BROWN 

Last year’s record: 7-3 (4-3 Ivy League)

About the Bears: Head coach Phil Estes says this group reminds him of the 2008 squad that won the Ivy League title.

“It’s a group of players, not a lot of big-name stars, but blue-collar kids who worked hard over the past couple of years,” he said. “I really think they’re going to gel. We have a good balance of experience and talent.”

QB Pat Donnelly leads the way. He was the second-ranked QB in the league last year. Estes says he’s very underrated. And while Cornell QB Jeff Mathews will get most of the preseason accolades, Donnelly is right up there with him. Estes added, Brown “took the handcuffs off” of Donnelly late in the year and he really showed his talent over the last three games.

Also, keep an eye on Ludovic Richardson. He’s a local kid, a former Register All-State selection while at Notre Dame-West Haven. He’s a big, strong and physical defensive lineman. Richardson, a sophomore, is listed at 6-2, 285. Estes expects him to be a starter this season.

“He’s a plug,” Estes said. “He does a lot well. He surprised us and stepped in and got a lot of snaps under his belt as true freshman. He’s a good run stopper and he’s in great shape. I think he really transformed his body and he can really be a dominate player inside for us.”