Matty V. has a story on the Holy Cross game. UMass WR James Lizzotte transferred from the Cross to the Minutemen.
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The UMass Football radio network is up for the 2011 season.
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Jeff Thomas has an article on the seven UMass Football Alumni in the NFL.
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The Boston Herald has five questions for Holy Cross.
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Former UMass HC Don Brown gets a mention in these two articles on UConn: here and here.
Speaking of the Huskies, they've delayed their opening game against Fordham.
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The Virginia Pilot previews Old Dominion's schedule including UMass.
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Craig Haley of TSN has a bunch of FCS news including a quote from Coach Morris here.
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Anyone taping the game on CBS Sports channel? I will be flying from the Big Island to Maui tomorrow afternoon and won't be able to listen to the game. I'd pay for the tape and postage when I get home. E-mail me before taping as there is no sense several people going to the trouble.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday--August 30, 2011
 |
| Hampshire Gazette image |
So does Matty. V.
UMass game notes. UMass two-deep.
Five freshman are on the two-deep. Addy Moas C, Marken Michel WR, Greg Hilliard LB, Iric Harris CB, Randall Jette S.
Specialists, which was a problem last year, have been revised. Brandon Levengood, who kicked off last year with kick field goals and EP. Brandon Yelovich will kickoff and Jeff Strait will handle the punting and holding for extra points.
Matty also has an interview with UMass AD John McCutcheon about upgrades to McGuirk that would allow UMass to have some football games there as well as upgrades to the UMass training facilities. UMass will likely eventually schedule a FCS team annually as do most FBS teams. That game and maybe a MAC team would be good candidates for McGuirk.
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John Connolly of the Boston herald has five questions for the 2011 Minutemen.
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Chris Koepplin was one of ten players cut by the Patriots yesterday.
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More Victor Cruz articles here and here and here.
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Monday, August 29, 2011
Recruiting 2012--John Jennings
 |
| Newton Patch/Peter Shanley image |
He is also an Division I prospect punter and intends to try to walk on to the football team.
Monday--August 29, 2011
Matty V. previews the 2011 UMass offense. Not much we didn't expect, but no QB information.
The Holy Cross game notes are up. It lists Brandon Hill as QB.
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Former UMass assistant coach Jim Bradly (under Mark Whipple) is now HC at NY powerhouse HS Monsignor Farrell.
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Former voice-of-the-Minutemen Bob Behler is the focus of this article.
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The NY Times says Victor Cruz is now longer a novelty.
This blog relates Tom Coughlin says Cruz is ahead of Domenik Hixon.
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The Holy Cross game notes are up. It lists Brandon Hill as QB.
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Former UMass assistant coach Jim Bradly (under Mark Whipple) is now HC at NY powerhouse HS Monsignor Farrell.
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Former voice-of-the-Minutemen Bob Behler is the focus of this article.
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The NY Times says Victor Cruz is now longer a novelty.
This blog relates Tom Coughlin says Cruz is ahead of Domenik Hixon.
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Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday--August 28, 2011
Mrs Blog and I hope everybody in New England came through the storm OK. Is it just me, or have the TV reports been even more hysterical than usual?
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The UMass Football Radio show debutes on Tuesday
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Jeff Thomas says UMass looks for gameday success in a transition year.
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The Worcester Telegram looks that the 2011 season and reports on central Mass pllayers Jonathan Hernandez, Rob Blanchflower, Emil Igwinagu and Brandon Potvin.
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CSN has a page with all the FCS TV games by week.
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Black Bear seniors are "All In" for the 2011 season.
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Mrs Blog and I went out to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater last evening. Pele' was sleeping quietly.There is a live volcano cam here.
The image is hand held in the dark, so sharpness is not very good. Click on the image for a better view.
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The UMass Football Radio show debutes on Tuesday
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Jeff Thomas says UMass looks for gameday success in a transition year.
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The Worcester Telegram looks that the 2011 season and reports on central Mass pllayers Jonathan Hernandez, Rob Blanchflower, Emil Igwinagu and Brandon Potvin.
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CSN has a page with all the FCS TV games by week.
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Black Bear seniors are "All In" for the 2011 season.
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Mrs Blog and I went out to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater last evening. Pele' was sleeping quietly.There is a live volcano cam here.
The image is hand held in the dark, so sharpness is not very good. Click on the image for a better view.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Saturday--August 27, 2011
Matty V. has a story about the new 3-4 defense.
He states the defensive starters for 2011 will be:
Defensive line- Kevin Byrne DT, Chas Thompson NT, Galen Clemons DT
Linebackers-Courtney Jackson OLB, Tyler Holmes ILB, Perry McIntyre ILB, Shane Viveiros OLB.
Cornerbacks-Mike Lee, Antoine Tharpe
Safeties- Christian Birt SS, Darren Thellen FS
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The UMass Football "Together We are One" outreach will continue on September 8th in the Merrimack Valey.
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Football Game Plan has a 13 minute video preview of the CAA.
The CAA will have live streaming video of the weekly CAA coaches conference this year.
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TSN previews the Northeast Conference and picks UMass' opponent CCSU to be NEC champs.
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Busman's holiday. While I was in Eugene, I managed to watch a little of the Ducks' practice. Click on the image for a larger view.
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He states the defensive starters for 2011 will be:
Defensive line- Kevin Byrne DT, Chas Thompson NT, Galen Clemons DT
Linebackers-Courtney Jackson OLB, Tyler Holmes ILB, Perry McIntyre ILB, Shane Viveiros OLB.
