Dan Orlovsky took a lot of heat for coming to UConn in 2000. The Huskies were a I-AA, and he was a high level quarterback recruit. If the object is to play in the NFL it might behoove a player to play at the highest level.
What was he thinking?
Orlovsky, a Shelton native, had faith in UConn and coach Randy Edsall. That faith has been rewarded. Orlovksy is going into his sixth year of the NFL, currently with the Texans, and surrounded by Tyler Lorenzen, who was on the practice squad with the Super Bowl champion Saints, first round pick of the Colts Donald Brown and former NFL player Alfred Fincher, Orlovsky know he made the right decision.
"It's one of the top three decisions I made in my life," Orlovsky said. "I took a lot, a lot, of heat for it when I made it. I believe in Coach Edsall and what he did and I wanted to do something different. The school took a chance on me to give me an opportunity. Coach Edsall invested his livelihood in the hands of 18-20 years olds. They took a chance on me and I on them and it worked out. "
There was a time the only UConn player in the NFL was tight end Brian Kozlowski. The school went decades without a draft pick. That ended when Fincher and Orlovsky were taken in the 3rd and 5th rounds in 2004. Then, Deon Anderson was a sixth round pick in 2007, Tyvon Branch in in the 4th round and Donald Thomas in the sixth ound in 2008 before and orgy of prospects last year. Brown in the first round and three second round picks in Darius Butler, Cody Brown and Will Beaty. Add to that Lorenzen making the NFL as an UDFA and the Huskies now have nine playrs currently on NFL rosters and several more on the fringe.
It will be added to this season when wide receiver Marcus Easley, defensive end Lindsey Witten and running back Andre Dixon are expected to be drafted. There are also a couple of UDFA that could make a roster in corner Robert McClain and safety Robert Vaughn.
Orlovsky knows when the program has arived and the NFL players are taking notice.
"Now when you get recruited to come to Connecticut, the NFL is an option. It's a legit option. It could be a goal for them instead of chasing a dream," Orlovsky said.
The Huskies moving onto the NFL is perhaps the best show of talent development. 13 months after having played together in the International Bowl Lorenzen and Brown met for dinner the first week of February in Miami. Brown is a reserve running back on the Colts. Lorenzen on the Saints. They were set to play in the Super Bowl.
The change wasn't lost on either.
"Who would have thought? A couple of years ago 4 guys drafted in first day and two guys in the super bowl," Brown said.
The future appears bright for Huskis in the NFL. Orlovsky has two year left on his contract with the Texans as Matt Schaub's backup and he is comfortable where he is. Lorenzen is on a 3 year deal with the Saints and is in a good position to make a roster after spending a year on the practice squad. Brown's in one of the best spots in the NFL in the backfield with Peyton Manning.
One thing is clear, UConn players in the NFL are no longer novelties.
Showing posts with label Tyler Lorenzen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tyler Lorenzen. Show all posts
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
In Today's JI
Notebook on Monday's media day festivities in Storrs. Donald Brown coming back, news and other notes.
I have a couple of more things in the works, so I will talk to you all soon.
I have a couple of more things in the works, so I will talk to you all soon.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday no news teleconference
Wow. Missed the call because of computer issues, should I even write anything? It's comical.
True story. I was emailed a replay of the conference call because I missed it. The link I was sent was a Pre-Syracuse call in the subject line. I clicked on it and listened for five minutes and took notes off the internet. Predictable stuff about the injuries,and nothing major happening. I am thinking to myself, same old same old. Then, there was a question about North Carolina's big offensive line...WHAT?
No joke. I couldn't tell the difference between the call five weeks ago and this one. It's the same answers every week.
This week was the same as last week's call when I actually dialed in on my phone into the replay.
Is Tyler available?
Edsall says: "I don't know?"
The coach doesn't know two days before the game?
Come on. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
Listen to this nonsense on Cody vs. Zach and what will determine which one will play ahead of the other:
"Zach was ahead before Cody got hurt. Cody got his opportunity when Zach got hurt. Both guys are healthy and played and did some good things and did things they need to improve upon. We will see what transpires this week and what transpires (Thursday)."
