We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Oh yeah Cuse'! AJ Long actually went to high school 5 minutes from my house! Pius X. They don't have a school anymore.. I can't wait to get AJ into the new system.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Oh yeah Cuse'! AJ Long actually went to high school 5 minutes from my house! Pius X. They don't have a school anymore.. I can't wait to get AJ into the new system.

That's awesome! Had no idea..that's really great. Shame you'll only have him for a year.

Looks like I can send you PM's now, so I'll do that a little later on today.

ALSO: I'm working on including the table of contents in the OP. It will include EVERY game, game preview, around the NCAA and other news post from all 4 seasons for those looking to catch up, or if you want to re-live a favorite game from the 'chise. Saves time shuffling through the thread...

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

That's awesome! Had no idea..that's really great. Shame you'll only have him for a year.

Looks like I can send you PM's now, so I'll do that a little later on today.

ALSO: I'm working on including the table of contents in the OP. It will include EVERY game, game preview, around the NCAA and other news post from all 4 seasons for those looking to catch up, or if you want to re-live a favorite game from the 'chise. Saves time shuffling through the thread...

I just want to see my schedule!

[whughes]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

"Home to UConn's far inferior basketball program" I lol'd so hard at this.

This is really a make or break season for Coach Crenshaw at CMU. Maybe I'll just sell out and run the much over powered (in this game) spread option. No offense meant towards you fellas that already run it :wink:

[kswgrad2012]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Aww yeah. Can't wait for that season opener .

As far as Wazzu's QB situation is concerned, I'm all for competition. It looks like we could be in for a 2-QB offense potentially. But it depends on just how good a passer Tanner Coffey is. If he's better than expected, there's no doubt I'm starting him. But if Crest Hill beats him out, we may start Hill & create packages for Coffey. Maximize both of their talents.

Anyway, food for thought .

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Aww yeah. Can't wait for that season opener .

As far as Wazzu's QB situation is concerned, I'm all for competition. It looks like we could be in for a 2-QB offense potentially. But it depends on just how good a passer Tanner Coffey is. If he's better than expected, there's no doubt I'm starting him. But if Crest Hill beats him out, we may start Hill & create packages for Coffey. Maximize both of their talents.

Anyway, food for thought .

Haha. Already through Week 1, so I'll try to play that game Monday. I should be caught up at that point.

Some attributes for you:

Hill: 86 THP, 88 THA, 58 SPD
Coffey: 75 THP, 81 THA, 78 SPD

Clearly Hill was recruited by Leach, Coffey by Anae. Coffey definitely could be a Tebow-type, completing lots of short passes out of a wildcat sort of thing. But I'll see if I can fit in both into some packages for you.

I just want to see my schedule!

I'm on it.

"Home to UConn's far inferior basketball program" I lol'd so hard at this.

This is really a make or break season for Coach Crenshaw at CMU. Maybe I'll just sell out and run the much over powered (in this game) spread option. No offense meant towards you fellas that already run it :wink:

Well...when you're a national champion football team...you've got power.

Coach Crenshaw, Freday and James are all in tough spots this year where they need to produce or risk their jobs. Spread option does seem to be working for ksw and I, but you and R.T. have the ability to run over guys with your deep backfields (for the MAC). The only guy who you have that's capable of running the option is O'Toole, and he may need another year. If you get fired after this year, then you may want to go to the spread option.

[RoundingThird]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Thank you Pratt & Whitney; Rent changes name -- it’s ridiculously long now

Because UConn has extreme pride in the Constitution State, Pratt & Whitney has agreed to come on and mess up -- I mean -- enhance, sponsorship of the deadliest house in college football, The Property.

Rentschler Field (so boring I know..) becomes Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Yes, it’s a mouthful. But, this does a lot of good for both parties. P & W increases support and sponsorship for UConn athletics, while the Rent gets additional parking from the XL Center, home to UConn’s far inferior basketball teams. P & W broke ground on a new 425,000 square foot global headquarters in 2015 in Hartford, and the space is set to be complete when UConn opens the 2018 season at the Rent. Pratt & Whitney is among the world's leaders in service, design and manufacturing of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units (thanks to the UConn athletics site for that piece of information).

Championship banners will be hung that weekend commemorating the 2017 AAC and National Championships as well when UConn hosts...Kaelyn Willingham’s Washington St. Cougars. (Welcome to the head coaching ranks, ksw!)

