Recruiting 2014-- Andrew Ford II

J. Cleezy image

I've blogged before on Andrew Ford, a 6-3 180 pound pro-style QB from Cedar Cliff HS in PA.

This article from the Patriot News talks about his recruiting situation. There is also another article that covers Ford.

Ford has offers from Temple and UMass.

Thursday--March 21, 2013

An NFL.com blog has some stats from UMass' Pro Day on Stephane Milhim, Michael Cox and Darren Thellen.

Milhim gets some coverage in a Atlanta Falcons mock draft.

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Sports Business Daily interviews John Martin, who's a graduate of UMass' Sports Management program. UMass' school is nationally known and a big asset to the Minutemen's Athletic Dept.

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Western Michigan is the latest MAC team to be reviewed by SB Nation's Bill Connelly.

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Eli Manning says "I want Victor Cruz back with the Giants."

Manning is willing to rework his deal to keep Cruz. Hope that works out better than the Tom Brady--Wes Welker thing.

Cruz visited two New Jersey schools and urged students not to quit.

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A Bleacher Report writer says college football's bowl season is still better than March Madness.

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Recruiting 2014--- Kevin Bronson II

I've blogged about Kevin Bronson, a 6-3 235 pound ILB/DE before.

This article mentions Bronson at the Miami Nike Camp.

Bronson has offers from UMass and UCF.

Recruiting 2014-- Sharieff Rhaheed

Treasure Coast Palm reports that Sharieff Rhaheed, a 6-4 215 pound LB from Fort Pierce HS in Florida committed to LSU.

Rhaheed had an offer from UMass as well as from Mississippi, North Carolina State, Penn State, South Florida, Tennessee and UCF.

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Wednesday--March 20, 2013

Canadian Press image

Brandon London signed a three year deal with the Alouettes.

London has high goals for 2013.

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If you want to know why college football is driving realignment, this article from Football Scoop shows the reason money is in football.

From the article:

"College football was the No. 1 or 2 highest-rated television programs for 14 consecutive Saturday nights this fall, taking the top spot on seven occasions."

FBS college football is the place to be.

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NIU Football wants to be even stronger in 2013.

Toledo's goal remains the same, win the MAC in 2013.

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MetroDailyWest has a feature about Boston College's Spring football.

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OT:

Kentucky was one-and-done in the NIT.

The Courier-Journal says Coach Calipari may be one player away from the greatest recruiting class in the history of college basketball.

Could the Siena Saints be joining the A10?

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Recruiting 2015-- Brad Mayes II

I've blogged about Brad Meyes, a 6-1 180 pound QB from Berkeley Prep before.

Mayes gets a mention in this article on a Nike Training Camp in Orlando.

Sophomore highlights here.

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Tuesday--March 19, 2013

Virginia coach Mike London appears to take a shot at Jimmie Reid in this story by Football Scoop. More on the Cavs new defensive coordinator from the Daily Progress.

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Bill Connelly continues his series on the MAC with a preview of Central Michigan. UMass had offensive line problems in 2012.

Connelly's article notes that a number of MAC teams will be rebuilding their OL in 2013.


Ball State is replacing four multi-year starters, including two all-conference picks. Kent State is replacing three three-year (at least) starters, including two all-conference picks. Miami is replacing three multi-year starters, including a four-year guy.

And now you've got CMU, looking at replacing four guys who combined for 124 career starts. 

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Bowling Green is ready to make the next step in the MAC race according to USA Today.

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The Raiders website has a story about the top offensive tackles in the 2013 NFL draft. Mentions Stephane Milhim and CMU's Eric Fisher.

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Another what-if-college-football-had-a-64-team-playoff article this time by SB Nation.

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The Giants co-owner says Victor Cruz is worth more than Wes Welker.

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OT, but there is a printable NIT bracket here.

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There's some UMass Football recruiting news, but I'm on a short leash today to the storm and a couple of medical appointments.

