2009 UMass QB

[Col Hogan]

After four years of leadership by Liam Coen, the Minutemen are searching for a starting quarterback...and one of the four candidates is starting to rise to the top...at least as of today...

From all I can determine, the leading candidate is juco-transfer Kyle Havens...the 6"4', 220lb junior, had a good spring and has adjusted to Coach Morris' style...Havens was a star quarterback at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Calif, where he won a number of awards...

Senior Scott Woodward is the other leading candidate...He backed up Coen the past three years and knows the offense...I saw Scott play a few series against Bryant last season, and he was not overly impressive...

The other two QBs on the roster are both red-shirt Sophmores...Octavious Hawkins and Spencer Whipple are very different, but both very talented and are battling to be the #3 QB...

Hawkins played some H-back...has speed, and could be counted on to run the ball more than previous UMass QBs...

Whipple, son of former UMass (and NC-winning) Head Coach Mark Whipple, is a lefty pocket passer with a great arm...and as a coach's son, is said to have a very deep understanding of the game...

So, based on what I have been able to gather, I think Havens will win the starting job, at least against Kansas State...how he performs in pre-season work-outs will really be the clincher...

[SUUTbird]

Good to hear, but isnt your guys gameplan going to be more based on your good RB more then anything else in 09?

[danefan]

Should be interesting for sure. Its always tough to replace a starting QB, but even moreso when you don't have anyone with substantial playing time in the system.

[andy7171]

Towson is in the same boat. Very unclear who is going to fill Schaefers shoes.. The transfer from New Mexico is #1 on the depth chart, but Ambrose has said it's open competition. To the point where a true freshman might get the gig.

[danefan]

We'll be in those shoes next year, having to replace Esposito. It gets even worse though as we'll have to replace the all-time leading rusher and the best WR we've seen in a long time.

Next is going to be a big rebuilding year for Albany. Great timing considering the AQ and all.

[Col Hogan]

Good to hear, but isnt your guys gameplan going to be more based on your good RB more then anything else in 09?

That's partially correct...

Tony Nelson is expected to carry a bigger load this year...he's a great running back, and you'll most likely hear lots more about him as the season approaches...

But we still have some good receivers who need a QB to get them the ball...one dimension is not good...