The 2010 preseason began in typical fashion with the media descending on Boswell Field. Words like “amazing,” “awesome,” “breathtaking,” “great,” “impressive,” and “unbelievable” were uttered again and again. The Statesmen weren't raving about the 2009 season (Hobart's 13th consecutive winning season) or the latest all-stars to join the Purple and Orange.

No, the star of Media Day was the all new Boswell Field at the Caird Center for Sports and Recreation. Following the completion of the 2009 football season, construction crews gave the Boz a complete makeover, replacing the natural grass with FieldTurf, replacing the wooden grandstand with aluminum bleachers and VIP arena seats, replacing the scoreboard with a state-of-the-art video board, replacing the press box, and expanding the locker rooms of Elliott Varsity House.

The Statesmen will have a new look on the field as well following the graduation of 11 starters from last season's 6-3 team, but Hobart has talent (if not experience) returning everywhere on the field.

Here's a position-by-position breakdown of the Statesmen:

OFFENSIVE LINE

Hobart will lean on its offensive line, especially in the first few weeks of the season. The Statesmen will return four starters to the line that paved the way for the team's success on third down (1st in the league, 45%), fourth down (2nd, 56%), sacks against (2nd, 16), and rushing (3rd, 159.0 yds/g).

Senior captains Kelvin Cruz and Sean Kluber will lead the unit. Cruz is a mountain at center (6-foot, 310 pounds) and looks to improve on last season's All-Liberty League honorable mention performance. Kluber (6-1, 255), who has been slowed by injuries during his career, returns for his fifth season on campus. He's a versatile lineman who's penciled in at right tackle, but is capable of playing any one of the five line spots.

Junior guards Kyle Sandy (6-1, 260) and Brendan Hatlee (6-4, 290) performed well last season, their first as starters. Junior Anthony Coletta (6-4, 275) played in all nine games last season, gaining valuable experience due to injuries along the line. He is the projected left tackle.

One of the first lineman off the bench is likely to be junior Jarrid Blades (6-3, 270). He's another player that has impressed Offensive Coordinator Kevin DeWall with his ability to play all five positions on the line.

Those six will play a great deal. DeWall would like to have at least nine men in the rotation on the line to keep everyone fresh. Junior Tom Goslowski (6-2, 255) and sophomore cousins Art (6-3, 275) and Tyler (6-2, 285) Garvey are the leading candidates to earn playing time. Goslowski is a converted defensive lineman, while the Garveys spent last season learning the Hobart system.

The Class of 2014 also has some prospects for playing time, including Alex Bush (6-3, 275), Michael Green (6-1, 250), Max Janoff (6-1, 300), and Trevor Schutte (6-5, 265).

TIGHT END

Hobart's biggest question on offense is at tight end. Fortunately, the Statesmen have plenty of answers. Returning starter, junior Matt Marsh missed most of spring practice due to injury, leaving the door open for competition. He's a fierce run blocker and should be in the lineup if he's healthy.

Sophomores Brent Matazinsky, Paul McCaw, and Andrew Zdrojewski came to campus with big upside and are starting to fulfill that potential as they've learned the offense, but junior Greg Clifford could be the bridge this season as they expand their knowledge base. Clifford is a converted fullback with the versatility to fill a role similar to Matt Duliba '09. If Clifford gets the nod, the coaches anticipate moving him around in the formation to keep teams guessing. He's proved to be a solid blocker, a reliable receiver and a strong all-around athlete.

QUARTERBACK

With experienced players returning, including three of five starters, at all of the skill positions, junior quarterback Doug Vella should improve on his 2009 numbers (105-207-4, 1,369 yds, 7 TD), his first season as a starter. He grew into the starter's role and led Hobart on a four-game win streak to end the season, capping the year with 201 passing yards and two TDs at Rochester. Vella looked sharp in spring practice and has matured in both his management of the game and his preparation and study.

Sophomores Nick Strang and Kelly Olney are both tall, strong-armed passers who will push Vella in practice. Whomever emerges as Vella's understudy should expect to direct a series or two every game as Vella did for Rich Doyle '09 in 2008.

RUNNING BACK

At tailback, the Statesmen are deep and talented. After averaging 5.0 yards per carry last season, junior Kyle Tritten was No. 1 on the depth chart entering spring practice, but an injury allowed classmate Pat Julian (3.6 yds/rush) to compete for the top spot. The battle for the starting job is sure to continue through the preseason.