True story. I was emailed a replay of the conference call because I missed it. The link I was sent was a Pre-Syracuse call in the subject line. I clicked on it and listened for five minutes and took notes off the internet. Predictable stuff about the injuries,and nothing major happening. I am thinking to myself, same old same old. Then, there was a question about North Carolina's big offensive line...WHAT?
No joke. I couldn't tell the difference between the call five weeks ago and this one. It's the same answers every week.
This week was the same as last week's call when I actually dialed in on my phone into the replay.
Is Tyler available?
Edsall says: "I don't know?"
The coach doesn't know two days before the game?
Come on. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
Listen to this nonsense on Cody vs. Zach and what will determine which one will play ahead of the other:
"Zach was ahead before Cody got hurt. Cody got his opportunity when Zach got hurt. Both guys are healthy and played and did some good things and did things they need to improve upon. We will see what transpires this week and what transpires (Thursday)."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Quarterback shuffle
One and only update today unless there is major breaking news. I am a news guy at heart, and the excitement of elections is too much for me to ignore.
First off, who is going to be the QB for the Huskies? If you take Randy Edsall's words, Cody Endres, Tyler Lorenzen and Zach Frazer are all in the mix for Nov. 15 at Syracuse.
Lorenzen seems to me to be the biggest longshot since he hasn't played since September. He hasn't officially returned to practice yet, but that's not to say he can't this week. Lorenzen is walking around fine and has resumed "land-based drills." No idea what land based drills are, but considering football is played on the planets surface I take it as a good sign.
As far as Endres vs. Frazer. I have been told that Frazer was ruled out of the West Virginia game on Tuesday after practice. Frazer did practice last week, he just wasn't fully cleared by the medical staff, which is being very conservative with him (as it should). He was never going to play.
So, in essence, Endres was the only possible option against West Virginia as opposed to being selected over Frazer on performance. Frazer is back and cleared to practice, so it's going to be a QB duel, or a three-way race if Edsall isn't blowing smoke about Lorenzen, for Nov. 15 at Syracuse.
As far as my view on the three. I like all three quarterbacks. Cody Endres has to work on his accuracy. It hasn't been good in the two games he started. Even on some completions, the passes sailed on him and in the middle of the field you are playing with fire if you do that. 46 percent completion percentage isn't going to get it done (though not all of it is Endres' fault with a lot of drops).
Still, unlike Bones or D.J. Hernandez a couple of years ago, I think Endres can play at the Division I level in the Big East. Endres is good enough for this level though he isn't ready just yet.
Frazer impressed me when he had time to throw the ball, and looks to be a much more accurate passer than Endres, though not quite as nimble. Accuracy is superior to arm-strength in my book. Lets see Frazer in a home game at Rentschler Field. it's hard to compare the two considering the circumstances. His two games were on the road while Endres was at home for two. That's a big difference with a young quarterback.
What can Lorenzen's role be? Depending on the Huskies record and how Endres/Frazer do, I would imagine that would dictate how much or if he ever sees the field again. His running ability makes him an option to split time with Frazer/Endres I would start one of the young guys, and then maybe for a series or two go with Lorenzen.
Thinking out loud here. But, the offense could use another playmaker and I like Lorenzen's wheels. It all depends on how that foot feels.
Here is the queston of the by week. Put your headsets on assuming all three are healthy and can go, who do you start, and why?
First off, who is going to be the QB for the Huskies? If you take Randy Edsall's words, Cody Endres, Tyler Lorenzen and Zach Frazer are all in the mix for Nov. 15 at Syracuse.
Lorenzen seems to me to be the biggest longshot since he hasn't played since September. He hasn't officially returned to practice yet, but that's not to say he can't this week. Lorenzen is walking around fine and has resumed "land-based drills." No idea what land based drills are, but considering football is played on the planets surface I take it as a good sign.
