Tuesday, December 21, 2010

END OF THE YEAR REPORT!

The UB PLAYERS AND STAFF are going to be taking the next couple of weeks to enjoy family and the holidays. After a challenging first season, the last several recruiting weekends have gone extremely well. UB FOOTBALL is tied for first with BALL STATE for having the most verbal commits to this point in the MAC. We want to thank all of those that support our program and continue to look forward to the return to MAC CHAMPIONSHIP GREATNESS. Our players are doing it in the classroom and are ready to get back at it come spring. Have a wonderful holiday and be safe.

GO BULLS!

Monday, December 6, 2010

CHARGING INTO THE FUTURE!

While the 2010 Football Season was one of transition and growing pains, invaluable lessons were learned that will continue to help the UB FOOTBALL PROGRAM build toward future greatness. Coach Quinn and staff now turn their eyes on the next class of 2011. With more verbal commits at this time than ever before in UB Division 1 history, the UB Coaches are out visiting many of the future BULLS. The excitement is building as UB approaches their first of many Official Visits this weekend. Some of the finest student athletes in the country will be taking their visits to UB in December and January. While we are out visiting new recruits, our current UB Student Athletes are already in preparation for spring football. We are very proud of how hard our team fought this past season. As the coaches have reviewed many of the outcomes, we have made our adjustments to what we need to accomplish in the off season and are already planning for how those adjustments will take place.

GO BULLS!

Monday, November 8, 2010

BULL MENTALITY!

With Three games left in the season, the UB BULLS have learned many things about themselves through the growing pains of the 2010 season. The UB BULLS finished 5 -7 last season and though more was hoped for at the beginning of this season, the character of this team has been forged in the face of adversity. There is a "no quit - never say die" attitude in our locker room and our football field. We practice with great effort and prepare for the next challenge. The lesson on the field now is that we are very close. When we are in a position to make a play we will make it. Our sideline is our home when we are on the road and our great fans that we play in front of can see the difference in us. We are emerging. We are getting there and that is all anyone can say. We have been to the top and we intend to get there again. This is the "Bull Mentality."

Friday, October 22, 2010

HOME COMING - TEMPLE

Yesterday at practice the classic fall skis in Western New York were heavy with clouds and a slow rain began to fall as it had on the previous Thursday before the trip to NIU. But unlike the previous Thursday, the rain stopped, the clouds broke and the sun shined through creating a rainbow over UB Stadium. This is our home coming. The UB BULLS are poised as they have been in the last several years at 2 -4 (1 - 1 in MAC PLAY) and it seems that TEMPLE has always been a game that gets things going. In 2008 the UB BULLS had to finish strong with numerous over time wins to make it to the MAC Championship Game. The 2008 season was best known for the "The Catch" made my Naaman Roosevelt on the last play of the Temple game. It was due to the lesson learned in that game that lead the 2008 UB BULLS to understand how to win. This is another opportunity to start it all over again. All I know is that the clouds broke yesterday and sun was warm on the faces of a resurgent UB BULLS FOOTBALL TEAM.

GO BULLS!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Getting ready for the the Baylor Bears!

Our first practice on Monday was crisp in the fall like afternoon. It will be a different climate down in Waco, TX, but the BULLS fortunately have been preparing for such a game all summer and into a very hot camp. Some of the days during the beautiful Buffalo summer reached the mid 90's. We have been practicing at a good tempo and fixing the fine points of technique in both of our systems of offense and defense. The Coach Quinn Era has started out with a win but the team goals are to graduate our student athletes and compete to win MAC Championships. Baylor will be a mighty test. They are very well coached and are anticipated to be extremely competitive in the Big 12. We will never shy away from competition. Every day we challenge our student athletes to be the best in the classroom and on the field.

GO BULLS!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Rhode Island Recap!

Well the first game for our players, coaches and Head Coach Jeff Quinn demonstrated that the UB BULLS have made significant strides forward in this year of transition. Rhode Island played extremely hard and was as physical as expected. With one win in the pocket it is now the time to prepare for the BAYLOR BEARS (Big 12). Baylor is a very good football team. As talented as Baylor is on both sides of the ball, the BULLS will have to continue to improve in all aspects of play. We say "every player, every play." And in order for the BULLS to be prepared for the Bears this is how we will have to practice through out the week.

GO BULLS!

Monday, August 23, 2010

CAMP QUINN!

