Breakout Players for 2014
We’re 4 days away from the season opener against BYU. Plenty of things to look forward to heading into this season under our new head coach Bob Diaco. Many UConn fans feel a sense of rebirth under the new regime. Throughout the week, I’ll be giving my predictions on various things for the upcoming season, and will try to rationally explain why I believe in what I’m predicting (Without sounding like too much of a homer). So for today, I’ll start with my three breakout players for each phase of the game for 2014 that I believe will be big factors in the amount of games this team wins.
Offense: DeShon Foxx – WR #4 – Sr.
Last Season: 43 catches – 534 yds – 2 TD’s
Season Prediction: We all know Geremy Davis is the guy on this receiving core. Because of this, I expect Davis to draw double teams and will have eyes on him everywhere he goes. This should open up the other side of the field for Foxx, who still managed 43 catches in an anemic offense last season. I expect Foxx to be lined up all over the field, and I expect them to use him in the slot in 3 WR sets. I know Diaco loves using the TE’s a lot, but the personal this season is not built for that. Our receiving core is a strength, so I expect it to be put to use. Foxx argueably is the fastest guy on the team, and it would benefit the offense to get him the ball with some space to run. He’s a guy that may carry the ball at least once a game on a reverse, get plenty of looks on WR screens, and may possibly play a role on special teams returning kicks and/or punts. If Foxx is making plays on offense, it means we will be moving the ball quite efficently.
Statistical Prediction: 55 Catches – 750 yards – 6 TD’s / 20 Carries – 130 yds – 1 TD
Defense – Jefferson Ashiru – LB #32 – (RS) Jr.
Last Season: 58 Tackles – 8 TFL’s – 1 Sack – 1 FR
Season Prediction: Ashiru showed signs of being a breakout star last season, specifically on the big stage against Michigan where he had 8 tackles and a sack. Sometimes he would lose himself during the game and you wouldn’t hear his name much, but I expect him to be a force this season. With two other solid LB’s in Vann & Stewart playing alongside Ashiru, it should allow him to fly to the ball and make plays, similar to what we saw out of guys like Smallwood, Moore, & Lutrus. I think Ashiru becomes the next in a long line of UConn LB’s who make it to play on Sunday’s.
Statistical Prediction: 75 tackles – 12 TFL’s – 5 sacks : He will be in the running for AAC Defensive player of the year.
Special Teams – Bobby Puyol – K #17 – (RS) So.
Last Season: Redshirted (2012: 1/1 FG’s, 2/2 XP against Cincinnati)
Season Prediction: I know it’s hard to predict how a kicker is going to effect the team, but the way I look at it, Puyol’s success can have a lot to do with how well this team does this season. If he makes the kicks that he’s being asked to make, that could keep UConn in games that maybe they wouldn’t/shouldn’t be in. I don’t pretend to know that Puyol will have a great year and become a reliable kicker. However, I do know that he’s the guy, and there really isn’t anywhere to turn if he doesn’t work out or goes through a slump. His success will mean success for UConn, so that’s why I’m predicting him to have a solid season. I really like the team morale heading into the season, and I believe kicking is more mental than physical. It’s a gut feeling, but I think this guy will win a game or two for us this season.
Statistical Prediction: 13/17 FG’s made, at least 1 game winner
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