Courtesy of UMass Athletics UMass kicks off spring practice today. After a 1-11 season, this is a big spring for Don Brown and his staff. A staff that has undergone some changes this off-season. The Minutemen spent a lot of time in the portal again and came away with some good talent. Now the hope is that talent infusion will spearhead a turnaround. Here five areas to watch as the…
Bill Belichick and Bob Kraft don’t appear to be on the same page at times at Monday’s owners meetings
No owner, coach combination in NFL history has been more successful than Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick. The two men symbolized what a successful owner, coach partnership should look like. In recent years however, it seems like the two men are no longer on the same page. Yesterday’s owners meetings in Arizona reinforced the notion that there is a schism of sorts between the two men. Belichick was non-commital about…
Is Mac Jones the QB of the future? Organization seems split
The owner’s meetings are underway this week and both Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft spoke on Monday. Bill was in midseason form, clearly getting annoyed with questions while Kraft was his usual calm, cool and collected self. A number of things were discussed by both guys, but the most important thing discussed was the future of Mac Jones as the Patriots quarterback. It seems as if Belichick and Kraft are…
Recruiting Roundup: Springfield Central
Over the last five years, few programs have made bigger gains that Springfield Central. Since 2018, the Golden Eagles have won two Division 3 state titles, and a Div. 1 crown in 2021. Last year, Central made the D1 title game again but lost to St. John’s Prep at Gillette. Many of the contributors to that success have moved on to their college careers. The members of the class…
5 areas to watch as Maine kicks off spring practice
Image courtesy of Maine Athletics Maine kicked off spring practice on Friday. The Black Bears will hold fifteen practices between now and April 22nd when they have their spring game. It is an important time for the program as they head into head coach Jordan Stevens second year. The most important position to keep an eye on is quarterback as the Black Bears have to replace three year starter Joe…
5 observations from URI Practice
NORTH KINGSTOWN- It was a cold brisk Saturday morning in North Kingstown, Rhode Island as the Rams hit the field for practice number six of the spring. Here are some of my observations from what was a spirited practice despite the winter like conditions. 1. Defense flying around: Defensive coordinator Jack Cooper is a passionate football coach and you see it in the way his defense practices. They were flying…
Pirates Preview: Pirates hoping to get into title contention again as season kicks off
The Massachusetts Pirates kick off the 2023 regular season today when they host the Green Bay Blizzard at the DCU Center. After winning the IFL title in 2021, the Pirates finished 11-6 last season and lost in over time, to the Quad City Steamwheelers, 39-38 in the playoffs. Despite the disappointment of losing a home playoff game, the Pirates still had a good season when you consider the fact that…
5 Observations from a spirited Holy Cross spring practice
WORCESTER – The St. Ignatius Indoor Facility on the campus of Holy Cross was full of energy on Saturday morning. In front of over 125 recruits lined around the field inside the beautiful facility, Holy Cross welcomed those recruits and families with Patriot League trophy photo ops and a true championship program feel during an intense practice. From the time stretching ended around 10:24 to the time head coach Bob…
Prospects impress scouts at the B.C Pro Day
CHESTNUT HILL- Boston College held its annual Pro Day yesterday at the Heights. Seven of the eight participants at the event played for the Eagles at some point in the last four years. The headliner of course was wide receiver Zay Flowers who did not test but did the field work. Scouts and personnel people from the Patriots, Steelers, Lions, Bills, Bears, Falcons, Cardinals, Giants, Colts were among those in…
White & Kurker make most of return to BC for Pro Day
It’s been a long, strange journey for both Kobay White and Cliff Kurker, but it’s funny how things work out. Both guys were at Boston College for the Eagles’ Pro Day on Friday and both put on a show for scouts, despite no longer being part of the BC program. White of course finished his career at Maine last season, while Kurker – a former Needham standout in lacrosse and…