They say that pre-season training camp sets the tempo for the rest of the season. If that is the case then the sacrifices that were made by the UB FOOTBALL student athletes in the off season may have been the reason that this was such a strong pre-season training camp. The UB BULLS hit the ground running and lifting and jumping and what ever else Strength Coach, Zach Duval had them doing over the summer. There has been a buzz of energy and anticipation at the beginning of every practice. Coaches are enthusiastic. Players are focused and in shape. Lead by the veteran leadership on Offense and Defense, young recruits develop quicker in a higher tempo and increased expectation for immediate excellence. The goals and hopes are high. If the effort given during the dog days of doubles are any indicator of the rewards ahead, 2010 may turn into a season to remember.

Just an observation. One of many that the 2010 UB BULLS will generate.

Friday, August 6, 2010

FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF CAMP QUINN!

The UB Football team took to the field today for the first time since the end of Spring practices. While today was the first official practice for Coach Quinn and his staff, the effort that went into the first day of actual football was built during voluntary summer conditioning programs attended by nearly every member of the active roster. Strength Coach Zach Duval and his staff have fostered a culture of training to win in a very short period of time. While summer workouts were not mandatory, this UB observer has never witnessed the level of team dedication that occurred this summer. This team dedication will pay dividends.

We will provide a daily summary of observations made at the end of each practice day during camp.

GO BULLS!

Friday, June 18, 2010

TWO DEEP: THE RB'S

This week we will be looking at the UB BULL BACKFIELD. The BULLS have great depth and will display a mixture of veteran leadership and young legs that will most certainly provide the spark to take the BULLS new offense into the next era of UB FOOTBALL. The RB's are coached by Mike Daniels. Coach Daniels brings a new energy to the room. A former RB himself in this style of offense, Coach Daniels will help to mold one of the deepest groups in the MAC into one of the most productive groups in the MAC. If the sky is the limit for the RB's on the roster, then the discovery of new worlds is in our near future with the arrival of 2010 recruit James Potts from American Heritage HS (FLA). James Potts was listed on www.rivals.com as the number 24 ranked all purpose RB in the country and will have an opportunity to compete out of the gate. But before anyone steps on the field each of these UB BULL BACKS are working like never before to be in the best shape of the lives for this upcoming season.


RB 27 – Brandon Thermilus (Sr., 511, 224) - "Therm" is a great mixture of power and deceptive speed coming out of the back field. Brandon has fought through injury and is in the best shape of his career. He is poised to be a feature back in this offense and with his dedication and leadership will provide the necessary experience to be a go to guy.

or 36 – Ike Nduka (Sr., 511 217) - "Ike" has shown the ability to be a dependable back with moments of brilliant capability. With this being his last season, Ike is working harder to be the Number 1 guy than ever before.

21 – Jeffvon Gill (So., 511, 211) - Jeffvon had several breakout games in his freshman season and lived up to the expectations coming out of high school. Jeffvon is the perfect mixture of grace and power. Gill has tremendous vision for the hole and cutback lanes as many of his long runs last season came about due to his no quit attitude. He is one to watch.

or 32 – Branden Oliver (RFr., 58,196) - Of all the backs coming into this season "Bo" has the most excitement around him. Though he did not see the field last season, "Bo" is an electrical runner. He has great power in his frame and can cut on a dime. One of his greatest attributes is his ability to hit the hole quickly.

The RB's will be vital to the success of the 2010 UB BULLS FOOTBALL PROGRAM. They are one of the hardest working groups on the field and they have great pride in running the football and taking many trips into the end zone.

NEXT: LB'S

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

COACHES ANSWER QUESTIONS - FROM THE TRUE BLUE

FROM THE UB TRUE BLUE! - Fans ask questions about the UB FOOTBALL TEAM

QUESTION #1
Other than the obvious (Ohio and Michigan) what do you feel are the other states that the staff has good ties with recruiting?

ANSWER TO QUESTON #1

Recruiting is so much more than where a coach is from and where he has been. So much of recruiting is what has a coach accomplished with players from all over the country, what kind of guy is he and how will this coaching staff take care of a student athlete. We focus on many states but the state of New York is a major focus of our coaching staff. The UB Staff wants to go out and get the best student athletes that want to be a part of the University at Buffalo. Coaches constantly build relationships with coaches and players. That's what our recruiting is about, building relationships.

QUESTION #2
Coach Quinn - What do the players call you?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #2

I hope they just call me Coach.

QUESTION #3
Coach Quinn - What is something about Buffalo, whether it is the city itself or the university, that has surprised you?

ANSWER TO QUESTION #3

I love fishing and one of the things that I like best about Western New York is how many places there are to launch a boat.

The people in Buffalo are very much like the people I grew up around near Chicago. They are hard working and passionate people.

