Speed is the name of the game for Cornell as its quick and experienced squad will attempt to improve on its 2006 season, in which the team finished tied for fourth in the Ancient Eight. Now in the fourth season under head coach Jim Knowles '87 and with many returning starters, Cornell is poised for a run at the Ivy title.
Cornell returns 10 starters to its quick defensive unit. The Red is solid up the middle, led by senior linebackers Ryan Blessing and Doug Lempa. Blessing was named honorable mention All-Ivy after leading the team with 70 tackles last year. The defensive backfield is also one of the squad's strongest units. Four secondary starters return, including honorable mention All-Ivy junior Tim Bax, a hard-hitting safety who recorded 57 tackles last year.
On offense, Cornell will look to a talented backfield to lead it to victory in 2007. Senior Luke Siwula, a two-time All-Ivy selection, eclipsed 2,000 yards for his career during the Red's opening game against Bucknell and currently stands sixth on Cornell's all-time rushing list.
At quarterback, the team will turn to junior Nathan Ford, a two-sport star in his second year as starter. Ford passed for 1,417 yards last year and recorded 14 total rushing and passing touchdowns in 2006. He will pass the ball to returning starters Zac Canty and Jesse Baker. Canty is coming off a solid year in which he caught 41 balls and scored three touchdowns. Baker, a tall and speedy receiver, notched 22 catches and two touchdowns in 2006.
