Robert Morris football team ready for challenges, including West Virginia in opener

Robert Morris returned to the Northeast Conference to reestablish itself amongst rivals. The Colonials were in the conference from 1996 to 2019 and went 4-2 in the NEC last season for a 7-5 overall record after four seasons in the Big South.

“That’s where we belong,” coach Bernard Clark said. “To leave for the time we left for those four years, to come back, it was exciting for me, our players and our coaches. It’s always good to have those old rivalries back.”

There is incoming talent with 57 newcomers. Nevertheless, coach Clark and the Colonials welcome the challenge.

Clark is the right coach for the job. He won NEC coach of the year in RMU’s last season in the NEC in 2019 and helped win multiple national titles at Miami in the late 1980s.

Clark emphasized the importance of playing for each other.

“With 57 new guys, when we hit the field, we got to play fast, we got to be physical and we got to finish,” Clark said. “I want them to understand that in order for me to succeed, I also need my teammate to succeed.”

Quarterback Zach Tanner will start at quarterback. Tanner started two games last season and completed 31 out of 50 passes for 454 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

“Zach can make the throws,” Clark said “It’s just a matter of him learning the offense that Coach (Troy) Rothenbuhler has brought in. It’s more about decisions when it comes to a quarterback … He’s done a great job of making real good decisions. He’s done extremely well, he’s playing tough, and he’s doing a great job of leading our team right now.”

Said Tanner: “I’ve had a lot of time to prepare and get mentally right. Troy being in the office and meeting with him all the time, he’s done an awesome job making me feel confident and making sure I’m prepared.”

His leading receivers will be West Virginia transfer Tyler Evans, Bluefield State transfer Thomas Lee, Kai Holloway and returning tight end Chaz Middleton. Richard Ransom will also play tight end.

Tanner talked about his connection with Evans.

“I think our relationship will translate onto the field,” Tanner said. “He got here last spring, so we’ve had a bunch of time to work together. He’s finding the spots where I like to throw the ball. I’m finding time to get him the ball. It’s always exciting to see the work we put in and the good outcomes that come with it.”

As for the running back position, Tyvon Edmonds Jr. and D.J. Moyer graduated.

RMU will implement a running back by committee with junior Ethan Shine, freshman Xavier Goulbourne, UMass transfer junior DontaWhack, Eastern Michigan transfer sophomore Owen Mcgraw and junior Muwaffaq Parkman.

The Colonials’ only returning starter on the line is senior Mofe Adewole. Senior Yann Lekomo missed last season but started in 2023. Clark said both are leaders on the line.

He said seniors Aidan Stair and Malcolm Bennett have had great summer workouts.

“I think you can expect a lot of points,” Tanner said. “We’re going to make some plays. The ball is going to be pushed downfield. We have a great group of receivers and playmakers, including guys in the backfield. I just think it’s going to be a very exciting offense. Coach Troy has a great playbook. We tested a bunch of stuff. He figured out what we were best at.”

Defensively, Trey Woods leads the defensive line.

“Trey was on a partial scholarship, and put himself in position to get a full scholarship,” Clark said. “He was a linebacker. He was a running back when he got here. Now he’s moved to defensive end and didn’t budge. He’s a program guy. He believes in everything we’re doing. He’s busted his behind, and he’s doing a great job leading the guys.”

Linebackers Pat McDonell and Mitchell Robinson Jr. have emerged as leaders in the 4-2-5 defense.

Seniors Rob Dickerson and Tyler Henry, along with junior Tahseen Howard and sophomore Israel Petite, spearhead the secondary.

Senior Carter Odell and sophomores Xavier Styles and Carson James will rotate at safety.

Clark wants depth on the line. Sophomores David Johnson and Camden Wilborn inside along with freshman Asher Wilson spearhead a young inside linemen core.

Transfer lineman Okey Egbuziem (South Dakota) and linebackers Eldrick Robinson (Georgia Southern) and Jerry Riggins (San Diego) provide experience.

Clark said the team wants the right outcomes, but the players understand they have to be a part of the process to get the outcome. Playing West Virginia in Week 1is part of the process in becoming a team, and coach Clark said as long as they play hard, the opportunity to win will be there.

“No one expects us to win the game,” Clark said. “We’re just going to go out there and play our butts off. We’re going to do what we need to do and hopefully compete and give them a hell of a show.”