After a position meeting with his position coach I had a chance to ask UB QB Zach Maynard a few questions about being the starter for the 2009 BULLS.
Zach's BIO:
Zach Maynard
QuarterbackSophomore/Sophomore * 6-3 * 185
Greensboro, NCGrimsley HS
6
Hoof PrintsNamed the starting quarterback after a solid spring...terrific athlete who is a threat to run or pass...chose UB because of the “coaching staff and their beliefs.”Freshman 2008Beginning at Central Michigan (9/27), saw action in seven of the final eight games of the season...completed 1-of-3 passes for seven yards on the season...had eight rushes for 56 yards...had a 41-yard run against Miami (OH) (11/4)...had two carries for three yards against Akron (11/13).
High SchoolPassed for 1,635 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushed for 1,404 yards and 14 scores during his senior season at Grimsley High School...named All-Area and All-Conference for head coach Jeff Smouse...led his team to a conference championship in 2007.
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Q and A:
INTERVIEWER: How did it feel going down to UTEP and getting your first win as the starting QB?
ZACH MAYNARD: It felt great being down there with my team mates and getting it done together. I was a little nervous in the beginning but after the first couple of snaps you just play.
INTERVIEWER: How has your preparation been for Pitt?
ZACH MAYNARD: Coach prepares us every week for what we are about to see. We had a good week of practice and I think we are ready to go against a very good defense.
INTERVIEWER: What are your short term goals and your long term goals as a student athlete?
ZACH MAYNARD: Well this semester I want to finish with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. As far as this season my goal would be to help us get to another MAC Championship and a bowl win.
INTERVIEWER: Who is your favorite QB in the NFL?
ZACH MAYNARD: Dennis Dixon (Steelers)
INTERVIEWER: Thanks Zach.
*After the WALK AND TALK Zach walked out onto the field for another outstanding practice.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR!
The sun was rising as the Jet Blue plane landed in Buffalo, NY after a thrilling victory over the UTEP Miners in El Paso, TX the night before. As the lights came on and everyone started filing out into the isle, I heard someone in the back of the plane casually say, "a little sleep and then get ready for Pitt." While the victory over UTEP marks the first opening game road win since around 1980 when UB was a DIII school, it seemed business as usual for this core of players that fought through so many close finishes last season. The coaches and players have already arrived at UB Stadium. We finished the game healthy last night. Today the players ice, lift and meet. The UTEP film has been graded and we will learn how to get better and move forward. The UB BULLS are 1 and 0 and already looking forward to next Saturday at 12 noon.
Friday, September 4, 2009
THE TRIP TO UTEP - GAME 1
The coaches are in final meetings going over last nights practice. Players should begin arriving in about the next hour and everyone appears to be calm and focused. We are healthy going into this game and I know that the team is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hit somone other than their own team mates. We will be flying on JET BLUE and should be arriving around 4Pm - El Paso Time (MTN). Coach Gill sat in the staff meeting this morning, already in coat and tie, looking ready for business. We are as prepared as we can be and the energy is high for this our first game of the season. We know our UB TRUE BLUE CREW will be watching the game on CBS - College Sports and many of our family and friends will be sitting in front of big screen TVs yelling like they were there with the team. Wish us luck. GO BULLS!
Friday, August 28, 2009
WALK AND TALK WITH RB BRANDON THERMILUS
Brandon Thermilus has been a fantastic second back in with James Starks over the last two seasons. But with James Starks suffering from a season ending shoulder injury, Brandon is set and ready to have his opportunity to be the feature back for the UB BULLS.
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Brandon Thermilus
Running Back Senior/Junior * 5-11 * 224
Flower Mound, TX Marcus HS
27
HOOF PRINTS Powerful running back can play both the tailback and fullback positions...has become a nice compliment to James Starks...son of NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith...chose Buffalo for the “academics, the players and the coaching staff.”
SOPHOMORE (2008)Appeared in all 14 games and started once...ranked second on the team in rushing with 454 yards and rushing touchdowns with seven...had 16 receptions for 117 yards...ran for a career-best 102 yards and two touchdowns against UTEP (8/28)...ran for 20 yards and a score against Pittsburgh (9/6)...rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown against Temple (9/13)...ran for 59 yards and a touchdown against Army (10/18)...added a career-best five catches for 48 yards against the Cadets...ran for 73 yards, including a career-long 39-yarder, and scored a touchdown against Ohio (10/28)...had 59 yards on only eight carries against Akron (11/13)...had six kick returns for 125 yards on the season.
