ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University football team is eager to return to action this fall, with a variety of returning and first-year players set to pave the way.

Alfred is led by Head Coach Bob Rankl, who is entering his 10th season as the head coach of the Saxons and his 25th year with the program.

"Our 2022 season was not up to the standards of the Alfred University football program," Rankl said. "We expect to be better and have a young group that includes a lot of returners. I have loved our approach to the offseason and preseason."

The Saxons finished last season with a 2-8 overall record, picking up wins over Kalamazoo and Hartwick. Alfred University is now prepared to move forward and focus on what the 2023 season will bring.

Chris Kelly (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY/Sachem North) is set to be the starting quarterback for Alfred University this fall. Kelly appeared in four games for the Saxons in 2022, totaling 357 passing yards and two touchdowns, while adding an additional 64 yards on the ground.

"Chris is a tough and gritty competitor," Rankl said. "Our coaching staff has a lot of trust in him to lead our offense this season."

Max Freeman IV (Painted Post, NY/Corning-Painted Post) will lead the backfield for the Saxons following an impressive sophomore season. Freeman IV totaled 931 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last fall. In the win over Kalamazoo, Freeman IV was responsible for 274 yards and two touchdowns through the run game, marking the third-highest rushing total in a single game in program history.

"Max has been a great player for us and we're excited for what he can do in the backfield this fall," Rankl said. "His success stems from the play of our offensive line and their ability to protect him."

The receiving core will be led by Jacob Kelsey (Hilton, NY/Hilton), who is entering his graduate season as one of five team captains for the Saxons this season. Kelsey led the team with 600 receiving yards to go with one touchdown last fall before being named to the All-Empire 8 Second Team.

"It's super important to have Jake's experience on the football field," Rankl said. "We're glad he's returning to our offense and seems to be healthy coming into the new season. He is a great leader and a big threat in the passing game."

Up front, Parker Evans (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) rounds out the offensive captains for Alfred University. Evans is entering his graduate season with AU and will be crucial for the Saxons' success this fall.

"Parker was selected as an offensive captain by his teammates," Rankl said. "They chose him because he's a great leader for our program. He has the core values on what it takes to be a leader- character, work ethic and discipline."

On the defensive front, the Saxons will turn to Danny Quinones (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott), who has been named as one of three defensive captains. Quinones finished the 2022 season with a career-high 45 tackles, including 10 tackles for a loss and three fumble recoveries. Quinones received All-Empire 8 recognition for the second consecutive season last fall.

"Danny has been a great representative for our program," Rankl said. "We're excited to have him along our defensive line. He has what it takes to make big plays."

Joe Copp (Minoa, NY/East Syracuse-Minoa) is prepared to lead the linebacker group this fall following a breakout junior season with AU. Last fall, Copp totaled a career-high 121 tackles for the Saxons, including 5.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. Copp received D3football.com Team of the Week recognition on two occasions last season and was named to the D3football.com All-Region Second Team. Copp was additionally named to the All-Empire 8 First Team.

"Joe is a physical football player," Rankl said. "He has a motor in him that never quits and I believe the sky is the limit for him. We're all excited for him both as a player and leader this year."

Amir Massey (Rochester, NY/Uprep Rochester) is among the veteran defensive backs for Alfred University. Massey totaled 42 tackles and two interceptions last season before being named as the program's 2022 Comeback Player of the Year.

"Amir has a ton of passion for the game of football," Rankl said. "His excitement for the love of the game is contagious for our program and we're excited to have him on the field."

The Saxons will open the 2023 season at home against Hobart College on September 1. Empire 8 competition for Alfred University is set to begin October 7 when the Saxons host SUNY Morrisville. On November 12, AU will celebrate Hall of Fame weekend against SUNY Brockport as part of their regular season finale.

"This season is all about being the tightest and most cohesive unit we can possibly be," Rankl said. "If we can attain that goal, we will reach our maximum potential."