2023 Football Preview: Defense

Nicholas Sanker

September 12, 2023 | Football

By Craig Sachson - PrincetonTigersFootball.com

Bob Surace knows some of Princeton's best defenses of the last decade were led by an exceptional group of linebackers. After graduating four All-Ivy linemen or backs, he knows the 2023 defense will likely need the same type of performance from that position.

Fortunately, he also knows this group has that potential.

"Good teams need its All-Ivy players and returning starters to play at a higher level than before, and that's how we are practicing," head coach Bob Surace said. "But we also have guys at other positions who trained behind All-Ivy standouts and are ready to have their breakthrough seasons. I'm excited to see how they look on Saturdays."

Defensive Line
Princeton got huge production from a senior-laden defensive line last fall, including All-Ivy efforts from Matthew Jester and Uche Ndukwe. Add consistent rotation players in Michael Azevedo and James Stagg, and there just weren't as many opportunities as would be available other seasons.

"Our defensive line this year is pretty similar to our defensive backfield last year, when we graduated Delan Stallworth, Trevor Forbes and Christian Brown," Surace said. "Last year's defensive line was all seniors, and it was hard to break into the depth chart."

Juniors Ryan Ives and Collin Taylor were able to crack the rotation as underclassmen; both built on that experience and are now playing their best football. Senior Jack DelGarbino took two years off from football to wrestle — he pinned Iowa All-American Tony Cassioppi of Iowa in the first period of a 2021 dual match — and he has staggered the coaching staff with his growth throughout last fall and the offseason.

There is a deep group behind that trio that have varying strengths, and Surace will be looking to see who can round out their games and grow into impactful players, similar to what Ives and Taylor did last year. Ryan Savage can play at any position, while Bakari Edwards may be the best pure pass rusher. Aaron Richard is steady, but Surace sees a high upside as he continues to get comfortable in the defense. Lance Reaves-Hicks, Charlie Lingon, and London Robinson are also making positive impressions early on.

Linebackers
It may take a couple weeks for the younger defensive linemen to get their gameday rhythm, but the linebackers are experienced, talented and hungry to get the 2023 season off on the right note.

"We probably have four linebackers with a real shot at All-Ivy honors," Surace said. "Liam, Ozzie, Will and Marco all have that type of ability."

Liam Johnson, the reigning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year and a multiple preseason All-America selection, ranked fourth in the Ivy League with 90 tackles last season. He improved as the season progressed, which culminated with a 26-tackle effort over the final two weeks. Surace has been impressed with the way he has led the entire team throughout the offseason.

"We have had some tremendous leaders here at Princeton," Surace said. "I'm even going back to my NFL days, and I can maybe count on one hand the number of defensive guys who have led teams the way Liam does."

Ozzie Nicholas earned second-team All-Ivy honors last year after finishing second on the team with 75 tackles. Nicholas, who had 24 tackles over the final two games of the season, pairs with Johnson at inside linebacker to make arguably one of the best duos in all of FCS football.

"When an NFL scout comes out, Ozzie opens their eyes," Surace said. "He's tall, physical and looks like an NFL linebacker. He runs to the ball. He foams at the mouth about the next big hit. He's one of the most physical players I have ever been around, but he's made great progress in his preparation and understanding of the defense."

Will Perez is one of the fastest players on the team, and he has far exceeded Surace's original expectations of him as a linebacker. He had six pass breakups last season to go along with 36 tackles, and he is the likely starter at the SAM position. His combination of athleticism and physicality is the perfect fit for the position; following All-American Jeremiah Tyler is no easy role, but Perez has made an immediate impact.

Marco Scarano and Sekou Roland are both "swiss-army knife" linebackers that the defensive coaches will find multiple ways to use this season.

Nicholas Sanker is the top returning rush linebacker, while Caleb Coleman, Mark Anthony Prescott and Dyami Rios offer different strengths at the position. Jackson Ford, Carson Irons and Will Beesley provide depth at the inside linebacker spot, while Jalen Jones has come on at the nickel linebacker position.

"We might have 12 varsity linebackers on the team right now, including a bunch who can do multiple things," Surace said. "I think Steve Verbit dreams at night of creative ways to use this group."

Defensive Backfield
The 2023 defensive backfield may not return the same level of experience as the linebacker spot, but Surace likes the physical makeup of the group. The cornerbacks are long and fast and provide the option of playing both man and zone this season. It may take a bit of time to sort out the rotation, but there is no shortage of options for the spots.

Jalen Newman and Mason Armstead both earned starting time last season at the cornerback position, while Glenie Cross III saw significant playing time in the rotation. Nasir Cook and Jackson Fischer both got gameday experience as special teams stalwarts, and there are a couple of freshmen with blazing speed who are figuring out the game.

Payton Tally earned a starting role at safety in 2022, but missed part of the season due to injury. Fully healthy again, he has looked terrific and will be the leader on the back line of the defense. Nasir Hill has been solid at the other safety spot, though Surace sees a high upside when Hill becomes fully confident in himself. Samy Lamothe is coming on strong, while Tahj Owens and Kavon Miller are also pushing for time.

Special Teams
Jeffrey Sexton is a two-year starter at placekicker and has one of the strongest legs Surace has seen, while Sam Massick has been automatic from closer distances throughout the preseason. Freshman Brady Clark won the punting job; his best punts are comparable to the best of any recent Princeton punter, and Surace is looking for greater consistency. Both Logan Rager and William Suter are excelling at long snapper.

AJ Barber was a standout punt returner last season, but as he gains a greater role in the offense, Surace will look around for more options in the return game.