UAlbany Welcomes Back Outside Linebacker Chris Blais As Spring Football Practice Begins

Albany, N.Y. - Head coach Bob Ford welcomed back his football squad for the first day of spring practice on Monday (April 5) at the Mara-Tisch Practice Field near the Western Avenue side of campus. No one was happier to return to the natural grass field than Chris Blais.

"My emotions were high today," said Blais, who missed all of last season due to injuries after making 31 tackles in 12 appearances at outside linebacker during the 2008 campaign. "I physically marked this (date) on the calendar. Last year was frustrating."

A native of Troy, N.Y. where he was the area's top defensive player as a high school senior, Blais was saddled with two separate right hand injuries. He fractured his thumb during the preseason and a pin was surgically placed to help the healing process. After going through the recovery period, he got back on the practice field in October only to break two metacarpal bones in a separate incident.

"It was discouraging, but I look at the positives," explained Blais, who moved to his current position from the secondary two springs ago. "You don't get too many opportunities like this (to play college football), plus I missed being on the field with everyone."

After Blais and his defensive teammates wrapped up the first spring session with a pursuit drill, he talked about his obligations as a senior to the younger players. "I want to help them along the way," he said. "It's too much to handle for a freshman. Dave Nicomini and Trevor DuPont (former UAlbany players) helped me. You want them to do well in the future, so that the program can maintain its level or go even higher."

Blais admits that the first week of the spring will be a transition for him. Maybe he can also assist in the development of those around him.

Paw Prints: UAlbany was dressed in helmets and shorts for the first spring workout and will not wear pads until Friday (April 9) ... competition will be keen at several positions after 17 seniors graduated off last year's 7-4 team ... inside lineacker Said Gaida was pleased to be on the field with his new team ... Gaida is eligible immediately as Hofstra discontinued football after the 2009 season ... Rob Cervini, who had to sit out last year after transferring from Rutgers, worked at free safety and as a holder on the field goal/PAT special teams unit.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information