By MATT VAUTOUR
Sophomore Mike Caggiano will kick field goals and extra points for UMass to start the football season.
That’s the only real breaking news that came from the Minutemen’s two-deep depth chart that was released Monday.
Caggiano and Logan Laurent have been battling throughout the preseason.
Otherwise, it’s notable that five true freshman (all second string) are on the two-deep, meaning most will likely make their debuts at Florida.
The following is a look at UMass’ depth chart for Saturday’s 7:30 game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Quarterback — As coach Mark Whipple said throughout camp, redshirt sophomore Ross Comis will start, while junior college transfer Andrew Ford, a junior, is No. 2. Redshirt freshman Randall West opens as the No. 3 QB.
Running back — While last year’s sophomore breakout star Marquis Young is the starter, sophomore Sekai Linsday will see plenty of carries behind him. UMass lists three players on the chart and it’s noteworthy that true freshman Bilal Ally is third.
Fullback — Senior John Robinson-Woodgett moves to offense full time and will start at fullback. Whipple said he’ll see carries and passes thrown his way. It’s worth noting that Adam Breneman, who is the No. 1 tight end (see below), will also line up in the backfield at times, like ex-Minutemen Jean Sifrin and Rodney Mills did the last two years.
Junior Andrew Libby and JUCO transfer Malik Lee, a junior, are listed second and third, respectively.
Tight end — Breneman, the junior Penn State transfer, has impressed Whipple from day one and will see time in all situations.
Australian Travis Reynolds, a sophomore, is a better pass catcher than blocker, while junior Todd Stafford is more of a blocker than a receiver. All three will see action.
Wide receiver — Rather than list the receivers by where they’ll line up, UMass simply included its top four.
Seniors Bernard Davis and Shakur Nesmith are the top two, but it’s possible UMass will start with three receivers on the field.
Senior Jalen Williams, who is recovering from an injury, is listed third. He’ll play whenever he’s healthy and could be a starter eventually.
Sophomore Andy Isabella, a converted running back, is listed fourth.
True freshman Sadiq Palmer isn’t on the depth chart, but will see time, as will redshirt senior Dan Jonah and redshirt junior Connor Lemieux.
Breneman and Reynolds could line up outside on some plays as well.
Offensive line — True freshman Raquan Thomas, who is 6-foot-5, 392 pounds, cracked the two-deep at left tackle behind senior Elijiah Wilkinson, who moved from right tackle last year.
Senior Fabian Hoeller moved from guard to center and will be backed up by redshirt freshman Derek Dumais.
Senior Michael Boland is a returning starter at right guard ahead of redshirt sophomore Dan DiNicola.
Redshirt sophomore Jake Largay and redshirt freshman Mike Yerardi saw time with the first string in camp, but Largay is officially atop the depth chart at right guard.
Jack Driscoll, the redshirt freshman who has drawn praise throughout camp, will start at right tackle in front of redshirt sophomore Anthony Fernandez.
Defensive line — Veterans Sha-Ki Holines, a redshirt junior, and senior Peter Angeh return at defensive end and defensive tackle, respectively, while JUCO transfer Ali Ali-Musa, a junior, is expected to make an impact at nose tackle.
Senior Enoch Asante and redshirt sophomore Joe Previte will back up Holines and Angeh, while redshirt freshman Mario Patton is behind Ali-Musa.
Linebacker — Redshirt juniors Shane Huber and Steve Casali will man the middle of the Minutemen’s 3-4 defense, backed up by junior Colbert Calhoun and redshirt senior Vondell Langston.
Two newcomers will play the nickel/SAM, UMass’ hybrid safety/linebacker position as JUCO transfer Teddy Lowery will be backed up by true freshman James Bowe Jr.
Junior Da’Sean Downey will start at outside linebacker ahead of senior Peter Ngobidi.
Safety — Redshirt senior Khary Bailey-Smith returns after missing most of last year with a knee injury. He’ll start at free safety, in front of redshirt sophomore Charan Singh, who is likely to see plenty of action.
Sophomore Lee Moses takes over at strong safety, with redshirt junior Jesse Montiero backing him up.
Cornerback — Redshirt junior Jackson Porter returns to the position after spending last year at wide receiver. He and sophomore James “Pop” Allen will start with true freshmen Isaiah Rodgers and Bakhari Goodson both second on the depth chart.
Placekicker — Caggiano made all three extra points and the only field goal he attempted last year.
Punter — Laurent will focus solely on punting, a role he’s in for the second straight year.
Returns — Allen will be the primary punt returner to start the year. He and Isabella will be deep on kickoffs.
Davis will be the No. 2 punt returner, while Bailey-Smith could return kicks as well.
Longsnapper/holder — Redshirt junior Nick Berus will handle the special teams snaps, while Libby assumes holding chores.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage