AMHERST — UMass football coach Mark Whipple admitted there were moments last year, when injuries thinned his numbers, when he wondered if redshirting wide receiver Bernard Davis for the season had been a mistake.
But as the Minutemen get ready for 2016, Whipple is glad to have the senior receiver among the ranks.
In a passing game that features new starting quarterback Ross Comis and a whole bunch of new receivers, Davis’ experience has been a welcomed addition.
“Bernard is more mature. He’s a leader. He’s doing a lot of good things. He’s a good route runner. He’s one of those guys that helps those younger guys line up and in meeting rooms. He’s a good player,” Whipple said. “There were times last year when I felt like maybe we shouldn’t have redshirted Bernard. Now I’m glad we did. We have more depth than we’ve had before.”
Of the 281 completed passes UMass had in 2015, 230 were caught by players no longer on the roster. Among those lost, Tajae Sharpe is competing to be a starter for the Tennessee Titans, while Marken Michel is fighting for a roster spot on the Minnesota Vikings.
Davis, who has 24 career catches for 176 yards and one touchdown, said he’s ready to break out.
“It’s a great situation right now. With those guys graduating we need more playmakers like myself, Shakur Nesmith and Jalen Williams,” Davis said. “I’m just trying to be a good example to the young guys. I used last year to get where I’m at right now and hopefully have a very productive year coming up.”
If he gets healthy Williams figures to be in the mix to start. An injury forced the would-be starter to take a medical redshirt last year. He’s missed all of camp so far with an ankle injury, allowing several players to get an extended look for more playing time. But Whipple expects he’ll be ready in time.
The top returning receiver is Nesmith, who had 15 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns last year. The 6-foot-4, 206-pound receiver looks the part of a big- time receiver, but has struggled to find consistency.
“Shakur has a ton of potential, but it’s about getting him comfortable and playing confident,” said wide receivers coach Spencer Whipple. “He’s got a unique talent to catch the ball. He just needs to work on his consistency. That’s something he’s focused on.”
Sophomore Andy Isabella, who was a running back at this time a year ago, has moved to receiver to take advantage of his track-star speed.
“I’ve got all the plays down. I’m comfortable,” said Isabella, who finished 12th in the 100 meters in the Atlantic 10 (11.00) outdoor meet last year. “We’re all learning from each other to get better every day.”
Mark Whipple said Isabella is emerging.
“He really got to work on being a receiver (in the spring). He’s made a bunch of big plays (in camp),” Whipple said. “He’s smart and obviously fast. He’s coming out of his shell and doing well.”
Dan Jonah, a former baseball player who had two catches for 51 yards and touchdown last year, figures to land on the early two-deep as well.
UMass has three true freshman who have shown considerable potential in practice. Brennon Dingle, who is not related to former UMass basketball star Dana Dingle, will be an academic redshirt. As a partial qualifier, he’s allowed to practice, but won’t be eligible for game action until 2017.
But Sadiq Palmer and Elijah Robinson have both caught Whipple’s eye and could play right away.
“There’s no question there’s talent there,” Mark Whipple said. “Sadiq has done well and Elijah has really come on in the last couple days. We need all those guys and there’s some talent.”
Comis has been impressed.
“The freshmen as a whole have really stepped up. They’ve done a great job,” he said. “They’re still learning. You get a feel for how they run routes. They’re doing a great job.”
Palmer was eager to contribute.
“I’m still learning the plays and getting comfortable with college football but so far it’s going well,” he said. “Anyway I can help I will. Even if it’s blocking or running down on a kickoff, I’ll do anything. I just want to play throughout the year and do what I can to help the team win. Whatever to win I’ll do.”
Palmer said he watched video of Sharpe to get ready.
“He’s a legend. I’m starting to idolize him because he did such great things,” Palmer said. “Watching what he did is helping me become a better player.”
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage