247Sports reports UMass has offered to Zee Robinson, a 6-0 175 pound WR from East Stroudsburg,PA
247Sports bio page here.
Quote from the 247 article:" - With only interest from Yale and UMass to date, East Stroudsburg (Pa.) South wide receiver Zee Roberson was one of the day’s top sleepers. He tested well, most notably with a 40-inch vertical but he was dominant in one-on-ones and could see his stock rise significantly."
Robinson also has an offer from Yale.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tuesday--April 30, 2013
Jeff Thomas of MassLive has a story about Stephane Milhim and Nick Speller signing free agent contracts.
He also mentions Darren Thellen has been invited to the Giants mini-camp.
A fan post on the Giants blog "Big Blue View" likes Michael Cox.
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MAC Report Online has musings about the MAC and the NFL Draft.
The Bowling Green Falcons OOC for 2013 includes Tulsa, Indiana and Murray State.
And the Miami Redhawks look at life after Zac Dysert. The Denver Broncos drafted Dysert in the seventh round.
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ESPN and ABC Sports announce their college football prime-time schedule for 2013.
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Boston College coach Steve Addazio goes on a media tour.
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He also mentions Darren Thellen has been invited to the Giants mini-camp.
A fan post on the Giants blog "Big Blue View" likes Michael Cox.
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MAC Report Online has musings about the MAC and the NFL Draft.
The Bowling Green Falcons OOC for 2013 includes Tulsa, Indiana and Murray State.
And the Miami Redhawks look at life after Zac Dysert. The Denver Broncos drafted Dysert in the seventh round.
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ESPN and ABC Sports announce their college football prime-time schedule for 2013.
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Boston College coach Steve Addazio goes on a media tour.
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Monday, April 29, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Darius Slade
 |
| Slade family image |
NJ.com article here.
Hudl.com has junior highlight video.
Montclair Patch has an article on his recruiting.
MaxPreps has Slade's stats.
Holds offers from UMass and Rutgers.
Monday--April 29, 2013
NJ.com has a story about the Giants draft picks including Michael Cox.
ESPN New York has a post on the Giants drafting Cox.
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The MAC website has an article on the seven MAC players chosen in the NFL draft.
The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" has a post on the MAC players drafted.
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The Jacksonville site has a post on the Jags free agents including Stephane Milhim.
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The Orlando Sentinel continues their run of 2013 team reviews with #121 Akron (ahead of UMass BTW).
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ESPN New York has a post on the Giants drafting Cox.
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The MAC website has an article on the seven MAC players chosen in the NFL draft.
The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" has a post on the MAC players drafted.
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The Jacksonville site has a post on the Jags free agents including Stephane Milhim.
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The Orlando Sentinel continues their run of 2013 team reviews with #121 Akron (ahead of UMass BTW).
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Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sumday-- April 28, 2013
 |
| Melamie Maxwell/ Ann Arbor News image |
Matty V. says Cox was about to sign a free agent contract with the Bears when the phone rang and it was Tom Coughlin on the line.
The UMass Daily Collegian has an article here.
The UMass Athletic site has a post about Cox here.
"Giants late round picks ready to compete" from the Giants website.
Congrats to Michael! He's a big tough RB with not many miles on him.
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Matty V. also reports Nick Speller signed a free agent contract with Tampa Bay and Stephane Milhim signed with Jacksonville. No transaction links that I could find for Nick and Stephane so far.
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A report from Kansas State's Spring game.
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Saturday, April 27, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Lubern Figaro
 |
| Image credit unknown |
ESPN Boston has a number of posts on Figaro.
247Sports page here.
This article features Figaro.
A Michigan State blog talks about the Spartan's recent offer.
Besides UMass, Figaro holds offers from BC, UConn and Michigan State.
Recruiting 2014--- Adonis Jennings II
I've blogged about Adonis Jennings, a 6-3 190 pound WR from Timber Creek HS in New Jersey before.
NJ.com has an update on Jennings' recruiting.
Jennings holds ten offers including his latest from Arizona.
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NJ.com has an update on Jennings' recruiting.
Jennings holds ten offers including his latest from Arizona.
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Saturday--April 27, 2013
The UMass All-Access site has the last (I think) video update on Spring Football.
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UMass breaks ground for the new football and basketball facilities (paywall).
Two posts on the new facilities from MassLive here and here.
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The Boston Herald has a story about Kellen Pagel switching to baseball.
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CBS Sports has a story about Wisconsin's James White, who will be the featured back against UMass.
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GoLocalProv.com writer John Rooke says former UMass cheerleader Jenny Dell has won the hearts and minds of Red Sox fans.
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The Saratogian looks at Spring football for the University of Albany including former UMass kicker Ian Maltz.
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Three UConn players were taken in the third round of the NFL Draft.
The NY Times has an article on Central Michigan's Eric Fischer being the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
The Big Ten had its lowest first-round pick since 1936.
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OT, but the Boston College blog "BC Interruption" has a comment about UMass and BC meeting at TD Garden with two other Boston Teams.
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UMass breaks ground for the new football and basketball facilities (paywall).
Two posts on the new facilities from MassLive here and here.
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The Boston Herald has a story about Kellen Pagel switching to baseball.
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CBS Sports has a story about Wisconsin's James White, who will be the featured back against UMass.
