2024 Snapshot: Hamilton

Hamilton is blessed to have a ton of returning experience. The Big Blue return 18 of 22 starters from a year ago. Those returnees got a taste of success and would like a whole lot more this fall. Not only are the Big Blue experienced but they have a ton of talented players ready to make their marks on the program even bigger.

2023 RECORD: 8-4, 7-2 GMC
COACH: Arvie Crouch (11-12 at Hamilton, two years; 106-59 overall, 15 years)

HONOR ROLL
Trey Verdon, Sr, DL – A terror to deal with on the defensive side of the ball, Verdon has made life miserable for opposing offenses over his career. Verdon lives in the backfield always in the middle of shutting things down on defense. The defenseman was named OPSWA Division I 2nd Team All-Ohio District a year ago and has 147 total tackles and 15.5 sacks in his career. He is committed to Iowa State.

R.J. Shepherd, Sr, WR – A speedster with great hands on the perimeter, Shepherd has shown his big play ability over his career at Hamilton. Known to get behind opposing secondaries, the senior can take the top off of the defense with ease. A 1st team All-GMC selection a season ago, Shepherd is equally as dangerous as a returner. In his career he has 52 rec for 622 yards and 8 TDs. As a returner he has 732 yards and two more touchdowns. Shepherd has offers from Marshall and Butler.

Carter Isaacs, Sr, DB – A solid all-around defender makes Isaacs a key cog in Hamilton’s plans on the defensive side of the ball. Isaacs was named 1st team All-GMC last season as a junior and should be in contention for defensive player of the year this season. Being able to cover and come down into the box and finish plays has Isaacs at the top of scouting reports. The Gardner-Webb commit has 138 tackles and an interception in his career.

Gracen Goldsmith, Sr, LB- A 1st team All-GMC performer, Goldsmith with help anchor the Big Blue defense by manning the middle. Also could punish defenses in the redzone as a big back coming downhill.

C.J. Bryant, Jr, LB- A great tackler, Bryant can stop a play in a heartbeat and the Big Blue will lean on his energy to make a big play when they really need it. 2nd team All-GMC in 2023

Mason Holbrook, Jr, DL- Voted 2nd team All-GMC in 2023, Holbrook will clog the middle and put on a great rush to get the quarterback down in the backfield. He is strong and has great feet in his game. 54 tackles last season as a sophomore.

Cairon Navey, Sr, WR – Could be due for a breakout season with much attention devoted to Shephard. Will be looked upon to win one on one matchups and make plays in the middle of the field. 2nd team All-GMC in 2023.

Antonio Mathis Jr., Sr, QB- 2nd team All-GMC as a junior, Mathis will be asked to lead a talented bunch on offense and be a steady figure in the backfield. With many weapons at his disposal, Mathis will look to have a breakout season of his own.

Conner Stephens, Jr, K- In the GMC, games could quite possibly come down to the kicking game and Stephens will be depended on to be a weapon especially in close grinding battles.

NEWCOMERS
Seniors WR/DB Noah King, OL Xavier Burnett,  juniors OL Robbie Flack, LB Jayden Lewis, WR/DB Jordan Bryant and sophomore WR/DB Elijah Jones are all looking to make an impact and crack the starting lineup. King, a shutdown corner and transfer from Fairfield had six touchdowns on 21 career catches last season. He has committed to Kansas State of the Big 12.