William & Mary Looks Stronger Than Ever (8-21-24)

By: Joe Dillard Jr.

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
 
 
Entering his sixth season (one of them short to covid-19) Mike London has done a great job leading the Tribe to three consecutive winning seasons and has continued to set the example of what William & Mary football will look like. In his 6th season, London has a 29-21 record which in the past three seasons came 23 of those wins. The motto, Faith Family and Football has been a pillar in his stint and has resonated with the community as well. It seems as if this is starting to become a thing of consistency with the Tribe looking to gain attention as they had a great playoff run 2 years ago and look to be back in the thick of things.

The defense has been in the top 10 nationally for total defense and has been recognized as one of the best if not the best in the conference. Also, Bebe’s kids’ theme of “we don’t die, we multiply, seems to fit the narrative with this stout defense as CAA defensive player of the year John Pius and standout Nate Lynn now with the Detroit Lions who both were on every team scouting report leaves a lot of stats and usage to be filled. Jalen Jones, who was CAA defensive rookie of the year is entering his third season holding down the corner and is listed as a shutdown corner. He may be challenged more this year and if you ask any defensive back if that’s what they want then you know that’s exactly what they want.

The consistency that Mike London has brought to this program has had a great three-year stretch while he is looking for more. When I had the opportunity to speak with him, London mentioned “that the defense has several players that received snaps and thinks that will be key for the defense.” Another area of success has come from the transfer portal where the Tribe snatch up a punter and place kicker to bolster special teams and that has always been key to the field position game that the Tribe usually dominates with. The third phase of the game, which is offense might be the best he has had as far as talent. As the Tribe started the year off 4-0, the season became extremely hard once tailback Bronson Yoder went down for the year. Yoder, who was in his last season before the injury was awarded another opportunity to come back and play and he needed some time but came around to running it back one more season.

The offense has several starters returning and is led by two All-Americans in Bronson Yoder and offensive lineman Charles Grant out of Churchland High. Grant is a highly rated prospect, who looks to lead the Tribe to the ground-and-pound attack but has the whole receiver crew returning and Quarterback Darrius Wilson has been consistent and looks to build on the chemistry with the receiver crew. London’s quote of “Unfinished Business” has been the focus this upcoming year and with the consistency and talent both in Williamsburg now as the Tribe looks to have a fourth straight winning season, conference Chase A Championship, and a deep playoff run. They open up with a home opener against VMI on Thursday