As far as Endres vs. Frazer. I have been told that Frazer was ruled out of the West Virginia game on Tuesday after practice. Frazer did practice last week, he just wasn't fully cleared by the medical staff, which is being very conservative with him (as it should). He was never going to play.
So, in essence, Endres was the only possible option against West Virginia as opposed to being selected over Frazer on performance. Frazer is back and cleared to practice, so it's going to be a QB duel, or a three-way race if Edsall isn't blowing smoke about Lorenzen, for Nov. 15 at Syracuse.
As far as my view on the three. I like all three quarterbacks. Cody Endres has to work on his accuracy. It hasn't been good in the two games he started. Even on some completions, the passes sailed on him and in the middle of the field you are playing with fire if you do that. 46 percent completion percentage isn't going to get it done (though not all of it is Endres' fault with a lot of drops).
Still, unlike Bones or D.J. Hernandez a couple of years ago, I think Endres can play at the Division I level in the Big East. Endres is good enough for this level though he isn't ready just yet.
Frazer impressed me when he had time to throw the ball, and looks to be a much more accurate passer than Endres, though not quite as nimble. Accuracy is superior to arm-strength in my book. Lets see Frazer in a home game at Rentschler Field. it's hard to compare the two considering the circumstances. His two games were on the road while Endres was at home for two. That's a big difference with a young quarterback.
What can Lorenzen's role be? Depending on the Huskies record and how Endres/Frazer do, I would imagine that would dictate how much or if he ever sees the field again. His running ability makes him an option to split time with Frazer/Endres I would start one of the young guys, and then maybe for a series or two go with Lorenzen.
Thinking out loud here. But, the offense could use another playmaker and I like Lorenzen's wheels. It all depends on how that foot feels.
Here is the queston of the by week. Put your headsets on assuming all three are healthy and can go, who do you start, and why?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Wednesday off week
What a refreshing change today. Just the usual beat writers were up on campus and we were actually able to spend time with some of the players, not the usual 5-10 minute gang interviews. I talked with Rob Lunn, Zach Frazer, Donnie Brown and Tyler Lorenzen about 20 minutes each way. You can get conversational, and that leads to greater insights. I wasn't just looking for a quote.
You actually get a chance for open ended questions which lead you down paths you never thought about.
It's nice to get outside the fish bowl. During normal weeks there is such a crush and a rush. Not any ones fault (I think the Tuesday's have gone smoothly), but a different atmosphere this week.
Hopefully, the stories that come out of it are better. I think they will be.
As far as topics, there really isn't much breaking news at this point. Lorenzen hopes to return against South Florida at the earliest, and the bowl game the latest. Of course there is a chance we have seen Tyler in his last game. That would be a shame. I am not sure how they would work him back in (depends on how Frazer plays), but I imagine if he is able to go Randy Edsall will find a way to use him. He deserves that chance.
Lorenzen knew it right away when he broke his foot (he had a growth plate fracture in his left foot in high school) and he asked the trainer right away how long he would be out. That left a difficult position for Tyler to be in.
He had to cheer lead, but also come to grips with the injury.
"It was bittersweet," Lorenzen said. "I was happy for the team, but I was down because of the injury."
What is Lorenzen's role now?
"I can bring some leadership, be upbeat as possible," he said.
Frazer did almost an hour of interviews. He answered everything that was throw at him. On why he left Notre Dame? "I wasn't happy in regards to the football program."'
He had a close relationship with QB coach Peter Vaas (now an assistant coach at Duke) who left abruptly before spring practice. There were other things.
Frazer watched the tape of the UNC game and he said he was to blame for the loss. I think that is a bit much, one of the interceptions was Kashif Moore's fault and the interception return for a touchdown was at 24-6. Game was over already.
UConn lost this game because of penalties and punt blocking. Frazer is a nice humble person. I found him down to earth and personable. Not shy, he was mature and had command and didn't fluster.
I asked an awkwardly phrased question about him being the last of his Elite 11 campmates (Tim Tebow was at the camp among others) to throw a college pass.
He immediately interjected, "Well that's all right."
He then made a case that most QBs sit for 2 years at least before playing. Command of the facts and composure. He could have handled 10 minutes the week before (we never give up).
