I've blogged about Michael Smith, a 6-2 200 pound WR from Varo Beach, FL before.
This weekend, Smith received an offer from Norte Dame.
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Showing posts sorted by date for query michael smith. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query michael smith. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Thursday, November 03, 2016
Recruiting 2017--Michael Smith
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| Xavier Mascare image |
247Sports page here.
HUdl.com has video.
This article from June features Smith.
MaxPreps has some stats.
This article from September mentions Smith's strong start to the 2016 season.
UMass is Smith's first FBS offer.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Saturday--March 12th, 2016
OK, I'm back. Let's start catching up. Some of this you probably already read while I was gone, but we'll see.
Dan Malone on start of Spring practice. Dan has some notes from the first two practices.
Matty Vautour has a post on the start of Spring practice.
Maybe the most interesting stuff so far is the injury report. Whipple said (reading between the lines) back, but limited in Spring ball, are:
Tyshon Henderson SR OT
Lucas Kotler JR OG
Khary Bailey-Smith RS SR
Sekai Lindsay SO RB
The Following is the two-deep offensive line for Buffalo on 11/23/15
LT Tyrell Smith (declared for the NFL draft)
LT Tyshon Henderson (broken ankle)
LG Fabian Hoeller
LG Lucas Kotler (knee Injury)
C Matt Sparks (graduated)
C Josh Bruns (graduated)
RG Michael Boland
RG Derek Dumais (redshirted 2015)
RT Elijah Wilkenson
RT Jack Driscoll (mentioned by Whipple as having a good day at practice)
Boland, Henderson and Hoeller are sure starters. The left side of the line needs to be rebuilt and we need a starting center and backup. Dan DiNicola had a strong game against Buffalo and should be in the mix.
Khary Bailey-Smith and JUCO Teddy Lowery would be my picks as the safeties starting against the Gators.
With Jamal Wilson, Lorenzo Woodley, Shadrach Abrokwah, Manwon Brisbane and Andy Isabella (moved to WR) gone, Sekai Lindsey and Marquis Young are the likely one-two at RB for the Minutemen.
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Victor Cruz is staying with the Giants abet with a big pay cut.
The NT Post has some quotes from Cruz.
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Dan Malone on start of Spring practice. Dan has some notes from the first two practices.
Matty Vautour has a post on the start of Spring practice.
Maybe the most interesting stuff so far is the injury report. Whipple said (reading between the lines) back, but limited in Spring ball, are:
Tyshon Henderson SR OT
Lucas Kotler JR OG
Khary Bailey-Smith RS SR
Sekai Lindsay SO RB
The Following is the two-deep offensive line for Buffalo on 11/23/15
LT Tyrell Smith (declared for the NFL draft)
LT Tyshon Henderson (broken ankle)
LG Fabian Hoeller
LG Lucas Kotler (knee Injury)
C Matt Sparks (graduated)
C Josh Bruns (graduated)
RG Michael Boland
RG Derek Dumais (redshirted 2015)
RT Elijah Wilkenson
RT Jack Driscoll (mentioned by Whipple as having a good day at practice)
Boland, Henderson and Hoeller are sure starters. The left side of the line needs to be rebuilt and we need a starting center and backup. Dan DiNicola had a strong game against Buffalo and should be in the mix.
Khary Bailey-Smith and JUCO Teddy Lowery would be my picks as the safeties starting against the Gators.
With Jamal Wilson, Lorenzo Woodley, Shadrach Abrokwah, Manwon Brisbane and Andy Isabella (moved to WR) gone, Sekai Lindsey and Marquis Young are the likely one-two at RB for the Minutemen.
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Victor Cruz is staying with the Giants abet with a big pay cut.
The NT Post has some quotes from Cruz.
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Friday, November 20, 2015
Friday--November 20th, 2015
Matty Vautour reports UMass seniors look to go out on top.
Matty notes three of the 26 seniors: Khary Bailey-Smith, Jalen Williams and Bernard Davis will have a year of eligibility left.
Miami (Ohio) has two wins. One is over Eastern Michigan. The other was a 28-7 win over Presbyterian. The Blue Hose aren't one of FCS' stronger teams. They are 1-9 and the lone win is over the Campbell Camels...
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Coach Whipple says Miami (Ohio) is a very resilient team.
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The Miami Student says Red Hawks WR Sam Martin and QB Gus Ragland will not play due to injuries. Martin had a big game against the Minutemen last year.
The Student also has Miami senior superlatives.
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Jordin Rinard and Michael Traini of Hustle Belt preview the Red Hawks-Minutemen game.
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The Toledo Blade says right now, the Rockets are in the MAC's catbird seat regarding a bowl bid.
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The NY Post says if your think Victor Cruz's NY Giants story is over, you don't know him.
CBS NY says you can't help rooting for Cruz to return.
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Matty notes three of the 26 seniors: Khary Bailey-Smith, Jalen Williams and Bernard Davis will have a year of eligibility left.
Miami (Ohio) has two wins. One is over Eastern Michigan. The other was a 28-7 win over Presbyterian. The Blue Hose aren't one of FCS' stronger teams. They are 1-9 and the lone win is over the Campbell Camels...
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Coach Whipple says Miami (Ohio) is a very resilient team.
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The Miami Student says Red Hawks WR Sam Martin and QB Gus Ragland will not play due to injuries. Martin had a big game against the Minutemen last year.
The Student also has Miami senior superlatives.
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Jordin Rinard and Michael Traini of Hustle Belt preview the Red Hawks-Minutemen game.
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The Toledo Blade says right now, the Rockets are in the MAC's catbird seat regarding a bowl bid.
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The NY Post says if your think Victor Cruz's NY Giants story is over, you don't know him.
CBS NY says you can't help rooting for Cruz to return.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Wednesday--May 20th, 2015
UMass center Matt Sparks has been named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List.
Dan Malone has an article on Sparks.
Sparks will be a senior this fall and should anchor a offensive line that should return all five starters (something we haven't seen for a while).
The starting O-line for November 14th, 2014 was:
LT Tyrell Smith 6-5 315 (23 career starts)
LG Fabian Hoeller 6-3 295 (15 career starts)
C Matt Sparks 6-4 280 (21 career starts)
RG Michael Boland 6-7 315 (12 career starts)
RT Elijah Wilkinson 6-4 315 (12 career starts)
The Minutemen offensive line gave up 28 sacks in 2014, which tied for 9th in the MAC. That probably was not bad given UMass led the league with 492 attempts. The line did less well in run blocking. The Minutemen were 11th in rush offense yards per game and 11th in yards per rush (3.4). Barring any injuries, the line should return intact and we would hope be a strength in 2015.
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Two other MAC centers were named to the Rimington Trophy watch list: Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan.
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247Sports looks at the top 25 college football teams in fastest play. UMass ties for 19th.
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Coach Golden had an article in American Football Monthly.
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NewsOK looks at the SEC's OOC schedule. A number of MAC teams play SEC opponents in 2015.
