First-year UConn football coach Bob Diaco, without doubt, is a no-nonsense guy. He proved that again Wednesday when he announced senior Lyle McCombs, the Huskies’ leading rusher the past three seasons, has been dismissed from the team.
“Attending school at the University of Connecticut is a special privilege as is being a member of the UConn football team,” Diaco in a statement.. “With that privilege also come certain responsibilities and expectations. We wish Lyle only the best in his future endeavors as he moves on from UConn.”
McCombs ranks fourth all-time at UConn with 2,681 rushing yards. UConn ranked No. 119 in the nation in rushing offense last season. Max DeLorenzo, who will be a junior next season, was listed second at tailback on UConn’s depth chart after the spring football game. DeLorenzo carried 99 times for 349 yards with five touchdowns. McCombs rushed for 670 yards and five touchdowns in 2013.
No specific reason was given for the dismissal, but Desmond Conner of The Hartford Courant reported that Diaco talked about “resumes and ongoing track records.” McCombs will remain in school at UConn with an opportunity to earn his degree.
McCombs was suspended by coach Paul Pasqualoni in 2011 after the running back was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. In 2012 he was charged with second-degree breach of peace after an incident with his girlfriend outside a residence hall at UConn. Campus police reported he yelled, pushed and spit at his girlfriend during an argument on a Friday night before a Saturday game. Pasqualoni benched him for the first quarter and McCombs apologized after the game.
The Courant also reported that McCombs got into a fight at Guyer Gym in Storrs in February.
Diaco told The Courant: “It’s an ongoing lack of meeting the expectations of a member of the student body and of the team. There’s no question when you’re making decisions it’s the total profile you’re looking at, or resume is a better word. He’s built a particular resume over the course of the four years he’s been here.”
The dismissal of McCombs might indicate that Diaco is ready to give more responsibility and playing time to incoming freshman Arkeel Newsome of Ansonia. Newsome is the state’s all-time high school rushing leader and the first Parade All-American to commit to UConn.
“I am excited with the players we have at the tailback position and look forward to their production,” Diaco said in the statement from UConn.
UConn, 3-9 last season, opens the season Aug. 29 with a home game against BYU.
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