Connecticut Football

2007 BIG EAST Champions Third-Highest GSR Of The More Than 50 State Universities That 2010 Papajohns.com Bowl Champions Participated In A Bowl Following The 2009 2009 Champions Led BIG EAST In Total Defense In 2004, 2005 And 2008 2007 Meineke Car Care Bowl Led BIG EAST In Total Offense In 2005 2004 Motor City Bowl Champions Second-Fastest School Ever From Division I-AA To Reach I-A Top 25 2009 FedEx -FWAA Courage Award Recipients 2007 Huskies Make Highest AP Poll Debut of Any School Since 1964 Four Players Selected Among First 63 In 2009 NFL Draft; Two More Draft 33-12 All-Time at Rentschler Field With 27 Sellouts Selections in 2010 Shawn Feldeisen Named 2003 CoSIDA Academic All-America Donald Brown Named First Team All-American and BIG EAST Offensive Defensive Tackle Rhema Fuller Named UConn’s First Ever Draddy Trophy Player Of The Year in 2008 Finalist In 2006 Program-High Nine Former Players On Active NFL Rosters In 2009; Seven Punter Chris Pavasaris Nominated For 2006 Rhodes And Marshall More On CFL Rosters Scholarships Highest Graduation Success Rate (GSR) Of Any BIG EAST School In 2008 Honored By AFCA For High Graduation Rates In 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008 And And 2009 2009 Highest African-American GSR In The Country Among State Universities That Participated In Bowls Following 2008 Season The Football Philosophy Bowl Games Connecticut has now played in a in four of the past six seasons, including three in a row, and has picked up victories in three of them. Bowl-eligibility is one of the goals of the Connecticut football pro- gram every year and Husky fans have helped develop UConn’s reputation into a school that “travels well”. Community Service Community service is an integral part of the UConn football experi- ence. Husky football student-athletes perform numerous hours of com- munity service throughout the year by visiting children at local schools, hospitals and other activities. One of the key community service activities of the UConn football team is the “ Line Project” at the East Hartford Middle School. The UConn football program has adopted the school and student-athletes make frequent visits to the school to provide mentoring and inspiration both in academics and athletes. During the football season, members of the UConn football team spend Monday afternoons at the school working with students. Academics Are The Priority Head coach Randy Edsall and his staff emphasizes academics from the time that the recruiting process begins until a student-athlete has earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut…and the numbers prove this point. UConn was the top BIG EAST team in the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) survey in both October 2008 and ‘09. In the latest NCAA Academic Performance Rate (APR) results, UConn scored an impressive 949 over a four-year period. The UConn football program had the third-highest GSR for the more than 50 public universities that played in a bowl game following the 2009 season. Husky football student-athletes use the Herb and Marcia Dunn Academic Support Center in The Burton Family Football Complex to assist in their academic endeavors. BIG EAST Champions Each and every year, the Connecticut football team expects to be a factor in the race for the BIG EAST Championship. That goal came to fruition in 2007 as the Huskies won the league title in just their fourth year as a member of the conference. The Rentschler Field Advantage The UConn football team takes great pride in its winning percentage at Rentschler Field. Since the opened, UConn has won nearly three-quarters of the games played there and has posted victories over teams from the BIG EAST, ACC, Big Ten and Big XII at Rentschler Field. Husky fans have responded with a 96 percent capacity mark since the stadium opened. Staying In Touch With Alumni The UConn football alumni are the roots of the excellence of the Husky program. UConn football alumni are more active and involved in the program than ever. For the past four seasons, former UConn head coaches and alumni have served as honorary coaches for the Blue-White Spring Football Game. In an effort to help members of UConn’s foot- ball team enhance their prospects for employment following college, the UConn football program sponsors a Career Information Fair twice a year. Football alumni are also invited to the field before home games to Connecting With The Fans form a tunnel as the current Huskies come running out – a gesture that Husky fans have numerous opportunities to meet and greet the Husky bonds generations of Husky players. coaching staff and players during the calendar year. Before each home game, UConn fans are encouraged to come to the “Husky Walk” as the team gets off the team buses and makes its way through a sea of Blue and White to Strength and Conditioning their locker room. The strength and conditioning program for UConn football players In February, all UConn season tickets holders and UConn Club is among the most innovative in the nation and is coordinated by Jerry members are invited to a “Signing Night Reception”, as head coach Randy Martin – the school’s Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. Martin was Edsall and his staff gives a video presentation on the latest crop of National the National Strength Coach of the Year in both 1994 and 2001. Husky Letter of Intent signees. Several current Huskies attend that event and sign players use the two-level, 18,000-square foot Polo Family Strength Center autographs during a reception. in the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center. UConn players meet fans for autographs following the Blue-White Spring Football Game and after an open practice that is held each pre- The Schedule season. Connecticut plays seven games against opponents each year and then schedules a competitive slate of five non- Facilities conference games each season against a variety of opponents. UConn trav- eled to Notre Dame last year and posted a double-overtime win at Notre The State of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut have Dame Stadium. committed the finest facilities in the nation to the Husky program. UConn plays its home games in the ultra-modern Rentschler Field, which opened UConn opens the 2010 season at Michigan Stadium against the in 2003 and remains one of the newest stadium used by a team in Bowl Wolverines as Michigan returns the trip to Rentschler Field in 2013. The Championship Series Conference. Huskies will play a home-and-home series with Tennessee beginning in 2015 with the Volunteers coming to Rentschler Field with a return trip to The team also enjoys the modern amenities of The Burton Family Knoxville in 2016. Football Complex and the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center in Storrs. Both of these facilities opened in 2006 and provide Husky football players Other upcoming non-conference opponents coming to Rentschler with a campus home that provides for all their needs. Field include Vanderbilt (2010), Iowa State (2011), North Carolina State (2012) and Maryland (2014). National Leaders Running back Donald Brown became UConn’s first NCAA Statistical Leader in 2009 as he led the country in rushing years. The Huskies became eligible for the FBS Statistics in 2002 and have finished in the top 20 for total offense twice (2003 and ’04) and three times on defense (2002, ’05 and ’08). Professional Football Former UConn players are in the in numbers that are unprecedented in school history. UConn had nine players on active NFL rosters in 2009 – the most ever in school history. In the 2009 NFL Draft, UConn had four selections in the first two rounds – including the Huskies’ first-ever First Round Draft Pick in Donald Brown, who went to the and then played in the Super Bowl in his rookie campaign. As 2010 NFL training camps open up, there will be a minimum of 12 Husky players with teams. There were also seven former Huskies playing in the in 2010. Jasper Tyrone Howard January 28, 1989 – October 18, 2009 – Miami, Florida Jasper Howard loved life, his family, football and the University of Connecticut. He came to UConn from his native Miami and Miami Edison Senior High School and made an immediate impact of the Storrs campus. Jasper broke into the UConn lineup in his freshman year of 2007 and became a starter the following season. Meanwhile, he was working towards his degree in sociology and was an active member of the community. On October 17, 2009, Jasper made 11 tackles and had a forced that he recovered as UConn defeated Louisville at Rentschler Field by a 38-25 score. In the early morning of the following day, tears fell hard from the October sky as Jazz lost his life. Jasper will serve as an honorary captain for the 2010 Huskies. Jasper came to play and practice with an energy that made him the consummate teammate… forever.

In Memory of Jasper Howard UConn alumnus and NASA astronaut Richard Mastracchio made a special presentation to members of the Husky football team as he gave them a flag in memory of Jasper Howard that flew in space in the space shuttle Discovery.

As the football team left campus to play at West Virginia, its first game since Howard’s death, student-athletes from all UConn teams came together for a sendoff. Rentschler Field One of the Country’s Newest and Most Modern BCS Stadium

The 2010 season will mark the eighth year of play at Rentschler Field – one of the newest and most modern college football stadiums in the BCS. UConn has posted a 33-12 record at Rentschler Field – including a perfect 7-0 in 2007 to help lead the Huskies to the BIG EAST Championship. In just seven years of play, the UConn football team has welcomed over 1.7 million fans to Rentschler Field. Football Saturdays are an important part of the social scene in Connecticut as the tailgating begins four hours before kickoff and a FanFest is held before each game. The Husky Walk is held about two-and-a-half hours before each game as fans are able to greet the team as it arrives at the stadium.

Student support is a tremendous asset to the UConn football team as the “Dog Pound” provides vocal inspiration for the Huskies. For 11 years running, UConn has been rated by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 public university in New England – and also ranks among the top 30 public universities in the nation. The University has been elected to membership in Universitas 21, a preeminent international network of leading research-intensive universities across 13 countries.