However, Tritten and Julian won't be the only two in the hunt. Sophomores Brandon Bratek (3.9) and Bobby Dougherty (3.8) produced similar numbers in limited reps last season. Both appear ready for expanded roles after learning the offense last year.

Carries may be even harder to come by with the addition of first-year Steven Webb. He rushed for a Dundee (N.Y.) High School record 2,014 yards and scored a record 35 touchdowns last season. Webb will need time to learn the offense, but he has another gear that could add the big play to Hobart's running game.

Senior Matt Howard averaged 3.0 yards per carry in his first season as the starting fullback. He's not the strongest or fastest option, but his knowledge, execution, and good hands make him a very good option.

Classmate Shlomo Gelernter will battle for reps after rehabbing a shoulder injury that robbed him of his entire junior season. First-years John Wolfsberg and Juan O'Farrill will also battle for a spot on the depth chart. Wolfsberg is a prototypical I formation fullback, while O'Farrill has the quickness to also play tailback.

WIDE RECEIVER

All-Liberty League receiver Tyler Vincent '10 did it all for the Statesmen last season, producing 492 receiving yards and five touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per rush, passing for 77 yards and a TD, and averaging 34.5 yards per punt. His graduation hurts, but Hobart is fortunate to return a talented stable of receivers.

Junior Garth Muratori put up solid numbers while flying under the radar. He caught 28 passes for 441 yards (team-high 15.8 yds/catch) and two TDs. After a 16-catch, 190-yard performance last season, senior Mike Lazore is likely to back up Muratori.

Sophomores Jay Cronze and Junior Woodard will battle for the right to start opposite Muratori. Both players are coming off great springs and give the Statesmen athleticism and quickness to stretch the field.

Senior Kevin Grogan, sophomore Paul Ashburn, and first-year Yosh Karbowniczak will add depth to the position.

DEFENSE

The Statesmen return just four starters on defense, but the coaching staff is optimistic that the talent is there to fill in the gaps. The question is, how long will it take the new starters to get up to speed?

The new look defense will have big shoes to fill. Hobart led the Liberty League in scoring defense (15.9 ppg), total defense (303.1 yds/g), opponent first downs (141), and opponent fourth down conversion (21.1%) and ranked third in rushing defense (135.1 yds/g) and opponent third down conversion (32.5%).

SECONDARY

The secondary welcomes back two of three starters, including two-time first team All-Liberty League pick Drake Woodard (20 gms, 74 tkls, 13 PBU, 7 INT, 3 FF, 4 FR). After producing seven interceptions as a first-year, he had an “off year” by his standards in 2009, but a large factor in that drop off was the decision opponents made to throw to the other side of the field. Woodard is an exceptional athlete who's growing into a leadership role.

One of his leadership mentors is fellow returning starter, senior captain John Kelliher (29 tkls, 2 INT in 2009). He knows the Statesmen defense as well as any of the coaches and is expected to improve on his numbers in his second season as a starter.

Manning the other cornerback slot is senior Nick Bianchi. He's made steady progress over the past three seasons and is ready to step into the spotlight.

Should any of the starters stumble, several members of the Class of 2014 are poised to take advantage. Jean Baptiste, Connor Garrett, and Kevin Hearon are talented corners with exceptional athleticism. Chad Dorrance displayed a strong grasp of the defense and will play free safety and in nickle situations, while Jolyon Davis is a big, physical free safety. All of them are expected to earn significant playing time and could contribute on special teams as well.

LINEBACKERS

Half of the four-man linebacking corps returns, led by 2009 tackles leader Kyle O'Laughlin (77 tkls). The senior captain will roam the inside along with fellow returnee, junior Reggie Robinson. He notched 37 tackles last season, including a pair of sacks. The duo's experience and leadership will be critical to the success of the defense.

Junior Bobby Marraffa, sophomores Andrew Klindera and Nick Zapp, and first-year Cory Davis are the leading candidates for the backup spots on the two deep. With just seven games and six tackles to his credit, Klindera is the most experienced of the bunch.

At outside linebacker, senior Fernando Jones will mentor first-year Devon Worthington in the starting lineup. Hobart's depth last season kept Jones from seeing a significant chunk of playing time, but his hard-hitting skills will be on display this season. Worthington was quick to pick up Hobart's defense, climbing straight to the top of the depth chart with his proficiency against both the pass and run.

