ECU Head Football Coach Ruffin McNeill Discusses Upcoming UConn Game
http://www.carolinagridiron.com/2015/10/ecu-head-football-coach-ruffin-mcneill.html
Polite coach speak but...
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On Connecticut:
“Connecticut has got a good football team. I know on paper you might say that, but don’t go just on paper. The quarterback, I watched him play against BYU before we played them, and he’s doing a Bobby wants, which is managing the game. Bryant (Shirreffs) is a smart player. He’s 6’2”, 220 (lbs.), has some size, and has some designed runs for him as well. Throws the ball and completes 60-plus percent of his passes. (Connecticut) has a shifty-low running back, powerful running back in Arkeel Newsome, really carries himself well. (We’re going to) have to do a good job of wrapping him up and getting guys around him. Alec Bloom is a tight end that stood out on film, watching him this morning and yesterday; big size; 6’6”, 260 (lbs.), athletic, can block, great blocker.
“They do a lot of different formations that we have to be aware of, and adjust to defensively. This defense was the first defense that, in our first year in the conference, you recognize the size standpoint, the length standpoint. And especially on the backend, they had a first round draft choice last year. This year they have a safety, Obi Melifonwu (6’3”, 210 lbs.), covers the ground, rangy, good player, and you add him as another corner that’s coming back, still good size, that 6’1”, 200 lbs. size. The linebackers are very active. Bobby is a defensive guy, and it translates on his special teams. His coverage teams, the punt coverage and kickoff coverage teams are two of the best in the country, especially in the conference. This is what we talked about this week, making sure all sides of the ball, all three sides of the ball, offense, defense, special teams execute, ready to play the next play. Be ready to go into a competitive environment. Make sure we’re ready to attack anything that happens to us there.”<<