UConn’s 14 schools and colleges offer seven under- graduate degrees in more than 100 majors. The University grants 17 graduate degrees in more than 85 fields of study, and provides graduate professional programs in This is business, dental medicine, law, medicine, pharmacy and UConn social work. More than 29,000 students are enrolled at UConn, representing nearly every state in the nation and more than 100 countries. The average SAT scores for incoming freshmen at Storrs are up 100 points since 1996 and are now 1212. Minority students made up 21% of the incoming class. Since 1995, 1,169 valedictorians and salutatorians have enrolled at all campuses. In the fall of 2009, 43 percent of freshmen entering the Storrs campus were ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class and 83 percent were in the top 25 percent of their class.

UConn continues to renew, rebuild and enhance our campuses through an unprecedented $2.8 billion, 20-year investment in the University’s infrastruc- ture. UCONN 2000 is the most ambitious publicly financed university building program in the country. Now in its 16th year, UCONN 2000 has invigorated the University’s living and learning environments, helped advance faculty research, and stimulated public and private investment. Applications continue to be on the rise with more than 23,000 applicants competing for 3,200 seats at the main campus in Storrs and 1,200 seats at the regional campuses. The Burton family at the dedication cer- emony: Mike Burton and his wife Tiffany, Joe, Rob Burton and his wife Stacy, and Paula and Robert Burton.

The Burton Family Football Complex The University of Connecticut football team now The Burton Family Football Complex serves as the on-campus home of enjoys the finest on-campus football facilities in the coun- UConn football and complements Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The try – thanks in large part to the building of The Burton lead gift for the facility was a $2.5 million contribution by Robert G. Burton. Family Football Complex. Burton’s tremendously successful business career has included leadership in the printing and publishing industry, and his current role as Chairman and CEO of Cenveo, the third largest publicly traded printing company in the world, which is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Burton’s son, Michael, was the captain of the 1999 Husky football team. Burton has also donated in excess of $1 million to establish two endowed scholarships for UConn student-athletes. Construction on the facility began in the fall of 2004 and the The Burton Family Football Complex is the University’s building opened in the summer of 2006. first project certified as meeting the Leadership in Energy and “The Burton Family Football Complex plays a crucial role as Environmental Design (LEED) standards for “green” buildings. our program continues to make national strides in the BIG EAST LEED designation is a process certifying that a building project Conference,” says UConn head football coach Randy Edsall. meets a wide range of environmentally friendly criteria. This new “Our entire football program is thankful to Bob Burton and his construction marks the first college or university athletic project family for assisting us in our continuing journey for excellence.” in the nation to earn the designation. The UConn Division of “The Burton Family Football Complex is a key component Athletics received an Environmental Leadership Award from the of our continuing rise to national prominence in football,” says University of Connecticut for the work performed at The Burton UConn Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway. “All of us at UConn Family Football Complex. are very grateful to Bob and Paula Burton, along with the entire Burton family, for their generosity to our University and its foot- ball program.” The Burton Football Family Complex houses coaches’ offices and includes an academic resource center, team meeting rooms, a team locker room, a state-of-the-art sports medicine area, video facilities, a team dining hall, a student-athlete lounge and an equipment room. Mark Shenkman (second from left) is joined by his wife Rosalind and his parents George and Florence Shenkman at the dedication ceremony of the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center.

Thanks to alumnus Mark R. Shenkman, the University of Connecticut now joins the ranks of major universities nationwide with an indoor training facility that is utilized by the football program, recreational services and other varsity sports. His $2.5 million gift, one of the largest ever to the UConn Division of Athletics, built an intercollegiate, intramural and recreational facility that serves the entire UConn community. The 85,000 square foot Mark R. Shenkman Training Center is the newest and most modern facility of its kind in the country. Construction on the facility began in the fall of 2004 and the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center opened in the summer of 2006. Mark R. Shenkman Training Center Featuring a 120-yard long state-of-the-art FieldTurf playing A resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, Shenkman graduated surface, an 18,000 square foot strength and conditioning area, from the Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Wilbraham, Mass. and state-of-the-art video capabilities, the indoor training center He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from UConn provides UConn’s football team with the most technologically in 1965 followed by a master’s degree in business administration advanced training equipment. from The George Washington University. Shenkman is the founder “The Mark R. Shenkman Training Center is a huge break- and president of Shenkman Capital Management, Inc., a registered through in the growth of our football program,” says UConn investment advisor with offices in New York City and Stamford, head football coach Randy Edsall. “Now we have the advantage of Connecticut. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the year-round training, which is a necessity for any team serious about University of Connecticut Foundation Board of Directors and is competing for conference championships and bowl victories.” Chairman of the Investment Committee. Shenkman was elected The Mark R. Shenkman Training Center is the University’s to the UConn School of Business Hall of Fame in 2002 and has first project certified as meeting the Leadership in Energy and endowed a classroom and the e-Commerce Chair for the business Environmental Design (LEED) standards for “green” buildings. school. LEED designation is a process certifying that a building project “We are very grateful to Mark and Rosalind Shenkman and meets a wide range of environmentally friendly criteria. This new their entire family for this significant enhancement to our ath- construction marks the first college or university athletic project in letic program,” says UConn Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway. the nation to earn the designation. “Thanks to this gift, and the opening of the newest and most mod- The UConn Division of Athletics received an Environmental ern college football stadium in the country at Rentschler Field, our Leadership Award from the University of Connecticut for the work football program’s training and playing facilities are among the best performed at the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center. in the nation. In addition, this landmark facility will provide all of our varsity teams with an outstanding training venue while adding to our recreational services offerings.” UConn and

Bowl Games Members of the UConn team celebrate and accept the 2010 Papajohns.com Bowl Trophy. The University of Connecticut has made four bowl trips in the past six years and three consecutive. UConn won the Papajohns.com Bowl over South Carolina following the 2009 season and defeated Buffalo in the International Bowl in at the end of the 2008 season. UConn also played in the 2007 Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte and played in its first bowl game in 2004 as it won the Motor City Bowl in Detroit over Toledo.

The UConn marching band and cheerleaders perform at a Birmingham pep rally on the night before the Papajohns.com Bowl. UConn players visit with the Rev. Jesse Jackson following Jackson’s speech at the International Bowl Luncheon.

Husky players Zach Hurd, Dan Ryan and Mike Hick stand on the glass floor at the CN Tower in Toronto – the highest free-standing structure in the Americas.

Tailback Andrew Dixon was named the MVP of the 2010 Papajohns.com Bowl.

Members of the UConn football team visited with patients at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham as part of the Papjohns.com Bowl experience.

The UConn football team toured the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute while in town for the Papajohns.com Bowl.

Donald Brown after the win at the 2009 International Bowl. Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes Tutoring Program The Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes, a unit within At the beginning of each semester, student-athletes request and are the Division of Academic Affairs, is the academic support program for assigned tutors based on their individual needs. Tutoring is done on an The University of Connecticut’s 650 student-athletes. The primary goal individual basis or in small groups so that each student-athlete can receive of the program is to assist student-athletes in reaching their educational the best help available. Our tutorial staff consists of well-trained graduate goals while they compete in intercollegiate athletics. As academic affairs and undergraduate students who have demonstrated high levels of profi- officers, CPIA counselors function as liaisons between the athletic and ciency in their respective subject areas. academic communities. Our counselors work closely with coaches, faculty and a variety of campus resources in order to help facilitate stu- Study Hall dents’ successful transition into college life by instituting academic and All freshmen and transfer students as well as some upperclassmen are social support programs, including but not limited to Counseling, Pre- required to attend study hall ten hours a week. Study hall is an interactive Advising, Tutorial and Life Skills Programs. environment where students meet with their tutors and work on their The CPIA facilities for football student-athletes are housed in mod- assignments in their respective courses. ern facilities in The Burton Family Football Complex and the Herb and Marcia Dunn Academic Support Center Weekly Academic Meetings The location inside The Burton Family Football Complex ensures All freshmen and at risk students will meet with their CPIA coun- maximum use of a student-athlete’s time as they can now perform a selor at least once a week to review their course work, assignments, atten- number of football-related activities and perform academic work under dance and tutoring plan. the same roof. Weekly Meeting with Coach Edsall UConn football coach Randy Edsall meets with Ellen Rennie, the CPIA Football Program Director, on a weekly basis. Together they review each student-athlete’s academic progress. This provides valuable

