University of Massachusets Athletics

University of Massachusetts Official Athletic Site - Football

1998 Player Bios I

Joe Abasciano

Senior * DE * 6-1 * 230

Worcester, Mass. (Bridgton Academy)

Enters fall practice as the backup to Dan Schneider at defensive end ... Played in 22 career games, all as a reserve ... Very intense player ... Strong special teams performer ... 1997: Saw action in all 11 games at defensive end and on special teams ... Posted at least one tackle in every game ... Finished with 40 total tackles (14 solo), including two tackles-for-loss ... Recovered three fumbles ... Recorded a career-high eight tackles (four solo) and recovered a fumble vs. New Hampshire (Oct. 4) ... Had six tackles (two solo) and recovered a fumble vs. Hofstra (Nov. 1) ... Registered five tackles (one solo) at Maine (Sept. 13) ... 1996: Saw action in all 11 games at defensive end and on special teams ... Recorded 15 total tackles (six solo), including three tackles-for-loss, one sack and one pass breakup ... Had his finest effort of the season in the 43-12 win over Boston University (Oct. 12), posting four tackles (one solo) with two tackles-for-loss, one sack and one pass breakup ... Registered four tackles (two solo) with one tackle-for-loss in the 41-20 victory over Buffalo (Oct. 19) ... 1995: Did not see any game action ... Before UMass: Played one year of prep ball for Nick Marcella at Bridgton Academy ... Ranked second on the team in tackles (70) and sacks (five) ... Served as team captain ... Earned his team's Most Outstanding Player award ... Four-year letterwinner who played outside linebacker, defensive tackle, offensive tackle and tight end for Tony Wood at St. John's High School ... Led his team in tackles and sacks as a senior ... Boston Globe Central Mass. All-Star choice in his senior year ... Middlesex News Metro West All-Star pick at offensive tackle as a senior ... Two-time All-Conference selection ... Team captain during his senior season ... Personal: Full name is Joseph Mauro Abasciano ... Son of Mauro Abasciano and Pauline Willam ... Grandfather, Frank Abasciano, played football at the University of Alabama ... Born October 7, 1976 in Worcester, Mass. ... Majoring in Sociology.

Kole Ayi

Sophomore * LB * 6-0 * 217

Nashua, N.H. (Nashua)

Slated to start at one outside linebacking position after an impressive true freshman campaign ... Big-time hitter with good quickness ... Excellent special teams performer ... 1997: Saw action in all 11 games at linebacker and on special teams ... Tops among freshmen and tied for eighth on the team with 43 total tackles (29 solo), including one sack and two tackles-for-loss ... Recorded at least three tackles in seven of the 11 games on the season ... Had his best performance of the year vs. Hofstra (Nov. 1) while filling in for an injured Khari Samuel (strained abdominal muscle, left game in second quarter) ... Posted a game-high and career-high 12 tackles (10 solo) with one tackle-for-loss vs. Hofstra ... Recorded eight tackles (four solo) at Maine (Sept. 13) ... Registered seven tackles (three solo) in the season finale vs. Connecticut (Nov. 15) ... High School: Three-year letterwinner for Bill Hardy at Nashua High School ... Played outside linebacker and tight end while leading his team to a 10-2 record and state runner-up finish in his senior campaign ... First-team All-State pick and USA Today Honorable Mention choice as a senior ... Boston Globe New Hampshire Player of the Year and a Lowell Sun All-Star pick in his senior year ... Named his high school's Athlete of the Year as a senior ... Two-time Nashua Telegraph first-team All-Area choice ... Second-team All-State selection as a junior ... Also earned two letters in track as a sprinter and thrower ... State champion in the shot put (56'-7") ... Tied the state record in the 55-meter dash (6.2 seconds) ... Football and track team captain as a senior ... Personal: Full name is Bamikole Richard Ayi ... Son of Akin and Kristy Ayi ... Brother, Femi, will be a freshman football player at Delaware this fall ... Born September 27, 1978 in Ann Arbor, Mich. ... Majoring in Legal Studies.

