UMass Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up.

Spring Summary

The 2013 UMass Spring Game was highlighted by a touching tribute to those affected by the cowardly terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon. During halftime, six runners who were unable to finish the race took a lap around McGuirk Alumni Stadium, ran through a tunnel of UMass players, and crossed the finish line to a standing ovation. It was a powerful moment for those in attendance.

On the field, the team looked a little more in synch than it was a year ago. During the 2012 Spring Game, the team was trying to figure out head coach Charley Molnar’s spread offense. The result was a series of draw plays, confused receivers and missed assignments on the offensive line. The running game looked atrocious and the best performance came from Marcel Shipp, a 2001 graduate who came back to participate in the game.

This year, quarterback Mike Wegzyn did a nice job controlling the no-huddle attack and made some good reads on the fly. Of course, he picked apart a second-team defense that was made up of a lot of walk-ons and a few guys who will see most of their time on the special teams unit. The offensive line looked disciplined, despite the fact that senior left tackle Anthony Dima was the only returning full-time starter.

The most discernable improvement was the actual size of the athletes on the field. Mike Golden, UMass’ new strength and conditioning coach, drew praise from both coaches and athletes regarding his lifting regimen. UMass tight end and captain Rob Blanchflower said he felt bigger and more flexible than last year. Dima, who stands at 6’7 and 305 pounds, said that he put on at least 10 pounds of muscle since the end of the 2012 season.

UMass didn’t have the numbers to put together a full game, but those who were there looked more in synch and, perhaps most importantly, in much better shape.

Name a few players who could have breakout seasons

Sophomore receiver Tajae Sharpe looked ready to take over as the No. 1 receiver on this team. As a freshman, Sharpe started strong but fizzled as the season wore on. During the Spring Game, Sharpe appeared to have added some speed and muscle.

His day was highlighted by an athletic catch where he caught the ball over defensive back Randall Jette’s helmet. After the game he told the media that he was ready to replace Deion Walker, last year’s leading receiver.

Tackle Anthony Dima doesn’t say much, but he looks like the offensive line’s leader. The enormous athlete has transformed himself during the offseason and now looks to be an NFL-level prospect. If he can stay healthy throughout the 2013 season, Dima should hear his name called during the 2014 Draft.

Running back Jordan Broadnax is another guy who spent the offseason in the weight room. The 5’9, 175-pound back put on some lean muscle and looks to have added another gear.

During the Spring Game Broadnax ran with the first team and also broke for a touchdown on a kickoff return. There will be a lot of new faces at running back next season, but Broadnax looks like a guy who can get a lot of first- and second-down carries.

Position group grades

QB – C+ (We have to see if Wegzyn can carry a solid spring over to the fall)

RB – D+ (The backs didn’t get enough carries to get in rhythm. This might be a running back by committee situation)

OL – C (The left side of the line was much better than expected. This unit goes as Dima goes, which is both good and bad)

DL – C- (It’s tough to get a read on this group, yet. There is still some shuffling going on. Former LB Kassan Messiah looks solid at DE)

LB – B- (With Stanley Andre taking over at Mike, LBs shouldn’t miss a beat. Problem: The beat was only OK last year)

DB – B+ (This is the best unit on the team. Should only get better with a talented group of sophomores)

ST – INCOMPLETE (No kicker or punter got a lot of work. This is a unit to pay attention to during fall practice)

What “surprises” can we expect from this team?

There won’t be too many surprises out of the current crop of athletes, but it will be interesting to see what the 2013 class brings to the table. UMass brought in the most talented class in school history and Molnar expects each of them to be ready to play when UMass laces them up against Wisconsin.

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Bob McGovern of Maroon Musket provided the information for our Massachusetts 2013 Spring Preview.  For more UMass football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Bob on Twitter @BobMcGovernJr. 

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