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Syracuse is bringing their iconic #44 out of retirement.
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Dan Malone has an article on Sparks.
Sparks will be a senior this fall and should anchor a offensive line that should return all five starters (something we haven't seen for a while).
The starting O-line for November 14th, 2014 was:
LT Tyrell Smith 6-5 315 (23 career starts)
LG Fabian Hoeller 6-3 295 (15 career starts)
C Matt Sparks 6-4 280 (21 career starts)
RG Michael Boland 6-7 315 (12 career starts)
RT Elijah Wilkinson 6-4 315 (12 career starts)
The Minutemen offensive line gave up 28 sacks in 2014, which tied for 9th in the MAC. That probably was not bad given UMass led the league with 492 attempts. The line did less well in run blocking. The Minutemen were 11th in rush offense yards per game and 11th in yards per rush (3.4). Barring any injuries, the line should return intact and we would hope be a strength in 2015.
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Two other MAC centers were named to the Rimington Trophy watch list: Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan.
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247Sports looks at the top 25 college football teams in fastest play. UMass ties for 19th.
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Coach Golden had an article in American Football Monthly.
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NewsOK looks at the SEC's OOC schedule. A number of MAC teams play SEC opponents in 2015.
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Syracuse is bringing their iconic #44 out of retirement.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wednesday--December 10th, 2014
Dan Malone reviews the 2014 Minuteman offensive line.
At the end of the season the starting line was:
LT Tyrell Smith SO GP-GS 12-12
LG Fabian Hoeller SO GP-GS 12-12
C Matt Sparks JU GP-GS 12-12
RB Michael Boland GP-GS 12-6
RT Elijah Wilkinson GP-GS 12-12
In the rotation:
Josh Bruns JU GP-GS 12-6
Lukas Kolter FR GP-GS 11-0
Tyshon Henderson SO GP-GS 11-0
Ryan Johnson JU GP-GS 11-0
Reserves;
Cameron Mock RSFR
Sam Zeff RSFR
Rich Queen RSFR
Dimiti Angelas FR
Dan DiNicola FR
Anthony Fernandez FR
Femi Oyewole SO
2015 recruits
Joe Parsons
Michael Yarardi
Jack Driscoll
Derek Dumais
Without game tape its useless to try to grade offensive linemen. The OL's stats show up on other players. Blake Frohnapfel's mammoth season was partially a product of the OL's play. UMass was 11th in sacks against, but UMass was 3rd in pass attempts so some of that was because the offense was so pass heavy.
UMass did less well in rushing. The Minutemen were 11th in the MAC in rushing offense (109.3 yards per game). UMass averaged 3.4 yards per rush. In a couple of game (Penn State and Kent State), the opposition pretty much controlled the line of scrimmage.
With 20 offensive linemen on the squad in 2015, there should be plenty of competition for the first and second team. The position should be a strong one for UMass in the future.
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Ron Chimelis says uncertainty in the AD position provides UMass football with another challenge.
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This is very cool. Tightrope Media Systems will provide a UMass Football Historical kiosk in the new UMass Performance Center. It will have 130 years of searchable historical data on the team.
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A Penn Live writer wonders what would have happened if Joe Paterno's proposed Northeast Conference had come to fruition (with UMass included).
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Former UMass QB Vito Campanile (1993, 1995) has been named NY Jets HS Coach of the Year.
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Sports Edge.com says UConn should leave the ACC and rejoin the Big East.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tuesday--August 26th, 2014
I don't know about you guys, but I'm starting to get excited---and nervous. I want to see UMass do well.
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Two articles on the Minutemen's first official two deep: Dan Malone and Matty Vautour.
I'd take the two-deep with several grains of salt. I doubt UMass would break true freshman J. T. Blyden's redshirt just to return kicks. Ryan Johnson, Jean Sifrin and Shane Huber could start later in the season.
QB- Blake Frohnaple, A.J. Doyle
Austin Whipple would be the 3rd QB
RB- Jamal Wilson, Lorenzo Woodley
FB-Rodney Mills, Daquan Mack
Mills at 6-1 215 would likely be another receiver out of the backfield
WR- Tajae Sharpe, Shakur Nesmith
WR -Jalen Williams, Alex Kenney
Marken Michel will also see a lot of snaps
TE: Brandon Howard, Jon Denton
LT-Tyrell Smith, Tyshon Henderson
LG-Fabian Hoeller, Michael Boland
C-Matt Sparks, Rich Queen
RG-Josh Bruns, Lucas Kolter
RT-Elijah Wilkinson, Cameron Mock
Hoeller would probably backup Sparks. Henderson will probably back up both tackle spots.
Defense
DE-Peter Angeh, Enock Asante
NT-Robert Kitching, Daniel Maynes
DT -Sha-Ki Holines, Leo Krizanovic
OLB -Kessan Messiah, Lucas Amato
ILB-Stanley Andre, John Robinson Woodgett
ILB-Jovan Santos-Knox, Steve Casali
OLB-Trey Seals, DaSean Downey
Along with WR's, this is a deep unit.
CB-Randall Jette, Iric Harris
S-Joe Colton, Khary Bailey-Smith
S-Trey Dudley-Giles, Zeke Edmonds
CB-Jackson Porter, Jesse Monteiro
Monteiro would probably be the nickle back. Edmonds, a true freshman, has had a good camp.
Special Teams
K-Blake Lucas, Matthew Wylie
P-Brian McDonald, Logan Laurent
LS-Nick Berus, Emmett Odegard
H-Blake Frohnapfel
KR-Trey Dudley-Giles, J.T. Blyden
PR-Trey Dudley-Giles, Bernard Davis
Five freshmen in the two-deep. Seventeen new starters.
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Matty Vautour also has 2014 may be the most important season in UMass history. Just remember opening with four BCS teams does not really measure the progress UMass has made.
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UMass is picked last in the MAC preseason coach's poll.
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BC loses LB Tim Joy for the season. Always hate to see a player get hurt.
The Boston Herald says mystery awaits the Eagles in their opening game.
A writer on BC Interruption predicts Boston College's season.
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Another game Saturday with interest by UMass fans:
Idaho plays at Florida.
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Two articles on the Minutemen's first official two deep: Dan Malone and Matty Vautour.
I'd take the two-deep with several grains of salt. I doubt UMass would break true freshman J. T. Blyden's redshirt just to return kicks. Ryan Johnson, Jean Sifrin and Shane Huber could start later in the season.
QB- Blake Frohnaple, A.J. Doyle
Austin Whipple would be the 3rd QB
RB- Jamal Wilson, Lorenzo Woodley
FB-Rodney Mills, Daquan Mack
Mills at 6-1 215 would likely be another receiver out of the backfield
WR- Tajae Sharpe, Shakur Nesmith
WR -Jalen Williams, Alex Kenney
Marken Michel will also see a lot of snaps
TE: Brandon Howard, Jon Denton
LT-Tyrell Smith, Tyshon Henderson
LG-Fabian Hoeller, Michael Boland
C-Matt Sparks, Rich Queen
RG-Josh Bruns, Lucas Kolter
RT-Elijah Wilkinson, Cameron Mock
Hoeller would probably backup Sparks. Henderson will probably back up both tackle spots.
