What an avalanche of stuff at media day. Where do I begin?
On the field, here are some updates on position battles. In the vaunted WR battle it looks like Dwayne Difton has pushed himself into serious consideration as a true frosh. When asked if it is possible for him to start Randy Edsall said “Yes.”
He likes all the young receivers, but it looks like Difton has moved ahead of the pack (not surprising). Difton was coached in high school by former All-Pro Chris Carter and Edsall said he is one of the best route runners he has had.
As far as the rest of the receivers, they are all impressive too. Marcus Aiken is a little rawer than the other three, but he has impressed. Let’s not forget holdover Mike Smith and Kashif Moore. Smith thinks he can be the guy for this offense. Freshman receivers? They are good, but Smith isn’t taking a back seat.
If I had to bet right now, I would say two of the four frosh play this year. The other two stacked away. Malik Generett (converted QB) and Marcus Aiken aren’t as experienced as Difton and Mile Lang.
The receiver corps is better. I didn’t feel that last year.
On other positions, as offensive line Dan Ryan has moved ahead of Jimmy Bennett at left tackle. Why? Experience. Now, that could change, but here is the lineup at OL: Dan Ryan (LT), Zach Hurd (OG), Moe Petrus (C), Mattieu Oliver (G), Mike Hicks (RT).
The second unit is strong too. Jimmy Bennett, Adam Masters, Alex LaMagdelaine, Erik Kuraczea, Mike Ryan.
Let’s not forget Gary Bardzak at center, who is hobbled. That is 11 quality offensive linemen. That is not set in stone that’s where UConn is right now. This is the deepest unit on the team. Edsall has no problems playing any of the 11.
Other positions:
*John Delahunt and Ryan Griffin have separated themselves at tight end.
*At kickoff return and punt returns, Jordan Todman and Robbie Frey are the kick returners and Jasper Howard at punt. Edsall thinks Todman can handle the load as well as being a featured back. Injury is not a concern. Also, Nick Williams and Tevrin Brandin are in the mix at punt return.
*Nickelback is going to come down to Blidih Wreh Wilson or Dwayne Gratz.
*Edsall said Trevardo Williams has an incredible amount of potential at DE. Not only speed, but Williams has football speed, not just track speed. Williams’ strength is underrated.
I have so much more; I’ll see if I can synthesize it.
*Edsall doesn’t like the CIAC playoff format or practice time allotments. Connecticut players are at a disadvantage to other states because they are much more raw coming in. Take Marcus Aiken vs. Dwayne Difton at WR. Difton has played 30 games the last two years while Aiken has played 20. Edsall did some math, players from other states have a 1 ½ extra practice and playing after four years than their Connecticut brethren. Edsall also doesn’t like the new playoff format because it is 3 games in 9 days. Edsall’s son Corey is the quarterback at East Catholic High in Manchester and he isn’t keen on the injury potential with 3 games in 9 days.
Best quote of the day by Edsall: “Connecticut is the Ivy League of high school football.”
*The reports of the Champs Sports and Sun Bowl being No. 2 and No. 3 in the pecking order and the Meineke Car Care Bowl No. 4 is something that would satisfy Edsall. Reports are that the Champs and Sun are going to be No. 2 and No. 3 with Notre Dame also being involved. Edsall liked the information he heard at the coaches meeting in Newport.
More later, talked with Joe Moorhead, Terry Richardson and a host of players.
Time to pay the bills.
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