UAlbany football holds spring game; Gattuso speaks on passing of Amitral “AJ” Simon

ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — UAlbany football raised the bar last year with its first-ever FCS playoffs semifinal appearance. The Great Danes held their annual spring game Friday night, offering a first look at the group Greg Gattuso will be rolling out in 2024.

One of the big storylines for UAlbany this season is the quarterback battle to decide who will replace star Reese Poffenbarger, who transferred to Miami. The option with the most experience is graduate student Trey Lindsey; he sat out from Friday’s game with a hand injury.

The majority of the first-team reps went to newcomer Myles Burkett. It was an overall quiet day for the Wisconsin transfer, who had to operate without a number of key components to the offense.

Burkett did throw one touchdown in the fourth quarter to incoming freshman running back Jojo Uga for Uga’s second score of the day.

Uga will add to a loaded core of running backs that already includes Glens Falls native Griffin Woodell, the reigning Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Offensive Rookie of the Year. Woodell also did not play Friday due to an injury.

Gattuso expressed his optimism for the talent in the running back room, despite them leaving something to be desired in the game.

“Jojo’s gonna be a really good player,” said Gattuso. “We have a lot of speed; we have size. They do different things well. And we’re actually bringing a freshman in we think is pretty good too. It’s about the deepest room we’ve ever had. The experience with Griffin and Faysal (Aden) is welcomed. We’re gonna have to be an effective running team. I think that’s probably…the thing I’m most disappointed about [today] is we could not run the ball, and when you can run the ball effectively, it sets up all your pass stuff.”

The highlight of the game was the play of the defense, which forced two turnovers that both led to offensive touchdowns, as well as a number of sacks. It was encouraging to see from a unit that lost its top 10 tacklers from last season.

“It felt great,” said freshman linebacker Troy Berschwinger, a Guilderland High School graduate. “We’re taking strides day by day; starting to see guys fall into their positions. Coach [Bill] Nesselt sets us up for success, and I think we did a good job today overall.”

Of course, the whole program is still reeling from the loss of Amitral “AJ” Simon Jr., a standout defensive end for the Great Danes the last two seasons, who died unexpectedly last Wednesday at the age of 25.

The team paid tribute to Simon, as many of the coaches wore t-shirts with the number “8” on them. Gattuso also reflected on the impact Simon left at UAlbany.

“He was…one of my favorite people I’ve ever coached. He was happy, and I’ve used the word “joyous”; two joyous years of coaching him. I think it’s been difficult for all of us: the trainers, the coaches, the strength and conditioning coaches. He’ll be missed. It’s a tragic thing when something like this happens. There’s just no words. I think it’s been hard on the kids, but it’s been hard on us old people too. Just really…been tough.”

Gattuso said a number of players, coaches, members of other athletic teams and people all around UAlbany will be making the trip to Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, Simon’s hometown, Monday for a funeral service.

UAlbany opens up the 2024 regular season August 31 against Long Island University.

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