WORCESTER — Holy Cross quarterback Matt Sluka has the luxury of multiple options to work with in the 2023 season.
That’s a welcome relief for the can-do field general who is no longer required to do it all for the Crusaders’ offense. The 6-3, 216-pound senior from Locust Valley, N.Y., has the pieces in place to replicate the high-volume offense from 2022.
Holy Cross went undefeated in the regular season (11-0) for the third time in program history and reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. Holy Cross is the preseason pick to repeat as Patriot League champions and ranked No. 6 in the FCS Coaches Poll.
“This year it is more about finding playmakers and getting them the ball and our offense is stacked,” said Sluka, during the Crusaders’ media day on Thursday morning at Fitton Field.
“Being able to get anyone the ball in space and allow them to make plays is going to be the key to our offense. It is almost like there are not enough plays to get everyone the ball and it has been great so far.”
Sluka brought the statistical definition of a dual threat quarterback to a different place in 13 starts last season. The Crusaders’ offensive numbers were off the charts on a team that compiled 5,842 yards of total offense, 449.4 per game and 37.38 points per game.
Sluka led all FCS quarterbacks in rushing last season with 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns. From the pocket, Sluka completed 153-of-266 passes for 2489 yards and 26 touchdowns with four interceptions.
In the modern college game, quarterbacks are now measured and rated in terms in total yards. That is why Sluka is the Patriot League’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and a favorite to win the Walter Payton Award. But for Sluka to realize those individual accolades will require a team effort.
“When I was younger it was more about me making plays and personally, I always wanted to go out there and do the best I could,” said Sluka. “Before it was all about getting the first down, getting the touchdowns, and constantly just progressing the offense.
“I think now we just have so many playmakers I don’t have to try and do everything myself and that makes it lot easier. So now it is just about elevating and working on my craft and that makes my job a whole lot easier.”
Sluka’s go-to guy on the flank is senior split end Jalen Coker, a returning All-Patriot League first team receiver. Coker led the team with 912 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns and reached the end zone at least once in eight games.
Junior wide receiver Justin Shorter was third on the team with 32 catches for 431 yards and four touchdowns. Senior tight end Sean Morris, a two-time All-Patriot League selection, is Sluka’s big target over the middle.
The backfield will be manned by tailback Jordan Fuller, a second team All-Patriot League performer with a nose for the end zone. The 6-0, 231-pound ball carrier from North Hampton, N.H., rushed for 536 yards and a team-high 13 touchdowns. Fuller is a capable receiver on checkdowns and provides Sluka with a credible threat in play action.
The Crusaders’ offense has been entrusted to first-year offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy, whose point of emphasis in training camp has been allowing Sluka make good use of the surrounding firepower.
“There are a lot (options) and I won’t mention all the names because there are too many and there are some young guys on the field stepping up,” said Holy Cross head coach Bob Chesney.
“Coach Kennedy has really helped develop him and get him to a point where he is really confident and where he understands how to get the ball out quickly and on time. If the first read is not there, he can progress all the way through or tuck the ball in and we all become spectators.”
Sluka’s abundance of playmakers at the skill positions is only half the equation. Holy Cross has the best offensive line in the Patriot League and possibly all of FCS. The Crusaders have three returning All-Patriot League First Team offensive linemen, seniors Luke Newman, Eric Schon and C.J. Hanson.
Holy Cross was ranked in the top 10 in FCS in scoring offense and rushing offense and Sluka knows it was the beefcakes inside the trenches that made it happen.
“For them to come in and really just understand the foundation of our offense and the different checks that we need to get to is so important,” said Sluka. “Having experienced guys back we can move that much faster.
“It makes the installs that much easier and allows the offense to flow a little better and get better looks. Not having to work on the foundation as much helps us to be more focused on improving our craft and not have to learn it.”