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00:00 Thanks everyone for being here today.
00:02 It's good to see everyone.
00:03 It's a start, guys, a star camp.
00:05 We got a really good first day of practice.
00:08 I was pleased with what I saw.
00:10 Players played fast and it was efficient.
00:13 We had a very productive day.
00:16 You can tell the players are in really good shape.
00:18 Coach Lovac just did a phenomenal job with these guys getting in shape.
00:22 I'm messing up physically and it showed that we're ready to play fast today and
00:27 we finished strong and really good effort on the special team as well.
00:31 We had meetings, yesterday was report day.
00:36 We had meetings pretty much all afternoon and
00:39 we saw on social media that players got to sit in the locker room.
00:44 That was pretty exciting.
00:45 It was, don't really get that type of excitement in the locker room,
00:51 but once it's after a big win, that was a very similar type of feel.
00:56 So I was happy for the guys to finally get back home.
01:01 So we'll be in there, you know, and it's a pleasing account throughout the season.
01:06 Like I said, it's an immediate day last week.
01:09 I'm excited about this team.
01:10 We got a lot of talent and a lot of good spirits.
01:14 Really good coaches there, top to bottom.
01:17 We got a lot of work ahead of us.
01:18 So with that, I'll open up for questions.
01:21 Professor Laura.
01:22 >> Going off of that, at Big Ten Club Media Days,
01:27 you said that this team was hungry, determined, focused.
01:35 So how did you see those three words play out as you stepped
01:39 onto the practice field today, their hunger and focus and how determined they were?
01:44 >> They can really measure those things by how they go about their business.
01:51 The coaches and players, the meetings, preparation for meetings.
01:55 You come in, the guys are ready, they got to know what's out,
01:58 they're ready to go, they're sitting straight.
02:00 Transition between meetings, you go from the team meeting to the special teams
02:03 meeting, O and D.
02:04 You know, guys are on top of it, they're moving quickly.
02:06 And then how they transition on the field from drill to drill,
02:10 working with a sense of urgency.
02:12 And how they finish plays, finish drills.
02:14 That was a big point of emphasis.
02:16 Start to finish, guys will finish with a wide, finish with a common.
02:20 And that shows me that they're hungry and focused.
02:23 There's a sense of urgency.
02:24 >> Now, depth is another thing you've talked about since you got here and
02:29 addressed that.
02:29 You said this is the deepest team, I noticed one day on the practice field.
02:33 But how do you see that, the depth of this team you have playing now?
02:36 >> Yeah, much improved.
02:37 I mean, I was just talking to one of my good friends who's an NFL personnel guy,
02:42 NFL scout.
02:43 And the first thing he mentioned to me,
02:45 he comes here every year, even before I got here.
02:50 And he could tell that we've had some players,
02:53 especially on the defensive line up front.
02:56 And so it's really evident in those two areas, offensive line,
03:02 defensive line, bigger guys, more guys available and capable.
03:06 And we also added three running backs.
03:08 So we definitely have a lot of competition in each position.
03:13 [BLANK_AUDIO]
03:16 >> No, I was talking about- >> Last time you guys practiced out
03:20 the entire eighth and start around, what do you see from those guys?
03:23 It's only day one, but obviously with the competition and-
03:26 >> You wouldn't know who the starter's
03:27 gonna be?
03:28 >> [LAUGH] >> You get out of the way,
03:30 we won't ask you anymore about it.
03:31 >> I doubt that.
03:32 >> [LAUGH] >> No, I mean,
03:35 what I saw today was really good competition.
03:37 I was impressed with those guys.
03:38 I mean, Jake Johnson is an excellent coach.
03:40 He's a very good teacher.
03:42 And I've seen him bring Noah along, and Kate along.
03:48 And then, and Sam's even gotten better since he's been here a short period of time.
03:51 They've been working with him this summer.
03:53 So very good competition, a lot of good balls being thrown.
03:57 Really good communication, guys on the same page, formations, the checks.
04:03 So it was good work out of that group.
04:04 >> Now I'm wondering if anybody caught your eye in terms of guys who got here
04:09 in the summer, freshman and both transfers.
04:10 >> Yeah, the guys got here in the summer.
04:13 Yeah, Jalen Sammy, he played for us as a freshman and
04:17 a Colorado, 6'5", 300 pound, defense tackle.
04:22 He's a massive human being.
04:24 He's really light on his feet.
04:26 And he adds to the depth and makes us more competitive there.
04:32 Got to see Jock and Kim today, kicker, wall,
04:35 jumps off the offense, really got a really good, strong leg.
04:38 So that was impressive.
04:40 Sam loved it when he came in the summer.
04:42 He's gotten better since he's been here.
04:45 He's very competitive.
04:46 He's very athletic.
04:48 He's very forthright.
04:49 He's a really smart guy.
04:50 So we had quite a few guys that got here.
04:53 I was just impressed with the group.
04:57 It's a better vibe.
04:58 This group, we talked about toughness, discipline, being selfless.
05:04 And I told the guys that we can be as selfless with our team.
05:08 We're just buying into the team concept.
05:10 Buying into something that's better than themselves, and
05:13 we'll have a really good chance after this season.
05:14 >> Mel, you don't talk about injuries, and
05:20 it's obviously day one, long camp ahead.
05:24 But with Nick sitting out today,
05:27 what did you see from the younger centers, Wiginton and Fincher?
05:30 And if they get to a point where they might need to play,
05:34 what experience did they got last year?
05:37 How does that translate to that position in particular?
05:40 >> Yeah, they're good players.
05:41 And we brought them here to play.
05:45 Juno can also play here.
05:46 And Coach Cap, as you know, is a really good coach.
05:49 He can develop players.
05:50 Guys have to wear in multiple positions.
05:52 So I feel good about our depth there.
05:54 I mean, you're talking about Nick being out, but
05:57 you're talking about the three guys that can play a spot.
05:59 And I'm not sure if we were in that position a year ago.
06:01 >> Mel, I know a receiver that's in a position where your head can spin early on
06:08 for freshman.
06:09 I'm wondering, some of the second year guys like Earl, Henry, Antonio, Gates.
06:13 What step do you expect them to take?
06:15 And what do you see from them?
06:17 >> Yeah, so you look at like Glover, Gates, and Tyrell.
06:23 Just consistency of performance, cuz they're all very talented guys, and
06:26 that's how they got here.
06:28 And they all have flashed in the past.
06:30 I think at some point in time, a year ago,
06:35 we all said these guys would be really good players.
06:39 But the key to it is consistency in performance, doing it day in and day out.
06:43 They all can run, they're good ball scorers, they can catch, they're smart,
06:46 they're competitive, they're willing blockers.
06:48 So I just think with really good practice habits and
06:54 a really good competition and coaching those guys up,
06:57 I think they will become more consistent.
06:59 But that's the next step, cuz there's no doubt that they have the talent to be able
07:02 to do it, but just do it on a consistent basis.
07:05 >> Hey Mel, today definitely is a highlight of starting up.
07:08 But just reflecting back,
07:09 there was a horrible life changing experience with the Cavs.
07:13 Excuse me, tragedy.
07:14 So with your high standards, how are you gonna prioritize the mental health of
07:17 the players going forward after everything that's been going on?
07:20 >> Yeah, I mean, that's a great question,
07:22 because it's been a point of emphasis here.
07:28 We have quite a few mental health practitioners.
07:30 That's why I got on the meeting today with one of the practitioners,
07:36 talking about a plan for moving forward with the players.
07:42 I can remember back in early in my career where we really didn't talk about
07:48 mental health, it was kinda like taboo.
07:51 Guys didn't wanna come forward, say things,
07:55 they didn't wanna go see anybody, they didn't trust.
07:59 Some coaches didn't, they didn't want guys talking to the players,
08:05 thinking maybe they're gonna make an excuse for the players and things like that.
08:08 But that's not like that here, especially.
08:12 And so, I mean, even going back,
08:15 Lonnie Rosen has been here for years and years and years.
08:18 And back here in '97, '98, when I was a graduate assistant,
08:23 he was involved with the players and he's just grown.
08:25 He goes, he was one guy, and we have a team of men and women working with our
08:30 players with all types of mental health issues.
08:36 And then actually also like performance type things,
08:40 to enhance performance.
08:42 So, and our players, they don't, I mean, countless guys come forward and
08:48 say, hey, coach, can you put me in contact with someone that I can talk to?
08:55 Or you ask a player, hey, do you wanna talk to someone?
08:59 And they'll look at you and say, yeah, I'd like to talk to someone.
09:01 So, okay, I'll make a call.
