The air is warmer, the days are longer, and the sharp blow of a whistle slices across the field. Spring has arrived in Philadelphia, and with it, Penn football’s approach toward a new campaign.
This past Friday, the quiet of the offseason was interrupted by the rhythm of cleats and the shouts of drills. This practice kicked off the process of exploring new plays, improving the team’s dynamic, and introducing the next generation of Quaker football players.
After coming together for their initial warmup routine, the Red and Blue’s practice began with the offensive and defensive groups divided into specialized drills. Offensive players worked on maneuvering past blockades, while defensive players pushed to maximize their coverage skills. To the side, special teams honed their craft. Kickers worked through various punting drills while long snappers took turns perfecting their placement. All of this is in ready preparation for the Red and Blue to make their comeback this fall.
“We have lost way too many close games in the fourth quarter,” said coach Ray Priore. “We got to be a better team finishing. Going to start fast, finish fast.”
And fast is what the team displayed.
The intensity amped up once the team started running through quick-paced gameplay scenarios. On the offensive side, junior quarterback Liam O’Brien and sophomore second-string quarterback Cadin Olsen showed off their skills by making surprise rushes past the line of defense.
Not to be outdone, the defenders answered with a few unexpected interceptions of their own. Over the course of these speedy sequences, the team’s connection became visibly stronger as they communicated adjustments and anticipated tactics.
For O’Brien, his notable performance during this practice was evidence of his return to his full capability. After a sophomore year partially spent recovering from surgery, he stepped back onto Franklin Field as a starter midway through the 2024 season, following Aidan Sayin’s season-ending injury against Yale.
“Forward-looking … it boils down to the confidence in ourselves and each other and the coaching staff,” said O’Brien. “And it’s coming together.”
Another player to watch out for during this upcoming season is junior wide receiver Jared Richardson. Building off the foundation from this past fall, Richardson looks forward to contributing to the team’s offense with the ultimate goal of winning the Ivy League championship and advancing to the FCS playoffs. With the development he’s seen with Penn’s offense, he has high hopes for the team and his own performance.
“Going into the summer and the fall, we have the pieces to be a very competitive team,” Richardson said. “I play with a lot of emotions on my sleeve, so for me personally, just staying level-headed.”
Throughout the practice, dozens of prospective players toured the field and its facilities. Among the visitors were high school juniors who were taking a closer look at the program and others were committed seniors who will be gearing up to wear the Red and Blue this fall.
“A lot of kids live local and whatnot, [they] came in to see,” said Priore. “So it’s really great to build it.”
These potential future Quakers even got the chance to speak with current players to learn about the team’s culture and goals.
As new players join the team next season, the team will also welcome structural changes. Junior linebacker John Lista is projected to fill the cleats of being the Quakers’ new captain. At the same time, Coach Rick Ulrich will take on training running backs after years of working with wide receivers. Tyree Foreman also joins the staff as tight ends coach.
Though this practice accomplished clear objectives, the players balanced the hard work with enthusiasm. Music thrummed across the field, families and friends cheered from the stands, and teammates celebrated well-executed plays. While the team has overcome challenges, they haven’t forgotten about enjoying the moments that will motivate them through the journey ahead.
“That’s what we did today,” said junior defensive lineman Carter Janki. “Just have fun, have each other.”
It’s only April, but Penn football is already laying the groundwork for a successful season. The Quakers are back, and they will be readier than ever when Franklin Field’s lights turn on this September.
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