 |
| Earnest Brown image |
247Sports page here.
This Bleacher Report article features Moss.
This article also features Moss.
Hudl.com has video.
Moss has ten FBS offers including Boston College.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Recruiting 2016- Thaddeus Moss
247Sports page here.
This Bleacher Report article features Moss.
This article also features Moss.
Hudl.com has video.
Moss has ten FBS offers including Boston College.
Saturday--February 28th, 2015
UMass has announced the dates for the 2015 football season.
Dan Malone has some notes and comments on the schedule.
There are a couple of negatives and positives about the season. One problem is no bye week. With a twelve game season, it's nice to have an off week to heal up the inevitable bumps and bruises.
UMass also has no "MACtion" game. We finally have something to showcase with Frohnapfel and Sharpe, it would be nice to have a national audience take a look at UMass football.
On the plus side we do not play NIU and resurgent Western Michigan (they were 7-5 last year with a narrow loss to Purdue). The Minutemen also avoid the dreaded Black Friday game on 11/27. That should help our attendance totals.
Matty V. also covers the 2015 schedule. He reports UMass will shortly sign a home-and-home with Georgia Southern. Those should be fun games! They still hate us in Statesboro. A former Eagle player just got shot, BTW. Kinda puts the fight in Hadley in perspective...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland.com comments on the whole MAC schedule.
FBS Schedules.com has all the dates for the entire league in one place.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chip Ainsworth of the Greenfield Recorder says maybe it's time for UMass basketball to follow football in whatever conference we end up in. There's been rumors St. Louis wants to leave the A10 for the Big East. One of these years the A10 is going to run out of replacement teams.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says there's plenty of room in the Giants offense for Odell Beckham and Victor Cruz.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has some notes and comments on the schedule.
There are a couple of negatives and positives about the season. One problem is no bye week. With a twelve game season, it's nice to have an off week to heal up the inevitable bumps and bruises.
UMass also has no "MACtion" game. We finally have something to showcase with Frohnapfel and Sharpe, it would be nice to have a national audience take a look at UMass football.
On the plus side we do not play NIU and resurgent Western Michigan (they were 7-5 last year with a narrow loss to Purdue). The Minutemen also avoid the dreaded Black Friday game on 11/27. That should help our attendance totals.
Matty V. also covers the 2015 schedule. He reports UMass will shortly sign a home-and-home with Georgia Southern. Those should be fun games! They still hate us in Statesboro. A former Eagle player just got shot, BTW. Kinda puts the fight in Hadley in perspective...
 |
| Paulson Stadium |
Cleveland.com comments on the whole MAC schedule.
FBS Schedules.com has all the dates for the entire league in one place.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chip Ainsworth of the Greenfield Recorder says maybe it's time for UMass basketball to follow football in whatever conference we end up in. There's been rumors St. Louis wants to leave the A10 for the Big East. One of these years the A10 is going to run out of replacement teams.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says there's plenty of room in the Giants offense for Odell Beckham and Victor Cruz.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 27, 2015
Friday--February 27th, 2015
Matty Vautour has a UMass Football Notebook article. He says UMass has sought ESPN's help in completing our 2016 schedule. ESPN has apparently helped other schools as a matchmaker.
In other news Matty says Gene DeFilippo is not interested in the position.
Matty mentions Vaughn Williams as a possible candidate for UMass' open Athletic Director position.
Williams was a four-year letter winner for the Minutemen (1988, 89, 90, 91).
Williams talks about bringing football to Kennesaw Sate.
This article from December of 2014 features Williams.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
An unnamed UMass player will face two counts of assault according to MLive for actions at a party in Hadley over the weekend.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass has two players from Cologne, Germany: Fabian Hoeller and Lucas Kolter. Cologne had a big year in tourism (including football).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz puts in the work to recover from his injury.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news Matty says Gene DeFilippo is not interested in the position.
Matty mentions Vaughn Williams as a possible candidate for UMass' open Athletic Director position.
Williams was a four-year letter winner for the Minutemen (1988, 89, 90, 91).
 |
| Vaughn Williams #24 |
This article from December of 2014 features Williams.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
An unnamed UMass player will face two counts of assault according to MLive for actions at a party in Hadley over the weekend.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass has two players from Cologne, Germany: Fabian Hoeller and Lucas Kolter. Cologne had a big year in tourism (including football).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz puts in the work to recover from his injury.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday--February 26th, 2015
Remember Coach Whipple is at the UMass Club this evening to talk about the 2015 recruits and upcoming season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Twitter feed welcomes Kelton Brackett to the Minutemen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation is previewing all 128 FBS teams for 2015. This installment looks at UMass. They think things in Amherst are looking up and the Minutemen could flirt with a bowl bid in 2015.
Quote from the article:
"The passing numbers were even more impressive when you consider the total lack of big plays in the run game. Then-sophomores Shadrach Abrokwah and Lorenzo Woodley (a former star recruit) were rather successful in short-yardage situations, and their combined 39 percent opportunity rate (percentage of carries to gain at least five yards) was decent.
But UMass had just five rushes of at least 20 yards (only three teams had fewer) and two of at least 30 yards. "
As impressive a jump Whipple's offense made in 2014, we could get to another level with a better running game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Michigan hires one, promotes one.
USC adds the Broncos to its 2017 season. The Trojans have never played a MAC team before.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The BC Blog"BC Interruption" explains how the Eagles ended up with two FCS opponents in 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey officials consider a bid for the college national championship game. Something like that would help college football in the Northeast.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Twitter feed welcomes Kelton Brackett to the Minutemen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation is previewing all 128 FBS teams for 2015. This installment looks at UMass. They think things in Amherst are looking up and the Minutemen could flirt with a bowl bid in 2015.
Quote from the article:
"The passing numbers were even more impressive when you consider the total lack of big plays in the run game. Then-sophomores Shadrach Abrokwah and Lorenzo Woodley (a former star recruit) were rather successful in short-yardage situations, and their combined 39 percent opportunity rate (percentage of carries to gain at least five yards) was decent.
But UMass had just five rushes of at least 20 yards (only three teams had fewer) and two of at least 30 yards. "
As impressive a jump Whipple's offense made in 2014, we could get to another level with a better running game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Michigan hires one, promotes one.