AS WE GET MORE QUESTIONS FROM THE TRUE BLUE WE WILL HAVE THEM ANSWERED.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

THE O-LINE TWO DEEP

THE OLINE - TWO DEEP - COACHED BY ADAM SHORTER

Adam Shorter will coach the Bulls offensive linemen after serving in the same position at Delaware State last season. He spent 2008 at Alcorn State, where he was in charge of the offensive line and tight ends. While with the Braves, Shorter was instrumental in the success of 2008 All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) offensive lineman Bronson Carvalho. Shorter began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the University of Cincinnati (2005-2007). Shorter was a four-year letterman at Cincinnati, where he was the team’s starting center. He was the recipient of the John Pease Award as the Bearcats most outstanding offensive lineman as a senior. Shorter appeared in three of Cincinnati’s four bowl appearances during his tenure. He earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated social studies in secondary education in 2004.
Shorter, who serves as UB's equipment room liaison, acknowledges the contributions to both Mark Dantonio’s and Brian Kelly’s staff at Cincinnati as the program developed into a perennial top 20 team as his proudest accomplishment of his professional life. As well as his role in the development of his players character and competitive greatness which he hopes carries through out their lives. . His hobbies are enjoying the outdoors, movies and spending time with family. He and his wife Michelle are expecting their first child.

THE OLINE:

LT 77 – Jordan Jerrold - Brings veteran savvy to the left tackle position. Jordan has proven to be a very steady player over the years. Big Number 77 started as a true FR. and has added great length and athleticism as he stands at 6ft 7 inches. The offense will look to depend on his quiet leadership on the field.

69 – Olujimi Awoliyi - "Jimi" as he is called by his fellow players has shown great improvement from his first walk on season last year. He has good size and showed improvement through spring camp. "Jimi" will continue to gain experience under the watchful eye of Coach Shorter.


LG 73 – Peter Bittner - Is a stand out at left guard. Peter has been a starter for the last four years and is a team leader. He leads by example and is one of the strongest athletes on the field. For a big man, Peter is extremely quick to get to his blocks and to the second level. Pete should have the greatest season of his career.

64 – Solomon Richberg - Solomon has played both defensive and now offensive line. Solomon is a huge human being and moves very well for his size. He showed a good understanding of the newly installed offense and could compete for playing time this season. His dedication and his hussle are his strengths.


C 75 – Josh Violanti - Josh is a very cerebral player and has very quick feet. Josh is a returning starter from last season and will continue this season stronger and faster.

68 – Brian Kelly - Brian is another senior that will add great depth to the offensive line. Brian is the starting long snapper on punt, fg and extra points. Brian has shown the ability to play tackle, guard and now adds center to his list.
or
55 – Graham Whinery - Graham will challenge at both the center and guard position for playing time. Whinery is a very smart player and is extremely physical. Graham provides the oline with depth on the inside.


RG 79 – Gokhan Ozkan - In keeping with the versatility of the UB oline, "Geo" as he is known by his fellow teammates is one of the most athletic players for his size on the field. "Geo" has shown the ability to play both guard and tackle.

71 – Jose Cortes - Coming off of shoulder surgery last season, Jose is powerful and is a very smart player. Jose not only adds to the depth of the offensive line but if he continues to improve could challenge for a starting position in the fall.


RT 78 – Matt Ostrowski - Matt has played both left tackle and right tackle. Matt has very quick feet and great technique. Matt has gotten much stronger in the weight room and looks to improve where he left off last season.

70 – Pat Wilson - Pat has all the potential any one could ask for physically. While Pat may be a very young player, he has shown that he has all the skill that it takes to be a starter one day. Pat is very athletic and can play either guard or tackle.

The offensive line is one of the most dedicated groups on the field. As the school year may have ended, the dedication of the offensive line is already being seen as reports are coming back that not only do they lift together in their summer work out programs but are running and practicing many of the techniques they learned during the spring football season. This is going to be a very important group for the success of the UB BULLS this season and they will not let the true blue fans down.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

WR (TWO DEEP) PLAYER FOCUS - SUMMER

As the summer is rapidly approaching and the UB BULLS gear up for another season, we will be focusing on each of the positions listed in our two deep summer roster. The first group that we will focus on is the WR core, coached by Coach Juan Taylor. Coach Taylor is one of the most talented WR coaches in the country. He has helped develop the likes of Naaman Roosevelt (Buffalo Bills), Ernest Jackson and Brett Hamlin. UB is very talented at the WR position and should do very well this fall with current talent on the roster and an infusion of very talented freshman in the 2010 class. The two deep features a mixture of speed and size that will help the UB pass game in the spread offense. The following are the characteristics of each player on the two deep and how they have improved through the spring and into the fall.


