Minutemen run in space with Young legs
AMHERST — UMass tailback Marquis Young is a formidable offensive threat who is adding a needed dimension to his overall game.
The featured ball carrier for the Minutemen has churned out 296 net yards on 78 carries in four games that included an 83-yard touchdown run against Mississippi State last week at Gillette Stadium.
The 6-foot-0, 205-pound sophomore from Fairport, N.Y., slowly has assimilated into the team’s commitment to the throwing game. Young has caught eight passes for 39 yards and he looks to expand those numbers when UMass (1-3) hosts the Green Wave of Tulane (2-2) this afternoon at McGuirk Stadium.
“I’ve had to work on that in the offseason because my hands are a little rough,” said Young. “All season I’ve been working on getting my hands better and trying to focus on my game.
“It is definitely fun out there in space and I’ve had fun. But now we are getting back to the basics to get the ‘W’ home this week.”
Young’s role in the passing game remains a work in progress and is regulated by both the UMass game plan and what the opposition employs in terms of man or zone coverage schemes.
Young admitted that catching passes was not an option at Freeport High School and his year of prep at Milford Academy. Young was pressed into service as a true freshman last season and he caught 15 passes for 71 yards.
“He’s catching the ball much better,” said coach Mark Whipple. “We couldn’t even throw it to him last year or just a little bit, but he works hard and he has got a much better feel for the pass game now and everything else.
“Last week (we) got the ball to him in space a little and we are going to continue and try and do that. He’s doing a better job blocking in the pass game and he’s been a great player for us.”
Young’s role in the passing game has grown since Virginia Tech transfer Andrew Ford replaced injured starter Ross Comis at quarterback. Young had his breakout game as a receiver with five catches for 44 yards with a long of 23 against Mississippi State. Young had three catches for minus-5 yards in the first three games.
Ford focused primarily on his outside weapons Bernard Davis, Jalen Williams and Andy Islabella and tight end Adam Breneman against the man coverage schemes of Florida International and Mississippi State.
Ford threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns vs. FIU and came back with 273 yards and four scores against Mississippi State. While Young is near the bottom of Ford’s progressions, he understands the damage an elusive ball carrier is capable of in open space.
“Being able to get a fifth receiver out in the pattern is huge for us and you saw when he gets the ball in his hands he can make some plays,” said Ford.
“For us to use him out of the backfield and get lined up on linebackers is big for us. Each week we are going do more things with our guys. But to have him as a check-down option for a couple of yards and let him take it to the house that will be huge for us.”