Vladimir Ducasse helped anchor the Minutemen’s offensive line for four seasons. Now, with the NFL Combine and Draft coming up, Ducasse hopes to help his homeland – ravaged by last month’s earthquake – by making a professional football team.

The Massachusetts football team added 17 players on National Signing Day, adding depth and talent to its 2010 team. Six transfers along with 11 freshmen will get their first chance to play with the returning Minutemen when Spring Football begins on May 30.

With Scott Woodward getting his first start at quarterback in his final game at UMass, the Minutemen were unable to overcome an early deficit as they fell to the Pride Saturday afternoon. Hofstra's quarterback, Cory Christopher threw for 484 yards in one of the worst games of the season for UMass defense.

With their playoff hopes out of reach, the Minutemen will close out its 2009 season against a middle-of-the-road Pride team that features a variety of tailbacks and a duel-quarterback system. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.

Members of the UMass football team that were charged with possession of cocaine last month were sentenced to probation on Monday, pending no further trouble by their next court date on March 15.

The rain soaked field at McGuirk Stadium left both UMass and James Madison no choice but to run the ball as three players gained over 100 yards on the ground in Saturday’s 17-14 loss by the Minutemen.

Three early turnovers by UMass gave James Madison 10 early points that the Minutemen could not overcome as they fell 17-14 on senior day at McGuirk Stadium. UMass fell to 5-5 on the season and 3-4 in the Colonial Athletic Association.

The Minutemen have won every one of their games at home this season, and will look to go undefeated when they take on JMU on Saturday. The game is also Senior Day, with the Dukes coming to town after beating Maine.

On Saturday against the Huskies, UMass will celebrate a senior class that has not lost a game at McGuirk Stadium. The Minutemen will be led by captain Vladimir Ducasse, safety Jeromy Miles, defensive back Corey Davis, and kicker Armando Cuko.

After seeing limited play the past couple of weeks due to a thigh contusion, Tony Nelson rushed for 116 yards and three scores in UMass’ win over Northeastern. Armando Cuko also hit three field goals in the win to give him the single season record at UMass.