With a brand new coaching staff led by former Princeton offensive coordinator Mike Willis, we gathered four of our writers to discuss key topics about the outlook of the Marist football season.
What are your thoughts on the change in coaching staff for the Marist football Program for the first time in over three decades?
Dan Aulbach: I would have never predicted that in my second year covering this beat, it would also result in the largest change for the Marist football program in its long history. While Jim Parady was a major voice of athletics at Marist with a community-oriented program, performance-wise, the Red Foxes had stalled for a decade.
In comes Mike Willis, a young and commanding voice who makes his goals for his team clear and provides Marist with a fresh foundation on which to build. This might not be the year to establish a conference record above .500, but Willis can establish that he is building a program. A new coach rarely turns a program around in a season, but I’m curious to see how quickly the team buys into his “fast, physical, together” philosophy and when the Marist crowd starts seeing change on the field.
Hayden Shapiro: Moves made on the coaching staff change everything from scheme to mentality and most prominently, expectations. The Red Foxes’ focus in hiring a new head coach and changing a plethora of their personnel was a part of a broader culture shift in Poughkeepsie. In recent years, Marist played very “by the book” schematically; bringing in Willis not only creates a dynamic, unique and tricky offense but also introduces a fast, physical and violent mentality on the defensive side. It’s a new era for the Red Foxes. Coaches and fans are ready for it.
Josh Crysler: The sense of urgency and expectations that head coach Mike Willis and his staff bring to Poughkeepsie signals a new era of Marist football, and the change will ultimately prove to be beneficial for the program. Willis emphasized he wanted to build a program made up of high-character players who played fast, physically and together. Despite the opening day loss to Georgetown, the Red Foxes fit the bill, putting together their strongest effort against the Hoyas in recent years. I believe that the new blitz-heavy defensive scheme as well as the more modern, innovative offense will pay dividends for the Red Foxes as they look to finally return to contention in the conference.
Tommy Jacobellis: The Red Foxes cleaned house this off-season which they hope will pay major dividends for this season. With new head coach Mike Willis and brand new coordinators, Marist seeks to change their identity and get back to their winning ways. Willis looks to create a new potent and explosive roster that the mid-Hudson Valley hasn’t seen in some time. Willis is looking for good characters on and off the football field that will showcase their skill with speed, strength and effort. For the first time in 31 years, the Marist Red Foxes have a new man leading the charge. The sky is the limit for this revamped Marist football team.
Marist lost 31-10 in their season home opener to Georgetown, but Marist maintained a first-half lead against the Hoyas (10-7) for the first time since 2017. What stood out in their first showing?
Dan Aulbach: The defense stood out in the first half. Along with maintaining the lead, Marist prevented Georgetown from scoring more than once in the first half for the first time in five matchups. Because of the threat of defensive end Dartmouth transfer Gannon McCorkle, the offensive line had to focus most of their pressure on the edge threat, opening up the line for many playmakers. Looking to score with under two minutes in the second quarter, Marist forced a quick three-and-out drive emphasized by redshirt freshman Ronan Casanova’s tackle on a check-down attempt.
In the second half, Georgetown’s stamina overpowered the Red Foxes, as graduate student quarterback Luke Bailey quickly established a short-passing game while the Hoyas’ running back duo reigned supreme at the goal line. While Marist figures out their identity on both sides of the ball–evident by numerous freshmen and sophomores with playing time and numerous personnel looks–it’s clear their biggest strength will be the pressure they can bring at the line of scrimmage.
Hayden Shapiro: Marist’s first-half defense was electric. Linebackers Ronan Casanova and James Kratochvil were quick to the ball and secure in their tackling. The Red Foxes’ secondary was stellar. Nate Robinson Jr., a true freshman from San Antonio, Texas, was nothing short of spectacular. He made several plays on the ball and surprised me with his fluid hips, along with some really impressive tackling skills. The interior defensive line was a force, blowing up inside runs and knocking guards out of their stance regularly. Although this defense faced battles with cramping and stamina, we saw what they were capable of before the game really opened up in the second half for Georgetown.
Josh Crysler: The Red Foxes’ overall offensive and defensive efficiency on their first drives of the game was the story of the first half. The offense, led by breakout candidate redshirt sophomore running back Carter James, marched down the field and scored in an encouraging opening drive. Following the opening drive score, the defense stepped up and forced a quick three-and-out. The defense matched that efficiency for the entire first half, allowing just 7 points to the Hoyas before halftime.
