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The quarterback position seems to belong to John Alan Richter, who has been the backup the previous two seasons. He does have some experience and is an accurate passer. Redshirt freshman Walter Moses and D2 Lenoir-Rhyne transfer Khamoni Robinson, who is a dual threat playmaker, will push Richter for the job.
The running back room returns 2024 leading rusher Connor Walendzak. The additions of Autavius Ison (Mercer), Corey Smith (Penn State), and CJ Miller (Mercer) provide a spark to this unit. Ison is coming off an injury, Smith is a former Top 10 running back recruit, and Miller had 1,267 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns last season.
The wide receiver room will be transfer heavy. Bryson Hammer and Tashi Braceful have the most returning experience. The additions of Anthony Simpson (Michigan), Trenton Jones (Mercer), Rico Bond (Lindenwood), Adjatay Dabbs (Mercer), Kalvin Gilbert Jr. (Southeast Missouri State), and several tight ends, provide great depth to this unit.
The offensive line room returns experience in Grant Zimmerly, Jonathan Harder, Matt Hofer, Ibrahim Traure, and Stephan Gales. The additions of Nick Thomas (Rhode Island), Dylan Senda (Auburn), Ahmad Carwise (Gardner-Webb), Dominic Johnson (Georgia State), and Luke Rector (Gardner-Webb) will all see action.
The defensive line room returns some experience in Lucas Lambert-Pipkin and Nathaniel Chandler. The additions of Caden Camese (Mercer), Andrew Zock (Mercer, FCS Defensive Player of the Year), Ezra Odinjor (UAB), Zach Johnson (UAB), and Ben Sahakian (Cornell) increase the unit’s experience. Zock had many Power 4 offers but decided to follow Head Coach Mike Jacobs to Toledo.
The linebacker room returns some production in Langston Long and Isaac Zay. Long started four games last season. The additions of Julian Fox (Mercer), Kari Jackson (Penn State), and Isaac Prince (Mercer) bring explosiveness to the unit. Fox and Prince can live in backfields.
The secondary returns Nicholas Thompson but will otherwise be transfer heavy. The additions of KJ Thomas (Mercer), Amorion Smith (Michigan State), LaDavion Osborn (Northern Colorado), Donovan Watkins (Mercer), Cam Jones (Holy Cross), Israel Petite (Robert Morris), Kaleb Hutchinson (Mercer), and Mo Conteh (D2 Ohio Dominican) will all see reps. Smith from Michigan State brings valuable experience.
The punting duties should belong to Emilio Duran, who was the starter last season. The kicking role will belong to Mercer transfer Reice Griffith, who has a strong leg. Bryson Hammer has been the best punt returner in the MAC for the past two seasons.
Toledo hasn't had a losing season in 16 years and that streak should continue with Mike Jacobs in charge. He has won everywhere he has been. The former Ohio State linebacker brings a toughness to this program. This is an entirely new roster but one that will take to the culture of winning well.
