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Princeton University Athletics
Senior Trio Leads Backfield Corps In 2004
September 01, 2004 | Football
Sept. 1, 2004
PRINCETON - Seniors Jon Veach, Branden Benson and Joel Mancl will be the leaders of the Princeton backfield this season as the Tigers look for consistent offensive production from their runners in 2004. Under Roger Hughes, Princeton is 10-4 when it has a running back gain more than 100 yards. Of the four losses, two came in overtime, one was lost on a Hail Mary last season, and the other came when the opposing team had a 200-yard rusher. Hence, under normal circumstances, a 100-yard rusher is a good predictor of victory. How many 100-yard rushers will Princeton have this season? That will be a tough call for a team that lists two No. 1 tailbacks on the top of its depth chart. Both Veach and Benson will have the chance to make their mark early in games, and if one seems to have the hot hand, the Tigers will go with it. If both are rushing well, then the defense will likely get a good dose of both. The two run with completely different styles, as Veach is the quicker, shiftier back who is more of a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Benson is more comfortable running between the tackles, squaring his shoulders and taking on a linebacker head-on. Both had success last season, winning Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week in consecutive weeks. They have gotten some repetitions in the preseason, but both are comfortable enough in the offense that they haven't needed to prove themselves. Instead, the younger members of the backfield have gotten the chance to determine their spots on the depth chart. Junior Greg Fields showed explosive capabilities early last season and will likely find his way on the field, both in the offense and as a returner. Fields' speed and hands make him a viable option in both the backfield and as a receiver, where the Tigers are searching to replace Blair Morrison, who graduated, and B.J. Szymanski, who signed a professional baseball contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization. Sophomores Cleo Kirkland and Joe Kovba have also shown significant improvement this preseason, as both are more familiar with the offense. Like many of their teammates, both stayed on campus all summer and are stronger than they were as freshmen. Kirkland has shown a good speed burst and could be in the mix for the No. 2 or No. 3 tailback spot behind Veach and Benson. The Class of 2008 includes a handful of running backs who will look to get some time on the field during Autumn Saturdays. While each has shown the skills that made them dominant in high school, Michigan native Derek Brooks could be the most ready to make an immediate impact. Speedy and shifty, Brooks has the athleticism that makes him a threat out of the backfield and in the return game. Players like Jon Carroll, Ray Simnick and Rob Toresco are also in the mix. Joel Mancl has been the starting fullback since his sophomore year, and he has no plans on letting go of the reins right now. Mancl is up to 225 pounds and will be a major blocker in the run and pass games. He has had limited touches in the last two seasons, but could become more of a threat in short-yardage situations. Junior Brock Bell and freshman Jake Staser, from Anchorage, Alaska, will back up Mancl. Staser is a physical force for a freshman and could be an impact player at Princeton over the next few years.