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University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Spring Football Notebook: The Final Stretch
April 25, 2022 | Football
AMHERST, Mass. — The Massachusetts football program is heading into its final week of Spring Practice, and finally heading to the turf at McGuirk Alumni Stadium for their final two days before the 2022 Spring Game on Saturday, April 30.
MOVING PIECES
This week, Jacksonville native Josiah Johnson made his way back to the tight end room after spending time taking snaps at quarterback.
"I did have a lot of fun, you know, throwing around, running the ball," said Johnson. "I didn't know if I was helping our team as much in that spot. It was kind of a back and forth when I talked to coach Casula, and we just thought the best route for me to go, especially for my future, just trying to play next level, would be if I'm going to declare as a tight end and I need to practice as a tight end."
Johnson has now had to learn the Minuteman offense from a different position again, but is progressing well, and will be seen in the white jersey this Saturday.
THE TRANSITION
From Saint Thomas More and Loomis Chaffey to UMass, tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator Jeff Moore has been on both sides of the coin when it comes to recruiting. Spending the early years of his career seeing players head to the next level, and now trying to build a formidable UMass roster.
"We're really happy with where we're at right now. We still have some work to do. But we're fortunate we have a great group of coaches who all have strong relationships throughout the East Coast and the country," Moore said.
THE LIFELINE
Head coach Don Brown touched on the importance of recruiting and recruiting the North East, as spring practice winds down, and the focus turns to summer workouts, and fall camp.
With even more additions to arrive in Amherst in the coming months, the importance of recruiting the area and the relationships built is prominent.
"You open your doors up, you treat the guys with respect, good things usually happen in recruiting because it's reciprocated," Brown said. "Recruiting is your lifeline, and you better take care of your own business. That's one of the things I firmly believe."
Brown has been recruiting New England for over 40 years, and has built those relationships with coaches, and families, noting how vital it is to the strength of a program.
"It's kind of my baby," Brown said. "When you're an assistant for as many years as I've been, it's really the lifeblood of the program."
The Minutemen will head into their final week of practice as they look ahead to the 2022 Spring Game on Saturday, April 30. Kick off is set for 12:00 p.m. at Mcguirk Alumni Stadium.
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