However, sources close to guru indicate that the field/stadium will continue to be referred to as The Property, as coined by the brilliant DrGravyBoat. UConn has not lost at The Property since October 2015.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manuel still hasn’t heard back from NCAA about E. Hartford Bowl Game, deadline for new bowl announcement coming soon

Warde Manuel and the NCAA had been in talks last fall to potentially bring a college bowl game to the Property. However, this may not be the case anymore.

Manuel said in an interview with The Hartford Courant that the NCAA has not responded to his calls since December, and a bowl game in Hartford may not be happening any time soon because of it.

The NCAA had reported they were looking into a new bowl game to be added to the lineup this season. However, it is unknown where the new game could be.

While we already knew CIGNA was on board with Hartford, Pratt & Whitney would no doubt have a role now that they've increased sponsorship of UConn athletics.

ESPN reports have indicated Sports Authority is on board and pushing hard for the Sports Authority Bowl at Mile High, while Lucas Oil Stadium is proposing the Hoosier Bowl in Indy. Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and FAU stadium in Boca Raton are other top candidates.

NCAA president Mark Emmert is not looking to create any more than 1 more bowl game for this year, but if the opportunity presents itself he will look into adding more. He did not indicate if any bowls were moving or if any corporate sponsors were announced for the 2018-19 bowl season (though we all know there will be corporate changes). Emmert is hoping to confirm the newest bowl game within the next week, and the new game will be inserted into the bowl lineup this season.

Don't mean to quote the whole thing here, but I'm on my phone, so I can't really shorten it.

I know you got it from the UConn site, but it makes no sense to park at the XL Center. You're 10 minutes from the field in a car from there. You have to cross the river and then some. It makes no sense. Just get rid of Cabela's and out some more parking there.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Massive Thanks for 30K views guys. Here's to 80K more!

Diaco, staff create award for defensive leadership and versatility after Harrell; Jersey #95 the prize

The ultimate example of versatility in a recent college football player has to have come from now-graduated "defender" Quintin Harrell. A highly touted JUCO transfer who signed with Illinois out of high school, as a quarterback, he didn't qualify and went to a junior college in Tennessee for two years.

Harrell committed to UConn in the fall of 2015, as a defensive end (after playing QB, TE and DE in JUCO), and became an honorable mention All-American with UConn in 2016.

However, when mega-freshman Sam Rourke joined the fold in between 2016 and 2017, it became clear Diaco's three best linemen were seniors Cam Stapleton, Cole Ormsby, and Rourke.

The odd man out, Harrell moved to linebacker in Coach Diaco's 3-4. And did he ever shine. In his first ever game at linebacker, Harrell made a game-saving INT at the end of the opener at Virginia to preserve a 13-3 win. Harrell went on to pick up 2 more INT's through the season, and had a major pick in the CFP Title Game (which was the 5th forced by UConn at that time), that allowed UConn to put the game out of reach.

Coach Diaco loves versatility, and as a result, he has decided to recognize Harrell for his versatility and perseverance at UConn. Permanently.

Diaco will award the first-ever Harrell Defensive Sportsman Award at the conclusion of this spring's camp. The winner will go to a senior defender who has displayed perseverance and leadership in their time at UConn, as Harrell did.

In addition to a trophy and plaque, the winner will wear Harrell's #95 for the season, and will roll over each year, ensuring someone new will wear the #95 each year.

Being a defensive guy, I love versatility. Quintin was a dream to coach, never complained and his leadership was an example everyone can take from. That is why I've created this award, to promote the values he stood for. Hopefully it's something that can drive our defenders even harder in the future.

Don't mean to quote the whole thing here, but I'm on my phone, so I can't really shorten it.

I know you got it from the UConn site, but it makes no sense to park at the XL Center. You're 10 minutes from the field in a car from there. You have to cross the river and then some. It makes no sense. Just get rid of Cabela's and out some more parking there.

I guess you're right. Centennial Field up in Burlington, VT is a mess too. You have to walk at least a few blocks regardless of where you park, and it can be a 15 minute walk depending on where you are.

In a way, I kind of feel this way about the Bass Pro Shops next to Gillette too. Don't get me wrong, I love that Bass Pro Shops (I mean..it's massive), but you could create more parking for Gillette and Patriot Place. But I don't know...