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Q and A with Brandon Thermilus.
INTERVIEWER: Being a former high school star in the state of Texas, how does it feel having the opportunity to travel down to El Paso and be the featured back for the UB BULLS?
BRANDON THERMILUS: Its going to be great playing down there because this is what I have been working for and to have my mom and brother be there to see me play means alot.
INTERVIEWER: What have you learned as a UB BULL?
BRANDON THERMILUS: That you can achieve what you believe in. I believed I would have this opportunity through all of my dedication and hard work and here it is.
INTERVIEWER: After James Starks had his season ended by an injury what was your state of mind when the announcement was made that you would be the starter?
BRANDON THERMILUS: I have always believed that you have to be ready at all times to be the starter. You have to be prepared and practice like you are going to be the starter.
INTERVIEWER: What is your favorite part about being a UB BULL?
BRANDON THERMILUS: The feeling of family with my team.
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After our WALK AND TALK Brandon was pulled away to be interviewed for the first time from the local and national media asking him about his first opportunity to be a starter. We know he will do a fantastice job. GO BULLS!
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Brandon Thermilus
Running Back Senior/Junior * 5-11 * 224
Flower Mound, TX Marcus HS
27
HOOF PRINTS Powerful running back can play both the tailback and fullback positions...has become a nice compliment to James Starks...son of NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith...chose Buffalo for the “academics, the players and the coaching staff.”
SOPHOMORE (2008)Appeared in all 14 games and started once...ranked second on the team in rushing with 454 yards and rushing touchdowns with seven...had 16 receptions for 117 yards...ran for a career-best 102 yards and two touchdowns against UTEP (8/28)...ran for 20 yards and a score against Pittsburgh (9/6)...rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown against Temple (9/13)...ran for 59 yards and a touchdown against Army (10/18)...added a career-best five catches for 48 yards against the Cadets...ran for 73 yards, including a career-long 39-yarder, and scored a touchdown against Ohio (10/28)...had 59 yards on only eight carries against Akron (11/13)...had six kick returns for 125 yards on the season.
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Q and A with Brandon Thermilus.
INTERVIEWER: Being a former high school star in the state of Texas, how does it feel having the opportunity to travel down to El Paso and be the featured back for the UB BULLS?
BRANDON THERMILUS: Its going to be great playing down there because this is what I have been working for and to have my mom and brother be there to see me play means alot.
INTERVIEWER: What have you learned as a UB BULL?
BRANDON THERMILUS: That you can achieve what you believe in. I believed I would have this opportunity through all of my dedication and hard work and here it is.
INTERVIEWER: After James Starks had his season ended by an injury what was your state of mind when the announcement was made that you would be the starter?
BRANDON THERMILUS: I have always believed that you have to be ready at all times to be the starter. You have to be prepared and practice like you are going to be the starter.
INTERVIEWER: What is your favorite part about being a UB BULL?
BRANDON THERMILUS: The feeling of family with my team.
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After our WALK AND TALK Brandon was pulled away to be interviewed for the first time from the local and national media asking him about his first opportunity to be a starter. We know he will do a fantastice job. GO BULLS!
Friday, August 21, 2009
WALK AND TALK WITH DB DAVONTE SHANNON
It is easier to list Davonte Shannon's accomplishments as a UB BULL then it is to talk about them. I had an opportunity to speak with Davonte as he was walking out to the practice field this morning. Below is our conversation. Well you have to get through all of his accomplishments before you get to his responses to the questions. Sorry, he's just that good.
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Davonte Shannon
Defensive Back Junior/Junior * 6-0 * 193
Jeannette, PA Jeannette HS
7
All-America Flyer (PDF)
HOOF PRINTSPhysical, athletic safety with great instincts...only UB player to twice be named to All-MAC First Team...has had consecutive 100+ tackle seasons... high school teammate of highly-recruited Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
SOPHOMORE (2008)Started all 14 games...earned first-team All-MAC honors for the second straight year...ranked second on the team with 121 tackles (70 solo)...had six tackles for loss...had an interception and four pass breakups...added two quarterback hurries...had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery...had eight tackles and a pass breakup against UTEP (8/28)...had 11 tackles and two pass breakups against Missouri (9/20)...had an interception against Western Michigan (10/11)...had a career-high 20 tackles and two tackles for loss against Army (10/18)...became just the second UB player to amass 20 tackles in a game...named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 20...had six tackles and a fumble recovery against Ohio (10/28)...had 10 tackles at Akron (11/13)...had eight tackles, including one for a loss, as well as a forced fumble against Bowling Green (11/21)...had nine tackles (all solo) and a quarterback hurry against Ball State in the MAC Championship game...had a game-high 15 tackles (10 solo), a tackle for loss and blocked a kick against Connecticut in the International Bowl.