Cornerbacks-Mike Lee, Antoine Tharpe
Safeties- Christian Birt SS, Darren Thellen FS
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The UMass Football "Together We are One" outreach will continue on September 8th in the Merrimack Valey.
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Football Game Plan has a 13 minute video preview of the CAA.
The CAA will have live streaming video of the weekly CAA coaches conference this year.
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TSN previews the Northeast Conference and picks UMass' opponent CCSU to be NEC champs.
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Busman's holiday. While I was in Eugene, I managed to watch a little of the Ducks' practice. Click on the image for a larger view.
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Friday, August 26, 2011
UMass Media Day 2011
Last Wednesday the UMass football team held its 2011 Media Day.
Special thanks to UMass Assistant Media Relations Director John Sinnett and the UMass athletic dept for allowing me to attend.
It was a fine hot day and the players patiently answered questions from a variety of local media.
The UMass website has a album of the activities, but mine is better :)
Link here.
Click on image for a larger view.
Special thanks to UMass Assistant Media Relations Director John Sinnett and the UMass athletic dept for allowing me to attend.
It was a fine hot day and the players patiently answered questions from a variety of local media.
The UMass website has a album of the activities, but mine is better :)
Link here.
Click on image for a larger view.
Recruiting 2012---Jacob Guy II
I've blogged about UMass recruiting QB Jacob Guy before.
This article has a story and a video link of a question-and-answer session with him.
This article has a story and a video link of a question-and-answer session with him.
Friday--August 26, 2011
Jeff Thomas has an article on the troubles of Toledo and Richmond.
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Matty V. has some news including contracts with Vanderbilt and Boston College are still being finalized.
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Victor Cruz says you "Don't want to know" what caused his chewing out by Giants OC Kevin Gilbride.
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This article says Matt Lawrence is unfazed by the Ravens signing Ricky Williams.
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Matty V. has some news including contracts with Vanderbilt and Boston College are still being finalized.
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Victor Cruz says you "Don't want to know" what caused his chewing out by Giants OC Kevin Gilbride.
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This article says Matt Lawrence is unfazed by the Ravens signing Ricky Williams.
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Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday--August 25,2011
Good Morning from the Big Island, Hawaii. After a 20+ hour adventure at the hands of the airlines, Mrs. Blog and I are tired, but happy in our lodgings.
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Nice article by ESPN Boston about Central HS and Coach Valdamar Brower.
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The Worcester Telegram features Jonathan Hernandez in this article.
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There is a new version of the 2011 UMass football roster up.
Note that the FBS-level of players means there are some double numbers.
#6 Brandon Hill, Edward St-Vil
#7 D.J. Adeoba, Marken Michel
#11 Courtney Jackson, Michael Wegzyn
#12 Ian Shultis, Quashun Smith
#13 Gary Correia, Matthew Quinn
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Thanks to the reader who pointed out the Lions released Greg Niland.
Another story on Niland's release here.
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New Spider Head Coach Wayne Lineburg talks about changing the guard at Richmond.
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I hope to finally have the UMass Media Day image album up by tomorrow.
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Nice article by ESPN Boston about Central HS and Coach Valdamar Brower.
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The Worcester Telegram features Jonathan Hernandez in this article.
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There is a new version of the 2011 UMass football roster up.
Note that the FBS-level of players means there are some double numbers.
#6 Brandon Hill, Edward St-Vil
#7 D.J. Adeoba, Marken Michel
#11 Courtney Jackson, Michael Wegzyn
#12 Ian Shultis, Quashun Smith
#13 Gary Correia, Matthew Quinn
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Thanks to the reader who pointed out the Lions released Greg Niland.
Another story on Niland's release here.
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New Spider Head Coach Wayne Lineburg talks about changing the guard at Richmond.
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I hope to finally have the UMass Media Day image album up by tomorrow.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wednesday---August 24, 2011
Good Morning from Portland, OR. We are leaving for Kona, HI later this morning.
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Jeff Thomas says UMass has broken camp and takes the day off as the Minutemen prepare for Holy Cross.
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Matty V. has an article about Darren Thellen and Pitt transfer Chris Burns. He also mentions Matt Campbell and Dan Foesell are taking reps at fullback.
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This article features Michigan RB Michael Shaw, complete with an image of the UMass defense.
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Chris Koepplin gets a mention in this Nausha Telegraph article about the Pats.
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News from Holy Cross about the Crusaders opening game against UMass.
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A bombshell from Richmond as the Spiders HC Latrell Scott resigned after his second DWI. Stories here and here.
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The Oregon beaches are really crowded during the peak of tourist season. Image from August 20th.
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Jeff Thomas says UMass has broken camp and takes the day off as the Minutemen prepare for Holy Cross.
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Matty V. has an article about Darren Thellen and Pitt transfer Chris Burns. He also mentions Matt Campbell and Dan Foesell are taking reps at fullback.
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This article features Michigan RB Michael Shaw, complete with an image of the UMass defense.
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Chris Koepplin gets a mention in this Nausha Telegraph article about the Pats.
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News from Holy Cross about the Crusaders opening game against UMass.
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A bombshell from Richmond as the Spiders HC Latrell Scott resigned after his second DWI. Stories here and here.
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 |
| Click on image for larger view |
The Oregon beaches are really crowded during the peak of tourist season. Image from August 20th.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tuesday---August 23, 2011
Uh Oh! This doesn't sound good: UMass QB still undecided. Hope we're not repeating 2009.
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The Worcester Telegram features Chis Koepplin's time with the Patriots.
Koepplin also gets a mention in this article about Gostkowski.
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Matty Vautour solves the mystery as to UMass' receiving zero votes in the FCS Coach's Poll.