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Recruiting 2014--Anthony Khalife

247Sports image

Recruiting services say UMass is showing interest in Anthony Khalife, a 6-4 235 pound DE from Wilkes-Barre PA.

Rivals page here.

247Sports page here.

Visited UConn recently.

Khalife does not have any offers at this time.

Monday--March 18, 2013

I've set up a Picasa web album with 29 images from UMass' Night of Champions. It's here.

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SB Nation's Bill Connelly continues his Spring preview of MAC teams, this time with Ball State.

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A Bleacher Report writer looks at a 64-team college football playoff.

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The Giants co-owner says Victor Cruz is going to cost the Giants big money.

ESPN says the Giants want to keep Cruz.

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James Ihedigbo has been re-signed by the Ravens for one year.

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Josh Samuda and some other Dolphins' players help under privileged kids.

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OT, but UMass will host Stony Brook 24-7 Wednesday at Home. Ticket info here.

Stony Brook swept America East awards. MassLive has game time and more.

UPDATE:  The Washington Post says UMass will host Iowa if both advance.

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Sunday--March 17, 2013

The Monsignor Farrell football program is going to retire the #45 jersey worn by former UMass DE John D'Amato (1976, 1977, 1978).

D'Amato was First Team All-Yankee Conference in 1977 and 1978.

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The BCS committee asked 31 Bowl Committees to submit applications to bid on hosting one of the three access bowls for 2013.

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The Big East's lawyers have registered the domain name America12.org as well as variations of America12.com.

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Maryland, ----- but not Rutgers will receive a big travel subsidy from the Big Ten.

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UMass hoops played a valiant game yesterday against VCU. The Minutemen out-rebounded VCU (always a sign of good effort) and played strong defense. One symptom of  fatigue in basketball is poor shooting and UMass missed lots of shots. I still think UMass is one of the top 68 teams in the nation, but probably will have a first round NIT game at home.

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Recruiting 2014--Thomas Holley III

I've blogged about Thomas Holley, a 6-4 290 pound DT from Abraham Lincoln HS a couple of times before.

Holley just added offers from Alabama and Notre Dame.

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Saturday--March 16, 2013

The Maroon helmet was the favorite of 64% of the responders in the blog poll in the side bar. I voted for the white helmet, but after seeing the maroon helmet in person, I like that one too.

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Athlon Sports has a Spring preview of  UMass' 2013 BCS OOC opponent Vanderbilt.

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Sports Illustrated looks at burning questions for the non BCS leagues in the Spring of 2013.

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All's quiet with the Victor Cruz negotiations, but the Giants are hoping Cruz's agent change will help.

Victor is mingling with the movers and shakers again.

Rant Sports says San Diego should give the Giants a first round pick for Cruz.

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UConn is adding temporary seating to it's 40,000 seat stadium for Michigan's visit.

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After watching UMass beat NCAA-bound Temple last night, can anyone deny UMass is one of the top 64 teams in the nation? The Minutemen should be in the tourney.

UPDATE: MassLive has the TV coverage channels for today's UMass-VCU game.

BTW, Temple has a basketball/football blog.

Recruiting 2014--Adonis Jennings

Matt Boyle image

Several recruiting services say UMass has offered to Adonis Jennings, a 6-2 185 pound WR from Erial, NJ.

Jennings ESPN page here.

247Sports page here.

Jennings team won the South Jersey Championship.

This 247Sports article features Jennings.

Jennings holds offers from Pitt, Rutgers, Temple and UCF.

Friday-- Ides of March 2013

The UMass All-access video port has some highlights from the UMass "Night of Champions" event.

Some more images of the event from me. Click on the image and Blogger displays a full-rez version.

First team to 100 reps at 305 wins

Robert Kitching sets up for a 600 pound squat

Anthony Dima did 32 reps at 225!!!

Randall Jette goes above the rim

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The Vandy Blog "Anchor of Gold" has a post about favorite uniforms and helmets and features an image from the UMass game.

ESPN football says Vanderbilt (who will visit Gillette next year) is looking more like a SEC team.

