STORRS: Lots to catch up on after today's weekly football media day here in Storrs.
It appears Cody Endres has won the starting quarterback job. Zach Frazier appeared in the cafeteria for interviews and even though I didn't talk to him, my colleagues indicate he wasn't thrilled with the decision. I understand that you normally don't lose a starting job due to injury, but to me, it's the right decision. Cody Endres has played better in his three starts than Zach did in his two. But, Endres has to keep playing well, or Frazier could find himself back in the lineup.
Marcus Easley finds himself in the two deep at wide receiver for the first time this season, replacing Mike Lang as the backup at split end. The Stratford native was on the receiving end of the 79 yard pass play from Endres that gave UConn the lead at halftime on Saturday. He is big, has speed and can block . Another strength is his ability to "seperate" himself from people.
Ansonia redshirt freshman Eric Kuraczea has taken over for Mathieu Olivier at left guard with Mike Ryan replacing Dan Ryan as the starting left tackle Kuraczea has a world of talent but problems with the books in the springtime prohibited him from winning the starting position coming into fall camp. Mike Ryan replaces Dan Ryan who becomes the backup at both left and right tackle.. Ryan Griffin is back as starting tight end and I think he will have terrific chemistry with Endres.
Defensively,it sounds like both Aaron Bagsby and Jerome Junior will play at strong safety. Both have different strengths and down and distance will determine who is playng.
Edsall said that veteran players have to step up in a leadership void especially defensively where Scott Lutrus is listed as questionable for the 'Ville after reinjuring his shoulder stinger. Two players mentioned by the coach are Lindsey Witten, who had a quiet Saturday at Heinz Field, and Robert Vaughn who won Big East Defensive Player of the Week honors for his 10 tackles and two interceptions, including his third quarter pic' six. But Edsall said Vaughn has to tackle better.
Andre Dixon had an interesting take on the fourth quarter woes on Saturday. 'Dre said the offense has to shoulder the load, that they needed to put together some drives, to at least get the defense some rest. Just five plays run by the 'O' in the fourth quarter.
I also had my first chance to chat with Jory Johnson, who replaced Lutrus in the starting lineup on Saturday at the "Husky" linebacker spot. Jory is anxious for the "D" to come out and show the crowd what it can do since last week was not a typical UConn defensive effort.
Speaking of Saturday, as of 11 AM, just 50 tickets remained.
And on Thursday, I'll have the pleasure of joining one of my favorite media colleagues, Chip Malafronte from the New Haven Register at 2 pm on his weekly chat. Chip was the first football beat writer to have a blog, the always entertaining and informative Ramblings from the Runway ,which you can access at http://runwayramblings.blogspot.com . You can join us to chat on Thursday at www.nhregister.com/chat.
More, much more, later in the week.
