2022 Football Season Preview

PRESEASON CAMP
PHOTO DAY GALLERY

THE BASICS:

Otterbein is looking to turn around a tough 1-9 record from last fall, where they dropped the season opener and finale by four points each.
The lone 2021 victory came in dynamic fashion at cross-town rival Capital, where the Cards escaped Bernlohr Stadium with a 38-33 decision after a touchdown in the final minute.
The program has endured nine one-possession defeats over the past four seasons.

LEADING THE WAY:

Roughly 15 starters are back in the fold… eight from the offense and seven on the defensive side.
The entire offensive line returns intact; Keaton Snyder, Jarrett Marshall, Zack Martin, Tyler Wilkerson and Clayton Adams. Martin is a 2x All-OAC pick while Snyder started all 10 games at left tackle as a true freshman.
Siraj Muhammad earned All-OAC status last year after ranking fourth among league ball carriers in rushing. He will be joined in the backfield by Ahjay Cody and other formidable options.
Seven wideouts that started at least one game are back on the perimeter, after each showing flashes of potential at certain points. Marcellus Vanderkodde had 182 yards and three touchdowns in the season finale.
Practically the entire defensive line and secondary returns. Nick Cipriano, who has led the team in sacks each of the last two full seasons, has taken a fifth year of eligibility. Max Walden (safety) and Carlos Alamo (corner) both started all 10 games last time around while Charlie Hornacek and Vincent Fisher gained valuable experience as freshmen.
Starting linebackers Colton Doup (2x) and Justin Bartlett will look to anchor a unit that should also receive a boost from the likes of Tayon Howard, Stephen Schmitt and others.
Placekicker Caleb Meade, punter Adyn Snyder and most key returners are back to contribute on special teams.

MOVING ON:

The Cards will need to replace a handful of starters… most notably All-OAC players Jeb Jones (tight end), Greg Nolder (linebacker), Bryce Hall (quarterback) and Ethan Tackett (linebacker).
Jones was also an All-Region standout last fall after settling top 10 in the OAC, regardless of position, in receiving yards. Nolder ranked second in the league at 86 tackles while Hall was third among conference passers with over 2,500 yards.

COACHING STAFF:

Tim Doup is back for his 11th season at the helm and will be joined by full-time assistants Allan Moore, David Carroll and Jermaine Burket.
Returning positional assistants include Jim Stoyle, Granger Long, Troy Robinson, Joshua Price and Tony Peters.
New faces on the staff will be graduate assistants Manny Belluccia and Brian Lippiatt Jr., along with the likes of Marshal Freda and former pro quarterback Jonathon Jennings.

SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN:

A non-conference game at Ohio Wesleyan will begin the slate once again, scheduled for September 3 just north in Delaware. The Bishops won 32-28 last season.
OAC play begins the following Saturday (9/10) back at Memorial Stadium against Heidelberg. It will be the 30th anniversary of the Rhine River Cup.
Homecoming is set for October 1 vs. Capital and Hall of Fame weekend takes place October 29 against Mount Union. Senior Day will come November 5 when Ohio Northern visits campus.

Players Mentioned