Holy Cross heads into 2025 with a polished, veteran-friendly offense built around a standout backfield, a versatile receiving corps, and a new quarterback taking over in Swanson, who won the starting job out of camp and is poised to debut this weekend.
The backbone of the Crusaders’ attack is junior Jayden Clerveaux, who stepped in as the starter after All-American Jordan Fuller was sidelined in Week 3 last season. Clerveaux responded with 942 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, earning All-Patriot League first-team honors and All-New England recognition. He is the league’s returning rushing touchdowns leader and averaged 106 yards per game in Patriot League play, including three 100+ yard performances and four multi-touchdown outings in 2024. His ability to produce both in long drives and in short-yardage situations makes Holy Cross a persistent ground threat.
Behind Clerveaux, the backfield brings depth and experience. Senior Sam Slade appeared in all 12 games last season, totaling 333 yards on 79 carries. Senior Nyeoti Punni joined the program as a sophomore from the Crusader track and field squad and is expected to contribute significantly again this season. The backfield also features a strong group of youngsters, including rising sophomores Naz Treadwell and RJ Newton and freshmen Joseph Williams and Luke Foster, giving Holy Cross a wide array of options at running back.
Receiving corps leader Max Mosey returns after a breakout 2024, when he earned All-Patriot League first-team honors with 37 catches for 715 yards and six touchdowns. Mosey, who initially joined Holy Cross as a quarterback, adds valuable versatility to the offense, having also rushed for two scores and thrown for another last season. His 19.3 yards per catch ranked among the nation’s best.
Sophomore Alijah Cason made a strong impression as a rookie, contributing as both a receiver and kick returner and earning Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors in the opener at Colgate. Senior Blake Youngblood, with 23 career games under his belt, provides further experience in the receiving room. Junior Charly Mullaly, who scored a touchdown in the season-opening win at Rhode Island and posted 139 yards in four games last year before missing time, is another aerial option. Freshman Ty Curran, the head coach’s son and a transfer from Ball State this spring, will contribute as a receiver and return specialist. Other emerging talents include rising sophomores SirCharles Gordon and RJ Newton and freshman Lincoln Fisher.
On the quarterback depth chart, transfer Cal Swanson has won the starting job after a standout prep career and will make his first collegiate appearance this Saturday. Swanson arrived from Illinois and was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks out of Oklahoma in high school, bringing a poised, pro-style presence to the offense.
The tight end room figures to be a major factor as well, led by senior Nathan Schillinger and sophomore Mason McSweeney, both of whom played in all 12 games last season. Junior Luke Petitta is another key contributor who figures to see significant time.
Up front, Holy Cross returns a sturdy line with senior captain Cam Nolan at right guard, senior captain Joe Metzger at right tackle, and junior Bradford Blattner at left tackle, all with starting experience. The line was exceptional last season, allowing just 13 sacks (1.08 per game), a Patriot League best and 11th-best nationally, and nine sacks against FCS foes. This unit helped anchor an offense that averaged 27.6 points per game. Junior transfer Jayden Joyce (Davidson) and sophomore Liam Lynch will rotate at guard, while junior Sean Woods is the team’s starting center. Other linemen to watch include junior Bennett Nunnally, senior Noah Eldridge, and sophomores Brady Earle and Ashton Booker, along with freshman Dominic Sorrentino.
Overall, Holy Cross enters 2025 with a well-rounded, battle-tested offense. Clerveaux’s return, Mosey’s versatility, and Swanson’s upgrade at quarterback, supported by a deep backfield, a dynamic receiving corps, and a sturdy offensive line, give the Crusaders a balanced attack capable of sustaining drives and scoring in multiple ways.
What to watch this season
– How Swanson adapts to the collegiate level and how quickly the offense builds rhythm with a new quarterback.
– The development of the young backs around Clerveaux and whether depth translates into more explosive plays.
– Mosey’s continued impact as a versatile playmaker and how defenses adjust to his dual-threat usage.
– The line’s continued protection and run-blocking efficiency, given their low sacks allowed last season and overall ppg.
Summary: Holy Cross looks poised for a productive 2025 with Clerveaux leading a deep backfield, a versatile receiving corps led by Mosey, a transition-ready QB in Swanson, and an experienced, low-sack offensive line that has historically kept the offense moving. The mix of veteran leadership and young talent could yield a balanced and efficient attack capable of sustaining success through the season.