Cozier, HC hit ground running
WORCESTER — Holy Cross running back Domenic Cozier places team objectives on a higher plane than his personal ambitions and he wants to be an All-American.
Cozier’s commitment to the Crusaders is based on his love for the institution, belief in the coaching staff and an uncompromising respect for his teammates. Securing a seventh Patriot League title and first since 2009 is the only criteria of the Cozier doctrine.
“Anything less than a Patriot League championship would be a disappointment for us because we believe we are the best team on our schedule and the best team in the league,” Cozier said yesterday, during Holy Cross media day at Fitton Field.
“Last year we tied for second but we won our last four (league) games and we are going to bring that momentum from last year. We have that hunger this year and we are expecting big things.”
Holy Cross coach Bob Chesney employs a single back spread offense and last season Cozier provided the run component that opened other avenues of attack.
Cozier is a 5-foot-9, 175pound scatback with the durability to run between the tackles and the speed to attack the edge, a combination that earned his All-Patriot League second team honors.
The senior from Milford the led the team with 643 yards on 130 carries to average 4.95 yards per carry with eight rushing touchdowns. He also caught 12 passes for 114 yards and touchdown and finished with 788 allpurpose yards.
“It was great to be allleague but this year I want to be more than All-Patriot League, I want to be an AllAmerican,” said Cozier. “That’s my goal, to be an AllAmerican and it’s something I can do because we have the best offensive line in the country.”
Cozier isn’t exaggerating about the quality along the Crusaders’ front. Holy Cross has five returning starters including two all-league performers, left tackle Brian Foley and left guard Brett Boddy. Senior Max Daurelle is the center with Jackson Dennis at right tackle and Jack Bowler at right guard.
Continuity on the offensive line has allowed Chesney to accelerate the team building process, consolidate future game plans and delve into the outer recesses of the playbook.
“There is very little that escapes them in what we are trying to do in play calling and they are also trying to inflict their will on the defensive line,” said Chesney.
“We have almost everything in in the first five days. Now let’s concentrate on our main 80 percent that we are trying to do and get great at it. Then get to that 20 percent outside stuff that we are still installing and getting to see it action.”
There is a five-way battle in training camp to replace Geoff Wade as the Crusaders starting quarterback. The contenders are Connor Degenhardt, Chris Butash, Emmett Clifford, Dean Nagle and Wake Forest transfer Matt Considine.
Cozier will be counted on to reate a rushing attack that will help the Crusaders passing game get off the ground. The toughest stretch of the schedule is the opening four games with three on the road.
Holy Crosss plays at two quality FBS opponents, Navy and Syracuse, hosts perennial FCS power New Hampshire and engages Ivy League contender Yale in New Haven, Conn.
“Our passing game has done great so far in camp and we know a great passing game starts with a great running game,” Cozier said.