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GoLocalProv.com writer John Rooke says former UMass cheerleader Jenny Dell has won the hearts and minds of Red Sox fans.
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The Saratogian looks at Spring football for the University of Albany including former UMass kicker Ian Maltz.
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Three UConn players were taken in the third round of the NFL Draft.
The NY Times has an article on Central Michigan's Eric Fischer being the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
The Big Ten had its lowest first-round pick since 1936.
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OT, but the Boston College blog "BC Interruption" has a comment about UMass and BC meeting at TD Garden with two other Boston Teams.
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Friday, April 26, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- T.J, Harrell
 |
| Deep South Recruiting image |
Harrell's ESPN page here.
ESPN also has a highlight video here.
This article features Harrell.
Besides UMass, Harrell has offers from 23 other FBS schools from all parts of the nation.
Friday--April 26, 2013
Yesterday was a page in MAC history as Central Michigan's Eric Fisher was the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL draft.
The Toledo Blade says the MAC rises to the top.
Fisher and the CMU running game were the difference in the Chippewas' 42-21 win over UMass at Gillette. Central Michigan had 262 rushing yards and and averaged 6.5 yards/carry. The Minutemen had 64 net yards rushing
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SmithTownPatch.com has a story about former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin making the Buffalo Bills roster.
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A Bleacher Report writer has winners and losers from college football's Spring games and has UMass as a winner.
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The Boston Herald has a feature on New England players in the NFL Draft and has quotes by Coach Molnar on Stephane Milhim, Michael Cox and Darren Thellen.
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The Tampa Bay Times has an article about the athletic family of Trey Dudley-Giles.
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A Lowell wrestling coach says if all Massachusetts kids stayed in state, UMass would be in the Big Ten.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has how conference realignment affected the MAC.
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The Toledo Blade says the MAC rises to the top.
Fisher and the CMU running game were the difference in the Chippewas' 42-21 win over UMass at Gillette. Central Michigan had 262 rushing yards and and averaged 6.5 yards/carry. The Minutemen had 64 net yards rushing
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SmithTownPatch.com has a story about former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin making the Buffalo Bills roster.
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A Bleacher Report writer has winners and losers from college football's Spring games and has UMass as a winner.
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The Boston Herald has a feature on New England players in the NFL Draft and has quotes by Coach Molnar on Stephane Milhim, Michael Cox and Darren Thellen.
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The Tampa Bay Times has an article about the athletic family of Trey Dudley-Giles.
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A Lowell wrestling coach says if all Massachusetts kids stayed in state, UMass would be in the Big Ten.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has how conference realignment affected the MAC.
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Thursday, April 25, 2013
Recruiting 2014--- Ja'Maal Eveillard
 |
| Image credit unknown |
ESPN page here.
This player profile features Eveillard.
Florida Football.com has a highlight video.
Eveillard also holds an offer from Georgia State.
Thursday--April 25, 2013
The Orlando Sentinel is doing a series on all 125 FBS teams for 2013. They have UMass at #123. It's a pretty good look at where the Minutemen are right now. Our second FBS recruiting class won't arrive until August.
The UMass defense was mostly competitive in the MAC last year. This year's recruits should add more dept and more speed. We're still small up front; but UMass should be better than last year on the defensive side of the ball.
The offense is still a worry. UMass was last in rushing and last in total offense in the MAC. We have some good running backs on the roster and Lorenzo Woodley coming in. ESPN three-star WR DJ Woods could make an impact in the WR corps. The offensive line is the big question mark. Last year Michael Cox spent the last four games of the season running into a wall of opposing jerseys.
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The Sun-Chronicle looks at possible late-round NFL draft picks from New England players and mentions Darren Thellen and Perry McIntyre.
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ESPN Playbook interviews James Ihedigbo.
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The latest rumor is the Giants have upped their offer to Victor Cruz to $8 Million.
Giants co-owner John Mara thinks the Giants and Cruz will get it done.
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With the MAC's help, NIU made a solid profit on the Orange Bowl.
The Bleacher Report says NIU has the best returning depth in the MAC.
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Video highlights from the Wisconsin Spring game.
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The UMass defense was mostly competitive in the MAC last year. This year's recruits should add more dept and more speed. We're still small up front; but UMass should be better than last year on the defensive side of the ball.
The offense is still a worry. UMass was last in rushing and last in total offense in the MAC. We have some good running backs on the roster and Lorenzo Woodley coming in. ESPN three-star WR DJ Woods could make an impact in the WR corps. The offensive line is the big question mark. Last year Michael Cox spent the last four games of the season running into a wall of opposing jerseys.
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The Sun-Chronicle looks at possible late-round NFL draft picks from New England players and mentions Darren Thellen and Perry McIntyre.
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ESPN Playbook interviews James Ihedigbo.
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The latest rumor is the Giants have upped their offer to Victor Cruz to $8 Million.
Giants co-owner John Mara thinks the Giants and Cruz will get it done.
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With the MAC's help, NIU made a solid profit on the Orange Bowl.
The Bleacher Report says NIU has the best returning depth in the MAC.
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Video highlights from the Wisconsin Spring game.
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- Jamal Custis
 |
| Custis family image |
He's also the younger brother of UMass Recruit Sharif Custis.
