Friday, January 2nd, 2015

Matty Vautour says sources from the UMass program believe Jean Sifrin will declare for the NFL Draft.

Sifrin, at 27 years old, is probably wise to declare. I think he'd get more money after a bowl game, but there's always the chance of injury. If he's drafted, then it's a good trade off. A free agent contract would be less (a lot less) financially rewarding.

Rodney Mills would be Sifrin's probable replacement at TE.

Other TE's on the roster (class is for 2015):

Sharif Custis RSSO 6-3 210 DNP in 2014
Jon Denton SR 6-6 260 12 games played in 2014. No catches
Jordan Fiske RSFR 6-3 225 DNP in 2014
Brandon Howard RSSO 6-5 250 12 games played,4 catches for 57 yards and two kickoff returns
Jon Lucier RSFR 6-6 215 DNP in 2014
Todd Stafford RSSO 6-7 261 1 game played in 2014

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Matty also reports grayshirts Randall West and Lamarriel Taylor will join the Minutemen for the Spring Semester.

Randall West 6-4 220 spent the fall rehabbing a torn ACL suffered late in Senior season. By no being on campus this fall, he saved a redshirt season. West played against top competition in North Jersey, so he could be a force at QB. He's another reason to go to the Spring game.

Lamarriel Taylor 6-3 185 had 72 catches for 1,516 yards and 23 TD's for Mission Bay HS in CA. He should also prosper in Whipple's vertical passing game. Taylor was a two-star recruit on 247Spots.

YouTube interview of Taylor from 2013. Hudl.com has senior season highlights.

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The Blog's sister lives in Eugene, OR. She relates that Eugene passed an ordinance banning fireworks except for the Fourth of July and New Years. I'll bet it was noisy in Eugene last night.

NBC also reports the playoffs are a financial bonanza for the Power Five conferences.

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OT, but NBC Sports predicts the NIT for UMass hoops.

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Saturday--March 28th, 2015

The UMass website has a video feature on new Minutemen special teams coach Mark Michaels. He also coaches outside linebackers. Let's hope he can make an improvement in what was a big trouble spot for UMass last year. The video shows him coaching the linebackers.

The last 2014 depth chart listed the OLB two-deep as:

Da'Sean Downey 6-5 234
John Robinson-Woodgett 6-2 228

Trey Seals 6-4 237
Peter Ngobidi 6-2 221

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Dan Malone reports that the last two games of the 2014 season left a bitter taste for the UMass staff and players.

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Hayne Palmour IV image

Matty Vautour has a story about incoming grayshirt freshman Lamarriel Taylor. Taylor's UMass bio.

Taylor could be an impact receiver for UMass. He has FBS size at 6-3 185.

This story from February 2014 features Taylor. If Taylor has NFL dreams, he's in the right system with Whipple. It should be fun to watch his development.

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CBS Sports looks at five Group-of-Five teams that could crash the college playoffs.

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The NFL Spin Zone says the Giants are justifiably optimistic about the return of Victor Cruz.

Tom Coughlin says Cruz will be back to the player he was.

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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" thinks the Eagles need an indoor training facility.

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Saturday--March 7th, 2015

SUNDAY UPDATE:

Dan Malone has five things to watch during Spring practice. There is a pretty good level of talent in the 2015 Spring enrollees. Being with the team and in a college weight program increases their chance of contributing in 2015.

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UMass starts Spring practice today. Matty Vautour has a post on Whipple's take on the start of practice.

It was 10 Degrees here in Jaffrey when I got up. The weather is supposed to moderate this coming week, so practice should be more pleasant.

Matty Vautour says Jamal Wilson will start Spring practice inactive; he's still dealing with a knee injury suffered at Vanderbilt. Wilson had a 4.4 yards/carry average before being hurt, and that was against BC, Colorado and Vanderbilt...

Matty also says Blake Frohnapfel might get fewer reps in order to give more attention to A.J.Doyle, Austin Whipple, Ross Comis, Randall West and Andrew Verboys.

Five new Minutemen will take part in Spring parctice: Randall West, wide receiver Lamarriel Taylor, RB Marquis Young and transfers Tom Rodrick and WR Darren Josie. The roster has not yet been updated to show the additions.

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Mark Blaudschan reports the Patriots are interested in producing a bowl game. He also says interviews for the UMass AD position will start today.

The Frost Bowl? It would be nice if it ultimately ended up as the Minuteman Invitational :)

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SB Nation previews two of UMass' 2015 conference opponents : Akron and Bowling Green.

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The NCAA dropped the hammer on Syracuse yesterday. Everyone was expecting Syracuse hoops to be sanctioned, but I did not realize Syracuse football was also involved.

Statement from the NCAA website.

UPDATE: CBS Sports has what it means for Orange Football.

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The Big Ten Network says Keith Dudzinski is one of six key coaching changes in the Big Ten.

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Thursday--March 24th, 2016

UPDATE: The UMass Football Twitter feed has some video and images from Pro Day.

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Today is UMass' Pro Day. There will be images and updates from the Athletic Dept later today.

Dan Malone has the list of players participating here.

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Spring practice #4 above.

Dan has an image gallery from practice #4.

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Dan Malone has a post on Ross Comis' bid to the Minutemen's starting QB in 2016.

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Matty Vautour has a story about Lamarriel Taylor and the other UMass WR's who are looking for playing time in 2016.

Jalen Williams and Bernard Davis are coming off medical redshirts.

Shakur Nesmith leads the returning receivers in catches. He went 9-5 GP-GS 15-204 13.6 AVE 3 TD's 56 LONG in 2016 (fifth in receiving).

Andy Isabella, at 5-9 187 and with his speed,  could be a threat as a slot receiver.

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Andrew Cyr of the UMass Daily Collegian report Shane Huber looks to be the leader of the defense at the MLB position. Huber mentions LB Steve Casali, LB James Bowe, Jr and LB/Safety Teddy Lowery as having good Spring practices.

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Wednesday--February 4th, 2015 Letter-of-Intent Day

Lots more recruiting stuff tomorrow, pant, pant :)

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UPDATES:

Spring Enrollees:

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Marquis Young, 6-0 200 RB from Milford Academy. I've blogged about Young before.

Randall West, 6-4 220 pound QB from Lawrenceville, NJ. I've blogged about West before.

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Lamarriel Taylor, 6-3 WR from Chula Vista, CA. I've blogged about him before.

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Thomas Rodrick, 6-3 230 LB from Liecester, MA. I've blogged about him before.

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Morel #6/ Boston Herald image

Micah Morel, 6-0 190 pound Safety from Milford Academy.

ESPN describes him as one of the best safeties in MA in this 2012 article.

Hudl.com has video.

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Image credit as above

Darrian Josey, 6-2 165 pound WR from Boyton Beach, FL. Transfer from Hawaii.

Whipple said UMass recruited Josey last year. Whipple also said Josey ran the 2nd fastest 100 in the state of Florida in 2014.

Hudl.com highlights. This article from January 2014 features Josey. So does this article.

Rivals two-star player.

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247Sports image

Dejion Evans, 6-3 200 pound WR from Boston, MA.

Hudl.com video.

ESPN player page.

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OK, I've got to do a couple of things and then I'm going to drive down to Amherst to go the 3:00 PM press conference. More updates to the blog in the evening.

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Travis Reynolds joins the Minutemen. Apparently they play football in Australia (Reynolds video highlights)

Bayside Ravens Football Club.

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James Sosinski joins the UMass QB corps.

This article from MaxPreps features Sosinki.

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Boston Globe image

ESPN reports that Kenny Kern, a 6-0 227 pound fullback from Xaverian Brothers will join UMass as a preferred walk-on.

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Jack Driscoll joins the UMass offensive line

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Reche Thomas signs with UMass

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Artayvious Lynn joins the Minutemen

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247 Sports image

Sam Franklin, a 6-4 185 pound WR from Crystal River, FL signs with UMass

247Sports three-star player.

Hudl.com video.

Rivals two-star player with offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky and South Alabama.

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Aaron Kinsey signs with the Minutemen.

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Mario Patton joins UMass.

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James Bowe signs with the Minutemen. I received an e-mail from a UMass fan in Georgia saying Buford is a powerhouse program that has supplied a lot of talent to FBS teams in the past.

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Mike Caggiano joins UMass.

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D'Shan Harley signs with the Minutemen.

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Sekai Lindsay joins UMass Football/

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Brandon Mangram signs with the Minutemen.

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Lee Moses joins UMass

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Hudl.com image

Marshall Robinson a 6-4 330 pound DL from Mars Hill, PA signs with UMass.

Robinson's Hudl highlights.

Also had offers from Temple and Bowling Green.

From the UMass feed:

Fun fact about Marshall Robinson - he can dunk a basketball from a standing position according to coach Sollazzo

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From John Sinnett's office:

Fans are invited to join UMass football Head Coach Mark Whipple and his staff for a College Football Signing Day Party tomorrow, February 4th at the Amherst Brewing Company starting at 5:30 PM. The event is free to attend and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided. The Amherst Brewing Company is located just off the UMass campus at 10 University Drive in Amherst.
Coach Whipple will highlight his incoming class of newcomers for the 2015 season and will be joined by his coaching staff to speak with fans about the newest additions to the UMass football family. The evening celebration will cap off what is sure to be a day of great excitement with players signing their National Letters of Intent beginning that morning.

SECOND RECRUITING EVENT CELEBRATION IN BOSTON

This event will be held at the UMass Club in Boston on February 26th, 2015. This is another opportunity to get to know the newest additions to the maroon and white family, and hear what Head Coach Mark Whipple and the UMass Football coaching staff have in store for the upcoming season.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Jason Germain in the Minutemen Club Office at jag@admin.umass.edu<mailto:jag@admin.umass.edu> or 413-577-0267.

SIGNING DAY COVERAGE
For full coverage of the day along with an interactive blog check out www.UMassAthletics.com<http://www.umassathletics.com/>. Fans are also encouraged to follow twitter.com/CoachWhipUMass<http://www.twitter.com/CoachWhipUMass>, twitter.com/UMassFootball<http://www.twitter.com/UMassFootball> and twitter.com/UMassAthletics<http://wwww.twitter.com/UMassAthletics> to get the news of each signing as soon as it happens.

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The UMass website has a Signing Day Central Page up.

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Dan Malone says this year's recruits will lead the Minutemen into a unknown future.

MassLive.com will also have live updates.

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Looks like UMass Lax may be playing at McGuirk this season after Garber Field suffered unspecified "damage' from the latest storm.

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BC signs seven Massachusetts players.

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Campus Insiders thinks Sekai Lindsey will be star of the Minutemen's 2015 recruiting class.

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Future UMass opponent BYU got a big boost after it was named a honorary Power Five team.

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Wednesday--April 9th, 2014

The UMass web site has a video featuring the Minutemen wide receivers and new receivers coach Mike Cassano.

The video has quotes from Shakur Nesmith 6-4 200. He was sidelined during the practice I attended. In person, he looks even taller than his listed 6-4. Nesmith rocketed into a starting position last summer  then suffered a separated shoulder against Wisconsin. He's wearing #19.

Also shown is Marken Michel, he's wearing #10 , worn by Devin Brown last year.

WR production was a big factor in UMass' offensive futility in 2013. Shaquille Harris and Elgin Long tied for the longest reception ------ 36 yards. That hardly fits Coach Whipple's vertical passing offense.

In 2013, UMass receivers went 177-1877 10.6 AVE 9 TD's 55 Long (Rob Blanchflower) 156.4 AVE/G.

The Minutemen were 103rd in passing average per completion and 111th in total passing offense.

UMass opponents had significantly better stats: 189-2613 13.8 AVE 22 TD's 81 LONG 217.7.6 AVE/G.

I would guess, if healthy, Tajae Sharpe would be the "X" receiver. Nesmith as the "Y" and Michel as the slot or "Z".

Other wide receivers looking for a role in the offense would be:

• Dalvin Battle (injury redshirt last year)
• E.J. Burston 1 start, 2-18 yards in 2013
• Shawn Campbell
• Bernard Davis 11 starts 16-124 1 TD in 2013
• Iric Harris (moved from DB in 2013)
• Shaquille Harris 1-36 in 2013
• Ryan Jacobucci scout team in 2013
• Alex Kenney (transfer from Penn State. Not on campus yet)
• Connor Lemieux red shirt in 2013
• Elgin Long 7 starts 14-179 1 TD last year
• Kevin Lovaincy redshirt 2013
• Rodney Mills 4 starts 5-47 yards in 2013
• Lamarriel Taylor incoming freshman
• Jalen Williams JUCO 25-358 2 TD's at Dean College

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The UMass Daily Collegian reports the Minutemen defense is embracing Coach Masella's 3-4 defensive scheme.

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Football Scoop says you can never have too many running backs.

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Rob Blanchflower gets a paragraph (#9) in this synopsis of the Pats draft needs.

Or he could end up in Denver or  St. Louis.

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Saturday--June 4th, 2016

Some great away games this year. Mrs. Blog and I have plans to attend three of them and were invited to a fourth, which unfortunately we couldn't fit in. Hope to see some people in Maroon & White on the road this year.

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WR Lamarriel Taylor transfers to Montana.

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Former UMass assistant coach Jeff Burris is hired at Notre Dame. Burris coached DB's in 2012 for the Minutemen.

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Tajae Sharpe had another good day Wednesday at the Titans OTA's.

Today's Pigskin says it's a make or break year for the Titans receiving corps. Mentions Sharpe.

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The Orlando Sentinel previews the 2016 Boston College team as #83.

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Monday--August 4th, 2014 First day of Fall Camp

Matty V. has a story about Coach Whipple being ready to go.  A couple of points about the article. Matty reports the team will use the Gladchuck practice fields more often than Molnar did. I would speculate that's an attempt to preserve the currently awesome looking new surface at McGuirk. UMass could use a turf practice field. Delaware, for example, has two.

The other thing is two 2014 recruits Randall West and Lamarriel Taylor will grayshirt. I believe the addition of Drew Harris put UMass over the NCAA mandated limit of 24 recruits in one year, so somebody had to be grayshirted.

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Dan Malone also has a story about Coach Whipple being anxious to get going on the start of the 2014 season.

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Dan also has a special teams primer for 2014 training camp. One addition I would make would be to add Jordan Broadnax to the kick return team. In 2012, Broadnax had 44-932 21.2 AVE 61 LONG. Between Broadnax and Trey Dudley-Giles UMass could have one the top return squads in the MAC.

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The Giants beat the Bills in the Hall-of-fame game. Victor Cruz only played a couple of series. Julian Talley just missed a leaping catch as pass was just beyond his fingertips. Talley was wearing #19.

Michael Cox had a number of carries late in the game. When he had some room, he ran well. He also had some pretty crappy blocking from the reserve offensive line.

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The Boston Globe says Boston College is out to prove people wrong.

Metro West reports questions abound for the Eagles.

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Steelers Depot says Rob Blanchflower is still out of Pittsburgh's camp with an injury.

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Monday--June 29th, 2015

There's a new version of the 2015 roster up.

It looks as if some of the 2015 recruits are in for the Summer Session. NCAA regulations limit roster to 105 for summer practice; once the season starts there is no limit on the number of players.

Changes (the bios are empty for the 2015 recruits so far):

Kelton Brackett-- DB 5-11 200 wearing # 1 (same as Tajae Sharpe)
Dan Jonah-- WR 5-11 198 wearing #5 (same as Peter Angeh)
Marquis Young--RB 5-11 200 wearing #8 (same as Shane Huber)
Randall West--QB 6-5 220 wearing #13 (worn by Jordan Broadnax last year)
Shaquille Harris-- WR now wearing #14 (ex #86)
James Sosinski-- QB 6-6 240 wearing #17 (same as Jovan Santos-Knox)
Jordan Hamilton-- DB 5-9 200 wearing #20 (same as Lorenzo Woodley)
J.T. Blyden --RB (not on roster)
Andy Isabella-- RB 5-10 185 wearing #23 (same as Blake Lucas)
Mike Caggiano--K 5-11 170 wearing #31 (worn by Iric Harris last year)
Sekai Lindsey--RB 5-9 210 wearing #35 (worn by Stanley Andre last year)
Lee Moses--DB 6-1 190 wearing #40 (same as Jon Lucier)
Kenny Keam--RB 6-0 227 wearing #46 (same as Lucas Amato)
Lamarriel Taylor--WR 6-2 185 wearing #86 (worn by Shaquille Harris last year)
Darrian Josey--WR 6-0 165 wearing #89 (worn by Jon Denton last year)
Elijah Barrows--WR 6-1 180 no number assigned
Dejion Evans--WR 6-3 203 no number assigned
Tom Rodrick--LB 6-3 230 no number assigned
Theo Yongue--K 5-8 165 no number assigned

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Phil Steele looks at first downs per game in 2014: green means 20 best and red means 20 worst. UMass show green in two offensive categories, all red in defense.

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Someone you need to know: Ryan Gallant. see the middle of the article for his work with UMass football.

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Akron football's attendance is the lowest in the nation. Students say they'll go to the games "if they give us free stuff".

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Blowguin.com previews the 2015 NIU Huskies.

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The News & Observer previews the 2015 Boston College Eagles. With two FCS game (only one counts towards bowl eligibility) the Eagles will need to pick up another FBS win to go to a bowl this year.

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Colorado HC Jim Leavitt is encouraged by his defensive line prospects.

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Wednesday--July 1st, 2015

The ink was barely dry from my highlighter when the UMass website puts up another iteration of the 2015 roster. This time all the freshmen are included and most have bios.

Latest roster

Marquis Young--RB 5-11 200 wearing #8 same as Shane Huber
Randell West--QB 6-5 22 wearing #13 worn by Jordan Broadnax last year
James Sosinski--QB 6-6 240 wearing #17 same as Jovan Santos-Knox
Micah Morel--DB 6-0 200 wearing #22 same as Shadrach Abrokwah
Andy Isabella--RB 5-10 185 wearing #23 and J.T Blyden is still missing
Mehki Williams--RB 5-9 180 wearing #25 same as Joe Colton
Mike Caggiano--K 5-11 170 wearing #31 worn by Iric Harris last year
Sekai Lindsey--RB 5-9 210 wearing #35 worn by Stanley Andre last year
Lee Moses--DB 6-1 190 wearing #40 worn by Jon Lucier last year
Brandon Mangram-- DB 5-11 180 wearing #43 worn by Matthew Wylie last year (transferred)
Kenny Kearn--RB 6-0 227 wearing #46 same as Lucas Amato
James Oliphant--DB 5-8 165 wearing #48 number not assigned last year
Mike Yerardi--OL 6-4 295 wearing #50 worn by Mike Wynne last year
Joe Parsons--OL 6-4 305 wearing #56 worn by Sam Zeff last year (transferred)
Reche Thomas--OL 6-4 315 wearing #57 worn by Leo Krizanovic last year
Peter Comaroto--LS 5-11 215 wearing #59 number not assigned last year
Derek Dumais--OL 6-5 325 wearing #72 worn by Rich Queen last year (transferred)
Lamarriel Taylor--WR 6-2 185 wearing #86 worn by Shaquille Harris last year (now wearing #14)
Jon Derolus--WR 6-0 175 wearing #81 same as Kevin Lovaincy
Travis Reynolds--TE 6-5 245 wearing #87 same as T.J. Kelley (G'Day mate!)
Jack Coventry--K 6-1 180 wearing #91 worn by Chris Carter last year
Jesse Noel--WR wearing #93 worn by Seamus Murray last year
Kyle Horn--TE 6-4 250 wearing #95  same as Sha-Ki Holines
Mario Patton--DL 6-4 315 wearing #96 worn by Brian McDonald last year
Aaron Kinsey--LB 6-4 210 wearing #97 worn by Daniel Maynes last year
D'Shan Harley--LB 6-5 210 wearing #98 worn by Ryan Heath last year
Dejion Evans--WR 6-3 no number assigned
Tom Rodrick--LB 6-3 230 no number assigned

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The Notre Dame blog "One foot down" discusses the Irish's 2015 including UMass as a "layup" game.

Scout.com has a story about the strengths and weaknesses of Notre Dame's opponents.

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Marshall fans complain about the Herd scheduling Appalachian State.

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Bloguin.com has five MAC conference story lines for 2015.

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Some UMass fan compiled this Minutemen pump-up video. It's well done.

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Monday--August 8th, 2016

Fall camps starts today! The Fall football roster is up.

Gone from the Spring roster are:

Jarell Addo ILB
Jon Derolus WR
P.Ekpen Iduoze DL
Darren Josey WR (out all last year with injury)
Kenny Kern FB
Lamarriel Taylor WR (transferred to Montana)
Andrew Verboys QB (transferred to Delaware)
Austin Whipple QB
Mehki Williams RB

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The Boston Herald previews the 2016 Minutemen.

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ESPN Gainsville previews Florida's QB's.

The same site says the Gators don't want you to like them.

SEC Country has sights and sounds from Florida's first practice.

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The Tennessean says the Titans are loaded at WR.

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Victor Cruz is not looking explosive in the Giants camp.

Rookie DB Eli Apple locks down Victor Cruz.

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Boston College gets new uniforms for 2016.

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Tuesday--July 28th, 2015

Dan Malone reports on the three verbals UMass received at last weekend's Clam Bake. I blogged about the commits on Sunday.

MassLive starts the 2016 Minutemen datbase. As Dan points out, UMass has 27 seniors in 2015. This coming recruiting class should be large and influential over the next four years.

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Dan continues his 2015 preview considering Tajae Sharpe and the wide receiver corps. Sharpe has a chance to re-write the Minutemen receiving records. He's got NFL size and his route-running and catching have all improved.

There'll be a real changing of the guard after this year as Jalen Wiliams, Bernard Davis, Elgin Long and Marken Michael are all seniors.

I think Shakur Nesmith, Darrien Josey and Lamarriel Taylor all have a chance to be the "X" receiver in 2016.

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A Marshall-area newspaper covers Blake Frohnapfel's preseason accolades.

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Terrapin Station.com looks at former UMass DC Keith Dudzinski's start as defensive coordinator for Maryland.

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Ball State announces its preseason two-deep.

Cardinal center Jake Richard will be a rare two-year captain for Ball State.

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Colorado QB Sefo Liufau believes the Buffs can play with the best.

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Wednesday--December 2nd, 2015

#78 Matt Sparks

UMass senior center Matt Sparks was named co-UMass Fall scholar-Athlete.

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Matty Vautour looks at next year's replacements for the graduating seniors. The three positions the Minutemen should see big changes are quarterback, TE and WR.

James Sosinski made the traveling squad this year. I'd speculate going into Spring ball the order would be:

1. Ross Comis
2. James Sosinski
3. Austin Whipple

On TE, UMass does not have a blocking TE on the roster. Travis Reynolds seems to be a good athlete, but the Minutemen need recruiting help big time in this position.

For WR, UMass is better stocked, but do they have a feature "X" receiver? Hawaii transfer Darren Josey and FR Lamarriel Taylor have potential. Jalen Williams and Shakur Nesmith are probably the top returning receivers.

UMass signed two players in 2015 who ended up in Prep school: Artayvious Lynn and Sam Franklin. Whipple has said he would still like both to attend UMass.

Matty also looks at next year's defensive team. The defensive front seven needs recruiting priority. Jake Largay 6-6 310 is the only NT on the roster.

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The Register-Star remembers former UMass QB John Kraham.

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The win over Buffalo moved UMass out of CBS Sports Bottom-25.

Keeper's College football rankings has UMass as #107 (.htm down load). Note the Minutemen's relatively high strength-of-schedule. Boston College is ranked #90 despite two of their three wins came against FCS teams.

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Hustle Belt looks at the NIU-Bowling Green MAC championship game.

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