MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - There has been enough talk and enough words written about improvement, progress, and how "close" the Marauders have been—and they've been close. Over the last three seasons, nine losses have come by one score. In 2024, Millersville held the lead or stood tied at halftime seven times. But close isn't enough for
J.C. Morgan and the 2025 Marauders, who enter the season bent on changing the narrative once and for all.
"We are tired of talking about it," said Morgan. "We are well aware of what has happened the last couple of years, and we're tired of talking about it. We want to get out on the field and play. We tell people we have great young men, but they don't care unless you win ball games. Our players understand that. You are going to see an angry group out there."
It's the games that got away. Like the one-point loss at Lock Haven after leading 20-10 at the half. Like building a 14-0 first-quarter lead at Shippensburg but failing to score on the final four possessions in a 35-27 defeat. Like pulling within six of Shepherd with nine minutes to play on the road but getting no closer. Like running just nine offensive snaps while allowing 21 points in the third quarter against Bloomsburg and again losing by just eight. That's the frustration that fuels anger.
But 2025 isn't just about the games that got away. It's also about the one that didn't. Millersville entered the 2024 season finale 0-10 with losses in 17 consecutive games, enduring a 300-mile, overnight bus trip to Edinboro. Millersville, however, raced to a 20-0 lead, but in 11 minutes of game time late in the second half, that lead disappeared. The Marauders trailed 21-20 with 4:26 to play. This scene had played out time and time again throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but this one ended differently.
Ryan Zeltt piloted a 16-play, 63-yard drive that spent every last second of the game clock. After a Zeltt sneak to center the ball at the Edinboro 8,
Trent McDowell split the uprights on a 23-yard, walk-off field goal.
The composure, fight, and resilience displayed in the final drive of the final game of an otherwise exasperating season are notable. What also matters is who made those plays. Zeltt passed for 336 yards, connecting with
Kam Taylor,
Isaac Sines and
Brady Russell for touchdowns.
Jose Lopez caught five passes, including a key third-down conversion in the final minutes.
Nick Romano recorded a team-high two tackles for loss. McDowell coolly converted the game-winner with ease. Those players who featured so prominently in the kind of win that had previously eluded the Marauders are all back in 2025. Three of them—Taylor, Sines, and Romano—are team captains. Their performances in that white-knuckle ride to victory give 2025 Millersville more than hope. They played winning football that provides real optimism for more of the same in 2025.
Along with the momentum built in week 11, key offseason coaching staff changes brought refreshed energy to camp as well. For the first time since his hiring in 2018, Morgan had to hire three coordinators. He brought in two new voices and one familiar, as offensive coordinator
Brian Ferguson arrived from Concord, special teams coordinator
Gerard Wilcher came from Morehouse, and
Ralph Clark, Morgan's close friend of more than 20 years, returned for his second stint as Millersville's defensive coordinator.
Ferguson, Clark, and Wilcher bring a unique perspective and leadership as all three were previously collegiate head coaches.
"The first thing, which is very important to me, is that they can command a room and clearly articulate what they need from their units," said Morgan. "We can let them do their thing. It gives you a sounding board to bounce ideas off, to vent, to share frustrations. To have someone who has gone through what you do as a head coach at the small college level, they understand that and help with the organization and operation of what we do on a daily basis."
Ferguson built one of Division II's top scoring and passing offenses as the OC at Concord. He has coached every position group on the offense, and he's developed All-Americans at running back, wide receiver, and quarterback. What he calls the "Sunday System," marrying the pro passing game with the college-style running game, is the perfect fit for Millersville after an offseason emphasizing the development and recruitment of playmakers.
"We put this roster together with playmakers in mind," said Morgan. "We want to get guys with the ball in open space."
OFFENSE
Getting the playmakers the ball is Zeltt, a 6-3 junior with a big arm and proven ability to push the ball downfield. He was called to action off the bench in week three, and his first few appearances were as expected—flashes of potential with a handful of ill-advised decisions. After throwing three interceptions against East Stroudsburg, Zeltt started to find his rhythm at Shippensburg in week six. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 327 yards and two touchdowns. He was solid against Shepherd, connecting on 17 of 27 passes for 184 yards and a TD, but the following week was a disaster. Kutztown recorded a pick-six on each of the first two drives, and Zeltt was pulled after three series. But he responded brilliantly. Over the final two games, Zeltt completed 52 of 89 passes (58.4%) for 621 yards and six touchdowns. Aside from the Kutztown game, Zeltt finished the final stretch of the season by completing 66.4% of his passes, averaging 283.0 yards per game with nine TD passes to four interceptions.
