2012 Big East Thread

[Matthew Jones]

Where are all the Big East fans at? I'm trying to get excited for Connecticut's season but after a lot of the Huskies' best players graduated (Reyes, Moe Petrus, etc.) it's difficult to get my hopes up. How is your favorite Big East team going to play this season?

[Complex]

Rutgers new uniforms

[Matthew Jones]

What happened to Rutgers? :(

[scottyboy]

i'm actually not a big fan of these unis, meh.

is it wrong to be really pumped for the season for us? or am I just up for more disappointment by thinking this is "our year" again?

[Giantsfan1080]

I'm excited for the year but I'm sure we'll up being dissapointed. Talent wise besides QB we really should finally win the Big East.

[Dangermouse]

I fancy West Virginia.

[Giantsfan1080]

Originally Posted by Dangermouse

I fancy West Virginia.

Not in the conference anymore.

[Matthew Jones]

I wouldn't be surprised if Rutgers won the Big East but losing Schiano is going to hurt their chances. It's not like any teams in the conference are a real favorite to win though. I'd be happy with six wins and a bowl berth for Connecticut.

[Giantsfan1080]

Originally Posted by Matthew Jones

I wouldn't be surprised if Rutgers won the Big East but losing Schiano is going to hurt their chances. It's not like any teams in the conference are a real favorite to win though. I'd be happy with six wins and a bowl berth for Connecticut.

Yeah if we are favorites it's certainly not by much. Louisville should also be in contention.

[bearsfan_51]

I like South Florida as the favorites, but really, I'd be surprised if anyone wins more than 8 games.

[Giantsfan1080]

Originally Posted by bearsfan_51

I like South Florida as the favorites, but really, I'd be surprised if anyone wins more than 8 games.

We won 8 games last year and this team is better. The only real player of note that we lost is Sanu and behind him is a very talented group of WR's eith experience. Besides Arkansas we should sweep the OOC schedule and inside the Big East they should do well. I'll be very very dissapointed if we don't win at least 9 even with the new staff.

[the_lung]

Can't wait to see Pitt RB Ray Graham fully recovered from his injury and kickin' some ass again.

[Matthew Jones]

University of Connecticut 2013 NFL Draft Watch List

WR Michael Smith (6'0", 200, 4.55)

Smith was academically ineligible last season but stood out in 2010 as Connecticut's top wide receiver; Kashif Moore was drafted in April, so Smith will have more opportunities to contribute as a senior. He could be a late round pick or undrafted free agent signing with a strong rebound season.

Projection: Undrafted free agent

TE Ryan Griffin (6'5", 250, 4.80)

Griffin is Connecticut's most notable draft prospect; he has the size and athleticism of an NFL tight end and is an accomplished blocker as well. He will need to check out medically but was named to the All-Big East second team last year and should hear his name called at some point on the third day.

Projection: Fourth or fifth round

DE Jesse Joseph (6'3", 260, 4.80)

Joseph was a rising name on Connecticut's roster going into 2011, but injured his knee and recorded only one sack in nine games last year. He has the build of an NFL pass rusher and put together a strong sophomore campaign in 2010 (39-12.0-7.5); a strong year could land him a camp tryout.

Projection: Undrafted free agent

DE Trevardo Williams (6'1", 230, 4.65)

Williams plays defensive end at Connecticut but will have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL because of his lack of size. However, he is athletic enough to make the transition and should get picked at some point if he can duplicate his 2011 campaign, when he finished with 12.5 sacks.

Projection: Sixth or seventh-round pick

LB Sio Moore (6'1", 230, 4.60)

Moore recorded 110 tackles as a first-year starter in 2010, and followed that up by making 86 tackles last season to go along with three picks, 16 TFL, and 6.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and broke up six passes. He projects as a mid-to-late round 4-3 weakside linebacker in the NFL.

Projection: Fifth or sixth-round pick

CB Dwayne Gratz (5'11", 185, 4.45)

Gratz was able to step up last season after Blidi Wreh-Wilson got hurt; the conference's coaches rewarded Gratz's play (three interceptions) by naming him to the All-Big East second team. Gratz's athleticism and ball skills are notable enough to draw the attention of NFL teams in the late rounds.

Projection: Seventh round or undrafted free agent

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (6'0", 190, 4.50)

Blidi Wreh-Wilson's junior year was sidetracked by a knee injury; even though he missed four games he was still able to break up seven passes and record two interceptions. As a sophomore he returned two picks for touchdowns, and could potentially draw interest from teams looking for a free safety.

Projection: Late rounds or undrafted free agent

Also of note: Strong safety Jerome Junior (6'1", 215, 4.60) was a three-year starter with NFL measurables, but was dismissed from the team and likely will be removed from NFL draft boards. He would have been a late-round prospect or potential undrafted free agent otherwise.

[descendency]

Wow. Those Rutgers unis are atrocious. I liked the nike redesigns of quite a few of the major colleges, but I think Rutgers just took a great uni and made it bad.

[Notredameleo]

Hope my alma mater, Louisville, wins the big east again this year. Teddy Bridgewater to Devante Parker could be a good one this year. We're loaded at WR (albeit, unproven talent) and at almost every position on defense. I'm predicting a 9-3 or 10-2 record.