Mike's post on JUCO CB Malik Sanders is here. The Minutemen had three of four 2018 defensive back starters graduate. There should be plenty of playing time for the versatile Sanders.
Remember when Don Brown had three or four defensive packages besides his base set? Brown loved DB's. You have to have more than just two guys who are ready to play. Did UMass play the Nickle in 2018? Did we have a Dime package? The new DC should have Isiah Rogers, Malik Sanders, Chris Hunt and Bakhari Goodson.
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Mike also has a story on JUCO signee Jaylin Bannerman. Bannerman fills a position the Minutemen did not possess in 2018--a rush defensive end. UMass finished next-to-last in the entire FBS in sacks last year. We actually tied for last in number of sacks. And it's a good thing that the NCAA apparently does not have an official "QB hurries" stat or we would be a trivia question for the foreseeable future.
At 6-5 240, the Minutemen do not have another player in his category. Bannerman probably will be the first UMass recruit since Blake Fronapfel to have a green light from day one.
"Son, go in and do your thing."
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