[LadiesandEdelman]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

I'm surprised to see New Mexico St. doing so well. I'm excited to take over.

[HARLEE23]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Hopefully Coach James and UTSA can have a great offensive year!


Congratulations to all the other coaches on their new jobs!

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

2018 Signing Day: Huskies add 3 to finish with 12th best class; tops in Diaco era

Winning titles does give you more power. Bob Diaco was able to land all 3 of his remaining targets on National Signing Day, which in turn netted him the 12th best class in the land, the best in the Diaco era to this point.

There is no headliner in this class as in previous years (Josh Parrish, Sam Rourke), but there are several talented recruits who make the class deep for UConn this year. A quintet of 4* recruits will lead the way, led by big physical tight end Ja'Montres Jones, bruising tailback Luke Williamson, linebackers Scott Coffman and Mike Hill, as well as wideout Carlton Parker.

QB Tanner Dean-Lowry was the top signing day get for Diaco. TDL, who we discussed toward the end of the year, is a dual-threat QB with lots of upside, but a slight 6'0, 204 pound frame. Regardless, with some seasoning, TDL could be a star.

Linebacker Alex Brown and DE James Mandrell were the other two signing day snags. Brown was stolen from right from under the nose of Bowling Green, and the big 6'2, 239 pound 'backer joins UConn's ridiculously deep group of young linebackers. Brown will have to play hard to get time later, but he knows that and is ready to go. Charles will compete for time now as UConn restocks their depth chart on the line.

I believe I've already told you about everyone else in previous recruiting updates, so I'll go straight to the tables. Welcome, Huskies!

UConn Huskies Recruiting - 2018
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Ja'Montres Jones	WR/TE	HS	West New York, NJ	6'5	244
Luke Williamson	RB	HS	Nautilus Park, NJ	5'11	223
Mike Hill	LB	HS	Edmonton, CN	6'2	244
Scott Coffman	LB	HS	Piedmont, AL	6'2	180
Carlton Parker	WR	HS	Hope Mills, NC	6'2	195
Kent Newton	CB	HS	New Berlin, WI	6'1	181
Kyle Lee	LB	HS	Norwalk, CT	6'0	233
Tanner Dean-Lowry	QB	HS	Bridgeport, CT	6'0	204
Alex Brown	LB	HS	Emmaus, PA	6'2	239
James Mandrell	DE	HS	Clinton, MI	6'5	262
Altarri Gardner	DE	HS	Derby, CT	6'4	255
Kyler Parks	ATH	HS	Yazoo City, MS	5'11	185
A.J. Paxston	LB	HS	Bowling Green, OH	5'11	244
Brett Lowery	DE	HS	Ville Platte, LA	6'2	237
Sam Barnett	CB	HS	Portland, ME	5'11	166
Synphez Jeffries-Mayo	DT	JUCO Jr	Fairland, MD	6'0	266
Brian Link	G	HS	Naugatuck, CT	6'1	300

Around the Nation

Despite losing the College Football Playoff Championship for the second time in three years, the Florida Gators hauled in this year's best class, landing 5 5* prospects and 8 4* prospects. Their top prospect was Andrew Morcely, an athlete from Melbourne, FL. He will likely play receiver with the Gators. The nation's #1 prospect, WR Ty Haley, signed with Notre Dame.

Top 25 Classes/CAC class rankings

(RANK, TEAM, 5*/4*/3*/Total)

1. Florida 5/8/9/24
2. Oregon 2/9/11/22
3. Penn St. 2/10/5/23
4. Notre Dame 2/9/10/21
5. LSU 0/9/10/19
6. Ole Miss 3/5/8/19
7. Alabama 3/5/7/18
8. Florida St. 0/7/11/23
9. Georgia 4/3/8/17
10. Michigan 1/7/6/16
12. UConn
16. Syracuse (Coach Gilbert, Mike7Vinas)
18. Oklahoma
37. Rutgers (Coach Coley, Knickerbocker91)
40. TCU
43. USC (Coach Shea, thesportsguru11)
45. Texas
46. New Mexico St. (Coach Grant, LadiesAndEdelman)
48. Iowa St.
53. Baylor
57. Southern Miss (Coach Davis, UKWildcat999)
58. Kansas St.
68. West Virginia
70. Oklahoma St. (OC Kurt Warner)
72. Washington St. (Coach Willingham, kswgrad2012)
76. Purdue (Coach Smith, bryan3169)
82. Memphis (Coach King, ThaBoss18)
84. Bowling Green (Coach Freday, RoundingThird)
87. Texas Tech
89. Central Michigan (Coach Crenshaw, whughes)
91. Ohio (Coach Woodard, mattynokes)
92. UL-Lafayette (Coach Miller, glunsford)
106. Kansas
107. Houston
110. UTSA (Coach James, HARLEE23)
124. UTEP (Coach Mac, RedRaider10)

