After a week of practice, the University at Buffalo football team took to the field on Saturday for their first scrimmage of fall camp. As has been the case through most of camp, sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted the Bulls on the UB Stadium turf. Before beginning the scrimmage, the Bulls went through a warm-up period and some special teams work, just as they would during a typical practice session. Once that work was over, the UB football team spent the remainder of the session in scrimmage mode.
The defense was stingy to begin the scrimmage. Trevor Scott, Mike Newton and company, along with a few untimely penalties, forced the offense into some long yardage situations and that gave the defense the upper hand early in the afternoon. Despite those difficult situations, the quarterbacks made good decisions throughout the day, evidenced by the fact that no interceptions were thrown during the scrimmage.
The offense did find its stride as the session went on. Gary Rice out-jumped a defender to make a 34-yard reception of a Zack Ingle pass and that play seemed to spark the offense. On the next play, Ingle found tight end Bryan Kisabeth down the seam for 36 yards and the first touchdown of the day for the offense. Later in the scrimmage, Kisabeth was again on the receiving end of a key play when Ed Young found him for six yards on a fourth down to keep a drive alive.
In addition to Kisabeth, Jesse Rack also had a nice day at the tight end position, catching four passes for 24 yards. Other scoring plays included a Drew Willy to Brett Hamlin 20-yard pass play and field goals of 32 yards by Gerry McGroarty and 36 yards by AJ Principe.
The Bulls will not be on the practice field tomorrow, but they will return to the turf on Monday for the first double-session of fall camp.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
UB Football Camp - Day 7
A sun-splashed afternoon greeted the University at Buffalo football team Friday on the turf at UB Stadium as preparations continued for the 2007 football season.
Each day brings signs that the football season is getting closer and closer, today’s sign was the presence of the play clocks back on the field. When the 11-on-11 session began, the play clocks were turned on, creating more of a sense of urgency for the offense to get in and out of the huddle.
The first-team offense moved the ball 51 yards on a drive that was capped off by a 37-yard Gerry McGroatry field goal. The highlight of the drive was a 15-yard reception by Robert Yealu which ended with Yealu running over a defensive back. Another scoring drive, lead by Zack Ingle, ended with an AJ Principe 49-yard field goal. On that drive, freshman receiver Marcus Rivers made a 12-yard catch to keep the drive alive.
During today’s special teams’ session, the Bulls went through full 11-on-11 kickoff coverage and return work. One change that fans will definitely notice this season is a rule change that moves kickoffs back from the 35-yard line to the 30-yard line. That change will mean fewer kickoffs will result in touchbacks and even more importance will be placed on the return game and kick coverage.
Quarterback Drew Willy had a nice day today, during the 7-on-7’s he found Naaman Roosevelt twice for touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense was unable to create any turnovers today, but Trevor Scott continued to show a remarkable ability to get to the quarterback, recording two would-be sacks. LaRon Haymore and Kareem Byrom also got to the quarterback this afternoon and Ollice Ervin had another nice day.
Saturday the Bulls will return to UB Stadium as they continue to work toward the August 30 curtain-raiser at Rutgers.
Each day brings signs that the football season is getting closer and closer, today’s sign was the presence of the play clocks back on the field. When the 11-on-11 session began, the play clocks were turned on, creating more of a sense of urgency for the offense to get in and out of the huddle.
The first-team offense moved the ball 51 yards on a drive that was capped off by a 37-yard Gerry McGroatry field goal. The highlight of the drive was a 15-yard reception by Robert Yealu which ended with Yealu running over a defensive back. Another scoring drive, lead by Zack Ingle, ended with an AJ Principe 49-yard field goal. On that drive, freshman receiver Marcus Rivers made a 12-yard catch to keep the drive alive.
During today’s special teams’ session, the Bulls went through full 11-on-11 kickoff coverage and return work. One change that fans will definitely notice this season is a rule change that moves kickoffs back from the 35-yard line to the 30-yard line. That change will mean fewer kickoffs will result in touchbacks and even more importance will be placed on the return game and kick coverage.
Quarterback Drew Willy had a nice day today, during the 7-on-7’s he found Naaman Roosevelt twice for touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense was unable to create any turnovers today, but Trevor Scott continued to show a remarkable ability to get to the quarterback, recording two would-be sacks. LaRon Haymore and Kareem Byrom also got to the quarterback this afternoon and Ollice Ervin had another nice day.