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Jeff Thomas has a story about UMass' special teams. Hopefully, the Minutemen special teams will be more consistent this year. I don't have my notes with me on vacation, but I think we had something like six kickoffs out-of-bounds last year. In 2009 with Armando Cuko, we had zero.
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Watched Victor Cruz play for the Giants last night. He had three catches for 40 yards and a special teams tackle. He also got chewed out for screwing up a route.
Another mention of Cruz in this article.
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Greg Niland is preparing to face the Patriots.
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The Worcester Telegram features Chis Koepplin's time with the Patriots.
Koepplin also gets a mention in this article about Gostkowski.
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Matty Vautour solves the mystery as to UMass' receiving zero votes in the FCS Coach's Poll.
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Jeff Thomas has a story about UMass' special teams. Hopefully, the Minutemen special teams will be more consistent this year. I don't have my notes with me on vacation, but I think we had something like six kickoffs out-of-bounds last year. In 2009 with Armando Cuko, we had zero.
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Watched Victor Cruz play for the Giants last night. He had three catches for 40 yards and a special teams tackle. He also got chewed out for screwing up a route.
Another mention of Cruz in this article.
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| Gavin Smith/Detriot Lions image |
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Monday, August 22, 2011
Recruiting 2012---Justin Motley
Motley.s Rivals page here.
This article quotes Motley saying UMass is one of his top three offers.
YouTube highlight video here.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNeoUWsreQk
Recruit 757 profile here.
Motley also has offers from Ball State and Western Michigan from FBS and from Delaware, Liberty and Norfolk State in FCS.
Monday--August 22, 2011
The Berkshire Eagle has a story about Gary Correia's move to football.
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Thanks to the commenter who alerted us that Alex Miller is now assistant coach for guards and centers with UNH (scroll down).
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The Boston Herald tells about Ihedigbo's switching sides in the Pats-Jets rivaly.
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The UMass website has a story and a link about UMass offensive captain Emil Igwenagu.
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Thanks to the commenter who alerted us that Alex Miller is now assistant coach for guards and centers with UNH (scroll down).
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The Boston Herald tells about Ihedigbo's switching sides in the Pats-Jets rivaly.
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The UMass website has a story and a link about UMass offensive captain Emil Igwenagu.
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Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday--August 21, 2011
More James Ihedigbo-joining-the-Patriots stuff:
Two from Herald Ihedigbo digs being home and Ihedigbo defines special.
He will be wearing #43 for the Pats.
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The UMass website has the latest blue shirts video. Two true freshman Jarvis Bently and Elgin Long, plus Julian Talley.
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Former UMass assistant coach, John Zamberlin has been hired by Weber State.
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Pitt transfer Chris Burns gets a mention in this article.
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The rise and fall of the University of Miami's Sugar Daddy.
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I'll be back tomorrow with some recruiting news. The UMass Media Day photo album will have to wait to my next stop. I can't upload the images from here.
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Two from Herald Ihedigbo digs being home and Ihedigbo defines special.
He will be wearing #43 for the Pats.
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The UMass website has the latest blue shirts video. Two true freshman Jarvis Bently and Elgin Long, plus Julian Talley.
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Former UMass assistant coach, John Zamberlin has been hired by Weber State.
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Pitt transfer Chris Burns gets a mention in this article.
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The rise and fall of the University of Miami's Sugar Daddy.
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I'll be back tomorrow with some recruiting news. The UMass Media Day photo album will have to wait to my next stop. I can't upload the images from here.
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Saturday, August 20, 2011
Saturday--August 20,2011
Jeff Thomas has a story about UMass football news including James Ihedigbo joining the Pats.
Thomas also has a story about the UMass defensive backs.
More on Ihedigbo's signing with the Patriots from NECN, Patriots.com and the Green Gang Blog.
Matty Van. also has a story on Ihedigbo.
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The UMass website has updates on the blue shirt winners over the last few days. Darren Thellin, Rob Blanchflower and Jullian Talley have won the practice award.
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The MAC blog or" Hustle Belt" says there's a moral in the University of Miami's mess for coaches looking to move up.
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Rex Ryan said the second sack given up by Vladimir Ducasse wasn't Vlad's fault.
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Thomas also has a story about the UMass defensive backs.
More on Ihedigbo's signing with the Patriots from NECN, Patriots.com and the Green Gang Blog.
Matty Van. also has a story on Ihedigbo.
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The UMass website has updates on the blue shirt winners over the last few days. Darren Thellin, Rob Blanchflower and Jullian Talley have won the practice award.
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The MAC blog or" Hustle Belt" says there's a moral in the University of Miami's mess for coaches looking to move up.
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Rex Ryan said the second sack given up by Vladimir Ducasse wasn't Vlad's fault.
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Friday--August 19, 2011
Good Morning from Eugene, OR.
MassLive has an article about the Hill-Pagel quarterback duel.
They also have a story about the Minutemen blending old and new talent.
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Matty V reports that Virginia Tech TE Jerome Lewis is officially a Minuteman. He's a good pickup for UMass.
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The DeKalb Daily News says MAC football is making progress.
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UMass has a new marketing partner Nelligan Sports Marketing. Their home page is here.
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Chris Koepplin is still with the Patriots and again did the kickoffs in the Pat's latest game.
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Channel 40 has a season preview.
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I hope to have a web album from UMass' Media Day available by tomorrow. Some decent shots I think.
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MassLive has an article about the Hill-Pagel quarterback duel.
They also have a story about the Minutemen blending old and new talent.
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Matty V reports that Virginia Tech TE Jerome Lewis is officially a Minuteman. He's a good pickup for UMass.
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The DeKalb Daily News says MAC football is making progress.