Let's talk about a Fat White Guy.
Lunn's blog has taken off bigtime. He destroys this site in blog hits. Part of it is the angle, he can provide what no one else provides, and that its a football player is even more remarkable.
It's also such a different perspective, absolutely captivating at times. The kid (I am only 7 years older than him) is a talented writer. Don't know if he can(actually, wants) to do the nuts and bolts journalistic work, but he has the makings of a columnist.
Superior whit and talent, it's kind of like taking a guy with a 4.35 40 and molding him into a player. Lunn is rough around the edges (focus, style and he has to prove he is versatile) but that that ability is too good to pass up. He can be a star writing if he wants to be, and of course catches a couple of breaks. He already has a niche though and that's important.
I hope this doesn't offend him, but he is a better writer than he is a football player.
On an aside, Lunn went to the Daily Campus as a freshman and asked to write, but because he was an athlete they kind of brushed him off. I can't tell you how poor a decision that was. He wasn't a journalism major, so he gets turned down?
I am mortified as an alum. Whatever happened to openness?
And, no wonder my business is in the tank. No vision, can't think out of the box. Even in college.
Gotta pay the bills.
Later...
P.S. May consider live blogging Celtics Preseason game.
P.S.S Not kidding
P.S.S. GO RAYS!
You actually get a chance for open ended questions which lead you down paths you never thought about.
It's nice to get outside the fish bowl. During normal weeks there is such a crush and a rush. Not any ones fault (I think the Tuesday's have gone smoothly), but a different atmosphere this week.
Hopefully, the stories that come out of it are better. I think they will be.
As far as topics, there really isn't much breaking news at this point. Lorenzen hopes to return against South Florida at the earliest, and the bowl game the latest. Of course there is a chance we have seen Tyler in his last game. That would be a shame. I am not sure how they would work him back in (depends on how Frazer plays), but I imagine if he is able to go Randy Edsall will find a way to use him. He deserves that chance.
Lorenzen knew it right away when he broke his foot (he had a growth plate fracture in his left foot in high school) and he asked the trainer right away how long he would be out. That left a difficult position for Tyler to be in.
He had to cheer lead, but also come to grips with the injury.
"It was bittersweet," Lorenzen said. "I was happy for the team, but I was down because of the injury."
What is Lorenzen's role now?
"I can bring some leadership, be upbeat as possible," he said.
Frazer did almost an hour of interviews. He answered everything that was throw at him. On why he left Notre Dame? "I wasn't happy in regards to the football program."'
He had a close relationship with QB coach Peter Vaas (now an assistant coach at Duke) who left abruptly before spring practice. There were other things.
Frazer watched the tape of the UNC game and he said he was to blame for the loss. I think that is a bit much, one of the interceptions was Kashif Moore's fault and the interception return for a touchdown was at 24-6. Game was over already.
UConn lost this game because of penalties and punt blocking. Frazer is a nice humble person. I found him down to earth and personable. Not shy, he was mature and had command and didn't fluster.
I asked an awkwardly phrased question about him being the last of his Elite 11 campmates (Tim Tebow was at the camp among others) to throw a college pass.
He immediately interjected, "Well that's all right."
He then made a case that most QBs sit for 2 years at least before playing. Command of the facts and composure. He could have handled 10 minutes the week before (we never give up).
Let's talk about a Fat White Guy.
Lunn's blog has taken off bigtime. He destroys this site in blog hits. Part of it is the angle, he can provide what no one else provides, and that its a football player is even more remarkable.
It's also such a different perspective, absolutely captivating at times. The kid (I am only 7 years older than him) is a talented writer. Don't know if he can(actually, wants) to do the nuts and bolts journalistic work, but he has the makings of a columnist.
Superior whit and talent, it's kind of like taking a guy with a 4.35 40 and molding him into a player. Lunn is rough around the edges (focus, style and he has to prove he is versatile) but that that ability is too good to pass up. He can be a star writing if he wants to be, and of course catches a couple of breaks. He already has a niche though and that's important.