NJ.com article here.
Rivals page here.
This article features Custis.
Besides UMass, Custis has an offer from Rutgers and SMU has offered for football and baseball.
Matty V. says UMass and Temple have agreed to a home-and-away series in 2015 and 2017. That's good news for the program. Starting in 2015 the Minutemen will have open slots in their schedule. Hopefully, those positions will be filled with some northeast teams such as UConn, Syracuse and Army. A FCS teams such as New Hampshire would be good too.
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The Sun-Chronicle looks at possible New England players in the coming NFL draft and mentions several UMass players.
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The Cleveland Plain Dealer looks at the five Ohio schools in the MAC and notes that the five have provided 270 NFL draft picks since 1965.
Fox Sports Ohio says the MAC will make NFL Draft history Thursday.
NIU announces stadium upgrades.
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USA Today wonders if the era of conference realignment is over.
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The college football playoff will be named ----------- The College Football Playoff.
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The Sun-Chronicle looks at possible New England players in the coming NFL draft and mentions several UMass players.
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The Cleveland Plain Dealer looks at the five Ohio schools in the MAC and notes that the five have provided 270 NFL draft picks since 1965.
Fox Sports Ohio says the MAC will make NFL Draft history Thursday.
NIU announces stadium upgrades.
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USA Today wonders if the era of conference realignment is over.
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The college football playoff will be named ----------- The College Football Playoff.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Mark Ellis
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| 247 Sports image |
Hudl.com page here.
Visited Temple in March.
Ellis is receiving interest from Temple, BC, West Virginia and Rutgers in FBS. Richmond, Villanova and JMU are interested in FCS.
Recruiting 2014--- Andrew Ford III
I've blogged about Andrew Ford, a 6-3 180 pound QB from Cedar Cliff HS in PA a couple of times before.
This article from 247 Sports says Ford was one of the top performers at a QB camp in Virginia.
Ford holds offers from Temple and UMass.
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This article from 247 Sports says Ford was one of the top performers at a QB camp in Virginia.
Ford holds offers from Temple and UMass.
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Tuesday--April 23, 2013
 |
| Brendon Hall/ESPN Boston image |
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UMass is attempting to give the UMass football jerseys worn Saturday to the family of the victim's of the terrorist attack.
The Wrentham Patch has a story about UMass sophomore Brandon Howard wearing the name of Lingzi Lui, the Boston University student killed in the weekend's bombing.
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Stephane Milhim gets picked #249 in this reverse Mock NFL draft.
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CBS Sports asks if the power football conferences will break away from the NCAA.
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The Canton Rep looks at Frank Solich's return to his roots at Ohio.
Ball State's QB goal is to be the best in the conference.
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Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel says conference realignments may be over.
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Monday, April 22, 2013
Recruiting 2014 ---Robert Martin II
I've blogged about Robert Martin, a 5-11 195 pound RB from Harrisburg, PA before.
NJ.com has an update on his recruiting including a visit to Rutgers.
NJ.com has an update on his recruiting including a visit to Rutgers.
Recruiting 2016 (Yes 2016) ---Nate Craig
 |
| Craig #9/ Tampa Bay Time image |
Tampa Bay Times article here.
Craig also has an offer from Texas Tech.
MaxPreps stats page here.
This article features Craig.
Monday--April 22, 2013
The UMass All-Access site has video from ESPN and CBS3 about the football team's tribute to the Boston Marathon runners at the Spring Game.
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Around the MAC:
Ball State is also upgrading its facilities.
Is the Cardinals' Wenning the best QB in the conference?
A review of the Miami Redhawks defensive line for 2013.
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UConn continues to get flack over their new helmets. The UConn blog asks if the new lids are the worst thing ever created by human hands.
BC Interruption checks out the UConn helmets and all most has a seizure.
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Now drones are coming to college football.
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The once-powerhouse prep football school Hargrave Academy is closing its football program.
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Giants 101 says Victor Cruz has three options now that the first round tender on him has expired.
The Yahoo Sports Blog says that means Cruz will be a Giant in 2013.
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Around the MAC:
Ball State is also upgrading its facilities.
Is the Cardinals' Wenning the best QB in the conference?
A review of the Miami Redhawks defensive line for 2013.
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UConn continues to get flack over their new helmets. The UConn blog asks if the new lids are the worst thing ever created by human hands.
BC Interruption checks out the UConn helmets and all most has a seizure.
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Now drones are coming to college football.
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The once-powerhouse prep football school Hargrave Academy is closing its football program.
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Giants 101 says Victor Cruz has three options now that the first round tender on him has expired.
The Yahoo Sports Blog says that means Cruz will be a Giant in 2013.
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Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunday--April 21st
 |
| Click on image for a larger view |
The first and longer half featured a blended alumni team and the varsity. Things got faster in the second half with an all-varsity scrimmage The second half featured some nice catches by the rookie UMass receiving corps.
The UMass website has the story, images and video.
MassLive has a story about the team honoring the Boston Marathon runners. One of the runners had a very personal connection with one of the victims of the tragedy.
Matty V has a story about the ceremony honoring the runners. He also has an article about a link between a UMass player, a runner and a MIT police officer.
The Boston Herald also covers the Spring game.