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UMass has a new marketing partner Nelligan Sports Marketing. Their home page is here.
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Chris Koepplin is still with the Patriots and again did the kickoffs in the Pat's latest game.
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Channel 40 has a season preview.
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I hope to have a web album from UMass' Media Day available by tomorrow. Some decent shots I think.
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday--August 18, 2011
Video and a picture gallery from UMass' Media day.
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Matty V looks at the changes in defense. In the article he says Mississippi transfer Ryan Campbell is no longer with the team.
There's a rumor that Virginia Tech's Jerome Lewis is interested in transferring to UMass.
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Jeff Thomas says Hernandez will run the rock.
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The Berkshire Eagle says there are plenty of changes this year in UMass football.
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WWLP22 relates Coach Morris says UMass football hopes to return to the valley.
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I attended the Media Day and hope to have some notes and an image gallery up in a day or so.
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Matty V looks at the changes in defense. In the article he says Mississippi transfer Ryan Campbell is no longer with the team.
There's a rumor that Virginia Tech's Jerome Lewis is interested in transferring to UMass.
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Jeff Thomas says Hernandez will run the rock.
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The Berkshire Eagle says there are plenty of changes this year in UMass football.
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WWLP22 relates Coach Morris says UMass football hopes to return to the valley.
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I attended the Media Day and hope to have some notes and an image gallery up in a day or so.
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Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday--August 17, 2011
Jeff Thomas has some Minutemen stuff including the news Brandon Collier has been cut by the Eagles.
Another mention of Collier being released here.
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The CAA Blogger has a story on the seven CAA teams ranked in TSN's preseason poll.
He also has a video feature on Old Dominion's Thomas DeMarco and Craig Wilkins.
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Speaking of TSN their "In the FCS Huddle" has a CAA preview and picks UMass 6th in the league.
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The Richmond Times-Dispatch has some CAA league notes from JMU, Richmond and Old Dominion.
Fosters.com looks at new UNH QB Kevin Decker.
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The fecal particulate hit the rotary oscillator at the University of Miami a short time ago.
Forbes.com calls for the death penalty for the "U".
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Another mention of Collier being released here.
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The CAA Blogger has a story on the seven CAA teams ranked in TSN's preseason poll.
He also has a video feature on Old Dominion's Thomas DeMarco and Craig Wilkins.
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Speaking of TSN their "In the FCS Huddle" has a CAA preview and picks UMass 6th in the league.
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The Richmond Times-Dispatch has some CAA league notes from JMU, Richmond and Old Dominion.
Fosters.com looks at new UNH QB Kevin Decker.
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The fecal particulate hit the rotary oscillator at the University of Miami a short time ago.
Forbes.com calls for the death penalty for the "U".
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Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday--August 16, 2011
LB Chad Hunte, DB Mike Lee and OL Stephane Milhim won the blue jerseys on Sunday. Coach Morris gives an update and talks about the OL and the DL.
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Matty V. has a story on UMass being picked #25 by TSN in a preseason poll.
The original TSN article here.
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Jeff Thomas has a story on the quarterback competition in training camp.
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Ron Chimelis says some Amherst locals are still pouting about Gillette.
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Thanks to the reader who sent me the link to a story that mentions 2011 recruit Brian Dowling.
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Vladimir Ducasse did not play well in last night's game against the Texans.
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Matty V. has a story on UMass being picked #25 by TSN in a preseason poll.
The original TSN article here.
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Jeff Thomas has a story on the quarterback competition in training camp.
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Ron Chimelis says some Amherst locals are still pouting about Gillette.
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Thanks to the reader who sent me the link to a story that mentions 2011 recruit Brian Dowling.
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Vladimir Ducasse did not play well in last night's game against the Texans.
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Monday, August 15, 2011
Big Blog Bulletin!
Hi Everyone;
Mrs Blog and I are leaving Thursday to visit relatives in Oregon. From there, we're moving on to Hawaii. The trip will last three weeks +.
I will miss the Holy Cross game. However, UMass has an early off week this year, so that helps.
As usual, I'll try to keep the blog going if I have Wi-Fi access. Some days, including this Thursday, the blog will not be updated. Also the time difference in Hawaii is five hours, so blog updates will probably happen in the afternoon Eastern time.
I'll probably add some images and links from the trip, but I'll try not to go off topic too much.
Remember the running joke one season on Cheers when Cliff Claven went to Florida and then drove everybody nuts talking about his trip?
Sam (to Carla, Norm and Coach): "Nobody say anything to Cliff or he'll start talking about his Florida trip again."
Cliff enters from the bathroom and turns to leave.
Cliff: "Bye'
Sam: "Later'
Cliff (stops in his tracks): "Well, it's not really later in Florida Sammy. It's a popular misconception. It's Eastern Standard Daylight Time down there too. Speaking of time, boy it really stops still when you're in the Everglades. They've got huge gators, you know gators are, what we who are familiar with Florida call alligators. Yeah, they got huge gators and giant crocs. You all know what a croc is?"
Sam, Carla, Norm: "Oh yeah!")
"Well, the first morning there was crystalline as I was stepping onto the hydrofoil. The captain, Bill Bob Dupries, I think his name was, asked me not to bring the beach umbrella, well, cause it got caught in the prop on the way out..."
(Opening theme song starts)
Mrs Blog and I are leaving Thursday to visit relatives in Oregon. From there, we're moving on to Hawaii. The trip will last three weeks +.
I will miss the Holy Cross game. However, UMass has an early off week this year, so that helps.
As usual, I'll try to keep the blog going if I have Wi-Fi access. Some days, including this Thursday, the blog will not be updated. Also the time difference in Hawaii is five hours, so blog updates will probably happen in the afternoon Eastern time.
