Report: UMass Football Moves Daquan Mack to Defensive End from Running Back

When Kevin Byrne was held out of the UMass Minutemen 's loss to Bowling Green on Saturday, it was unclear what it was and how long this issue would keep their starting defensive end out of the lineup. The timetable looks to be a long one and Charley Molnar is combating his depth issues by pulling Daquan Mack from the running back ranks.

Mack, a freshman running back from Pennslyvania, tweeted on Monday night that he had been moved to the other side of the ball -- or as fellow freshman Shane Huber called it, "the dark side."

Mack seems to be excited about the move, even if it isn't the position he was recruited to play.

They moved me to D-Line lol

— Daquan Mack (@DJ_Mack45) October 7, 2013

@shuber_8 no worries bro, whatever gets us the win! #ItsGoTime!!

— Daquan Mack (@DJ_Mack45) October 7, 2013

Mack played defensive end in high school, but was excited about coming to UMass because they were recruiting him as a tailback, according to this story from February after his commitment. Mack is probably the only non-traditional lineman on the roster who could make the transition, give his size (6-foot-1, 255 lbs.) and experience at the position.

Does this mean he finds his way onto the field? Not necessarily. But at least it gives the Minutemen another option on that side of the ball to spell Justin Anderson, Peter Angeh and Brandon Potvin should they need a blow. Defensive line coach Dave Sollazzo will have to work some of his magic to get Mack into a position to contribute this season, though.

It's been an eventful day for the Minutemen on Twitter, with Mack's tweets coming hours after receiver Shakur Nesmith let the whole world know about his injury.

The looming matchup with Miami (Ohio) continues to get better and better.

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