The video has quotes from Shakur Nesmith 6-4 200. He was sidelined during the practice I attended. In person, he looks even taller than his listed 6-4. Nesmith rocketed into a starting position last summer then suffered a separated shoulder against Wisconsin. He's wearing #19.
Also shown is Marken Michel, he's wearing #10 , worn by Devin Brown last year.
WR production was a big factor in UMass' offensive futility in 2013. Shaquille Harris and Elgin Long tied for the longest reception ------ 36 yards. That hardly fits Coach Whipple's vertical passing offense.
In 2013, UMass receivers went 177-1877 10.6 AVE 9 TD's 55 Long (Rob Blanchflower) 156.4 AVE/G.
The Minutemen were 103rd in passing average per completion and 111th in total passing offense.
UMass opponents had significantly better stats: 189-2613 13.8 AVE 22 TD's 81 LONG 217.7.6 AVE/G.
I would guess, if healthy, Tajae Sharpe would be the "X" receiver. Nesmith as the "Y" and Michel as the slot or "Z".
Other wide receivers looking for a role in the offense would be:
- Dalvin Battle (injury redshirt last year)
- E.J. Burston 1 start, 2-18 yards in 2013
- Shawn Campbell
- Bernard Davis 11 starts 16-124 1 TD in 2013
- Iric Harris (moved from DB in 2013)
- Shaquille Harris 1-36 in 2013
- Ryan Jacobucci scout team in 2013
- Alex Kenney (transfer from Penn State. Not on campus yet)
- Connor Lemieux red shirt in 2013
- Elgin Long 7 starts 14-179 1 TD last year
- Kevin Lovaincy redshirt 2013
- Rodney Mills 4 starts 5-47 yards in 2013
- Lamarriel Taylor incoming freshman
- Jalen Williams JUCO 25-358 2 TD's at Dean College
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The UMass Daily Collegian reports the Minutemen defense is embracing Coach Masella's 3-4 defensive scheme.
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Football Scoop says you can never have too many running backs.
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Rob Blanchflower gets a paragraph (#9) in this synopsis of the Pats draft needs.
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