I'll probably add some images and links from the trip, but I'll try not to go off topic too much.
Remember the running joke one season on Cheers when Cliff Claven went to Florida and then drove everybody nuts talking about his trip?
Sam (to Carla, Norm and Coach): "Nobody say anything to Cliff or he'll start talking about his Florida trip again."
Cliff enters from the bathroom and turns to leave.
Cliff: "Bye'
Sam: "Later'
Cliff (stops in his tracks): "Well, it's not really later in Florida Sammy. It's a popular misconception. It's Eastern Standard Daylight Time down there too. Speaking of time, boy it really stops still when you're in the Everglades. They've got huge gators, you know gators are, what we who are familiar with Florida call alligators. Yeah, they got huge gators and giant crocs. You all know what a croc is?"
Sam, Carla, Norm: "Oh yeah!")
"Well, the first morning there was crystalline as I was stepping onto the hydrofoil. The captain, Bill Bob Dupries, I think his name was, asked me not to bring the beach umbrella, well, cause it got caught in the prop on the way out..."
(Opening theme song starts)
Recruiting 2012---Abner Logan V
I've blogged about Abner Logan before.
This article seems to implay that UMass is not on his list of five teams he is considering.
Besides UMass, Logan has offers from BC, Florida International, Syracuse and Towson.
This article seems to implay that UMass is not on his list of five teams he is considering.
Besides UMass, Logan has offers from BC, Florida International, Syracuse and Towson.
Monday---August 15, 2011
UMass football announces Tyler Holmes and Emil Igwenagu will be Captains again in 2011.
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Keefer's College Football ratings for pre-season FCS are up. He rates UMass 9th in the CAA and #43 in FCS.
And forecasts a 3-8 season for the Minutemen.
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More praise for Victor Cruz's play on special teams from a guy who counts----Head Coach Tom Coughlin.
Victor's bio on NFL.com has some video of his plays (but not the special teams tackle that drew comment from Coughlin).
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The Charlotte Observer says a football shakeup in the ACC is unlikely, but just in case.
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An honorary Boston driver's license goes out to this New Hampshire woman.
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Keefer's College Football ratings for pre-season FCS are up. He rates UMass 9th in the CAA and #43 in FCS.
And forecasts a 3-8 season for the Minutemen.
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More praise for Victor Cruz's play on special teams from a guy who counts----Head Coach Tom Coughlin.
Victor's bio on NFL.com has some video of his plays (but not the special teams tackle that drew comment from Coughlin).
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The Charlotte Observer says a football shakeup in the ACC is unlikely, but just in case.
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An honorary Boston driver's license goes out to this New Hampshire woman.
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday--August 14, 2011
The Worcester Telegram has a story about the Pats Stephen Gostkowski and mentions Chris Koepplin.
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Victor Cruz had a nice play on special teams in the Giants loss to the Panthers.
NJ.com says Cruz is ready to shine with Steve Smith gone.
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The South Bend Tribune takes a look at MAC football.
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Someone set up one of those football simulations for FCS. I ran UMass' 2011 season and it predicted 5-6.
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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" has the third in its series about UMass' move to FBS, this time "UMass' Northeast Recruiting Potential"
Staying in the BC theme for a moment, "Eagle in Atlanta" hates the new version of Boston College's helmet.
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Victor Cruz had a nice play on special teams in the Giants loss to the Panthers.
NJ.com says Cruz is ready to shine with Steve Smith gone.
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The South Bend Tribune takes a look at MAC football.
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Someone set up one of those football simulations for FCS. I ran UMass' 2011 season and it predicted 5-6.
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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" has the third in its series about UMass' move to FBS, this time "UMass' Northeast Recruiting Potential"
Staying in the BC theme for a moment, "Eagle in Atlanta" hates the new version of Boston College's helmet.
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Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saturday--August 13, 2011
Matty V. has story featuring Jonathan Hernandez. In case his 2010 stats have been forgotten, he went 219-938 4.3 AVE, 9 TD's 32 LONG 85.3 yards/game. That was enough to place him second in CAA rushers.
He also has "sports swapping II" with Tyler Holmes' conclusions on which football players would also make good basketball players. It also mentions how Brandon Hill managed to break his feet.
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MassLive.com's Jeff Thomas comments on the NCAA's intention to move the APR from 925 to 930.
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The Sun Journal updates the Maine Black Bears training camp.
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A Patriots blogger mentions Chris Koepplin and UMass. BTW, the new NFL rule of going to replay on every score really stinks. Slows the game down even more.
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This year's OOC opponent CCSU has a new helmet and a new Brand
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Jeff Sagarin has his initial College Football ratings up. It looks like the starting numbers for the algorithm were last year's standings. UMass is 11th in FCS, if I counted right.
He has UMass ranked ahead of MAC teams Toledo (my pick for MAC champion), Bowling Green, Miami of Ohio, Kent State, Ball State, Buffalo and Akron.
Note that Buffalo, who went 2-10 in the MAC last year beat Rhode Island, a team we lost to, 31-0.
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Victor Cruz continues to get a significant amount of ink:
Giants GM high on Cruz.
Giants Blog: It's time for Cruz to shine.
Victor Cruz the favorite for the slot?
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John Griffin had a tough opener against the Lions.
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Off Topic: Tony Barbee finds hoops a tough sell in Alabama.
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He also has "sports swapping II" with Tyler Holmes' conclusions on which football players would also make good basketball players. It also mentions how Brandon Hill managed to break his feet.
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MassLive.com's Jeff Thomas comments on the NCAA's intention to move the APR from 925 to 930.