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ESPN looks at more names for the new Big East football league.

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OT, but Chaz Williams left a freakin' vapor trail in his coast-to-coast drive and layup in the last minute of UMass' win over George Washington last night.

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OT, but there is limited TV coverage of tonight's UMass-Temple game. Some papers say the game will be on CBS sports Network, but it's not listed on my Dish Network programming guide.

UPDATE: The A10 has an expanded list of cable stations carrying the UMass-Temple game. It's available on Fox Sports Midwest channel 418 on Dish network. I'm watching St. Joe's VCU now.

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More on the new UMass helmets

At the football event last night the team displayed mannequins with the new uniforms and helmets. If my math is right three different colors for helmets, jerseys and pants gives 84 distinct combinations.

Click on the images below and Blogger displays a full-rez version.

One one day left to vote in the poll on helmet colors!

Note the metal-flake finish on the white helmet

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Thursday --March 14, 2013

Hey, yesterday's UMass Night of Champions was a hoot! Next year you've got to go. Tons of energy from the team. I had a great time.

I'll try to have an Picassa album up in a couple of days. The Gazette has a story here about the event (paywall, you can get five views/month by registering).

Click on the images below and Blogger displays a full-rez version. It sure got me amped up for the coming season!

Khary Baily-Smith can sky!

Brandon Potvin goes for reps

QB Mike Wegzyn squats 400+

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In MAC conference news: Ohio led the league in football and basketball attendance.

SB Nation's Bill Connelly continues his MAC teams review, this time with Kent State.

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How should the Big East divy up $100 million in exit fees?

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ESPN says Wes Welker's deal not good for Victor Cruz.

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UPDATE:

OT but there will be TV coverage for tonight's A10 first-round game between UMass and GW. MassLive has the channels for Comcast, Direct TV and Dish Network.

Recruiting 2014--James Hendren

Mass Prep Stars image

Several sources state UMass has offered to James Hendren, a 6-7 305 pound OT from Brookline, MA.

This article from NJ.com features Hendren.

Hendren's Rivals page here.

Sophomore highlights above.

Hendren holds an offer from Ohio and a number of Ivy League teams.

Wednesday-- March 13, 2013

Hope to see a lot of UMass football fans at tonight's Evening of Champions. It's a chance to be a little involved with Minutemen football during the off season.

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Former UMass player E.J. Barthel gets a mention in this video. Barthel's Wikipedia page. His UMass bio.

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Stephane Milhim's NFL Draft Scout's page with his stats from UMass' Pro Day.

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WEEI says the Pats are unlikely to make a run at Victor Cruz.

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In conference news, Bowling Green wants to take it to the next level in 2013.

Toledo held their Pro Day recently.

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College football playoffs won't have a title sponsor.

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OT: The Big East votes to let Notre Dame leave for the ACC in 2013-14 school year.

With Maryland leaving the ACC for the Big Ten, IMHO the ACC could be the next league to cherry picked (in football) by other leagues. That could end up providing UMass with an opportunity in the future.

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Recruiting 2014--- Tyrone Washington II

Vin Canchietta image

I've blogged about Tyrone Washington before. Washington is a 6-2 185 pound athlete/WR/DB from Paramus Catholic in NJ.

NJ.com has a feature article on Washington.

Washington helped win the state title for Paramus in December.

Washington attended the UMass Junior Day a couple of weeks ago.

Washington holds offers from UMass and Rutgers.

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Tuesday--March 12, 2013

Get away from the March blahs and attend tomorrow's UMass football Evening of Champions. I'll be there and I hope to see some more of the Minutemen football die-hards.

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The UMass All-Access page also has a new update on the facilities upgrade at McGuirk. The new training center and new press box should make a big impact on recruiting. In addition, it will allow UMass to move some games back to campus.

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Bill Connelly of SB Nation continues his series on prospects for 2013 MAC teams, this time with Miami (Ohio).

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The Orlando Sentinel has five MAC games to watch in 2013.