The Red Foxes showed a lot of promise in the first half against a difficult opponent, and if they can match the impressive early execution and physicality for a full four quarters, they will be a difficult team to beat in the PFL.
Tommy Jacobellis: The new-look Foxes came out of the gate fast with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. With redshirt sophomore Enzo Arjona under center, Marist dominated on their first drive in the air and in the trenches going right down the field and scoring. Although that was really it for the Marist offense, the defense stole the show and brought great hope for the future. Many new impact players shined as the pass rush kept getting home, led by redshirt freshman Joe Abil and throwing the Georgetown offense off rhythm. The Foxes also had improved linebacker play led by Ronan Casanova and James Kratochvil who were all over the field. Veteran safety Kolbe Benham roamed the secondary and tied the team lead with four tackles. Although Marist could not get in the win column, week one showed promise and hope of what is to come.
Which member of the 2024 Red Foxes is due for a breakout season?
Dan Aulbach: No offensive player stood out like redshirt freshman tight end Jackson Connors-McCarthy last Saturday. “JCM” as referred to by Willis delivered a surprising offensive performance in his collegiate debut, leading the team in targets, receptions (8) and receiving yards (75). While the Marist offense lulled in the second half, Arjona launched his first deep ball of the day to Connors-McCarthy, who hauled in an over-the-shoulder grab while simultaneously being hit by two defensive backs. Best of all, he is confident in his abilities, as he moved along as if it were any old football play.
I’ve personally never seen a player on this Marist team look as comfortable in the offense with zero prior playing time at his previous school (Bryant University). He’s a lean, pass-catching tight-end that is clearly Arjona’s favorite weapon. If Willis and Davies can harness that ability by refining “JCM’s” technique, he will be an X-Factor player for the Red Foxes.
Hayden Shapiro: Kade Werner was all over the field in week one and I don’t expect that to change much in the future. Listed as a safety on the Red Foxes’ depth chart, Werner lined up in the slot as an outside linebacker and even on the edge in a couple packages. This is the new “trickery” that Marist is bringing to their defense this year, and Werner is the perfect player to experiment with. The sophomore is a true chess piece, a player who plays where he’s told with no hesitation; when he is one-on-one in the open field, he is going to bring you down. Werner was exceptional at disguising his blitzes, as he did not telegraph who he was marking whatsoever. I think the York, PA native is in for a huge year on this Marist defense.
Josh Crysler: Carter James was the Red Foxes’ lead rusher against Georgetown, recording a career-high 47 rushing yards and scoring his first touchdown as a Red Fox. Going into the season, James had only been given 11 total carries in his Marist career, serving more in a backup and special teams role in 2023. Opening weekend against Georgetown was his first chance to be the lead back, and he took advantage of his opportunity, scoring the team’s first touchdown of the season and finishing the game with an average of about four yards per carry. The strong first outing spells good news for James, as he looks poised to maintain a significant role in the offense going forward.
Tommy Jacobellis: Joe Abil is getting an opportunity to play and taking full advantage of it. The redshirt freshman defensive lineman got stronger and faster this offseason, bulking 15 pounds, and it is already showing a difference in his game. A successful defense needs a strong pass rush and immovable forces up front, boxes that Abil checks. The Former first-team All-New Jersey talent was in on six tackles as well as a tackle for loss in the opener. At Clifton High School, Abil was also a star wrestler, something that translates to his game. Abil does a great job keeping his pad level low with great balance and explosiveness. Abil has a great chance to be a wrecking ball on the defensive line and create chaos in the backfield.
Who will be Marist’s MVP in 2024?
Dan Aulbach: While the stat sheet from last Saturday does not show it, it seems like Gannon McCorkle is the most talented player on the defensive side of the ball for Marist and will be their most impactful player against PFL opponents.
While Willis is a former offensive coordinator paired with Davies–an offensive coordinator specializing in quarterbacks–the offense arguably has more work to do than the defense, who have veteran players and All-PFL caliber talent. I believe that by the end of the season, we will see some improved offensive production from Arjona and company. I would like to think that as a first-time captain in his final year, McCorkle will take over against opposing linemen as the Ivy League talent attempts to capitalize on his new opportunity.
Hayden Shapiro: Jackson Connors-McCarthy has a knack for making the big play. His over-the-shoulder, contested grab was something that got the attention of everyone at Tenney last Saturday against Georgetown; and for good reason. “JCM” has the ability to chip-block edge rushers while maintaining the speed to beat defenders down the seam. His 235-pound frame also gives him the ability to shake off would-be tacklers after the catch. If he stays heavily involved, which I believe he will, the Arjona to Connors-McCarthy connection could end up giving opposing teams nightmares on film and on Saturdays.
