The New Hampshire Football Report has a post saying UMass picked up its second verbal of the 2009 season from Christian Birt 6-1 180 RB/DB from Laconia HS in New Hampshire.
He was First Team All-State in 2008.
Had interest from Boston College and Colorado.
Special thanks to Roger Brown the owner of the NHFR for bringing this to my attention!
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Christian Birt. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Christian Birt. Sort by date Show all posts
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, February 06, 2009
Friday follies 02/06/09
The Springfield Republican has more news about western Mass players including Alex Scyourka, who many thought would get an offer from UMass.
The Laconia Citizen has a nice article about UMass recruit Christian Birt. That's what football should be all about: bringing people together.
Another article mentioning Birt here .
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Jeromy Miles is on Draft Daddy's Juniors-to-watch list.
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Don't remember if I mentioned this before, but former UMass assistant coach John Zamberlin is head coach of Idaho State. I sat with him at an athletic dept function back in the day, and had a fairly long talk about UMass football.
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We signed more players than Boston College did.
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Matty Vautour says he doesn't know how well UMass did with this year's recruits.
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Raw Data for the CAA South:
The Laconia Citizen has a nice article about UMass recruit Christian Birt. That's what football should be all about: bringing people together.
Another article mentioning Birt here .
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Jeromy Miles is on Draft Daddy's Juniors-to-watch list.
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Don't remember if I mentioned this before, but former UMass assistant coach John Zamberlin is head coach of Idaho State. I sat with him at an athletic dept function back in the day, and had a fairly long talk about UMass football.
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We signed more players than Boston College did.
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Matty Vautour says he doesn't know how well UMass did with this year's recruits.
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Raw Data for the CAA South:
- Delaware signs 20 recruits
- James Madison signs 18
- Richmond signs 14
- Towson signs 15 (New Tigers HC Rob Ambrose was in the same situation as Kevin Morris)
- Villanova signs 12
- William & Mary signs 10
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Day two of Coach Morris' career as Head Coach
The Boston Herald has a story here .
The Worcester Telegram has a story here .
WWLP has video and a story here .
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UMass received the benefit of Morris' hiring as one of the two UMass 2009 verbals re-committed to UMass. The New Hampshire Football Report has a blog post on Christian Birt.
I've blogged on Birt before. The New Hampshire RB/DB has drawn I-A interest from Ohio University, Central Michigan and Boston College.
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Draft Daddy has a list of 175 "small' school NFL draft prospects. A number of UMass seniors are on it.
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The Worcester Telegram has a story here .
WWLP has video and a story here .
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UMass received the benefit of Morris' hiring as one of the two UMass 2009 verbals re-committed to UMass. The New Hampshire Football Report has a blog post on Christian Birt.
I've blogged on Birt before. The New Hampshire RB/DB has drawn I-A interest from Ohio University, Central Michigan and Boston College.
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Draft Daddy has a list of 175 "small' school NFL draft prospects. A number of UMass seniors are on it.
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Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday--September 21st, 2012
Boston.com says UMass prepares for Miami of Ohio.
Harry Plumer reports Christian Birt and Alan Williams will be game captains for the Redhawks Saturday.
Plumer has some quick facts about Miami (Ohio) and there's no "of".
The UMass Daily Collegian says Birt is providing a jolt for the Minutemen defense
Matty V. says the Minutemen ready to turn the page to conference play.
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The Maimi Student says the Minutemen storm Miami for homecoming.
This article features Redhawks kicker Kaleb Patterson.
Miami (Ohio) is, of course, "The cradle of Coaches".
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Speaking of kicking, it's been a problem for the whole MAC conference.
The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has two-deep changes for the entire league including UMass and Miami (Ohio).
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FCS school UNI is exploring a move to FBS. Note that the article references the four team BCS playoffs starting in 2014 that could provide mid-major FBS teams like UMass with $1 million annually in revenue sharing. I would think that fan pressure will eventually move the playoffs to a FCS-style 16 teams, which has the potential for even greater amounts of TV money.
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Victor Cruz had 6 catches for 42 yards last night as the Giants crushed the Panthers.
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Harry Plumer reports Christian Birt and Alan Williams will be game captains for the Redhawks Saturday.
Plumer has some quick facts about Miami (Ohio) and there's no "of".
The UMass Daily Collegian says Birt is providing a jolt for the Minutemen defense
Matty V. says the Minutemen ready to turn the page to conference play.
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The Maimi Student says the Minutemen storm Miami for homecoming.
This article features Redhawks kicker Kaleb Patterson.
Miami (Ohio) is, of course, "The cradle of Coaches".
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Speaking of kicking, it's been a problem for the whole MAC conference.
The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has two-deep changes for the entire league including UMass and Miami (Ohio).