Alumni players (both lists from game program):
- CJ Koegal '07
- Frank Fay '86
- Matt Goldstein '04
- Rob O'Connor'0
- Larry Cabelli '06
- Jason Cherry '02
- Gregory Ward'02
- Matt Murphy '99
- Lamar Newsome '91
- Vincent Westcarr '12
- John Benzinger '86
Alumni Attending:
- Jeron Alston
- EJ Barhel '07
- Clift Bolden '01
- John Burgess '61
- Ed Campbell '02
- Ned Dean '77
- Bill Deflavio '73
- Peter Ditomasso '82
- Deyate Haygood '99
- John Hendry '77
- James Ihedigbo '07
- Andrew McClay '90
- Dan Markowski '96
- Lance Overby '00
- Joe Sabella '95
- Brian Smith '01
- Kevin Sullivan '80
- Darryl Thomas '00
- Todd Tinker '94
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12,500 showed up for Wisconsin's Spring game.
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Boston College received verbals from two Massachusetts players Kevin Cohee and Jon Baker.
BC Interruption reacts.
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Around the MAC:
The Cleveland Plain Dealer says the Spring Games of Akron and Kent State featured the running game.
Defense dominated in NIU's game.
Ball State's Keith Wenning has thrown for 7, 254 yards and 57 TD's and he still has his senior year to go.
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Saturday, April 20, 2013
Spring Game Day--April 20, 2013
Well, the weather is supposed to clear out by the afternoon. Hope to see a lot of blog-friends at the festivities today.
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Matty V. has look at how the UMass depth chart looks after Srping ball. It looks as if progress is being made. the Minutemen will have more athletes and more depth at RB, QB, TE, LB and DB.
UMass looks really thin at OL, and there are a lot of unknowns at WR. The Minutemen will also have 11 redshirt freshmen. As in 2012, a number of true freshmen recruits will likely see playing time.
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NESN reports on the five UMass players who will wear the names of the Boston terror victims on their jerseys today.
Yahoo Sports covers the plan to have some of the Boston Marathon runners appear at McGuirk today.
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Boston College cancelled their Spring game due to yesterday's events.
UConn held theirs yesterday.
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OOC opponent Coach Bill Synder says college football is in a bad place right now. Snyder will receive $14.75 million over the next five years. That's one problem Coach Molnar does not have to worry about.
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Matty V. has look at how the UMass depth chart looks after Srping ball. It looks as if progress is being made. the Minutemen will have more athletes and more depth at RB, QB, TE, LB and DB.
UMass looks really thin at OL, and there are a lot of unknowns at WR. The Minutemen will also have 11 redshirt freshmen. As in 2012, a number of true freshmen recruits will likely see playing time.
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NESN reports on the five UMass players who will wear the names of the Boston terror victims on their jerseys today.
Yahoo Sports covers the plan to have some of the Boston Marathon runners appear at McGuirk today.
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Boston College cancelled their Spring game due to yesterday's events.
UConn held theirs yesterday.
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OOC opponent Coach Bill Synder says college football is in a bad place right now. Snyder will receive $14.75 million over the next five years. That's one problem Coach Molnar does not have to worry about.
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Friday, April 19, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Jon Bezney
 |
| Hudl.com image |
Scout.com page here.
Hudl.com has video.
Besides UMass, Bezney has offers from Ohio, Kent State, Bowling Green, Kentucky and Louisville from FBS.
Friday--April 19, 2013
UPDATE 12:50 PM: The UMass All-Access website has a video preview of tomorrow's Spring game.
Hope to see a lot of UMass friends there to see the game and to honor the victims off this week's terror attack.
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Matty V. has a story about how the UMass football team will honor the Boston Marathon runners in tomorrow's Spring football game.
Football Scoop has a post on the UMass football team's efforts.
More on the UMass community's efforts to help the Boston Marathon victims.
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Chris Koepplin signed a contract with the Bills Thursday. Congratulations Chris!
Koepplin's Bill's bio here.
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The Journal News has a MAC football Spring notebook.
Dave Clawson will have a veteran squad at Bowling Green this year.
The Detroit Free Press has Spring updates on the three directional Michigan teams in the MAC.
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Eli Manning understands Victor Cruz's absence from Spring drills.
Giants $7 millon/year not enough.
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UConn will have their Spring Game Saturday too.
With some seriously ugly new helmets...
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Hope to see a lot of UMass friends there to see the game and to honor the victims off this week's terror attack.
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Matty V. has a story about how the UMass football team will honor the Boston Marathon runners in tomorrow's Spring football game.
Football Scoop has a post on the UMass football team's efforts.
More on the UMass community's efforts to help the Boston Marathon victims.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| AP image |
Koepplin's Bill's bio here.
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The Journal News has a MAC football Spring notebook.
Dave Clawson will have a veteran squad at Bowling Green this year.
The Detroit Free Press has Spring updates on the three directional Michigan teams in the MAC.
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Eli Manning understands Victor Cruz's absence from Spring drills.
Giants $7 millon/year not enough.
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UConn will have their Spring Game Saturday too.
With some seriously ugly new helmets...
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Thursday, April 18, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Jimmy Hogan II
 |
| Hogan family image |
NJ.com has a updated recruiting story here.
MaxPreps has Hogan's stats here.
Besides UMass, Hogan holds offers from Rutgers, UCF and UConn.
Thursday--April 18, 2013
 |
| GSU image |
Bond has been offensive coordinator at both Northern Illinois and Army in the past. Bond's GSU bio here.
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UMass football will honor Boston Marathon runners who were unable to complete the course because of the terrorist attack at Saturday's Spring Football game.
The UMass website and NESN also have articles on event.
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The UMass All-Access site has the 10th video report from Spring practice. This time it covers quarterbacks.
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Kellen Pagel has a walk-off single to give UMass the win over Hartford.
The UMass website also has a story on the win over Hartford.
BTW, Pagel's UMass baseball bio.
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UMass will be celebrating its 150th anniversary starting next Monday.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- Rohan Blackwood III
I've blogged about Rohan Blackwood a couple of times before. The 6-5 DE just received his fifth FBS offer.
Mississippi State brings his total to five.
Besides UMass, Blackwood holds offers from USF, Mississippi State, Wisconsin and Toledo.
Mississippi State brings his total to five.
Besides UMass, Blackwood holds offers from USF, Mississippi State, Wisconsin and Toledo.
Wednesday--April 17, 2013
UMass football is making a strong effort to reduce concussions and head injuries. Matty V. has a story about the introduction of new helmet gear and other efforts by UMass football to reduce injuries.
Guardian Caps website here.
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UMass doctor Pierre Rouzier was at center of the terrorist attack Monday and helped treat the wounded.
Dr. Rouzier's UMass bio here.
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A University of Cape Town student spends a semester at UMass and comments about sports and other impressions.
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The MAC Report Online has reports on three MAC team's Spring Games: Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Northern Illinois.
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No Victor Cruz as the Giants start voluntary workouts.
NFL.com says Cruz just has to arrive by week #1.
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Guardian Caps website here.
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UMass doctor Pierre Rouzier was at center of the terrorist attack Monday and helped treat the wounded.
Dr. Rouzier's UMass bio here.
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A University of Cape Town student spends a semester at UMass and comments about sports and other impressions.
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The MAC Report Online has reports on three MAC team's Spring Games: Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Northern Illinois.
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No Victor Cruz as the Giants start voluntary workouts.
NFL.com says Cruz just has to arrive by week #1.
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Tuesday---April 16, 2013
First of all, Mrs Blog and I would like send our thoughts to those injured in yesterday's Boston Marathon terror attack. There is nothing sadder in this world than the persistence of evil.
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The UMass Spring Game is Saturday. The football team will be helping the Amherst Survival center as well as taking donations for the VAMC Northampton.
I'm going, and hope to see a bunch of UMass fans at the game.
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MassLive has a story on the UMass offensive line for 2013. A lot of the potential for improvement in 2013 rides on the offensive line.
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Speaking of the offensive line, the UMass All-Access video page has a segment on them for the ninth update in Spring football.
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A sports blog has a feature on Jenney Dell, former UMass cheerleader and current Red Sox sideline reporter.
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Former UMass star Brandon Collier is helping potential NFL draft pick Lawrence Okoye in position drills.
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Thaddius Smith verbaled to Boston College over offers from UMass, Temple, Rutgers, Toledo and several FCS teams.
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Akron, the one team UMass beat in 2012 has a Spring Video. Ya gotta accentuate the positive.
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The UMass Spring Game is Saturday. The football team will be helping the Amherst Survival center as well as taking donations for the VAMC Northampton.
I'm going, and hope to see a bunch of UMass fans at the game.
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MassLive has a story on the UMass offensive line for 2013. A lot of the potential for improvement in 2013 rides on the offensive line.
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Speaking of the offensive line, the UMass All-Access video page has a segment on them for the ninth update in Spring football.
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A sports blog has a feature on Jenney Dell, former UMass cheerleader and current Red Sox sideline reporter.
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Former UMass star Brandon Collier is helping potential NFL draft pick Lawrence Okoye in position drills.
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Thaddius Smith verbaled to Boston College over offers from UMass, Temple, Rutgers, Toledo and several FCS teams.
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Akron, the one team UMass beat in 2012 has a Spring Video. Ya gotta accentuate the positive.
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Monday, April 15, 2013
Recruiting 2014 --- Alec Bowman
 |
| MaxPreps image |
ESPN page here.
MaxPreps page here.
Drawing interest from a number of East schools including BC, Temple, Penn State, Rutgers and others.
Monday--April 15, 2013
The last position to look at on offense is running back.
Gone are:
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Over a 130 kids showed up for the UMass Youth Football Clinic at Gillette Saturday.
The UMass All-Access page has more video.
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The Youngstown News has a long article on the uncertain future of FCS football.
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Victor Cruz honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
NJ.com says Justin Tuck hopes Cruz attends the Giants off-season program.
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James Ihedigbo will have his second annual invitational at Amherst High the morning of April 20th.
