Around the Ivy: BROWN

Over the next week or so, Portal 31 will take a look at each Ivy League team as the 2014 season approaches...

Around the Ivy: A look at Brown

Coach: Phil Estes

Last year: 6-4 (3-4 Ivy)

Preseason prediction: No. 6

Opening game: Sept. 20 at Georgetown,

About the Bears: Brown has to replace 18 starters (11 offense, seven defense). That will be a challenge. Sr. Marcus Fuller, a Johnny Manziel-like QB according to Estes, and Jr. Seth Rosenbauer, a big, physical QB, will compete for the starting job. Alex Jette and Troy Doles both will stretch the field with their speed and be a part of the return game. Andrew Coke and Brian Strachan, who moved from WR to RB, are both physical, downhill runners. They will look to replace John Spooney, the Ivy's top rusher last season. Defensively, the team’s strength will be at ILB with Xavier Russo and Dan Giovacchini. Chad Berry will move from ILB to DE, which should be a better fit on the edge. The Bears will also need to replace standout kicker Alex Norocea.

Local connections: DE Chad Berry (East Lyme), FB Jeff Biestek (Walllingford), ILB James Connelly (Stonington), QB T.J. Linta (Branford), L B James Martino (Woodbridge), OL Christian Montano (Orange), DL Ludovic Richardson (Killingworth), OLB Max Tylki (Wethersfield), DL Jake Whalen (Durham)