2018 UMass Minutemen

[RTTAS]

Since 2012, UMass have started 9, 8, 6, 6, 7, and 10 white players. In 2018 they project to remain at 10 white starters. Number could and should be higher but they have a WR and four defensive starters to root for – but their recent recruiting class was poor so they are likely trending down.

Andrew Ford will start at QB for the third straight season. His #1 target will be WR Andy Isabella, who posted a 65/1020/10 receiving statline in 2017 (plus 135 rushing yards and a TD), after 62/801/7 in 2016 and 100 yards rushing - matching his 2017 stats would be the goal but he has the potential to go higher. The only other white WR on the roster is SO Will Connery – I guess they haven’t learnt anything from Isabella’s success? Adam Breneman retired from football after a very good career with UMass, and is replaced as the starting TE by Australian Travis Reynolds - and continuing the international flavour, RG Lukas Kolter was recruited from Germany.

On defense, we have four starters – three on the line and a LB. Two of these starters are sophomores starting for the first time, while the other two are seniors who started last year as well. RS FR Alex Piechocki and SO Mike Ruane are back-ups.

Offense
QB: Andrew Ford (SR)
WR: Andy Isabella (SR)
TE: Travis Reynolds (JR)
LG: Jake Largay (SR)
C: Derek Dumais (JR)
RG: Lukas Kolter (SR)

Defense
DE: Jake Byczko (SO)
DT: Chris DiTommaso (SO)
DE: Joe Previte (SR)
LB: Bryton Barr (SR)

Back-ups listed on the two-deep: QB Ross Comis, TE Kyle Horn, LT James Reilly, LG Mike Yerardi, RG Dan DiNicola, RT Parker Ogle, DEAlex Piechocki, and LB Mike Ruane.

 

[Bucky]

Not bad for UMass! Isabella has had a spectacular career, looking forward to watching him play this season, haven't had the chance to see him in action.

 

[Shadowlight]

Thanks RTTAS.

Normally I wouldn't throw in my two cents on a team like UMASS since I plan to stick to most but not all of the Big 5 schools along with the MAC, my favorited Mid Major Conference. But occasionally I will stray from that formula if there is a team I want to discuss and both UCONN and UMASS fit that bill.

UMASS deserves some credit for playing tough teams and deserve to be in a conference. Last year they played at MISS ST.,BYU and Tennessee and held their own. This season they play at UCONN, BC, Georgia and are at home for BYU. Not too shabby. It takes guts for a smaller school like UMASS to take on the big boys.

UMASS are worth a mention from me primarily because of WR Andy Isabella, see above.

Isabella is currently on the NFL radar but is still considered a fringe prospect. A big senior year will go a long way into consolidating his draft status and an NFL Combine would open up a great opportunity for him.

I would like to see him diversify his "portfolio" and return punts because he isn't 6'0 tall and will be considered a slot at the next level.

I have seen him play and he has impressive speed and nice hands. Obviously an important player to root hard for this season!

 

[sib89]

Not bad for an east coast school in general