Defense
DE-Peter Angeh, Enock Asante
NT-Robert Kitching, Daniel Maynes
DT -Sha-Ki Holines, Leo Krizanovic
OLB -Kessan Messiah, Lucas Amato
ILB-Stanley Andre, John Robinson Woodgett
ILB-Jovan Santos-Knox, Steve Casali
OLB-Trey Seals, DaSean Downey
Along with WR's, this is a deep unit.
CB-Randall Jette, Iric Harris
S-Joe Colton, Khary Bailey-Smith
S-Trey Dudley-Giles, Zeke Edmonds
CB-Jackson Porter, Jesse Monteiro
Monteiro would probably be the nickle back. Edmonds, a true freshman, has had a good camp.
Special Teams
K-Blake Lucas, Matthew Wylie
P-Brian McDonald, Logan Laurent
LS-Nick Berus, Emmett Odegard
H-Blake Frohnapfel
KR-Trey Dudley-Giles, J.T. Blyden
PR-Trey Dudley-Giles, Bernard Davis
Five freshmen in the two-deep. Seventeen new starters.
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Matty Vautour also has 2014 may be the most important season in UMass history. Just remember opening with four BCS teams does not really measure the progress UMass has made.
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UMass is picked last in the MAC preseason coach's poll.
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BC loses LB Tim Joy for the season. Always hate to see a player get hurt.
The Boston Herald says mystery awaits the Eagles in their opening game.
A writer on BC Interruption predicts Boston College's season.
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Another game Saturday with interest by UMass fans:
Idaho plays at Florida.
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Wednesday, August 06, 2014
August 6th, 2014
The UMass website has video and still images from the first day of practice.
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Dan Malone has A.J.Doyle is ready for yet another quarterback competition.
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Dan also continues his UMass Top-25 players for 2014 with Tyrell Smith (good name). In Whipple's first era with the Minutemen, he like big and durable offensive linemen. Not many OL get the chance to start all four years. Smith has that chance. At 6-5 295 he also has the size Whipple (and the NFL) are looking for. In the Spring game, the D-line controlled the line of scrimmage.
The new pro-style offense will only go as far as the offensive line takes it. If you watched Sunday's Hall-of-fame game former UMass RB Michael Cox looked good when he received some blocking, but he was hit in the backfield at least twice and bottled up three or four more times because there were defensive players on top of him as he took the handoff.
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Malone looks at two transfers Jalen Williams and Alex Kenney who hope to make an impact with the Minutemen WR corps.
Williams UMass bio. Kenney's UMass bio.
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Matty V. has Drew Harris is excited to start his college football career. Harris' UMass bio.
Matty also has the young Minutemen defensive hopes to jell quickly. In the last line of the article, Matty reports UMass will play in Maroon & White in 2014.
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The Daily Collegian says UMass is anxious to play aggressive defense.
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Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt previews the 2014 Minutemen.
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All of CBS Sports writer predict UMass last in MAC
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Boston College will start a new QB when they face UMass on August 30th.
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A Bleacher Report writer says Rob Blanchflower has struggled with an injury during the Steelers training camp.
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Dan Malone has A.J.Doyle is ready for yet another quarterback competition.
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| Smith #77 |
The new pro-style offense will only go as far as the offensive line takes it. If you watched Sunday's Hall-of-fame game former UMass RB Michael Cox looked good when he received some blocking, but he was hit in the backfield at least twice and bottled up three or four more times because there were defensive players on top of him as he took the handoff.
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Malone looks at two transfers Jalen Williams and Alex Kenney who hope to make an impact with the Minutemen WR corps.
Williams UMass bio. Kenney's UMass bio.
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Matty V. has Drew Harris is excited to start his college football career. Harris' UMass bio.
Matty also has the young Minutemen defensive hopes to jell quickly. In the last line of the article, Matty reports UMass will play in Maroon & White in 2014.
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The Daily Collegian says UMass is anxious to play aggressive defense.
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Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt previews the 2014 Minutemen.
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All of CBS Sports writer predict UMass last in MAC
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Boston College will start a new QB when they face UMass on August 30th.
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A Bleacher Report writer says Rob Blanchflower has struggled with an injury during the Steelers training camp.
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Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday--June 30th, 2014
SaturdayBlitz.com ranks Mark Whipple as one of the top-ten coaching hires of 2014.
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Bleacher Report looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Penn State.
Rutgers and Maryland are officially part of the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions go into 2014 with only 11 seniors.
Not counting graduate transfers, the latest version of the UMass roster lists only three seniors, which is got to be a UMass record.
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Giants off the clock thinks Michael Cox will find it hard to make the team this year.
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James Ihedigbo melds in with his new teammates with the Lions.
Ihedigbo's previous DB coach Terry Austin is now the defensive coordinator with Detroit.
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Bleacher Report looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Penn State.
Rutgers and Maryland are officially part of the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions go into 2014 with only 11 seniors.
Not counting graduate transfers, the latest version of the UMass roster lists only three seniors, which is got to be a UMass record.
- Quayshun Smith SR
- Stanley Andre RSSR
- Daniel Maynes RSSR
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Giants off the clock thinks Michael Cox will find it hard to make the team this year.
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James Ihedigbo melds in with his new teammates with the Lions.
Ihedigbo's previous DB coach Terry Austin is now the defensive coordinator with Detroit.
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Thursday, June 26, 2014
Thursday--June 26th, 2014
Some of the changes from the latest UMass roster.
#2--Ross Comis will now share the number with Quayshun Smith
#6-Jamal Wilson switches from #22
#7--Blake Frohapfel shares with D'Metrius Williams
#8--Alex Kenney shares with Shane Huber
#14-Ryan Jacobucci switches from #5
#18-Andrew Verboys ex-Matt Quinn
#23-Charan Singh ex-Greg Oreoya
#26-Jarell Addo ex-Quayshun Smith
#27-Jesse Monteiro ex-Nick Valles
#30-Zeke Edmonds ex-Michael Rapoza
#32-Matt Tuleja ex-Arthur Williams
#37-Andrew Libby ex Tom Brandt
#39-Jordan Fiske ex-Eduardo Cruz
#40-Jon Lucier ex-Dillon Tighe
#41-De'Sean Downey ex Jeff Strait
#43-Matthew Wylie shared with Shadrach Abrokwah
#48-Michael Grasis ex-Vance Barton
#49-Jeremy Rodriguez ex-Galen Clemons
#50-Jack Wynne ex-Justin Anderson
#61-Joe Previte ex Aaron Oberst
#62-Emmett Odegard not assigned last year
#63-Dmitri Angelas not assigned last year
#66-Anthony Fernandez ex Costa Toubelis
#67-Dan DiNicola ex Will Giggi
#70-Ryan Johnson ex Anthony Dima
#71-Basit Dennis not assigned last year
#74-Liam Porter ex Terrel Correia
#79-Jake Largay ex Vincent Westcarr
#82-Connor Lemieux ex #27
#84-Alfred Adarkwah ex E.J. Burston
#87-T.J. Kelley ex Rob Blanchflower
#89-Jon Denton ex Derek Beck
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How Michigan's greed alienated its fans. My first thought when the "Big Five" said they wanted to leave the NCAA and form their own division was this was going to cost their fans an arm and a leg. Paying players and other planned perks is going to be big money. It's going to have to come from somewhere. Tickets, "seat licenses , parking and mandatory contributions to the athletic fund are going to increase.
