Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson removed himself from last Sunday’s game against Houston because he was tired after the game.
University of Richmond Spiders may not have a complete line of defense if they are standard.
UR did a little more on the defensive front as injuries whittled down the numbers in that position group to a few tackles, a few ends and a few reserves. They rotate, some in multiple positions, because there is no healthy alternative.
“Things like injuries happen, they happen. “Unfortunately, it was the defensive line that suffered most of the injuries this season.” Camden ByrdPatrick Henry is a 6-foot-3, 245-pound redshirt sophomore defensive end from the top. “You just have to be ready. You never know when your time will run out. You should be ready to go.”
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“Keep Pumping It”
Bird moved into the starting lineup after Donovan Hoilett suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Spiders’ second game. After three games, Benedictine’s TDJ Baldwin suffered a season-ending knee injury. And there were other physical issues that kept defensive linemen out.
UR coach Russ HuesmanSuggested in his eighth year at Richmond that the defensive line is not where you want to be short because it takes a lot of energy to play those positions effectively.
“Sometimes you can get a DB, even an offensive line, they can play their 70,” Huesman. “But on the front end defensively, you run. You’re running a lot of … They’re hitting every shot, but then they’re running every snap.
The Spiders were strong against the run and the pass despite using the same two players – Karsen Stoklinski and Matthew Fitz – in places of struggle with limited terrain.
“They’ve got to keep swallowing it,” Huesman said of Stoklinski and Fitz.
This is Fitz’s plan, whose name is the Romanian form of “Matthew”.
“We try to build our tanks to be ready for moments like this,” said Fitz, a 6-2, 280-pound James Madison transfer from Leesburg who is in his third year as a Spider.
“No energy saving”
Heading into Saturday’s homecoming game against Towson (4-4, 2-2 CAA), the No. 16 Spiders (6-2, 4-0 CAA) are on a six-game winning streak after an 0-2 start. That uptick is largely due to the improved play of UR’s defense, which leads the league in points allowed (17.6 ppg, 14.3 rpg in 4 conference games).
The Spiders are second in sacks (22), led by tight ends Jeremiah Grant (eight and a half) and Byrd (four).
“It’s something we’ve been working on all year to be able to play long games,” Bird said.
He trusted the strength and conditioning coach Scott Brinks and rely on to ensure that all Spiders come into the season with enough patience.
“There is really no energy saving. You’re just out there flying,” Bird said. “We’re ready to play the whole game.”
Huesman says “thank you” to the former Spiders
Huesman played defensive end in Chattanooga, but he did not return to action other than the seasons he led the Mocs (2009-16). He thanked UR alumni and former players who returned to campus for Homecoming.
“I hope they’re proud of this place, this university, this football program,” Huesman said of the former Spider. “I see a lot of our former players coming back through the front office. Obviously, this is important. When they come back, it’s usually to say that they had a great experience at the University of Richmond.
“They’re very important to us, the program right now, and the foundation they’ve always wanted.”