Optimistic Spring For Villanova Wildcats
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Villanova football team is hoping to put a dismal 2011 season behind them as they work through spring practice.
The Wildcats went just 2-9 last season as they were plagued by inconsistency, inexperience and injury. Head coach Andy Talley says they've put in a lot of work to make sure 2012 is much improved.
"Well it's been a good spring. Really pleased with the effort that the players have made. We still don't have a lot of seniors in our program but it's a young football team with a lot of experience. We have 21 starters back. And you can tell the difference. We're a little bigger, faster and stronger this spring and I'm pretty excited about this group."
Last year, Villanova had three different quarterbacks start as they searched for consistency under center. Talley talks about what he sees from his signal callers so far this spring.
"We have two guys that are working real hard right now - Chris Polony and John Robertson. So we are looking forward to that competition, it's been very good so far and you can tell that both guys are competitive and I think we have two very good quarterbacks in the systems."
Listen to KYW's Matt Leon's interview with Andy Talley:
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Talley talks about where he thinks the strengths lie in this team right now.
"Our wide receiver corps. With Norm White back (from injury), Norm's a pro prospect and an outstanding receiver, we're six deep at wideout. So I'm really pleased with that group. And I think we have two very good running backs in Austin Medley and Kevin Monangai - really like both guys, a lot of quickness. (Running back) Jamal (Abdur-Rahman) from La Salle High School has looked great so far so I'm really enthused about this offensive group."
The Wildcats have about three weeks of spring workouts remaining.
Villanova opens the 2012 season against Temple in the annual Mayor's Cup match-up on August 31st at the Linc.
