ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches from the sideline against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium December 28, 2008 in Orchard Park, New York. The Patriots won 13-0.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

During his annual pre-draft press conference this afternoon, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick offered some high praise for Randy Edsall and the UConn Huskies football program.

“They are really impressive. Randy Edsall has done a great job. They have won a lot of games, have a lot of good players. They have them on both sides of the ball… at the skill positions, offensive linemen, both sides of the ball. Safety, quarterback, tight end, wide receiver…A lot of real interesting guys…not all are 1st round picks but they have players. What is the highest player they ever had drafted? Fincher, the linebacker in the 3rd round? I would say that should get shattered this weekend. You don’t usually go to Connecticut looking for first and second round talent.”

It’s been an amazing job that Randy Edsall has done with the program. Belichick’s comments show that UConn is starting to get a little recognition as a football program since we all know most of that goes to the men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams.

Bill Belichick Pre-Draft Presser – 4/21/2009 [Patriots.com]

Editor’s note: His comments about UConn aren’t in the transcript but are towards the end of the video on the link.