HAMILTON – The past is in the rearview mirror and the focus is forward.
 
Two short days separate a new chapter in Colgate Football's rich history when Stan Dakosty '05 leads the team on to the field for the first time as head coach on Saturday at Boston College.
 
"The excitement of getting back into a regular season is real," Dakosty said.

"The last year and a half has showed how fragile things can be, so having that appreciation for the butterflies during game week and picturing yourself running out of a tunnel – that stuff seemed so far down the road but the fact that it's just a couple days away now has the guys excited. We have to understand this game is about us and not about Boston College. We're out here to win a game and to win a game we have to stay focused and know what our jobs are."
 
It was a busy build-up for Dakosty and the Raiders to get to game week. Here's a brief recap:

• Dakosty named interim head football coach in May. 
• Perhaps on cue, former head coach Dick Biddle and All-American running back Rich Erenberg '84 were named to the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.
• Dakosty has interim tag removed in August and four additions made to the staff in Ray Hunter, Joe Horn, Mallikah Little, and Ian Fried.
• Colgate's Crown Field and press box took on a new look with updated branding to match the athletics identity.
• Construction to Biddle Plaza has commenced, more symbols of a fresh start – and a new look – for Colgate Football.

"There were many challenges this spring, and that was the case for a lot of teams. In May, with the transition, none of our summer objectives changed. Having almost a year and a half gap in normal football, there was going to be a new way we approached the summer. It was busier than normal, which was all great, because it was a lot of positive energy."


 
OFFENSE
Colgate returns six starters on offense, including senior quarterback Grant Breneman, who enters his fifth year eighth all-time in passing yards (5,206) and all-purpose yards (6,216). He needs just 13 yards through the air and 60 total to move up in both categories.
 
Senior wide receiver and go-to target Garrett Oakey has led the Raiders in receiving in each of the last two seasons. During his last full season in 2019, Oakey posted 58 receptions and ranked second in the Patriot League in total receiving yards (736).
 
Up front, Colgate's returning stable includes two-year starting center Sam Diehl and preseason All-League tackle Jayvion Queen, a three-year starter who garnered HERO Sports All-America honors in 2018.
 
"We've always taken great pride in running the football and that's not going to change," Dakosty said. "Our offense is in a really good spot and the quarterback room is deep. Our offensive line is a similar group that has played a lot of football.
 
"When you have confidence in your o-line, it helps open up a lot of things. When we're winning in November, it's because we're running the football. We also have a good core of receivers who can step up and make plays to shift around the depth chart.
 
"I'm excited to see who's going to step up when the lights come on."


 
DEFENSE
Defensively the Raiders carry a strong returning core headlined by two-time All-Patriot League selection Will Gruber and preseason All-Patriot League Milton Braasch II. Gruber was a First Team return specialist and Second Team defensive back honoree in the spring. Braasch, a senior captain, was tied for the team lead in tackles with 13.
 
Cornerback Collin Heard, defensive end Jackson Leak, and nose tackle Connor Meyer join linebackers Trevor Thompson, Braasch II, and Jared Petrichick as a bolstered returning defensive unit.
 
"We have a lot of experience and talent at every level on defense.
 
"We've been good on that side of the ball here for a while. We always pride ourselves on runners and hitters. That's going to be consistent. The veterans in a sense are guys who played as sophomores, then didn't have much of a junior season, and now they're seniors. So they have the experience but they're still getting better every day too. It's exciting, but right now we want to make sure they're as prepared as possible."


 
SPECIAL TEAMS
All-League specialist Gruber leads the special teams unit, which includes sophomore place kicker Jacob Jaworski, who started both games in the spring, and freshman punter Shelby Pruett.
 
"Jacob Jaworski and Spencer Biscoe are battling for field goal duties, but Spencer will be our main kickoff guy," Dakosty said. "Spencer only played one year of football in high school; he was a soccer player leading up to his senior year. 
 
"Shelby Pruett, our punter, has an interesting path to Colgate. He was the backup punter as a junior because the starter was a national recruit and went on to punt for South Carolina. We identified him through the camp process and through our specialist contacts. Shelby could be a hidden gem for our program." 
 
Colgate's veteran squad features 26 seniors, 20 juniors, 26 sophomores, and 16 freshmen.


 
SCHEDULE OUTLOOK
The Raiders follow up Boston College with three straight home games, capped off by the Patriot League opener against Lehigh on Homecoming Weekend Sept. 25. Colgate then embarks on a four-game road trip, not returning home until Oct. 30 against Bucknell. The Raiders close out the regular season on Nov. 20 against Fordham.
 
"This is a pretty special place in the fall, and we're excited to have that opportunity again. The season is a process. Nothing is going to be handed to us. Our mindset is to go out and worry about us each and every week. If we do know what we need to do, outcomes will take care of themselves.
 
"Expectations are always high. We understand that, that's why I coach here and that's why our players come here. But at the same time, to get back to the championship caliber team that we've had in the past, it's going to be a process."