University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Open Spring Practice
3/5/2022 7:15:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The Ryan Carty era has officially begun as the University of Delaware football team opened Spring Practice on Saturday morning with a two-hour session on the UD Practice Fields. With temperatures in the 40s, the Blue Hens put together a spirited first practice with lots of energy among both the coaches and players. The team ran through individual position drills with a primary focus on perfecting techniques.
There were a lot of new faces on the field as 11 coaches took part in their first Delaware practice. Carty has brought an entirely new staff on the offensive side of the ball, while the defense has four newcomers. Defensive coordinator Manny Rojas returns for his third season with the Blue & Gold, while Holman Copeland and Rich Yahner will continue to work with the cornerbacks and linebackers, respectively.
The Blue Hens return many key players from a year ago, including the defense's top four tacklers in Johnny Buchanan (81 tackles), Kedrick Whitehead (76), Liam Trainer (61) and Noah Plack (57). On offense, UD is led by the return of quarterbacks Nolan Henderson and Zach Gwynn while All-CAA Second Team selection Thyrick Pitts returns to lead the wide receiver corps.
What They're Saying
"It felt great to be able to watch our guys compete and run around in an actual football setting. The energy was what we wanted, the tempo was solid, and the competitive juice was flowing. I'm sure we made our mistakes, but we made them full speed. We'll look at the tape and evaluate the assignment, but for a first day, I'm extremely pleased." – Head Coach Ryan Carty
"The first day was jam-packed with energy and excitement on both sides of the ball. Coach Carty and the new staff are out there competing just as hard as us guys on the field. I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the Spring." – Fifth-year safety Kedrick Whitehead
"It was great to get back out there today. You could feel a lot of excitement and anticipation from the guys to finally get out on the field and play football after all the film study and workouts. It was also our first opportunity to practice with the new staff and I felt like there was a certain energy on the field today. We only get so many of these in the spring so it's important we come out with a purpose every day and get better." – Fifth-year quarterback Nolan Henderson
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