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Gone are:
- Michael Cox graduated 198-715 3.6 AVE 5 TD 32 LONG
- Jamar Smith not on Spring roster
Returning:
- Jamal Wilson RSSO 18-53 2.9 AVE 13 LONG
- Stacey Bedell RSFR 3-0
- Jordan Broadnax JR 53-124 2.3 AVE 12 LONG
- Matt Carini RSJR
- Greg Orekoya RSJR
Joining in the Spring:
- Nick Valles FR
Joining in August:
Daquan Mack 6-1 247 FR. As a senior, earned All-SOL National Conference First Team honors ... Named to the Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern PA Fourth-Team ... A three-year starter and team captain as a senior ... Rushed for 687 yards on 109 carries with eight touchdowns ... Ran for over 1,000 yards as a junior with 15 touchdowns ... Posted over 2,000 yards rushing for his career ... Also a member of the basketball team as a junior and senior serving as team captain in 2012-13 ... Spent summers coaching football and basketball camps for 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
Lorenzo Woodley 6-0 210 FR. The No. 40 ranked running back in the nation, Woodley ran for 1,086 yards and scored 24 touchdowns last fall for Miami's Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. As a junior splitting carries in the backfield, Woodley rushed for 727 yards (8.3 avg) and scored 11 touchdowns.ESPN's scouting report describes the 6-foot-0, 210 pound running back as having "a good blend of size, strength, and straight-line speed" with the "physical tools to project as a high future college load-back.Woodley also had offers from North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, Purdue, and was heavily recruited by several other BCS schools from the ACC and SEC.
The low AVE of UMass running backs in 2012 was due to our offensive line woes. Improvement this year depends on how much progress is made on the line.
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Over a 130 kids showed up for the UMass Youth Football Clinic at Gillette Saturday.
The UMass All-Access page has more video.
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The Youngstown News has a long article on the uncertain future of FCS football.
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Victor Cruz honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
NJ.com says Justin Tuck hopes Cruz attends the Giants off-season program.
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James Ihedigbo will have his second annual invitational at Amherst High the morning of April 20th.
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Saturday, April 13, 2013
Saturday--April 13, 2013
Matty V. has a story about UMass tight ends. Featured is Rob Blanchflower.
Blanchflower will one of the UMass captains this year. He went 43-464 10.8 AVE 2 TD 27 Long in 2012.
Good news is the return of Brandon Howard, RSSO 6-5 250.
Also in the mix will be Derek Beck, SO 6-4 205. Beck had 3-20 6.7 AVE 20 LONG.
Rodney Mills, 6-1 205 will get some reps as well as playing WR and FB.
True Freshman Sharif Custis, 6-3 215 is listed as a TE/H-back. From the UMass signing page: "As a senior, was an All-Catholic League Class AA First Team Selection ... Named to the Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern PA Second Team ... Earned "Top Tight End" honors at the 2012 Nike SPARQS Football Combine ... In 2012, had 11 receptions for 289 yards and 7 touchdowns ... Also held offers from Stony Brook and Temple ... Older brother Kadeem played defensive end for Temple from 2009-12."
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UMass Football Clinic for Kids today at Gillette Stadium!!
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The UMass Radio Team (again) won the Associated Press award for MA & RI college football broadcast for the UMass-Ohio game on 09/29/12.
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A Nevada Blog has a story about former UMass OL coach Ron Hudson.
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Around the MAC:
Paul Haynes has Kent State in position to succeed.
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Breaking down a college QB's pre-snap reads.
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| Dave Roback/MassLive image |
Blanchflower will one of the UMass captains this year. He went 43-464 10.8 AVE 2 TD 27 Long in 2012.
Good news is the return of Brandon Howard, RSSO 6-5 250.
Also in the mix will be Derek Beck, SO 6-4 205. Beck had 3-20 6.7 AVE 20 LONG.
Rodney Mills, 6-1 205 will get some reps as well as playing WR and FB.
True Freshman Sharif Custis, 6-3 215 is listed as a TE/H-back. From the UMass signing page: "As a senior, was an All-Catholic League Class AA First Team Selection ... Named to the Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern PA Second Team ... Earned "Top Tight End" honors at the 2012 Nike SPARQS Football Combine ... In 2012, had 11 receptions for 289 yards and 7 touchdowns ... Also held offers from Stony Brook and Temple ... Older brother Kadeem played defensive end for Temple from 2009-12."
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UMass Football Clinic for Kids today at Gillette Stadium!!
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The UMass Radio Team (again) won the Associated Press award for MA & RI college football broadcast for the UMass-Ohio game on 09/29/12.
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A Nevada Blog has a story about former UMass OL coach Ron Hudson.
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Around the MAC:
Paul Haynes has Kent State in position to succeed.
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Breaking down a college QB's pre-snap reads.
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Friday, April 12, 2013
Recruiting 2014----Dontae Angus
 |
| 247Sports image |
Angus' ESPN page here.
247Sports page here.
Visited UMass during Junior Day in February. Also holds offers from Rutgers and Temple.
Friday--April 12, 2013
From the Minutemen Club Newsletter:
Friday, April 26, 2013
1 University Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
1:30 P.M.
Athletic Fields, South Side of the Mullins Center
200 Commonwealth Avenue
Amherst, MA 01003
Go UMass,
John McCutcheon, Athletic Director
As
an integral part of the UMass Athletics family please join us for two
transformational events on Friday, April 26, 2013 as we celebrate and
break ground for a new era in our basketball and football programs.
Friday, April 26, 2013
FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE CENTER and PRESS AND SKYBOX COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATION
10 A.M.
Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium1 University Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
CHAMPIONS CENTER
CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING1:30 P.M.
Athletic Fields, South Side of the Mullins Center
200 Commonwealth Avenue
Amherst, MA 01003
We hope you can join us for this celebration. Any questions please contact the Athletic Development Office at 413-545-4290.
Go UMass,
John McCutcheon, Athletic Director
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Around the MAC
Dave Clawson of Bowling Green gets a new contract and new lineups.
Ball State's defense is a work in progress.
No MAC defensive backs have swagger like the Buffalo Bulls.
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Kansas State has a Spring QB battle too.
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UConn has a new Husky logo.
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JAY-Z expected to keep Victor Cruz with the Giants.
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Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thursday--April 11, 2013
We've looked at the UMass offensive line for spring 2013.
The UMass receiver corps has also had a lot of changes since last fall
Gone are:
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Athlon Sports has the ten worst coaches for 2013. Two of them are in the MAC.
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Gunner Kiel picked Cincinnati.
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Victor Cruz's jersey was #5 in NFL sales last year.
Eli Manning and Cruz work out together at Duke.
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The UMass receiver corps has also had a lot of changes since last fall
Gone are:
- Deion Walker -- Graduated. 59-667 11.3 AVE 3 TD 38 LONG (led team)
- Alan Williams--Graduated 42-438 10.8 AVE 4 TDs (led team) 50 LONG
- Brian Dowling--left the program
- Marken Michel--left the program 22-229 8.2 AVE 56 LONG
Returning are:
- Tajae Sharp--SO 20-206 35 LONG 10.3 AVE
- Dalvin Battle--RSFR
- Rodney Mills-- SO no stats for 2012
- Elgin Long--RSSO 3 for -3
- Shawn Campbell-- RSJR
- Bernard Davis--SO 6-32 13 LONG
- Derek Beck-- 3-30 16 LONG
Added this Spring:
- Klysmann Afonso--FR
- Kevin Lovaincy--RSFR
- Iric Harris -- RSSO moved from cornerback
Recruits:
- E.J. Burston
- Saquille Harris
- D.J. Woods--ESPN three-star recruit
The UMass website does not have links to individual recruits. The whole list is here.
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Athlon Sports has the ten worst coaches for 2013. Two of them are in the MAC.
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Gunner Kiel picked Cincinnati.
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Victor Cruz's jersey was #5 in NFL sales last year.
Eli Manning and Cruz work out together at Duke.
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Recruiting 2014 --Quantaye Battle
 |
| Image credit unknown |
Rivals page here.
This article features Battle.
Battle is planning visits to Temple, North Carolina, West Virginia and UMass.
Wednesday--April 10, 2013
Matty V. has a story (paywall) about Delvin Brown. Coach Molnar is quoted as saying Brown is the Spring's "most improved player".
Other players in the mix at safety are Joe Colton and Khary Bailey-Smith.
One thing I've been meaning to mention is Coach Elmassian's defense has not received a lot of the FBS-era recruits. Of the 46 "official" recruits (not walk-ons and additions) only 14 of 46 were recruited as strictly defensive players.
Even in the offensive-heavy MAC, Coach Molnar will have to load up on defensive recruits one of these years.
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Speaking of Coach Elmassian and his defense, the latest video update from Spring practice features defensive backs.
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Motivated by the Penn State sex abuse case, a Massachusetts lawmaker has introduced a bill to make reporting child abuse mandatory.
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USA Today reports the Detroit Lions worked out some potential free agents in the coming NFL draft including Michael Cox.
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The Orlando Sentinel has five story lines to watch in the MAC for 2013.
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The Boston College Blog "BC Interruption" talks about the Eagles keeping recruits in Massachusetts.
BTW, the Eagles got a verbal from dual-purpose QB Darius Wade. He held a UMass offer among others.
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Other players in the mix at safety are Joe Colton and Khary Bailey-Smith.
One thing I've been meaning to mention is Coach Elmassian's defense has not received a lot of the FBS-era recruits. Of the 46 "official" recruits (not walk-ons and additions) only 14 of 46 were recruited as strictly defensive players.
Even in the offensive-heavy MAC, Coach Molnar will have to load up on defensive recruits one of these years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of Coach Elmassian and his defense, the latest video update from Spring practice features defensive backs.
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Motivated by the Penn State sex abuse case, a Massachusetts lawmaker has introduced a bill to make reporting child abuse mandatory.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA Today reports the Detroit Lions worked out some potential free agents in the coming NFL draft including Michael Cox.
 |
| Mark Baer image |
The Orlando Sentinel has five story lines to watch in the MAC for 2013.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston College Blog "BC Interruption" talks about the Eagles keeping recruits in Massachusetts.
BTW, the Eagles got a verbal from dual-purpose QB Darius Wade. He held a UMass offer among others.
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Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- Peter Mokwuah
 |
| NJ.com image |
NJ.com article here.
Rivals Page here.
Hudl.com has video.
Mokwuah has an offer from Rutgers. Drawing interest from Penn State, UConn, Virginia, Pitt, Temple and others.
Tuesday--April 9, 2013
The UMass Daily Collegian says Mike Wegzyn has the early lead in the Spring quarterback competition.
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Gunner Kiel visits Ball State and Miami of Ohio.
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Conference USA is looking at 16 teams.
