Harvard expects that kind of production in the fall, as the program returns a loaded linebacker core and secondary.

“The big thing is that we have experience this year,” Hutton said. “We didn’t have it last year…. When you have guys that have played 10 games that are coming back, it’s huge for how well you’re going to play.”

Hutton leads the linebackers. Although teammate Eric Ryan graduates this May, the talented senior suited up for only five games in 2016 due to injuries. Junior Chase Guillory, sophomore Anthony Camargo, and freshman Jordan Hill all will take the field for the Crimson.

The secondary boasts even more experience. Last season, junior Tobe Ezekoli and sophomore Wesley Ogsbury earned their chops as one-on-one cover guys. Senior Raishaun McGhee, who is taking off the spring to preserve eligibility, rounds out the unit. And safeties Haehl, Zach Miller (junior), and Cole Thompson (sophomore have all flashed promise.

And then there’s Tanner Lee—the do-it-all junior who emerged as a safety and plug-and-go linebacker last year. He led the program with four interceptions.

In the Spring Game, the all-Ivy honorable mention held kicks. Give him a few more months, and Lee may be taking extra points as well.

“[Secondary players] always get heat for not being able to catch,” Hutton said. “I guess they actually can catch and hold down a kick.”

AND HE’S BACK

Arguably the most important offseason headline involved someone who didn’t play on Saturday—quarterback Joe Viviano.

In 2016, the senior started nine games and threw for 15 scores. He averaged 224 yards through the air and nearly 40 on the ground.

In the last three contest, however, Viviano tossed four picks and took 14 sacks. The worst came at Penn, when he threw three first-half interceptions.

Thanks to an Ivy League ruling, Viviano will have a chance to avenge that turmoil. The quarterback missed all junior year because of a broken foot. Now he will return as a fifth-year senior in 2017.

On Saturday, Viviano didn’t take the field. The sophomore Stewart headed the first team instead. In 2016, he started one game—a 27-17 loss to Holy Cross—and racked up a touchdown, an interception, and three fumbles.

Issues of ball security resurfaced this weekend, as the sophomore bobbled the ball on the first snap. He recovered but fumbled again three plays later, this time resulting in a turnover.

To make matters worse, Stewart faced an aggressive defense. Frequently pushed out of the pocket, the quarterback had to scramble and take sacks.