I hope this doesn't offend him, but he is a better writer than he is a football player.
On an aside, Lunn went to the Daily Campus as a freshman and asked to write, but because he was an athlete they kind of brushed him off. I can't tell you how poor a decision that was. He wasn't a journalism major, so he gets turned down?
I am mortified as an alum. Whatever happened to openness?
And, no wonder my business is in the tank. No vision, can't think out of the box. Even in college.
Gotta pay the bills.
Later...
P.S. May consider live blogging Celtics Preseason game.
P.S.S Not kidding
P.S.S. GO RAYS!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Late to the party
Tyler Lorenzen out 6-8 weeks. No surprise. I think he could return for the bowl game, especially if it's after Christmas. The later the better. 8 weeks would take the Huskies to Dec.6 against Pittsburgh. I can't imagine him playing for the rest of the regular season. But, with 3 weeks of practice for a bowl game they may be able to get get him some package of plays in. That would be a nice send off.
Lawrence Wilson was BE defensive player of the week. I know he returned the INT 45 yards to win the game, but the Huskies gave up 508 yards of offense and the Cardinals had two 100 yard rushers.
How does any UConn player win defensive player of the week honors?
If that was a good week, I would hate to see a bad week.
Lawrence Wilson was BE defensive player of the week. I know he returned the INT 45 yards to win the game, but the Huskies gave up 508 yards of offense and the Cardinals had two 100 yard rushers.
How does any UConn player win defensive player of the week honors?
If that was a good week, I would hate to see a bad week.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
In Today's JI
Tuesday presser story on Jasper Howard and a note on Tyler "Tebow" Lorenzen.
Of note, I will be on NFL Network's College Football Now today. We'll see how it goes. I hate giving predictions, I better come up with one real quick.
Edit late: The great Santini has me on video. I can't bring myself to watch it, but Mrs. Silver liked it. I spent about an hour prepping for a 2 minute segment.
Of note, I will be on NFL Network's College Football Now today. We'll see how it goes. I hate giving predictions, I better come up with one real quick.
Edit late: The great Santini has me on video. I can't bring myself to watch it, but Mrs. Silver liked it. I spent about an hour prepping for a 2 minute segment.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Quick hits
Open practice today and there was no Tyler Lorenzen and D.J. Hernandez (hmm, is this a coincidence? Maybe Tyler is Boomer Esiason and Hernandez, Chris Collinsworth. Just maybe?).
Randy Edsall wanted to see some of the other guys and I thought Zach Frazer, Cody Endres and Casey Turner each had their moments. Endres is getting better, you can see him stepping into the throw and being more accurate. He is also slimmer and much more mobile than he was a year ago.
Zach Frazer is likely the No. 2, but Endres does have ability. Saw Casey Turner for the first time. Tall player and he is kind of slow with the delivery, but he throws a nice tight ball. He generally looked good.
Now to the wide receivers: Ellis Gaulden had a big practice. Sixth year senior, maybe there is a good story here. Ellis wants to prove he is "not Mr. Glass." I have used that sometimes, hope he didn't get that from here.
He looked like a threat out there today. Good strength, can get separation, and he can turn it up field. He is healthy and his legs are under him.
Love this quote: "This is my year. My year to do what I have to do and prove to everyone that I am not Mr. Glass." He meant it.
Bad sign: Brad Kanuch in shorts.
Injury report: In addition to Kanuch, Lindsay Witten sat out (should be back tomorrow), as did Greg Robinson (new nickname is Plaxico cause he doesn't practice). Saw Mike Cox, not coming back soon, and Aaron Bagsby (not coming back soon). Also, Jerome Junior was on crutches and with a bulky knee brace (left knee I think, will check notes later). I don't think he is going to play this year (I like to be conservative).
Other observations:
* Jasper Howard is a bit ahead of Reggie McClain as the other corner based on coverage ability.
* Dan Ryan and Mike Hicks are locked in a battle to the death at right tackle. Edsall quote: "If only we could combine them."