CPIA/Director of Athletics Honor Roll 3.0 Grade Point Average or Better In A Semester 2009-10 Academic Year Harris Agbor Robbie Frey Moe Petrus Jimmy Bennett Steven Greene Dave Teggart Tyler Bullock Jory Johnson Nick Williams Ben Chapman Alex Kaiser Tim Willman Derek Chard Corey Manning John Yurek Matt Edwards Emmanuel Omokaro Zach Frazer Andrew Opoku Huskies “Play It Smart” information for Coach Edsall and his staff regarding each student- The University of Connecticut football team currently has five student- athlete’s academic performance. athletes on it that are products of the “Play It Smart” program of the National Football Foundation. “Play It Smart” was launched in 1998 and has proven to Life Skills be one of the most effective youth development programs in the nation. Former UConn football student-athletes can enroll in two Life Skills UConn head football coach Bob Casciola was a key part of the formation of “Play courses during their freshmen and junior year. The Freshmen Life It Smart” and was the Executive Director of the Foundation at the time. The Skills course is designed to provide the information, knowledge and program has shown that sports, when coached in the proper environment, can confidence, which will enable the student-athlete to feel secure in a be used as an effective tool for significantly enhancing the academic performance new environment and promote a successful transition from high school and goal-setting practices of its participants. “Play It Smart” fulfills its mission to college. The course helps develop a set of adaptive, coping, critical by facilitating the hiring and training of “Academic Coaches” who work at high thinking and problem solving skills. It also acquaints the student- schools in underserved communities during the entire school year. athlete with the resources that are available to balance the myriad of Two “Play It Smart” graduates were seniors on last year’s UConn team academic and athletic demands and adjust to college life. in Andre Dixon from New Brunswick, N.J. and Lindsey Witten of Cleveland, The primary goal of the Life Skills for Junior Student-Athletes Ohio. Current Husky A.J. Portee of Austell, Ga., and May HS, was also part of Course is to provide information, techniques and strategies that will the program. help students feel confident while making decisions about their future, post-collegiate lives. The focus of the class is to help students make a successful transition from college to the working world. Learning Disability Services If a student-athlete enrolls at the University of Connecticut and has a diagnosed learning disability, CPIA works with that particular student- athlete, the Learning Disability office and Disability Services to provide the student with the best support possible. Freshman Summer Program The Freshman Student-Athlete Summer Program began in the summer of 2006. The main goal was to acclimate the students to the University of Connecticut over a seven-week process and allow them to enroll in six credits of coursework which would introduce them to the collegiate academic setting as well as prepare them for their freshmen year. The program introduces students to the rigors of university life, helps them develop the discipline and skills required to succeed academically, and provide orientation to the general campus community and facilities. Since writing is imperative to the academic process, CPIA works with the Freshmen English Department, to offer the choice of two writing courses. Students are enrolled in either a four-credit Basic Writing class or a Seminar in Writing through Literature course. They also enroll in a two credit “Transitions into College: Beginning Your Journey”, which specifically deals with the topics of transition- ing into the collegiate environment and provides tools for students to discover in order to achieve their goals of academic success and ultimately, graduation from the University of Connecticut. These courses are the core of the Freshman Summer Program.

Huskies Are A Leader In BIG EAST Academics The University of Connecticut football program con- tinues to be a leader in the BIG EAST Conference in terms of academic performance by it student-athletes. UConn was the top team in the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of both October 2008 and ’09 among league schools. The UConn football program also had the highest NCAA GSR for African-American student-athletes among all state universities that participated in a bowl game in 2008. In five of the past seven years, including 2007, ‘08 and ‘09, UConn was recognized by the Coaches Association for its high graduation rate. UConn’s overall GSR in 2009 was the third-highest of the more than 50 state universities that participated in a bowl game. In 2010, the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) for the UConn football team was an impressive 949 over a four-year cycle, with a one-year mark of 968 for the 2008- 09 academic year. The four-year mark was just three points behind the second-highest team in the BIG EAST.

UConn’s Rhema Fuller (center) is joined at the National Football Foundation Awards Dinner in December of 2007 by UConn Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway, former Husky head coach and NFF president Bob Casciola, UConn head coach Randy Edsall and NFF vice chairman and former UConn football coach and athletic director John Toner. Donald Thomas was drafted in the fifth round by the in 2008 and started 12 games in 2009.

UConn and The NFL The University of Connecticut has a long tradition of players moving on to the National Football League and Husky players are now in the league at an all-time high. During the 2009 season, nine former Husky players appeared on NFL rosters – the most-ever. Husky history was made in April of 2009 as four Huskies were selected among the first 63 selections in the NFL Draft and an additional four were picked up as free agent signees. UConn is the only BIG EAST Conference school to have four picks in the first 63 in a single NFL Draft since the league was reformatted in the 2005 season. Another two Huskies were selected in the 2010 NFL Draft while two others signed 2009 NFL Draft Selections free agent contracts. First and Second Round USC 5 Georgia 3 Connecticut 4 Missouri 3 Ohio State 4

Tyvon Branch was the first pick of the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Dan Orlovsky was a third-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and signed a three-year, $9.15 million contract with a $2.4 million signing bonus in the off-season with the .

Deon Anderson was selected in the sixth-round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the and is now a three-year veteran. Wide receiver Marcus Easley was selected by the in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Defensive end became the fourth UConn player to be picked in the first two rounds of the 2009 NFL Draft when the selected him.

Cornerback was the ninth pick of the second round of the 2009 Draft and went to the .

Julius Williams signed as a free agent with and made the team for the 2010 season. Robert McClain was selected by the in 2010 NFL Draft.

Offensive Tackle William Beatty was a second round pick of the in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Lindsey Witten signed a free agent contract with the following the 2009 season.

Running back Donald Brown became UConn’s first-ever NFL First Round pick in 2009 and is shown here with the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts Jim Caldwell and team president Bill Polian. A throng of NFL coaches and scouts in addition to the media came to UConn’s 2009 Pro Testing Day.

Donald Thomas was the second-fastest among offensive lineman at the 2008 NFL Combine.

University of Connecticut football players are assured the maximum exposure to National Football League general managers, coaches and scouts through its annual Pro Testing Day, held prior to the NFL Draft at the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center. The event annually attracts over 40 NFL representatives from nearly every NFL team. The event is also open to the media and was covered by the NFL Network in 2009. In addition, UConn football players have been invited to participate in the annul NFL Combine, held each year in Indianapolis. UConn has sent nine players to the combine over the past three years and eight of the nine have been drafted or signed free agent contracts. Wide receiver Marcus Easley, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2010, works Pro Testing Day/ out at Pro Day. Running back Andre Dixon catches a pass at NFL Combine UConn’s 2010 Pro Day.

Darius Butler, who was picked in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, runs at Pro Testing Day.

UConn head coach Randy Edsall chats with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick at the Huskies’ 2009 Pro Testing Day. UConn’s All-Star Game Participants Walt Trojanowski Terry Caulley Andre Dixon 1946 East-West Shrine 2006 Magnolia Gridiron 2010 East-West Shrine Game Classic Game Buddy Amendola Donald Thomas Lindsey Witten 1956 North-South Shrine 2008 East-West Shrine 2010 East-West Shrine Game Game Game Brian Herosian 2008 Hula Bowl Marcus Easley 1972 North-South Shrine Tyvon Branch 2010 Texas vs. The Nation Game 2008 Hula Bowl All-Star Challenge David DeArmas Danny Lansanah Rogert Vaughn 1996 East-West Shrine 2008 Texas vs. The 2010 Texas vs. The Nation Game Nation Game All-Star Challenge 1996 Blue-Gray Game Darius Butler Tommy Collins 2009 2003 Paradise Bowl Cody Brown Sean Mulcahy 2003 Blue-Gray Game William Beatty Alfred Fincher 2009 Senior Bowl 2005 Senior Bowl Julius Williams 2009 Texas vs. The 2005 Senior Bowl Nation Collegiate All-Star Justin Perkins Bowl 2005 Las Vegas All- Dahna Deleston American Classic 2009 Texas vs. The Nation Collegiate All-Star Bowl Billy Irwin Offensive tackle William Beatty Running back Andre Dixon played in the 2005 Gridiron Classic was one of three Huskies to play 2010 East-West Shrine Game. UConn and in the 2009 Senior Bowl. Deon Anderson 2006 Magnolia Gridiron Classic All-Star Games

