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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
2024 John Carroll Football team

Football Preview: #19/20 Blue Streaks Ready for Battle

| By: Joe Ginley '16, SID
Picture taken by USA Foto
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – At long last, football season has arrived.

The Blue Streaks are set for the start of the 2024 campaign, the second under Head Coach Jeff Behrman '95. Following an 8-2 season, the future is bright for this fall and beyond. 

John Carroll Football returns ample talent to the roster. Much of the offensive structure returns, particularly with a veteran offensive line. The defense features a good deal of stars coming back. And the roster is supplemented with ample incoming talent, in the form of transfers and freshmen.

In other words, the stage is set for a fun year for the Blue Streaks.

Offense 
Joe Collins did not depart the program, as he's sticking around as running backs coach, but his role of starting quarterback needed to be filled. Enter Nick Semptimphelter. 

The grad transfer won the job and will guide the offense as QB1. The Franklin, Tennessee native spent four years at Bucknell University, becoming a captain by his senior year. During the 2023 season, Semptimphelter started one game and played in four games, completing 17-of-28 passes (60.7 %) for 202 yards. He won the Bobby Pangburn Memorial Award for "commitment, dedication and unqualified friendship," as his Bucknell bio mentions. 

In front of him is a fantastic offensive line. The big uglies are arguably the team's most veteran unit. All five starters are back, guided by preseason All-American Matt Wrather. Matthew Russo returns after an All-Region campaign, while Nathan Kovach and Luke Gibbons also won OAC honors a year ago. Troy Mrukowski served as a swing tackle a year ago, and Mike Bartusiak also aided greatly last year. Grant Myers returns after missing last season due to injury. 

The running backs are deep and talented, too. Evan McVay returns after tabbing Second Team All-OAC honors a season ago. Mason Sullivan, Quincy Newsom, and Javi Quimba are all back after each getting significant time. Nemo Jenkins also could figure into the mix after transferring in from Wilmington, as he led the Quakers with 979 rushing yards in 2023. 

Plenty of receiving weapons are at Semptimphelter's disposal. Looking at the wideouts, Tyler Mintz and Dorian Facen Jr each thrived last season. Mintz is very much a veteran at this point and will be key with this corps. Facen possesses plenty of talent. Grad transfer Tyren Montgomery could be one to watch, as will tight end Kenneth Rawls. Jon Tomcufcik will be great to have back after getting time at TE last year. Connor Cohan should also be a factor. 

Defense 
A number of playmakers return for the Blue Streaks at several spots. 

The team's lone All-OAC returner is in the secondary, as Jacob Hufnagel figures to be a key aspect of the DB group. The sophomore from Pittsburgh broke out a year ago with a team-high 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups and is a talented playmaker. Joining him at corner is Kevin Doyle, another talented returning cover guy. At safety, Lamar Thomas is back as a starter after leading the group with 42 tackles last season. 

Linebacker is an interesting spot, as the Blue Streaks return Tyler Thimons. The Bethel Park grad topped the team with 76 tackles last season, adding 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Veterans also dot the group, with standouts such as Brady Leczo, Garrett Sparks, and Joe Bova. Robert Morris transfer Kenny Grobolsek should also figure into the mix. 

The defensive line will figure to have plenty of upperclassmen. Seniors Isaac Wilson, Griffin Lidyard, and Michael Dorn all will likely play a role early. Juniors Tommy Wasinski, Joe Thimons, and Ben Day – as well as sophomores Tony Tirado and Ivory Travers – should see time, too. 

Special Teams 
Much of the team's fourth down army is back for JCU. 

Yanni Volas will help to lead the way after a First Team All-OAC campaign. Sophomore Colin Schuler and junior Owen Schuckert also should assist with the kicking duties as both have big legs.

In the return game, Tyler Mintz is back. The fifth-year senior topped the team in both punt and kick return yardage a year ago. 

Chad Harpster will serve as the team's primary long snapper after a banner two seasons. 

Coaching Staff 
Behrman and Offensive Coordinator Travis James are back, continuing to lay the groundwork for a successful program. 

Two big-ticket incomers joined the staff in the offseason. Defensive Coordinator Alex Gray and Assistant Head Coach Dean Paul arrived over the winter. 

Gray brings valuable experience from St. Thomas (FL), guiding a defense that was aggressive and attacking. Gray will look to instill confidence and conviction in his defenders, allowing them to play fast. 

Paul is no stranger to JCU, having spent 20 years as the head coach at Ohio Northern. A veteran presence, Paul will be vital in game planning and helping the program thrive. His service work off the field adds to his impressive resume. 

Joey Bates will reprise his role as special teams coordinator. 

Meet the full coaching staff here.

Schedule
The Blue Streaks open the campaign on Saturday, September 7 at #3 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Kickoff is set for 1 pm Central / 2 pm Eastern.

JCU's home opener at Don Shula Stadium is set for Saturday, September 28 vs. Heidelberg. 
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