Offensive guard Robert Gallery, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 draft, informed the New England Patriots that he was retiring from football. That should be of interest to UConn fans since former Husky Donald Thomas is pushing for a spot at guard for the Patriots.

Thomas played in 10 games for the Patriots including earning his first career start in a Dec. 24 win over Miami. However, Gallery was signed by New England with the expectation that he could add depth at guard.

The reports are that Thomas was having a strong camp so even before Gallery's surprising decision, Thomas has put himself in position to earn a spot with the Patriots. With Brian Waters' status unknown and Logan Mankins recovering from an offseason knee injury, Thomas has had the opportunity to take snaps as a starter.

As hard as it it to believe, the NFL preseason schedule kicks off tomorrow when the Arizona Cardinals face the New Orleans Saints. Each team has a former UConn player on the roster as Anthony Sherman is a fullback with Arizona and Lawrence Wilson is a linebacker with New Orleans. The game will air on the NFL Network beginning at 8 p.m.

ANOTHER COMMIT FOR UCONN
Cameron Stapleton, a tight end at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, N.Y., has committed to UConn. Here is a link to a scouting report on the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Stapleton.