Clercius has made a name for himself as the big play receiver. When UConn needed a big play of over 15 yards, he was the guy. He’ll face some competition for that role from Justin Joly, who I think will be more a WR than TE this year with the addition of Michigan transfer Louis Hansen, and New Mexico transfer Geordon Porter. For a breakout season, Clercius will need to continue to be a deep threat while also being available for shorter throws and using his size to break some tackles.
The WR room is crowded, as those who were injured last season have returned, plus the addition of New Mexico transfer Geordon Porter. Nigel Fitzgerald, Cam Ross, and Keelan Marion all return, the latter two 100% in spring practice. So far, the usual suspects have stood out this spring: Marion and Ross have been two receivers that have been active, along with Clercius. Justin Joly has also looked good thus far. Incoming freshmen Jackson Harper and Teddy Williams have also been getting a lot of looks early on.
Zion has looked similar to the way he looked last season. Strong, accurate arm in short-medium throws. He has mentioned working on decision making, and that has shown so far. He seems more decisive in when to run, and is clearly going through all his progressions.
Given that we’re about halfway through spring, everyone looks great, largely because the group is just going through drills. With that said, practice last Saturday ended with a two minute drill, and Turner and Fagnano each had an opportunity. Both got close to the goal line, but neither could get a score. I think both quarterbacks are pretty evenly matched at the moment, and this summer they will be competing for the starting job, along with Ta’Quan Roberson, who may be cleared for summer ball.
Michigan transfer Louis Hansen and Brandon Niemenski have been getting the most reps at TE so far. As mentioned earlier, I think Joly moves to a more WR role and use the aforementioned two as a receiving threat, but also as blockers. Hansen is big at 6-6 252, so I think his role is blocking and also short yardage situations where he will use his size to run over tacklers. He also took a couple handoffs at the goal line, so watch for that as well.
It’s spring, and the D-line looks great. That’s what happened last spring too, and we saw how well the O-line performed, granted Guidone had not arrived on campus yet. The O-line starting group is exactly who you’d expect: last year’s returnees in Senn, Ofori-Nyadu, Haynes, and Lundy. Christopher Fortin and Yakiri Walker have been working to replace C Jake Guidone, the only member of the starting line to exhaust eligibility.
Linebackers have a couple new faces. UCF/Kansas transfer Eriq Gilyard has been plugged in, along with Delaware transfer Noah Plack, who is replacing Ian Swenson. Jackson Mitchell of course remains the anchor, and he along with Gilyard bring a considerable amount of experience at the FBS level. Plack will be in that hybrid safety/LB role, but don’t let that fool you, he has the size to play LB.
As for kickers, it’s Ruelas vs McFadden, who is returning from a torn ACL. Both have been neck and neck, so I can see that competition being decided this summer. Worth noting that McFadden has struggled a bit in punting, a job that he did in 2021. Could be he focuses only on kicking and let George Caratan handle punting duties.
--------------------------------------------------------------
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