Defensive end Lindsey Witten played in the 2010 East-West Shrine Game. Former Husky cornerback Darius Butler played in the 2009 Senior Bowl. Dan Orlovsky was invited to play in the 2005 Senior Bowl and was joined by teammate Alfred Fincher. Wide receiver Marcus Easley was one of two Huskies to play in the 2010 Texas Vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge. Strength & Conditioning The strength and conditioning program for the University of Connecticut football players is coordinated and directed by UConn Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Jerry Martin. The UConn strength and conditioning program benefits all 24 of Connecticut’s intercollegiate teams. Drew Wilson, who is in his sixth year as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Connecticut, also works with the football team.at Connecticut as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, also works with the football team. UConn football players enjoy a brand new, state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facility at the Mark R. Shenkman Training Center – which opened in the summer of 2007 – in

The Polo Family Strength Center. The two-level strength and conditioning facility is over 18,000 square feet. The main strength area is more than 11,000 square feet and houses the pri- mary exercise units. The balcony itself is more than 7,000 square feet and has a five-lane turf sprint area that is 70 yards long. The balcony also houses the secondary training equipment, which includes indoor computerized blocking sleds to measure reaction time and force production,. Keiser air machines with computer interface measures power output in order to enhance sport performance and to quicken the rehabilitation process. The balcony also includes a number of aerobic pieces such as treadmills, stationary bikes and spin bikes for conditioning purposes as well as stair climbers and elliptical training equip- ment. The main strength area has complete Championship Units. Each unit includes a multi-purpose rack, an Olympic platform, a multi-adjustable bench and a multi-use cable column. Each of these units also includes an adjustable dumbbell system ranging from 15 pounds to 105 pounds in 2.5-pound increments. Each Championship Unit encompasses its own Tendo weight lifting analyzer which when attached to the bar, gives peak power, average power and the velocity of the bar and the weight being lifted. The strength facility will be the only known paperless facility in the country, where each unit will have an interactive “controller box” with a screen. When the athlete enters his player ID code, his entire individualized workout will appear on the screen. Data completed by the athlete is then transmitted back via wireless com- munication to the server so that programs can now target individual athletes based on position and individual needs. This technology will allow for UConn’s strength and condi- With all of this in place, the Mark R. Shenkman Training tioning coaches to make fast and efficient analysis, interpretation facility is the most modern, efficient and complete college strength of and program changes. The next time that athlete trains, his new facility in the . updated program will once again appear on the screen of the “con- A unique part of UConn’s off-season training is a team compe- troller box”. tition that reflects the . When the winter semester begins, 12 team captains are assigned. A draft is then held with five players on each team and there are six teams in a Blue and White conference. Individuals gain points in the competition for performance in the weight room and for other drills, such as the medicine ball, obstacle course and tire flip races. Academics and obligations in the athletic training room are also taken into account for an individual’s point total. As the beginning of spring football approaches, there are bowl games between teams. The top teams in each conference face off in the Rose Bowl while the second place teams face off in the Orange Bowl. The next two teams, regardless of conference, play in the and the next two play in the . The goal of the program is to keep a competitive spirit throughout the UConn team during the offseason. The University of Connecticut Division of Athletics believes Husky Alex Polito helps out with a art project making the Connecticut “C”. that the responsibilities of student-athletes reach beyond class- rooms, libraries, fields and courts. Community service is an integral part of the UConn experi- ence as Husky student-athletes contribute countless hours each year to a number of worthy causes. UConn football players perform numerous hours of com- munity service throughout the year by visiting children at local schools, hospitals and other activities. The UConn football team makes several visits a year to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. One of the key community service activities of the UConn football team is the “Goal Line Project” at the East Hartford

Middle School. The UConn football program has adopted the school and student-athletes make frequent visits to the school to provide mentoring and inspiration both in academics and athletes. During the football season, members of the UConn foot- ball team spend Monday afternoons at the school working with students. The UConn Division of Athletics and its community service program “Husky Reach” concluded the second year of its reading initiative in the winter of 2010 with the Verplanck Husky players Kijuan Dabney and Emanuel Omokaro visit an elementary school in Hartford. Elementary School in Manchester, Conn. Community Husky players brighten the day of a patient at the Connecticut Children’s Service Medical Center. Head coach Randy Edsall and students from the East Hartford Middle School spent time on a visit to UConn.

Jonathan The Husky and some UConn players meet one of their youngest fans.

Members of the UConn football team are frequent visitors to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

The SAAC had another successful year in 2009-10 as it held various “drives” at This year’s program was called “The UConn athletic events that Reading Millionaires Plus: A Roaring collect gently-used coats and Reading Challenge”. At the beginning of books, canned goods and the school year, UConn student-athletes other food items that are then extended a challenge to this year’s Verplanck distributed to worthy chari- students, encouraging them to top the mark ties. One of these drives annually takes place at a late fall football of one million minutes of reading that was accomplished in 2008- game, where gently-used coats and other winter wear were collected. 09. The students met that goal and went to a women’s game at the XL Center in Hartford. The “Husky Reach” and “Goal Line Project” are funded by the SBM Charitable Foundation, which was established in 2000 by Connecticut Bankshares, the parent company of the former Savings Bank of Manchester. The SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc., is committed to bettering the lives of those who live and work predominately in Hartford, Windham and Tolland counties. Other community service by UConn student-athletes is coordinated through the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. The Council consists of representatives from each one of UConn’s intercollegiate athletic teams and in addition to community service, it promotes UConn football student-athletes John Apostolakos, Robbie Frey and Kijuan Dabney serve a meal at the fellowship and camaraderie between student- Children’s Home in Cromwell, Conn. athletes from different sports.

Husky captain Scott Lutrus shares a laugh with a young friend. Sports Medicine Medicine Specialists for the team include: Dr. Michael Joyce of the The Department of Sports Medicine in the University of Orthopedic Sports Specialists in Glastonbury; Dr. Robert Arciero, Connecticut Division of Athletics works as an integrated multidisci- Dr. Thomas DeBerardino, and Dr. Augustus Mazzocca of the New plinary team whose purpose is to provide the optimal, safe environ- England Musculoskeletal Institute at the University of Connecticut ment for the football student-athletes to train and participate in their Health Center in Farmington. sport. The Department of Sports Medicine works closely with the The staff takes great pride in the individual attention paid to Departments of Kinesiology and Nutritional Sciences on the each student-athlete. They are devoted to preventing injury, rapidly University of Connecticut campus. This affords the student-athletes diagnosing and treating injury and maximizing athletic performance. with the input of several nationally recognized exercise scientists. This The disciplines of athletic training, strength and conditioning, sports cooperation also keeps the sports medicine staff at the cutting edge of medicine, orthopedic sports medicine, optometry, nutrition, exercise developments in the fields of human performance and sports nutri- physiology and psychology work in concert to provide comprehensive tion. Members of the sports medicine staff are actively engaged in care. research that directly benefits the care of the football student-athletes. The team is spearheaded by Robert Howard, MA, ATC, the UConn football student-athletes enjoy state-of-the-art medi- Head Athletic Trainer. Howard is assisted by Luke Ross, MA, ATC, cal facilities at Rentschler Field and at The Burton Family Football and graduate assistants Anthony Salvatore, Complex within the Marziali Family Training ATC, and Thomas Yabor, ATC. Room. The Department of Sports Medicine has Physician coverage is led by Dr. incorporated the SwimEX technology to develop Jeffrey Anderson, the Director of Sports a 2,300 square-foot hydrotherapy room for reha- Medicine, and Team Physician, Dr. bilitation and conditioning at The Burton Family Thomas Trojian. The Orthopedic Sports Football Complex. As with Rentschler Field, the new sports medicine facility on campus includes onsite X-ray equipment. In addition to providing the finest in medi- cal care for the UConn football program, the Department of Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut administers to the daily needs of 650 male and female intercollegiate student-athletes, who are in 24 different varsity programs. The Department of Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut plays a critical role in assuring that all UConn student- athletes have access to the best medical support and health care pos- sible. Through patient care and ongoing research and education, the department continues to provide Husky teams a competitive edge from the medical perspective. Dr. Rodriguez works closely with the dining services staff of the Burton Family Football Complex, led by chef Bob Zannoni, to imple- ment performance-based menu options and to set up the training. Menu recommendations have been developed for the team during road trips and performance nutrition directives are in place for com- petitive performance and optimal recovery. The sports nutrition team meets with freshman upon their arrival to campus in the summer. There is a discussion on the primary con- siderations for nutrition and performance and then a followup with individual athletes for nutrition workups and individual recommen- dations. Dr. Rodriguez and her staff attend training tables weekly through the season to discuss nutrition issues with the team and provide qual- ity assurance regarding meals. There is also constant communication Chef Bob Zannoni and his staff ensure that UConn football players have healthy and delicious meals at The Burton Family Football Complex. with personnel in the area of sports medicine, athletic training and strength and conditioning. Evaluations of and recommendations for nutritional supplements Nutrition is a key part of the plan for success of the UConn foot- are also provided. ball program and is a priority under head coach Randy Edsall. The Practical and everyday issues and concerns are also dealt with, saying goes that “you eat to compete” and a student-athlete’s daily such as how to make choices in campus dining halls, on road trips diet receives exceptionally high care at Connecticut. and in restaurants. They also provide grocery lists and quick meal and The comprehensive sports nutrition program is under the direc- snack options for the players. tion of Dr. Nancy Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez and members of the sport nutrition team provide information regarding nutrition and performance to the UConn football team on a year-round basis and develop nutrition education materials. The Burton Family Football Complex features a full-service kitchen and dining hall for student-athletes. Sports nutrition Randy Edsall is joined by former Huskies Alfred Fincher, Ryan Krug, Dan Orlovsky, Tyler Lorenzen and Donald Brown, who all served as honorary coaches at the 2010 UConn Spring Football Game.