This Article by Bleacher Report writer looks at conference realignments. At the end of the article it talks about Clemson, Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech problems with strength-of-schedule in a playoff selection.
My prediction is that Maryland is not the last ACC team to leave. That could create an opportunity for UMass and UConn in the future. The sooner Coach Molnar can make us into a winner in the MAC the better. It's going to take at least four or five years, but there will be opportunities to come.
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Wisconsin, our opening OOC opponent, is loaded at RB.
The Badgers also have a new 3-4 defense.
Vanderbilt loses a recruit to -------- Princeton.
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Victor Cruz contract negotiations are still stalled.
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Crime in New Hampshire. It's out of control up here.
What's being called the biggest case of illegal eel possession in history .
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Gunner Kiel visits Ball State and Miami of Ohio.
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Conference USA is looking at 16 teams.
This Article by Bleacher Report writer looks at conference realignments. At the end of the article it talks about Clemson, Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech problems with strength-of-schedule in a playoff selection.
My prediction is that Maryland is not the last ACC team to leave. That could create an opportunity for UMass and UConn in the future. The sooner Coach Molnar can make us into a winner in the MAC the better. It's going to take at least four or five years, but there will be opportunities to come.
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Wisconsin, our opening OOC opponent, is loaded at RB.
The Badgers also have a new 3-4 defense.
Vanderbilt loses a recruit to -------- Princeton.
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Victor Cruz contract negotiations are still stalled.
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Crime in New Hampshire. It's out of control up here.
What's being called the biggest case of illegal eel possession in history .
Monday, April 08, 2013
Recruiting 2014---Malik Crossdale
 |
| NY Post image |
Crossdale's Rivals page here.
Besides UMass, Crossdale is drawing interest from Rutgers, Texas Tech and Indiana.
Monday--April 8, 2013
The UMass website as a couple of posts on the Football Team's participation in the Autism Awareness 3k/5k run and walk. Story here. The UMass All-Access site has video with Coach Molnar and several of the UMass players.
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A Tulsa newspaper looks at the reasons Tulsa got a Big East invite instead of UMass. Tulsa is an established program. We were a "provisional" first year FBS member. Let's see where we are in five years...
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The Ohio Bobcats will have depth and experience in their secondary in 2013.
Video: how Toledo is building champions.
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Notre Dame has two WR's leave the team. Davonte' Neal is rumored to be moving to Arizona to be near his family. No word on Justin Ferguson. I wonder if he could end up at UMass.
Ferguson was an ESPN four-star player.
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Yahoo Sports says life without Victor Cruz is a scary thought for the Giants.
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A Tulsa newspaper looks at the reasons Tulsa got a Big East invite instead of UMass. Tulsa is an established program. We were a "provisional" first year FBS member. Let's see where we are in five years...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Ohio Bobcats will have depth and experience in their secondary in 2013.
Video: how Toledo is building champions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notre Dame has two WR's leave the team. Davonte' Neal is rumored to be moving to Arizona to be near his family. No word on Justin Ferguson. I wonder if he could end up at UMass.
Ferguson was an ESPN four-star player.
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Yahoo Sports says life without Victor Cruz is a scary thought for the Giants.
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Saturday, April 06, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- Solomon Vault
 |
| Image by Toni Sandys |
Vault's ESPN page here.
Averaged 6.6 yards/carry and scored 22 TD's in 2013.
Recently received a offer from Minnesota.
Besides UMass, Vault has offers from Marshall, Old Dominion, Pitt, Minnesota and Western Michigan.
Saturday--April 6, 2013
The UMass Spring Football game will again feature an Alumni Team. The second half will have a traditional intra-squad scrimmage with current roster.
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The Enterprise News has another blurb on the UMass Football Clinic on April 13th.
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The Buffalo Bulls hope to pound the football behind their offensive line in 2013. The article points out the Bulls OL was a part of Buffalo's win over the Minutemen last year, which was a "big win for us".
BTW, Buffalo may be "rebranding" to increase their footprint in New York.
The Toledo Rockets will practice at the former HS of a Toledo women's basketball player. She's battling cancer and the proceeds will go to help her expenses.
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Rant Sports says Steve Addazio has a lot of work to do at BC.
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Victor Cruz partners with Jay-Z and wants $10 to $11 million a year.
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The Enterprise News has another blurb on the UMass Football Clinic on April 13th.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buffalo Bulls hope to pound the football behind their offensive line in 2013. The article points out the Bulls OL was a part of Buffalo's win over the Minutemen last year, which was a "big win for us".
BTW, Buffalo may be "rebranding" to increase their footprint in New York.
The Toledo Rockets will practice at the former HS of a Toledo women's basketball player. She's battling cancer and the proceeds will go to help her expenses.
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Rant Sports says Steve Addazio has a lot of work to do at BC.
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Victor Cruz partners with Jay-Z and wants $10 to $11 million a year.
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Friday, April 05, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- Marcus Applefield
The Tampa Bay Times has an article that states UMass has offered to Marcus Applefield, a 6-6 270 pound OT from Tampa, FL.
Article here.
This article from March has the story on how he received an offer from Marshall.
Hudl.com page here. The Hudl page also has video.
Article here.
This article from March has the story on how he received an offer from Marshall.
Hudl.com page here. The Hudl page also has video.
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