USC adds the Broncos to its 2017 season. The Trojans have never played a MAC team before.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The BC Blog"BC Interruption" explains how the Eagles ended up with two FCS opponents in 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey officials consider a bid for the college national championship game. Something like that would help college football in the Northeast.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Recruiting 2015--Kelton Brackett
UMass has announced Kelton Brackett, a 5-11 186 pound Safety will join the Minutemen as a senior transfer from UAB. I've blogged about Brackett before.
UMass' last depth chart had:
Starting safeties
Joe Colton (JR)
Khary Bailey Smith (JR)
Backup
Zeke Edmonds Khary Bailey Smith backed up both positions.
The addition of Brackett will give UMass more nickle packages and the ability to move Bailey Smith to corner if needed. UMass had a severe lack of depth at cornerback in 2014.
UMass' last depth chart had:
Starting safeties
Joe Colton (JR)
Khary Bailey Smith (JR)
Backup
Zeke Edmonds Khary Bailey Smith backed up both positions.
The addition of Brackett will give UMass more nickle packages and the ability to move Bailey Smith to corner if needed. UMass had a severe lack of depth at cornerback in 2014.
Wednesday--February 25th, 2015
 |
| Whipple's Twitter feed |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports that Villanova RB coach Darius Smith (good name) will join the Minutemen staff in the same position.
Smith's Villanova bio.
Sports Illustrated also has a post on Smith's hiring.
A Villanova blog has a post on Smith's leaving the Wildcats.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN mentions Jean Sifrin in this 2015 fantasy rookie TE class.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Orlando Sentinel says Bowling Green, NIU and Buffalo top their spring MAC Conference preview.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
New CMU coach John Bonamego has a salary package that instantly puts him in the top half of the MAC's coaches.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Demari Simpkins
 |
| Scout.com image |
247 Sports page here.
Hudl.com has video.
Rivals three-star player.
This article from September 2014 features Simpkins.
Besides UMass, Simpkins has offers from UCF, Cincinnati and Akron.
Tuesday--February 24th, 2015
Minus 14 degrees here at Blog Central this morning.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports Jean Sifrin left the NFL Combine with some lingering questions. Sifrin essentially missed all of summer practice last year because of his late eligibility. I think he has a huge upside with some intensive coaching. He hasn't done much weight training either. IMHO, he would improve immensely with a summer on an NFL training schedule.
A fantasy football site ranks the TE's results at the NFL Combine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
There seems to have been some sort of incident involving UMass football players at a fight and hit-and-run in Hadley.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ball State completes their 2015 schedule. The Falcons play VMI, Georgia State (The panthers went 1-11 in their first FBS season. Does that sound familiar?), Texas A & M and Northwestern. Ball State also plays UMass in crossover from the MAC East.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
McGuirk will continue to be the home field for UMass Lax this spring.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Old FCS foe Georgia Southern jumped to FBS last year and went 9-3 and undefeated in the Sunbelt conference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Freshman ineligibility for college football would be a terrible idea.
Freshman ineligibility for college football would be a great idea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports Jean Sifrin left the NFL Combine with some lingering questions. Sifrin essentially missed all of summer practice last year because of his late eligibility. I think he has a huge upside with some intensive coaching. He hasn't done much weight training either. IMHO, he would improve immensely with a summer on an NFL training schedule.
A fantasy football site ranks the TE's results at the NFL Combine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
There seems to have been some sort of incident involving UMass football players at a fight and hit-and-run in Hadley.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ball State completes their 2015 schedule. The Falcons play VMI, Georgia State (The panthers went 1-11 in their first FBS season. Does that sound familiar?), Texas A & M and Northwestern. Ball State also plays UMass in crossover from the MAC East.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
McGuirk will continue to be the home field for UMass Lax this spring.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Old FCS foe Georgia Southern jumped to FBS last year and went 9-3 and undefeated in the Sunbelt conference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Freshman ineligibility for college football would be a terrible idea.
Freshman ineligibility for college football would be a great idea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 23, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Aidan Howard
 |
| 247Sports image |
247 Sports page here.
Huld.com has video.
Rivals three-star player.
This article from PennLive features Howard.
So far, UMass is his first offer.
Monday--February 23rd, 2015
Slow news day on the intertubes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN says the Giants can't count on Victor Cruz's recovery.
ESPN also wonders if the Giants will try to restructure Cruz's contract.
Victor wants his wedding guests to dance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
College offensive coaches unite against the new linemen down field rule proposal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State, TCU, Alabama and USC are the early betting favorites for this year's national champion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN says the Giants can't count on Victor Cruz's recovery.
ESPN also wonders if the Giants will try to restructure Cruz's contract.
 |
| startrackphoto image |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
College offensive coaches unite against the new linemen down field rule proposal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio State, TCU, Alabama and USC are the early betting favorites for this year's national champion.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Isiah Wright
 |
| Jim Shannon image |
Rivals three-start recruit.
Hudl.com has video.
247Sports page here.
Wright has offers from BC, Syracuse, Rutgers, UConn and Ohio State.
Saturday--February 21st, 2015
Ken Duffy of MassLive has a story about Jeanm Sifrin.
The Boston Herald says Sifrin is going on a draft ride.
CBS Sports has the results for bench press, shuttle time, vertical jump, etc for tight ends.
The Washington Post has what matters and what doesn't in the combine.
Results for TE from the Combine official page.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A Maryland blog "Testudo Times" has a post about Keith Dudzinski being named defensive coordinator for the Terps.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist creates concept helmet designs for college football teams.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says shorter college football game would be bad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Former Central Michigan coach Dan Enos says being head coach is not all it's cracked up to be.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says Sifrin is going on a draft ride.
CBS Sports has the results for bench press, shuttle time, vertical jump, etc for tight ends.
The Washington Post has what matters and what doesn't in the combine.
Results for TE from the Combine official page.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A Maryland blog "Testudo Times" has a post about Keith Dudzinski being named defensive coordinator for the Terps.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist creates concept helmet designs for college football teams.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says shorter college football game would be bad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Former Central Michigan coach Dan Enos says being head coach is not all it's cracked up to be.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 20, 2015
Recruiting 2016---Martin Mangram
 |
| E.O. Smith image |
Gwinnette article here.
247Sports page here.
Hudl.com video here.
Brother of UMass' 2015 recruit Brandon Mangram.
Also has offers from ECU and Wake Forest.
Friday--February 20th, 2015
The Boston Herald says Jean Sifrin is old in years, but has low mileage.