Honorary coaches at the 2009 UConn Blue-White Spring Football game were former player Ken Sweitzer, former head coach Walt Nadzak, former player Rick Jackson and former head coach Tom Jackson. UConn Football Alumni As University of Connecticut football continues to progress as a NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision team, the roots of the program have not gone forgotten. In fact, UConn football alumni are more active and involved in the program than ever. Andy Baylock, a former UConn assis- tant football coach and longtime Husky baseball head coach, is Mark Flood, a former Husky, visits with a number of players at a Career the Director of Alumni and Community Affairs for the football Information Fair. team. All former UConn football alumni who are interested in re- Rick Forzano, who also coached the , and John Toner, connecting with the program should call Baylock at 860-486-2458. who also served as UConn’s long-time athletic director and NCAA For the past four seasons, former UConn head coaches and president, took part in the game. The players were Gary Blackney, alumni have served as honorary coaches for the Blue-White Spring who enjoyed a long collegiate coaching career himself, and Rick Football Game. In 2010, one squad was coached by the 2004 team Robustelli. captains – Dan Orlovsky, Alfred Fincher and Ryan Krug, while the In an effort to help members of UConn’s football team enhance other side had Donald Brown and Tyler Lorenzen, who both played their prospects for employment following college, the UConn foot- in the Super Bowl a few months earlier. ball program sponsors a Career Information Fair twice a year. The 2009 event saw the return of former head coaches Tom These events feature many UConn football alumni from a wide Jackson and Walt Nadzak who were joined by players Ken Sweitzer range of professions and geographical areas. Working with these and Rick Jackson. In 2008, former head coaches Bob Casciola, former UConn football players allow students to gain exposure to a who later went on to become the executive director of the National wide variety of career opportunities that may interest them. Football Foundation, and Larry Naviaux were joined by former Former UConn football players also guide current student- players Brian Usher and . In 2007, former head coaches athletes through the networking process by putting them in contact with other professionals who may provide them with shadowing, internship and full-time employment opportunities.

Former UConn quarterback Matt DeGennaro visited The Burton Family Football Complex with his family and showed off his picture in a historical display.

Former Husky Mark Landolfi, now a member of the United States Secret Service, talks to Jordan Todman and Mike Smith at a Career Information Fair. UConn Football and Walk-ons starter for the Dolphins With the limited number of scholarships each NCAA before an injury cut his member is allowed and the highly competitive nature of high rookie year short. school recruiting around the country, the UConn coaching staff Marcus Easley orig- knows it can take no member of their team for granted. inally joined the Husky With that in mind, head coach Randy Edsall relies heavily program as a walk-on on those who choose to walk-on to the Husky football program in 2006 and then had a in order to add reinforcement to the foundation. break-out senior season Although walking on to the team does not guarantee that in 2009, when he made one will become a scholarship player, the potential is there. 48 receptions for 893 On a national level, perhaps the finest example of a walk-on yards and eight touch- making good in 2007 occurred at UConn with Donald Thomas downs. The Stratford, of West Haven, Conn. Thomas barely played football in high Conn., native, then was school but walked onto the team as a sophomore. Thomas picked in the fourth Donald Thomas joined the UConn football team as a walk-on and wound up being an NFL Draft selection by the Miami developed into a starter at offensive guard and earned All-BIG round of the NFL Draft Dolphins. EAST honors in 2007. Capping a remarkable story, Thomas by the Buffalo Bills. was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in April of 2008 and was a Aaron Bryant of New London, Conn., graduated in the spring of 2009 and earned three varsity letters playing in 25 career games and start- ing the final two regular season contests of 2008. Chris Pavasaris joined the team in 2003 and became another great walk-on success story. He emerged as the starting punter for the Huskies and earned a coveted scholarship. In 2006, he produced one of the top punting seasons in school his- tory with a 40.1 yard average. An outstanding student, Pavasaris was a candidate for the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships and earned CoSIDA Academic All-District recognition. Justin DeRubertis of Bethel, Conn. played in 22 games from 2005-06 after starting as a walk-on for the Huskies. David Sanchez of Windsor, Conn., graduated in 2005, earn- ing a football scholarship after walking on as a wide receiver and played in 13 total career games. Brian Sparks, a Plainville, Conn., native, was a three-year walk-on member of the Huskies and was rewarded with a scholarship before his senior season of 2004. He closed out his career in fine form with a reception in UConn’s Motor City Bowl win over Toledo. Another tremendously successful walk-on story during Randy Edsall’s career at UConn is Shaun Feldeisen – a captain for the 2003 Huskies. Feldeisen decided to come to UConn without a scholarship and worked at both wide receiver and placekicker. Feldeisen’s chance came during the 2001 season as a wide receiver and the following year his hard work was rewarded with a scholarship. Feldeisen led the Huskies in receiving in ’03 with 65 receptions for 860 yards and seven . Feldeisen was also named a second team Academic All-America pick. C.J. Hessel, a Fairfield, Conn., native who finished his UConn career in 2001 is another example of a walk-on earning success. He joined the team as a walk-on and wound up being voted a team captain.

Marcus Easley originally joined the Connecticut football program as a walk-on and was later picked in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bill.s The UConn football program receives an incredible amount of media attention from television, radio and print media. The Connecticut television market is considered the 12th-largest in the country, when the total number of television households that receive programming from the state is calculated. Connecticut is also situ- ated between two of the biggest media markets in the country – No. 1 New York City and No. 6 Boston. Media Spotlight On the Huskies All UConn football games are broadcast on the UConn Radio Network and its flagship station – WTIC-AM radio in Hartford. The strong 50,000-watt station can be heard in many states along the East Coast and Midwest. On game days at Rentschler Field, WTIC broadcasts upwards of 12 hours of programming around UConn football – including a pre- game show from the “Dog House” studio, located in the heart of the stadium parking lots. The games can also be heard worldwide on UConnHuskies.com and wtic.com.

UConn athletics has always been famous for NFL WEEK 11 >> Falcons at Giants: 1 p.m., Ch. 61 >> Jets at Patriots: 4:15 p.m., Ch. 3 SUNDAY, E Stories,E3 SPORTS NOVEMBER 22, 2009 WWW.COURANT.COM the number of daily newspapers that follow the

CIACCHAMPIONSHIPS: SATURDAY’SAREA SCORES ALSO: State Open Swimming: Boys Soccer Field Hockey St. Paul-Bristol’s Faith Martin a Class M: Tolland 2, Granby 1 Class S: Granby 3, Lewis Mills 1 double winner. team. Whether it’s home or away, practice or Class S: Cromwell 1, Lyman Memorial 0 Girls Volleyball Football: Simsbury beats Girls Soccer Class LL: Southington 3, Fairfield Ludlowe 2 Glastonbury 34-33 in OT; Conard Class L: New Canaan 1, Avon 0 Class L: Darien 3, Farmington 0 rolls past Hall, 42-7. Class M: Suffield 0, NW Catholic 0 TOLLAND’S Johnny Mankus, left, Jordan High school coverage,E4-6 Bridge and coach Jim Leahy celebrate. Class S: Old Lyme 1, Immaculate 1 Class M: RHAM 3, Joel Barlow 0 gameday, Husky sports always makes the news on UCONN 33,NOTRE DAME 30 (OT) a state, regional and national level.