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Central Michigan will provide $18.5 million to athletics from the general fund.
Syracuse will only pay the Chippewas $550,000 for a game at the Carrier Dome, but the Orange will play at Central Michigan this year.
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Davon Jones, a DB form St. Johns Prep in MA, verbaled to Boston College yesterday. He was a teammate of current Minutemen players Shadrach Abrokwah and J.T. Kelley.
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#2--Ross Comis will now share the number with Quayshun Smith
#6-Jamal Wilson switches from #22
#7--Blake Frohapfel shares with D'Metrius Williams
#8--Alex Kenney shares with Shane Huber
#14-Ryan Jacobucci switches from #5
#18-Andrew Verboys ex-Matt Quinn
#23-Charan Singh ex-Greg Oreoya
#26-Jarell Addo ex-Quayshun Smith
#27-Jesse Monteiro ex-Nick Valles
#30-Zeke Edmonds ex-Michael Rapoza
#32-Matt Tuleja ex-Arthur Williams
#37-Andrew Libby ex Tom Brandt
#39-Jordan Fiske ex-Eduardo Cruz
#40-Jon Lucier ex-Dillon Tighe
#41-De'Sean Downey ex Jeff Strait
#43-Matthew Wylie shared with Shadrach Abrokwah
#48-Michael Grasis ex-Vance Barton
#49-Jeremy Rodriguez ex-Galen Clemons
#50-Jack Wynne ex-Justin Anderson
#61-Joe Previte ex Aaron Oberst
#62-Emmett Odegard not assigned last year
#63-Dmitri Angelas not assigned last year
#66-Anthony Fernandez ex Costa Toubelis
#67-Dan DiNicola ex Will Giggi
#70-Ryan Johnson ex Anthony Dima
#71-Basit Dennis not assigned last year
#74-Liam Porter ex Terrel Correia
#79-Jake Largay ex Vincent Westcarr
#82-Connor Lemieux ex #27
#84-Alfred Adarkwah ex E.J. Burston
#87-T.J. Kelley ex Rob Blanchflower
#89-Jon Denton ex Derek Beck
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How Michigan's greed alienated its fans. My first thought when the "Big Five" said they wanted to leave the NCAA and form their own division was this was going to cost their fans an arm and a leg. Paying players and other planned perks is going to be big money. It's going to have to come from somewhere. Tickets, "seat licenses , parking and mandatory contributions to the athletic fund are going to increase.
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Central Michigan will provide $18.5 million to athletics from the general fund.
Syracuse will only pay the Chippewas $550,000 for a game at the Carrier Dome, but the Orange will play at Central Michigan this year.
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Davon Jones, a DB form St. Johns Prep in MA, verbaled to Boston College yesterday. He was a teammate of current Minutemen players Shadrach Abrokwah and J.T. Kelley.
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Wednesday--October 16, 2013
The Bulls website has a 30 minute video press conference about the upcoming UMass-Bulls game.
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Rob Blanchflower has been named to the mid-season Mackey Award Watch List.
Dan Malone has more on Blanchflower's award. To me, it seems if Blanchflower is still showing some rust from his long injury layoff. He has dropped some balls and seems a half a step slower than last season. Hopefully, he will continue to heal; he adds a third dimension to the UMass offense when he's out there.
Blanchflower and Bailey-Smith both were mentioned in College Football Weekly Performance list.
The whole UMass defense was named the Minutemen Athlete-of-the-week.
Dan Malone says stopping Khalil Mack will be the UMass offensive line's toughest challenge so far. Mack has lived up to his preseason billing as the top NFL prospect in the MAC.
Controlling Mack will not be easy for UMass. Except for Blanchflower, the Minutemen do not have another big TE to block Mack. Dereck Beck is 205, Sharif Custis is 215, Brandon Howard is 250 and Ricardo Miller is 226.You wouldn't want Blanchflower tied up with blocking Mack because of Blanchflower's importance to the Minutemen's anemic offense. Mack eats up TE's anyway.
Quote from Malone's article:"Khalil got triple-teamed 13 times, and 17 times got double-teamed," Buffalo coach Jeff Quinn said of Western Michigan's game plan in the Bulls' 33-0 win Saturday. "He was either triple-or double-teamed 30 times in that game, and he still had six tackles, one sack, three pressures, a couple tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup."
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Jimmy Kelly of Hustle Belt has a Q-and-A session with Buffalo blogger Bull Run.
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Former Bulls receiver Courtney Lester has caught on at defensive back.
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Hustle Belt also has the MAC Week #8 odds.
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The MAC Report Online has Week # 8 power ratings. UMass is not last.
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Michael Cox might start for the Giants against the Vikings. Good Luck Michael!!
The Washington Posts says Cox is the Giants only healthy running back.
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Rob Blanchflower has been named to the mid-season Mackey Award Watch List.
Dan Malone has more on Blanchflower's award. To me, it seems if Blanchflower is still showing some rust from his long injury layoff. He has dropped some balls and seems a half a step slower than last season. Hopefully, he will continue to heal; he adds a third dimension to the UMass offense when he's out there.
Blanchflower and Bailey-Smith both were mentioned in College Football Weekly Performance list.
The whole UMass defense was named the Minutemen Athlete-of-the-week.
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| University of Buffalo image |
Controlling Mack will not be easy for UMass. Except for Blanchflower, the Minutemen do not have another big TE to block Mack. Dereck Beck is 205, Sharif Custis is 215, Brandon Howard is 250 and Ricardo Miller is 226.You wouldn't want Blanchflower tied up with blocking Mack because of Blanchflower's importance to the Minutemen's anemic offense. Mack eats up TE's anyway.
Quote from Malone's article:"Khalil got triple-teamed 13 times, and 17 times got double-teamed," Buffalo coach Jeff Quinn said of Western Michigan's game plan in the Bulls' 33-0 win Saturday. "He was either triple-or double-teamed 30 times in that game, and he still had six tackles, one sack, three pressures, a couple tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup."
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Jimmy Kelly of Hustle Belt has a Q-and-A session with Buffalo blogger Bull Run.
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Former Bulls receiver Courtney Lester has caught on at defensive back.