RotoWorld reports NFL Draft Scout think Sifrin "reeks of potential"
The Combine was agog with Sifrin's 11-inch hands.
This link has height, weight and arm length for all the Combine players (including Sifrin).
Giants Blog "Big Blue" names Sifrin one of the TE's to watch today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass coach Keith Dudzinski has been promoted to defensive coordinator at Maryland.
Dudzinski's Terps bio.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 OOC opponent Temple announces their complete schedule.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Bradley, who was, if I remember right, a candidate for UMass coach back in 2011, has been named defensive coordinator at UCLA.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated thinks two MAC head coaches could be headed for bigger paydays after the 2015 season.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Bowling Green will emphasize competition in Spring ball.
---------------------------------------------------------------
RotoWorld reports NFL Draft Scout think Sifrin "reeks of potential"
The Combine was agog with Sifrin's 11-inch hands.
This link has height, weight and arm length for all the Combine players (including Sifrin).
Giants Blog "Big Blue" names Sifrin one of the TE's to watch today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass coach Keith Dudzinski has been promoted to defensive coordinator at Maryland.
Dudzinski's Terps bio.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 OOC opponent Temple announces their complete schedule.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Bradley, who was, if I remember right, a candidate for UMass coach back in 2011, has been named defensive coordinator at UCLA.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated thinks two MAC head coaches could be headed for bigger paydays after the 2015 season.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Bowling Green will emphasize competition in Spring ball.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday-- February 19th, 2015
Matty Vautour reports Thorr Bjorn is not interested in the UMass AD job.
The Providence Journal says Bjorn is in negotiations for a contract extension.
John McCutcheon is welcomed at UCSB.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Athletic Dept is the "business" end of the University. I knew a athletic dept official who, if you called him at 9:30 am "wasn't in yet". If you called at 11:00. he was "gone to lunch". Call at 3:30 and he was "gone for the day". I'm not making this up.
UMass needs a young, aggressive person who wants to ultimately be AD at an SEC school and make a couple of million as a Power Five AD. Getting UMass in a football conference, fixing the swoon in Hockey and women's basketball, all need to be accomplished.
In today's athletic environment, there's no status quo. If you're not improving, you're fading. "We're happy like we are." is not a viable business model. The rest of the world is changing fast and UMass has to adopt.
If UMass wants to be a nationally ranked public university, athletics is one component of that goal. This is a big hire. Let's get it right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Philadelphia Eagles are taking on quite a UMass flavor as former UMass player and coach Brian Smith joins the Eagles staff.
Comcast Sports Philly also has a post on Smith's hiring.
Delaware Online has a story about Smith and UMass recruiting him when he was in high school.
Smith joins Bill McGovern (1987-90. 1992-93) and Jerry Azzinaro (1992-94, 1997) on the Eagles staff.
UPDATE: Several people mentioned I missed Mike Dawson, who's also on the Eagles staff. Mike was a four year letter winner and Captain of the Minutemen in 1997.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Notre Dame blog picks UMass as the Irish's easiest opponent in 2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Sifrin gets a mention is this NFL Combine article.
Patriots.com says Sifrin is a terrific athlete.
The MAC Conference has nine players at the Combine.
------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass recruiting 2023? Ten-year old Daron Bryden has already camped at UMass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Providence Journal says Bjorn is in negotiations for a contract extension.
John McCutcheon is welcomed at UCSB.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Athletic Dept is the "business" end of the University. I knew a athletic dept official who, if you called him at 9:30 am "wasn't in yet". If you called at 11:00. he was "gone to lunch". Call at 3:30 and he was "gone for the day". I'm not making this up.
UMass needs a young, aggressive person who wants to ultimately be AD at an SEC school and make a couple of million as a Power Five AD. Getting UMass in a football conference, fixing the swoon in Hockey and women's basketball, all need to be accomplished.
In today's athletic environment, there's no status quo. If you're not improving, you're fading. "We're happy like we are." is not a viable business model. The rest of the world is changing fast and UMass has to adopt.
If UMass wants to be a nationally ranked public university, athletics is one component of that goal. This is a big hire. Let's get it right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Philadelphia Eagles are taking on quite a UMass flavor as former UMass player and coach Brian Smith joins the Eagles staff.
Comcast Sports Philly also has a post on Smith's hiring.
Delaware Online has a story about Smith and UMass recruiting him when he was in high school.
Smith joins Bill McGovern (1987-90. 1992-93) and Jerry Azzinaro (1992-94, 1997) on the Eagles staff.
UPDATE: Several people mentioned I missed Mike Dawson, who's also on the Eagles staff. Mike was a four year letter winner and Captain of the Minutemen in 1997.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Notre Dame blog picks UMass as the Irish's easiest opponent in 2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Sifrin gets a mention is this NFL Combine article.
Patriots.com says Sifrin is a terrific athlete.
The MAC Conference has nine players at the Combine.
------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass recruiting 2023? Ten-year old Daron Bryden has already camped at UMass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Danny Dalton
The BC Blog "BC Interruption" reports Danny Dalton, a 6-6 TE from Marshfield, MA has committed to the Eagles.
Story here.
247Sports page here.
Dalton also held an offer from UMass. He was rated by 247Sports as the top prospect in the state for 2016.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Story here.
247Sports page here.
Dalton also held an offer from UMass. He was rated by 247Sports as the top prospect in the state for 2016.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday--February 18th, 2015
SB Nation has Jean Sifrin as one of the 22 most interesting players in the 2015 NFL Combine.
A Seattle SB Nation blog reviews TE's in the NFL Combine including Sifrin.
Rotoworld/NBC Sports has Sifrin the #2 TE in the Combine!
ComCast Sports New England also mentions Sifrin.
------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass recruit Marshall Robinson will play in 14th annual Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association East-West All-Star game May 3 at Downington High School.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresno Bee reports NFL prospects are from all over the world, including Sifrin.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Hustle Belt reports Miami (Ohio) adds a senior QB from Notre Dame.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Tuesday--February 17th, 2014
UMass is featuring the link about prizes for early season ticket renewal. I blogged about this last week. There's some nice football-related prizes and you'll get season ticket renewal out of the way early.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass players took part in the "Athletes love to read" event at Maple School in Easthampton.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're looking to follow Jean Sifrin at the NFL combine, the wide receivers and TE's are the first to arrive, starting today. The Giants Blog "Big Blue" has the Combine details and TV schedule.