Saturday the Bulls will return to UB Stadium as they continue to work toward the August 30 curtain-raiser at Rutgers.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
UB Football Camp - Day 6
Under cloudy skies with some light rain and temperatures in the mid-70s, Thursday was the coolest day thus far during fall camp for the University at Buffalo football team. The season begins three weeks from today for the Bulls when they visit the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, who were recently voted 16th in the preseason coaches’ poll.
The Bulls typically run through two different periods of 11-on-11 drills, one at the beginning of practice and then one at the end of practice, after individual position work and special teams’ drills. During the early 11-on-11 period, Mario Henry got off to a quick start, gaining 24 yards on his first three carries.
During the second portion of 11-on-11, the Bulls were again joined on the field by officials. For the first time today, the Bulls worked on actual drives as a part of the 11-on-11 work. Prior to today, all 11-on-11 time was spent with predetermined down and distance situations.
On the first play of the first drive, James Starks drew the biggest reaction of the day with an ankle-breaking move he made while making a 12-yard run. That first drive by the first-team offense went five plays for 35 yards and three first downs before being stopped by the coaching staff.
Kyle Brey, making the move this season from fullback to tight end, came up with a couple of catches, including one nice effort in traffic. Ernest Jackson appeared to be the favorite target today as he made several receptions.
Among the players on the other side of the ball, Ollice Ervin had a very good day, while Chris Callahan found his way to the quarterback on more than one occasion. With Callahan playing opposite Trevor Scott, the Bulls could have two very dangerous defensive ends. Others on the defense who stood out today were Kareem Byrom and Mike Newton, both of whom recorded interceptions.
Buffalo returns to the field at UB Stadium on Friday as the Bulls continue preparations for the 2007 football season.
The Bulls typically run through two different periods of 11-on-11 drills, one at the beginning of practice and then one at the end of practice, after individual position work and special teams’ drills. During the early 11-on-11 period, Mario Henry got off to a quick start, gaining 24 yards on his first three carries.
During the second portion of 11-on-11, the Bulls were again joined on the field by officials. For the first time today, the Bulls worked on actual drives as a part of the 11-on-11 work. Prior to today, all 11-on-11 time was spent with predetermined down and distance situations.
On the first play of the first drive, James Starks drew the biggest reaction of the day with an ankle-breaking move he made while making a 12-yard run. That first drive by the first-team offense went five plays for 35 yards and three first downs before being stopped by the coaching staff.
Kyle Brey, making the move this season from fullback to tight end, came up with a couple of catches, including one nice effort in traffic. Ernest Jackson appeared to be the favorite target today as he made several receptions.
Among the players on the other side of the ball, Ollice Ervin had a very good day, while Chris Callahan found his way to the quarterback on more than one occasion. With Callahan playing opposite Trevor Scott, the Bulls could have two very dangerous defensive ends. Others on the defense who stood out today were Kareem Byrom and Mike Newton, both of whom recorded interceptions.
Buffalo returns to the field at UB Stadium on Friday as the Bulls continue preparations for the 2007 football season.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
UB Football Camp - Day 5
The journey toward the August 30 season opener at Rutgers took another step today as the University at Buffalo football team took to the field in full pads for the first time during fall camp. As has been the case during each practice this fall, the quarterbacks were wearing green jerseys, the remainder of the offensive players wore blue and the defense wore white, the entire team was outfitted in white pants with two blue stripes down each side.
After yesterday’s rain and clouds, the sun was back today, beating down on the UB Stadium turf and making for a fifth-straight warm afternoon on UB’s North Campus.
With the team in full gear for the first time, goal line situations were incorporated into today’s practice. One of the more noteworthy plays during that session was a pitch to James Starks in which it looked as if he would be stopped in the backfield. But Starks used a stutter-step and cut to freeze the defenders and give himself an angle toward the end zone. Despite the move, Starks still found himself met at the goal line by linebacker Ollice Ervin. Overall, the goal line session swung back and forth, with both the offense and defense taking turns having the advantage.
Ernest Jackson made the most spectacular play among the receiving corps today when he made a leaping grab over two defenders to complete a 20-yard play. Brett Hamlin and Naaman Roosevelt also continue to be impressive among the wide receivers. Meanwhile, Matt Bacoulis, Jamey Richard and Jeff Niedermier all made plays that had Offensive Line Coach Allen Mogridge excited as the o-line had a very good day.
On the defensive side of the ball, Trevor Scott continues to find his way to the quarterback while Kendric Hawkins made his presence known in the secondary. Freshman linebacker Fred Branch also had an interception today.
Thursday, the UB football team will once again be on the field at UB Stadium as they continue working their way toward the season opener.
