UConn Spring Ball: 10 Players To Keep An Eye On
The Huskies have revved up Spring Ball practice under new head coach Jim L. Mora. While media has only been allowed access to one practice session thus far, there were a handful of UConn players who stood out. Here’s a list of Huskies that caught our eye and will be worth monitoring leading up to season kickoff at Utah State on August 27th (153 days away).
#8 Steve Krajewski, Quarterback, rJr.
There was no question that Krajewski was the most comfortable signal-caller amongst the group on the day, demonstrating good command and poise. His overall throwing mechanics and touch are ahead of class early on.
#6 Ta'Quan Roberson, Quarterback, rSo.
It was also very clear which quarterback possessed the most upside, as Roberson showed off his lasso of an arm. He made a handful of throws that others simply cannot. Roberson has a live arm and fluid throwing motion!
#28 Brian Brewton, Running Back, So.
A shifty, quick burst runner, Brewton hits the hole in a jiffy and can go from zero-to-100 real quick. The St. Thomas Aquinas product is elusive in open space and the Huskies could look to use him as a runner, slot receiver and/or as a return man.
#7 Cameron Ross, Wide Receiver, rSo.
This is your candidate for Huskies playmaker of the year, as Ross flashed smooth route running, impressive body control, athleticism and top-notch high pointing ability. You could see him embrace the leadership role too, often-times lining up to be the first in drills.
#1 Keelan Marion, Wide Receiver, So.
The Atlanta native led the team in receiving yards a year ago (474 yards) and he appeared to pick back up right where he left off. Marion had one of the plays of the day, shaking defensive back Malcolm Bell on a long seam route completion.
#83 Brandon Niemenski, Tight End So.
Expect to see a combination of players utilized at tight end, including the vicious Niemenski who is a handful to bring down after the catch. The Pennsylvania native can play an array of roles, including h-back, slot or even fullback.
#64 Christian Haynes, Offensive Line, rJr.
A stout, well-built mauler, Haynes was moving at a greater speed and confidence level then his fellow lineman. His hand placement and physicality were on point during drills. The Maryland native enters his third season as a starter and received reps at both right guard and right tackle.
#95 Eric Watts, Defensive Tackle, Jr.
Look for Watts to serve as a key cog up the middle of the Huskies defense due to his size, strength and quickness. While it didn’t necessarily reflect in the box score, Watts was a disruptor in the backfield last season, registering eight quarterback hurries from the interior.
#43 Jackson Mitchell, Linebacker, Jr.
The quarterback of the defense, Mitchell enters his third season coming off a team-leading 120 tackles a year ago. The local Ridgefield native owns a propensity for creating turnovers, as he also caused three forced fumbles, added a pick and batted down a handful of passes in 2021.
#12 Kaleb Anthony, Cornerback, So.
No task seems too big or too small for Anthony, who lined up against a variety of different receivers throughout the day. The Georgia native appeared in just seven games as a true freshman but he looks to be one of the top cover corners on the roster thus far.
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