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Hustle Belt also has the MAC Week #8 odds.
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The MAC Report Online has Week # 8 power ratings. UMass is not last.
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Michael Cox might start for the Giants against the Vikings. Good Luck Michael!!
The Washington Posts says Cox is the Giants only healthy running back.
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Thursday, June 27, 2013
Thursday--June 27, 2013
UPDATE: NBC Sports Network will televise Brandon London and the Alouettes vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers tonight at 9:00 pm EDT. That's Dish Network channel 159 and Direct TV channel 220. Many other cable systems carry the network.
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The New Haven Register has a story on "guardian caps". Mentions UMass players wearing them during Spring training.
Click on image and Blogger displays a larger view.
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The Giants Blog "Big Blue" looks at Michael Cox's chances to make the G-Men's 53 man roster. I think Cox has a good chance to make the Giants.
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ESPN's Big 12 blog previews Kansas State's OOC schedule.
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The MAC is offering fans a chance to be a "media guy" for a day at the league's football media day next month.
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BTW, Oregon dodged the bullet with NCAA sanctions. Losing one scholarship a year will have minimum affect on the Ducks.
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A CFL writer previews the Canadian Football league and mentions Brandon London and Anton McKenzie.
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The National Athletic Trainers Association has named UMass' Jennifer Brodeur as Assistant Athletic Traniner of the year.
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College football fans. We're different from other people. I recently ordered an item from a ham radio supply store in Alabama. I saved almost $16 dollars shipping by typing "Roll Tide!" in the remarks section of the online order form.
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The New Haven Register has a story on "guardian caps". Mentions UMass players wearing them during Spring training.
 |
| Tyrell Smith RSFR 6-5 285 |
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The Giants Blog "Big Blue" looks at Michael Cox's chances to make the G-Men's 53 man roster. I think Cox has a good chance to make the Giants.
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ESPN's Big 12 blog previews Kansas State's OOC schedule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC is offering fans a chance to be a "media guy" for a day at the league's football media day next month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW, Oregon dodged the bullet with NCAA sanctions. Losing one scholarship a year will have minimum affect on the Ducks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A CFL writer previews the Canadian Football league and mentions Brandon London and Anton McKenzie.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The National Athletic Trainers Association has named UMass' Jennifer Brodeur as Assistant Athletic Traniner of the year.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College football fans. We're different from other people. I recently ordered an item from a ham radio supply store in Alabama. I saved almost $16 dollars shipping by typing "Roll Tide!" in the remarks section of the online order form.
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Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday--April 15, 2013
The last position to look at on offense is running back.
Gone are:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Over a 130 kids showed up for the UMass Youth Football Clinic at Gillette Saturday.
The UMass All-Access page has more video.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Youngstown News has a long article on the uncertain future of FCS football.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
NJ.com says Justin Tuck hopes Cruz attends the Giants off-season program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo will have his second annual invitational at Amherst High the morning of April 20th.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, March 26, 2013
Tuesday--March 26, 2013
Yesterday I mentioned I would have some UMass historical scans on today's blog. I'm going to push that back a day or so as I have some material to work with today. A football blogger in March or April is always scratching for any scrap of news.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass Spring practice starts today. Harry Plumer says UMass is going back to fundamentals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V has a story on Spring Practice here (paywall, but you can register and get five views a month). News includes offensive linemen Michael Bowland and Jamie Casselberry have left the team for health reasons. Marken Michel has also left.
The offensive line was major problem for the Minutemen in 2012 and looks like it will be trouble again this year. The Minutemen simply do not have many bodies at that position. UMass may again be playing at least one true freshman, a circumstance that make most OL coaches shudder.
Gone from 2012:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass QB Scott Woodward has been named offensive coordinator at Fairleigh Dickinson. Scott has been QB coach at Westfield State for the past three years. The news report is in the Monday section of Football Scoop.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ball State opens their Spring practice with a “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” attitude.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old FCS foes Appalachian State and Georgia Southern are moving to the Sun Belt conference according to this report.
This report asks what will happen to FCS if more of the top teams leave?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve of the 64 teams in the NCAA March Madness do not have football. Three of those teams made the Sweet Sixteen this year. Marquette was a three seed, but Witchita State and LaSalle were #9 and #13 seeds respectively.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass coach Bob Shoop says run defense is the key to championships.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass Spring practice starts today. Harry Plumer says UMass is going back to fundamentals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V has a story on Spring Practice here (paywall, but you can register and get five views a month). News includes offensive linemen Michael Bowland and Jamie Casselberry have left the team for health reasons. Marken Michel has also left.
The offensive line was major problem for the Minutemen in 2012 and looks like it will be trouble again this year. The Minutemen simply do not have many bodies at that position. UMass may again be playing at least one true freshman, a circumstance that make most OL coaches shudder.
Gone from 2012:
- Quinton Sales RSSR
- John Wallace RSFR
- Malcom Speller SR
- Michael Boland FR
- Stephane Milhim RSSR
- Jamie Casselberry RSFR
- Vincent Westcarr RSJR
Returning or added this Spring:
- Dan Foesel RSSO 6-3 240
- Anthony Dima RSSR 6-7 302
- Tyrell Smith RSFR 6-5 285
- Matt Sparks SO 6-4 275
- Josh Bruns JR 6-5 286 JUCO transfer
- Al Leneus SO 6-2 295
- Cameron Mock FR 6-7 305 2012 recruit
- Sam Zeff 6-5 277 FR ESPN two-star recruit
OL recruits arriving in Fall:
- Terrell Correia 6-7 280 ESPN two-star recruit
- Tyshon Henderson 6-7 315 ESPN two-star recruit
- Fabian Hoeller 6-3 301
- Jordan Page 6-5 300 ESPN two-star recruit
- Rich Queen 6-3 275 ESPN two-star recruit
Freshman bios are in the recruiting page.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass QB Scott Woodward has been named offensive coordinator at Fairleigh Dickinson. Scott has been QB coach at Westfield State for the past three years. The news report is in the Monday section of Football Scoop.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ball State opens their Spring practice with a “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” attitude.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old FCS foes Appalachian State and Georgia Southern are moving to the Sun Belt conference according to this report.