SPORTS/E01/2 Blue And Bold UConn Rallies To Tie,Defeats Notre Dame In Double Overtime The UConn football program is quickly

By DESMOND CONNER [email protected]

SOUTH BEND,Ind. — The tears were in coach Randy becoming one of the most televised programs in the Edsall’s eyes moments before he entered the interview room. UConn’s 33-30 double-overtime win over Notre Dame on Saturday, a victory Edsall called the best in the Huskies’ Division I history, had that kind of effect. nation. Over the last two seasons, 40 of 50 UConn

Client Name: Advertiser: Section/Page/Zone: Description: “I’m just so proud of those kids over in the locker room and those assistant Next For coaches,” UConn Edsall said. “We (5-5) persevered >> Saturday vs. games have been televised with appearances on today and Syracuse (4-7), ended up just noon, Rentschler making a Field, Ch. 59 couple plays Inside at the end >> Harvard that we comeback stuns hadn’t been Yale, 14-10. able to make >> Central rallies ABC, the ESPN Family of Networks and NBC. in some of to win NEC title. our earlier Stories,E10 games.” As they filed out of the locker room and into the arms of loved ones, the Huskies wore blue No. 6 shirts honoring Jasper Howard. They had been trying to get a win for their fallen teammate since he was stabbed to death on the UConn campus Oct. 18. On Saturday, they got it. JOHN WOIKE | [email protected] “Feels good,” said receiver KASHIF MOORE (82), Zach Frazer (10) and Andre Dixon (2) gather in the end zone after Moore catches an 11-yard touchdown pass from Frazer in the first overtime to Kashif Moore, who scored the give UConn a 27-20 lead. Dixon later scored the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run. Go to courant.com/uconnfootball for more game photos. first points in the first OT on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Zach Frazer, who was 12 of 25 for 141 yards. Ad Number: Insertion Number: Size: Color Type: With The Usual Setup,Huskies Write ADifferent Ending “We’re just thankful that we OUTH BEND,Ind. — There memories, another yellow flag give UConn a 23-20 victory. Later,Randy Edsall, tears of joy still were able to finally put was a holding call. Of course, was outlined across the This seemed altogether hanging sweetly in his eyes, was asked together a win,” Edsall said. there was a holding call. blue-gray November sky. fitting. Teggart had been how he felt in those closing moments of “So now we can take a game Andre Dixon carried the ball Anthony Sherman. Jasper Howard’s regulation. ball and send it down to . .. the S Howard family because I know from the 26 to the cusp of the goal line Holding. roommate, and after he “I said, ‘Here we go again,’ ” Edsall with 2:36 left, yet before UConn could And, so, here was David had missed two field answered. “You’re staying positive. one thing — that little No. 6 was make this late Saturday afternoon a Teggart, who had tied the goals against West You’re thinking what you’re going to looking down on us today.” magical one, a yellow flag flew. Marcus score at 20 after those two Virginia in the game tell them when they make the field Sophomore Jordan Todman Easley. And it was questionable call. penalties kept UConn out immediately following goal. Boom. You miss.” rushed for 130 yards and a Three plays later, with 91 seconds of the end zone, lining up JEFF JACOBS Jazz’s death,Teggart had “You start thinking about the past touchdown on 26 carries and remaining, there was another holding from 37 yards after Notre [email protected] spoken passionately and how close we came and didn’t come Andre Dixon added 114 yards call. Of course, there was. Dixon Dame had fumbled the ball about his chance to win a out with the win,” Dixon said. “I tried on 20 carries, including a carried the ball 11 yards into the Notre away with 49 seconds left. Now, only 3 game on the final play. He wanted it. to keep myself positive and say, ‘We 4-yard run in the second OT to Dame end zone and before UConn seconds remained at Notre Dame Here it was. Teggart pulled the kick could make this day a day of forever Stadium and Teggart had his chance to left. JACOBS, E8 TODMAN, E9

ON THE FL Y with JOHN ALTAVILLA HUSKY TRACKS arvard-Yale is still compelling, history. Lawler and Michael Smith, for making 11/22/2009 in the way network television Randy Edsall’s pregame interview with insensitive comments about Memphis Men (3-0) Women (3-0) Hamed Haddadi was in the 1970s. Sadly, most of NBC’s Alex Flanagan was the most center , who is Iranian. Of >> Up next: LSU, >> Up next: Hofstra, course,Fox is assuming someone was the world has moved on from important recruiting pitch he’ll ever give, Wednesday, Madison Friday, Gampel H actually watching. It’s the Clippers, all the boola-boola to the BCS and Food but no less significant than the halftime Square Garden, 7 p.m., Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., Network. remember.. .. The WNBA remains feature on Jazz Howard’s death, which ESPN2. CPTV. Still, when the Yale seniors reunite in 25 bathed campus, coach and program in a intent on moving Sacramento to the years, masters of industry, finance and most favorable light for future recruits. San Francisco Bay area after local >> Tough on defense: >> The Huskies hope politics, sipping single malt scotch, they As for the performance, it was nothing ownership bailed. We love the WNBA, but LSU is holding to . .. Get career win will remember an illogical call by their short of stellar. A win after watching two here’s the problem:There aren’t too many opponents to 35.5 No. 700 for coach rookie coach, Tom Williams — a fake, potential, game-winning, fourth-quarter people who even know there was a team in percent shooting (59 . fourth-quarter punt on fourth-and-22 from TDs called back for holding. And a missed Sacramento. of 166). ? Trivia time: the Elis’ 25 that fell short and ultimately led field goal at the gun. >> The Jets better play a little today against Trivia time: Auriemma’s first to Harvard’s winning score. That’s too . ? >> The Knicks played the Nets, the Patriots because it’s hard to watch a “Pistol” Pete victory? 73-67 at Iona Ohio State-Michigan is also gripping, but guaranteeing a victory for one of them. New grown man cry, especially one who has Maravich averaged on Nov. 23, 1985. It it isn’t the same without Woody and Bo and York won its third; New Jersey is now 0-13, grown as large as Jets coach Rex Ryan.. .. 44.2 points for LSU in was his first game as nothing on the line for the maize and blue. just four losses from tying the NBA record The Giants will try to snap their four-game 83 career games from UConn coach. Watching Wolverines’ coach Rich for the worst start ever. See, the Knicks losing streak against Atlanta, and if they 1967-70. Rodriguez spin like a chicken over a don’t need Allen Iverson. Nate Robinson, expect to make the playoffs, a win seems rotisserie was reality television at its best. sinking a three — after the buzzer — in the advisable.. .. Eagles-Bears tonight? Maybe, The Buckeyes, in sweet old-school A moment with . .. Nets’ basket for the fun of it can mess things but not until after the Seinfeld reunion on uniforms, won for the sixth straight time. Kemba Walker: Funniest thing up all by himself.. .. suspended “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” As for UConn-Notre Dame, man, how you’ve ever heard Jim Calhoun say? the Clippers’ veteran broadcast team, Ralph [email protected] great was that? The greatest day in program I can’t say it.

SELFISH SWINE? The Associated Press reported that members of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks are According To Jim Our continuing series of UConn Top 10s features being accused by British Columbia’s provincial health officer of jumping the line this week when they were given coach Jim Calhoun’s best quotes. Page E12. the chance to receive swine flu vaccinations. That’s worth a game misconduct. Publication Date: This E-Sheet confirms that the ad appeared in The Hartford Cour ant on date and page indicated. You may not create derivati ve works, or any way exploit repurpose content displa yed contained e-tearsheet.

Randy Edsall was an in-studio guest of ESPN’s in July of 2010 with and Brain Griese. Equipment Services On game days, Stasaitis and his staff, led by intern Jeremy The University of Connecticut football equipment room, Litzinger, enjoy generous space in Rentschler Field’s modern under the leadership of Football Equipment Manager Chris equipment room, which was specially designed with high Stasaitis, is designed to handle the everyday equipment needs counters to allow for extra storage, convenient access to trunks of each UConn football student-athlete, along with the team’s and easier transitions in and out of the facility. On a daily coaches and support personnel, and is responsible for the basis, football equipment needs are handled from another transport of 6,000 pounds of equipment to games. new state-of-the art facility –The Burton Family Football Complex, located on the Storrs campus. UConn foot- ball enjoys the use of a spacious locker room in that facility with all equipment issues handled in a nearby and spacious equipment facility. The UConn equipment room is stocked with prod- ucts from Nike, Riddell and Schutt. Nike is the official uniform, apparel and footwear supplier of UConn football. The department also produces the content on the offi- The UConn Video Services Department, under the leader- cial video streaming service of the Division of Athletics – ship of Director of Video Services David Kaplan, services the HuskyVision by AT&T. The service includes the live stream- video and technological needs of the Connecticut football ing of sporting events and press conferences in addition to the program, with its top of the line equipment and video facili- production of feature stories. ties in The Burton Family Football Complex. In addition, the department is responsible for the pro- The work of the video department provides the coaches duction of scoreboard video shows at Rentschler Field for and players with the best in scouting and teaching through football and the XL Center and Gampel Pavilion for men’s thousands of hours of video that they shoot during the course and women’s basketball. of the year. The UConn Video Department includes Kaplan and All work in the UConn Video Department is currently Assistant Director of Video Services Jason Isenberg, Keith done with the DV Sport Advanced Digital Video Analysis Anderson, Lindsey Lemoine and William Brown. System. The system is universally recognized as the best in the business and gives the UConn football staff the best preparation for scouting opponents, self-scouting and player development. The system also enables each member of the UConn coaching staff to have their own video digital viewing system at their desk. It gives the coaching staff endless possibilities for cut-ups and gives them the ability to tailor videotapes to any specific player on the team. Video Services The