Josh Crysler: The running back trio made up of redshirt sophomore Carter James, graduate student Tristan Shannon and redshirt freshman Lincoln Cardillo will combine to be the most valuable asset at the Red Foxes’ disposal this season. James took the bulk of the carries against Georgetown and was effective in the run game, rushing for 47 yards and scoring the team’s only touchdown of the game.
Shannon is perhaps the most versatile player on the offense; being a strong contributor as a runner, in the receiving game and as a returner on special teams.
Cardillo flashed with limited touches in the season opener against Georgetown; he rushed for 28 yards on three carries and hauled in four receptions for 23 yards. A strong rushing attack is conducive to Marist’s physical brand of football and would allow the Red Foxes to wear down opposing defenses and dominate the time of possession. The three running backs complement each other well, forming a dynamic group that will power this new look Red Foxes offense.
Tommy Jacobellis: Enzo Arjona is under center this season for the Red Foxes and he will be vital to the team’s success this season. The Monmouth transfer threw for 147 yards in his Marist debut and looks to lead this offense into the endzone and accumulate wins. Arjona is surrounded by weapons including wideouts Mohamed Diawara and Jackson Conners-McCarthy, who in week one was his go-to target. In Arjona’s collegiate debut at Monmouth, he threw for three touchdowns and 213 yards at a 72% completion rate. The former first-team all-state high school star in Jersey clearly has what it takes to lead this new look Marist squad and take them to new heights.
Predict Marist’s finish overall and in the PFL season for 2024:
Dan Aulbach: (4-7, 4-4 in conference play) While Marist has set itself up for the future, there are many things that this team has to prove. On the bright side, Marist established an overall better game against Georgetown in recent years, which is currently the only comparison to examine between 2023 and 2024.
Some other observations from last year: Marist had a returning quarterback, many returning skill players and a veteran secondary. Even with all the promise of a potential winning record by winning four of their first five PFL games, they eventually fell flat.
Then again, it’s almost unfair to compare this team to last year because of the monumental changes. They have clear needs to address before they can start stringing together conference wins, including establishing an offensive rhythm, generating pressure against the passing game and most importantly, figuring out who the starters are.
Willis preaches that in any given situation, the best 11 players on the field are required. While that may be true at this level of college football, I’m having trouble drawing conclusions from this team. They looked strong in the first half, but only put together two scores and fell apart on defense in the second half. Winning games means putting together halves.
The preseason coaches poll has Marist at eighth in the standings, but this is a tough team to predict. Based on their performance against the Hoyas and yet to play a non-scholarship opponent, I’ll say they match last season’s record and finish at .500.
Hayden Shapiro: (4-7 Overall, 4-4 in conference play) Willis has established a new culture for this Red Fox crew. He is preaching physicality and getting better every day. With that being said, there are some spots on this roster that clearly need more time to develop. An intriguingly young secondary is one thing I want to specifically point out. A season or two down the line, this team could be a defensive powerhouse; and with Willis’ offensive background, they could become a juggernaut on the offensive side of the ball as well. The thing is, this team is so young. This 4-7 finish would have them at the same record they’ve had for the past three seasons, but on the bright side, the future looks sunny in the Hudson Valley.
Josh Crysler: (5-6 Overall, 5-3 in conference play) The program will take a step forward under Coach Willis, but Rome was not built in a day. Marist has finished with an identical record in each of the past two seasons, going 4-7 overall and 4-4 in conference play. The out-of-conference schedule remains a daunting task; the Red Foxes are a combined 6-40 historically against this year’s three out-of-conference opponents, so it will be difficult to fairly evaluate this team until they begin their conference schedule. If Marist improves to 5-3 in their conference games, it would be the first time since 2021 that the team finished above .500 in the Pioneer League, and it would be considered an incredible start to the new era of Marist football.
Tommy Jacobellis: (4-7 overall, 4-4 in conference play) With all the new changes to the staff, I believe the product on the field will improve, but the record will be the same for the third straight season. Marist is an extremely young team that’s looking to get better with experience under this new staff. Historically, the Foxes have been abysmal with their non-conference games, winning just 13% of the time against their three non-conference matchups this season. Followed by tough conference games like Drake, and Butler, I believe Marist will struggle to close out games. I’m confident young players will break out and there will be lots of hope for seasons to come, but for now, expect them to be middle of the pack in the PFL.
Edited by Max Rosen and Luke Sassa
Graphic and photos from Tom Tricoli
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