"He has shown that he can throw the ball, make the deep throw, really good with his intermediate throws," said Morgan. "He's fearless. He doesn't get rattled by pressure too much. He does a great job understanding his protections, so he knows when to throw the ball. He stands tall in the pocket."
Zeltt is more than his arm talent, however. The unflappable, understated demeanor exhibited in the final drive against Edinboro underscores his competitive streak. According to Morgan, that is the mentality the Marauders need from their starting quarterback.
"I was impressed with how Ryan responded in the last two games after a very sub-par performance against Kutztown," said Morgan. That's a strength of Ryan's. He doesn't get rattled. He has that even-keeled personality you want. Those last two weeks show you he is a competitor and takes a lot of pride in what he does. I really saw a lot from him in how he responded to that adversity. That's what you want from any young man in your program."
There is experience behind Zeltt with redshirt sophomore
Brett Nye, who has played in four games and thrown 78 passes. Nye returned to camp bigger and stronger and is more of a dual threat than Zeltt, having rushed for 91 yards in those four games. Redshirt freshman
Tommy Hunsicker is an outstanding athlete, and the staff, exploring how they could utilize his legs, even gave him reps at tailback in the spring game. The future is also bright with freshmen
Caileb Howse and
Eddie Corkery. Howse led Lampeter-Strasburg to the 4A state championship game and was voted the state player of the year. Corkery threw for over 5,000 yards and was a 6A all-state selection.
"Brett is as intelligent and smart as it gets," said Morgan. "He's what you want in that room. You are excited to have him as the No. 2 guy going into camp. Brett and Tommy do whatever is asked of them. They have a program-first mentality that is contagious throughout a locker room. We are getting back to that as a program, and I'm excited for that. The other guys are young, but they have athleticism and can create plays. We can use this preseason experience to get them the reps they need. They have skillsets that make you excited. Tommy, Caileb and Eddie all have that athleticism and creative ability."
Among Millersville's playmakers is wide receiver
Isaac Sines, who led the Marauders with 44 catches and four receiving touchdowns last season. Sines' emergence coincided with the development of Zeltt. After catching eight passes in the first five games, Sines caught 36 in the final six games. Sines is straight out of slot receiver central casting. A former high school quarterback, Sines is athletic, crafty, and understands coverages, but he can also stretch the field as shown with his 78-yard TD against Shippensburg.
"Isaac is a fearless guy who can make the tough catch and has a great feel for the passing game," said Morgan. "For someone who played quarterback in high school, he's adjusted to the receiver position with his athleticism that was on display last season."
Kam Taylor, physically imposing at 6-3 and more than 200 pounds, returns for his fourth season as a starter. His receiving numbers have not been gaudy, but he is key in the running game with his blocking, and Morgan sees 2025 as a breakout season for Taylor.
"Kam has taken the next step," said Morgan. "You could see it building last year with him getting comfortable and winning more matchups. He's got a big frame, and we can do a lot of things with him. Kam has really come into his own and is a valuable weapon for us."
Returners
Steven Graves III,
Colin Hastings and
Nakhi Bullock are expected to make an impact. Several newcomers, like
Thadd Shaw (Pittsburgh),
Jaelen Richardson (Widener) and
Jermaine Tillery (Post), should be factors as well.
"We have a lot of guys who have gained some reps," said Morgan. "
Thadd Shaw has good length, good speed, runs well.
Colin Hastings really emerged. He's been in our program and has emerged into a solid player. Graves has been a guy who brings speed to the position group. He can really run, and we will find ways to get him involved.
Jaelen Richardson had a good spring for us. We brought in some transfers over the summer.
Jermaine Tillery has experience and was productive at Post."
Millersville also has a pair of reliable tight ends in
Brady Russell and
Isaiah Armand. Russell was the only offensive skill player to start all 11 games in 2024 and seemed to find a connection with Zeltt. He caught three TD passes in the final two games and totaled a career-high 83 yards against Edinboro. Armand also caught a touchdown pass last season.
"We are really excited about the tight ends," said Morgan.
