Thursday, April 15, 2004
Journal Inquirer
UConn football seeks crowded house
By: Mark Mancini, Journal Inquirer April 15, 2004
STORRS - Randy Edsall is thinking of a number.
If you guessed 14,999 or lower, you're wrong.
"I'm hoping we get 15,000," the University of Connecticut head football coach said Wednesday as he speculated on the attendance for Saturday's Blue-White Scrimmage at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
"I'd be disappointed if we don't get 15,000," Edsall said. "It would send a great message for us when we're out recruiting: 'We got 15,000 for our spring game.' "
That would represent quite a leap of faith for a fandom that has avoided the annual intrasquad game the way Jessica Simpson avoids history books.
In years past, the Huskies would draw 1 percent of 15,000 to Memorial Stadium for the spring finale.
But several factors are working in their favor this year:
* It's a chance for everyone to get reacquainted with a team coming off a 9-3 season and with high hopes for 2004.
* The gates open at 10 a.m., giving fans two hours to bone up on their tailgating skills.
* Parking and admission are free.
* Other activities, including a postgame autograph session, are planned.
* The weather is supposed to be nice.
* The basketball parade isn't until Sunday.
Since the first practice on March 20, Edsall has worked at elevating his players' game. Now he wants the fans to follow suit.
Form a line
Edsall said the defensive line has shown signs of meshing as the spring has progressed.
Only one starter, defensive end Tyler King, returns to the front four. But defensive tackle Rhema Fuller has had an outstanding spring, and fellow tackle Deon McPhee has made strides as well. Shawn Mayne packs potential galore at the other defensive end.
Depth, however, is a concern.
"We're closer to getting a four-man rotation at defensive tackle," Edsall said. "We're at about 2½ right now."
Edsall said incoming freshman Afa Anoai has the strength and size to make an immediate impact. Two other defensive linemen, Shaun Allen and Brandon Dillon, are still waiting to qualify academically and sign a letter of intent.
Captains courageous
Later this week, the players will elect the 2004 season captains. Look for quarterback Dan Orlovsky, middle linebacker Alfred Fincher, and tackle Ryan Krug to earn the honors. Other strong candidates are wide receiver Keron Henry and linebacker Maurice Lloyd.
The Huskies had three captains in 2003: Uyi Osunde, Sean Mulcahy, and Shaun Feldeisen.
UConn football seeks crowded house
By: Mark Mancini, Journal Inquirer April 15, 2004
STORRS - Randy Edsall is thinking of a number.
If you guessed 14,999 or lower, you're wrong.
"I'm hoping we get 15,000," the University of Connecticut head football coach said Wednesday as he speculated on the attendance for Saturday's Blue-White Scrimmage at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
"I'd be disappointed if we don't get 15,000," Edsall said. "It would send a great message for us when we're out recruiting: 'We got 15,000 for our spring game.' "
That would represent quite a leap of faith for a fandom that has avoided the annual intrasquad game the way Jessica Simpson avoids history books.
In years past, the Huskies would draw 1 percent of 15,000 to Memorial Stadium for the spring finale.
But several factors are working in their favor this year:
* It's a chance for everyone to get reacquainted with a team coming off a 9-3 season and with high hopes for 2004.
* The gates open at 10 a.m., giving fans two hours to bone up on their tailgating skills.
* Parking and admission are free.
* Other activities, including a postgame autograph session, are planned.
* The weather is supposed to be nice.
* The basketball parade isn't until Sunday.
Since the first practice on March 20, Edsall has worked at elevating his players' game. Now he wants the fans to follow suit.
Form a line
Edsall said the defensive line has shown signs of meshing as the spring has progressed.
Only one starter, defensive end Tyler King, returns to the front four. But defensive tackle Rhema Fuller has had an outstanding spring, and fellow tackle Deon McPhee has made strides as well. Shawn Mayne packs potential galore at the other defensive end.
Depth, however, is a concern.
"We're closer to getting a four-man rotation at defensive tackle," Edsall said. "We're at about 2½ right now."
Edsall said incoming freshman Afa Anoai has the strength and size to make an immediate impact. Two other defensive linemen, Shaun Allen and Brandon Dillon, are still waiting to qualify academically and sign a letter of intent.
Captains courageous
Later this week, the players will elect the 2004 season captains. Look for quarterback Dan Orlovsky, middle linebacker Alfred Fincher, and tackle Ryan Krug to earn the honors. Other strong candidates are wide receiver Keron Henry and linebacker Maurice Lloyd.
The Huskies had three captains in 2003: Uyi Osunde, Sean Mulcahy, and Shaun Feldeisen.