SPARQ Top 25; Where They Went

1. Ty Haley - WR - Plum, PA - 5* - 6'4 190 - Notre Dame
2. Aaron Houston - QB (DT) - Boca Del Mar, FL - 5* - 6'2 215- UCF
3. Braylon Norton - ATH - Scott, LA - 5* - 6'1 221 - Auburn
4. Andrew Morcely - ATH - Melbourne, FL - 5* - 5'10 180 - Florida
5. C.J. Quinn - ATH - Conyers, GA - 5* - 6'0 218 - Alabama
6. Te'Nelquez McDaniels - ATH - Bailey's Crossroads, VA - 5* - 6'2 187 - Georgia
7. Kenny Essen - QB (DT) - Tamiami, FL - 5* - 6'4 217 - Utah St.
8. Chris McGill - RB - Mercer Island, WA - 5* - 5'11 217 - Oregon
9. Nick Bass - ATH - Bellevue, KY - 5* - 5'11 176 - Mississippi St.
10. Jay Banks - S - Magee, KS - 5* - 6'2 173 - Georgia
11. Mark Williams - ATH - Adamsville, AL - 5* - 6'4 232 - North Carolina
12. CeeJay Gipson - WR - Fort Bragg, NC - 5* - 6'0 191 - Mississippi St.
13. Jayson Landrum - RB - Oneonta, AL - 5* - 5'10 200 - Auburn
14. Cetran Copeland - RB - Melbourne, FL - 5* - 6'1 215 - Florida
15. Mike Messina - LB - Bedford, OH - 5* - 6'0 214 - Minnesota
16. Destin McClane - ATH - Madison, IN - 5* - 6'4 205 - Notre Dame
17. Sam Crooks - ATH - Gulf Hills, MS - 5* - 6'0 208 - Florida
18. Tim Morris - OT - Cleveland, OH - 5* - 6'7 332 - Ohio St.
19. Josh McPherson - ATH - Peachtree City, GA - 5* - 6'1 182 - Georgia
20. Kennis Young - WR - Grand Ledge, MI - 5* - 6'2 203 - Penn St.
21. Bryen Grier - DE - London, KY - 5* - 6'2 230 - Louisville
22. Ray Stewart - ATH - Ferguson, MO - 5* - 6'1 215 - Missouri
23. Victor Wheatley - WR - Lake Wales, FL - 5* - 6'3 208 - Ole Miss
24. Mike Huntington - WR - Greenberg, PA - 5* - 6'1 185 - Missouri
25. Tyrodd Robinson - WR - Rock Island, IL - 5* - 6'1 190 - Iowa

I'm surprised to see New Mexico St. doing so well. I'm excited to take over.

I think we all are surprised quite frankly. Such a quick rise was definitely not expected. I'd hope you'd be excited, jumping to the top team in the Sun Belt with the top player should bode well for you.

Hopefully Coach James and UTSA can have a great offensive year!


Congratulations to all the other coaches on their new jobs!

With a lot of pieces back from last year, including your QB, RB, top WR and top two TE's, you guys will be a lot better with the continuity. Now it's just a matter of getting Thomas in rhythm all year. You can easily make 6 wins.

[RedRaider10]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Good job Mac, hauled in the 3rd WORST recruiting class.....Only can go up from there.

[RoundingThird]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

I'm liking that Paxston signing, but am left wondering why he didn't stay home in Bowling Green. I mean, any program with a Coach Freday is a strong program. I guess he just couldn't run from the defending champs.

[TylerHL]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Dude I love your idea of the Harrell Defensive Award, very cool tradition.

[ThaBoss18]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Wow really looks like I could do some damage with that offense at Memphis but it might just rely on the Line and if they will block