University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Football Practice Report No. 2
August 22, 2006 | Football
Aug. 22, 2006
UMass is closing in on its opening day for the 2006 football season, when the Minutemen host Colgate on Sept. 2 at McGuirk Stadium. Head Coach Don Brown has been leading his troops in practices for two weeks and the Minutemen had their final session of double practices on Tuesday. Heading into the season, he is very happy with the performance of the team during camp, on both sides of the ball. Here's an update on the team with the second report from training camp.
Head Coach Don Brown's overall view of camp:
"First off, we have been very fortunate with the weather to this point. It has really been very cooperative and a little bit less than seasonable. We have had some warm days but the humidity for the most part has been down.
"I don't think we have had a practice where we have gone out and taken a step back. There are a lot of guys who have played hard. We kind of knew who the number one guys were and we have been going a lot of second-team versus first-team on both sides to try and isolate which guys might be able to play up to see who is going to step up and help us on the varsity level. That has really been the biggest challenge in the last few days.
Brown on the players in camp:
"The guys you would expect to be good on offense receivers Brandon London and J.J. Moore, quarterback Liam Coen, tailbacks Steve Baylark and Matt Lawrence and the whole offensive line have been solid. Brad Listorti, the transfer from Rutgers, has been a surprise at tight end. The other guys are where we expected them to be.
"On defense, it is all the same names making big plays, looking at the Hatchells (Jason and John). David Burris is playing much better at the defensive end position. Darnel DeLaire has put himself in position as a No. 2 defensive end. Wilner Alexis and Michael Hanson have played fairly well. Brandon Collier, a redshirt freshman has really stepped up on the defensive line. True freshman Robert McLaughlin has shown he will be big player in the future.
"Linebacker-wise you have the same mix: Jason Hatchell, Brad Anderson, George Byrd, Cesar Rosario, Charles Walker. Newcomers Josh Jennings and Anthony Rouzier have been solid. The secondary, Sean Smalls and Tracy Belton are at the corners. Domenique Milton has also stepped up and played extremely well. James Ihedigbo and Brandon Smith are doing what you expect them to do. Brian Ellis has exceeded expectations to now and we hope he takes the next step. Young guys Demarcus Robertson and Mike Thomas are battling for the back-up safety position. Courtney Robinson has shown his strengths as a player."
Brown on the senior leadership:
"It has been a very solid camp from the discipline area. The three senior captains Alex Miller, Steve Baylark and James Ihedigbo are doing an excellent job providing leadership. I also think our total senior class has provided great leadership. It is their team, what to they want to be?"
Brown on the new FieldTurf surface in McGuirk Stadium:
"The surface is unbelievable. It is so much softer. It presents a lot less strain on the legs and I have been really happy with it."
Brown on when the Colgate game-plan will be implemented:
"Obviously, you are gearing for that first game. We are always looking towards that scenario. We will really start focusing on Colgate on Friday."