Cliff Bolden

Junior * OL * 6-4 * 285

Shirley, Mass. (Lunenburg)

Returns for his second year as the starting left tackle ... Made the transition from defensive tackle to the offensive line prior to the 1996 season ... Has played in 11 career games, making seven starts ... Redshirted in 1995 ... 1997: Started seven games at left tackle, including the last six ... Saw action in all 11 games ... Part of an offensive line unit which helped UMass rank fourth in the Atlantic 10 Conference in rushing (163.3 ypg) ... The offensive line allowed just 18 sacks, which tied for third fewest in the Atlantic 10 ... 1996: Did not see any game action ... High School: Four-year letterwinner who played both offensive and defensive tackle for Dale Diamandtopolous at Lunenburg ... Posted 38 solo tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries during his senior year ... Played in the Shriner's All-Star game at offensive tackle following his senior season ... Central Massachusetts Division C All-Star selection at defensive tackle during his senior year ... Worcester Telegram & Gazette Mid-Wachuset Division C All-Star team and Super Team member as a senior ... Fitchburg Sentinel All-Star selection during his senior campaign ... Also a three-year letterwinner in track & field and earned one letter in basketball ... Personal: Full name is Clifford Lamarr Bolden ... Son of Kelly Bolden ... Born May 9, 1977 in Concord, Mass. ... Majoring in Communications.

Eddie Bowman

Redshirt Fr. * WR * 6-1 * 175

Philadelphia, Pa. (Mastbaum)

Begins fall drills as the starter at one wide receiver spot ... Should also challenge for time as a punt returner ... Redshirted in 1997 ... High School: Played for John Murphy at Mastbaum High School ... Talented, mobile option quarterback in high school ... Earned All-State honors as a senior ... First-team All-Philadelphia choice at defensive back in his senior season by the Philadelphia Inquirer ... Second-team All-Philadelphia selection at defensive back and honorable mention All-Philadelphia choice at quarterback by the Philadelphia Daily News as a senior ... Led Mastbaum to an 8-2 overall record and the Philadelphia Public League semifinals in his senior campaign ... His high school team lost only four games during his four years ... Also played baseball at Mastbaum ... Captain of both the football and baseball team during his senior year ... Personal: Full name is Edward Kevin Bowman ... Son of Ed and Cathever Bowman ... Born January 13, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pa. ... Enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Pete Cariello

Redshirt Fr. * LB * 6-1 * 230

Yorktown, N.Y. (Yorktown)

Enters fall practice as the backup to Matt Dawson at one linebacker position ... Redshirted in 1997 ... High School: Played for Ron Santavicca at Yorktown High School ... Played both running back and fullback for Yorktown ... Had 1,382 yards on 197 carries with 22 touchdowns, while also posting six interceptions during his senior season ... Set the New York state record for most interceptions returned for a touchdown with five as a senior ... First-team All-State choice in his senior campaign ... Named Westchester County Defensive Player of the Year and League IA Most Valuable Back as a senior ... Two-time All-Section I pick ... Two-time team captain ... Three-time All-League IA and All-Westchester County choice ... Had 19 career interceptions, returning seven of them for touchdowns ... Recorded 2,048 yards rushing and 39 touchdowns in his prep career ... Set school records for most yards rushing in a single season (1,382) and most career interceptions (19) ... Personal: Full name is Peter Blaise Cariello ... Son of Richard and Elaine Cariello ... Born December 20, 1978 in New York, N.Y. ... Enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Matt Dawson

Junior * LB * 6-0 * 210

Pepperell, Mass. (North Middlesex)

Returns for his second year as a starter at one outside linebacker position ... Excellent athlete who is a solid run-stopper and quick enough to cover opposing running backs in the flat ... Impressive special teams performer ... Has played in 22 career games, making 11 starts ... Walked-on to the UMass ice hockey team near the end of the 1997-98 season as a practice player ... 1997: Started all 11 games at inside linebacker ... Finished with 80 tackles (39 solo), including eight tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups ... Had at least three tackles in every game ... Fourth on team in tackles (80) ... Tied for second on squad with eight tackles-for-loss ... Recorded a career-high 13 tackles (five solo) with one tackle-for-loss vs. Richmond (Aug. 30) ... Made 12 tackles (seven solo) with three tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks vs. Delaware (Oct. 25) ... Posted 11 tackles (four solo) with two tackles-for-loss at James Madison (Sept. 20) ... Had eight tackles (five solo) and two pass breakups in the 26-20 victory at Buffalo (Oct. 18) ... Registered seven tackles (three solo) vs. Hofstra (Nov. 1) ... 1996: Played in all 11 games ... Made strong contributions to the punt and kickoff coverage teams ... Recorded nine tackles (six solo) on the year ... Led the team with three fumble recoveries ... Recovered a fumble deep in Richmond territory to set up a UMass touchdown in the 23-17 overtime win (Sept. 21) ... Had two tackles (one solo) and two fumble recoveries in the 21-14 win vs. Northeastern (Sept. 28) ... Registered four tackles (three solo) in the 43-12 win over Boston University (Oct. 12) ... High School: Played for Sandy Ruggles at North Middlesex ... Posted 166 tackles during his senior season ... Also rushed for 1,024 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior ... Fitchburg Sentinel Player of the Year during his senior campaign ... Two-time Fitchburg Sentinel All-Star choice ... Member of the Lowell Sun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette and Nashua Telegram All-Star teams as a senior ... Mid-Wachusett All-League selection ... Played in the Shriner's All-Star game following his senior year ... Also an excellent hockey player who set the school's scoring record with 100 career goals ... Personal: Full name is Matthew William Dawson ... Son of John and Denise Dawson ... Younger brother of former UMass defensive end Mike Dawson (1994-97) ... Born August 23, 1977 in Nashua, N.H. ... Majoring in Sport Management.