This report asks what will happen to FCS if more of the top teams leave?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve of the 64 teams in the NCAA March Madness do not have football. Three of those teams made the Sweet Sixteen this year. Marquette was a three seed, but Witchita State and LaSalle were #9 and #13 seeds respectively.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass coach Bob Shoop says run defense is the key to championships.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Wednesday--February 13, 2013
I missed the UMass Football Banquet because of my trip, and I haven't seen a write-up on it anywhere, so I'll post Coach Molnar e-mail newsletter. Note that the original e-mail contained Greg Landry's e-mail address, which I redacted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darren Thellen Sr. Brockton, MA
Charles Thompson Sr. Teaneck, NJ
Deion Walker Grad. Christchurch, VA
Vincent Westcarr Sr. Miramar, FL
Alan Williams Sr. Framingham, MA
Hafis Williams Grad. Elizabeth, NJ
AWARDS PRESENTATION
ALL MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Perry McIntyre, First Team LB Sr. Royal Palm Beach, FL
Darren Thellen, Second Team DB Sr. Brockton, MA
Colter Johnson, Third Team Punter Warren, PA
ALL ACADEMIC MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Michael Cox, Honorable Mention Grad. Dorchester, MA
Matt Carini, Honorable Mention Jr. Franklin, MA
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Colter Johnson
VERN SMITH LEADERSHIP AWARD
Darren Therein
OFFENSIVE SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kevin Lovaincy Fr. Cambridge, MA
DEFENSIVE SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Johnny Bieren Fr. Nashua, NH
JAMES IHEDIGBO WALK-ON OF THE YEAR
Joe Colton Fr. Norwood, MA
BOB FOOTE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Stephane Milhim Sr. Pembroke Pines, FL
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Rob O'Connor Sr. Westborough, MA
COACHES AWARD
Darren Thellen
IRON MAN AWARD
Jeff Straight Jr. Manheim, PA
Charles Thompson Sr. Teaneck, NJ
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Colter Johnson
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Perry McIntyre
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rob Blanchflower Jr. Leominster, MA
DEFENSIVE CAPTAIN FOR 2012
Perry McIntyre
OFFENSIVE CAPTAIN FOR 2012
Rob Blanchflower
I have a lot of information that I am going to share with you this spring; and a source of that info is our new feature, "MINUTEMAN UPDATE", highlighting what Minutemen of the past are doing now!
The first MINUTEMAN UPDATE highlights Massachusetts great, Greg Landry. Greg writes "For the past decade, I have been working in the Detroit area as a Manufacturer Rep. Companies that I represent produce metal and plastic parts. My clients are primarily tier 1 suppliers to the automotive OEMs. Last fall, I was inducted into the National Polish Hall of Fame. I still have a relationship with the Detroit Lions, as a member of their Alumni group that does charity and good will events in the Detroit area. My five children are working here in Detroit and in New York. Jeannine and I are blessed with 4 grandchildren."
We are always trying to find ways to reach our most valuable resource -- the Minutemen who have gone before us, who have paved the way so future UMass Football teams have a legacy and a tradition to live up to.
Please send us the email address of any Minuteman who is not receiving our letters. Over the last year, we have added over 100 football alumni to our database, but there are many out there who do not receive our letters. Help us grow and stay together as a football family.
God Bless and Go UMass!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear
Minutemen,
Here's
some of the latest news about your UMass Football Family:
On February 4th, the 2012 UMass Football team held its annual banquet. Not only were the 2012 Seniors honored with a gift of their home game jersey, but a number of awards were presented to a group of very deserving players.
2012 SENIORS
DJ Adeoba Sr. Hollywood, FL
Tim Brandt Sr. Natick, MA
Chris Burns Sr. Wilmington, PA
Julian Colarusso Sr. Quincy, MA
Michael Cox Grad. Dorchester, MA
Perry McIntyre Sr. Royal Palm Beach, FL
Stephane Milhim Sr. Pembroke Pines, FL
Rob O'Connor Sr. Westborough, MA
Quinton Sales Sr. Fort Washington, MD
Ian Shultis Sr. Thousand Oaks, CA
Nick Speller Sr. Baltimore,
MDOn February 4th, the 2012 UMass Football team held its annual banquet. Not only were the 2012 Seniors honored with a gift of their home game jersey, but a number of awards were presented to a group of very deserving players.
2012 SENIORS
DJ Adeoba Sr. Hollywood, FL
Tim Brandt Sr. Natick, MA
Chris Burns Sr. Wilmington, PA
Julian Colarusso Sr. Quincy, MA
Michael Cox Grad. Dorchester, MA
Perry McIntyre Sr. Royal Palm Beach, FL
Stephane Milhim Sr. Pembroke Pines, FL
Rob O'Connor Sr. Westborough, MA
Quinton Sales Sr. Fort Washington, MD
Ian Shultis Sr. Thousand Oaks, CA
Darren Thellen Sr. Brockton, MA
Charles Thompson Sr. Teaneck, NJ
Deion Walker Grad. Christchurch, VA
Vincent Westcarr Sr. Miramar, FL
Alan Williams Sr. Framingham, MA
Hafis Williams Grad. Elizabeth, NJ
AWARDS PRESENTATION
ALL MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Perry McIntyre, First Team LB Sr. Royal Palm Beach, FL
Darren Thellen, Second Team DB Sr. Brockton, MA
Colter Johnson, Third Team Punter Warren, PA
ALL ACADEMIC MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Michael Cox, Honorable Mention Grad. Dorchester, MA
Matt Carini, Honorable Mention Jr. Franklin, MA
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Colter Johnson
VERN SMITH LEADERSHIP AWARD
Darren Therein
OFFENSIVE SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kevin Lovaincy Fr. Cambridge, MA
DEFENSIVE SCOUT TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Johnny Bieren Fr. Nashua, NH
JAMES IHEDIGBO WALK-ON OF THE YEAR
Joe Colton Fr. Norwood, MA
BOB FOOTE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Stephane Milhim Sr. Pembroke Pines, FL
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Rob O'Connor Sr. Westborough, MA
COACHES AWARD
Darren Thellen
IRON MAN AWARD
Jeff Straight Jr. Manheim, PA
Charles Thompson Sr. Teaneck, NJ
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Colter Johnson
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Perry McIntyre
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rob Blanchflower Jr. Leominster, MA
DEFENSIVE CAPTAIN FOR 2012
Perry McIntyre
OFFENSIVE CAPTAIN FOR 2012
Rob Blanchflower
I have a lot of information that I am going to share with you this spring; and a source of that info is our new feature, "MINUTEMAN UPDATE", highlighting what Minutemen of the past are doing now!
The first MINUTEMAN UPDATE highlights Massachusetts great, Greg Landry. Greg writes "For the past decade, I have been working in the Detroit area as a Manufacturer Rep. Companies that I represent produce metal and plastic parts. My clients are primarily tier 1 suppliers to the automotive OEMs. Last fall, I was inducted into the National Polish Hall of Fame. I still have a relationship with the Detroit Lions, as a member of their Alumni group that does charity and good will events in the Detroit area. My five children are working here in Detroit and in New York. Jeannine and I are blessed with 4 grandchildren."
We are always trying to find ways to reach our most valuable resource -- the Minutemen who have gone before us, who have paved the way so future UMass Football teams have a legacy and a tradition to live up to.
Please send us the email address of any Minuteman who is not receiving our letters. Over the last year, we have added over 100 football alumni to our database, but there are many out there who do not receive our letters. Help us grow and stay together as a football family.
God Bless and Go UMass!