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FCS school UNI is exploring a move to FBS. Note that the article references the four team BCS playoffs starting in 2014 that could provide mid-major FBS teams like UMass with $1 million annually in revenue sharing. I would think that fan pressure will eventually move the playoffs to a FCS-style 16 teams, which has the potential for even greater amounts of TV money.
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 |
| Bob Leverone/AP image |
Victor Cruz had 6 catches for 42 yards last night as the Giants crushed the Panthers.
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday News 01/25/09
Another article with information about the Brandt brothers verbaling to UMass.
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This article has a lot to say about Christian Birt, who's a member of this year's recruiting class.
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Recruiting is weird. Consider JUCO MLB Steve Butrick: he's 6-3 230 pds, runs 4.53 forty; he's an academic full qualifier and he led the JUCO nation with 126 TT, 16 TFL, 1 INT and 1 sack. No one wants him .
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This article has a lot to say about Christian Birt, who's a member of this year's recruiting class.
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Recruiting is weird. Consider JUCO MLB Steve Butrick: he's 6-3 230 pds, runs 4.53 forty; he's an academic full qualifier and he led the JUCO nation with 126 TT, 16 TFL, 1 INT and 1 sack. No one wants him .
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday--April 25th, 2012
Matty V. has an article on the 2012 UMass receiver corps as well as details of the Saturday's Spring game.
The article mentions RS FR Marken Michel, Senior Chase Danska and FR Derek Beck. I'll make a WAG and predict Michael will end up as the "X" receiver, Beck as "Y" and Danska in the slot.
The article has Coach Molnar praising OL Quinton Sales, DB's Darren Thellen, Christian Birt and Ryan Carter. Galen Clemons gets a mention from the DL.
About 70 alumni are coming back for the game and 10 to 15 will play.
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Jeff Thomas takes a look at the changing roles for UMass running backs. Mentioned are RSSR Alan Williams, SR Chris Burns, SO Jordan Broadnax, RSJR Jamar Smith and RS FR Jamal Wilson.
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WEEI.com looks at some of the New England schools draft prospects. Mention are Emil Igwenagu and Julian Talley from UMass.
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Speaking of the NFL, the league just increased their roster limit from 80 to 90 players. That's going to help to free agent players like Talley make an NFL squad.
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A Bleacher Report writer says UMass does not have one starter on our roster who could play for Michigan.
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A York Dispatch.com writer says Penn State's propensity for signing home games with "Nobody's" like UMass should stop.
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The article mentions RS FR Marken Michel, Senior Chase Danska and FR Derek Beck. I'll make a WAG and predict Michael will end up as the "X" receiver, Beck as "Y" and Danska in the slot.
The article has Coach Molnar praising OL Quinton Sales, DB's Darren Thellen, Christian Birt and Ryan Carter. Galen Clemons gets a mention from the DL.
About 70 alumni are coming back for the game and 10 to 15 will play.
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Jeff Thomas takes a look at the changing roles for UMass running backs. Mentioned are RSSR Alan Williams, SR Chris Burns, SO Jordan Broadnax, RSJR Jamar Smith and RS FR Jamal Wilson.
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WEEI.com looks at some of the New England schools draft prospects. Mention are Emil Igwenagu and Julian Talley from UMass.
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Speaking of the NFL, the league just increased their roster limit from 80 to 90 players. That's going to help to free agent players like Talley make an NFL squad.
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A Bleacher Report writer says UMass does not have one starter on our roster who could play for Michigan.
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A York Dispatch.com writer says Penn State's propensity for signing home games with "Nobody's" like UMass should stop.
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday News------ August 25th, 2010
Matty Vautour says UMass' media agreement with CBS3 is kinda a big deal. WSHN-TV has another story on the UMass digital sports availability.
Video Sports Group has more details.
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Matty also has a story about UMass' starting safeties Darren Thellen (RS SO 6-2 200) and Shane Viveiros (RS JR 6-0 220). Matty says Kumar Davis, James Carven and Christian Birt will see some reps.
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The Virginia Gazette says William & Mary has depth on the offensive line. The opening game against the Tribe will feature one of the best offensive line and tailback combinations in the nation. UMass and William & Mary should have very good O-lines and John Griffin and Jonathan Grimes are the two best TB's in the league.
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USC transfer Aaron Corp has been named the starting QB at Richmond.
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The Sports Network previews FCS independents.
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The City of Philadelphia is requiring bloggers to have a $300 business license if they have advertising on their blog. One blogger received a demand letter from the city even though he made a grand total of $11.00 in two years.
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As usual, the CAA is receiving a ton of preseason honors.
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Video Sports Group has more details.
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Matty also has a story about UMass' starting safeties Darren Thellen (RS SO 6-2 200) and Shane Viveiros (RS JR 6-0 220). Matty says Kumar Davis, James Carven and Christian Birt will see some reps.
