University at Buffalo football continues to show improvement, winning the program's first Bowl game in December.

“That bowl win really, really did a lot for both the team and the community. You know it showed us that we really are that good and we can be successful. And it also showed that to the city of Buffalo and to the local communities that this program is a good program they’re winning and they’re on the rise,” said UB defensive end Taylor Riggins.

Preparations for his upcoming senior year started off well.

“That last Friday before spring break we found out that everything would be canceled from that point on, but it was definitely helpful to get those nine practices in. You know it got a lot of guys acclimated and it kind of like set people up on the right track to know what they have to do from now on to stay in shape," Riggins said.

Among the newcomers to the Bulls is Riggins' former Aquinas High School teammate, running back Caron Robinson.

"I never really had to tell the coaches about him, they already knew but when he stepped on the field at UB he instantly made a bang. He’s a real quick guy, really fast and really elusive and he’s got a lot of high praise from the coaches and other players, too," Riggins said.

Robinson and Riggins are among the 14 former Section V players on the UB roster.

"It’s funny, a lot of guys grew up playing against each other being rivals, but now we’re all pretty good friends but that bond definitely helps come game day you know when you’re giving it all you got and playing for your guys besides your brothers that you grew up with and have a good relationship with," Riggins added.

Riggins was second on the Bulls defense last season with eight and a half sacks and is expecting more this year.

"Besides the team goals of MAC Championship and a bowl game, personally, I'd like to beat all my stats from last year. I'd have to try get into double digit sacks so, that's one of my personal goals this upcoming year,” said Riggins.