We visited UMass on Saturday for our annual spring visit. The Minutemen were banged up in certain spots missing several receivers and quarterback Taisun Phommachanh who got the day off.

Despite missing some players who will be key contributors this fall, the Minutemen put together a quality practice that was competitive and intense, especially during the team periods.

Here are five observations from Saturday’s practice.

1. Skelton crew on O: We did not get to see the full offensive skill complement with Phommachanh out as well as some of the receivers out. We will get a better idea of what this offense will look like in the spring game and fall camp.

2. First look at the new offense: We got our first look at new offensive coordinator Shane Montgomery’s offense. Montgomery’s offenses in the past have run the ball well and I would expect the same at UMass. Despite having limited depth at the running back position, the Minutemen ran the ball effectively. I thought Jalen John ran with good balance, power and showed a good burst in space.

3. Both lines have size and length: Both the offensive and defensive lines have length and good size. The additions of offensive tackles Luke Painton and Brayden Rohme in the portal give UMass some good size and length. They will pair well with returners Josh Atwood at center and Wyatt Terlaak and Ethan Mottinger at guard.

Defensively, the Minutemen need to replace Billy Wooden inside but there is plenty of depth and talent. Anthony Johnson and Aaron Beckwith stood out inside. On the edge, I think former Doherty standout Kofi Asare has a chance to really take the next step at defensive end. He is long, explosive and can close. Zukudo Igwenagu looked lean and explosive on the snap. The redshirt senior had a sack and a forced fumble last season but he will easily top those numbers next season. Redshirt junior Shambre Jackson and graduate Tim Grant-Randall also popped.

4. New faces in the secondary excel: I was impressed with many of the new faces in the UMass secondary. Safety Te’Rai Powell is the primary returner. Don Brown and his staff prioritized the secondary in the transfer portal and the players they brought in look like they will pan out. I was especially impressed with Bryant transfer cornerback Lake Ellis and cornerback Ryan Barnes from Notre Dame. Both are long and athletic. Ellis was especially impressive covering Anthony Simpson most of practice and doing a great job against him. 

5. Brown settling in: I have been around Don Brown for years. His passion and intensity at practice is well documented but he was a little different on Saturday. He was calm and spent most of his time observing and letting his coaches teach. It is year three of his tenure. Looks like he could be turning a new leaf. I doubt it is because he is getting older. Brown will coach the way he has for the reminder of his career.