Joseph makes impact in first UConn game

Junior Joseph had to wait a year before getting into a game at UConn so another couple of series before he was able to make his presence felt was not about to test his patience.

The redshirt freshman reserve linebacker from Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania, in a game being televised live on ESPN, made one of the most memorable defensive plays in UConn's season-opening 35-10 loss to Brigham Young.

The Huskies were also down 21-0 after BYU scored on the previous offensive possession. A first-down completion was about to give BYU the ball in UConn territory yet again and things were about to get ugly. Suddenly Joseph appeared from behind and knocked the ball free from Mitch Mathews. Joseph also came away with his own forced fumble. Six plays and 52 yards later Josh Marriner powered his way into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run and suddenly UConn had a little life.

"I sort of messed up," Joseph said of his signature play. "I let the guy come back inside but I retracted and try to make up for my mistake. I wanted to do something to help the team because at that point we needed something to go our way. I was glad I was able to to that for the team."

Cole Ormsby (No. 57) was one of five UConn freshmen to make a tackle
in Huskies' season-opening 35-10 loss to Brigham Young on Friday

Joseph, who had one solo tackle and three assists and was one of the 17 players to see the field in the opening defensive possession, was one of five freshmen to record tackles for UConn as fellow redshirt freshmen Foley Fatukasi (two solo tackles) and Cameron Stapleton (a share of the Huskies' lone quarterback sack) had moments where they made an impact. Cole Ormsby, also a redshirt freshman, recorded the team's first quarterback hurry while true freshman cornerback Jamar Summers had three tackles.

"I was a little nervous going in but as soon as the first play when I was in," Joseph said. "I was able to settle down and react better to things.

UConn coach Bob Diaco didn't pull any punches when terming the play of the linebackers "performed at a below average to poor level." However, Diaco liked what he saw from Joseph.

"We are pleased," Diaco said. "His participation needs to increase. He has shown a nose for the ball and an aptitude for fitting into the defense. It was not perfect, he has a lot to clean up. We are looking for a Will (weak-side linebacker), (Marquise) Vann needs a backup and that right now is a concern."

Joseph would like to be that player that Diaco could call on to spell Vann, one of the team captains.

"It is a role I have been assigned on the team and whenever a guy needs a break I am glad to fill that role on the team," Joseph said. "It could only be one or two plays in a drive, it doesn't matter I am going to make the best of it."