Nick O'Malley has a feature on Jean Sifrin on MassLive.
The Boston Herald says Sifrin would be nice for the Patriots.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass player and current Troy head coach Neal Brown is first up in this video about prepping for Spring Ball.
247Sports looks at Brown and the new MAC conference hires at Buffalo and Central Michigan.
---------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation looks at if any other team can knock Boise State off their seat as the top team in the "Group of Five" leagues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Phip Steele loves stats and in this post he looks at how teams did in relation to the average yards given up by their opponent. UMass finished in the top half of the FBS universe.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated has how social media is shaking up college football recruiting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass players took part in the "Athletes love to read" event at Maple School in Easthampton.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're looking to follow Jean Sifrin at the NFL combine, the wide receivers and TE's are the first to arrive, starting today. The Giants Blog "Big Blue" has the Combine details and TV schedule.
Nick O'Malley has a feature on Jean Sifrin on MassLive.
The Boston Herald says Sifrin would be nice for the Patriots.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass player and current Troy head coach Neal Brown is first up in this video about prepping for Spring Ball.
247Sports looks at Brown and the new MAC conference hires at Buffalo and Central Michigan.
---------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation looks at if any other team can knock Boise State off their seat as the top team in the "Group of Five" leagues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Phip Steele loves stats and in this post he looks at how teams did in relation to the average yards given up by their opponent. UMass finished in the top half of the FBS universe.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated has how social media is shaking up college football recruiting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 16, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Alex Marshall
 |
| Marshall #81/ Carl Russo image |
247Sports page here.
This article from September 2014 features Marshall.
Hudl.com has video.
MaxPreps has stats.
Marshall also holds an offer from Miami (Ohio).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President's Day--February 16th, 2014
Matty Vautour reported on his Twitter feed UMass had a bunch of recruits in for a Junior Day Saturday. They were at the UMass-Duquesne game. Mrs Blog and I missed the second hoops game we had tickets for because of snow.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe has some coverage of New England players in the NFL Combine (scroll down).
Speaking of the combine, if you're drinking your morning mocha latte, set it down because you'll blow coffee out your nose and all over your monitor and keyboard: Tom Brady's combine stats and images.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC opponent Colorado starts Spring practice this week. It's actually been fairly warm in Rockies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The LA Times picks 2015 OOC opponent Notre Dame as a preseason Top-Ten team.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ex-UAB players try to stick together.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo's Detroit Lions Valentine Day's card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Go Erie.com says it's time for the Steelers to get younger at TE (mentions Rob Blanchflower).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe has some coverage of New England players in the NFL Combine (scroll down).
Speaking of the combine, if you're drinking your morning mocha latte, set it down because you'll blow coffee out your nose and all over your monitor and keyboard: Tom Brady's combine stats and images.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC opponent Colorado starts Spring practice this week. It's actually been fairly warm in Rockies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The LA Times picks 2015 OOC opponent Notre Dame as a preseason Top-Ten team.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ex-UAB players try to stick together.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo's Detroit Lions Valentine Day's card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Go Erie.com says it's time for the Steelers to get younger at TE (mentions Rob Blanchflower).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Saturday--February 14th, 2015
Be sure to read yesterday's bulletin from the Minutemen Club.
As usual UMass football fans were in the forefront of the surge:
"The Minutemen Club, which incorporates individual sport giving to all 21 teams at UMass, saw its largest increase in 2014 come from donations to football. With gifts for the new UMass Football Performance Center and the newly restructured Gridiron Club, support to the football program increased 188% in 2014. As part of this increase, annual giving to the Gridiron Club experienced its own 77% increase with newfound energy and a dedicated Board of Directors."
If you haven't joined the Gridiron Club please try to join this year. Coach Whipple and the team will be making a big effort to make Minutemen football into a winner and propel us into a League and bowl games. That'll help ALL UMass athletics.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation has started a 128 team 2015 preview. For the last three years, UMass was either at or near the bottom. So far, we missed the bottom four.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports comments on a proposed freshmen ineligibility rule. Lot's of quotes from the MAC's commissioner.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
FBS games average 30 minutes longer than DII or DII games. More TV, more time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The NCAA wants to experiment with technology.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Will it please stop snowing on UMass hoops games? So far Mrs Blog and I had one snow out, one wild ride back to NH after St. Bonaventure game and now another big storm today...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As usual UMass football fans were in the forefront of the surge:
"The Minutemen Club, which incorporates individual sport giving to all 21 teams at UMass, saw its largest increase in 2014 come from donations to football. With gifts for the new UMass Football Performance Center and the newly restructured Gridiron Club, support to the football program increased 188% in 2014. As part of this increase, annual giving to the Gridiron Club experienced its own 77% increase with newfound energy and a dedicated Board of Directors."
If you haven't joined the Gridiron Club please try to join this year. Coach Whipple and the team will be making a big effort to make Minutemen football into a winner and propel us into a League and bowl games. That'll help ALL UMass athletics.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation has started a 128 team 2015 preview. For the last three years, UMass was either at or near the bottom. So far, we missed the bottom four.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports comments on a proposed freshmen ineligibility rule. Lot's of quotes from the MAC's commissioner.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
FBS games average 30 minutes longer than DII or DII games. More TV, more time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The NCAA wants to experiment with technology.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Will it please stop snowing on UMass hoops games? So far Mrs Blog and I had one snow out, one wild ride back to NH after St. Bonaventure game and now another big storm today...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 13, 2015
Friday--February 13th, 2015
Special thanks to Blog reader "Mark" for sending me this link to an article featuring Blake Frohnapfel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I received my season ticket application for 2015 yesterday. UMass is running some nice prizes drawn daily from 02/16/15 to 3/15/15 for those who renew early. You can win a chance to sit with the UMass Radio team, Field passes, Honorary Captain for a game and more.
Get yours now!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rob Blanchflower gets a mention in this article about the Steelers free agency interests.
Behind the Steele Curtain also mentions Blanchflower.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The odds for the 2015 college football championship are up. The odds only include Power Five teams. UMass' OOC opponent Notre Dame is 30/1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation thinks Alabama signed the best recruiting class for an unprecedented fifth year in a row.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you missed it, Temple, who we meet as an OOC opponent in 2015, signed a four-star running back.
