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Running backs, quarterbacks solid in UD scrimmage 10:55 a.m., Aug. 20, 2004--Strong play by the running backs and quarterbacks highlighted the first official scrimmage of the pre-season for the University of Delaware football squad Thursday morning at Delaware Stadium. The defending NCAA Division I-AA national champion Fightin’ Blue Hens, who are the pre-season No. 1 pick by both The Sports Network and USA Today/Sportsticker, began the scrimmage at 11 a.m. and practiced for nearly 70 minutes before a crowd of about 200 spectators. A light rain fell during most of the scrimmage. The Hens worked on all aspects of the game with solid efforts by running backs Niquan Lee, Sean Bleiler and Lonnie Starks and strong performances by quarterbacks Sonny Riccio and Ryan Carty. Lee, Bleiler and Starks are battling to take over the top spot in the single-back offense with the graduation of All-American Germaine Bennett and four-year standout Antawn Jenkins. Riccio, a junior transfer from the University of Missouri, was declared the team's No. 1 signal caller following Wednesday's practice. “We had a very competitive scrimmage and got a lot of work done today,” said UD Head Coach K.C. Keeler, whose team will have two practices Saturday and one Sunday before taking part in a final abbreviated scrimmage Monday night at 7 p.m. at Delaware Stadium. “All of the running backs ran hard today, and Sonny and Ryan continue to play well but we just don't know about the defense right now with so many guys out. We'll be back at full strength soon but we have a lot of work to do. I was happy to see Ryan (Carty) play so well today. He and Sonny had a spirited competition for the starting job. We like our situation there.” Defensive linemen Chris Mooney, Ben Cross, Dominic Santoli and Lou Samba all sat out with minor injuries, as did top returning receiver David Boler, but all are expected to be back at practice this weekend. Keeler announced earlier this week that senior guard Jared Wray, a pre-season All-Atlantic 10 selection who missed the first half of last season with a back injury, will not play this season due to the injury, ending his career with the Blue Hens. Bleiler, a senior co-captain and special teams standout who has seen a limited role running the ball during his career, showed some impressive speed and strength during Thursday's scrimmage, running for a 25-yard touchdown and bulling his way in on two short touchdown runs. Carty also had an impressive run from the pocket that netted close to 25 yards. On defense, sophomore safety John Russ had an interception and senior cornerback Roger Brown knocked down a pass. Punter Mike Weber and kicker Brad Shushman also performed well. Shushman, a third team All-Atlantic 10 selection, converted field goals from 28, 32 and 42 yards. UD will open defense of its 2003 national championship when the Hens host New Hampshire at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, at Delaware Stadium. To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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