FRESHMAN (2007)As a true freshman, became UB’s first Mid-American Conference first-team selection after a stellar season….entered the starting lineup against Baylor in week four and became a mainstay the rest of the season…set a UB Division I-A record by recording 123 tackles (the seventh-best figure in school history)…led all freshman in the nation in tackles…also recorded 73 solo stops, three interceptions and 10 tackles for loss…tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles...had five solo tackles, including one for a loss at Penn State (9/15)…had four solo stops, an interception and three pass breakups in his first career start against Baylor (9/22)…had 16 tackles (10 solo) at Ball State (9/29)...had nine tackles and an interception against Ohio (10/4)…had 15 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a quarterback hurry against Toledo (10/13)…had nine tackles (two for loss), two sacks, a forced fumble an interception against Syracuse (10/20)…had 13 tackles against Akron (10/25)…had 14 tackles (10 solo) and a pass breakup against Miami (OH) (11/3)…had a season-best 17 tackles (11 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack against Bowling Green (11/17)…had 15 tackles (two for loss), two forced fumbles and a pass breakup against Kent State (11/24).
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INTERVIEWER: You have had great success over the past several seasons. What are your goals for the team and you personally?
DAVONTE: Well, of course I want our team to win another MAC Championship and for myself I would like to be an All-American and possibly win the Jim Thorpe Award.
INTERVIEWER: What is your best asset as a football player?
DAVONTE: I play with my heart out on the field.
INTERVIEWER: Tell me about your secondary coaches.
DAVONTE: Coach Dodson is pure energy and Coach Reed is the smartest coach i have ever played for.
INTERVIEWER: What do you enjoy most about being a UB BULL?
DAVONTE: Being with my teammates.
At the end of this interview Davonte Shannon walked into the locker room with that classic smile on his face like he knows something that no one else does. We know he is going to have an amazing season.
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Davonte Shannon
Defensive Back Junior/Junior * 6-0 * 193
Jeannette, PA Jeannette HS
7
All-America Flyer (PDF)
HOOF PRINTSPhysical, athletic safety with great instincts...only UB player to twice be named to All-MAC First Team...has had consecutive 100+ tackle seasons... high school teammate of highly-recruited Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
SOPHOMORE (2008)Started all 14 games...earned first-team All-MAC honors for the second straight year...ranked second on the team with 121 tackles (70 solo)...had six tackles for loss...had an interception and four pass breakups...added two quarterback hurries...had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery...had eight tackles and a pass breakup against UTEP (8/28)...had 11 tackles and two pass breakups against Missouri (9/20)...had an interception against Western Michigan (10/11)...had a career-high 20 tackles and two tackles for loss against Army (10/18)...became just the second UB player to amass 20 tackles in a game...named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 20...had six tackles and a fumble recovery against Ohio (10/28)...had 10 tackles at Akron (11/13)...had eight tackles, including one for a loss, as well as a forced fumble against Bowling Green (11/21)...had nine tackles (all solo) and a quarterback hurry against Ball State in the MAC Championship game...had a game-high 15 tackles (10 solo), a tackle for loss and blocked a kick against Connecticut in the International Bowl.
FRESHMAN (2007)As a true freshman, became UB’s first Mid-American Conference first-team selection after a stellar season….entered the starting lineup against Baylor in week four and became a mainstay the rest of the season…set a UB Division I-A record by recording 123 tackles (the seventh-best figure in school history)…led all freshman in the nation in tackles…also recorded 73 solo stops, three interceptions and 10 tackles for loss…tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles...had five solo tackles, including one for a loss at Penn State (9/15)…had four solo stops, an interception and three pass breakups in his first career start against Baylor (9/22)…had 16 tackles (10 solo) at Ball State (9/29)...had nine tackles and an interception against Ohio (10/4)…had 15 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a quarterback hurry against Toledo (10/13)…had nine tackles (two for loss), two sacks, a forced fumble an interception against Syracuse (10/20)…had 13 tackles against Akron (10/25)…had 14 tackles (10 solo) and a pass breakup against Miami (OH) (11/3)…had a season-best 17 tackles (11 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack against Bowling Green (11/17)…had 15 tackles (two for loss), two forced fumbles and a pass breakup against Kent State (11/24).
