By Bob Weiner for UAlbany Athletics
ALBANY, N.Y. – By switching roles this spring, Neven Sussman moved from a double threat to a triple threat for the University at Albany Great Danes.
The junior from Sandy Spring, Md., was the starting quarterback for almost all of the 2016 season, but when fellow junior Will Brunson was named the No. 1 signal caller at the beginning of spring practice, Sussman accepted the backup role – for now. The 6-foot-3, 216-pounder proved he could pass (71-for-155, 1,017 yards, 7 TD passes, 8 interceptions) and run when necessary (121 net yards on 86 carries and 1 TD) in helping the Great Danes post a 7-4 record. He actually picked up 326 rushing yards but lost 205 on QB sacks and tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
UAlbany head coach Greg Gattuso and his staff made sure Sussman would remain an integral part of the Great Danes' offense by inserting several Wildcat and other special packages involving his versatile talents in their play calling this spring, but Sussman picked up even more guaranteed playing time when he was also named the team's punter.
“It was a little surprising when they ask me to do some punting this spring,” Sussman said. “But it opens up a lot for the punting team, and the offense as well. Certainly, I hope this helps us stay on the field longer as an offensive unit. The objective is to be on the team and help the team as much as you can. This is a special way to help the team, and I'll do the best I can.”
Sussman admitted that he didn't spend very much time in his new role. “I punted before practice, and I'll put in some more work this summer. I try to fit in some punts wherever I can. It all depends on how much time I've got. Most of my time was spent on the quarterback drills," he said. "There is a lot to the QB position, and you have to focus on all of your responsibilities. Adding the punting duties is a little tougher, but it's also pretty cool. It's sort of like riding a bike. I've punted before, back in high school, and once I figured it out, it's working again.”
But Sussman added that he still thinks of himself as a quarterback first, second and third. His punting responsibilities are additional duties. “You are always one play away from taking over at quarterback, so I need to focus on that position primarily,” he said. “That's what I'm here for. This (punting) is just another way to help. Everything is proportional, and you roll with that. You're job is earned every day in practice, and that's the reality.”
Although all of the QBs struggled in last weekend's annual spring practice game, Sussman punted surprisingly well, averaging 38 yards a boot. “Neven punted very well,” Gattuso said. “He certainly had enough opportunities.”
SPRING GAME RECAP
UAlbany's defense dominated the annual spring game at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium by bouncing the Great Danes' offense 58-9.
Coach Gattuso and his staff came up with a special scoring system for the game. Besides the usual six points for a touchdown and three points for a field goal, two points were awarded on offense for a run of 15 yards or longer, a pass of 20 yards or longer and three consecutive first downs. On defense, points were earned for turnovers (four), sacks or tackles for a loss (two) and 3-and-out series (two).
UAlbany's offense gained only 16 first downs in 21 drives. Ethan Stark kicked a 32-yard field goal. Junior running back Kendall Rodgers Jr. was solid running the ball as the featured back.
Perhaps the best play on offense was turned in by first-year wide receiver Jerod Diggs, a transfer from Lackawanna, who made an acrobatic catch on a toss by Will Brunson for 37 yards. “He's exactly what I thought he'd be,” Gattuso said.
The defense, especially the guys up front, played exceptionally well. “They're hard to block,” Gattuso said.
Antoine White, a defensive tackle who transferred from Penn State, led a strong group that recorded numerous sacks and tackles for a loss. The defense forced five turnovers, including a pick-6 by Ty Tobias. “We just wanted to take today and build off the spring ball we've been having so far,” White said.
UAlbany football season tickets are now on sale for the 2017 season. Prices start as low as $75. For more information, visit ualbanysports.com/tickets or call the UAlbany ticket office directly at 518-442-DANE.
