University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Football Practice Begins Two-A-Days
August 11, 2008 | Football
Aug. 11, 2008
AMHERST, Mass. - UMass football practice is in full gear as Monday was the first day featuring two practices. The Minutemen hit the field in the morning at 9 a.m. and followed up with an afternoon session at 3:45. The Minutemen have received great performances out of many regulars including Liam Coen, Sean Calicchio, Sean Smalls, Josh Jennings, Brandon Collier according to Coach Brown. Emerging players including Ke'Mon Bailey at wide receiver and Rob Getek in the offensive line.
Here are some of Don Brown's thoughts on the team's progress through seven practices.
"Everyone has been working very hard. We completed the five-day acclimization period yesterday. Today was the first session of doubles. This morning guys were flying around and working hard. But in reality, we have a long way to go.
"The energy is great, the enthusiam is great, the effort is great. The execution is not there yet. We have a lot of guys trying to make the team and move into positions. We graduated a lot of outstanding seniors a year ago and we have a lot of work ahead of us. We have to execute better.
"On defense we are little ahead as hard as execution. But I'm not fcused on trying to grade the defense vs. the offense.
"We have a lot of new faces overall and searching who will be part of the core and be able to contribute on August 30."
On who has played well in camp:
"Sean Smalls is playing tremendously well. Courtney Robinson and Josh Jennings have had really good practices. Brandon Collier is playing well inside. On the offense side, Liam Coen is throwing the ball very well. Ke'Mon Bailey has impressed at wide receiver. Up front Sean Calicchio is working hard being a tremendous leader. Rob Getek is the guy I would single out, who has exceeded expectations. It has been a solid move from tight end for Rob.
"Chris Zarda, coming off a knee injury, looks solid. I couldn't be more happy with George Byrd and Jennings at middle linebacker. Anthony Rouzier, if we can keep him healthy, will be an impact player and his sidekick Andrew Resende-Gomes has been playing well at the same strong-side linebacker."
On the lack of injuries, early on:
"Knock on wood, but have have no major injuries early on. We have some knicks and knacks. Hopefully we can keep in that way. Guys are practicing with tremendous intensity and tempo. Guys are staying off the ground, when guys roll around on the ground that's usually when they get hurt."
