Homecoming is always a special weekend with alumni and friends of the program returning to the Hilltop.  The energy for this Homecoming weekend has been incredibly enhanced with the announcement of the transformational gift from the Cooper family.  We are excited to welcome the Lafayette Leopards as the first opponent to face the Hoyas on Cooper Field at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Lafayette is currently 1-4 and has played an extremely difficult non-conference schedule.  Their losses have come to William and Mary and Delaware from the always competitive CAA.  Their other two losses were to Princeton and Fordham.  Lafayette earned their first win against Wagner 35-24.  Over the first two games, Lafayette has been plagued with injuries to some of their key players.

Offensively, Lafayette is led by junior quarterback Drew Reed. Over his career, Reed has accumulated over 3,700 passing yards and has always played well against the Hoyas.  Lafayette has two big receivers in Rocco Palumbo and Matt Mrazek and a talented tight end in Dylan Wadsworth.  On the ground, DeSean Brown returned from an early season injury and played well in the Fordham game.

Defensively, Lafayette is led by two All-Patriot League players in corners Matt Smalley and Jared Roberts.  Their run defense is anchored by senior Brandon Bryant.  They will present us with a number of different schemes, including a high percentage of blitzes.

Last season, we lost 24-21 in a good, tough football game.  Over the last five years, with the exception of 2013, our games against Lafayette have been decided by four points or less.  I expect Saturday to be another tough, physical football game.  We have had a good week of practice and are looking forward to the challenge this Saturday. To view the game notes, please click here.

I want to personally thank Sue and Peter Cooper and the entire Cooper family for their generous gift.  The official release regarding their gift may be found here.  I have had the pleasure of knowing the Cooper family from the time Ryan (B’02) was a recruit in 1997.  Thank you for believing in the mission of Georgetown.

I often talk about “4 for 40.”  The establishment of the Cooper Athletics Leadership Program will ensure our student-athletes are provided with a world-class and unique opportunity to grow during their time on the Hilltop.  Our players’ four year experience will be significantly enhanced by the leadership program.  In addition to the leadership program, the establishment of Cooper Field will provide a first class home for our program to compete.

I hope to see you at the game this weekend!