Leneus, a walk-on defensive lineman, saw significant playing time at guard during the Vanderbilt game.
Al Leneus went from scout-team defensive lineman to playing right guard at Vanderbilt over the course of a little more than two weeks.
AMHERST — A couple of weeks ago, University of Massachusetts offensive line coach Ron Hudson told Al Leneus it was too late. His decision was made. The die was cast — Leneus, a freshman, was a defensive lineman.
As it happens, it was not, in fact, too late.
After walking onto the Minutemen football team as a defensive lineman, the Nanuet, N.Y. native got his first playing time of his career Saturday against Vanderbilt — as a guard.
Hudson said he saw Leneus “goofing off” on the offensive side of the ball, and that was when he told him it was too late.
“He said, ‘Well, I’m not sure. I’d like to play, and maybe I could play faster on O.’ I said, ‘That’s not up to me, you have to ask the head coach that,’” Hudson recalled. “So, he talked to the head coach, and the next thing I know he’s wearing one of our jerseys.”
UMass is desperate for consistent play at the guard position with Nick Speller still suspended for academic issues. One of his replacements, Jamie Casselberry, has missed the last two games with a concussion and has no timetable for a return. Speller could return as soon as Wednesday, but until he does, the revolving door of Matt Sparks, John Wallace, and now Leneus is going to continue at right guard.
Leneus, who was on the scout team's defensive line, converted during the bye week, and just two weeks later, found himself on the field during the third offensive series of the Vanderbilt game.
On his very first play, he blew an assignment. After that, he was part of a Minutemen drive that was its best of the game — and ended at the Vanderbilt 9.
“He came off to the sideline and I said, ‘That first play you were awful.’ And he goes, ‘Coach, I’m not going to lie, I was scared to death. That was my first college football play,’” Hudson recalled. “I said, ‘Welcome to college football. Now, you’ve got to make that block from now on.’”
Hudson said he has seen great improvement in Leneus, and appreciates his work ethic. At 6’2”, 295 lbs., offensive line isn’t necessarily a natural position for him.
“He’s a 600-pound squatter, he’s a powerful young man in a unique package. He loves the game,” Hudson said. “You’ve got a guy that loves the game, has a chip on his shoulder and wants to go be physical with people. You give him a shot.”
Leneus said that despite their old ties, his buddies on the defensive line haven’t been taking it easy on him during practice by any stretch.
“They are after me. Ryan Delaire, Stanley Andre, Chaz Thompson, they’re all coming for me,” Leneus said. “Trust me, there’s no sympathy.”
More than anything, Hudson stressed that Leneus has been a positive force of energy to be around.
“In his career here, I will love coaching him, but you’re going to enjoy him, because he’s a great kid with a great personality,” Hudson said. “He’s always got something goofy to say. He has fun.”
For a much-maligned offensive line, perhaps a little fun is exactly what they need.
ROSTER UPDATES
Molnar’s fears about linebacker Greg Hilliard being out for the season have been realized. The coach confirmed Tuesday that the shoulder injury that has kept Hilliard out for the past five games will sideline the sophomore for the remainder of the season.
The injury was originally thought to merely be a stinger, but Hilliard could not regain functional strength, and thus, has been ruled out for the rest of 2012.
Molnar said there is a possibility that the team could seek a medical redshirt for Hilliard, but was unable to give an official answer.
Cornerback Antoine Tharpe’s foot has his status as “doubtful” for Northern Illinois, according to Molnar.