UMass Football Looks for a Revival Under Don Brown

It will be a daunting task for Coach Brown and the Minutemen team. Since moving up to the FBS level in 2012, UMass has only managed 18 wins in that time span. While no one expects a championship in his first year back, Coach Browns hopes to eventually bring his squad back to that championship level.

When you talk about UMass football, the conversation has to start with running back Ellis Merriweather. Named to the Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List, Merriweather amassed over 1,300 total yards last season along with six touchdowns. As Merriweather goes, so go the Minutemen.

UMass Undecided at the Quarterback Position

Sophomore Brady Olson is the favorite to win the starting job at quarterback, but this decision is still in doubt. Right behind him are Zamar Wise and Garrett Dzuro who both saw action last season. The Minutemen were dreadful in the passing department last year and this is an area where huge improvement is needed.

In terms of receiving talent, the cupboard is not bare for UMass. Wide receiver Rico Arnold led the Minutemen in most receiving categories last season. His most eye-popping statistic is that he averaged over 17 yards per catch. Also returning are tight end Josiah Johnson and wideout Jermaine Johnson.

The Minutemen return 10 players to their offensive line this season. This unit will be led by sophomore tackle Max Longman. This is an incredibly young line that could see as many as five sophomore starters. They are solid blocking for the running game, but their pass protection must improve dramatically for the Minutemen put up more points this season.

UMass Defense Needs Improvement

There is no other way to say it. The UMass defense was woeful last season. This unit allowed opponents an average of 485 yards and a nation-high 43 points a game. This was one of the big reasons that Don Brown was brought back to coach the Minutemen.

New additions to this team should help the defense improve. Former Florida State and Alabama A&M defensive end, Marcus Cushnie should give an immediate lift to the UMass pass rush. He registered seven sacks in 2020 playing for A&M. Another transfer, Marcus Bradley from Vanderbilt, should team with returning defensive end Uchenna Ezewike and Cushnie to give the Minutemen a talented trio at this position. And Billy Wooden provides some grit and heart at the tackle position.

Returning Defensive Stalwarts

The linebacking corps will be led by Gerrell Johnson. He was the leading tackler for the Minutemen last year with 87. Middle linebacker Da’Shon Ross also returns to give UMass solid experience at this position.

All-Independent Second Team Cornerback Josh Wallace has notched 96 tackles over his three seasons at UMass. He also broke up 12 passes last season. Nickelback Te’Rai Powell will also be counted on to provide stability to the Minutemen secondary. And hard-hitting safety Donte Lindsey has always provided excellent run support for his team. He just needs to improve his pass coverage skills.

Immediately, it would be too much to ask of Coach Don Brown to return UMass to the previous glory they experienced in his first stint with the team. But with an improved passing game and a less porous defense, the Minutemen’s performance and record could rise to respectable levels. If that occurs, most UMass fans will consider the season a success.