PROVIDENCE JOURNAL
August 29, 2008

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Bryant tries to show it belongs

By KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

SMITHFIELD - Throughout this season, Bryant University football coach Marty Fine is going to keep asking himself an important question.

When Fine leads his team into its first game as an independent member of Division I tomorrow at Central Connecticut, he'll begin to find out whether his team is ready for the jump and, perhaps more important, which individuals can play at the next level.

"I don't have those answers. I wish I did," Fine said. "Some guys are not there yet but I know we have a good amount of players who are Division I players. Now it's their chance to show it."

Perhaps nowhere will the Division I-II talent difference show up more than at the skill positions. That's where speed, the overwhelming factor on most football fields, shows up the most. Fine says he's concerned about several positions, most notably wide receiver.

"We may not be where we need to be there yet. I haven't seen it," Fine said of the receiving corps. "We're catching the ball inconsistently, but I've been around long enough to know that when the lights come on, guys start making plays. That's what I'm hoping for."

Catching the ball is going to be critical as Bryant transitions from the skills of graduated quarterback Charlie Granatell to senior Jay Graber. A graduate student at Bryant, Graber sat for two years at Hofstra before transferring and sitting for two more seasons behind Granatell, a four-year starter who guided the Bulldogs to three winning seasons, 27 victories, two championships and two playoff appearances.

"How Graber responds to the speed of the game and to adversity is going to be interesting to see. He hasn't started and been the man for five years now," Fine added. Fine mentioned Vinton South, Ryan Buckley, Anthony DiNaso and Ross Giffune as the receivers Graber will look to the most. Fine said the adjustment from Granatell's to Graber's skills will be a dramatic one. Granatell threw for 6,800 yards and 56 TDs in his career, but was equally dangerous running or throwing. Graber is the flip side, a 6-foot-2, 220-pounder with a big arm.

"I coached a running quarterback at Indiana, another one at Iowa State, and we ran the wishbone at Navy. It's been about 18 years with no pocket quarterback, so it's a difficult adjustment for me, too," said Fine.

The other skill position to watch is running back. Jerell Smith has beaten out Lindsey Gamble for a starting spot, but both backs, as well as the surprising Mike Canfora, will see plenty of work.

"I like our backs," said Fine. "I've learned that the most important thing for them is vision and toughness, and those kids have that. Now they have to raise their game even more."

kmcnamar@projo.com