UConn learning to juggle football, academics
Head coach Randy Edsall also serves as program’s academic liason
“I've got to get these guys to understand that this program is not just about football. Sometimes these guys think C's are good enough. That's average. I don't want these kids to be average. If I allow that, then I'm cheating them.” RANDY EDSALL, UCONN COACH
Storrs — UConn football players learn from day one that they'll be graded on their performance both as a student and as an athlete.
Coach Randy Edsall cares more about the former than latter.
"We're student-athletes," redshirt sophomore Eddie Hahn said Tuesday. "Students first, athletes second. The thing that he really doesn't joke around with when it comes to us is our grades and academics.
"... It's something that coach Edsall really wants us to focus on because we're here to get a degree when it's all said and done. The next level is a benefit. If you can do it, you can do it. We're here to get degrees and play football."
On a weekly basis, Edsall, who serves as the program's academic liaison, receives an academic progress report. He regularly holds individual meetings with his players.
Edsall embraces that role and believes he's sending a message about the program.
"It's what we sell, that we care about you as a total person, not just as an athlete," Edsall said. "If the head coach is involved, it puts a little more emphasis on it . ... I've got to get these guys to understand that this program is not just about football. Sometimes these guys think C's are good enough. That's average. I don't want these kids to be average. If I allow that, then I'm cheating them.
"It's just something I've always done because I think it's important. It's just my value system, my morals and what I believe in."
Edsall announced Tuesday that two young Huskies struggling academically, freshman linebacker Kevon Jones and redshirt freshman backup quarterback Marvin Washington, will sit out the final three games, including Saturday afternoon's home contest against Southern Methodist University.
Jones, who's appeared in all nine games and started six, is the team's third-leading tackler with 53. He's first in tackles for a loss with six and second in sacks with 2.5.
"He's a young man that had too much on his plate as a true freshman," Edsall said. "I saw that he was struggling a little bit and I made the decision that he's not going to play in our last three games and he's going to concentrate on academics.
"It wasn't fair to some of these kids but in the situation we're in, they had to play . ... I've got to do what's best for these kids, not what anybody else thinks what's best for them."
Washington has been in and out of Edsall's doghouse in two seasons in Storrs. He hasn't traveled with the team on the last two road trips. In limited action in three games, Washington completed 9 of 24 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. He's been intercepted three times.
On Monday, Edsall met with Washington, the only quarterback besides starter David Pindell to throw a pass this season, and laid out the options to him.
Either Washington could continue to try to juggle the responsibilities of the backup quarterback job and his classroom work, knowing that he needs to achieve a certain grade-point average, or he could become the scout team quarterback, leaving him more time to concentrate on academics.
"I said, 'Marvin, you've got to learn to be a man. You've got to learn to make decisions what you think is best in your interests going forward.'"
Edsall gave Washington until Tuesday to make a decision. When they met again, Edsall was happy to hear that Washington elected to be the scout team quarterback and focus on academics.
"I stood up and gave him a big hug because he starting to get it," Edsall said. "I don't know what's going to happen. But I know this: What we're doing is right. And that kid is finally seeing it. That's the stuff that makes you feel good because you're helping these kids become better people, better students and better athletes."
Hahn is in the position to offer advice to his younger teammates. He experienced a challenging transition from high school to college life.
While he benefited from sitting out as a redshirt, Hahn says he struggled academically. With support from his coaching staff, he eventually learned how to handle the heavy workload of a Division I athlete.
"Academics is no joke," Hahn said. "You've got to take care of it. Because if you can't take care of stuff in the classroom, then how is a coach going to trust you on third-and-1 when the game is on the line. ... It's just building trust with the coaches. If you can do it off the field, then you can do it on the field." g.keefe@theday.com