Joe Frawley

Sophomore * OL * 6-4 * 268

Waltham, Mass. (Matignon)

Scheduled to be the backup to Cliff Bolden at left tackle ... Made the switch from tight end to the offensive line during the 1997 season ... Redshirted in 1996 ... 1997: Saw action in five games (Richmond, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Villanova) as a backup offensive lineman, tight end and on special teams ... High School: Four-year letterwinner who played tight end and defensive end for Jack Radcliffe at Matignon ... Had 28 receptions for 300 yards in his senior season ... Also made 71 tackles, including 14 sacks as a senior ... Boston Globe Division 4 All-Star selection in his senior year ... Two-time All-Catholic League choice ... Team captain during his senior year ... Played in the Shriner's All-Star game after his senior season ... His high school team won the Division 4 Super Bowl as a junior and was runner-up in his senior year ... Also earned three letters in basketball and one in baseball at Matignon ... Served as president of the school's History Club ... Personal: Full name is Joseph Francis Frawley, III ... Son of Joseph and Mary Frawley ... Born February 28, 1978 in Brighton, Mass. ... Enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Bryah Gifford

Redshirt Fr. * OL * 6-3 * 255

Ballston Lake, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)

Listed as the top backup to Tyler Lauback at right guard entering fall practice ... Excellent work ethic ... Redshirted in 1997 ... High School: Played for Brent Steuerwald at Shenendehowa ... Saw action as the tight tackle on his team's offensive system ... First-team All-League choice as a senior ... His team ran behind him approximately 75 percent of the time during his senior campaign, according to his high school coach ... Earned his school's Lou Girard Award as a senior, given to the top offensive lineman on the squad ... Personal: Full name is Bryah W. Gifford ... Son of Randy and Peggy Gifford ... Born July 29, 1979 in Stamford, N.Y. ... Majoring in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration.

Deyate Hagood

Senior * OL * 6-2 * 283

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Sheepshead Bay)

Enters his second year as the starting center ... Has fully recovered from a sprained left ankle which forced him to miss the last three games of the 1997 season ... Came to UMass as a defensive lineman, but switched to the offensive side of the line prior to his sophomore campaign ... Has played in 17 career games, making eight starts ... 1997: Started the first eight games of the season at center, before being sidelined for the final three contests with a sprained left ankle ... Part of an offensive line unit which helped UMass rank fourth in the Atlantic 10 Conference in rushing (163.3 ypg) ... The offensive line allowed just 18 sacks, which tied for third fewest in the Atlantic 10 ... 1996: Made the transition from defensive tackle to center in spring practice ... Appeared in five games during the season, all in a backup role (Villanova, Boston University, Buffalo, New Hampshire and William & Mary) ... 1995: Played in four games as a reserve defensive tackle (New Hampshire, Buffalo, Boston University and UConn) ... Made five total tackles (two solo) on the season, including one sack ... High School: Played for Richard Reilly at Sheepshead Bay ... Made 148 tackles in his four-year career ... Recorded 52 total tackles, including 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception during his senior season ... First-team All-Brooklyn selection by New York Newsday ... Second-team All-Brooklyn choice by the New York Daily News ... Brooklyn All-Star selection as a senior ... Team captain during his senior year ... Earned his school's Vinny Carbanaro Award as a senior, presented to the Most Outstanding Student-Athlete ... Also a three-year letterwinner in track & field ... Active member of student government while at Sheepshead ... Personal: Full name is Deyate Hagood ... Guardian is Armugenia Hagood ... Born January 18, 1977 in Brooklyn, N.Y. ... Majoring in Sociology.

