UConn allowed media into a full practice session following today's press conference. A few thoughts:
- The offense will aim to be efficient, with a strong focus on execution and protecting the football.
- Bryant Shirreffs, Tim Boyle, Garrett Anderson and Tyler Davis all looked good in throwing and accuracy drills. I have a hunch we will see Anderson on the field before the season is over.
- Tyraiq Beals and Hergy Mayala are definitely going to be prone to freshman mistakes, but are definitely players.
- UConn is working on a number of ways to get the ball to various playmakers in space.
- Unlike April 9th, 1865, it was a good day to have the surname Lee. True freshman TE Chris Lee made a really great one-handed catch in between two defenders as part of a very solid day all around. Not to be outdone, senior safety Junior Lee had a really nice interception off a pass he tipped, which got Diaco really excited.
- Bob Diaco really, really, REALLY loves football and being out on that field. He loves football more than you or I have ever loved anything ever.
- Ron Johnson and Arkeel Newsome are an incredible running back combo. What's even more incredible is that they're only sophomores.
- I'm expecting big things from Luke Carrezola, who was named starter at the hybrid DE position after performing well last year. He will be backed up by Cameron Stapleton, who had a solid freshman year as well after redshirting.
From Diaco's press conference and the conference call with Andy Talley:
Talley
- noted that they lost their top 2 RBs, 2 offensive linemen and top receiver from last year
- acknowledged that it would be dishonest to say that he and his players do not have FCS vs. FBS on their minds and what it would mean to get the win
- he also was quick to point out the obvious advantages an FBS program has over his team, calling UConn's players bigger, stronger, faster and adding that FBS teams have more depth and fresher players at the end of games as a result.
- CT is a bit of a homecoming for him, as he started his coaching career at Simsbury High and played defensive back for SCSU (Class of 1967! He's been the Villanova coach for 30 years)
- shared that this game was scheduled when 'Nova was "serious about moving to 1-A." They played BC two years ago, Syracuse last year, UConn this year and have Pitt next year.
Diaco
- Shirreffs officially named starting QB, best qualities are football IQ, leadership and protecting possession
- When asked what Tyraiq Beals' best quality is, Diaco said "catching the ball."
- When asked about why he believes the offensive line will be better: "Faith."
- Tight ends Zordan Holman and Chris Lee were listed as the primary backups to sophomores Tommy Myers and Alex Bloom. Holman hasn't been playing football for long, but Diaco said, "he has an awesome athletic background, and a depth of toughness & character that separates him from people of his age. His greatest traits are intangible." Also that "his father is one of the baddest dudes on the planet."
- Freshman Michael Tarbutt will be taking long field goal attempts and taking kick-offs, while Bobby Puyol will do PATs and shorter field goals.
- Ron Johnson and Arkeel Newsome were named co-starters at RB
- Has great respect for Villanova and their program, knows that the lines are blurred with FCS/FBS and is very aware that 'Nova, ranked 3rd in the preseason FCS coaches poll, is a good team, pointing out how No. 12 Montana beat No. 1 North Dakota State in the FCS Kick-off on Saturday.
We'll have one or two articles out tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed this update!
- The offense will aim to be efficient, with a strong focus on execution and protecting the football.
- Bryant Shirreffs, Tim Boyle, Garrett Anderson and Tyler Davis all looked good in throwing and accuracy drills. I have a hunch we will see Anderson on the field before the season is over.
- Tyraiq Beals and Hergy Mayala are definitely going to be prone to freshman mistakes, but are definitely players.
- UConn is working on a number of ways to get the ball to various playmakers in space.
- Unlike April 9th, 1865, it was a good day to have the surname Lee. True freshman TE Chris Lee made a really great one-handed catch in between two defenders as part of a very solid day all around. Not to be outdone, senior safety Junior Lee had a really nice interception off a pass he tipped, which got Diaco really excited.
- Bob Diaco really, really, REALLY loves football and being out on that field. He loves football more than you or I have ever loved anything ever.
- Ron Johnson and Arkeel Newsome are an incredible running back combo. What's even more incredible is that they're only sophomores.
- I'm expecting big things from Luke Carrezola, who was named starter at the hybrid DE position after performing well last year. He will be backed up by Cameron Stapleton, who had a solid freshman year as well after redshirting.
From Diaco's press conference and the conference call with Andy Talley:
Talley
- noted that they lost their top 2 RBs, 2 offensive linemen and top receiver from last year
- acknowledged that it would be dishonest to say that he and his players do not have FCS vs. FBS on their minds and what it would mean to get the win
- he also was quick to point out the obvious advantages an FBS program has over his team, calling UConn's players bigger, stronger, faster and adding that FBS teams have more depth and fresher players at the end of games as a result.
- CT is a bit of a homecoming for him, as he started his coaching career at Simsbury High and played defensive back for SCSU (Class of 1967! He's been the Villanova coach for 30 years)
- shared that this game was scheduled when 'Nova was "serious about moving to 1-A." They played BC two years ago, Syracuse last year, UConn this year and have Pitt next year.
Diaco
- Shirreffs officially named starting QB, best qualities are football IQ, leadership and protecting possession
- When asked what Tyraiq Beals' best quality is, Diaco said "catching the ball."
- When asked about why he believes the offensive line will be better: "Faith."
- Tight ends Zordan Holman and Chris Lee were listed as the primary backups to sophomores Tommy Myers and Alex Bloom. Holman hasn't been playing football for long, but Diaco said, "he has an awesome athletic background, and a depth of toughness & character that separates him from people of his age. His greatest traits are intangible." Also that "his father is one of the baddest dudes on the planet."
- Freshman Michael Tarbutt will be taking long field goal attempts and taking kick-offs, while Bobby Puyol will do PATs and shorter field goals.
- Ron Johnson and Arkeel Newsome were named co-starters at RB
- Has great respect for Villanova and their program, knows that the lines are blurred with FCS/FBS and is very aware that 'Nova, ranked 3rd in the preseason FCS coaches poll, is a good team, pointing out how No. 12 Montana beat No. 1 North Dakota State in the FCS Kick-off on Saturday.
We'll have one or two articles out tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed this update!
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