2022 Patriot League Football Media Day Highlights

Raiders Preview Season During Annual Media Day

Full Press Conference

HAMILTON – Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Stan Dakosty, junior defensive lineman K2 Dickens, and senior wide receiver Garrett Oakey fielded questions from the media during the Patriot League's virtual Media Day Press Conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Press Conference Highlights:

Stan Dakosty, Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach

"Crazy how quick the summers go. Players report on Thursday, practice starts on Friday, then we have Stanford a few weeks after that, so there's a lot of excitement building, especially in the offseason.

"It's an exciting team with a lot of guys looking to improve and solidify their legacy here. We have that mixed with guys who have played enough football and have valuable experience, especially with our tough schedule throughout the year.

"We're excited to start off with a power five team and then another FBS team midway through. We have league opponents early on. It's always a challenge here.

"We never shy away from a challenge from a scheduling standpoint. Our guys know what is at stake when you put on a Colgate helmet.

"They know the tradition. They walk by the rings and trophies when they come in the office. That's why people come to play here, but at the same time, we're still building and working.

"We're on the hunt to get back to what we want to be. It's an exciting thing to be around a bunch of guys that are rallying around that one goal and working hard to get it done."

Question for players on being predicted to finish last in the preseason poll last season, and what kind of momentum did that build coming into the 2022 season?

Garrett Oakey: "Everybody loves to be doubted. It makes us hungry and gives us some drive to work harder to chase our goals. One of our favorite things to do is prove people wrong when they say something about us. We go out there, work hard, and try to get it done.

K2 Dickens: "It wasn't a surprise to us. It might have shocked the media and fans, but it's all about the business. We went into the season knowing our worth and value. We left the season not disappointed but loving the momentum that came with it."

Question for players on how long they were home for the summer?

Garrett Oakey: "I was home for two weeks, then summer camp started for us. We have a great strength and conditioning program. It has drawn a lot of guys on campus for the summer. It has been good for us to be together on and off the field. We're getting to know one another, and creating that brotherhood that gives you that extra edge when it is time to get in the trenches and grind."

K2 Dickens: "I returned to campus a couple of nights ago. Our coaches have done a very good job of emphasizing that we're not just athletes, but human beings that need a life outside of football. I worked back home in Indianapolis doing a residential real estate internship. Through Colgate Alumni and connections, I then went to New York City and worked with commercial real estate. Being outside of football has made me hungrier and realize I have something to prove."

Question for Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach about the momentum the team has going into Stanford and the new season?

"Last year we were in the most unique position our program has ever been in. The main goal is to stabilize the program and restore its pride. We finished the season with a lot of ups and downs but finished on a positive note. It's just a matter of giving the guy confidence and reassurance of what we're trying to build here. We've been defending before and chasing. It naturally builds momentum. It's exciting to play in front of 40,000 people. Our alumni expect us to win, so we're ready to compete."

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Players Mentioned

#6 Garrett Oakey: WR; 5' 11"; Senior

#0 K2 Dickens: DL; 6' 2"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#6 Garrett Oakey
: 5' 11"; Senior
: WR

#0 K2 Dickens
: 6' 2"; Senior
: DL

Players Mentioned

#6 Garrett Oakey

#0 K2 Dickens

Players Mentioned

#6 Garrett Oakey

#0 K2 Dickens