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The Sun Journal updates the Maine Black Bears training camp.
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A Patriots blogger mentions Chris Koepplin and UMass. BTW, the new NFL rule of going to replay on every score really stinks. Slows the game down even more.
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This year's OOC opponent CCSU has a new helmet and a new Brand
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Jeff Sagarin has his initial College Football ratings up. It looks like the starting numbers for the algorithm were last year's standings. UMass is 11th in FCS, if I counted right.
He has UMass ranked ahead of MAC teams Toledo (my pick for MAC champion), Bowling Green, Miami of Ohio, Kent State, Ball State, Buffalo and Akron.
Note that Buffalo, who went 2-10 in the MAC last year beat Rhode Island, a team we lost to, 31-0.
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Victor Cruz continues to get a significant amount of ink:
Giants GM high on Cruz.
Giants Blog: It's time for Cruz to shine.
Victor Cruz the favorite for the slot?
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John Griffin had a tough opener against the Lions.
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Off Topic: Tony Barbee finds hoops a tough sell in Alabama.
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Friday, August 12, 2011
Friday--August 12, 2011
As I mentioned yesterday the 2011 roster is up.
Deletions from the Spring roster
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Watched Chris Koepplin kick off for the Pats last night. He hit one out of bounds, but boomed the remainder of his kicks deep into the endzone.
ProJo.com mentions Koepplin in their writeup of the game. Gostkowski looked good on his field goals, so Koepplin has to hope his film impresses some other team, or the Pats sign him to their practice roster as insurance.
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Matty V. has an article on Emil Igwenagu's frustrating 2010 season. With UMass' receiving corps depleted this year, hopefully they will throw to Igwenagu and Rob Blanchflower early and often.
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Things went bad for 2012's OOC opponent Indiana Coach Kevin Wilson during a radio interview.
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USA Today has an article on Delaware's Andrew Pierce including an image of him running at the UMass defense.
Deletions from the Spring roster
- Derik Beck (2011 recruit)
- Cedric Gonnet RS JR
- Jesse Hunt RS FR
- John McGrath FR (2011 recruit)
- Bill Nesselt RS So
- Jacob Scott no information
- Frank Barile OL
- Jarvis Bentley WR (2011 recruit)
- Jordan Broadnax RB (2011 recruit)
- Chris Burns HB (transfer from Pitt)
- Ryan Campbell DB (transfer from Mississippi)
- Jamie Casselberry OL (2011 recruit)
- Chase Danska WR (JUCO)
- Kevin Donahue LB
- Brian Dowling RB (2011 recruit)
- Dan Foesel TE (2011 Recruit)
- Iric Harris DB (2011 recruit)
- Andre Hill WR (JUCO)
- Greg Hilliard LB (2011 recruit)
- Brandon Howard TE (2011 recruit)
- Randall Jette DB (2011 recruit)
- T.J. Keefer WR
- James Lizotte WR (transfer Holy Cross)
- Elgin Long WR
- Marken Michel WR (2011 recruit)
- Addy Moas OL (2011 recruit)
- Kyle Morgan DL (2011 recruit)
- Manoel Nascimento RB
- Andrew Ortiz PK (2011 recruit)
- Kellen Pagel QB (transfer Bowling Green)
- Benjamin Patrick RB
- Ryan Phillips LB
- Matthew Quinn QB
- Sebastian Russell LB
- Quayshun Smith DB (2011 recruit)
- Malcom Speller OL (transfer from Bowie State)
- John Wallace OL (2011 recruit)
- Cody Watts DB
- Carlito Weaver LB
- Mike Wegzyn QB (2011 recruit)
- Jamal Wilson RB (2011 recruit)
- Brandon Yelovich (transfer from Rice)
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Watched Chris Koepplin kick off for the Pats last night. He hit one out of bounds, but boomed the remainder of his kicks deep into the endzone.
ProJo.com mentions Koepplin in their writeup of the game. Gostkowski looked good on his field goals, so Koepplin has to hope his film impresses some other team, or the Pats sign him to their practice roster as insurance.
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Matty V. has an article on Emil Igwenagu's frustrating 2010 season. With UMass' receiving corps depleted this year, hopefully they will throw to Igwenagu and Rob Blanchflower early and often.
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Things went bad for 2012's OOC opponent Indiana Coach Kevin Wilson during a radio interview.
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USA Today has an article on Delaware's Andrew Pierce including an image of him running at the UMass defense.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday--August 11, 2011
A new version of the 2011 UMass football roster is up.
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Monday's "Blue Shirt" winners were RB Alan Williams, WR Jesse Julmiste, and DB Antoine Tharpe (second award for Tharpe).
Video recap from Coach Morris and interview with the players here.
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Matty V. has three stories on training camp:
He looks at position battles at WR mentioning Tom Gilson. Marken Michel, Elgin Long and Jarius Bentley. He also looks at RB's behind Jonathan Hernandez and mentions Alan Williams, Jamar Smith (good name) and Pitt transfer Chris Burns.
Matty has a story that features Gilson's journey from walk-on to possible starter.
Since Cary Correia has move from point guard to DB, Matty looks at where the rest of the basketball team would play.
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The BC blog "BC Interruption" has Part II of their series on UMass' upgrade: "Can UMass Recruit?".
Yes Boston College, we can.
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Chris Koepplin gets a mention in this story about the Pats training camp.
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A number of links concerning Victor Cruz:
Cruz (as well as a number of other WR's) are on Eli's mind.
The Wall Street Journal says the Giants need Cruz as a slot receiver.
Steve Smith (good name), signed with the Eagles, so that opens another place for Cruz.