09:03 And then we'll get them in the same day or the next day off.
09:06 So, in our new facility, we're gonna have a dedicated space.
09:14 Like where our players lounge is now, where it used to be,
09:19 that's gonna be converted to the offices for
09:22 the mental health office for student athletes.
09:26 So, then they'll have multiple entrances, which is important.
09:31 This brought all the student athletes different ways to access it,
09:36 which makes it just a lot easier and more comfortable for
09:40 the student athletes to get in there, get out, get the help that they need.
09:45 So, I think our athletic department, I don't know how it is,
09:49 but he's been a strong advocate.
09:52 And it's only getting better.
09:54 I feel really good where we are, we always can get better.
09:57 But I feel like our players and our coaches are very well supported.
10:02 >> Great, thanks so much.
10:02 >> Yeah, thank you.
10:04 >> You mentioned the vibe, feeling better.
10:07 It was talked about last week with some of the players as well.
10:09 It just feels better this year.
10:12 And then there's a lot of offseason camaraderie, all those sort of things.
10:16 Can you pinpoint maybe last year things that you saw that said to you,
10:20 hey, we need to become a tighter team.
10:22 We're missing something.
10:24 Can you recall if there was a moment where you're like, hey,
10:27 we're missing this and we need to create that more?
10:29 And what steps you guys have done to do that, why it's important?
10:33 >> I'm not sure if I can point to an instance,
10:36 a particular situation or one time.
10:40 I just know that in order to have a good football team,
10:44 you have to have really good team chemistry.
10:47 And so obviously, you have to improve and
10:53 that's one of the first areas that you look to.
10:56 Okay, these guys care about each other.
10:59 They're a team of warriors, and by themselves,
11:02 you trust the coaches, and the coaches trust them, and they trust each other.
11:08 We have a good ability to hold each other accountable.
11:11 And so we were very intentional about improving in all those areas.
11:19 And it's really a shame right now.
11:21 For the players to say that it feels different, they can tell.
11:26 That means that it's actually working, it's actually happening.
11:30 Cuz the players, they don't lie.
11:34 >> Going off of the good vibes talk, it seemed like yesterday was a perfect time
11:39 to unveil the new locker room on the eve of fall camp.
11:42 How did you maybe see the players have a little extra pep in their set as well
11:47 after seeing this brand new locker room for them?
11:50 >> Yeah, I'll tell you what, it was interesting.
11:53 That was my first experience in all the places I've been to see players going to
11:58 a new locker room.
11:59 I've seen it on social media, I think that was my first time seeing it live and
12:04 in person.
12:04 And it means a lot for our team, it means a lot for our players, but
12:08 it means a lot for our program.
12:10 One of the first things that Coach D'Antonio told me once I got here in
12:16 February 2020, he said, you gotta get a facility, you have to get that done,
12:21 you gotta get that done here.
12:24 And I knew that we were towards the bottom of the league,
12:27 it's really hard to recruit that way.
12:29 Cuz not only do you wanna get the players here, but
12:32 you wanna have a good experience while they're here.
12:35 A locker room like that, and it shows the commitment to excellence and
12:40 pouring into our players and carrying them on, I had the best facilities.
12:46 We've been displaced, so our players before yesterday,
12:51 their locker room was in the stadium.
12:55 And that created some challenges, I mean, the guys catching the bus,
13:00 riding bikes, taking scooters from the locker room to the meeting room,
13:05 it's not a good situation.
13:07 Guys are spending an hour, hour and a half,
13:10 two hours after practice in the locker room.
13:14 And that's a big part of the team, it's just that guys have a home and
13:19 it was not like that.
13:20 And the players complained about it.
13:23 And I knew that it was just necessary, but
13:26 it brought up to me several players saying we need to have our space,
13:32 and where we can come together.
13:35 I think that was all of that, it's kind of part of that excitement that you,
13:40 that we saw yesterday.
13:42 It wasn't so much that I got a new locker, but we have our home back.
13:47 I think it's important.
13:49 [BLANK_AUDIO]
13:52 >> Mel, I think you have 25 practices before the game.
13:56 >> That's right.
13:57 >> How is day one this morning different than any other animal, if any?
14:03 >> Yeah, day one is always special.
14:06 I mean, the guys, we all work in the off season.
14:11 And to get to the point where we can get to the first practice in the fall camp,
14:17 and have a chance.
