New Corps Steps Up in Time of Hurt

What would’ve been the wide receivers of the future have now become the wide receivers of the present.

With the onset of sophomore Marco Iannuzzi’s season-ending collarbone injury suffered in Harvard’s Ivy opener against Brown, four relatively inexperienced receivers—sophomore Levi Richards, freshman Adam Chrissis, junior Mike Clarke, and senior Alex Breaux—will be called onto the field for even more live action.

“They haven’t really been in the game as much, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ready to play,” said fifth-year senior and All-Ivy quarterback Chris Pizzotti. “To have the depth that we have is a great asset. I think the guys are really going to surprise some people.”

While the injuries of Iannuzzi (out for the season), sophomore Chris Lorditch (two to five weeks), and junior receiver Mike Cook (out for the season), the Crmison wide-out corps will not only be depleted in numbers but also in on-the-field leadership.

And though junior stud receiver Matt Luft will continue to be the top target for Pizzotti, the four receivers must play crucial secondary roles as Harvard continues Ivy League play and looks to defend its conference title.

LEVI RICHARDS

Among the four wide receivers, Richards has been the only one to touch the pigskin in an actual game so far this season. While he may have some game-time experience, his production has been limited, hauling in two catches for a mere 34 yards. At six-foot-two and 195 pounds, Richards is a perfect blend of size and speed. With his physical attributes, he brings an intangible innate talent many other wide receivers lack.

“Levi [Richards] adds a speed element to our offense,” Pizzotti said, also crediting the sophomore’s ability to go after the deep ball, catch the ball in traffic and come down with it, and make plays after the catch.

As his high school’s single-season and career leader in touchdowns, receptions, and all-purpose yards, Richards is certainly no stranger to success and stardom on the gridiron. This coming Saturday, he will finally get his chance to show what he can do.

ADAM CHRISSIS

While many incoming football players will spend their rookie season learning the playbook and working out in the weight room, freshman wide-out Adam Chrissis will instead be gearing up as a starter for the Crimson.

The Pittsburgh, Penn. native and graduate of Upper St. Clair, Chrissis (6’0’’, 195) was a two-way starter for a 16-0 championship team and was also selected to play in the prestigious Pennsylvania East-West All Star Game. So far, Chrissis has impressed many upperclassmen with his dedication and sheer talent.

“[Chrissis] was here this summer, worked hard, and can definitely play,” Pizzotti said. Chrissis will surely gain precious game experience this season, and may eventually mature into one of the most dangerous receivers in the Ivy League a couple of years down the road.

MIKE CLARKE

Although Mike Clarke may be a junior, he too will be looking to make his mark on the Crimson football team.

A special talent coming out of high school, Clarke was rated as one of the top 100 receivers in the country by Scout.com and had four offers from major Division 1 schools—Nevada, Kansas State, California, and Colorado. Instead, he settled on Harvard after pulling out of his commitment from Colorado with the departure of its previous coach.

As a true freshman, Clarke played in eight games as a kickoff and punt return specialist. During his sophomore year, Clarke completely disappeared from the football scene, serving a one-year undisclosed suspension. This year, however, Clarke’s services will be called upon, and Clarke remains intent on providing them.

“Like Levi, Mike just has so much pure speed and athleticism. I’m definitely excited to see what he can do,” Pizzotti said.

Now that he’s back, Clarke will look to lift some pressure off of junior Matt Luft.

“Luft will always be a top target for the defense, so my goal is to take that double team off of him,” Clarke said.

And while Clarke will serve as a supporting role on the offense, he will try to create some plays for himself as well.

“I feel like my greatest asset is being able to make plays in open space after catching a deep ball,” Clarke said. “I’ve been working so hard trying to digest the playbook, watching film, and understanding the mental aspects of the game.”

ALEX BREAUX

A senior that hasn’t seen much playing time his entire career, Alex Breaux will try to end his career at Harvard with a bang.

“Breaux’s one of those guys who, you know what he can do. He’s extremely dependable, extremely bright, very instinctive,” said head coach Tim Murphy.

Three years ago, the Crimson faced a similar situation in which its leaders in the receiving corps suffered from devastating injuries. Breaux, who filled in and played extremely well, will look to do the same this time around. With an always can-do attitude, he has gained the respect of his coaches.

“More than anything else, he’s just an awesome kid. He’s just a special guy in his own way,” Murphy said.

Though Iannuzzi, Lorditch and Cook’s presences on the field will be greatly missed, the quartet of Richards, Chrissis, Clarke, and Breaux will strive to minimize the loss and keep the passing game lethal for Pizzotti and his offense.

“Once they get more experience on the field, they’ll be as dangerous as any of the wide receivers we have,” Pizzotti said.

So look out, Ivy League teams. The next crop of Harvard’s receiving corps has now arrived.