McCarty Impresses as the University of Albany Football Team Ends Second Week of Spring Practice

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany football coach Bob Ford finished up the second week of spring practice with a controlled scrimmage on Friday, April 11 at University Field. The Great Danes have already conducted eight of 15 NCAA-allowed practice sessions.

David McCarty, a tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., showed why he earned All-Northeast Conference recognition last year by rushing for 104 yards and three touchdowns and hauling in a 44-yard scoring pass as his team worked on their two-minute offense. Colin Simmons, a sophomore from Manlius, N.Y., added 64 yards and one TD on the ground.

“We are starting to get people on the same page,” said quarterback Vinny Esposito, who completed 8 of 13 passes. “Any college team is trying to get their timing down during the spring. We ran the ball well, but we need to throw it better and become a balanced offense.”

The Great Danes’ defense was stingy last year when the UAlbany captured its third conference championship since joining the NEC in 1999. But a talented senior class was a big part of that unit’s front seven. Justin Brancaccio, an inside linebacker from Rockaway, N.J., may ease graduation losses. Brancaccio, who will be a junior in the fall, recorded 2.5 sacks in the scrimmage.

“We weren’t working as a group early on today,” said Brancaccio, who tied for second on the team with 63 tackles last season. “Once we slowed down, we started taking care of our responsibilities. The veterans have to bring the young guys along to get ready for the fall. With (Dave) Nicomini injured and guys lost to graduation, we need to play to the next level.”

UAlbany will practice three times next week and hold four sessions over the final seven days, as the team ends springs drills on Saturday, April 26.

Football Notes: Senior safety Dave Nicomini, a first-team All-NEC standout, had knee surgery to repair two torn ligaments on Wednesday, April 9 ... Nicomini, who had 63 tackles as a junior, was injured in the fourth spring practice ... Nicomini, who will be out indefinitely, will have a second surgical procedure in three weeks ... Herb Glass, a freshman from Miller Place, N.Y., improved his chances of replacing All-NEC placekicker Jason Fralicker ... Glass booted three field goals in the scrimmage, including a 42-yarder ... reserve quarterback Frank Blasinsky looked sharp by connecting on 9 of 11 pass attempts for 146 yards ... Blasinsky hooked up with freshman wideout John Lullen for 40 yards and threw the 44-yarder to McCarty in the two-minute drill ... sophomore defensive end Mike Kelly had a 22-yard interception return ...