*Robert Vaughn is a big hitter at safety. He made a couple of bone crunching hits. Gaulden took one and the entire place cringed. Gaulden of course got right back up.
*Open practice for fans on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.
Time to pay the bills and then get some sleep. Had a small side on Jordan Todman today in the JI .
Later,
John
Randy Edsall wanted to see some of the other guys and I thought Zach Frazer, Cody Endres and Casey Turner each had their moments. Endres is getting better, you can see him stepping into the throw and being more accurate. He is also slimmer and much more mobile than he was a year ago.
Zach Frazer is likely the No. 2, but Endres does have ability. Saw Casey Turner for the first time. Tall player and he is kind of slow with the delivery, but he throws a nice tight ball. He generally looked good.
Now to the wide receivers: Ellis Gaulden had a big practice. Sixth year senior, maybe there is a good story here. Ellis wants to prove he is "not Mr. Glass." I have used that sometimes, hope he didn't get that from here.
He looked like a threat out there today. Good strength, can get separation, and he can turn it up field. He is healthy and his legs are under him.
Love this quote: "This is my year. My year to do what I have to do and prove to everyone that I am not Mr. Glass." He meant it.
Bad sign: Brad Kanuch in shorts.
Injury report: In addition to Kanuch, Lindsay Witten sat out (should be back tomorrow), as did Greg Robinson (new nickname is Plaxico cause he doesn't practice). Saw Mike Cox, not coming back soon, and Aaron Bagsby (not coming back soon). Also, Jerome Junior was on crutches and with a bulky knee brace (left knee I think, will check notes later). I don't think he is going to play this year (I like to be conservative).
Other observations:
* Jasper Howard is a bit ahead of Reggie McClain as the other corner based on coverage ability.
* Dan Ryan and Mike Hicks are locked in a battle to the death at right tackle. Edsall quote: "If only we could combine them."
*Robert Vaughn is a big hitter at safety. He made a couple of bone crunching hits. Gaulden took one and the entire place cringed. Gaulden of course got right back up.
*Open practice for fans on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.
Time to pay the bills and then get some sleep. Had a small side on Jordan Todman today in the JI .
Later,
John
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
In today's JI
Randy Edsall went after guard Zach Hurd pretty hard. No one was spared. If Hurd and company are feeling down let me give a word of advice: Don't be worried when the coach yells at you. Be worried when he doesn't yell at you. That means your not an option to play.
My take on the Zach Frazer first-team? A bit of a dog and pony show. Tyler Lorenzen never looks great in practice. Until further notice, I think Randy Edsall was just trying to send a message. Zach Frazer did look pretty good at times and has a good arm.
On the other hand, the wide receivers for the Huskies dropped a ton of balls. It is early, but the unit has a long way to go. Got a feeling Edsall is going to give Kanuch the Ryan Henegan silent treatment soon.
This year Edsall does have options however and if Lorenzen doesn't get the job done, Frazer is likely to get a shot sooner rather than later. One thing is sure, Frazer is dying to play.
My take on the Zach Frazer first-team? A bit of a dog and pony show. Tyler Lorenzen never looks great in practice. Until further notice, I think Randy Edsall was just trying to send a message. Zach Frazer did look pretty good at times and has a good arm.
On the other hand, the wide receivers for the Huskies dropped a ton of balls. It is early, but the unit has a long way to go. Got a feeling Edsall is going to give Kanuch the Ryan Henegan silent treatment soon.
This year Edsall does have options however and if Lorenzen doesn't get the job done, Frazer is likely to get a shot sooner rather than later. One thing is sure, Frazer is dying to play.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Big East Media Day
Greetings from Newport. Big East Media Day went without a hitch, though when I got back to my hotel room the Internet was down.
The only shock for me on Tuesday was that UConn was picked to finish sixth in the conference. I know the sentiment amongst college football's elite is that the Huskies were a fluke last season, but I didn't think it was that pervasive. Of course, no one argues UConn should be picked to win the Big East, and I could even see USF getting a lot of action. But, it boggles the mind to me that Pittsburgh is viewed so strongly while Cincinnati (5th place, a vote ahead of UConn) and the Huskies were banished to the second tier. There is no on field evidence in the last couple of years to support this.