5 – Terrell Jackson (Jr., 511, 183) - Terrell is a great mixture of size, speed and strength. He is a natural team leader and will be looked to heavily as an on the field coach and mentor to the incoming freshman. Terrell has gained size to go with his great burst. Terrell will follow in the mold of Naaman Roosevelt and Brett Hamlin as a primary go to WR. Over the summer Terrell will continue to work on his size and speed. As he is a very physical player, Terrell will also be a great blocking WR come this fall.

10 - Ed Young (Jr., 511,192) - Ed brings a great mixture of speed and versatility. Ed is an athlete in the truest sense. He is a very smooth and reliable athlete that can do many things to challenge a defense. As Ed Young develops and gains more experience the Offensive Staff looks to Ed's "big play" ability. Ed will concentrate on speed and size in the off season. We expect big things from this guy.

2 – Marcus Rivers (Jr., 64, 207) - Marcus is the fastest WR and has developed during the spring into a very reliable go to guy. As this is his first opportunity to be a featured WR, Marcus has stepped up to the challenge and should have the best year of his career. He has matured into a team leader. Marcus had a very productive spring camp and is looking better than ever. While the coaching staff expects great things out of Marcus Rivers, it is Marcus Rivers that expects great things out of himself. Marcus has great size and his speed has translated into tighter routes and great ability to come back for the football.

83 – Alex Neutz (RFr.,63,200) - Alex took a major step toward becoming the player that he was recruited to be. Alex is a very physical receiver and shows to have the ability of being a bigger version of Brett Hamlin. Alex has the ability to go over the middle as well as make amazing catches on the side lines as was seen in the spring game. Expectations are high and this young player should do well in the spread concept. His intelligence and hard work will continue to serve him well as he prepares for his first season as a main player in the offense.


80 – Fred Lee (RFr., 61,193) - Fred has great potential. He has good size and speed and his technique is very advanced for such a young player. Very few on the field out work Fred Lee. His conditioning is one of his top qualities along with his instinctive football sense. Fred is the kind of the player that wants the ball every chance he gets but is not a selfish player. Fred epitomizes the term "team player."

16 - Saron Hood (So., 62,180) - Saron has shown great progress through the spring. He has added size and is proving to be a player with potential. In a very talented WR core, Saron has stepped up his game and looks to gain more playing time as the season progresses. Saron's top quality is his dedication to the refinement of his game. As Saron continues to strive to achieve his goals as a player, his hard work will most certainly payoff on the field.


Our next focus group will be on the Offensive Line - Coached by Coach Adam Shorter.

Monday, April 5, 2010

BULL BALL - With OC Greg Forest

Coach Greg Forest brings with him years of experience in the new UB Offensive System. Described as a spread offense, the BULLS make the transition from a pro style offense that featured many two back sets into a system where UB's talented Wide Receiver core will have an opportunity to shine. While the Quarterbacks continue to compete and gain experience in the system, Coach Forest and his wealth of information is a consummate professional that constantly coaches and communicates with his future field generals. As the OC, Greg Forest is focused on building the same potent attack that had flourished over the past two seasons at the University at Cincinnati.

GREG FOREST - HIS VIEW OF THE GAME

When asked about his style of coaching, Coach Forest responded that each player in this offense plays a vital role and that once every aspect of this offense begins to click it will be very hard to defend in the Mid American Conference.

He continued to say that he believes in great focus from every player and coach while in the classroom and on the field. To observe him on the field one understands the fire that Coach Forest brings to the offense. While you may hear him coaching from the stands, it is when he has his offense around him that you truly get an idea of the wisdom that he brings to the game.

As there are only two weeks left before the Spring Game (April, 24th) the UB offense has already installed the better part of its playbook. With every meeting and every practice this new version of BULL BALL is forging ahead and showing signs of future greatness. With the wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball and the incoming 2010 class, the new spread offensive scheme will have a depth of weapons that will make for great competition in the off season and in the season ahead.


OUR NEXT BLOG WILL FOCUS ON THE BULL DEFENSE!

GO BULLS!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

RECRUIT-A-BULL! Ernest Jones Recruiting Coordinator

Coach Ernest Jones and the UB Coaching Staff take great pride in the recruiting process. Coach Jones emphasises the Five Stages of Recruiting and how important each process is in building lasting relationships with coaches, student athletes and parents or guardians.