Philly.com rates Temple's recruiting in the middle of the AAC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but if you haven't watched John Calipari's Kentucky team this year, you should. At 24-0, everyone gives them their best shot, but the Wildcats are just a superb team. When TV shows a slow motion replay of one of their plays, it is just fun to watch the athleticism. Imagine a team with five Marcus Camby's.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I received my season ticket application for 2015 yesterday. UMass is running some nice prizes drawn daily from 02/16/15 to 3/15/15 for those who renew early. You can win a chance to sit with the UMass Radio team, Field passes, Honorary Captain for a game and more.
Get yours now!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rob Blanchflower gets a mention in this article about the Steelers free agency interests.
Behind the Steele Curtain also mentions Blanchflower.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The odds for the 2015 college football championship are up. The odds only include Power Five teams. UMass' OOC opponent Notre Dame is 30/1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation thinks Alabama signed the best recruiting class for an unprecedented fifth year in a row.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you missed it, Temple, who we meet as an OOC opponent in 2015, signed a four-star running back.
Philly.com rates Temple's recruiting in the middle of the AAC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but if you haven't watched John Calipari's Kentucky team this year, you should. At 24-0, everyone gives them their best shot, but the Wildcats are just a superb team. When TV shows a slow motion replay of one of their plays, it is just fun to watch the athleticism. Imagine a team with five Marcus Camby's.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Thursday-- February 12, 2015
Vanderbilt won over UMass in 2014 after we missed a field goal from the Commodores 5 yard line. Vandy managed only two other wins, against Old Dominion and Charleston Southern. That's placed Derek Mason on the hot seat for 2015.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston College went 8-0 against UMass in offers to Massachusetts recruits.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Scouting Combine has Jean Sifrin as one of six TE's in the draft to watch.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The prestigious Mayo Clinic has a study that shows high school football players have no difference in neurological problems later in life than students who were in the band or glee club.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Football Scoop looks at ten potential rule changes for 2015.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Michigan's Dan Enos recently left to become offensive coordinator at Arkansas, a move he was criticized for. One possible reason? A college writer finds Enos was the lowest paid HC in FBS.
His replacement gets a $115,000 raise.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Michigan continues to dominate the MAC in recruiting rankings. UMass did about average in the MAC.
BC and UConn under-recruited their conference averages.
--------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but we are on the receiving end of a lot of snark over at BC Interruption. On a night when UMass moved into a tie for first place in the A10, the Eagles lost to Syracuse . That moved BC to 1-10 in the ACC and 9-14 overall and firmly into the ACC's cellar.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston College went 8-0 against UMass in offers to Massachusetts recruits.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Scouting Combine has Jean Sifrin as one of six TE's in the draft to watch.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The prestigious Mayo Clinic has a study that shows high school football players have no difference in neurological problems later in life than students who were in the band or glee club.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Football Scoop looks at ten potential rule changes for 2015.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Michigan's Dan Enos recently left to become offensive coordinator at Arkansas, a move he was criticized for. One possible reason? A college writer finds Enos was the lowest paid HC in FBS.
His replacement gets a $115,000 raise.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Michigan continues to dominate the MAC in recruiting rankings. UMass did about average in the MAC.
BC and UConn under-recruited their conference averages.
--------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but we are on the receiving end of a lot of snark over at BC Interruption. On a night when UMass moved into a tie for first place in the A10, the Eagles lost to Syracuse . That moved BC to 1-10 in the ACC and 9-14 overall and firmly into the ACC's cellar.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Wednesday--February 11th, 2015
UMass fixed the Spring roster, but the Spring enrollees are not listed yet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass recruit Lee Moses is the co-feature of this article about Bishop Hendrickson HS signees.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Draft Scout has Jean Sifrin as one of the top-250 players for the 2015 draft.
Speaking of NFL Darft Scout, they have Sifrin ranked as a 6 to seventh roundpick. He's be a steal in the late rounds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Toledo's Jeremiah Detmer, the MAC's best kicker, may get a chance in NFL Draft.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit Lions.com says the Lions signing of James Ihedigbo was one of their top-ten decisions of 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Steelers Depot reviews Pittsburgh's 2014 draft and has this article on Rob Blanchflower.
------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Matt Metcalf image |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Draft Scout has Jean Sifrin as one of the top-250 players for the 2015 draft.
Speaking of NFL Darft Scout, they have Sifrin ranked as a 6 to seventh roundpick. He's be a steal in the late rounds.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Toledo's Jeremiah Detmer, the MAC's best kicker, may get a chance in NFL Draft.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit Lions.com says the Lions signing of James Ihedigbo was one of their top-ten decisions of 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Steelers Depot reviews Pittsburgh's 2014 draft and has this article on Rob Blanchflower.
------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Recruiting 2015--Kelton Brackett
 |
| Butch Dill image |
Kelton's UAB bio.
A 247Sports three star recruit in 2012.
Brackett should provide some senior leadership as well as depth.
Tuesday--February 10th, 2015
The UMass football roster looks like it's been hit by all these snowstorms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone takes a look at UMass's behind-the-scenes LOI Day video.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour has a post on UMass welcoming interim AD Bob Goodhue. He's a good man and the department will be in good hands until the new AD is hired.
Meanwhile, UCSB officially announces John McCutcheon's appointment as their new Athletic Director.
------------------------------------------------------------
A Bleacher Report writer says Mark Whipple is destined for the NFL.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Football Scoop has some motivational video for undersized players courtesy of Julian Edelman. Worth watching!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe the most talented QB in FCS is transferring to Oregon. That's not going to make Eastern Washington happy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone takes a look at UMass's behind-the-scenes LOI Day video.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour has a post on UMass welcoming interim AD Bob Goodhue. He's a good man and the department will be in good hands until the new AD is hired.
Meanwhile, UCSB officially announces John McCutcheon's appointment as their new Athletic Director.
------------------------------------------------------------
A Bleacher Report writer says Mark Whipple is destined for the NFL.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Football Scoop has some motivational video for undersized players courtesy of Julian Edelman. Worth watching!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe the most talented QB in FCS is transferring to Oregon. That's not going to make Eastern Washington happy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, February 09, 2015
Monday, February 9th, 2015
Mike Karpinski of Hustle Belt has his final MAC recruiting power rating.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's been a couple of comments about 2015 recruit Andy Isabella's recent 60-yard dash time. This article from November of 2014 features Isabella.
Ran a 4.39 40 at a combine.
The image above is from an article from Cleveland.com on November 2014 about Isabella's game winning TD run.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a post on Coach Whipple and Coach Kellogg sharing their thoughts on out-going UMass AD John McCutcheon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan also talks to UMass recruiting coordinator Spencer Whipple on 2015's signing day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation has four MAC teams in a list of ten Group-of-Five conference teams that had good 2015 recruiting results.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A SB Nation writer thinks UConn should move it's basketball program to the Big East and football to the MAC.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Boston has what to do now that football is over. TV sucks with no football.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Lonnie Timmons III image |
Ran a 4.39 40 at a combine.
The image above is from an article from Cleveland.com on November 2014 about Isabella's game winning TD run.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a post on Coach Whipple and Coach Kellogg sharing their thoughts on out-going UMass AD John McCutcheon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan also talks to UMass recruiting coordinator Spencer Whipple on 2015's signing day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB Nation has four MAC teams in a list of ten Group-of-Five conference teams that had good 2015 recruiting results.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A SB Nation writer thinks UConn should move it's basketball program to the Big East and football to the MAC.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Boston has what to do now that football is over. TV sucks with no football.
Saturday, February 07, 2015
Recruiting 2015-- Denzel Johnson
 |
| Hudl.com image |
Moore's article here.
247Sports three-star player.
Hudl.com has video.
This article from August 2014 features Johnson.
Saturday-- February 7th, 2015
Blake Fronapfel and Matt Sparks named Distinguished MAC Scholar-Athletes. Fronapfel is also a member of the Athletic Director Search Committee.
I think it was Gazette UMass beat writer Matty Vautour who speculated how many years it would be before Liam Coen was named head coach at UMass.
I wonder when Blake Fronapfel will return to Amherst as Athletic Director. Provided, of course, if his career in athletic administration doesn't get delayed by a six-year stint as QB for the Cleveland Browns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A MassLive editorial praises Robert Goodhue as interim UMass A.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass season ticket promo is pretty cool.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Sifrin has been invited to the NFL Combine.
Matty Vautour also reports on Sifrin's invite.
NFL.com has a mention of Sifrin on this article on under-the-radar draft prospects.
NJ.com has the full list of invitees. A number of MAC players are included.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walk-on kicker Matt Wylie has transferred to Texas San-Antonio. Wylie had one really ugly field goal attempt during the Penn State game and then ended up in a walking boot and didn't play again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports Caoch Whipple believes Mike Caggiano will have an excellent career at UMass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Michigan hires a new HC. Former CM head coach Dan Enos suddenly left for Arkansas after the season ended.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports has a post on possible college football rule changes for 2015.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Family blames Seahawks fan's death on Seattle's goal line play call.
------------------------------------------------------------
I think it was Gazette UMass beat writer Matty Vautour who speculated how many years it would be before Liam Coen was named head coach at UMass.
I wonder when Blake Fronapfel will return to Amherst as Athletic Director. Provided, of course, if his career in athletic administration doesn't get delayed by a six-year stint as QB for the Cleveland Browns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A MassLive editorial praises Robert Goodhue as interim UMass A.D.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass season ticket promo is pretty cool.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Sifrin has been invited to the NFL Combine.
Matty Vautour also reports on Sifrin's invite.
NFL.com has a mention of Sifrin on this article on under-the-radar draft prospects.
NJ.com has the full list of invitees. A number of MAC players are included.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walk-on kicker Matt Wylie has transferred to Texas San-Antonio. Wylie had one really ugly field goal attempt during the Penn State game and then ended up in a walking boot and didn't play again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports Caoch Whipple believes Mike Caggiano will have an excellent career at UMass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Michigan hires a new HC. Former CM head coach Dan Enos suddenly left for Arkansas after the season ended.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports has a post on possible college football rule changes for 2015.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Family blames Seahawks fan's death on Seattle's goal line play call.
------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 06, 2015
Friday--February 6th, 2014
OK, SO HOW'D WE DO?
How do we rate this year's recruiting class? Well, in one respect, it's surprising. The class is all freshmen except for one transfer. No JUCO'S or fifth-year seniors. Whipple repeatedly said UMass was recruiting for the future. For UMass fans, that's a good thing. There's gotta be a back story to this. It appears UMass football has been given the assurance by the powers-that-be the program is on firm footing and UMass football is going to be in FBS for the foreseeable future. It will be nice to have the annual media circus over with.
OTOH, we do need to get into a conference. To do that we need to attain bowl eligibility in the not far future. There doesn't seem to be a lot of immediate impact players in the 2015, except maybe for kicker.
UMass had the worst kicking game in MAC last year. The Minutemen were next-to-last in punting also. Mike Caggiano appears to address that issue. If any of the 2015 recruits have a chance to be a four year starter it's him.
Ever since Michael Cox graduated, UMass has had issues at running back. Mainly, the lack of durability. Over the last two years it's been a couple of games and out for the featured running back. Sekai Lindsay is a true pro-set running back. If he could be a workhorse at tailback, Whipple's offense could hit another gear in effectiveness. It looks as if the coaches have worked to fix two long-running deficiencies.
The two defensive line recruits could see some action in 2015. Spencer Whipple inferred UMass would play the 3-4 again in 2015.
UMass did not have 25 scholarships to hand out this year. The 2015 class seems to be a solid MAC-level class. At the end of the press conference Whipple still said his goal was a MAC East championship and a bowl game. Apparently, we're going to go with what we have for that goal. Time will tell if this year's recruits will competitive in a independent schedule when they're juniors and seniors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Goodhue has been named interim Athletic Director. MassLive has a story about Goodhue being named interim director. Goodhue is a football guy too...
Matty Vautour also covers the story.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is cool. UMass has a behind-the-scenes video of signing day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald looks at UMass and BC's recruiting classes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass apparently passed on 6-6 420 pound Nyquel Alexander.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Minutemen's lone decommit Daisjon Robinson ended up at Delaware.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Football Performance Center gets an award for being "green"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC conference website has the whole conference's signing classes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.J. Watts has a message for all 2015 recruits.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile everybody in the conference had a great recruiting class.
P,J. Fleck has an "elite' class.
Ball State adds 24 recruits.
Bowling Green has impressive recruits.
Akron had a big January.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 05, 2015
Thursday--February 5th, 2015
Some takeaways from Coach Whipple's press conference:
UMass will have 20+ more players taking part in Spring ball. Close to a hundred players are on campus , which is a lot more than 2014.
Whipple is OK with Sosinski and Lynn being interested in basketball. He said "it's our scholarship, so basketball, will be happy." Sosinski was touted as a DI basketball prospect as a power forward. Sosinski's MaxPreps basketball page here. Matty Vautour has a post on Sosinski and Lynn's basketball interest.
Whipple said repeatedly that one goal of 2015's recruiting was more "length", which is the current coaching buzz word for tall players.
Spencer Whipple said UMass' pro-set offense is a recruiting tool in the fact that many colleges are going to the spread offense. UMass not only plays the pro-set "heavy" (with two backs), the Minutemen use NFL play terminology. Spencer Whipple related Sekai Lindsay came to UMass because he wanted to run from the pro-set.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a post on the seven UMass Spring Enrollees.
Dan also looks at the wide-ranging recruiting localities of this year's recruits.
Finally, Dan has five takeaways from this year's recruiting class.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour looks at the 2015 Minutemen recruits.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Max Moore of Hustle Belt says UMass signs an impressive class.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian has two articles on Letter-of-Intent Day here and here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says UMass prospects improve.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe says UMass bolsters the offensive line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Nj.com has an article on kicker Mike Caggiano joining the Minutemen. The News-Transcript also has an article on Caggiano.
---------------------------------------------------------------
MassLive has a story about offensive line recruit Michael Yerardi.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald has a post about Xaverian players Joe Parsons and Kenny Kern joining the Minutemen.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Shreveport Times says Artayvious Lynn like snowball fights.
------------------------------------------------------------
The TC Palm has some images, including Reche Thomas, during the Varo Beach signing day ceremony.
--------------------------------------------------------------
St. Thomas Aquinas has 17 players, including James Oliphant, sign letters of intent yesterday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Buford HS had 15 signees, the most ever, including Brandon Mangram.
Access North Georgia has more on Buford's signees.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The News-Herald says UMass recruit Andy Isabella set the Ohio state record in the 60-yard dash last week.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow, my thoughts on the 2015 recruiting class.
------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass will have 20+ more players taking part in Spring ball. Close to a hundred players are on campus , which is a lot more than 2014.
Whipple is OK with Sosinski and Lynn being interested in basketball. He said "it's our scholarship, so basketball, will be happy." Sosinski was touted as a DI basketball prospect as a power forward. Sosinski's MaxPreps basketball page here. Matty Vautour has a post on Sosinski and Lynn's basketball interest.
Whipple said repeatedly that one goal of 2015's recruiting was more "length", which is the current coaching buzz word for tall players.
Spencer Whipple said UMass' pro-set offense is a recruiting tool in the fact that many colleges are going to the spread offense. UMass not only plays the pro-set "heavy" (with two backs), the Minutemen use NFL play terminology. Spencer Whipple related Sekai Lindsay came to UMass because he wanted to run from the pro-set.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a post on the seven UMass Spring Enrollees.
Dan also looks at the wide-ranging recruiting localities of this year's recruits.
Finally, Dan has five takeaways from this year's recruiting class.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour looks at the 2015 Minutemen recruits.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Max Moore of Hustle Belt says UMass signs an impressive class.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian has two articles on Letter-of-Intent Day here and here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says UMass prospects improve.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe says UMass bolsters the offensive line.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Nj.com has an article on kicker Mike Caggiano joining the Minutemen. The News-Transcript also has an article on Caggiano.
---------------------------------------------------------------
MassLive has a story about offensive line recruit Michael Yerardi.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald has a post about Xaverian players Joe Parsons and Kenny Kern joining the Minutemen.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Shreveport Times says Artayvious Lynn like snowball fights.
 |
| UMass football yesterday |
The TC Palm has some images, including Reche Thomas, during the Varo Beach signing day ceremony.
--------------------------------------------------------------
St. Thomas Aquinas has 17 players, including James Oliphant, sign letters of intent yesterday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Buford HS had 15 signees, the most ever, including Brandon Mangram.
Access North Georgia has more on Buford's signees.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The News-Herald says UMass recruit Andy Isabella set the Ohio state record in the 60-yard dash last week.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow, my thoughts on the 2015 recruiting class.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
Wednesday--February 4th, 2015 Letter-of-Intent Day
Lots more recruiting stuff tomorrow, pant, pant :)
------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATES:
Spring Enrollees:
------------------------------------------------------------
Marquis Young, 6-0 200 RB from Milford Academy. I've blogged about Young before.
Randall West, 6-4 220 pound QB from Lawrenceville, NJ. I've blogged about West before.
-------------------------------------------------------
Lamarriel Taylor, 6-3 WR from Chula Vista, CA. I've blogged about him before.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Rodrick, 6-3 230 LB from Liecester, MA. I've blogged about him before.
------------------------------------------------------------
Micah Morel, 6-0 190 pound Safety from Milford Academy.
ESPN describes him as one of the best safeties in MA in this 2012 article.
Hudl.com has video.
------------------------------------------------------------
Darrian Josey, 6-2 165 pound WR from Boyton Beach, FL. Transfer from Hawaii.
Whipple said UMass recruited Josey last year. Whipple also said Josey ran the 2nd fastest 100 in the state of Florida in 2014.
Hudl.com highlights. This article from January 2014 features Josey. So does this article.
Rivals two-star player.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dejion Evans, 6-3 200 pound WR from Boston, MA.
Hudl.com video.
ESPN player page.
----------------------------------------------------------------
OK, I've got to do a couple of things and then I'm going to drive down to Amherst to go the 3:00 PM press conference. More updates to the blog in the evening.
------------------------------------------------------------
Travis Reynolds joins the Minutemen. Apparently they play football in Australia (Reynolds video highlights)
Bayside Ravens Football Club.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
James Sosinski joins the UMass QB corps.
This article from MaxPreps features Sosinki.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN reports that Kenny Kern, a 6-0 227 pound fullback from Xaverian Brothers will join UMass as a preferred walk-on.