Coming off last season, I don't feel there is a basis to drop UConn and Cincinnati this far down. Obviously, the Bearcats lose Mauck, but UConn? Unless you think it was a fluke last year, no justification.
I would have pegged UConn from third-sixth with the likely spot probably fourth place. But, to get this far down means the entire voting mechanism had UConn in fifth or sixth place. Certainly possible with the balanced Big East, but taking in last year's play a sixth place finish is not entirely deserved. I wonder how many voters slipped UConn into seventh place or even eighth? Is Diebold running the Big East voting poll?
No questions, UConn isn't viewed as a Big East co-champ much less a contender. That much is clear.
In other news:
- Brandon Dillon is going to return to the team at defensive tackle. That is going to greatly enhance depth. Kid s a player.
- D.J. Hernandez is fine injury-wise while Brad Kanuch had an MRI on his knee. Ellis “Mr. Glass” Gaulden will only take part in two a days.
- UConn is likely to lose one roster player before practice at least though Randy Edsall won't say who. There are also five walk-ons who because of roster limits won't be with the team until school begins.
- Tyler Lorenzen spent the last month as an intern at Merrill Lynch. Former center Bobby Fry was hired after his internship just a couple of weeks ago. Lorenzen said he was doing spreadsheets, making some calls. He loved it.
- Golf highlights at Newport National on Monday: Mr. Silver skulled a 60 degree lob wedge and almost hit Doug Flutie and his 4-some eating a hot dog in their golf carts. It was an ugly round.
- I have some funny quotes from my new favorite quote Cody Brown. I promise to share them when I get the transcriptions. Teaser: Brown referred to the offense as “square as a box of Apple Jacks”
I have to pay the bills now and finish writing for everyone else.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tyler out for spring game and more
Sorry so late, was at Randy Smith's wake and then I made sure I was going to stay away from work for tonight. You never know what life brings, make sure your spend time with your family.
Here is a quick update. Tyler Lorenzen is never going to play a spring game for UConn. The senior QB is out for Saturday with an ankle sprain. He wasn't at practice on Thursday, he and D.J. Hernandez were accepting an academic award.
I think it's a good thing. Tyler doesn't need the practice time, and it's not like he is building any chemistry with the wide receivers.
Zach Frazer finally gets his chance. He hasn't played a game in two years and I am eager to see him throw. Frazer is dying to play, he knows this is his last chance and he knows if Tyler goes down next season the team is his (at this point I don't think Endres is close to Lorenzen).
As far as depth of the team, last year Matt Vollono is the No. 2 QB and now it's Cody Endres. I dont' know about you, but that's progress. I am not sure I pick Vollono in a game in my backyard. The kid next door has a pretty good arm.
Looks like good weather. Tailgating looks good.
My Blue and white prediction?
No. 1 defense beats No. 1 offense 21-7.
Draft Day nears: I talked with Tyvon Branch, Danny Lansanah and Dan Davis briefly. They are all excited. Branch is calm, he knows he is getting taken and I suspect first 3 rounds. Lansanah is a bit nervous. He knows he is going to end up in camp with someone, but there is an outside shot he is taken late. Dan Davis is likely a camp invitee. He is playing all over. He has worked out with teams at defensive tackle, defensive end, and get this -- linebacker. Davis has been looked at as a 3-4 linebacker. He has slimmed down somewhat to 275. He is going to get an invite if he shows he can be versatile or project somewhere else, why wouldn't he make a practice squad?
I think Davis should try the offensive line to be honest.
Here is a quick update. Tyler Lorenzen is never going to play a spring game for UConn. The senior QB is out for Saturday with an ankle sprain. He wasn't at practice on Thursday, he and D.J. Hernandez were accepting an academic award.
I think it's a good thing. Tyler doesn't need the practice time, and it's not like he is building any chemistry with the wide receivers.
