OFFENSE
Of course, much of the narrative surrounding the Crusader offense involves the talent lost to graduation: All-American quarterback Matthew Sluka, Holy Cross’ all-time receiving touchdown leader Jalen Coker, three-time All-Patriot League tight end Sean Morris, and four starters on a generationally talented offensive line (including multi-time All-American left tackle Luke Newman, and right guard C.J. Hanson, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in April).
But don’t discount the veteran experience returning for Holy Cross on the offensive side of the ball, guided by new offensive coordinator Andrew Dresner.
Senior running back Jordan Fuller is the most decorated name and returning star of the Crusader offense. Fuller led the nation in scoring a year ago, totaling 19 touchdowns — 18 of them rushing — while recording 1,046 yards on the ground in 10 games. He had six multi-touchdown games, including a five-touchdown showing against Merrimack in last year’s season opener and a four-touchdown outing at Bucknell.
He earned All-America honors last season from FCS Football Central (second team), Associated Press (third team) and Phil Steele (fourth team); he won the 2023 Agganis-Zimman Award, presented to the most outstanding football player in New England, in addition to earning All-New England and All-Patriot League honors.
The 2023 Academic All-American also owns the career program record for rushing touchdowns, with 40 in just 34 career contests. Fuller was selected as a 2024 Preseason All-American by Stats Perform and was also named to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, which is presented to the nation’s best offensive player at the FCS level.
Expect to see sophomore Jayden Clerveaux and junior Sam Slade as strong backup options for Fuller. Clerveaux had eight carries in two games as a freshman prior to an injury; Slade broke free for a 74-yard rush a season ago, marking the seventh-longest rush in program history.
Senior Joe Pesansky will look to make the seamless transition into the starting quarterback role. He showcased his talent in his first career start in 2023, a 49-47 instant-classic win against Fordham, in which he completed 20 of his 33 attempts for 337 yards and three touchdowns.
Holy Cross’ receiving corps will be led by a pair of veterans, senior Justin Shorter and fifth-year Byron Shipman. Shorter ranked second on the team a year ago with 443 receiving yards, and is a two-time All-Patriot League honoree for his special teams play. Shorter and Shipman each had three touchdown receptions a year ago.
Receiver Quinton Gregory returns for a fifth year after appearing in all 11 games last season. Junior receivers Blake Youngblood and Max Mosey, alongside sophomore Charly Mullaly, saw significant action a year ago as well.
Center Christo Kelly is the lone returning starter up front for an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 nationally a year ago in rushing offense (third, 264.2 yards per game), total offense (fourth, 466.6 yards per game) and scoring offense (sixth, 36.9 points per game).
On a line that has historically prided itself on its depth, Dalton Daddona (32 career games played) was, for all intents and purposes, the “sixth man” in the offensive line rotation a season ago, and made one late-season start at center. The versatile veteran projects as the team’s starting right guard this year.
Fifth-year Declan McCauley has also played in 30 career games, including 10 a season ago, and will replace Newman at left tackle. Senior Cam McNair and juniors Joe Metzger and Cam Nolan will see significant game action along the line as well.
Senior tight end Jacob Petersen has played in 22 career games, with 143 receiving yards in his time on The Hill and a touchdown against Yale last season. Junior tight ends Nathan Schillinger and John Owens, along with sophomore Luke Petitta, look to factor into the offense this year as well.