UConn players and coaches Big East celebrate the Huskies’ 2007 Conference BIG EAST Championship. year. The Bearcats finished the season at No. 3 in the final Bowl Entering its 20th season as a football-playing entity in 2010, the Championship Series rankings and joined Pittsburgh and West BIG EAST Conference has been at the forefront of major college Virginia as BIG EAST teams ranked in the top 25 of the final football since its formal entrance into the sport in 1991. national polls. Connecticut and Rutgers, meanwhile, received votes By any measure, BIG EAST football has been an unmitigated after impressive bowl victories. success as the conference regularly puts its teams in position to com- Under the leadership of longtime commissioner Michael pete for the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Tranghese, the BIG EAST Conference’s entrance into football was while amassing an impressive head-to-head record against its coun- announced Feb. 5, 1991. The BIG EAST has been a charter mem- terparts. ber of each of the major bowl agreements with the major confer- Under its current membership configuration, which has been ences, beginning with the Bowl Coalition in 1992, followed by the in place for five years, the BIG EAST is a combined 159-61 in Bowl Alliance in 1995 and the Bowl Championship Series in 1998. nonconference games. The .721 winning percentage marks the best Since its birth, the BIG EAST has been a national power both five-year run in the history of the conference and is second among on and off the field. The BIG EAST has been a frequent contender all conferences in the same timeframe. for the national championship. Eight times in the league’s 19 sea- In addition, the BIG EAST was a combined 4-2 in bowl games sons, a BIG EAST squad has played for a claim to the national last season, marking the fourth straight season in which the league crown in a postseason game. had a winning record in the postseason. The conference began a new era in 2009 when John Marinatto The nonconference and postseason records both speak to the became the BIG EAST Commissioner. Marinatto was at the fore- depth of the BIG EAST, which has seen six of its eight current front of the league’s reorganization efforts which have made the members win at least a share of the league title in the last six years. conference as strong as it has ever been. The two other teams have both been ranked in the top 25 in each The 2010 season will mark the third year of a six-year arrange- of the past three seasons. The last four seasons alone have seen ment with ESPN that gives the BIG EAST unprecedented expo- three different BIG EAST teams – Louisville, West Virginia and sure on ABC television and the ESPN family of networks. ESPN, Cincinnati – make legitimate runs at the BCS title game. ESPN2 or ABC will carry a minimum of 19 BIG EAST home The 2009 season saw Cincinnati run the table in the regular games each season, marking the highest guaranteed total on ESPN season to win the outright BIG EAST title for the second straight and ABC in league history. Championship Saturday in December John Marinatto Nick Carparelli Jr. Tom Odjakjian John Paquette Chuck Sullivan Terry McAulay Commissioner Associate Commissioner Associate Commissioner Associate Commissioner Director of Communications Coordinator of Football for Football for Communications (Football) Officiating will include three BIG EAST games on either ABC, ESPN or America Stadium, the Meineke Car Care Bowl will select its BIG ESPN2. At least four BIG EAST games will be featured on ESPN’s EAST participant after the Champs Sports Bowl with the ACC Thursday-night package each year. again providing the opponent. In addition, ESPN Regional will continue to produce and The BIG EAST and the Big 12 have partnered for a new bowl distribute its BIG EAST Network Game of the Week package to game beginning in 2010 as the New Era is played for a nationally syndicated audience, reaching more than 30 million the first time. The New Era Pinstripe Bowl will be played at Yankee homes. Most of these games also will be available as part of the Stadium in New York City, marking the first postseason game in ESPN GamePlan subscription service. Finally, a minimum of five the Big Apple since the Gotham Bowl in 1962. home games will be carried on ESPNU. A BIG EAST representative will face either an opponent from Extensive television exposure and the BIG EAST have been the or the Conference USA champion as synonymous terms. For football, the league established its own part of a four-year arrangement with the PapaJohns.com Bowl in regional television package in 1991 before it had played a game. Birmingham, Ala., and the AutoZone in Memphis. The BIG EAST Television Network immediately was the largest The BIG EAST will send a team to one of those bowl games in each regional college in the country. year of the four years of the deal. The BIG EAST has been a partner The BIG EAST Conference champion earns the league’s auto- with the PapaJohns.com Bowl since 2006 and has seen its teams go matic Bowl Championship Series bid. The BCS – which enters its 4-0 in the four previous games. Louisville, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and 13th season in 2010-11 – is a five-game arrangement for postseason West Virginia, meanwhile, have all played in the AutoZone Liberty college football that is designed to match the two top-rated teams in Bowl in past years. a national championship game and to create exciting and competi- The 2010 season will mark the third year of the BIG EAST’s tive matchups between eight other highly regarded teams in four partnership with the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg at other BCS games. . The Beef O’Brady’s Bowl pairs the BIG EAST If the BIG EAST champion finishes No. 1 or No. 2 in the representative against an opponent from Conference USA. final BCS standings, then that team will earn a spot in the BCS The enhanced lineup gives BIG EAST teams access to at least National Championship Game. Otherwise, the league champion six postseason games each year. will compete in one of the four remaining BCS bowl games – the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl or the . The BIG EAST unveiled an enhanced collection of bowl part- nerships beginning with the 2010 season that will match conference teams against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big 12 Conference, the Southeastern Conference and Conference USA. The Champs Sports Bowl will have the first selection of BIG EAST teams after the conference’s BCS representative is deter- mined. During the four years of the deal, the Champs Sports Bowl has the option to choose Notre Dame once in place of a BIG EAST team. The Atlantic Coast Conference will provide the opposition for the Champs Sports Bowl, which is played in Orlando, Fla. The BIG EAST enters its ninth year as a partner with the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. Played in Bank of Table of Contents

Coaching Staff Head Coach Randy Edsall...... 82-86 Hank Hughes...... 87 Joe Moorhead...... 88 Todd Orlando...... 89 Terry Richardson ...... 90 Matt Cersosimo...... 91 Mike Foley...... 92 Jonathan Wholley...... 93 Lyndon Johnson...... 94 Darrell Perkins...... 95 Support Staff...... 96-98 2009 in Review 2009 Statistics...... 100-103 2009 Game Summaries...... 104-116 History Year-By-Year Records...... 118 All-Time Coaches And Captains...... 119 All-Time Results...... 120-126 All-Time Opponent Series...... 127 Letterwinners...... 128-134 Historical Timeline...... 135-137 CONNECTICUT FOOTBALL Bowl Game Recaps...... 138-141 The Connecticut Football Philospohy...... 2-3 All-Americans...... 142 In Memory Of Jaspser Howard...... 4-5 All-Conference ...... 143 Rentschler Field...... 6-7 UConn And The NFL...... 144-145 This Is UConn...... 8-9 UConn And The CFL...... 146-147 The Burton Family Football Complex...... 10-11 All-Time Assistant Coaches ...... 147 Mark R. Shenkman Training Center...... 12-13 Team Awards...... 148 UConn And Bowl Games...... 14-15 Counseling Program For Intercollegiate Athletes...... 16-17 UConn And The NFL...... 18-19 Pro Testing Day/NFL Combine...... 20 UConn And All-Star Games...... 21 Strength and Conditioning...... 22-23 UConn Football In The Community...... 24-25 Sports Medicine...... 24 Sports Nutrition...... 27 UConn Football Alumni...... 28 UConn Football And Walk-Ons...... 29 The Media Spotlight Is On The Huskies...... 30-31 Equipment Services...... 32 Video Department...... 33 The BIG EAST Conference...... 34-35 Table Of Contents...... 36-37 Qucks Facts...... 38 2010 Preview Season Preview...... 40-44 2010 Schedule...... 45 Depth Chart...... 46 Squad Brekdown...... 47 Alphabetical Roster...... 48-49 Numerical Roster...... 50-51 Student-Athlete Profiles...... 52-77 Incoming Freshmen...... 78-80

The University of Connecticut is committed to honoring collegiate athletic competition by demonstrating pride, responsibility and respect. The UConn community, fans, alumni, students, coaches and student-athletes promote these core values as proud Huskies and first class competitors.