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The Virginia Gazette says William & Mary has depth on the offensive line. The opening game against the Tribe will feature one of the best offensive line and tailback combinations in the nation. UMass and William & Mary should have very good O-lines and John Griffin and Jonathan Grimes are the two best TB's in the league.
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USC transfer Aaron Corp has been named the starting QB at Richmond.
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The Sports Network previews FCS independents.
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The City of Philadelphia is requiring bloggers to have a $300 business license if they have advertising on their blog. One blogger received a demand letter from the city even though he made a grand total of $11.00 in two years.
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As usual, the CAA is receiving a ton of preseason honors.
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Saturday, August 27, 2011
Saturday--August 27, 2011
Matty V. has a story about the new 3-4 defense.
He states the defensive starters for 2011 will be:
Defensive line- Kevin Byrne DT, Chas Thompson NT, Galen Clemons DT
Linebackers-Courtney Jackson OLB, Tyler Holmes ILB, Perry McIntyre ILB, Shane Viveiros OLB.
Cornerbacks-Mike Lee, Antoine Tharpe
Safeties- Christian Birt SS, Darren Thellen FS
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The UMass Football "Together We are One" outreach will continue on September 8th in the Merrimack Valey.
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Football Game Plan has a 13 minute video preview of the CAA.
The CAA will have live streaming video of the weekly CAA coaches conference this year.
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TSN previews the Northeast Conference and picks UMass' opponent CCSU to be NEC champs.
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Busman's holiday. While I was in Eugene, I managed to watch a little of the Ducks' practice. Click on the image for a larger view.
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He states the defensive starters for 2011 will be:
Defensive line- Kevin Byrne DT, Chas Thompson NT, Galen Clemons DT
Linebackers-Courtney Jackson OLB, Tyler Holmes ILB, Perry McIntyre ILB, Shane Viveiros OLB.
Cornerbacks-Mike Lee, Antoine Tharpe
Safeties- Christian Birt SS, Darren Thellen FS
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The UMass Football "Together We are One" outreach will continue on September 8th in the Merrimack Valey.
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Football Game Plan has a 13 minute video preview of the CAA.
The CAA will have live streaming video of the weekly CAA coaches conference this year.
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TSN previews the Northeast Conference and picks UMass' opponent CCSU to be NEC champs.
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Busman's holiday. While I was in Eugene, I managed to watch a little of the Ducks' practice. Click on the image for a larger view.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Tuesday--September 11th, 2012
Some good news: Darren Thellen received two honors for his play against Indiana and I got some of my editing functions back on Blogger.
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Matty V has three stars vs Indiana.
Matty also has the Big Ten vs the MAC. UMass, Central Michigan and Miami all lost big.
Former Michigan running back Michael Cox is ready to play his old teammates.
He also has growing pains pay off in the end. Matty says Anthony Dima and Christian Birt will be back for the Michigan game. Both those players will help. Getting Dima back will help UMass now that we're finally getting close to some MAC games--games in which we should be more competitive. Even the MAC schedule is front-loaded with the winnable games at the end of the season.
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Fox Sports says Michigan gets a much needed tuneup.
SB Nation says Michigan over UMass by the Wolverines largest ever point spread.
Michigan looks for answers about their shaky run defense.
Michigan's offensive line also looks for a better performance.
Michigan Coach Brady Hoke discusses Michael Cox and their performance against Air Force.
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Harry Plumer has more on the big UMass-Michigan point spread.
Plumber also said the atmosphere was solid around Gillette.
He reports that the UMass offense improved, but is not exactly clicking.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has the MAC TV games this week.
Hustle Belt UMass blogger Mike Paquette reports on the Indiana-UMass blowout.
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The Vanderbilt Blog "Anchor of Gold" reports on how the Commodores looked against Northwestern---bad.
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The Middletown Press has one word for Don Brown's defense---dominant.
After two games UConn's defense is #3 in the country in total defense.
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Matty V has three stars vs Indiana.
Matty also has the Big Ten vs the MAC. UMass, Central Michigan and Miami all lost big.
Former Michigan running back Michael Cox is ready to play his old teammates.
He also has growing pains pay off in the end. Matty says Anthony Dima and Christian Birt will be back for the Michigan game. Both those players will help. Getting Dima back will help UMass now that we're finally getting close to some MAC games--games in which we should be more competitive. Even the MAC schedule is front-loaded with the winnable games at the end of the season.
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Fox Sports says Michigan gets a much needed tuneup.
SB Nation says Michigan over UMass by the Wolverines largest ever point spread.
Michigan looks for answers about their shaky run defense.
Michigan's offensive line also looks for a better performance.
Michigan Coach Brady Hoke discusses Michael Cox and their performance against Air Force.
