The Massachusetts football program took the field for the first time in 2022, and for the first time under head coach, Don Brown.
RENEWED ENERGY
One of the major themes from the week has been the renewed energy and intensity that the team has brought to the field.
"The best part of practice this week was the attention to detail, the positivity with their teammates, and the ability to start practice fast, stay fast, and finish fast," said Brown. "When you do those three things, you set yourself up for good things to happen."
On the offensive side of the ball, the Minutemen intend on establishing their identity as a team that can run the football and manage the game. As the game continues to become faster, keeping the offense on the field will be critical for the success of the defense this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marcus Bradley has lived up to the expectations that were in place for his arrival this spring, while Marcus Cushnie continues to play at a high level this week. Sophomore, Hugo Klages has also continued to play at a high level during the first week on the turf.
"On defense, we're young, but I'm really happy with our talent level." said Brown.
Offensively, there's no shock in hearing that Ellis Merriweather has been pivotal in his performance in the opening week of practice, busting a 70-yard run in his usual fashion during Saturday's scrimmage. Spring additon, Greg Desrosiers has also impacted the course of practice during the first week.
CASULA'S OFFENSE TAKING SHAPE
Offensive coordinator, Steve Casula has been able to see his offense take the field together for the first time this week. The primary theme this week is the player's wanting to improve and excel on the field as the group continues to build a new offense from the ground up, while that comes with challenges, the new scheme has the players hungry to improve.
"Everything has to begin from exactly the ground up. You have to be very thorough with your teaching of the fundamentals. You have to teach the details. That's the starting point," said Casula. "Our guys have been so into wanting to learn the details of their position, and the ground floor of the offense. It's been really good so far."
The Minutemen will head into week two of practice, alternating days, as they look ahead to the 2022 Spring Game on Saturday, April 30.