14:20 You don't know exactly what it's gonna look like until you actually get
14:23 them out there.
14:25 And get them on the grass, get them lined up, start doing drills.
14:30 And it was as good a first day as I've been around,
14:34 in terms of guys knowing what to do, practice organization.
14:38 I mean, I took very few notes today in terms of what we need to improve,
14:42 and the practice organization, the attention to detail.
14:45 All that was there.
14:47 And there's a lot of nervous energy, especially with so many young guys.
14:52 And we've got new coaches out there too, we've got new coaches,
14:54 we've got new young coaches.
14:56 Like I saw Antoine Simms out there, I said, hey man, I was you in 1997.
15:01 First day, same field, right here, first day of practice,
15:05 trying to start a career.
15:07 So this is an exciting time for everyone, you got some of the older guys ahead.
15:12 I think we had like 35 guys stand up this morning, raise their hand.
15:16 They're six year, fifth year, fourth year players.
15:20 So we've got guys, like I said, Noah Kim,
15:23 Jordan Simms, you guys were here when I got here.
15:27 It was our first time, this is your fourth for us.
15:30 And so you got guys that have kind of been through it, been through COVID,
15:35 been through 11-2, been through 5-7.
15:37 And now we have an opportunity with more depth and
15:41 more talent to really do something with this team.
15:44 So, first day is the time to get out there and get to work.
15:48 And it's one day at a time.
15:50 >> Ever lost your voice then?
15:51 >> Now, I'm trying to bring it from here, as opposed to right here.
15:59 So I plan on not losing it, this is your first time in 27 years.
16:06 >> Mel, I'm wondering about a guy, Kyrie Crump.
16:09 >> Crump?
16:10 >> Yeah, who's back, first practice since October.
16:13 I'm wondering, first of all, his journey to get back to the field,
16:17 what that has been like.
16:18 And has there been any reassessment on Big Ten on the games for this year?
16:23 Or is it pretty much he's gonna miss those first day games?
16:26 What can he bring for you guys?
16:28 >> It's pretty much what it is.
16:29 I mean, I haven't seen any, haven't heard anything already.
16:32 And they haven't gotten any emails or anything about any reassessment.
16:35 So he's back, he's learned, he's back on our team, and he's out there practicing.
16:43 So he's a, he's a coach, and he's supported by his teammates and
16:50 by the coaches that he's got.
16:53 >> Now, the running back, Tame Carter, obviously,
16:55 his videos of him squatting at like 600 pounds.
16:57 >> I know, it's crazy, isn't it?
17:00 >> What has he brought to the room, the running back room, but
17:02 also the weight room too for you guys?
17:04 >> Yeah, well, I mean, he came in the way, he walked in the door ready to work.
17:09 He was very impressive in the weight room.
17:11 And you see, he's built pretty well.
17:14 He's a good player, and he was not rude,
17:19 not very talkative, he's just a really hard worker.
17:26 He gives a very strong effort, and special teams are all in this.
17:33 And in the spring, he ran the ball hard, he got some tough yards,
17:37 he's got some burst acceleration through traffic, he's got good vision.
17:41 He's got good wall skills, he can catch the ball, and
17:43 he's a really good locker and basketball, so he's a good addition.
17:47 We'll just see how he develops, but I'm glad he's here, certainly.
17:53 >> Now, 100 years of Spartan Stadium.
17:57 >> That's right.
17:58 >> Long before the Woodshed or anybody in this room.
18:00 >> Long before you.
18:01 >> Before me, too.
18:02 >> Not that long.
18:03 >> How much do you guys know about the history and
18:07 the great moments of this place, and would you consider bringing back
18:12 one of the heroes of great games before our game?
18:17 >> Before the game, that's a pretty good idea.
18:19 Matt Carson there is good, he can take that to the round of it.
18:24 I think he should huddle up with him and maybe come here or something.
18:29 I'm not sure how much our guys know about him going way, way back.
18:33 But I think we all know how special Spartan Stadium is and
18:39 the Woodshed, and a lot of good football played in there.
18:45 And we just had the former players back just recently, last weekend,
18:51 and they come back from all eras, like the way back guys.
18:57 And there's a high standard of performance in that stadium.
19:04 I played golf with Kirk Gibson in an alley a couple weeks ago.