38 2010 UConn Football Media Guide UConnHuskies.com Table of Contents

University of Connecticut The University Connecticut ...... 176-177 The UConn Experience ...... 178-179 Remarkable Transformation...... 180-181 Top 10 Reasons to Attend UConn ...... 182-183 President Philip E. Austin...... 184-185 Prominent UConn Alumni...... 186-187 Close To Storrs...... 188-189 The “State” Of UConn...... 190-191 Storrs Center Project...... 192 ...... 193 UConn Athletics...... 194-195 Administrative Staff And Head Coaches...... 198 Husky Traditions...... 199 Rentschler Field...... 200-202 UConn Athletic Facilities...... 203 J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum...... 204 UConn Athletic Development Fund...... 205 BIG EAST Bowl Games...... 206 Radio Coverage...... 207 UConn Athletic Communications...... 208

Records Individual Career Records ...... 150-153 Year-by-Year Leaders ...... 154 Seasonal Records ...... 155-157 Single-Game Records ...... 158-160 Single-Game Superlatives ...... 161 100-Yard Performances ...... 162-163 The Last Time ...... 164-165 All-Time Defense/Special Teams ...... 166 Opponent Records ...... 167 Seasonal Team Records ...... 168-169 Single-Game Team Records ...... 170 Bowl Subdivision Era Records ...... 171-174

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT MEDIA RELATIONS STAFF UConn and Nike The 2010 University of Connecticut Football Media Guide is a publication of the The University of Connecticut Division of UConn Division of Athletics: Jeffrey Hathaway, Director Athletics and Nike, Inc., began an exclusive Written and edited by UConn Athletic Communications: corporate sponsorship in the summer of 2008. Mike Enright ...... Associate Athletic Director Communications The contract term covers a 10-year period from Kyle Muncy ...... Assistant Athletic Director Communications July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2018 and makes Nike the exclusive footwear, Patrick McKenna ...... Assistant Director Athletic Communications apparel and equipment provider for UConn Athletics. It is the largest corporate Luanne Dunstan ...... Athletic Communications Secretary sponsorship package in the history of UConn Athletics and is among the largest Kristen Altieri...... Athletic Communications Assistant of its kind between Nike and an intercollegiate athletic program. Renee Adam ...... Athletic Communications Assistant Matt Lee ...... Athletic Communications Assistant UConn and IMG Layout and Design by: Maggie Oren, MB Design The University of Connecticut reached an agree- Front Cover Design by: Summit Athletic Media, Charlotte, N.C. ment in 2008 with IMG College, a division of Photography by: Stephen Slade, Bob Stowell, University Communications, IMG Worldwide, for a 10-year athletics multi- University of Connecticut Photo Services, John Korduner, Dan Burns, Jim media rights partnership. IMG College handles Percival, University of Connecticut Thomas J. Dodd Research Center Archive the rights associated with corporate partners, and Special Collections, The , Associated Press, Athlon Sports, on-site opportunities, signage, corporate suites, game programs and all online John Korduner, The BIG EAST Conference, The National Football League and components. its member franchises, Pratt & Whitney Corporation, Aerial Photography, Andy IMG College is the leader in developing integrated licensing, marketing, and Baylock, Chad Turner, Basketball Hall of Fame, Bob Falcetti, ESPN, Providence multi-media opportunities for the nation’s top collegiate brands across local, Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, New York City Convention and regional, and national platforms. IMG College partners include the NCAA Visitors Bureau, WireImage, Michael C. Hebert/, C.W. and its 88 championships, NCAA Football, leading conferences, and some of Pack, Rick. A Kolodziej, James D. Smith and Urban Design Associates/Leyland the most prestigious universities in the country. Alliance. Tom Murphy is the General Manager of UConn Sports Marketing/IMG College and can be reached at 28 Professional Park Road, Storrs, Conn., 06268, (860) 860-487-4239. 2010 UConn Football Media Guide 39 UConnHuskies.com Quick Facts

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT FAST FACTS UCONN FOOTBALL FAST FACTS Location: ...... Storrs, Connecticut 06269 Colors: ...... National Flag Blue and White Founded: ...... 1881 Nicknames: ...... Huskies, UConn Number of Schools and Colleges: ...... 14 Affiliation: ...... Football Bowl Subdivision Undergraduate Branches:...... Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, Conference: ...... BIG EAST ...... Torrington, Waterbury Stadium: ...... Rentschler Field Off Campus Professional Schools: ...... Law, Medicine, Playing Surface: ...... Natural Grass ...... Social Work, Dental Medicine 2009 Record: ...... 8-5, 3-4 BIG EAST Total Enrollment: ...... 29,517 2009 Conference Finish...... Tied Fourth Undergraduate at Storrs: ...... 17,008 2009 Bowl Game...... Papajohns.com (2010) Total Undergraduate: ...... 21,496 Base Offense: ...... Multiple Graduate/Professional Students: ...... 8,021 Base Defense: ...... 4-3 President: ...... Dr. Philip E. Austin (Interim) Football Office Address: ...... 505 Stadium Road, U-3204 Storrs, CT 06269-3204 DIVISION OF ATHLETICS FAST FACTS Football Office Phone: ...... (860) 486-2718 Director of Athletics: ...... Jeffrey A. Hathaway Football Office FAX: ...... (860) 486-2197 Division of Athletics Address: ...... 2095 Hillside Road, U-1173 Head Coach: ...... Randy Edsall Storrs, CT 06269-1173 Alma Mater: ...... Syracuse, 1980 Athletics Phone: ...... (860) 486-2725 Overall Coaching Record: ...... 66-65 (11 seasons) Athletics Website: ...... UConnHuskies.com Assistant Coaches: Husky Sports Hotline: ...... (860) 486-5050 Asst. Head Coach for Def./Def. Line: ...... Hank Hughes, 10th Yr. Varsity Sports: ...... 24 (Springfield ’79) Women’s (13): Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Off. Coord./: ...... Joe Moorhead, 2nd Yr. , Lacrosse, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball (Fordham ’96) Men’s (11): Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Ice Def. Coord./Inside LBs: ...... Todd Orlando, 12th Yr. Hockey, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Indoor Track and Field, (Wisconsin ’94) Outdoor Track and Field Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord.: ...... Matt Cersosimo, 5th Yr. 2009 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT (Springfield ’00) FOOTBALL RESULTS Offensive Line: ...... Mike Foley, 5th Yr. (Colgate ’78) Sept. 5 at Ohio W, 23-16 Outside LBs/Spec. Teams Coord.:...... Lyndon Johnson, 12th Yr. Sept. 12 NORTH CAROLINA L, 10-12 (Connecticut ’92) Sept. 19 at Baylor W, 30-22 Defensive Backs:...... Darrell Perkins, 1st Yr. Sept. 26 RHODE ISLAND W, 52-10 Oct. 10 at Pittsburgh* L, 21-24 (Wyoming ’90) Oct. 17 LOUISVILLE* W, 38-25 Tight Ends: ...... Jonathan Wholley, 1st Yr. Oct. 24 at West Virginia* L, 24-28 (Connecticut ’04) Oct. 31 RUTGERS* L, 24-28 Running Backs: ...... Terry Richardson, 12th Yr. Nov. 7 at Cincinnati* L, 45-47 (Syracuse ’94) Nov. 21 at Notre Dame W, 33-30 (2OT) Offensive Graduate Assistant: ...... Tim Cary, 4th Yr. Nov. 28 SYRACUSE* W, 56-31 (Fairfield ’05) Dec. 5 USF* W, 29-27 Defensive Graduate Assistant: ...... Andrew Breiner, 2nd Yr. Jan. 2 vs. South Carolina W, 20-7 (Lock Haven, Pa. ’06) (Papajohns.com Bowl, Birmingham, Ala.) * - Denotes BIG EAST Conference Game Defensive Graduate Assistant: ...... Shane Fogarty, 1st Yr. (Connecticut ’06) Director of Football Operations: ...... Tim Pendergast, 3rd Yr. (SUNY Cortland ‘80) Recruiting Assistant: ...... Dave Wilczewski, 3rd Yr. (Connecticut ‘08) Dir. Of Alumni & Community Affairs: ...... Andy Baylock, 8th Yr. (Central Conn. ’60)

40 2010 UConn Football Media Guide UConnHuskies.com