With experience comes growth, and that’s what Cornell’s football team is counting on in Year 4 under head coach Dan Pifer.
Although still relatively young as a whole, the 2023 Rams are more seasoned and poised to climb the ranks in the Midwest Conference.
“This year we have more depth, talent and playmakers on the team,” Pifer said of his 85-man roster, which includes 61 sophomores and first-years. “Our guys are processing things quicker and making fewer mental mistakes. We have more leadership. It’s a fun group to be around.”
The Rams open the new campaign Saturday, Sept. 2 against Coe for the 132nd edition of the oldest college football rivalry west of the Mississippi. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at Van Metre Field at Ash Park.
Cornell begins its nine-game MWC schedule Sept. 9 at home against Lawrence. The Rams are projected sixth in the MWC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, after going 3-6 in league play during an injury-plagued 2022 season.
The Rams bring back eight starters on the defensive side of the ball, including nine of their top 11 tacklers from a year ago. The unit is anchored by a pair of two-year starters in the secondary with junior safety Anthony Hoffman and senior cornerback Sam Adams.
Hoffman led last year’s team with 56 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss. Adams, who accounted for 34 tackles and five pass breakups, was named to the MWC’s Preseason Watchlist along with running back Tony Gomez. Junior Savian Perez started six games in the secondary, while junior Bruce Harris and sophomore Benny Fergot also return game experience.
The Rams have a deep group on the defensive line, led by a trio of returning starters in juniors Roman West, Trey Gohlmann and Shawn Laikupu. West recorded 34 tackles and 4.0 for losses.
The team fields an experienced linebacking corps with sophomore Luca Schoensee, junior Nicholas Sells and senior Hunter Holt. Schoensee ranked third on the team with 52 tackles.
“Almost everybody on our defense has played extensively,” Pifer said. “We’re more physical. We have a lot of depth on the defensive line. We’ll be able to rotate guys and stay fresh.”
Pifer is excited about his skill players on the offensive side, highlighted by one of the league’s top returning running backs in Gomez. The junior rushed for 577 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, including a monster 235-yard effort in last year’s finale against Grinnell. Senior Daniel Abesames-Hammer averaged 5.2 yards per carry.
Senior John Smith returns at quarterback after gaining valuable starting experience last season. He completed 51.9 percent of his passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns.
The Rams feature a dynamic group of receivers, including last year’s top target LaQuanta Crawford who averaged 24.6 yards on 13 receptions. Sophomores Cole Reed and Gavin Soukup had 15 and 11 receptions, respectively. The group also welcomes back junior Trey Birdsong, who amassed 1,103 all-purpose yards in 2021 before missing all of last season with an injury.
“This year I’m confident that we have guys who can make plays,” Pifer said. “I think we can be more aggressive with our play calling offensively.”
Senior Jacob Baggs is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. Sophomores Nate Canals and Brett Pelfrey will help bolster the young group.
Cornell’s diverse roster features players from 21 different states, including 21 Iowans leading the way. The Rams have 38 first-year players and only seven seniors.
“This is the most talent and depth we’ve had on our roster,” Pifer said. “We’re excited about the steps we can take forward this season.”
Rams carry more experience, depth into 2023 football season
August 31, 2023