Yawon Smallwood

( August 31, 2012 )

UConn defeated UMass 37-0 in the season opener Thursday night at Renstchler Field. UMass was playing its first FBS game. Next up: N.C. State, a legitimate FBS opponent and much tougher test. Staff writer Desmond Conner breaks down what we learned: Linebacker Yawin Smallwood is a good leader: The sophomore had a good game on all fronts, including a team-high seven tackles. It must have felt like 14 to the Minutemen. He had a sack and was batting down balls, too. Smallwod was disruptive all night. We learned the linebackers are all solid, but Smallwood¿s performance showed he is the leader.