19:12 And he'd be the first to tell you,
19:15 he's like, hey, what type of team we got this year?
19:20 Got anybody to go across the middle?
19:22 He started calling out plays.
19:24 When this play come across the middle, I got this catch and
19:26 get the safety, it's a touchdown.
19:28 He's reliving those moments in the stadium.
19:31 So most important is tradition is important.
19:36 I was talking to one of our donors last night, and we were just talking about
19:41 the big team, and she was asking about the difference between the big team and
19:46 SEC, and all that.
19:48 And she's grown up as a big team fan.
19:51 And we were just talking about the tradition of the big team in the stadium,
19:57 to the fans, and just the standard of performance,
20:00 and how big team football just feels a certain way, looks a certain way.
20:03 Expectations that the game's played a certain way.
20:08 And Spartan Stadium just embodies all of those feelings, all of those emotions.
20:17 I met a lady, a soft manager, a lady at Whole Foods last night on the way home.
20:23 And she was saying that she's been an NIC ticket holders for
20:28 like four years, something like that.
20:31 She was coming in for the season against Carter.
20:34 And she said, it's just a special time of year, so 100 years.
20:42 It's also a good reminder for players and coaches that, hey,
20:45 Michigan State's gonna play football, whether we're here or not.
20:51 What's our legacy gonna be while we're here?
20:55 So we're high bar.
20:58 >> You talked about Mark, is there any?
21:01 >> Not here.
21:02 >> Jack, you got a moment?
21:03 >> I'm right here.
21:05 >> I was wondering if the midyear guys, the freshmen that were here in the winter
21:09 with their spring practice, Jordan Hall's in the world,
21:12 have you seen from that impression they made,
21:15 the benefit from being here, that whole 15 practices?
21:18 >> Yeah, I mean, I'm asked this question in recruiting all the time,
21:22 especially from the parents.
21:24 What are some of the benefits to coming early?
21:28 And there's quite a few.
21:29 First is academically, you get a chance to get a full semester under your belt,
21:35 a full load, get a chance to get off to a fast start, a good start,
21:40 without the pressures of having to play a game like you would if you came in the fall.
21:44 Cuz when you come in the summer, you got summer school, that's not a full load.
21:48 And then all of a sudden, school starts and
21:50 season starts, it can be overwhelming for guys.
21:53 You also get eight, nine weeks of strength and conditioning.
21:56 And during those times, we're able to meet with guys, introduce the scheme and
22:02 philosophy and culture and things like that.
22:04 And then get 15 spring practices, three, Tuesday, Thursday,
22:09 Saturday for five weeks to learn the playbook and
22:14 learn how we practice and get in there and compete and things like that.
22:18 And so guys like you mentioned Jordan Hall, he was one of those guys.
22:22 So he can go in the finals, have a discretionary time off,
22:27 come back and resume the program another eight weeks and
22:29 he already knows the playbook.
22:31 And he's in shape and he knows what to expect from the coaching staff.
22:34 His teammates know him, he can help the younger guys,
22:37 the other guys who come in in June, help them transition.
22:42 And so he gets the chance to learn the system again over the summer,
22:44 the remaining time that we do have.
22:46 And so when we start fall camp, he's getting the system,
22:49 the installation for the third time.
22:51 So that gives him a much better chance to be able to compete, to play, and
22:56 earn a role out there.
22:57 So, and you see that when he comes in.
23:00 He was never a guy, he in particular was not a guy who seemed overwhelmed by
23:06 the magnitude, it didn't seem like he was too big for him.
23:10 But once you go through and out of season, spring ball and
23:15 then summer program, and you go into fall camp.
23:18 Those guys that do that, they look a little different.
23:20 They're just trying to get focused, just be able to sustain and
23:25 practice, move from one place to the next.
23:27 More consistent, it's just a benefit.
23:34 I mean, all those guys that come in here, I think you're gonna see,
23:37 because of some of the rule changes, you're gonna see more and
23:40 more guys coming in here.
23:42 Even some of these high schools that have not allowed that.
23:45 You see it in recruiting, they're starting to change their policy so
23:48 that the kids can get out in the middle of the year.
23:50 Because the kids, they won't go to those high schools if they can't graduate early.
23:53 >> Thanks for your time, coach.
23:56 >> All right, thank you so much.
23:57 We'll see you next time.
23:57 Go Green.
23:58 [BLANK_AUDIO]