Spring practice in full swing
FOOTBALL SPRING PRACTICE UNDERWAY
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Heading into its first full season of Division I eligibility, the Bryant University football team is hard at work preparing for the upcoming fall season. The Bulldogs are currently in their second week of spring practice and gearing up for the annual Black and Gold spring game on April 21.
Westerhaus under center
With the graduation of Mike Croce this season, the Bulldogs will have a new starting quarterback for the first time in three years come this fall. The leading man for the job is Mike Westerhaus (Farmingville, N.Y.). Heading into his third year with the Black and Gold, Westerhaus already has some experience under center, starting the first two games last season as Croce recovered from a preseason injury.
"Getting those two starts last year gave me a lot more confidence," Westerhaus said. "It gave me a much greater knowledge of the playbook."
As the most experienced quarterback on the roster this spring, Westerhaus knows that the job is his for the taking. He put up solid numbers in his two starts, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Still, he understands that he has a great deal left to do.
"Right now I want to earn the respect of this team and show them that I can win games," Westerhaus said. "I have to show them that I can be a leader and get the job done."
The Bulldogs have to be excited with their possible heir because he was able to work with one of the best quarterbacks in program history the last two years.
"Mike (Croce) taught me to pay attention the details and to always stay calm under pressure," Westerhaus said.
Back in action
The beginning of spring practice means different things to different people and for Michael Perry (Dunmore, Pa.) and Maduka Nwanekezi (Milton, Mass.) it means getting chance to get back on the playing field. Perry missed the final seven games last fall after getting injured against Wagner and Nwanekezi missed all of last fall with an injury.
"It's a great feeling putting the pads back on," Perry said. "When you miss that much time it really makes you appreciate how much you love the game of football."
Both players have the chance to make immediate impacts next fall. In the first four games of last season Perry had settled into the backup role behind Jordan Brown (Glastonbury, Conn.) and was thriving. More of a power runner, Perry carried the ball 24 times for 82 yards and returned seven kickoffs for 145 yards.
"It was a big loss for us losing Mike last fall," running back coach Jerrell Smith said. "Jordan and Mike are a great 1-2 punch and they really compliment each other. Plus, he can help take the load off of Jordan."
Nwanekezi, on the other hand, is looking to return to his freshman year form. He played in all 11 games during the fall of 2010 and registered five sacks as a true freshman.
"He is doing well and there are no problems with his injury so far," assistant coach Greg Gigantino said. "Now it's just a matter of him getting back into the swing of things and staying in the framework of the defense."