FB | Position Battles Headline Ravens Season Preview

After falling short of a playoff spot in 2024, the Carleton Ravens football team will open training camp this weekend with all eyes set on returning to the postseason. Eight points, spread through many narrow losses, separated the Ravens from extra football in 2024. Now we look ahead with eight storylines for the 2025 season. 

New Coordinators, New Looks

After changing up the offensive and defensive coordinators in the off-season, the Ravens will have two new playbooks to install. With new formations, new looks and new plays, the question will be who can pick up the new install the fastest and who may flourish in new roles.

Battle at Quarterback

There's no question what will be the most watched battle at camp. The Carleton Ravens return not one but two 2,000-yard passing quarterbacks as Tristan Lefebvre (Calgary, Alta.) returns from injury and Elijah Barnes (Ancaster, Ont.) looks to extend his time under centre.

Lefebvre passed for 258.1 yards per game and 17 passing touchdowns in 2023 before an injury ended his 2024 season in the opening game. Barnes stepped in quickly, finding a rhythm passing for 275.1 yards per game and 14 touchdowns. 

Depth at Running Back

It was a breakout year for running backs at Carleton, but the run game still left something to build on. The OUA's seventh-ranked rush attack will be an open battle as Matthew Morin, Ethan Rocha, Joey Marcotte and Keyshawn Reid all return. All four backs had over ten carries, and each broke 100 yards. Despite only playing in three games after a pre-season foot injury, Joey Marcotte was second among the backs with 35.0 yards per game. Matthew Morin was the lead back out of camp and averaged 61.6 yards per game and 431 on the campaign.

Future of the O-Line

It's a new generation on the Ravens' offensive line. With the losses of Pat Lavoie, Dylan McCoy and Angus O'Mara, there are gaps to fill and opportunities to be had. Jordan Mussa and Jett Hudson are among the young Ravens looking to step into holes left by the seniors.

Star Wideouts

Fred Hachey and Tristan Ready headline a receiving room that was dealt a late off-season blow when Kaseem Ferdinand resigned with Montreal. Ben Huckabone and Derek Yeboaheach had 15+ catches and will be among the long list of wide receivers who look to step into Kaseem's spot in the slot. 

Rebuilding the Defensive Line

After causing Canadian quarterbacks nightmares, the graduations of Ife Onyeka and Michael Lightbody open spots on Carleton's defensive line. Isaiah Joseph and Brody Burke will headline the returning core alongside Nathan Clarke. The trio combined for 12.5 tackles for loss and 47.5 total tackles in 2024. Despite their return, gaps will remain in the Ravens' line and filling those spots will be key to the defence. 

Power in the Middle

If there's one area that might excite Ravens fans the most, it's the linebacker position, where Chris Toupin and Xavier Malone return alongside Anthony Lukan. After spending the 2024 season recovering from back surgery, Lukan is excited to join the pair who led the Ravens in tackles with a combined 94, including 54 solos. 

Securing the Secondary

The Ravens' secondary took big strides in 2024. What was in many ways a changing of the guard season, Schneider Cave, Jake Henderson, and Tristan Hawksby helped usher in a new era of high-flying Ravens backs. The question for Carleton is whether or not these young backs can run it back and lead the OUA once again in interceptions. 

The Ravens open their 2025 season when they host the Toronto Varsity Blues on August 23, 2025. Season, flex pack and single-game tickets are on sale now!

The Ravens' home opener is also part of the team's new Future Flock series, featuring discounted youth tickets.