.png&width=24&type=webp)
Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Defending Ivy Champ Princeton Football Opens Spring Practice Tuesday; Spring Game Slated For April 14
March 27, 2007 | Football
All the excitement of the 2006 football season will never be forgotten, but it also won't do anything to help prepare for the challenges next year. Less than three weeks after the championship rings were handed to members of last year's thrilling squad, the 2007 team will begin work for a second set of rings. The 12-session offseason begins Tuesday, March 27, and will conclude at the Spring Game on Saturday, April 14., at 2 p.m. The 2007 captains will also be named that day.
The spring practices will take place over a three-week span, and thanks to the FieldTurf on Powers Field, they can all take place within the friendly confines of Princeton Stadium, where the Tigers went 5-0 last year and clinched the Ivy League title with a 27-17 victory over Dartmouth. While the offseason will give the returning starters a chance to get back on the field and work on their individual game, it will also give a first look at several key position battles for the upcoming season.
Obviously, most eyes will be on the offensive side of the ball, where a replacement must be found for quarterback and 2006 Bushnell Cup winner Jeff Terrell. Junior Bill Foran served last season as the No. 2 signal-caller and led Princeton on a 10-play, 50-yard scoring drive in the 31-28 win over Harvard, but Greg Mroz, Kenny Gunter and Brian Anderson will also be competing for time at the position. There are a couple of spots open on the offensive line following the graduation of Brett Barrie and Kyle Vellutato, and a handful of talented receivers will be looking to replace Brian Brigham opposite of 2006 first-team All-Ivy selection Brendan Circle.
Defensively, first-team All-Ivy picks J.J. Artis and Tim Strickland will both be big losses for Princeton next season. There is an abundance of youth in the defensive backfield, and the coaches will certainly pay close attention as they try to piece together a secondary around returning safety Kevin Kelleher, who had several key interceptions last season. The defensive line and linebackers both lose starters, including impact linebacker Brig Walker, captain Luke Steckel and the physically dominant Jake Marshall.
And for the first time since 2002, there will be a new punter for the Orange and Black, as four-time All-Ivy selection Colin McDonough has completed his final season. Sophomore Ryan Coyle did a solid job replacing the injured McDonough for two games last season and will be a strong candidate for the position.
Of course, the returning starters aren't guaranteed anything, as young players who now have a better grasp on the Princeton system look to break into the two-deep. The competition has served Princeton well over the past years, and head coach Roger Hughes is looking forward to seeing the position battles once again.
As always, Hughes will take time following the preseason to chat with GoPrincetonTigers.com to discuss the past season, the spring session and his thoughts on the upcoming season.