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Harry Plumer has more on the big UMass-Michigan point spread.
Plumber also said the atmosphere was solid around Gillette.
He reports that the UMass offense improved, but is not exactly clicking.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" has the MAC TV games this week.
Hustle Belt UMass blogger Mike Paquette reports on the Indiana-UMass blowout.
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The Vanderbilt Blog "Anchor of Gold" reports on how the Commodores looked against Northwestern---bad.
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The Middletown Press has one word for Don Brown's defense---dominant.
After two games UConn's defense is #3 in the country in total defense.
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Sunday, May 06, 2012
Sunday---May 6th, 2012
MassLive's Jason Alexander has a story about who will replace Jesse Julmiste in kick returns. Mentioned are Brian Dowling, Marken Michel, Christian Birt and Iric Harris.
The same group plus Antoine Tharpe are in the mix for punt returner.
Alexander also says Perry McIntyre is looking for a breakout year.
Alexander looks at the Minutemen's switch to a 4-3 defense.
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Delaware Online looks at the Hens situation in the CAA. A possible move to a FBS conference, including the MAC, is discussed.
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If you are having trouble remembering all the conference realignments, Phil Steele has an updated conference affiliation chart.
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The New-Sentinel wonders if Notre Dame's football season is already doomed.
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OT, but UMass basketball added to what was a good recruiting week for Minutemen by signing basketball guard Derrek Gordon. College basketball is a guard-oriented game. An All-Conference guard gives you the most impact for your bucks. If Coach Kelloge can string together some good years in a row, it would make UMass sports a more attractive package in future conference realignments.
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The same group plus Antoine Tharpe are in the mix for punt returner.
Alexander also says Perry McIntyre is looking for a breakout year.
Alexander looks at the Minutemen's switch to a 4-3 defense.
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Delaware Online looks at the Hens situation in the CAA. A possible move to a FBS conference, including the MAC, is discussed.
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If you are having trouble remembering all the conference realignments, Phil Steele has an updated conference affiliation chart.
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The New-Sentinel wonders if Notre Dame's football season is already doomed.
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OT, but UMass basketball added to what was a good recruiting week for Minutemen by signing basketball guard Derrek Gordon. College basketball is a guard-oriented game. An All-Conference guard gives you the most impact for your bucks. If Coach Kelloge can string together some good years in a row, it would make UMass sports a more attractive package in future conference realignments.
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Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Wednesday--May 9th, 2012
MassLive's Jackson Alexander looks at the UMass secondary and sees a team strength.
Mentioned are safeties Darren Thellen and Christian Birt as well as Antoine Tharpe , Randall Jette and Ryan Carter.
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I missed this post on the UMass website about Coach Molnar visiting the UMass Club in Boston today between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. Boston area alums will have a chance to hear him speak about UMass football.
There is also a video sidebar at the above site about the 2012 graduating UMass seniors.
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Fox Sports Midwest has a post about the 23 undrafted free agents of the Rams including Travis Tripucka.
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ESPN Boston has a long post about Massachusetts high school football and mentions UMass' move to FBS and stated intention to recruit Bay State kids.
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Centre Daily mentions UMass in Penn State's coming OOC schedule.
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Mentioned are safeties Darren Thellen and Christian Birt as well as Antoine Tharpe , Randall Jette and Ryan Carter.
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I missed this post on the UMass website about Coach Molnar visiting the UMass Club in Boston today between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. Boston area alums will have a chance to hear him speak about UMass football.
There is also a video sidebar at the above site about the 2012 graduating UMass seniors.
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Fox Sports Midwest has a post about the 23 undrafted free agents of the Rams including Travis Tripucka.
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ESPN Boston has a long post about Massachusetts high school football and mentions UMass' move to FBS and stated intention to recruit Bay State kids.
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Centre Daily mentions UMass in Penn State's coming OOC schedule.
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Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday---April 19th, 2012
Matty V. has a story about new defensive coordinator Phil Elamassian's take on the defensive progress this spring.
I had tried to check what defensive scheme Elamassian prefered, but could not find a reference at any of his previous jobs. Matty reports we are switching back to the 4-3.
Elamassian praised DB's Antoine Tharpe, Christian Birt and Darren Thellen. Also drawing praise were Perry McIntyre and Greg Hilliard.
Hilliard is the one name that UMass fans have not heard a lot about. In 2011 he went 10-0 GP-GS 5 UT 3 AT 8 TT 0.5-3 TFL 0.5-3 Sacks.
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A couple of more posts from BC Interruption on the end of the Commonwealth Classic and the future BC Vs UMass football schedule.
As Coach Molnar says --- UMass wants to be "New England's team". BC is simply helping by scheduling itself out of New England.
I stand by my prediction that BC will find a reason not to play UMass after the first time we beat them.