There are big shoes to fill in the running game as All-PSAC East running backs
Jaheim Morris and
Jaiden Abrams both graduated. But the room is well stocked.
Jose Lopez is a veteran jack-of-all-trades who averaged 4.5 yards per carry, added explosiveness in the passing game and returned kicks in 2024. Morgan liked what he saw from redshirt freshman
Mekhi Ashby in the spring. Transfers
Isaiah Emmanuel and
JQ Brown have proven production at the Division II level. Emmanuel totaled 1,398 yards in 20 games at Post, scoring 10 touchdowns last season. Brown was an All-Mountain East performer for Ferguson at Concord.
"
Mekhi Ashby took advantage of the reps in the spring," said Morgan. "He has a lot of talent and ability. You can see the confidence growing in him. He's doing things in the run game, and we can do some things in the pass game with him.
Jose Lopez showed some play-making abilities last year. He's chomping at the bit to get out there. He is dynamic and a very smart football player. Harry Adieyefeh is as solid as they come. If he can get healthy, he can factor in.
JQ Brown from Concord and
Isaiah Emmanuel from Post, both guys have had production at this level. It's tough to replace what
Jaheim Morris and
Jaiden Abrams did, but we feel like we have some guys that will make it a very competitive room."
The Marauders also return experience on the line with fifth-year seniors
Mason Sowers,
Vance Metzger, and
Josh Denis leading the way. Sowers is the returning starter at center, and Metzger is the returning starter at right tackle. Denis started 10 games at guard last season but will kick out to left tackle. Redshirt sophomore
Tre Spahr cracked the lineup six times as a backup in 2024, and he steps in as the team's starting right guard. The rest of the room is young and inexperienced. The left guard spot will be determined in camp. True freshman
J.J. Torres has gotten some run with the ones.
Cason Moore has the flexibility to play across the line and has experience playing in two Division II conferences.
DEFENSE
As Ferguson leads what they hope will be a more consistently explosive offense,
Ralph Clark looks to instill playmaking on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, Millersville ranked last in the PSAC in scoring defense and 14
th out of 15 teams in total defense. A primary issue was the unit's inability to affect the passer and create turnovers. The Marauders picked off just four passes (14
th in the PSAC) and finished with five fewer sacks than any other team in the conference. When Clark led the Millersville defense in 2014 and 2015, his defense picked off 21 passes. Millersville sported a 3-3-5 look under longtime DC Matt Sutjak, but Clark deploys a 3-4, planning to utilize his athletic players in different roles.
A successful 3-4 defense needs impact linebackers, and not coincidentally, that is the strength of Millersville's unit. Redshirt sophomore
Bryce Beutler led the team in tackles in 2024, earned the team's coveted No. 0 jersey with his performance in the offseason, and appears on the verge of becoming Millersville's next All-PSAC linebacker.
"Bryce is the guy that makes the defense go," said Morgan. "He is emerging as a playmaker."
Lining up next to Beutler inside is veteran
Ryan Aument, the son of Millersville alum John Aument, who was an All-PSAC East defensive end. Ryan has worked his way from special teams maven to starter. He recorded three sacks in 2023 and made 30 stops last season. Redshirt junior
Damonte Foreman, who transferred in from Lackawanna College, is also vying for a starting inside 'backer job, and Morgan is high on redshirt freshman
Gavin Pond.
"
Ryan Aument has played a lot of football as a linebacker and on special teams," said Morgan. "
Damonte Foreman is an athletic guy.
Gavin Pond is in that line of guys. He's the hard-working kid that you want in your program. We are excited about him."
At outside linebacker, captain and grad student
Christopher Pierce lines up on the boundary side with
Kahlen Watt opposite. Pierce was a four-year member of the team at Delaware before recording 12 tackles for the Marauders last season. He's a bright, vocal personality, using his experience to lead. Watt was limited to six games because of an injury in 2024, and he lined up at safety. His violent style makes him suited for linebacker, though, and his speed and range give Clark a versatile weapon.
Siddiq Small is also a redshirt sophomore who played in nine games last season, and
Julius Allen joined the team in the spring after serving as a captain and three-year starter at West Virginia Wesleyan.
"We are not going to lack experience," said Morgan. "They have started to take to Coach Clark's system, and we continue to see how we can use those guys to their strengths."
