Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany concluded the first week of preseason football practice with a controlled scrimmage at University Field on Saturday, Aug. 14. The Great Danes, who have won or shared four NEC titles since 2002, have tomorrow off before resuming two-a-day workouts.
"The defense had the upper hand and that happens in the preseason," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford following a scrimmage session that featured more than 70 offensive plays with special teams drills. "It's like a great watch that has to be fine-tuned. We ran to the ball (on defense) and I was impressed with the kicking game."
After the Great Danes put on full pads for the first time the previous day, the offense had its moments too. Dan Di Lella, a 6-foot-5 junior, was one of four quarterbacks to see action. He connected on 6-of-8 through the air for 44 yards. Redshirt freshman Tramaine Wilson turned in the highlight play with a sharp-cutting 49-yard dash. Freshman tailbacks Clay Harris and Dillon Romain rushed for 30 and 23 yards, respectively.
"Your legs are heavy at the end of the first week and you find out who wants to be out there," offered senior defensive end Mike Kelly, who broke up a pass and had extra duty as a long snapper on special teams. "After losing 17 seniors, I thought some guys stepped it up, even some sophomores, in practice this week."
UAlbany's full roster was involved on a rotation basis in the team's first scrimmage. Buddy Leathley, a redshirt freshman, quarterbacked the first and second units. Freshmen Will Fiacchi and Jake Meek worked with the third offensive group.
Paw Prints: The Great Danes scrimmaged at University Field in the morning and the New York Giants held their workout on the same field in the afternoon ... more than 4,500 fans attended Giants practice.... UAlbany's Dave Plungas, a sophomore inside linebacker who missed the spring due to an injury, accounted for five solo tackles ... Justin Hassan, who has six tackles and one interception, has moved into the starting free safety position ... Trevor Anderson, a first-team All-Northeast Conference defensive tackle, and Raymond Dorcely each recorded a sack ... Zach Gallo, Ryan Conway and Jake Ciccarello made four tackles apiece.
