Mailbag Feb.12: Vann, Ashiru, Stewart Have A Great Chance At Landing Job?

Q: Dez, In reference to defense, how have Marquis Vann and Jefferson Ashiru been progressing?  I would assume those two along with Graham Stewart have a great chance at landing the LB jobs.  Which two have the best chance at starting along Yawin? Ryan D., Bethel

A: Hey Ryan. Hard to give a progress report right now on those guys. Have to see them in the spring but to the point they were progressing toward the end of the season so it will be interesting to see how they do next month. Guys are going to have to earn their jobs. They won’t be had just because they’re the next guy in line. That’s one to put the best player at every position which helps build the program. That being said, I think it’s going to take a lot for someone to keep Graham Stewart out of the starting lineup because you’re not going to find many who works has hard as he does and he’s healthy. I think Ryan Donohue, the transfer from Maryland is another guy to watch alongside Yawin. The bottom line is linebacker may be the most talented position on the field for UConn, that safety and maybe wide receiver in 2013. I think you’ll see a few guys playing at LB, just have to figure some of it out in the spring.