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The Giants have given Victor Cruz first-round tender and he's changed agents.

CBS Sports says the Giants are hoping to keep Cruz for years.

More Cruz trade rumors from the Giants Blog "Big Blue".

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Will Fox Sports give ESPN a challenge in college sports? It would nice if the MAC could improve its TV package.

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Recruiting 2014--Juwann Winfree

Winnfree family image

Several recruiting services say UMass has offered to Juwann Winfree, a 6-2 180 pound athlete from Englewood, NJ.

ESPN page here.

247Sports page here.

This article from November 2012 features Winfree.

NJ.com also has an article on Winfree.

Winfree has multiple FBS offers including Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia, Maryland and more.

Monday--March 11, 2013

A Bleacher Report writer picks Victor Cruz as one of the top NFL Free Agents.

The Giants Blog "Big Blue" says Victor could really cash in.

The Examiner.com says Cruz is receiving a "ton of interest".

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The Catholic Seven depart the Big East June 30th.

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Why Notre Dame won't miss Gunner Kiel.

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OT, but Temple won their last regular season A10 basketball game. A10 hoops is not going to be the same without the Owls.

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UConn releases their 2013 football schedule. Four wins maybe?

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Recruiting 2014--Andrew Ford

Chris Knight image

Several recruiting services have indicated UMass has offered to Andrew Ford, a 6-2 181 pound pro-style QB from Cedar Cliff HS in PA.

ESPN page here.

247Sports page here.

This article from September features Ford.

Threw for seven TD's in one game in 2012.

Ford also holds an offer from Temple.

Sunday--March 10, 2013

Rant Sports says several MAC schools would be a good fit for Gunner Kiel.

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The Big East completes the Basketball-Football divorce.

The Big East wants $2.5 million from Notre Dame for the Irish's exit.

Philly.com says the Big East and the A10's tourneys will never be the same.

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What college coaches really look for in recruits.

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The Boston Herald says Victor Cruz and Wes Welker are among the premier WR free agents.

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Saturday--March 9, 2013

Shane Waldron/Twitter

Harry Plumer has an article about possible new helmet colors for the 2013 Minutemen. I think most UMass fans felt that the all-black uniforms did not work very well.

I liked the white helmets. Maroon helmets with maroon jerseys will make us into Temple clones. Maroon w/white travel jerseys would probably be OK.

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Bill Connelly continues his series of previewing the 2013 MAC. This time is Akron.

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Nick Underhill of MassLive wonders if Victor Cruz would leave the Giants.

A Giants blogger says there is a lot of interest in Cruz from other teams possibly including the Patriots because "you can't put it past them to try this"

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I missed this article from March 5th from the Boston Herald "NFL scouts check out UMass seniors".

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A Bleacher Report writer has the biggest Spring headache for all 127 FBS head  coaches including UMass.

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A commenter here expressed interest in UMass getting Gunner Kiel. I dunno. His next stop will be his fourth. We are no longer FCS, so he would have to sit out a year. Given his history, a year off would likely end badly. Probably a FCS team like Eastern Washington, Montana or Sam Houston would be his best bet. A Bleacher Report writer picks Kiel's five best options.

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Recruiting 2014---Jared Coker

Hudl.com image

This article says UMass has offered to Jared Coker, a 6-4 285 pound OL/DL  from Brian Woods HS, VA.

Coker is featured in this article from February.

All-District First Team Offense in 2012.

Coker holds offers from UMass and Bowling Green. Transitional FBS team Old Dominion and FCS VMI have also offered.

Friday--March 8, 2013

SB Nation continues a March review of the MAC with Eastern Michigan.

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The NCAA adopts a number of rules changes for 2013 and pauses to reconsider recent changes in recruiting regulations.

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Mike Blaudschun says the new Big East football schools want a bigger piece of the pie. He also thinks the league should be re-branded as the "Big Metro Conference".

