“We need to be confident to be successful. Rey and Jaron have really proven themselves as tough competitors,” Mason said. “We also have Norman Hayes. He is only a freshman, but he already has made an impact at the corner spot behind the starters. Also, seniors like Hugh Archibald and Devin Saxon are always ready to step in.”

“I think this year we truly have the depth that will outweigh any inexperience,” he added.

Although Zych will certainly be missed, the PBP has embraced the challenge and rebuilt the secondary as a unit—play by play. Between the return of injured players, the offseason effort, and the depth provided by a slew of talented players, the Harvard defensive backs have reason for optimism.

“When you look at our secondary in terms of athleticism, I think it would be impossible to find a better group of guys in the Ivy League,” Minamide said. “We are there mentally as well, with nearly all of us capable of playing the different positions in the secondary.”

“Our level of camaraderie is mind-blowing,” he added. “The ‘PBP’ is both a playing style and a lifestyle, and we live by it daily. We have the guys, and we have the intangibles to be successful already. All we need is an opponent.”

—Staff writer Kendra F. Rosario can be reached at kendra_rosario@college.harvard.edu.