After yesterday’s rain and clouds, the sun was back today, beating down on the UB Stadium turf and making for a fifth-straight warm afternoon on UB’s North Campus.
With the team in full gear for the first time, goal line situations were incorporated into today’s practice. One of the more noteworthy plays during that session was a pitch to James Starks in which it looked as if he would be stopped in the backfield. But Starks used a stutter-step and cut to freeze the defenders and give himself an angle toward the end zone. Despite the move, Starks still found himself met at the goal line by linebacker Ollice Ervin. Overall, the goal line session swung back and forth, with both the offense and defense taking turns having the advantage.
Ernest Jackson made the most spectacular play among the receiving corps today when he made a leaping grab over two defenders to complete a 20-yard play. Brett Hamlin and Naaman Roosevelt also continue to be impressive among the wide receivers. Meanwhile, Matt Bacoulis, Jamey Richard and Jeff Niedermier all made plays that had Offensive Line Coach Allen Mogridge excited as the o-line had a very good day.
On the defensive side of the ball, Trevor Scott continues to find his way to the quarterback while Kendric Hawkins made his presence known in the secondary. Freshman linebacker Fred Branch also had an interception today.
Thursday, the UB football team will once again be on the field at UB Stadium as they continue working their way toward the season opener.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
UB Football Camp - Day 4
Dark skies greeted the University at Buffalo football team as they took to the UB Stadium turf to begin day four of fall camp. Just as practice began in earnest, those dark skies opened and the Bulls were greeted by a heavy shower to open practice. That shower did not last long however, and soon the conditions returned to those of the high humidity that has become a staple of early fall camp. Again today, the team was outfitted in shorts along with helmets and shoulder pads.
Special teams provided a new wrinkle today as it was the first day with an extended kickoff return and coverage session. With Naaman Roosevelt back returning kicks, the return game looks to again be a dynamic, explosive unit.
When the 11-on-11 period began, the Bulls were joined on the field by officials for the first time during camp. The four officials joining the team called penalties as if it were a live game and served as a reminder that the August 30 opener at Rutgers is not far away. During the 11-on-11, quarterback Drew Willy was sharp as he was able to spread the ball around to a variety of receivers. The longest play of the day came when receiver Gary Rice got behind the defense for a 45-yard reception.
The running game had a nice day today as both Mario Henry and Brandon Thermilus made runs of 15-plus yards. Quarterbacks Zack Ingle and Ed Young each also had long runs out of scramble situations. Young made a downfield juke move that drew quite a reaction from his teammates.
Defensively, a pair of freshman, Domonic Cook, a local product from St. Joseph’s in Buffalo, and Josh Copeland both had good days in the secondary.
The Bulls return to the field tomorrow and are expected to be in full pads for the first time during 2007 fall camp.
Special teams provided a new wrinkle today as it was the first day with an extended kickoff return and coverage session. With Naaman Roosevelt back returning kicks, the return game looks to again be a dynamic, explosive unit.
When the 11-on-11 period began, the Bulls were joined on the field by officials for the first time during camp. The four officials joining the team called penalties as if it were a live game and served as a reminder that the August 30 opener at Rutgers is not far away. During the 11-on-11, quarterback Drew Willy was sharp as he was able to spread the ball around to a variety of receivers. The longest play of the day came when receiver Gary Rice got behind the defense for a 45-yard reception.
The running game had a nice day today as both Mario Henry and Brandon Thermilus made runs of 15-plus yards. Quarterbacks Zack Ingle and Ed Young each also had long runs out of scramble situations. Young made a downfield juke move that drew quite a reaction from his teammates.
Defensively, a pair of freshman, Domonic Cook, a local product from St. Joseph’s in Buffalo, and Josh Copeland both had good days in the secondary.
The Bulls return to the field tomorrow and are expected to be in full pads for the first time during 2007 fall camp.
Monday, August 6, 2007
UB Football Camp - Day 3
Day three of football camp for the University at Buffalo was another day of dealing with heat and humidity on the UB Stadium turf. As was the case for the first two days of camp, the Bulls again took to the field in shorts with shoulder pads and helmets.
After the customary team stretching to begin practice, the Bulls split into position groupings to begin days one and two of camp. But today was different; the intensity level was amplified right away as practice began with 11-on-11 drills from inside the 10-yard line. The energy level was high as both sides of the ball were allowed to hit harder than they had at anytime during the first two days of camp. After getting off to a slow start, the offense found their groove as Mario Henry found the end zone behind Jon Geddes and Ray Norell.
