Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Linebacker Matt Parent, guard Eric Cumba and wide receiver Mike Boyle have been named captains for the 2008 University of New Hampshire football team.

Boyle, who didn't lose a game during his four seasons at Plymouth High School, is nursing a high ankle sprain and is one of eight returning starters not expected to participate in Saturday's Blue/White scrimmage (12:30 p.m.) because of injury. The others are offensive lineman Josh Droesch, offensive lineman Andrew Elwell, strong safety Hugo Souza, linebacker Terrance Klein, cornerback John Clements, cornerback Dino Vasso and running back Chad Kackert.

UNH coach Sean McDonnell originally planned to split his roster into two teams, but has opted to go with an offense-against-defense format instead. McDonnell said sophomore R.J. Toman will direct the first-team offense, and redshirt freshman Kevin Decker will call signals for the second unit. Decker is expected to see some time with the first offense as well.

Toman played significant minutes in two UNH games last season. He replaced Santos in the second quarter of a 35-30 victory over Delaware, and guided UNH to a 49-21 triumph over Iona the following week.

"We were fortunate that R.J. got some reps last year in a quality situation," UNH offensive coordinator Sean Devine said. "It's not like he's completely brand new or completely green. But certainly there's tremendous competition at that position."