Sophomore Sean Regan, first-year Juan Breton, a transfer from Sacred Heart, and first-year Austin DiMarco are expected to compete for the remaining spots on the depth chart.

DEFENSIVE LINE

With all four starters graduated, the D-line will determine how successful Hobart is able to be at stopping the opposition. The Statesmen will be thin upfront, welcoming back just four lettermen from 2009. Kwame Lovell '10, Mike Arduini '10, Mike Faracca '10, and Tony Guidetti '10 started every game up front last season, combining for 102 tackles.

Seniors ends Chris Luber and James Rayhill will shed their pass rush specialist labels this year and see more time in running situations. By the end of last season, Luber (20 tkls, 3.5 sacks) was playing at a very high level and could be a dominant force this year, while Rayhill (26 tkls, 3 sacks) is a smart player, who uses leverage to overcome his weight difference with most tackles.

Sophomores Jeffrey Gerace (6-1, 210) and Kees Nordin (6-4, 210) and first-year Tim Murray (6-4, 225) will battle for time in the rotation.

On the interior, expect last season's reserves, junior Dane Wilcoxen and sophomore Nick Auriemma, to move into the starting lineup. Wilcoxen is a nimble rusher who will disrupt plays in the backfield, while Auriemma is a bull, who will take on blockers and clog running and passing lanes. Junior Gianni Contro had a solid preseason and will push for a starting spot, while sophomore Jordan Sisti will also compete for playing time.

First-years Cory Einbeck, Chazoi Hardware, and Jacob Powell could also compete for a spot on the depth chart.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hobart led the Liberty League in net yards per punt (34.0) and kickoff return average (22.4) last season and ranked third in points scored by kicking (4.7). The punting game will take the biggest hit with the graduation of Vincent, while the kick return unit will have to adapt to the NCAA's new rule banning the wedge, but junior Conor Callahan returns to his place kicking duties.

After two years as the starter, Callahan is expected to continue to improve his consistency. He upped his PAT conversion rate (88.9% to 89.5%) and field goal rate (50.0% to 66.7%) last year and will benefit from the return of his long snapper (Kluber) and holder (Vella). First-year Reyes Guevara will give Callahan competition for kicking opportunities.

Vincent kept teams on their toes with his passing and rushing ability in punting situations. While Callahan may take over at punter, the Statesmen could also look to a receiver with the athleticism to handling punting. A native of Syracuse, first-year Yosh Karbowniczak filled that role at Christian Brothers Academy last season.

With nearly everyone back, the return games should continue to be a strength for Hobart. Junior Woodard returned every punt for the Statesmen last season and will likely do the same again this year, while kick return duties are likely to fall to a young player eager to make his mark.

SCHEDULE

Hobart will kick off the season on Sept. 11 when Dickinson visits the all new Boswell Field at the Caird Center for Sports and Recreation (televised live on TWCS). The Statesmen ended 2009 with back-to-back home shutouts and haven't allowed a point on their home field in over 126 minutes.

Following a road trip to Carnegie Mellon, Hobart will return home for the program's first ever night game on the Boz, a 7 p.m. kickoff against St. John Fisher.

Hobart's conference schedule begins on Oct. 2 at St. Lawrence. The Statesmen will be seeking their 19th consecutive win over the Saints, the longest active streak against any of Hobart's opponents.

The Liberty League Co-Champion, Union, will make the trek down the Thurway to Geneva on Oct. 9. Following a week off, the Statesmen will head to Long Island to take on Merchant Marine. The Mariners haven't scored on the Hobart defense since the middle of the third quarter of the 2007 meeting. The Statesmen have outscored the Academy 52-0 over the past two seasons.

Hobart will close out October with a home game against WPI on the penultimate day of the month. In six meetings, the Statesmen have produced an average of 35.6 points (and six victories), the program's highest scoring average against an active member of Division III (Hobart averaged 39.8 ppg against the since discontinued RIT team).

The Statesmen will make their first visit to East Campus Stadium on Nov. 6 for a showdown with Rensselaer. Hobart stymied the Engineers 10-0 in the finale on the natural grass of the old Boswell Field.

The season will conclude on Nov. 13 when Rochester comes to Geneva for the annual Centennial Cup game. Following the game, Head Coach Mike Cragg will be one of eight Statesmen legends inducted into the Hobart Athletics Hall of Fame.