When the special teams work began, punter Ben Woods put on a show with multiple 75-plus yard efforts. Woods’ booming punts gave the return game little opportunity to show what they could do.
During the offense vs. defense period at the end of practice, Drew Willy found Naaman Roosevelt in stride on a 40-yard effort that was the highlight for the first-team offense. The newcomers also showed off their skills when freshman quarterback Ed Young hooked up with walk-on receiver Simon Manka, who had beaten double-coverage, for a 65-yard touchdown.
The highlight of the day for the running game was a 40-yard effort by Brandon Thermilus, while defensively Trevor Scott found his way to the quarterback twice and La’Ron Haymore and Chris Storr recorded interceptions.
The Bulls will take to the field again tomorrow as they continue fall camp at UB Stadium.
After the customary team stretching to begin practice, the Bulls split into position groupings to begin days one and two of camp. But today was different; the intensity level was amplified right away as practice began with 11-on-11 drills from inside the 10-yard line. The energy level was high as both sides of the ball were allowed to hit harder than they had at anytime during the first two days of camp. After getting off to a slow start, the offense found their groove as Mario Henry found the end zone behind Jon Geddes and Ray Norell.
When the special teams work began, punter Ben Woods put on a show with multiple 75-plus yard efforts. Woods’ booming punts gave the return game little opportunity to show what they could do.
During the offense vs. defense period at the end of practice, Drew Willy found Naaman Roosevelt in stride on a 40-yard effort that was the highlight for the first-team offense. The newcomers also showed off their skills when freshman quarterback Ed Young hooked up with walk-on receiver Simon Manka, who had beaten double-coverage, for a 65-yard touchdown.
The highlight of the day for the running game was a 40-yard effort by Brandon Thermilus, while defensively Trevor Scott found his way to the quarterback twice and La’Ron Haymore and Chris Storr recorded interceptions.
The Bulls will take to the field again tomorrow as they continue fall camp at UB Stadium.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
UB Football Camp - Day 2
Day two of year two of the Turner Gill era was another warm and muggy day at UB Stadium. A slight breeze provided the only relief on a day that served as a reminder that while football practice may be underway, fall weather is still a few weeks off. For the second consecutive day, the players were outfitted in just helmets and shoulder pads and there was limited contact.
For the second consecutive day, the field goal units opened the practice session and they were again highly successful. The group, led by Gerry McGroatry and holder Ben Woods, looks to continue the success they had in 2006 when Bulls’ kickers went 7-for-7 on field goal attempts in MAC play.
When the 11-on-11 drills began, receiver Brett Hamlin had the most notable day offensively, making five grabs for 39 yards. Hamlin was sidelined for the majority of the 2006 season, but looks ready to go in 2007.
Naaman Roosevelt did not see any time under center in the 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 drills today, but his time at quarterback has clearly benefited him in the way he understands the offense, even while lined up as a receiver.
Several members of the defensive unit stood out today during the 11-on-11 period. Senior Kareem Byrom set the tone for the defense by recording an interception off of a deflected pass on the first play of the 11-on-11. Junior Andre Evans also stood out among the defensive backfield with several pass breakups.
In the front seven, Chris Callahan and Trevor Scott each found their way to the quarterback on more than one occasion, while Larry Hutchinson looked good at the linebacker spot, along with David Hubbard who recorded an interception this afternoon.
The Bulls will return to the field again Monday as they continue to prepare for the season opener on August 30 at Rutgers.
For the second consecutive day, the field goal units opened the practice session and they were again highly successful. The group, led by Gerry McGroatry and holder Ben Woods, looks to continue the success they had in 2006 when Bulls’ kickers went 7-for-7 on field goal attempts in MAC play.
When the 11-on-11 drills began, receiver Brett Hamlin had the most notable day offensively, making five grabs for 39 yards. Hamlin was sidelined for the majority of the 2006 season, but looks ready to go in 2007.
Naaman Roosevelt did not see any time under center in the 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 drills today, but his time at quarterback has clearly benefited him in the way he understands the offense, even while lined up as a receiver.
Several members of the defensive unit stood out today during the 11-on-11 period. Senior Kareem Byrom set the tone for the defense by recording an interception off of a deflected pass on the first play of the 11-on-11. Junior Andre Evans also stood out among the defensive backfield with several pass breakups.
In the front seven, Chris Callahan and Trevor Scott each found their way to the quarterback on more than one occasion, while Larry Hutchinson looked good at the linebacker spot, along with David Hubbard who recorded an interception this afternoon.
The Bulls will return to the field again Monday as they continue to prepare for the season opener on August 30 at Rutgers.
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