Geoff Hauge

Junior * TE * 6-3 * 210

Bedford, Mass. (Bridgton Academy)

Slated as the top backup to Kerry Taylor at tight end ... Made the transition to the offensive side of the ball following spring drills ... Spent his first two years at defensive end and outside linebacker ... Positive contributor to several special teams units ... Has played in 10 career games ... Redshirted in 1995 ... 1997: Played in nine games (all but James Madison and Rhode Island) ... All of his game action came as a reserve outside linebacker ... Finished the season with six total tackles (two solo) ... Posted a season-high two tackles (both assisted) vs. Richmond (Aug. 30) ... Saw the majority of his action on special teams ... Made the move to linebacker from defensive end during spring drills ... Named to the UMass Athletic Director's Honor Roll (GPA over 3.0) in both the fall and spring semesters ... 1996: Saw action in one game (Buffalo) at defensive end ... Named to the UMass Athletic Director's Honor Roll (GPA over 3.0) in both the fall and spring semesters ... Before UMass: Played one year of prep ball for Rick Marcella at Bridgton Academy ... Posted 40 solo tackles and eight quarterback sacks while at Bridgton ... Four-year letterwinner who played both defensive end and tight end for Serge Clivio at Arlington Catholic High School ... Recorded 85 tackles, 12 quarterback sacks and one safety during his senior season ... Named Division 4 All-Scholastic at tight end by the Boston Globe as a senior ... Team won the Division 4 Super Bowl during his senior year ... Personal: Full name is Geoffrey B. Hauge ... Son of Robert and Mary Hauge ... Born March 29, 1976 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. ... Majoring in Food Management.

Dan Healey

Junior * LB * 6-1 * 217

Marblehead, Mass. (Worcester Academy)

Enters fall practice as the backup to Kole Ayi at one linebacking spot ... Made the transition back to outside linebacker in the spring after spending last season in the fullback role ... Also a solid special teams performer ... 1997: Moved around from outside linebacker to strong safety, before finding a home as a backup fullback by the start of the year ... Saw action in 10 games, making one start at fullback ... Rushed 30 times for 150 yards (5.0 avg.) ... His 150 yards rushing was good for fifth on the team ... Finished third on the team with his 5.0 avg. per carry ... Had a career-long 59-yard touchdown run and a career-high in yards with 65 on two carries at Villanova (Oct. 11) ... Rushed a career-high 15 times for 49 yards in the 18-14 victory over Rhode Island (Sept. 27) ... Posted 15 yards on four carries at James Madison (Sept. 20) ... Recorded six carries for 10 yards vs. New Hampshire (Oct. 4) ... 1996: Saw action in all 11 games at outside linebacker ... Recorded 10 tackles (six solo) with one sack, two tackles-for-loss and one forced fumble on the season ... Made strong contributions to the punt and kickoff coverage teams ... Had two solo tackles, both for loss, one sack and a forced fumble in the loss at Villanova (Sept. 7) ... Registered a season-high three tackles (one solo) in the loss at New Hampshire (Oct. 26) ... Before UMass: Enrolled at UMass in the spring 1996 semester after playing prep ball for Brendan Smith at Worcester Academy in fall 1995 ... Rushed for 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns at Worcester ... Team's Most Valuable Player ... Rushed for over 2,000 career yards as a three-year starter at Marblehead High School ... MVP of the 1995 Agganis All-Star Game ... Two-time Northeast Conference All-Star selection ... Two-time Lynn Item All-Star ... Also a four-year starter at Marblehead in baseball ... Won the Northeast Conference batting title as a senior ... Personal: Full name is Daniel R. Healey ... Son of Daniel and Pam Healey... Born August 30, 1976 in Salem, Mass. ... Majoring in Sociology.

