PRZNY Team Previews: Fordham Prep Rams

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season: (6-5)</h2>   <p>Fordham reached the AA quarterfinals last year before losing to St Peter's. But Fordham ended their season with a historic moment, they took down rival Xavier in the 100th Turkey Bowl on a goal-line stand. Last year they showcased a handful of juniors that put together very impressive campaigns, and the Rams should be excited heading into this season led by a strong 2025 group. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">If you like old-school football, you'll love watching [player_tooltip player_id='648840' first='James' last='Rice'] play this great game. He's a terrific mic linebacker who is fearless. He is a hard hitter that is fantastic against the run. He will be a 4-year starter once it's all said and done. Rice is the leader of this defense and will also be impactful on offense for the Rams. He will line up at tight end and be an excellent blocker and receiver for Fordham. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X Factors</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">After a huge junior season, Rooney is in store for a great senior year. He has sideline to sideline ability at the linebacker spot and was a tackling machine last season. His instincts were amazing and he delivered some very hard hits last year. He's another senior leader that Fordham will rely on this season. The Rams will also utilize his old school toughness on offense. He will be a great blocker for this Fordham run game that has a high ceiling.</p>   <p></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">The dual threat quarterback has amazing tools to work with. Bailey is listed at 6'3 and has a great arm. His running ability will make things difficult for opposing defenses. He's had a great offseason and has developed more into a true quarterback. Bailey has increased his IQ and will be a force in the catholic league this upcoming season.</p>     <p>The second half of a two-headed monster in the backfield. McKillop is bound to create a fantastic duo with [player_tooltip player_id='820134' first='Jonathan' last='Bailey']. McKillop is a pure athlete and is a special baseball player for Fordham. McKillop is extremely elusive and very tough. He's a 3 down back that runs hard and can also block well. He made some great plays in his junior campaign and he will be one of the top players in the AA this upcoming season. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">He is a 2-way starter and has already gained attention as a defensive lineman from a bunch of colleges. Keeley is a long defensive end that can make a ton of tackles. He plays guard on the offensive line and he is a major reason why Fordham will have a prolific ground attack. He moves well in space and delivers excellent blocks in the open field. Keeley will be a key piece for a Fordham line that has high expectations.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">The safety for the Rams is expected to take a big step this upcoming season. Mancini is an on the field leader and had a solid season as a junior. He's put together a great offseason so far and has developed a ton. He'll be important for a secondary that has to perform well against amazing receivers in the AA this season. <br></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names to Know</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Name</td><td>Year</td><td>Positon </td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>Tyler Vujtech</td><td>2025</td><td>OL</td><td>Athletic center, very talented long-snapper</td></tr><tr><td>Sean Mcuuin</td><td>2025</td><td>OL</td><td>Started at RG last year, developed a lot last season</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='820118' first='Marcelo' last='Viscoso']</td><td>2025</td><td>LB</td><td>Got more athletic, will be a starter at LB, hits hard</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='820163' first='Sebastian' last='Williams']</td><td>2025</td><td>WR</td><td>Top performer at Elite V, a very shifty receiver </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1579054' first='Ephraim' last='Espaillat']</td><td>2025</td><td>DB</td><td>Long defensive back, becoming more polished </td></tr><tr><td>Matt Herlick</td><td>2025</td><td>DB</td><td>One of the best athletes in the school, new to the team, could make a huge impact</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='820042' first='Alessandro' last='Sanchez']</td><td>2026</td><td>WR</td><td>Up and coming receiver, good hands</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='365759' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] </td><td>2026</td><td>ATH</td><td>Tackling machine, will get time at running back</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1506315' first='Lake' last='Chiesi']</td><td>2027</td><td>ATH</td><td>Bright future, one of the best pure athletes on the roster </td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1804757' first='Luke' last='McKay']</td><td>2027</td><td>RB</td><td>Similar to [player_tooltip player_id='820149' first='Jack' last='McKillop'], bright future at RB</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h2>   <p>OL Joseph Reagan- UChicago </p>   <p>OL Albee Cornachio- Johns Hopkins</p>   <p>QB Matthew Moorehead- St John Fisher </p>   <p>WR Will Wood- Georgetown </p>   <p>LB Patrick Sohr </p>   <p>WR Jake Brodrick </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Schedule </h2>   <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/bronx/fordham-prep-rams/football/schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schedule - Fordham Prep Rams (Bronx, NY) Varsity Football 24-25</a></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook</h2>   <p>Head Coach: Pat Deane </p>   <p>Fordham Prep has an exciting but very challenging schedule this upcoming season. They open up with out of state power Gonzaga. The Rams have a difficult stretch in October that features three straight games against defending champs St John's, AAA power Monsignor Farell and a playoff rematch with St Peters. They have their fair share of AA games as well and of course will end their season with a thanksgiving battle with Xavier. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things Going for the Rams</h2>   <p>Senior Class: This group consists of a bunch of 3 year varsity players that have made a huge impact in the program. This is the year they have been building for and their time to shine is now. </p>   <p>Backfield: Fordham has an excellent duo with [player_tooltip player_id='820134' first='Jonathan' last='Bailey'] and Jack McKilop. Both of them are expected to be great on the ground and then have some younger players that will be impactful as ball carriers.</p>   <p>The LB Core: To take down the top teams in the AA, you're gonna have to stop some really good running attacks. Luckily for Fordham, they have [player_tooltip player_id='648872' first='Sean' last='Rooney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='648840' first='James' last='Rice'] leading a talented and experienced linebacker core.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Area of Concern</h2>   <p>Getting over the hump: Last year the top three teams in the AA were Moore, St John's, and St Peters. They all return great talent, so it leads to the question if Fordham can truly get over the hump and beat these teams on the big stage.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Last Word</h2>   <p>After being in the middle of the pack last year, Fordham's talented senior class could help them make serious noise this upcoming season. They have the starpower to compete with the AA's top programs and potentially make a run. They will be leaning on [player_tooltip player_id='820149' first='Jack' last='McKillop'] to have a special senior season at the RB spot. And Fordham will need to step up on defense to slow down these incredible offenses they are up against. The Rams have been building for this year to take that leap, it will be exciting to see if they can pull it off.</p>