Keeping the linebackers clean is a young but high-energy bunch on the defensive line. Captain
Max Hostetter recorded 30 tackles as the end in the three-man front last season but is the only returning starter.
Zach Jones, a 250-pounder with 20 career games played at Post, will set up shop at the other end of the line. Sophomore
Paul Vidal, built like a cinder block but possessing quick feet, earned a spot in the lineup as a freshman and will anchor the line as the team's nose.
"Max has taken his game and leadership to the next level," said Morgan. "
Paul Vidal played a lot in his freshman season. He's as strong as they come and moves well. He's changed his body for the better.
Zach Jones was here in the spring, and he fits our scheme to the T. We are very excited about him."
Providing depth are a host of second-year players like
Darius Barlow and
Aiden Johnson as well as transfer
Bryan Maddox, who played under Ferguson at Concord.
Clark needs his secondary to provide more ball production. Romano has a knack for that. A fourth-year player, Romano started every game at safety and recorded three of Millersville's four interceptions last season.
"Romano is the experienced guy," said Morgan. "There were some flashes where he played some really solid football. He has a great overall knowledge of the game."
Mere Smith is a candidate at safety after being a member of the Long Island University program for three years. Tyler Malik-Ishmael is back with the team after a season away. Veterans
Damir Williams-Bey and
Troy Dubbert have experience with the Marauders as well.
Morgan sees the secondary positions being fluid as players can shift between corner and safety. The primary corners are Johntae Morris, a fourth-year player, and
Carson Trone, a redshirt sophomore, who made his way into the lineup and made four tackles against Edinboro last season.
Nigel Meekins is a redshirt freshman who will see time, and
Kai Stiansen, a transfer from Wilkes, is in the mix.
There is no shortage of options in the secondary as the team has 22 defensive backs currently on the roster. Morgan also believes that a first-year player may earn his way into the lineup.
"I am excited about the first-year guys," said Morgan. "They will have to go through that growth process, but we've had the ability to get production out of first-year guys."
SPECIAL TEAMS
Gerard Wilcher inherits a special teams unit that returns McDowell as its kicker and punter, and
Aaron Reese for his third season of long snapping. McDowell made 8 of 11 field goals and set a school record with a 52-yard in 2023, and after a rocky start to 2024, he converted eight of his final nine tries with a long of 45. He is one of only seven Millersville kickers to total 45 or more points in back-to-back seasons, and he looks to join Luke Hadfield (1986-89), Brad Heim (1991-93) and Andy Ryzewski (1998-2000) as the only Marauders to do it three times.
"Trent can compete at all three kicks," said Morgan. "He's shown that he can make the long field goals and provide accuracy in the mid-range. As the season went on, he was as solid a kicker as there was in the conference."
Freshman
Roger Staron may take some of the workload off of McDowell, but McDowell will likely handle it all as he did in 2024.
The Marauders are looking for a spark in the return game as well. Two seasons ago,
Hakim Melvin ranked among the best returners in the country, but he was so important to the offense that he had just three kick returns and four punt returns in 2024. Millersville ranked 13
th in the conference in kick returns, and improving field position through special teams is an emphasis for Morgan and his staff. Graves III led the team with 25 returns for a 19.6 average, and Lopez totaled 15 returns at a 19.1 clip.
"We feel like we have a lot of guys who can produce with the ball in their hands," said Morgan. "We have to be aggressive with our approach in the return game, help us set up field position and change the momentum of the ball game."
SCHEDULE
Millersville's season opens on Thursday, Sept. 4, at home against the always-competitive Frostburg State Bobcats. Frostburg State won last season's opener 23-6 and started 6-0 before fading with five consecutive losses. Millersville has a scouting advantage as Frostburg State opens on Aug. 30 against Shepherd and travels to Millersville on a short week.
In week two, Glenville State visits Millersville for the first time in two decades. The Marauders are 4-0 all-time against the Pioneers, but the teams haven't met since 2005. Glenville State is coming off a 7-4 season and finished with five consecutive wins in the Mountain East. Millersville's first road test is at IUP on Sept. 20. The Crimson Hawks received three first-place votes in the PSAC West Preseason Poll and ranked among the national leaders in defense last season.
Four of Millersville's first five games are at home, and the team closes with three home games in the final four for a rare seven total home games. It is only the second time that Millersville has played seven regular season home games, and the first since 1981—a team that won the PSAC East and finished 8-3.