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Brandon London is featured in this story from The Suburban.com.
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The CAA Blogger has a story on Maine QB Warren Smith (good name).
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Monday's "Blue Shirt" winners were RB Alan Williams, WR Jesse Julmiste, and DB Antoine Tharpe (second award for Tharpe).
Video recap from Coach Morris and interview with the players here.
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Matty V. has three stories on training camp:
He looks at position battles at WR mentioning Tom Gilson. Marken Michel, Elgin Long and Jarius Bentley. He also looks at RB's behind Jonathan Hernandez and mentions Alan Williams, Jamar Smith (good name) and Pitt transfer Chris Burns.
Matty has a story that features Gilson's journey from walk-on to possible starter.
Since Cary Correia has move from point guard to DB, Matty looks at where the rest of the basketball team would play.
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The BC blog "BC Interruption" has Part II of their series on UMass' upgrade: "Can UMass Recruit?".
Yes Boston College, we can.
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Chris Koepplin gets a mention in this story about the Pats training camp.
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A number of links concerning Victor Cruz:
Cruz (as well as a number of other WR's) are on Eli's mind.
The Wall Street Journal says the Giants need Cruz as a slot receiver.
Steve Smith (good name), signed with the Eagles, so that opens another place for Cruz.
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Brandon London is featured in this story from The Suburban.com.
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The CAA Blogger has a story on Maine QB Warren Smith (good name).
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday--August 10, 2011
More on the UMass-Vanderbilt series:
Article from Jeff Thomas.
Article from Matty V. He says a return trip to Michigan is also a possibility for 2012.
The Commodores may have a new stadium video board in time for next year's game with UMass.
As a commenter said in last night's post, former UMass coaches Bob Shoop and Sean Spencer coach for Vandy.
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Jeff Thomas also has an article on UMass' switch to the 3-4 defense. Courtney Jackson switches to OLB in the new defense. At 6-3 255, he has FBS size. All-America LB Tyler Holmes moves to the inside.
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Victor Cruz gets a couple of mentions in blog posts here and here.
The NY Daily News says Cruz is off to a fast start.
NorthJersey.com say he's ready for more.
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CAA News:
Pre-season #1 choice William & Mary opens camp.
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Article from Jeff Thomas.
Article from Matty V. He says a return trip to Michigan is also a possibility for 2012.
The Commodores may have a new stadium video board in time for next year's game with UMass.
As a commenter said in last night's post, former UMass coaches Bob Shoop and Sean Spencer coach for Vandy.
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Jeff Thomas also has an article on UMass' switch to the 3-4 defense. Courtney Jackson switches to OLB in the new defense. At 6-3 255, he has FBS size. All-America LB Tyler Holmes moves to the inside.
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| ESPN image |
The NY Daily News says Cruz is off to a fast start.
NorthJersey.com say he's ready for more.
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CAA News:
Pre-season #1 choice William & Mary opens camp.
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Tuesday, August 09, 2011
UMass and Vanderbilt sign four game contract
The Tennessean reports UMass and Vanderbilt have signed a four game series starting next year.
Two of the games will be played in Nashville starting in 2012 and two will be part of the Minutemen's home schedule at Gillette.
Commodores' football home page here.
Who's up for a trip to Music City next year?
Two of the games will be played in Nashville starting in 2012 and two will be part of the Minutemen's home schedule at Gillette.
Commodores' football home page here.
Who's up for a trip to Music City next year?
Tuesday--August 9, 2011
Video from Sunday training camp.
Coach Morris recaps.
Perry McIntyre interview.
Antoine Tharpe interview.
From Monday:
Jamar Smith and Edward Saint-Vil won the blue jerseys.
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Matty V has two articles: 2011 is a transition year for key positions at UMass.
Kellen Pagel and Brandon Hill are the front runners in the battle for starting QB.
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Boston College blog "BC Interruption" runs the first of a couple of essays on UMass' move to FBS.
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The Bleacher Report says you should add Victor Cruz to your fantasy football team.
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CAA News.
Depth will be the key for UNH.
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CSI Manchester
It was like a totally amazing coincidence.
Police said Sarah Lafungula, 20, of Manchester was driving along Mammoth Road shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday when she struck her ex-fiancé with her car.
Coach Morris recaps.
Perry McIntyre interview.
Antoine Tharpe interview.
From Monday:
Jamar Smith and Edward Saint-Vil won the blue jerseys.
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Matty V has two articles: 2011 is a transition year for key positions at UMass.
Kellen Pagel and Brandon Hill are the front runners in the battle for starting QB.
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Boston College blog "BC Interruption" runs the first of a couple of essays on UMass' move to FBS.
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The Bleacher Report says you should add Victor Cruz to your fantasy football team.
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CAA News.
Depth will be the key for UNH.
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CSI Manchester
It was like a totally amazing coincidence.
Police said Sarah Lafungula, 20, of Manchester was driving along Mammoth Road shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday when she struck her ex-fiancé with her car.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Recruiting 2012---Aaron Berardino
Berardino's Rivals page here.
YouTube highlight video here.
Berardino is mentioned in this article.
Besides UMass he's drawing interest from UConn and Boston College. He holds an offer from CCSU.
Monday--August 8, 2011
Video of Coach Morris on Day Three of training camp. Two defensive players won the blue jersey, LB Perry McIntyre and, I think, DB Antoine Tharpe although the video was chopped off.
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Boston College opens camp.
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This story mentions former UMass player E.J. Barthel.
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Three WR's for the Richmond Spiders left the team before training camp started.
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CSN has announced its FCS Pre-Season All-America team.
