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Can Don Brown make UMass football competitive this season?

By Dante Pryor

Sep 25, 2021; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh (6) dives for the goal line in the NCAA football game of Massachusetts and Coastal Carolina at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh (6) dives for the goal line in the NCAA football game of Massachusetts and Coastal Carolina at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports /
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STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 17: Josiah Johnson #16 of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen passes the ball against the Georgia Southern Eagles on October 17, 2020, at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 17: Josiah Johnson #16 of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen passes the ball against the Georgia Southern Eagles on October 17, 2020, at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

The Minutemen scored just 16.3  points per game last season.

Offensively, Massachusetts needs lots of help. No part of the roster is that talented when you score 16 points per game, but the group did have a few bright spots. UMass’ offensive line was not terrible, finishing tied for 61st in sacks allowed, which is about average. Leading rusher Ellis Merriweather returns, rushing for 1,138 yards.

The Minutemen need to improve at quarterback and wide receiver. Having a running game as a foundation will help. Coach Brown and offensive coordinator Steve Casula hope some transfers can instantly impact the offense. Three of UMass’ transfers are on the offensive line to improve the first five and provide talent depth on the two-deep.

Last season’s leading receiver, Rico Arnold, had just 27 receptions but averaged over 17 yards per catch. Transfers Isaiah Holiness (San Jose State) and Gregory Desrosiers (Louisville) should add speed and reliability at the wide receiver position. Holiness can return kicks and punts, and Desrosiers is an all-purpose player who can do a bit of everything.

The Minutemen also have some solid veterans returning as well. The Johnson’s Josiah and Jermaine should step up and contribute more in the passing game. Coach Casula has some improved pieces from last season but must improve at quarterback.

Sophomore Brady Olson threw the most passes but completed only 48 percent of their passes. Keep an eye on Zamar Wise, who threw only nine passes but was third on the team in rushing.

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