STAGE 1 - IDENTIFYING THE NEXT BULL IN

UB Recruits in many different parts of the country but it all starts in our own back yard in New York State. Once we identify New Yorks Finest, we turn our attention to our other key recruiting states. Recruiting begins by first identifying the best student athletes in our key recruiting states both academically and athletically. Once you have identified these potential student athletes, the next step is identifying what Coach Jeff Quinn refers to as the (RKG) Right Kind of Bull. Is this potential student athlete the right young person for the University at Buffalo? Does he demonstrate great character on and off the field? What is his level of interest in the University at Buffalo? After establishing the (RKG) basis for prospective student athletes, the next stage of the recruiting process begins.

STAGE 2 - BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP

Since the NCAA has very strict regulations and guidelines for the recruiting process, the best way to initially build a relationship with a student athlete is to provide that student athlete with as much information about the University at Buffalo as possible. This begins by sending information to the High School Coaches and then eventually information to the student athlete at his home or via email. After the potential prospect has received information regarding academic programs, information about coaches and the football team, the recruiting coordinator then will invite the potential prospects to what is known as a "Junior Day."

STAGE 3 - JUNIOR DAY

Junior Day is one of the most important opportunities for the UB Football Staff and potential student athletes as it gives the Coaches an opportunity to meet the student athlete and his parents or coach. For the student athlete it is the first time he will step foot on campus and be exposed to actual student life at the University at Buffalo. By getting an opportunity to meet and listen to each coach explain what they do by position and then being introduced to members of our academic faculty and academic support team, the prospect and parents get a very clear understanding of the fantastic academics and support staff that the University at Buffalo offers. The true selling point of the University on Junior Day is that the prospects get to see the North Campus in Amherst, New York. More often then not when a recruit gets to visit the University at Buffalo and take a tour of our facilities and see our beautiful campus, The University at Buffalo is put on the short list of schools where the prospect considers attending. Once the University at Buffalo has made an offer for scholarship to the potential prospect then it is up to the prospect to begin his decision making process and STAGE 4 in the recruiting process is probably the most important of all.

STAGE 4 - OFFICIAL VISIT

The OFFICIAL VISIT is a culmination of a very long recruiting process. Relationships have been established, a familiarization with the coaches and the University has taken place and the final visit to the University is based on spending several days with the coaches, players, professors and academic support staff. Where the prospect and family had an opportunity on Junior Day to see the facilities in a limited situation, the OFFICIAL VISIT is a much more involved and intimate opportunity to really get to experience the community and culture of the University at Buffalo, the football team and the Western New York Region. In most cases after taking the OFFICIAL VISIT to the University at Buffalo, many of the recruits will experience enough of UB LIFE to determine if the University at Buffalo is a place that they could call home for the next four to five years of their lives. Often the prospect lets the coaching staff know of their decision before they even leave the campus by giving the coaching staff the best news possible, "THE NEXT BULL IN!"

STAGE 5 - SIGNING DAY

"THE NEXT BULL IN" is the brand of Coach Quinn's culture at the University at Buffalo. Signing day is when all of our prospects that have decided to attend the University at Buffalo make it official. The 2010 Recruiting Class is regarded as the best class that UB has had in its Division 1 history. The recruits of the future will continue to come to UB due to this recruiting process and the tireless work of the UB coaches and recruiting staff.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Spring Break for the BULLS

The UB BULL staff and players are only taking the week off to see family and friends before they prepare for spring practices beginning on March 24. The BULLS will be practicing three days a week while working with strength and conditioning coaches to get bigger, faster and stronger when not on the field. This is a high tempo training schedule that the players have been preparing for since Coach Quinn arrived in January. The results are already obvious. In our next few blogs we will be posting Coach Quinn's philosophy and how it is creating the "Next Bull In" culture at the University at Buffalo. During camp we will have interviews with players and coaches.

GO BULLS!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

THE NEXT BULL IN!

"THE NEXT BULL IN" is more than just a new motto for the University at Buffalo Football Program, it is new attitude and commitment by every UB BULL coaching staff member and every student athlete that an all in mentality is what is needed and expected in order to achieve success in the classroom and on the football field.

As you will read in the days to come, Coach Jeff Quinn and his staff are dedicated to creating the finest student athletes in the country. The culture of "THE NEXT BULL IN" will be carried over into our student population and into the Western New York Area and across the state of New York.

We look forward to informing you of all the special things that are going on in this football program, this university and the Western New York Community.

GO BULLS!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Coach Jeff Quinn - "The Next Bull In!"


We will be providing a series of updates on Head Coach Jeff Quinn and his coaching staff with in the next week. We look forward to the new opportunity to see the UB BULLS continue to succeed in the class room and on the field. Look for our updates.