They also have updated the FCS Consolidated Pre-Season rankings page.
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A growing part of college football's revenue stream-------beer.
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Boston College opens camp.
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This story mentions former UMass player E.J. Barthel.
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Three WR's for the Richmond Spiders left the team before training camp started.
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CSN has announced its FCS Pre-Season All-America team.
They also have updated the FCS Consolidated Pre-Season rankings page.
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A growing part of college football's revenue stream-------beer.
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Sunday, August 07, 2011
Sunday--August 7, 2011
With training camp open, it's time to for the Blog to go to seven-days-a-week mode.
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Video from the UMass Training Camp Central.
DT Kevin Byrne won the Blue Shirt of the first day of camp.
WR Tom Gilson won the conditioning Blue Shirt.
HC Kevin Morris on the first day of camp.
Interview with QB Kellen Pagel.
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With UMass moving up and Rhode Island moving down, the Maine Black Bears look to the future.
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News from New Hampshire's training camp.
Richmond has a 6-5 220 pd DB transfer from Georgia Tech
Towson gets a UConn transfer, QB Leon Kinnard.
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So far, Brandon London has 19 catches for 249 yards for Montreal.
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First there were steroids, then HGH, now deer antler spray.
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Video from the UMass Training Camp Central.
DT Kevin Byrne won the Blue Shirt of the first day of camp.
WR Tom Gilson won the conditioning Blue Shirt.
HC Kevin Morris on the first day of camp.
Interview with QB Kellen Pagel.
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With UMass moving up and Rhode Island moving down, the Maine Black Bears look to the future.
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News from New Hampshire's training camp.
Richmond has a 6-5 220 pd DB transfer from Georgia Tech
Towson gets a UConn transfer, QB Leon Kinnard.
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So far, Brandon London has 19 catches for 249 yards for Montreal.
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First there were steroids, then HGH, now deer antler spray.
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Saturday, August 06, 2011
Saturday--August 6, 2011
Jeff Thomas has a story from UMass' first day of practice.
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The big news from the first day was Caleb Violette has a broken foot that will likely need surgery. He is out for the year.
Violette handled all the punting and field goals last year.
Replacing him could be Brendon Leavengood, who handled kickoffs last year.
RS Sophomore Jeff Strait is listed as a punter.
UMass added two kickers to the squad this year: FR Andrew Ortiz and Rice transfer Brandon Yelovich.
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Matty V. has story from training camp. He reports DT Charles Thompson is healthy and hopes to make an impact this year.
He also report that former UMass point guard Gary Correia has joined the football team as a DB.
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The UMass website has "Training Camp Central" with interviews and video.
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The BC blog "BC Interruption" talks about the ACC possibly adopting a nine game conference schedule and mentions possible additions to the Big East including UMass.
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The Norwich Bulletin has an article on UConn wanting to attract in-state talent and mentions UMass' 2012 date with the Huskies.
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| Caleb Violette/Dan Sheeran holding |
The big news from the first day was Caleb Violette has a broken foot that will likely need surgery. He is out for the year.
Violette handled all the punting and field goals last year.
Replacing him could be Brendon Leavengood, who handled kickoffs last year.
RS Sophomore Jeff Strait is listed as a punter.
UMass added two kickers to the squad this year: FR Andrew Ortiz and Rice transfer Brandon Yelovich.
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Matty V. has story from training camp. He reports DT Charles Thompson is healthy and hopes to make an impact this year.
He also report that former UMass point guard Gary Correia has joined the football team as a DB.
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The UMass website has "Training Camp Central" with interviews and video.
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The BC blog "BC Interruption" talks about the ACC possibly adopting a nine game conference schedule and mentions possible additions to the Big East including UMass.
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The Norwich Bulletin has an article on UConn wanting to attract in-state talent and mentions UMass' 2012 date with the Huskies.
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Friday, August 05, 2011
Friday--August 5, 2011
 |
| image by UMass Football Blog |
Jeff Thomas also has an article on Collier's signing.
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Matty V says he has a source that claims the Jets will not re-sign James Ihedigbo.
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Jimmy Reid considers William & Mary's Jimmye Laycock an offensive genius.
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TSN has a couple of stories: FCS is considering five years of eligibility and the FCS there is a distinct possibility or more expansion in the FCS playoffs.
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My copy of Phil Steele's FCS magazine arrived yesterday. Steele rates recruits by his "power strength", which is a compilation of 11 recruiting services plus his imput.
I know recruit rankings are dubious on the individual level. But they do work in a macro sense. I'll take the average BCS school's recruits and you take the average Patriot league recruiting class ------or a non-BCS FBS school for that matter. Then match them up four years later.
In Steele's rankings, you can really see the downgrade that Rhode Island is going through as they drop to forty scholarships in the NEC.
For example Steel ranks Villanova's 18 recruits and the Ram's 12. I've blogged before that when it comes to recruits more is better.
The average power strength of Villanova's recruits was 399 (lower is better) and Rhode Island's average was 1334. The four Rhode Island players signed by the Rams had an average ranking of 1611. It is unlikely that a CAA team would have recruited any of those four.
Four years from now, Villanova will be gunning for a national championship (should they stay in FCS). And the Rams, if they win the NEC that year will be a decided underdog in the first round, should they draw a CAA team.
UMass did pretty good in Phil's recruiting rankings and I'll have more on that in future blog posts.
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Saw an unusual sports occurrence last night while watching the Red Sox. Cleveland pitcher Justin Masterson struck out four Red Sox players in the same inning. One Red Sox player reached first base when the catcher let the strike out pitch get by him. Don't know if I've ever seen four strikeouts in one inning before.
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