Intensity, Enthusiasm High In Football's Second Preseason Practice

Aug. 4, 2012

UMass football head coach Charley Molnar said he was pleased with the intensity and enthusiasm produced by his team in the second day of preseason camp. With the temperature down a bit from Friday thanks to some overcast skies, the Minutemen held another morning practice in McGuirk Stadium on Saturday. Quinton Sales echoed coach Molnar's statement as the offensive line anchor said he could sense the uptick on both sides of the ball.

"Today's practice built off yesterday," said Molnar. "The guys had a greater intensity through the body of practice and they were enthusiastic. Sometimes teams come out fired up on the first day and there's a dropoff on the second. I thought today we not only maintained the intensity and enthusiasm we had yesterday, but it was actually a little bit better."

"Today was a lot better and a little bit cooler," said Sales. "On both sides there was a lot more intensity. We're planning to build upon this everyday to get better and better as we prepare for the first game."

Highlights from the day include work on short yardage situations in the Red Zone and several crisp passing sessions. Marken Michel had a pair of deep receptions on each side of the field the first of which was an over-the-shoulder catch for a score.

Molnar was quick to point out Michel's efforts following practice.

"Marken had a really good day. He has a lot of enthusiasm and has a lot of fun at practice."

Deion Walker also had a pair of nice receptions in double coverage, while Rob Blanchflower stood out for a tough catch over the middle.

Along with noting Michel, Molnar pointed out several of the offensive linemen and the deep corps of running backs.

"I think the depth we have a running back and the way those guys have been practicing, you can go right down the line with Michael Cox, Chris Burns, Alan Williams, and Jordan Broadnax. All of them had a really good day today.

The defensive wasn't without its highlights as D'Metrius Williams picked off a pass on the far sideline and was soon mobbed by a sea of black shirts in celebration.

The fast paced practice concluded with the traditional 11-on-11 sessions and a special team punt coverage session.

The Minutemen take the field again on Sunday as the first day in shoulder pads which will add another level of intensity to the practices.

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