BTW, the Eagles drew 200 fans to their spring game.
Boston.com has a story about BC dropping UMass.
Relavent quote for UMass fans:
What BC apparently does not want is another possible loss. It got one against UMass by a resounding 82-46 margin last November.
The Minutemen posted a 25-12 overall record and reached the NIT semifinals before losing to Stanford. BC finished with a 9-22 record and lost to North Carolina State in the first round of the ACC tournament.
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ESPN has a story about Temple's survival.
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I had tried to check what defensive scheme Elamassian prefered, but could not find a reference at any of his previous jobs. Matty reports we are switching back to the 4-3.
Elamassian praised DB's Antoine Tharpe, Christian Birt and Darren Thellen. Also drawing praise were Perry McIntyre and Greg Hilliard.
Hilliard is the one name that UMass fans have not heard a lot about. In 2011 he went 10-0 GP-GS 5 UT 3 AT 8 TT 0.5-3 TFL 0.5-3 Sacks.
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A couple of more posts from BC Interruption on the end of the Commonwealth Classic and the future BC Vs UMass football schedule.
As Coach Molnar says --- UMass wants to be "New England's team". BC is simply helping by scheduling itself out of New England.
I stand by my prediction that BC will find a reason not to play UMass after the first time we beat them.
BTW, the Eagles drew 200 fans to their spring game.
Boston.com has a story about BC dropping UMass.
Relavent quote for UMass fans:
What BC apparently does not want is another possible loss. It got one against UMass by a resounding 82-46 margin last November.
The Minutemen posted a 25-12 overall record and reached the NIT semifinals before losing to Stanford. BC finished with a 9-22 record and lost to North Carolina State in the first round of the ACC tournament.
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ESPN has a story about Temple's survival.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday--April 13, 2011
OK, up here in Wells, ME I do have a pretty good wireless connection. No e-mail, however.
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The UMass website has a story with video on the 5th practice MVP's. The defensive MVP's were defensive backs Antoine Tharpe and Christian Birt. Tight end Rob Blanchflower and WR Tom Gilson were the offensive honorees.
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The CAA has released its official composite schedule. CAA teams play ten FBS teams and should have a shot at a couple of upsets.
Rivals has the 2011 biggest FCS-FBS mismatches.
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Next year Drake will play an exhibition game in Moshi, Tanzania
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More comment on the Big East-Villanova situation: one blogger says the "Philly media are already smearing Pitt and Rutgers." The Boston Globe says the Big East has growing pains.
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The UMass website has a story with video on the 5th practice MVP's. The defensive MVP's were defensive backs Antoine Tharpe and Christian Birt. Tight end Rob Blanchflower and WR Tom Gilson were the offensive honorees.
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The CAA has released its official composite schedule. CAA teams play ten FBS teams and should have a shot at a couple of upsets.
Rivals has the 2011 biggest FCS-FBS mismatches.
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Next year Drake will play an exhibition game in Moshi, Tanzania
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More comment on the Big East-Villanova situation: one blogger says the "Philly media are already smearing Pitt and Rutgers." The Boston Globe says the Big East has growing pains.
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Saturday News ---March 13th 2010
Another article on Boston College's Mike McLaughlin with references to his father Mike and uncle Joe, both of whom played for UMass.
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Brian Bozek, a 5-10 195 pd athlete from Laconia HS signed with St. Alsems (remember when we played them in basketball?). That's the same HS as UMass RSFr DB Christian Birt. The article has a number of UMass references.
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Back on March 1st I did a blog post with a link to a Bleacher Report on how the UMass Marching band was one of the top bands in football. The UMass Daily Collegian follows up with an article on the band , with some interesting facts about the UMB's history.
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Over on the FCS website "Championship Subdivision.com" , there is a post on the results of some Pro Day workouts. The complete post is here and worth reading. From the post:
RB Tony Nelson, UMASS
5091, 208 pounds
40- 4.55-4.57
reps- 17
vertical- 36
broad jump- 10'4
3-cone- 6.62
short shuttle- 4.33
DT Kyle Harrington, UMASS
6036, 287 pounds
40- 4.93-4.95
reps- 40 (Wow!)
vertical- 27.5
broad jump- 8'9
3-cone- 7.23
short shuttle- 4.40
WR Victor Cruz, UMASS
5114, 208 pounds
40- 4.48-4.50
reps- 13
vertical- 41.5
broad jump- 10'5
short shuttle- 4.33
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I believe Maine Black Bears are among the leaders in the FCS division producing NFL players over the last decade or so. The Bangor Daily News has an article on Maine's Pro Day. I first spotted the article over on the Draft Daddy Blog.
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Alabama LB and NFL prospect Rolando McClain reveals that he has Crohn's Disease. So do I. Good luck to Rolando. He's going to have an interesting life.
