As expected, football preseason is well underway in Hanover as the Indians prepare for their first game against Colgate on Saturday, September 17th. Dartmouth will also host its first-ever night football game this season on Saturday, October 1st at 6 PM. Preseason officially began when the players hit the field at 2 PM on August 24th.
There are high expectations for the 2011 team due to numerous starters returning on both sides of the ball. First, senior quarterback Conner Kempe ’12 will lead the offensive attack, which posted 264 points last year, the fifth most at Dartmouth since the Ivy league elected a 10-game season in 1980. Kempe is ranked 6th place in Dartmouth’s record books with over 3,300 career yards. Last year, he threw for 1,647 yards.
In addition, Dartmouth possesses three preseason All-Americans in seniors Ryan O’Neill, Nick Schwieger and Shawn Abuhoff. O’Neill started all 10 games last season at left guard and earned All-Ivy First Team honors. Running back Nick Schwieger received the Bushnell Cup last season, which recognized him as the Ivy League’s most valuable player. He is the first Indian to earn the award in 18 years and remains on the FCS Preseason Watch List for the College Football Performance Awards at running back. Abuhoff is also on the Preseason Watch List for his performances at defensive back, kickoff return and punt return. He is ranked among the top 20 nationally in eight different career statistics, including touchdowns on punt returns with three to tie for first.
According to head coach Buddy Teevens, preseason All-American honors don’t matter much to him because he’s concerned about their performance and leadership on the field. Take a look.
–David Rufful
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