By Tony Catalina
NEFJ Correspondent
EAST HARTFORD — With their season set to kick off in three weeks and the home opener the following week, the 2024 UConn Huskies took the field at their home stadium for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon.
The fans in attendance at “The Rent” got their first real chance to look at this year’s team as they try to gain back the progress they were once building in 2022 with a promising bowl season. Fast-forward to the present day and the Huskies still have much work to do as they integrate new coaches, new players, and new hope.
5 Observations From UConn Huskies’ Open Practice
There was a lot to take away from the Huskies’ practice on Saturday — some of it good, and some of it not so good. With growing pains expected, head coach Jim Mora and Co. will have a lot to feel good about and plenty to work on following Saturday afternoon.
QB1 Isn’t As Clear Cut As Some May Have Hoped
When Nick Evers transferred from Wisconsin, many penciled him in as the Day 1 starter. While that still may be the case when it all shakes out, it may not be as clear of a runaway win for Evers as some would like.
The QB room as a whole had its struggles on Saturday, but Evers, in particular, wasn’t able to really get going and find a rhythm. Meanwhile, projected QB2 Joe Fagnano had his moments; however, he had his issues as well.
Cole Welliver looked the best today, and defensive back Rante Jones echoed this sentiment and was more than willing to praise the young quarterback out of Texas.
“I think Cole looking good,” Jones said. “I’ve been saying since the spring since he got here, that guy can throw it. Whenever a guy can make those throws downfield, get the (offense) going, that’s impressive to me, especially as a young guy.”
There are still three weeks to sort out who will be under center for the Huskies’ Week 1 against Maryland. Evers is still in the lead to be that guy, but there is plenty of work to be done before things get real.
Defensive Line Is Strength of The Team
It was apparent all afternoon when watching the Huskies work in team period that the defensive line group is talented and deep. Anchored by Pryce Yates and Jelani Stafford, the Huskies big-boys upfront are going to be a real problem for opposing offensive lines this season.
When asked about the group as a whole, Stafford was quick to compliment the coaching staff on how they have been able to find and develop the group that looks to be the best on the roster.
“We got a loaded D-Line room. We have a lot of talent in the D-Line room,” Stafford said. “I think Coach Mag and Coach Brog, and Coach Mora did a good job of bringing in new guys on the D-Line. It’s really good to see. To have as many guys as we do, because you never know what could happen; one guy goes down, and someone is ready to step up to the plate and make a play.”
The Huskies’ defense looks like a unit that can make a real difference this season, and it starts with a deep defensive line group.
The Offensive Game Plan is a Work In Progress
Whether it was because it was still early in camp or because it was a public practice, Saturday’s offensive game plan left more to be desired. The plan of attack featured many screens and short passes underneath, followed by between-tackle runs and short condensed opportunities.
There weren’t many deep shots taken or imaginative play calls, and while it left onlookers eager for more, it doesn’t necessarily mean this is the final product either. First-time offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis is assuredly working through his process as he gets acclimated to his new role and new roster, and with that comes growing pains.
There is still hope that this group can be explosive and innovative, but on Saturday, it lacked in both categories.
Running Back Room Is As Advertised
It’s well-known by now that the Huskies running back room is loaded. With Cam Edwards and Victor Rosa leading the way, UConn always has a chance to be productive on the ground. On Saturday, it was more of the same despite some offensive frustrations.
While there weren’t many explosive plays when Edwards or Rosa touched the ball and had even a little bit of space, their speed and quickness were noticeable immediately. Both are seasoned at this point, each of them carrying the rock a substantial amount last season. However, with Week 1 on the horizon, Huskies’ fans should be prepared for a heavy dose of both of them as they look to be the best weapons the unit has right now.
Talent Is Evident, Consistency Will Be The Key
In college football today, a deficiency can turn into a strength in just one offseason. With the transfer portal and NIL, player acquisition is fast and furious, and UConn is no stranger to that.
The Huskies have done well to collect talent, and have put together a roster that should be a much better representation of their brand in 2024 than 2023 was. They aren’t far removed from a bowl season in 2022, and with a hungry coaching staff, and a starved fanbase, the Huskies were actively collecting talent this offseason.
Finding consistency and trying to do so quickly with many new pieces will be the challenge, but there is absolutely enough talent on the roster to be a six-win team again. While not everything was great on Saturday as far as execution goes, there were enough impressive plays, and impressive players on display to make Huskies’ fans excited for what this season could be.