---------------------------------------------------
Jack Driscoll joins the UMass offensive line
-------------------------------------------------------
Reche Thomas signs with UMass
-----------------------------------------------------
Artayvious Lynn joins the Minutemen
----------------------------------------------
Sam Franklin, a 6-4 185 pound WR from Crystal River, FL signs with UMass
247Sports three-star player.
Hudl.com video.
Rivals two-star player with offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky and South Alabama.
-------------------------------------------------
Aaron Kinsey signs with the Minutemen.
------------------------------------------------------
Mario Patton joins UMass.
-----------------------------------------------------
James Bowe signs with the Minutemen. I received an e-mail from a UMass fan in Georgia saying Buford is a powerhouse program that has supplied a lot of talent to FBS teams in the past.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mike Caggiano joins UMass.
-------------------------------------------------------
D'Shan Harley signs with the Minutemen.
-------------------------------------------------------
Sekai Lindsay joins UMass Football/
-----------------------------------------------------
Brandon Mangram signs with the Minutemen.
---------------------------------------------------------
Lee Moses joins UMass
----------------------------------------------------------
Marshall Robinson a 6-4 330 pound DL from Mars Hill, PA signs with UMass.
Robinson's Hudl highlights.
Also had offers from Temple and Bowling Green.
From the UMass feed:
Fun fact about Marshall Robinson - he can dunk a basketball from a standing position according to coach Sollazzo
----------------------------------------------------------
From John Sinnett's office:
The UMass website has a Signing Day Central Page up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says this year's recruits will lead the Minutemen into a unknown future.
MassLive.com will also have live updates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks like UMass Lax may be playing at McGuirk this season after Garber Field suffered unspecified "damage' from the latest storm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BC signs seven Massachusetts players.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Campus Insiders thinks Sekai Lindsey will be star of the Minutemen's 2015 recruiting class.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future UMass opponent BYU got a big boost after it was named a honorary Power Five team.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATES:
Spring Enrollees:
------------------------------------------------------------
Marquis Young, 6-0 200 RB from Milford Academy. I've blogged about Young before.
Randall West, 6-4 220 pound QB from Lawrenceville, NJ. I've blogged about West before.
-------------------------------------------------------
Lamarriel Taylor, 6-3 WR from Chula Vista, CA. I've blogged about him before.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Rodrick, 6-3 230 LB from Liecester, MA. I've blogged about him before.
------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Morel #6/ Boston Herald image |
ESPN describes him as one of the best safeties in MA in this 2012 article.
Hudl.com has video.
------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Image credit as above |
Whipple said UMass recruited Josey last year. Whipple also said Josey ran the 2nd fastest 100 in the state of Florida in 2014.
Hudl.com highlights. This article from January 2014 features Josey. So does this article.
Rivals two-star player.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| 247Sports image |
Hudl.com video.
ESPN player page.
----------------------------------------------------------------
OK, I've got to do a couple of things and then I'm going to drive down to Amherst to go the 3:00 PM press conference. More updates to the blog in the evening.
------------------------------------------------------------
Travis Reynolds joins the Minutemen. Apparently they play football in Australia (Reynolds video highlights)
Bayside Ravens Football Club.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
James Sosinski joins the UMass QB corps.
This article from MaxPreps features Sosinki.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Boston Globe image |
---------------------------------------------------
Jack Driscoll joins the UMass offensive line
-------------------------------------------------------
Reche Thomas signs with UMass
-----------------------------------------------------
Artayvious Lynn joins the Minutemen
----------------------------------------------
 |
| 247 Sports image |
247Sports three-star player.
Hudl.com video.
Rivals two-star player with offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky and South Alabama.
-------------------------------------------------
Aaron Kinsey signs with the Minutemen.
------------------------------------------------------
Mario Patton joins UMass.
-----------------------------------------------------
James Bowe signs with the Minutemen. I received an e-mail from a UMass fan in Georgia saying Buford is a powerhouse program that has supplied a lot of talent to FBS teams in the past.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mike Caggiano joins UMass.
-------------------------------------------------------
D'Shan Harley signs with the Minutemen.
-------------------------------------------------------
Sekai Lindsay joins UMass Football/
-----------------------------------------------------
Brandon Mangram signs with the Minutemen.
---------------------------------------------------------
Lee Moses joins UMass
----------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Hudl.com image |
Robinson's Hudl highlights.
Also had offers from Temple and Bowling Green.
From the UMass feed:
Fun fact about Marshall Robinson - he can dunk a basketball from a standing position according to coach Sollazzo
----------------------------------------------------------
From John Sinnett's office:
Fans are invited to join UMass football Head Coach Mark Whipple and his staff for a College Football Signing Day Party tomorrow, February 4th at the Amherst Brewing Company starting at 5:30 PM. The event is free to attend and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided. The Amherst Brewing Company is located just off the UMass campus at 10 University Drive in Amherst. Coach Whipple will highlight his incoming class of newcomers for the 2015 season and will be joined by his coaching staff to speak with fans about the newest additions to the UMass football family. The evening celebration will cap off what is sure to be a day of great excitement with players signing their National Letters of Intent beginning that morning.
SECOND RECRUITING EVENT CELEBRATION IN BOSTON
This event will be held at the UMass Club in Boston on February 26th, 2015. This is another opportunity to get to know the newest additions to the maroon and white family, and hear what Head Coach Mark Whipple and the UMass Football coaching staff have in store for the upcoming season.
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Jason Germain in the Minutemen Club Office at jag@admin.umass.edu<mailto:jag@admin.umass.edu> or 413-577-0267.
SIGNING DAY COVERAGE For full coverage of the day along with an interactive blog check out www.UMassAthletics.com<http://www.umassathletics.com/>. Fans are also encouraged to follow twitter.com/CoachWhipUMass<http://www.twitter.com/CoachWhipUMass>, twitter.com/UMassFootball<http://www.twitter.com/UMassFootball> and twitter.com/UMassAthletics<http://wwww.twitter.com/UMassAthletics> to get the news of each signing as soon as it happens.------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website has a Signing Day Central Page up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says this year's recruits will lead the Minutemen into a unknown future.
MassLive.com will also have live updates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looks like UMass Lax may be playing at McGuirk this season after Garber Field suffered unspecified "damage' from the latest storm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BC signs seven Massachusetts players.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Campus Insiders thinks Sekai Lindsey will be star of the Minutemen's 2015 recruiting class.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future UMass opponent BYU got a big boost after it was named a honorary Power Five team.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------