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INTERVIEWER: You have had great success over the past several seasons. What are your goals for the team and you personally?
DAVONTE: Well, of course I want our team to win another MAC Championship and for myself I would like to be an All-American and possibly win the Jim Thorpe Award.
INTERVIEWER: What is your best asset as a football player?
DAVONTE: I play with my heart out on the field.
INTERVIEWER: Tell me about your secondary coaches.
DAVONTE: Coach Dodson is pure energy and Coach Reed is the smartest coach i have ever played for.
INTERVIEWER: What do you enjoy most about being a UB BULL?
DAVONTE: Being with my teammates.
At the end of this interview Davonte Shannon walked into the locker room with that classic smile on his face like he knows something that no one else does. We know he is going to have an amazing season.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
WALK AND TALK WITH ANDREW WEST - PRACTICE 12
Andrew West is listed as follows:
Andrew West
Offensive Lineman Senior/Senior * 6-6 * 314
Croswell, MI Croswell-Lexington HS
72
HOOF PRINTS Massive offensive lineman will enter 2009 as one of only two returning starters on the offensive line from last season...excels in the run game and continues to improve in the pass game...chose Buffalo for the atmosphere and a chance to play Division I football
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Though Andrew is an impressive football player he has become so much more to the coaching staff and his fellow players. Recently, Andrew was chosen as a tri-captain on the offensive side of the ball. His work ethic and attention to detail has taken him from a good player to a potential great. I had an opportunity to speak with Andrew before practice today and ask him a couple of questions about his life as a UB BULL FOOTBALL PLAYER.
INTERVIEWER: How does it feel to be named a captain in your senior year?
ANDREW WEST: It is a great honor to be chosen by members of my team. To have their respect is very important to me.
INTERVIEWER: What do you see as the strength of the offense this season?
ANDREW WEST: We have always had our share of athletes but this season we are athletic across the entire offense. We have great size and attitude on the offensive line and our skill positions show outstanding athleticism.
INTERVIEWER: As a senior member of the team what kind of advice do you give the new comers playing on the offensive line for the first time?
ANDREW WEST: Go all out and have fun with it.
INTERVIEWER: What have you enjoyed most about being a BUFFALO BULL?
ANDREW WEST: My teammates. No one has more fun than we do.
INTERVIEWER: Of all the things that you have learned in your time as a college football player what is the greatest lesson that you will take from UB?
ANDREW WEST: Hard work pays off.
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After taking the time to answer several questions the horn went off for the beginning of practice. Andrew West buckled his chin strap and went back to work as one of the top offensive linemen in the MAC Conference.
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Our next WALK AND TALK session will be from the defensive side of the ball.
Andrew West
Offensive Lineman Senior/Senior * 6-6 * 314
Croswell, MI Croswell-Lexington HS
72
HOOF PRINTS Massive offensive lineman will enter 2009 as one of only two returning starters on the offensive line from last season...excels in the run game and continues to improve in the pass game...chose Buffalo for the atmosphere and a chance to play Division I football
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Though Andrew is an impressive football player he has become so much more to the coaching staff and his fellow players. Recently, Andrew was chosen as a tri-captain on the offensive side of the ball. His work ethic and attention to detail has taken him from a good player to a potential great. I had an opportunity to speak with Andrew before practice today and ask him a couple of questions about his life as a UB BULL FOOTBALL PLAYER.
INTERVIEWER: How does it feel to be named a captain in your senior year?
ANDREW WEST: It is a great honor to be chosen by members of my team. To have their respect is very important to me.
INTERVIEWER: What do you see as the strength of the offense this season?
ANDREW WEST: We have always had our share of athletes but this season we are athletic across the entire offense. We have great size and attitude on the offensive line and our skill positions show outstanding athleticism.
INTERVIEWER: As a senior member of the team what kind of advice do you give the new comers playing on the offensive line for the first time?
ANDREW WEST: Go all out and have fun with it.
INTERVIEWER: What have you enjoyed most about being a BUFFALO BULL?
ANDREW WEST: My teammates. No one has more fun than we do.
INTERVIEWER: Of all the things that you have learned in your time as a college football player what is the greatest lesson that you will take from UB?
ANDREW WEST: Hard work pays off.
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After taking the time to answer several questions the horn went off for the beginning of practice. Andrew West buckled his chin strap and went back to work as one of the top offensive linemen in the MAC Conference.
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Our next WALK AND TALK session will be from the defensive side of the ball.
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