UConn Players Thoughts From Big East Media Day

What’s goin on?

Here are some thoughts from the UConn players who accompanied head coach Paul Pasqualoni to Big East Media Day in Newport Tuesday….

The Huskies report to camp Thursday and begin practice Friday..Five days later they’ll be in full pads and begin full preparation for the Aug,30 season opener against UMass and the 2012 season.

As you know the Huskies are coming off a 5-7 campaign in 2011

They were picked sixth in the preseason media poll…

“When we came in,” senior cornerback and 2011 captain Blidi Wreh-Wilson said. “We had about 24, 25 freshmen. Going out this year we have like 16, 17 seniors. That should make a difference but we saw when we got here [as freshmen] we were ranked at the bottom. The Fiesta Bowl year we were ranked at the bottom. Last year, we were ranked at the bottom. This year we’re ranked at the bottom.

“The outside world doesn’t dictate what we do. We realize what our expectations are and how we’re going to carry ourselves and what we’re worried about. If we’re reading what media is saying about us and listening to what the media says about us then we’re not focusing on the things we need to focus on. This summer, through senior leadership and even some of the freshmen who have been stepping up, we decided we’re just not going to pay attention to it.”

You know, senior tight end Ryan Griffin (33 catches, 499 yards, three touchdowns) had a bit of breakout last year but many know the 6 foot 6 target is capable of so much more – and that includes Griffin himself.

“Yeah, it’s time to walk the walk here,” Griffin, a Big East second team pick said. “I know it’s my last year and I cherish this. I’m looking forward to it but I know what I have to do. I have to consistently play my hardest, be consistent catching the ball, consistent blocking the five-technique, getting my hands out, getting them right; knowing the offense in and out. You know, I only have one class this semester so I’m going to be all in that playbook and trying to be the best I can be because… this is it.”

Sophomore running back Lyle McCombs was an unknown as the starter in 2011. He was the guy coming in behind Jordan Todman. He was 5 feet 8, 170 pounds. Still is.

“I tried to put on pounds,” McCombs said. “I’m not going to lie I tried real hard but I couldn’t. I’m a lot stronger than I was last year though.”

McCombs rushed for  1,151 yards and that was better than anyone expected. But…could have been a little more and McCombs knows it. He was walked down (caught from behind on an apparent touchdown run) twice: once against Western Michigan and it also happened against Syracuse.

“I didn’t like that, either,” said McCombs who carried the ball 275 times or about 23 times a game. Doesn’t sound like a lot but he was pretty much the only guy toting the rock and again, 5-8. McCombs is case study in avoiding direct hits. Luckily for UConn but imagine how elusive he can be if he could gets more of a breather.

“I think I’m going to have a chance to get a bit more of a breather this year than last year,” McCombs said. “How much more I don’t know. I know Coach likes to keep one guy in the game and that’s fine with me but I think on some of the long runs where I got caught I think that [fatique] might have been issue.”

Shouldn’t be this year since the Huskies plan to use other people including thumping running backs Martin Hyppolite and Max DeLorenzo and a back who will not be caught from behind in freshman Joe Williams.

Senior defensive end Trevardo Williams was already used to playing in a two-point stance coming out of high school in Bridgeport. Now, he’s excited about the opportunity to play that way again.

Pasqualoni is so enamored with Williams’ speed and strength that he is looking to play him at an outside linebacker spot in certain sets.

Williams, also a second team Big East pick last season and among the national leaders in sacks (12.5), can’t wait for the opportunity in college.

“I’m a football player man. I’ll play wherever they put me,” Williams said. “Honestly, I’m used to it and I don’t think the transition will take too long.”

Back to the 12.5 sacks.

Williams said he thinks he can turn in a high sack number again this year.

“I don’t want to say I was holding back last year but I wasn’t really comfortable until toward the end of the season,” Williams said. “The system, learning new pass rush moves. I had to learn to flip my hips. That was a big help. I don’t think I really settled in until toward the end of the season so I’m confident I’ll start off better this year.”