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Brian Bozek, a 5-10 195 pd athlete from Laconia HS signed with St. Alsems (remember when we played them in basketball?). That's the same HS as UMass RSFr DB Christian Birt. The article has a number of UMass references.
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Back on March 1st I did a blog post with a link to a Bleacher Report on how the UMass Marching band was one of the top bands in football. The UMass Daily Collegian follows up with an article on the band , with some interesting facts about the UMB's history.
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Over on the FCS website "Championship Subdivision.com" , there is a post on the results of some Pro Day workouts. The complete post is here and worth reading. From the post:
RB Tony Nelson, UMASS
5091, 208 pounds
40- 4.55-4.57
reps- 17
vertical- 36
broad jump- 10'4
3-cone- 6.62
short shuttle- 4.33
DT Kyle Harrington, UMASS
6036, 287 pounds
40- 4.93-4.95
reps- 40 (Wow!)
vertical- 27.5
broad jump- 8'9
3-cone- 7.23
short shuttle- 4.40
WR Victor Cruz, UMASS
5114, 208 pounds
40- 4.48-4.50
reps- 13
vertical- 41.5
broad jump- 10'5
short shuttle- 4.33
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I believe Maine Black Bears are among the leaders in the FCS division producing NFL players over the last decade or so. The Bangor Daily News has an article on Maine's Pro Day. I first spotted the article over on the Draft Daddy Blog.
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Alabama LB and NFL prospect Rolando McClain reveals that he has Crohn's Disease. So do I. Good luck to Rolando. He's going to have an interesting life.
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Sunday, May 02, 2010
UMass 2010 Spring football game
Friday was a fun day for the Blog. In the morning I hiked Pack Monadnock in southern NH. The first two images in the set are a view from the summit east and the only patch of Trillium grandiflorum we saw on the hike.
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The Spring Game is my first set of images on Flickr. So far I'm finding Flickr not as intuitive as Picasa. The link is here. See if it works and you can view it.
I arrived about 6:30 in Amherst. Some UMass fans and families were tailgating inside the stadium. a hefty crowd of students were drinking in the usual tailgate areas outside. The students stayed outside.
To me, it looked like the number of family and friends inside the stadium about tripled from last year. UMass did not announce the attendance.
Special thanks to the UMass Marching Band who sent a pep squad to the game and added a lot to the ambiance .
No body got hurt.
The UMass team split into two squads. Seeing the Minutemen do not dress 150 players for the game, that means some players were moved out of position to make up the squads. If anyone has any other information, add it to the comments.
As I've said before, you can't take a lot out of the Spring games. Everyone is playing at 4/5 speed and trying not to get anyone hurt.
Anthony Nelson, Christopher Green, Dan Sheeran, Tom Brandt Courtney Jackson and Jeffery Lingenfelter, all sat out the game (if they were wearing the correct jerseys).
The most entertaining play of the game was the very first play when the white squad tried a flea flicker back to Octavious Hawkins. Tyler Holmes came flying in and leveled Hawkins, who did a vertical 180 spin. He came up laughing.
Probably the most impressive thing I saw was the pass receiving. Unlike one recent year, the receivers caught about everything that was catchable. Jesse Julmiste looked fast and shifty. Woody Carter IV, playing WR had a couple of good catches. Tom Gilson had four catches and Julian Colarusso had three. Johathan Hernandez had a TD catch.
Not much to report on quarterbacks. Hawkins and Kyle Havens had almost identical stats. Third String QB Jesse Hunt looked as if he belonged.
John Griffin, the Northeastern transfer looked fast. Sean Unterkoefler was playing FB. Jamar Smith also looked fast. It seems we will have a speed backfield this year. Unless we move someone from another position, we do not have a 240 pd fullback.
With the defense broken up into two squads, it was harder to spot defensive standouts. Red shirt freshmen Christian Birt and Ryan Carter were around the ball a lot.
All in all, I thought the offense looked promising. Even with all the turnovers last year, we were #2 in the CAA in total offense. This year shows promise if we hold on to the ball.
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The Spring Game is my first set of images on Flickr. So far I'm finding Flickr not as intuitive as Picasa. The link is here. See if it works and you can view it.
I arrived about 6:30 in Amherst. Some UMass fans and families were tailgating inside the stadium. a hefty crowd of students were drinking in the usual tailgate areas outside. The students stayed outside.
To me, it looked like the number of family and friends inside the stadium about tripled from last year. UMass did not announce the attendance.
Special thanks to the UMass Marching Band who sent a pep squad to the game and added a lot to the ambiance .
No body got hurt.
The UMass team split into two squads. Seeing the Minutemen do not dress 150 players for the game, that means some players were moved out of position to make up the squads. If anyone has any other information, add it to the comments.
