Coming off a 3-6 season, the football team is expected to improve, especially on offense. Tight end and place kicker will be sources of concern in the upcoming season, but nearly all other offensive positions have gained experience, while not losing major contributors.
Quarterback
At the beginning of every play this season, the ball should come into the hands of a reliable quarterback with the threat of a big play. Returning starter junior David Splithoff ran the Tiger offense efficiently last year, throwing nine touchdowns with only five interceptions. He only threw for 186.7 yards per game, but his versatility as a running threat pushed him to fourth in the Ivy League in total offense last year, accounting for 222.9 yards per game.
Despite Splithoff's performance last season, sophomore Matt Verbit is a possible contender to dethrone Splithoff at the head of the offense principally because of his strong arm. Charles W. Caldwell '25 Head Coach of Football Roger Hughes denied any quarterback controversy.
"Matt Verbit is getting better all the time," Hughes said. "Certainly we are very pleased with the improvement of Matt," Hughes said. "But Dave is getting better all the time, too."
Running Back
Senior Cameron Atkinson provides another prong to the Princeton attack. He has increased his rushing numbers in each of his first three seasons, and is looking to improve on last year's nine touchdowns, 660 yards rushing, and averaged of 82.5 yards a game — good for fifth in the Ivy League. He also provides a receiving threat out of the backfield — last season, he recorded 12 catches for 91 yards. However, his blinding speed and inside power are some of the Tigers' best assets this year.
"[Atkinson] used to be a track athlete playing football," Hughes said. "Now he's a football player running track."
Sophomore Jon Veach will provide another quality runner in the backfield with game experience. In his freshman year, he rushed for 266 yards, good for third on the team, behind only Atkinson and Splithoff.
Sophomore Branden Benson saw limited action last year, but will see more time as he develops into a powerful inside runner.
Receivers
Senior Chisom Opara, one of two Tiger captains this season, will stretch opposing defenses along with sophomore B.J. Szymanski, who recorded 213 yards on only eight catches last season. These two provide a serious deep threat that should open up the running game and provide exciting plays.
"If we don't throw to [Szymanski], we're crazy," Hughes said.
Along with the potential for plays like his 78-yard touchdown catch against Columbia last season, Opara provides a physical presence in the receiving corps that should help keep defenses honest. Senior Nate Lindell and junior Blair Morrison also provide a sure set of hands for single-back or no-tight end sets.
Tight End
Tight end is a potential concern on this season's squad with the loss of both the starter and backup from last year due to season-ending injuries. Senior Mike Chiusano — last year's starter and the recipient of 14 catches for 91 yards a year ago — is out with a broken collarbone.
"Losing Mike [Chiusano] gives us a void with his athleticism and leadership," Hughes said.
His projected backup, sophomore Ryan Watson, suffered a neck injury and will also not see time this year. The spot will be filled by sophomore Tyler Peace, who is "a strong run blocker" at 250 pounds, but "not quite as athletic in the passing game as Mike [Chiusano]," according to Hughes. Junior Randy Bly, another possible fill-in at the position, suffered a small concussion in fall camp but should be ready to play when the season begins. Freshman John Decker may also see some playing time.
Offensive Line
The Tiger offensive line only lost one player to graduation, guard Matt Peluse. While the line should be improved simply due to the increased game experience among most of its members, it still has been a struggle to get the perfect lineup.
"We're still moving some people around to try to find out who we feel are the best five people and to get them on the field," Hughes said.
Senior Roger Patterson will anchor the line from the center position, while classmate Lance Baird has the ability to play at any of the other four offensive line positions, though he will probably see the most time at guard along with senior Chris Havener, who can play center if need be. Sophomore Paul Lyons will see some time at guard, despite missing spring practice to throw the shot-put last year. Returning starters juniors Kevin Manning and John Holownia round out the line at the tackles. Depth may prove to be a problem, despite having older players in the starting lineup.
"We're hoping we can have seven, maybe eight guys who can help us out there [on the offensive line]," Hughes said. "Hopefully we can maintain a healthy offensive line so they can be fresher not only in a game but as the season goes on, too."
A major failure of the offensive line last season was picking up blitzes and twists in the defensive line, but Hughes described this area as "certainly better."
Place Kicker
Probably the team's biggest loss to graduation is in the kicking game. The only offensive player to be named first team All-Ivy League last year was kicker Taylor Northrop. In fact, he was first team All-America. His presence may have deterred kicking recruits from coming to Princeton, and, now that he is gone, the Tigers will likely rely on a freshman to put the ball through the uprights. Elliot Bishop and Derek Javerone will probably fill that void, though sophomore Joe Nardello may see action in addition to his possible punting duties.
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