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A Bleacher Report writer says Kansas State's 2013 meeting with two-time FCS National Champion North Dakota state will be a "cake walk" and UMass will be "easy".

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The mercurial Irish QB Gunner Keil is going to transfer according to ESPN.

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Tom Coughlin says he wants Victor Cruz to be a Giant forever.

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Recruiting 2014--Trace McSorley

Richard Lipski image

Several recruiting services show UMass has offered to Trace McSorley, a 6-0 176 pound dual-threat QB from Briar Wood HS in VA.

Scout.com page here.

This article has his 2012 stats.

Regional Offensive Player-of-the-Year.

McSorley has offers from Boston College, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia Tech and Western Michigan.

Thursday--March 7, 2013

More on next Wednesday's Night of Championships from the Minutemen Club news letter.


Night of Champions

Wednesday, March 13

Curry Hicks Cage

7 pm

Fans, students and alumni are invited to join the UMass football team on Wednesday, March 13 at 7 PM in the Curry Hicks Cage for the Minutemen's Night of Champions. The event is free and will treat those in attendance to a strength competition by members of the team, a Tug-Of-War Competition, and what promises to be an exciting Slam Dunk Contest.

Along with the competitions, fans will be treated to music, prizes, and the chance to get autographs from the players and coaching staff. Prior to the start of the event, new strength and conditioning coach Mike Golden will be available for a question and answer session.

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An SB Nation writer says UMass will be extremely young in 2013.

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Western Michigan's game with Michigan state has been moved to August 30th with possible coverage on national TV from ESPN or the Big Ten Network. That would be good exposure for the league.

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Could Temple end up a winner in the conference realignment sweepstakes?

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There's a report that the Big East and the Catholic Seven have reached a deal.

The remaining Big East schools will get around $100 million in departure fees from the breakup.

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Tom Coughlin says Victor Cruz's status is "a little frustrating".

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Recruiting 2014-- Cameron Polk II

Doug McSchooler image

Scout.com has a feature on Cameron Polk, a 6-2 175 pound WR from Fishers, IN.

I've blogged about Polk before.

The Minutemen were the first to offer Polk and he now also holds offers from Louisville and Ball State.

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Wednesday-- March 6, 2013

The following is a cut-and-paste from an e-mail from the Minuteman Club. I'm going to go if it stops snowing...

Dear Minutemen,

The University of Massachusetts Football Team invites our football alumni to come join us at the "Night of Champions" on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM. This FREE event will be held on the UMass Campus in the Curry Hicks Cage.

Watch selected MINUTEMEN football players attempt to break school and personal records in the: BENCH PRESS, SQUAT, and DEADLIFT!  Witness amazing vertical jumps in the Minuteman Dunk Contest, and see extraordinary speed, agility, and quickness in the Minuteman Challenge Obstacle course!

The "Night of Champions" will be a great way to get to know your Minutemen face to face AND get excited about the 2013 football season.

There will also be a FREE autograph session for you and your guests with our players and coaches at 6:00 PM.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP by replying to this e-mail. Include your name and how many people will be in your party.

Yesterday, at the UMass Pro Day at Gillette Stadium, I ran into graduated Minuteman great, Jeromy Miles. He's the subject of our fourth MINUTEMAN UPDATE:

Hi! This is Jeromy Miles. I graduated from UMass with my bachelor's degree in kinesiology in the spring of 2010.  After graduating, I signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a college free agent.  I have just finished my third season with the Bengals, and I'm currently still on the team.  I've been spending this off-season training hard and spending time with my fiancee in Worcester. I'm looking forward to being blessed with another full season in the NFL. 

I am also working diligently to build up our alumni database. Please email my Administrative Assistant, Joann Chauvin  jchauvin@admin.umass.edu with your updated email, phone, and address. If you know of any "lost" alumni, please pass along their information to our office.

Go UMass!

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Phil Steele comments on each MAC team's 2013 schedule.

The MAC's 2013 football helmet schedule is available as a .pdf download here.

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Coach Molnar will be the guest speaker at the award of the 2013 MasterSports Winners at the New England Football Coaches Clinic Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on March 9, 2013.

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Our old playoff foe Georgia Southern, thinks the Sun Belt should offer.

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NIU blog "Red and Black Attack" looks at the Huskies 2013 schedule and says UMass is a "squash" game.

NIU's stadium will get s $650,000 upgrade.

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An ESPN writer thinks UMass will eventually join the Big East 2.0.

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Tuesday--March 5, 2013

Gazette Image

UPDATE:  The UMass website link for the Coach Molnar Chat keeps defaulting to a commercial. The Live Stream link doesn't do that.

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Harry Plumer has a story about Darren Thellen from UMass' Pro Day yesterday.

Matty V. has a story on the Gazette's website about Stephane Milhim and yesterday's Pro Day.

Former UMass Safety Jeromy Miles attended the workouts at Gillette Stadium to encourage current UMass players. Nice to see a former player still connected with the program.

Bengals image

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Remember the Coach's Chat with Coach Molnar today at 3:30 PM.

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A Seattle Sea Hawks SB  Nation writer covers UMass' Pro Day, but gets UMass affiliation wrong. Maybe someone with a SB Nation subscription could log on and correct him.

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CBS Sports has a look at Spring Football at Boston College and has a paragraph about Don Brown.

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A UConn Bleacher Report writer has an article on UConn basketball rivalries and mentions the possibility of reviving UMass-UConn.

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A Connecticut newspaper report the Huskies have added BYU to their 2014 schedule as " a team a bit better than UMass or Rhode Island".

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The Jouranl News has an update on the possible breakup of the A10. Mentions UMass will be looking for a new all-sports home.

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Akron Sports Now writer says the MAC fails at scheduling once again, but "thankfully Akron will get a shot at miserable UMass late in the season".

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Recruiting 2014--Rohan Blackwood II & Jonathan Thomas IV

I've blogged about DE Rohan Blackwood and WR Jonathan Thomas several times before. Blackwood here and Thomas here.

The Tampa Bay Times reports Toledo has offered to both players.

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Monday--March 4, 2013

Coach Molnar will be hosting a video chat on Face book on Tuesday, March 5th at 3:30 PM. Coach will talk about Spring Football and more.

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The Orlando Sentinel says its a tough life being a kicker in college football. UMass was able to bring in several All-American level kicker/punters during the Whipple era as he was one of the few coaches who would offer a scholarship directly.

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Former UNH QB Ricky Santos has joined the Wildcats as a wide receivers coach.

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Emile Igwenagu from the Eagles website.

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A Bleacher Report writer predicts the Ravens will re-sign James Ihedigbo.

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Exit negotiations for the Catholic Seven continue today.

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Recruiting 2014--Zaire Franklin II and Connor Morehart II

Yesterday, I blogged about Zaire Franklin a 6-1 215 pound LB and earlier in the week I had blogged about Connor Morehart, a 6-4 270 pound DT.

Boston College is interested in both players and the BC Blog "Soaring to Glory" has some more information.

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Sunday--March 3, 2013

A local newspaper says Mike Dawson will be missed at North Middlesex. The Eagles have Dawson's bio up.

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The MAC blog "MAC Daily" has an early look at each team's 2013 schedule.

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The Buffalo News says Buffalo's game with UMass will allow the Bulls to ease into their league schedule.

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Remember yesterday, the Boston Herald said UMass has a tough 2013 slate? Well, Lindy's Sports looks at ten teams who hope to return to a BCS Bowl this year. UMass plays three of them...

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Athlon Sports ranks all 125 FBS coaching positions for 2013. BC Interruption is not pleased with the Eagles #68 ranking.

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OT, but nice win by UMass basketball yesterday. ESPN's Bubble Watch takes note.

As of yesterday, no teams have notified the A10 that they are leaving. Yet.

The Dayton Daily News says Dayton would be a good fit for the new Big East and also comments that UMass would be looking for an all-sports home.

Recruiting 2014-- Zaire Franklin

247 Sports image

ESPN shows UMass has offered to Zaire Franklin, a 6-1 215 pound ILB from La Salle HS in Philadelphia, PA.

Franklin's ESPN page here.

247Sports page here.

Video from October 2012.

Franklin holds offers from Pitt, Temple and Villanova.

Saturday--March 2, 2013

Harry Plumer of MassLive has an article on the release of UMass' 2013 football schedule.

The Boston Herald says UMass will face a tough slate.

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Football Scoop comments on the 2013 MAC schedule.

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Kansas State has it's season ticket plan up. KSU acheived a #1 BCS rating in 2012. The Wildcats will play two-time FCS Champions North Dakota State as well as UMass and Louisiana. Mrs Blog and I have been to Manhattan twice and had a great time.

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NIU will play UMass at Gillette. The Huskies really put it on us last year. We'll see if we can do better in 2013.

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The 2013 schedule abounds with comparison games. UNH will play at at Central Michigan on Sept 7th and UMass will play at CMU on November 23rd.

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Matty V has a story about possible UMass responses to the A10 losing a couple of it's marquee teams (pay wall).

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Rick Pitino says the "Catholic Seven" deserves the Big East name.

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UMass 2013 Football schedule announced

UMass has announced the 2013 football schedule.


2013 UMass Football Schedule

Aug. 31 - at Wisconsin
Sep. 7 - Maine
Sep. 14 - at Kansas State
Sep. 21 - Vanderbilt
Sep. 28 - Bye Week
Oct. 5 - *at Bowling Green
Oct. 12 - *Miami
Oct. 19 - *at Buffalo
Oct. 26 - *Western Michigan
Nov. 2 - *Northern Illinois
Nov. 9 - Bye Week
Nov. 16 - *Akron
Nov. 23 - *at Central Michigan
Nov. 29 (Fri.) - #*at Ohio, TBA (ESPNU/ESPN3)

Composite MAC schedule for all league teams here.

Another very tough schedule for a second-year team, but we avoid the Friday work day game.

Recruiting 2014--Connor Morehart

247 Sports image

Several recruiting services report UMass has offered to Connor Morehart, a 6-4 270 pound DT from Shillington, PA.

ESPN page here.

Attended the 2/23 UMass Junior Day.

NCSA Recruiting has video highlights here.

Morehart also holds an offer from Rutgers.

Recruiting 2014--Tajee Fullwood II

A Louisville newspaper reports that Louisville Football has offered to Tajee Fullwood, a 6-2 170 pound athlete from Tampa, FL.

Story here.

I've blogged about Fullwood before.

Fullwood has offers from UMass and FCS North Carolina Central.

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Friday---March 1, 2013

Harry Plumer looks at UMass' options if the A10 breaks up as is almost certain. FWIW, I would pick an option that tries to protect UMass hoops. I travel a lot and when I talk to people in other parts of the country, they remember UMass basketball.

Staying in the rump end of the Atlantic 10 would not be good for hoops or the Olympic sports. The new Big East would be light years better, but UMass would need to commit to better facilities for football. It looks like the Big Ten will be raiding the ACC for more schools and IMHO, UConn will eventually get an ACC bid. UMass could, if Coach Molnar can make us into a winner quickly.

Joining the MAC in all sports makes the most sense in a facilities-demographics point, but UMass is a Northeast school. Temple and UConn are our natural rivals. If the MAC added Army, it would be more attractive option.

The Wall Street Journal reports the Big East breakup picks up speed.

The Tampa Bay Times says the "Catholic Seven" will take the Big East name with them.

Meanwhile, a judge refused to dismiss the ACC's lawsuit against Maryland.

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Rant Sports says the MAC will release its 2013 football schedule shortly.

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Yesterday I blogged about UMass' upcoming Pro Day. NFL.com says Pro Days are important to potential free agents---- like Victor Cruz was.

Rant Sports has tapping into Victor Cruz's money.

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