Mim Hill

Senior * OL * 6-5 * 300

Somerset, N.J. (Franklin Township)

Slated to be the starter at right tackle ... Made the move from defensive tackle to offensive line in spring practice ... Came to UMass as an offensive lineman, but has been moved back and forth between the offensive and defensive line ... Intimidating size and strength ... Has played in 24 career games, making 11 starts ... Redshirted in 1994 ... 1997: Started 10 games at defensive tackle (all but Villanova) ... Registered 29 tackles (12 solo) with three tackles-for-loss and one fumble recovery ... Tied a career-high with seven tackles (six solo) at Boston University (Nov. 8) ... Recorded four tackles (one solo) and recovered a fumble in the 26-20 victory at Buffalo (Oct. 18) ... 1996: Played in all 11 games at defensive end, making one start (UConn) ... Registered 28 tackles (17 solo) with one sack, five tackles-for-loss and two pass breakups ... Had four tackles (two solo) in the loss at New Hampshire (Oct. 26) ... Recorded four tackles (two solo), two tackles-for-loss, one pass breakup and a sack in the loss to Maine (Nov. 2) ... Had a career-high seven tackles (five solo) in the loss at William & Mary (Nov. 9) ... Made six tackles (three solo) with one pass breakup in win over Connecticut (Nov. 16) ... 1995: Saw action in three games as a reserve offensive lineman ... High School: Three-year starter who played both offensive and defensive tackle for Joe George at Franklin Township ... Second-team All-State selection as a senior ... Recorded 50 total tackles, including three sacks during his senior year ... First-team All-Central Jersey, All-Skyline Conference and All-Somerset County choice ... Also a star wrestler at Franklin ... Posted a 22-3 record and captured the District 18 championship in the heavyweight division during his senior season ... Football and wrestling team captain as a senior ... Personal: Full name is Mimnaugh Leander Hill ... Son of Tobin Hill and Rachel Kinsey ... Born September 16, 1976 in Somerset, N.J. ... Majoring in Sport Management.

Jamie Holston

Junior * FB * 6-2 * 238

Pepperell, Mass. (North Middlesex)

Slated as the top backup to Matt Jordan at fullback entering fall practice ... Combines size and speed with great vision and the ability to make tacklers miss ... Big, bruising player who wears the opposition down ... Has the ability to catch the ball effectively out of the backfield ... Played in 21 career games, making 10 starts ... Redshirted in 1995 ... 1997: Started 10 games at fullback (all but Rhode Island, missed with a bruised left shoulder) ... Rushed for 369 yards on 82 carries (4.2 avg.) and two touchdowns ... Second on the team in rushing yards (369) ... Set a career-high with 81 yards rushing on 14 carries at Villanova (Oct. 11) ... Had 69 yards rushing and one touchdown on a career-high 15 carries in the 26-20 victory at Buffalo (Oct. 18) ... Rushed for 36 yards on six carries, including a 12-yard touchdown vs. Connecticut (Nov. 15) ... Recorded 36 yards rushing on nine carries at Maine (Sept. 13) ... Caught one pass for a career-long 35 yards at Boston University (Nov. 8) ... 1996: Saw action in all 11 games ... Had 36 carries for 296 yards (8.2 avg.) on the season ... His 296 yards rushing ranked fourth on the team ... Tied for second on the team with five touchdowns and tied for third in scoring with 30 points ... Also made two receptions for 38 yards (19.0 avg.) ... Had four kickoff returns for 28 yards (7.0 avg.) ... Averaged 8.6 yards every time he touched the ball (42 touches, 362 yards) ... Caught a season-long 27-yard pass in the loss at Villanova (Sept. 7) ... Scored the game-winning touchdown, the first of his career, on a 40-yard scamper with under nine minutes remaining in 21-14 win over Northeastern (Sept. 28) ... Registered 79 yards rushing on just five carries (15.8 avg) in the 41-20 win over Buffalo (Oct. 19), icing the game with two fourth quarter touchdown runs ... Posted a career-long 47-yard touchdown run in the Buffalo game ... Had 50 yards rushing on just six carries and scored a touchdown vs. Maine (Nov. 2) ... Rushed for 48 yards on a season-high 11 carries in the win over Connecticut (Nov. 16) ... Before UMass: Played one season of prep ball for former Minuteman standout Todd Rundle at Maine Central Institute ... Played for Sandy Ruggles at North Middlesex ... Posted over 1,300 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving and 22 touchdowns during his senior season ... Set the all-time record for most career points (276) at his high school ... Two-time Mid-Wachuset League All-Star selection ... Fitchburg Sentinel Player of the Year as a senior ... Two-time Fitchburg Sentinel All-Star choice ... Played in the Shriner's All-Star game after his senior season ... Also earned three letters in baseball ... Two-time All-League choice in baseball ... Personal: Full name is Jamie Todd Holston ... Son of Patricia Holston ... Born September 1, 1975 in Nashua, N.H. ... Majoring in Sociology.