Zach Frazer finally gets his chance. He hasn't played a game in two years and I am eager to see him throw. Frazer is dying to play, he knows this is his last chance and he knows if Tyler goes down next season the team is his (at this point I don't think Endres is close to Lorenzen).
As far as depth of the team, last year Matt Vollono is the No. 2 QB and now it's Cody Endres. I dont' know about you, but that's progress. I am not sure I pick Vollono in a game in my backyard. The kid next door has a pretty good arm.
Looks like good weather. Tailgating looks good.
My Blue and white prediction?
No. 1 defense beats No. 1 offense 21-7.
Draft Day nears: I talked with Tyvon Branch, Danny Lansanah and Dan Davis briefly. They are all excited. Branch is calm, he knows he is getting taken and I suspect first 3 rounds. Lansanah is a bit nervous. He knows he is going to end up in camp with someone, but there is an outside shot he is taken late. Dan Davis is likely a camp invitee. He is playing all over. He has worked out with teams at defensive tackle, defensive end, and get this -- linebacker. Davis has been looked at as a 3-4 linebacker. He has slimmed down somewhat to 275. He is going to get an invite if he shows he can be versatile or project somewhere else, why wouldn't he make a practice squad?
I think Davis should try the offensive line to be honest.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Spring practice April Fools Edition
Boy, spring practice is boring. It's just, umm, well, err.... practice.
I don't know what else to say. I am interested in the scrimmages and seeing how that plays out, but I find football practice incredibly boring. I am a fan of watching practice in basketball, a lot can be gleamed from that. Football? No wonder they film it. There is no other way to breakdown what half the team does.
It could just be the air in the Shenkman. It's stale and the conditions are pristine. I could take a nap there. Beats being outside in the cold. I don't think I would have accepted the beat if we had to sit outside in the cold.
There are some observations worth noting however and there is value in viewing practice. Here are some of mine:
Go Yankees.
I don't know what else to say. I am interested in the scrimmages and seeing how that plays out, but I find football practice incredibly boring. I am a fan of watching practice in basketball, a lot can be gleamed from that. Football? No wonder they film it. There is no other way to breakdown what half the team does.
It could just be the air in the Shenkman. It's stale and the conditions are pristine. I could take a nap there. Beats being outside in the cold. I don't think I would have accepted the beat if we had to sit outside in the cold.
There are some observations worth noting however and there is value in viewing practice. Here are some of mine:
- Wide receiver play has been a bit shaky. Marcus Easley and Robert Theoudele have made some strides according to QB Tyler Lorenzen. The most interesting part of practice was watching D.J.Hernandez, Brad Kanuch and Ellis Gaulden work on their hands. Kanuch and Gaulden caught tennis balls out of a machine. Hernandez was doing one armed catching drills with his air cast on. Gaulden is in a boot, not sure if he had to get a new boot or he had one leftover from the other myriad of injuries the poor kid has had. I am skeptical of Kanuch playing this spring. The wide receiver position desperately needs someone to step in this summer. This is like the Democratic presidential nomination, it's going to be decided late in the summer.
- The quarterback play has been spotty too. Lorenzen has looked shaky out there. If it wasn't for what he did in the actual game I would be scratching my head a bit. Perhaps the best part of Lorenzen's game is something you can't practice -- game management.
- Lorenzen acknowledged as much to me after. In a game situation he wouldn't force things and he would probably take off and run. The defense also knows where the play is going. "I consider myself a gamer, but I do take practice seriously. Sometimes you can be out there in practice over-thinking. At game time, you live off reaction, Lorenzen said. He then paused: "Hopefully, I don't look that bad in practice."
- Zach Frazer has a good arm and throws a nice ball. He has been wildly inconsistent however and is a work in progress. Frazer spent all of last season on scout team, so this is his first experience with the offense. I like the way Cody Endres has looked. Throws a nice ball and has good size.
- Love the running backs. Meme Wylie is a powerful runner and has more speed than I thought. It's going to be tough to get those guys all on the field. Adding Jordan Todman and the running back position is loaded.
Go Yankees.
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