Charley
Molnar, Head Football Coach
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 |
| Image credit unknown |
Wicket Local Rosindale has a story about Peter Ngobidi's signing with the Minutemen.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Villanova hoops blog looks at possible additions to the Catholic Seven, including UMass. If the Minutemen were picked for that league, we might choose to stay in the MAC in football.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Big Ten is moving to 9-10 league games by 2014. That might impact the number of OOC games with the MAC. Playing a Big Ten team is a big deal for the Ohio and Michigan based MAC teams, but UMass probably won't care.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated has a story about the Big East moving to a NBC Sports TV deal.
An ESPN writer points out the Big East did pretty good against BCS teams in 2012.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sunday-- October 28th, 2012
The game was by no means an artistic success for either team. Both teams had eleven penalties and Vanderbilt at one time called a time out after three straight mistakes on one possession.
Again, the Minutemen played well in spurts. The UMass defense battled for most of the day. The turnover on the kick return seemed to take the wind out of the defense's sails.
The UMass offense again struggled. Passing by both Mike Wegzyn and A. J. Doyle was not very accurate. When UMass was able to hit our receivers, we moved the ball. UMass turned the ball over on downs three times at the end of drives near the Vandy Redzone. Both UMass QB's absorbed some heavy hits during the game.
I should say a few good words about Hafis Williams and Michael Cox. I don't know why they didn't get a lot of reps at their former schools, but both continue to play hard. Williams was encouraging his defensive teammates all day. Cox ran hard despite the score and the fact he was not getting a lot of daylight.
They probably didn't mention it on the TV commentary, but Coach Molnar had the second offense in for the last series of the game. He could have left the first string in to try to make the score look a little better, but it gave the second string some game experience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. said UMass football continued to struggle.
Boston.com has UMass remains winless.
MassLive has Khary Baily-Smith becomes the latest freshman to play for UMass.
MassLive has UMass trounced by Vanderbilt 49-7
Fox Sports has UMass loses to Vandy 49-7, remains winless.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tennessean said Vanderbilt breezes past UMass 49-7.
"Anchor of Gold" has Vandy routs UMass 49-7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC conference continued knocking off OOC opponents as Ball State beat Army and Kent State knocked off unbeaten Rutgers.
UMass gets another very good team next week as N. Illinois beat Western Michigan 48-34 to run their record to 8-1 --and the one loss was by one point to Iowa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again, the Minutemen played well in spurts. The UMass defense battled for most of the day. The turnover on the kick return seemed to take the wind out of the defense's sails.
The UMass offense again struggled. Passing by both Mike Wegzyn and A. J. Doyle was not very accurate. When UMass was able to hit our receivers, we moved the ball. UMass turned the ball over on downs three times at the end of drives near the Vandy Redzone. Both UMass QB's absorbed some heavy hits during the game.
I should say a few good words about Hafis Williams and Michael Cox. I don't know why they didn't get a lot of reps at their former schools, but both continue to play hard. Williams was encouraging his defensive teammates all day. Cox ran hard despite the score and the fact he was not getting a lot of daylight.
They probably didn't mention it on the TV commentary, but Coach Molnar had the second offense in for the last series of the game. He could have left the first string in to try to make the score look a little better, but it gave the second string some game experience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. said UMass football continued to struggle.
Boston.com has UMass remains winless.
MassLive has Khary Baily-Smith becomes the latest freshman to play for UMass.
MassLive has UMass trounced by Vanderbilt 49-7
Fox Sports has UMass loses to Vandy 49-7, remains winless.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tennessean said Vanderbilt breezes past UMass 49-7.
"Anchor of Gold" has Vandy routs UMass 49-7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC conference continued knocking off OOC opponents as Ball State beat Army and Kent State knocked off unbeaten Rutgers.
UMass gets another very good team next week as N. Illinois beat Western Michigan 48-34 to run their record to 8-1 --and the one loss was by one point to Iowa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Sunday--August 2nd, 2012
I was looking over the UMass roster and positional breakdowns from the UMass-UConn game notes.
The numbers show the Minutemen have only 87 players on the roster. Of particular interest is UMass is carrying a meager 12 offensive linemen. That's not a lot of bodies for an FBS team. UConn dressed 98 players for Thursday's game. They also carried 16 offensive linemen.
UMass OL:
Quinton Sales RSSR
John Wallace RSFR
Dan Foesel RSFR (listed as a TE last year)
Anthony Dima RSJR
Malcom Speller SR
Tyrell Smith FR
Michael Boland FR
Nick Speller RSSR
Stephane Milhim RSSR
Jamie Casselberry RSFR
Matt Sparks FR
Vincent Westcarr RSJR
2012 recruit Cameron Mock does not appear on the roster.
Four of the 12 UMass offensive linemen are seniors and three of the four start. UMass has five verbals from offensive linemen so far on the ESPN chart. We're going to need 'em.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC had a pretty strong Saturday as Ohio beat Penn State, Toledo took Arizona to overtime and Northern Illinois lost by one to Iowa.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I watched the Indiana-Indiana State game on the Big Ten Network and the Sycamores game Indiana all they could handle.
CBS Sports has Indiana 24-Indiana State 17.
The Courier Press says Indiana still has plenty of work to do.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe reports Alabama blew out Michigan .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo visited the Ravens.
Emil Igwenagu was signed to the Eagles practice squad.
Brandon London is looking to get into acting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The numbers show the Minutemen have only 87 players on the roster. Of particular interest is UMass is carrying a meager 12 offensive linemen. That's not a lot of bodies for an FBS team. UConn dressed 98 players for Thursday's game. They also carried 16 offensive linemen.
UMass OL:
Quinton Sales RSSR
John Wallace RSFR
Dan Foesel RSFR (listed as a TE last year)
Anthony Dima RSJR
Malcom Speller SR
Tyrell Smith FR
Michael Boland FR
Nick Speller RSSR
Stephane Milhim RSSR
Jamie Casselberry RSFR
Matt Sparks FR
Vincent Westcarr RSJR
2012 recruit Cameron Mock does not appear on the roster.
Four of the 12 UMass offensive linemen are seniors and three of the four start. UMass has five verbals from offensive linemen so far on the ESPN chart. We're going to need 'em.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC had a pretty strong Saturday as Ohio beat Penn State, Toledo took Arizona to overtime and Northern Illinois lost by one to Iowa.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I watched the Indiana-Indiana State game on the Big Ten Network and the Sycamores game Indiana all they could handle.
CBS Sports has Indiana 24-Indiana State 17.
The Courier Press says Indiana still has plenty of work to do.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe reports Alabama blew out Michigan .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo visited the Ravens.
Emil Igwenagu was signed to the Eagles practice squad.
Brandon London is looking to get into acting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Saturday -- August 25th, 2012
Our season tickets came in the mail yesterday.
Western Mass season ticket holders have an opportunity for bus service from McGuirk to Gillette as per the following e-mail I received.
Valued Season Ticket Holder,
As many of you may know, UMass Athletics has teamed with Worldtek Travel Management to provide round trip transportation between Amherst and Gillette Stadium for football home games. Buses will depart campus 3 hours prior to game time and will return immediately following each game. Please visit https://ems.resrunner.com/umassfootball or call Worldtek at 1-800-879-6176 to purchase your transportation today.
Go UMass!!!
UMass Athletic Ticket Office
1-866-UMASS-TIX
umasstickets@admin.umass.edu
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports has a best-case, worse-case scenario for Vanderbilt. Both cases assume a win over UMass.
Vandy may drop its game against Ohio State next year to open with a SEC game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a year off, UConn WR Michael Smith is back on the team.
Michigan is still trying to move their 2013 game against the Huskies to MetLife.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LaRon Landry will not be fined for his big hit on Victor Cruz.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan makes $7.1 million per game at the Big House----- and that's before concessions. If I remember right a Coke was $5 from a soda guy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeromy Miles draws praise for Bengal's coach Marvin Lewis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where we were: Phil Steele's FCS Top 40.
BTW, the CAA has asked Rhode Island not to drop to Northeast Conference.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Mass season ticket holders have an opportunity for bus service from McGuirk to Gillette as per the following e-mail I received.
Valued Season Ticket Holder,
As many of you may know, UMass Athletics has teamed with Worldtek Travel Management to provide round trip transportation between Amherst and Gillette Stadium for football home games. Buses will depart campus 3 hours prior to game time and will return immediately following each game. Please visit https://ems.resrunner.com/umassfootball or call Worldtek at 1-800-879-6176 to purchase your transportation today.
Go UMass!!!
UMass Athletic Ticket Office
1-866-UMASS-TIX
umasstickets@admin.umass.edu
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports has a best-case, worse-case scenario for Vanderbilt. Both cases assume a win over UMass.
Vandy may drop its game against Ohio State next year to open with a SEC game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a year off, UConn WR Michael Smith is back on the team.
Michigan is still trying to move their 2013 game against the Huskies to MetLife.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LaRon Landry will not be fined for his big hit on Victor Cruz.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan makes $7.1 million per game at the Big House----- and that's before concessions. If I remember right a Coke was $5 from a soda guy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeromy Miles draws praise for Bengal's coach Marvin Lewis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where we were: Phil Steele's FCS Top 40.
BTW, the CAA has asked Rhode Island not to drop to Northeast Conference.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 23, 2012
UMass Depth chart for UConn
UPDATE: The 2012 roster is up.
UPDATE II: Ahhh, maybe somebody from football needs to compare notes with whoever is working on the roster. It does not list Blake Lucas or Rob O'Connor and most of the recruits and transfers have no bios.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. has a post on UMass' depth chart for the UConn game.
The following is a cut-and-past from part of the article with links added by me.
"Offense
QB- Mike Wegzyn - A.J. Doyle will back him up.
WR- Alan Williams - He'll also play some running back, but he's a starter at receiver
WR - Deion Walker and Tajae Sharpe are still battling a bit to see who'll start, but both will play.
WR - Marken Michel - No surprise here.
TE - Rob Blanchflower - Derek Beck will be the No. 2 at least until Brandon Howard is healthy
RB - Chris Burns, Michael Cox and Jamar Smith are all in the mix to play at running back, which one will start has yet to be determined.
"Jamar Smith has really come on in the last couple of days," Molnar said. "He put himself in the competition. He deserves to have a shot to run out there for the first snaps against UConn."
C - Quinton Sales
Tackle - Nick Speller, Jamie Cassleberry and Stephane Milhim will all play tackle, which ones will start is uncertain.
Guards - If Milhim doesn't start at tackle, he'll start at guard. John Wallace and Michael Boland are competing for the other. Both will play.
DEFENSE
"We're rotating eight guys for the four spots on the defensive line. The four healthiest guys will probably start," Molnar said.
DE - Stanley Andre, Ryan DeLaire, Kevin Byrne, Brandon Potvin will all see the field in some rotation.
DT - Chaz Thompson, Galen Clemons, Hafis Williams and Daniel Maynes - Same as at end.
LB - Perry McIntyre, Tom Brandt, Greg Hilliard will start. - Tim Brandt. D.J. Adeoba. Jovan Santo-Knox. Rob O'Connor, Leo Krizanovic could all see the field.
S - Darren Thellen, Christian Birt - Ed Saint-Vil is a likely backup here.
CB - Randall Jette and Antoine Tharpe will start. Trey Dudley Giles and D'Metrius Williams will play. "I can see all three of those guys playing."
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Some surprise missing names: Chad Hunte (58 TT in 2011) and Anthony Dima (11 games played in 2011). Hurt?
Eleven transfers or true freshmen mentioned in the above depth chart, if I counted right.
UPDATE II: Ahhh, maybe somebody from football needs to compare notes with whoever is working on the roster. It does not list Blake Lucas or Rob O'Connor and most of the recruits and transfers have no bios.
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Matty V. has a post on UMass' depth chart for the UConn game.
The following is a cut-and-past from part of the article with links added by me.
"Offense
QB- Mike Wegzyn - A.J. Doyle will back him up.
WR- Alan Williams - He'll also play some running back, but he's a starter at receiver
WR - Deion Walker and Tajae Sharpe are still battling a bit to see who'll start, but both will play.
WR - Marken Michel - No surprise here.
TE - Rob Blanchflower - Derek Beck will be the No. 2 at least until Brandon Howard is healthy
RB - Chris Burns, Michael Cox and Jamar Smith are all in the mix to play at running back, which one will start has yet to be determined.
"Jamar Smith has really come on in the last couple of days," Molnar said. "He put himself in the competition. He deserves to have a shot to run out there for the first snaps against UConn."
C - Quinton Sales
Tackle - Nick Speller, Jamie Cassleberry and Stephane Milhim will all play tackle, which ones will start is uncertain.
Guards - If Milhim doesn't start at tackle, he'll start at guard. John Wallace and Michael Boland are competing for the other. Both will play.
DEFENSE
"We're rotating eight guys for the four spots on the defensive line. The four healthiest guys will probably start," Molnar said.
DE - Stanley Andre, Ryan DeLaire, Kevin Byrne, Brandon Potvin will all see the field in some rotation.
DT - Chaz Thompson, Galen Clemons, Hafis Williams and Daniel Maynes - Same as at end.
LB - Perry McIntyre, Tom Brandt, Greg Hilliard will start. - Tim Brandt. D.J. Adeoba. Jovan Santo-Knox. Rob O'Connor, Leo Krizanovic could all see the field.
S - Darren Thellen, Christian Birt - Ed Saint-Vil is a likely backup here.
CB - Randall Jette and Antoine Tharpe will start. Trey Dudley Giles and D'Metrius Williams will play. "I can see all three of those guys playing."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some surprise missing names: Chad Hunte (58 TT in 2011) and Anthony Dima (11 games played in 2011). Hurt?
Eleven transfers or true freshmen mentioned in the above depth chart, if I counted right.
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