with him out the back-ups had problems with the shotgun snaps, hiking the ball over the QB's head multiple times. That needs immediate fixing. Hopefully Cooperstein is a fast healer. 

union has 39 players from ma and 16 from ny.  I'd say they are the favroite to win the LL

[Jersey42]

. . . One name noticeably absent is punter Hayden Hall. Hall burst onto the scene last season as a surprise D1 transfer (Monmouth/UConn) and his booming punts were instrumental in the Garnet defense. He averaged a 10th best in the country 41.5 yds/punt which repeatedly changed field position in Union's favor. Hall was named All-Liberty League second team and D3football.com All-Region 2 Third Team (2024) I'm guessing his punting prowess enabled him to get a better offer. Good luck to Hayden but he'll be missed.

D2 Post University in CT.  Probably got some money.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFtqD7hMCLk

[Bartman]

The LL Coaches Poll: 2025 Season:

2025 LIBERTY LEAGUE FB PRESEASON POLL
Place. Team, Points (First Place Votes)
1. Hobart, 48 (6)
2. Ithaca, 44 (2)
3. RPI, 36
4. Rochester, 30
5. Union, 26
6. Buffalo State, 18
7. St. Lawrence, 15
8. Hilbert, 8
* A Coach cannot vote for his own team
Well, I guess the coaches in the league feel Hobart has the pre-season edge.

[stlawus]

SLU's QB question is answered with the return of Will Lederman for another season of eligibility.  Played RB last year with Lawther being healthy but once again will take over the reigns under center.  Team also retained Ethan Metro who went into the portal last spring off a good 4.5 sack/10.5 TFL freshman campaign. Metro had D2 offers, so nice to see that SLU is retaining players.  No doubt the added stability with the $1.5 million gift to the program last winter played a role.

[IC798891]

Ithaca's incoming class has:

0 players from New England
5 players from Florida

That is something very unique

[Jersey42]

Based on probably incomplete information, RPI's recruits are mostly from NJ, NY or MA.

• NJ – 13
• NY – 12
• MA – 9
• Other – 9

Some of the interesting ones based mostly on prior school accolades:

• Super 26 all state LB from MA
• 2x Class AA first team all state DL from NY
• Class 5A all state QB from PA
• 2nd team all state LB from NJ
• DL/LB brother of Gagliardi finalist from NJ
• Jr OL transfer from Cortland State who started several games

Often it will be others who provide positive surprises.

[Bartman]

Hobart scrimmages Cortland tonight at Cortland. Last year Cortland O had an impressive scrimmage at Hobart , but many new starters this year. Preseason doesn't mean that much, but this should be an interesting matchup as both teams get ready for week 1