As I've said before, you can't take a lot out of the Spring games. Everyone is playing at 4/5 speed and trying not to get anyone hurt.
Anthony Nelson, Christopher Green, Dan Sheeran, Tom Brandt Courtney Jackson and Jeffery Lingenfelter, all sat out the game (if they were wearing the correct jerseys).
The most entertaining play of the game was the very first play when the white squad tried a flea flicker back to Octavious Hawkins. Tyler Holmes came flying in and leveled Hawkins, who did a vertical 180 spin. He came up laughing.
Probably the most impressive thing I saw was the pass receiving. Unlike one recent year, the receivers caught about everything that was catchable. Jesse Julmiste looked fast and shifty. Woody Carter IV, playing WR had a couple of good catches. Tom Gilson had four catches and Julian Colarusso had three. Johathan Hernandez had a TD catch.
Not much to report on quarterbacks. Hawkins and Kyle Havens had almost identical stats. Third String QB Jesse Hunt looked as if he belonged.
John Griffin, the Northeastern transfer looked fast. Sean Unterkoefler was playing FB. Jamar Smith also looked fast. It seems we will have a speed backfield this year. Unless we move someone from another position, we do not have a 240 pd fullback.
With the defense broken up into two squads, it was harder to spot defensive standouts. Red shirt freshmen Christian Birt and Ryan Carter were around the ball a lot.
All in all, I thought the offense looked promising. Even with all the turnovers last year, we were #2 in the CAA in total offense. This year shows promise if we hold on to the ball.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
The State of UMass 2010 ---Defensive backfield
We have reached the second-to-last unit review for 2010. This time we consider the defensive backfield.
Losses for 2010:
I would think Viveiros and Thellen will be the SS and FS respectively. KeMon Bailey should return to his starting postion at one corner. Esalomi, Cozzo, Wilson and Carven are candidates for the remaining CB position. We do return four players who had starts in 2009.
I need to see the RS FR play in the Spring Game to form any opinions on them. Despite the loss of Miles, I think the 2010 edition of the UMass defensive backfield should be pretty good. The unit needs to play every game and avoid meltdowns like Delaware and Hofstra.
Losses for 2010:
- Jeromy Miles-Walter Camp All-American, All-New England, First Team All-CAA, 47 career starts including all 36 games at UMass, third on the team in 2009 with 62 TT.
- Cory Davis- Started all 11 games in 2009, led team with 6 BrUps, 24 TT.
- Ke'Mon Bailey-RS SR, played in 11 games-10 starts, 38 TT, 5 BrUp, 4.5-15 TFL
- Woody Carter IV JR Played in last seven games-0 starts, 4 TT
- James Carven RS SR-Played in 8 games-0 starts, 8 TT
- David Cozzo RS SR- Played in all 11 games-0 starts, 8 TT, 1 TFL
- Kumar Davis RS SOPH-Played in 9 games-1 start, 26 TT, 2 TFL, 1 INT
- Tory Esalomi RS SR-Played in all 11 games-0 starts, 3 TT, also returned kick-offs.
- Darren Thellen RS SOPH-Played in 11 games- 7 starts, 8th on team in TT (38), 1 INT
- Shane Viveiros RS JR-Played in 7 games-4 starts, 2 TFL, 1 INT
- Warren Wilson RS JR-Played in all 11 games-0 starts, 8 TT
- Christian Birt RS FR
- Ryan Carter RS FR
- Mike Lee RS FR
- Thad McCummings RS FR
I would think Viveiros and Thellen will be the SS and FS respectively. KeMon Bailey should return to his starting postion at one corner. Esalomi, Cozzo, Wilson and Carven are candidates for the remaining CB position. We do return four players who had starts in 2009.
I need to see the RS FR play in the Spring Game to form any opinions on them. Despite the loss of Miles, I think the 2010 edition of the UMass defensive backfield should be pretty good. The unit needs to play every game and avoid meltdowns like Delaware and Hofstra.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Sunday--May 1, 2011
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| Click on image for a large view |
MassLive.com has a story on Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel and asks if he will be eligible in 2011.
WWLP22 covers the game.
Ron Chimelis says the team will have to find its own motivation for the 2011 season.
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My notes:
I'll add the usually cravat on Spring games. Everyone was playing at about 4/5 speed and some players are usually wearing the wrong number. Forgive me if I mis-identified someone.
After all the nervous tension from the upgrade, everyone seemed fairly relaxed and happy to out on the field. The same mood applied to the crowd, which was about the same as last year.
I toured the new UMass football offices. They're nice---and empty. No one's moved in yet.
Vladamar Brower (who's coaching HS in Springfield) and 2011 QB recruit Mike Wegzyn attended.
Amazingly, I did not see anyone on crutches.
