WR Noel Thomas will lead a receiving corps that may be young, but one that also has experience

Standing along the offensive sideline as redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Davis jogged to the huddle for his reps during Friday morning’s practice, the sixth of the spring for UConn football, a voice could be heard yelling, “Let’s go TD! Let’s go TD!”

It was emanating from starting quarterback Bryant Shirreffs, who followed Davis’ every move, from play call, to pre-snap read. It was abundantly clear, Shirreffs not only has a firm leadership hold over the entire offense, but his position group, as well.

Davis’ arm strength was clearly shown on throws over the middle and to the sideline, but there were also moments where he missed on a screen pass, feeling the pressure just as it arrived. It’s the learning moments of seeing more time under center at the college level for Davis, who is in his second spring with the Huskies program.

The Long Island native is just one of many players who are impressing the staff this spring.

“He’s [Davis] pushing, we are all pushing,” Diaco responded when asked if TD has moved up the depth chart. “There’s competitiveness at every level, everybody’s competing to play a role. He’s competing to play a role, but in the roles that he’s been asked to do, right now as the next, next man in quarterback and as the holder, he’s improved as the holder and he’s improving as the next, next man QB.”

Diaco has been hard pressed to find anything he isn’t happy with this spring.

“I could say what I don’t like would be hard,” he responded. “I think it’s more specific that way, there’s so many things I like. I mean guys like [LB] Connor Freeborn and Naz [LB Nazir Williams] and Tyler Davis and young guys, [TE] Chris Lee, the wide receivers, [S] Marshe Terry, [LB] Will Richardson, these guys are getting better now, with reps. And now they aren’t on the look team, they are really out there working.”

The head coach’s praise did not stop with the younger, less experienced players either.

“Guys like [LB] Luke Carrezola, [C Ryan] Crozier, Bryant [Shirreffs], [LB] Junior Joe [Joseph] and [S] Obi [Melifonwu], they’re improving their games, which is hard,” he added. “[OL] Andreas [Knappe], I’ve watched him play over 2,000 plays, so for him to move his game forward, it requires that much more energy and that much more specific discipline and he’s doing it. Everybody’s getting better.”

Wide receiver is a position that will be especially young, with just seniors Noel Thomas and Brian LeMelle, the only returning multi-year players. Under new wide receiver coach Erik Campbell, the players have noticed a change.

“He’s really an outstanding coach,” said sophomore receiver Tyraiq Beals. “He’s helped us a lot already and makes sure we don’t cut corners at all.”

Diaco knows if the offense is going to make drastic strides forward, the receiving corp is going to play a large role. Beals, sophomore Hergy Mayala and sophomore Aaron McLean, all saw action as true freshmen. They will be joined this season by redshirt freshman Frank Battle (Miami, FL).

“They are going to have a big impact,” Diaco said about the receiving corp. “They are all talented players and their heart is in the right spot. They love football, love being on this team and enjoy serving this state and university. They’re going to be a hard force to keep down.”

Having played in 2015 will only benefit Beals, Mayala and McLean.

“Playing is the thing, it’s THE thing,” Diaco reinforced. “You play in the games, you get better. The rest, practice and scrimmages, you can just get kind of better. Until you play in the games, you’re not going to make that great improvement. Playing in the games is huge.”

One thing that hasn’t changed this year, the Huskies are still focused on the process, improving day after day, taking all challenges in stride.

“Every week has been a little bit different,” Diaco said. “We’ve had spring break, we had Easter weekend, so we’ve been cognizant of that too. It’s been great so far, the team has gotten better and better every single day. The players are individually improving their game, the coaches are individually improving our games, so there’s just a lot of positive energy right now.”

“I’ve seen a difference every day we’ve been here and we’re focused, day-to-day,” he continued. “However long we’ve been at this thing now, a better part of two years, every day has been better than the last day. This is by far our most productive mode right now with meetings and practice, weight training and strength and conditioning, eating, academics and conduct on campus. Listen, young people, young men, even myself, we make mistakes everyday, but there is so much less and the heart is in the right place. We’ve got good guys on the team.”