Worcester State Football Roster Your Guide to the Team Behind the Fight

Under the passionate leadership of head coach Jon Hackett, the Worcester State football team is more than just a collection of players on a roster—it’s a cohesive, determined unit forged through grit, experience, and unwavering identity. As the Pac-12 Conference’s mid-majors advance through the 2024 season, understanding the roster reveals not just talent, but the strategic architecture driving a program rebuilt around resilience and offensive innovation. This deep dive into the Worcester State football roster uncovers key lineups, standout contributors, and the blend of returning stars and new faces fueling the team’s push for success.

As of the latest roster updates, the Worcester State Eagles field a squad of 60 varsity athletes across varsity, junior varsity, and rising recruits, with 53 active players competing this season. Central to the offense is quarterback Ty Montopez, whose precision passing and clutch decision-making distinguish him as the team’s offensive engine. Playing in his third season at Worcester, Montopez has thrown for 3,842 yards and 29 touchdowns, with 8 interceptions—a balance that reflects his maturity and leadership.

The Backfield: Drivers, Receivers, and Runners

At the heart of the rushing attack stands senior running back Marcus Wyatt, whose 6.8 yards per carry this season rank among the nation’s most efficient backfields.

Wyatt’s dual-threat ability—evidenced by 32 carries and two rushing touchdowns—has created matchup advantages, especially against smaller defensive schemes.

Tight End: Isaiah Carter, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound stretch-union, delivers 42 receptions for 620 yards and 4 BDs, serving as a primary target behind Montopez and a reliable target in red-zone situations.
Receivers: Da’Mon Johnson (60 receptions, 882 yards, 6 TDs), known for his route discipline and physicality at 6’1, and 5-year veteran defensive back Marcus Bell (48 catches, 610 yards, 3 INDs) provide depth in the receiving unit.
Wyatt’s tandem with sophomore running back Jordan Reed offers versatility—Reed accumulates 1,120 rushing yards through both short-yardage and deep-yardage efforts, making him a flexible option when Wyatt is contained.

The defense, under defensive coordinator Chris Elkins, balances aggressive coverage with unyielding pressure. Linebackers Jonathan Cruz and Kaylen Foster lead a unit that ranks among the league’s top 10 in total defenses, while safety Tyler Reed combines speed (4.35 40-yard dash) with film/rational awareness to break passes in deep.

Special Teams: Precision and Precision Under Pressure

Special teams play a critical role in maximizing road success, where Worcester State’s unit consistently ranks in the top 20 nationally for kick return average and punt unit stability. punter Jake Dore brings 28.6 average punts per season, while kicker Ellis Griffing maintains 91% accuracy on field goal attempts—a reliability essential in tight conference matches.

Strength and Depth Beyond the Stats

The roster extends well beyond the named starters, with 28 specialists contributing across return games, blitz packages, and playmaking opportunities.

Especially notable is junior defensive lineman Tyler Moore, whose 330-pound frame and split-second technique provide a stopper in run defense, and redshirt freshman defensive assistant Lavon Hall, an ethical placeholder emerging in key situations.

From Rookies to Returning Stones: The Roster’s Character

Worcester State’s identity thrives not just on Xs and Os, but on player cohesion. Senior linebacker Novice Bernard, a two-year starter, now mentors freshmen like Tyree Fields, blending laborship with if-then mentorship. Returning agenda players such as running back Khyre Mitchell—whose 5.1-yard average this season underscores experience—anchor continuity as the team grows.

Each name on the roster, whether a scholarship starter or a brain trust of underclassmen, reflects a philosophy: resilience over talent, adaptability over rigidity, and trust over star power. With Head Coach Jon Hackett guiding a group that values