UMass quarterback Gino Campiotti is greater than a complementary element to the Minutemen’s increasing floor assault.
The 6-3, 215-pound redshirt junior from Manteca, Calif., has shifted his dual-threat capabilities extra in direction of improvised and designed runs. Campiotti leads the Minutemen with 195 speeding yards and a landing on 40 carries by way of three video games.
Campiotti and featured tailback Ellis Merriweather mixed for 148 speeding yards on 31 carries within the Minutemen’s 20-3 victory over Stony Brook within the residence opener final Saturday at McGuirk Stadium.
That identical tandem will possible be on the level of assault when UMass (1-2) engages the Temple Owls (1-2) on Saturday (2 p.m.) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
“I would say we all complement each other very well,” mentioned Campiotti. “We’ve run the quarterback in actually a run heavy offense thus far.
“I think that it throws a lot of loops into conventional football in what people expect to be happening. I think we do it for each other and it works really well for us.”
Head coach Don Brown and offensive coordinator Steve Casula put the passing handcuffs on Campiotti and sophomore back-up Brady Olson within the Minutemen’s opening losses to Tulane and Toledo.
Campiotti was granted extra leeway to throw strategic quick passes in opposition to Stony Brook. Campiotti accomplished 10-of-15 for 90 yards, together with an 18-yard landing toss to Cam Sullivan-Brown on UMass’ opening drive.
Campiotti loved success passing the soccer final season at Modesto Junior College in California. Campiotti competed in 11 video games and threw for 1,931 yards and 18 touchdowns.
There are two components in play as UMass appears to increase its passing offense. Campiotti has began to search out chemistry along with his secure of move catchers, with Sullivan-Brown and George Johnson his main targets.
Campiotti’s means to run to house and grapple for arduous yards ultimately positive aspects the respect of the opposing secondary, a dangerous tact that may open up the passing sport.
“We run the ball so much we get defensive players to bite and that allows short pass plays to open up,” mentioned Campiotti. “That is a huge part of our scheme and we eventually want to throw it over your head.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com