The following players were wearing jerseys, but were not in pads and DNP
- Chade Hunte
- Bill Nesselt
- Giddons Rateau
- Julian Colarusso
- Domonic Wooten
- Rob Blanchflower
- Caleb Violette
Ryan Carter had an INT. Pitt transfer Chris Burns only had 2 carries. He did have on nice block on a rushing defender.
On offense, Anthony Dima was at LT. Jesse Julmiste was the "Y" receiver with the first team offense and Tom Gilson was in the slot.
On defense, it looked to me that the first team consisted of the following:
- Galen Clemons DT
- Kevin Byrne NT
- Brandon Potvin DT
- Perry McIntyre ILB
- Tyler Holmes ILB
- D.J. Adeoba OLB
- Courtney Jackson OLB
- Mike Lee CB
- Antone Tharpe CB
- Christian Birt S
- Darren Thellen S
Added to the Spring Game, but not on website roster was James Gilchrist DT.
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Hope to have a web albumn up tomorrow.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday News ----- 06/29/09
UMass has missed out on another QB transfer, Justin Roper chose Montana over UMass, Towson, and Eastern Kentucky. Another article here .
Roper's Oregon bio here.
Roper had already used his redshirt year, so he would have only had two years of eligibility left had he come to UMass.
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The Boston Globe has an article on new St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagunolo. It mentions UMass several times including former UMass coach Jimmy Reid.
Spagnuolo's Rams bio here.
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The New Hampshire Football Report has a post that UMass DB recruit Christian Birt will not play in the the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl in order to report earlier to UMass.
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Northeastern may move their home games to White Stadium in Franklin Park.
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Sports of Boston takes a look at the coming UMass- Kansas State game.
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Roper's Oregon bio here.
Roper had already used his redshirt year, so he would have only had two years of eligibility left had he come to UMass.
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The Boston Globe has an article on new St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagunolo. It mentions UMass several times including former UMass coach Jimmy Reid.
Spagnuolo's Rams bio here.
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The New Hampshire Football Report has a post that UMass DB recruit Christian Birt will not play in the the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl in order to report earlier to UMass.
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Northeastern may move their home games to White Stadium in Franklin Park.
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Sports of Boston takes a look at the coming UMass- Kansas State game.
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Sunday, September 05, 2010
The Day after the win over the Tribe Sept 5th, 2010
UMass beat writer Matty Vautour covers UMass' upset of the Tribe. He also has three stars from the game.
The Boston Globe says UMass rallies for the upset.
William & Mary's student paper the Flat Hat covers the Tribe's loss to UMass.
MassLive.com says Griffin and Hernandez give UMass a one-two punch. MassLive also said UMass refused to be denied.
The Worcester Telegram said Griffin and Hernandez led UMass.
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From the UMass game notes:
For UMass, 17 players made their debuts in maroon and white.
Two true freshmen played in the opener: LB Stanley Andre and DB Antoine Tharpe.
The following players made their college-playing debuts: DB Mike Lee, DB Christian Birt, DB Ryan Carter, LB Stanley Andre, DL Kevin Byrne, TE Rob Blanchflower, DL Theo Agnew, DL Brandon Potvin. K Brendon Levengood. DB Antoine Tharpe. LB Tom Brandt
Also, the following transfers made their UMass debuts: WR Anthony Nelson, TB John Griffin, OL Greg Niland, OL Nick Speller, DL Galen Clemons, LB Chad Hunte.
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The CAA website has reviews of all the CAA games. UMass, JMU, UNH and Delaware won.
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Nationally, there were a couple of FCS/FBS upsets. Jacksonville State beat Ole Miss in overtime. North Dakota State beat Kansas.
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Michigan QB Denard Robinson had 383 total yards of offense to lead the Wolverines to a 30-10 victory over UConn. BTW, Michigan drew a record 113,090 to the game.
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I should have a web album of the UMass-William & Mary game up on Flickr by this evening.
The Boston Globe says UMass rallies for the upset.
William & Mary's student paper the Flat Hat covers the Tribe's loss to UMass.
MassLive.com says Griffin and Hernandez give UMass a one-two punch. MassLive also said UMass refused to be denied.
The Worcester Telegram said Griffin and Hernandez led UMass.
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From the UMass game notes:
| |
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The CAA website has reviews of all the CAA games. UMass, JMU, UNH and Delaware won.
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Nationally, there were a couple of FCS/FBS upsets. Jacksonville State beat Ole Miss in overtime. North Dakota State beat Kansas.
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Michigan QB Denard Robinson had 383 total yards of offense to lead the Wolverines to a 30-10 victory over UConn. BTW, Michigan drew a record 113,090 to the game.
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I should have a web album of the UMass-William & Mary game up on Flickr by this evening.
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