Head coach Bob Diaco will not be the only new face at Rentschler Field tonight as about 20 or so UConn players are expected to make their debuts.

Diaco has said he expects at least nine true freshmen to get on the field which includes Shelton's Steve Hashemi and Ansonia's Arkeel Newsome.

Hashemi, a former star at St. Joseph High, came into preseason camp as an offensive line but following the departure of Quinn Thompson, he was moved to tight end and Diaco said he fully expects to use Hashemi tonight.

Diaco is not the only person impressed by how quickly Hashemi has adjusted to being a tight end.

"Steve is doing great, he brings that aggressiveness every day. he is a big guy, he is around 270," said UConn starting tight end Sean McQuillan. "We want to bring a point of attack presence and he is almost like another tackle and it is always good when you can get big guys who can dominate the line of scrimmage and that is what you like."

As for the other true freshmen expected to see the field, Newsome could see time at tailback and returning kickoffs, Ron Johnson should also get some carries. Ryan Crozier and Trey Rutherford are supposed to get snaps at reserve offensive guards and Alec Bloom is another true freshman tight end with plenty of potential.

On defense, Jamar Summers is pushing for time at cornerback and at worst should be the nickel corner while linebackers Luke Carrezola and Vontae Diggs are also slated to see time.