The sting of missing the OUA playoffs still looms large with Carleton head coach Corey Grant and his football program. That margin of missing the postseason last year was just eight points, combined across losses to Ottawa, McMaster, and Windsor.
Coach Grant spoke about what the number means to his team and how it's helped mold their offseason preparation. “We’ve talked about eight as that number — eight points we lost by to get into the playoffs,” Grant said. “That’s been our focus this offseason — what’s the price of eight points?” The slim defeats serve as a real tone setter for the Ravens heading into the 2025 season.
The talent returning for the Ravens should have the fan base optimistic heading into this upcoming season. The strong nucleus of leaders from last season will be back to lead this group and will be at the forefront of establishing consistency on the field.
“We’ve got guys who have been here," said Grant. "They’ve played in big moments, and they understand what we’re trying to build. They’re going to be the ones to carry that message forward.”
Coach Grant speaks about this group of leaders who return to set the tone on game days, in practice, in meetings, and at every workout. “It’s one thing for a coach to say something — it’s another when a guy who’s been through it shows the younger guys how it’s done. That’s when you know you’re building something real."
Coach Grant preaches that football is not all about the plays you make or the stats you achieve, but rather the example you set for those looking up to you.
Heading into training camp, familiarity on the offensive side of the ball is one of the Ravens' greatest strengths, with experience at all the playmaker positions —quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers who will provide Carleton with chemistry and familiarity offensively.
Carleton has a pair of quarterbacks returning, both with playing experience in the OUA. Grant emphasizes a competitive battle for the starting job under centre. “We’re evaluating all of them… and we’re going to play the best guy,” Grant said, referring to third-year Elijah Barnes and fourth-year Tristan Lefebvre, who is returning from injury to a loaded quarterback room.
Despite a late offseason loss of receiver Kaseem Ferdinand to the Montreal Alouettes, receivers Tristan Ready (704 yards in 2024) and Frederik Hachey (423 yards in 2024) highlight personnel returning for another season who should allow the offence to get off to a fast start.
“Offensively, we’ve got guys who can make plays. But more importantly, they know how we want to play," says Grant. "That timing, that trust — it’s already there.” Having another year in the playbook, the Ravens' offensive unit should be more cohesive and dynamic without having a full restart in week one. Entering his fourth season at the helm of the program, Grant is retooling and refining an already skilled and experienced group.
When asked about the defensive unit, Coach Grant preaches the importance of experience and having players who have played in high-pressure situations. “There’s no substitute for guys who’ve been in the fire. They know what it takes, and they know how to hold each other accountable.”
There is optimism that the maturity of the defence will allow them to take a step forward from their play last season. Incoming defensive coordinator Ronald Hilaire joins the program, who spent eight years as head coach at McGill.
For Coach Grant, the vision is for more than just a successful season. Sustained excellence will come from a program that strives for excellence, and this starts with culture and preaching the right message. Coach Grant wants grit and accountability to be expected and not just buzzwords.
“You can’t just show up and say you have an identity," says Grant. "It has to be seen in how you practice, how you communicate, how you respond to adversity.” Carleton did not perform up to their standards in 2024, a year they describe as growth. As training camp kicks off, they will look ahead to what they hope to be a more successful 2025 campaign.