UMass will wear helmet stickers honoring Michael Boland, who died during the offseason

AMHERST — The UMass football team is dedicating the season to Michael Boland, the former offensive lineman who died unexpectedly in the offseason.

Each player will have a green shamrock with the initials “MB” on the back of his helmet.

Tight end Adam Breneman, who was close with Boland, said the Maryland native was very much on the team’s mind. He said he’d be proud to wear the sticker.

“It’s awesome. It’s such a neat tribute to him and everything he’s meant to us. Not a day goes by that he’s not talked about,” Breneman said. “It’s going to be a tough one. I know he’s looking down from above and the season is going to be played in his honor.”

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage