Iowa Football coach
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00:00 [ Pause ]
00:06 >> Okay. Thanks, Matt, and good afternoon to everybody.
00:08 I appreciate everybody being here.
00:10 And I guess this is our official media day.
00:13 We kind of had one up in Indianapolis or over
00:15 in Indianapolis a couple weeks ago.
00:17 So just start out with a couple of comments and then open
00:20 it up for questions certainly.
00:22 I think for some of us, this is our 25th media day,
00:26 August media day together.
00:28 So certainly appreciate your efforts and longevity
00:32 and appreciate everybody's efforts in covering our team.
00:34 Sadly, I just want to do mention a little bit tough to look out
00:38 and there are two familiar faces that are missing certainly
00:41 with Don Lund and Steve Patterson's passing.
00:44 And both those guys were very thoughtful, you know,
00:48 very professional what they did.
00:49 And I just want to, you know, take a moment and recognize them
00:52 and honor them for the great work that they did and missing
00:56 and our interactions moving forward here certainly.
00:58 You know, the beginning
01:00 of a new season is always kind of to me exciting.
01:03 I'm sure you're as eager and anxious as we are.
01:06 I know as coaches and players I think we all feel the same way.
01:09 So share some commonality on that for sure.
01:12 Before I get to football, we'll just talk a little bit
01:14 about the gambling issue.
01:16 I think as most of you know,
01:18 there's an ongoing betting investigation going on that,
01:22 you know, is underway currently.
01:24 And basically, it's an open investigation right now.
01:28 So not a lot I can tell you.
01:29 We'll continue to cooperate.
01:31 And but our biggest thing right now is focusing on this season
01:35 and we'll handle each case basically individually
01:38 as they come.
01:40 Really when I look at it, there are two basic levels here.
01:43 You've got the DCI involvement and then, you know,
01:46 which is obviously significant.
01:48 But beyond that, as it pertains to our football team,
01:51 the NCAA involvement also and the rulings that they'll make.
01:54 So one thing I can tell you,
01:56 I think it's become pretty apparent
01:57 that sports betting is common in football in general,
02:01 just athletics in general.
02:02 Based on NCAA survey I saw a couple months ago,
02:05 it's pretty prevalent on every college campus,
02:08 not only with the athletes but also just general people.
02:12 And certainly as I've learned the last couple months,
02:14 a big part of what's going on just out there
02:16 in the general public, although it's hardly a new phenomena,
02:19 just a lot more available now.
02:22 So as I stand here right now, I think, you know, again,
02:25 the one thing that doesn't --
02:26 can't be compromised, the integrity of the game.
02:28 That's first and foremost.
02:29 That's got to be protected
02:31 and that's where everything should start.
02:32 We will continue to cooperate.
02:34 I think everybody involved has done a good job of that.
02:37 That'll be ongoing.
02:38 And as we move forward, just hope that, you know,
02:41 whoever's making decisions, they're thoughtful.
02:44 Hopefully they're making appropriate decisions and then,
02:48 you know, be in time, we would be, you know,
02:50 appreciated as well.
02:51 So that's basically what I have to say about that.
02:54 Transition into football, you know, this is 20 plus years
02:58 of doing this now and really you go in the same year
03:01 or each year with basically the same thoughts.
03:03 Probably the one thing that does change
03:05 in time is you're a little bit more appreciative
03:07 of just having the opportunity to be in a really good place
03:10 and have a chance to work with good people on all levels,
03:13 you know, on a daily basis.
03:14 And I would take that back to my time here in the '80s as well,
03:17 the nine years we were here during that period.
03:20 That really hasn't changed.
03:21 I think that's what really makes this so enjoyable.
03:24 And, you know, the reality is, you know,
03:27 coaches are evaluated typically by wins and losses
03:29 by the outside world and certainly get that,
03:32 understand that, that is, you know, understood.
03:35 It's a given.
03:36 And, you know, when we line up, that's what we're trying to do.
03:38 We're trying to win football games.
03:40 Certainly that's our job and that's what we're all playing
03:42 for, it's a goal.
03:43 But the bigger picture is, you know, really not many
03:46 of our guys go on to the NFL.
03:48 Not many of them have long careers.
03:49 It's just a matter of statistics and every one
03:52 of them have a chance to graduate and then, you know,
03:54 basically what we're hoping is as they leave here,
03:56 they're better prepared for their adult lives.
03:58 And really the satisfaction, I think,
04:01 in coaching is when players come back to campus,
04:03 whether it's a networking event, a legacy weekend, or just,
04:06 you know, bringing their family by, whatever it may be.
04:09 And just hearing, you know, the stories and, you know,
04:12 hopefully hearing that some way their experience
04:15 in the program helped them be better adults, better citizens.
04:19 You know, employees, more importantly spouses, fathers,
04:22 those types of things.
04:23 So that's really what's, I think, what's most enjoyable.
04:26 And I think the older you get, the more you appreciate that.
04:29 As far as preseason goes, you know, we're basically eight days
04:32 into it now.
04:33 It was good, you know, to visit everybody in Indy
04:35 and at that time a lot of anticipation.
04:37 You can only meet so long, you can only talk about it
04:40 for so long, at some point you got to get going on
04:42 and get doing it.
04:42 And so we got together a week ago Tuesday,
04:45 had our first meeting, hit the field Wednesday
04:47 and finished our eighth practice this morning.
04:49 And as I said back in Indy,
04:52 basically every season's a new challenge.
04:54 It's a new start, fresh beginning.
04:56 I really try to encourage everybody working
04:58 with the players, our entire coaching staff,
05:00 to look at everybody with a fresh eye.
05:01 And I think it's especially true in high school
05:04 and college coaching, although some of that in the NFL as well.
05:07 But, you know, players change and they change sometimes
05:10 dramatically, sometimes not as dramatically.
05:12 But, you know, it's really just, I think that's the fun part
05:15 about it, just seeing how they do progress,
05:16 how they improve.
05:17 And that's what we're trying to sort out right now.
05:20 So, as I said in Indy, I think we had a good summer program.
05:23 Now we're eight days into it and like the way the guys are going
05:25 about their work, you know, we're certainly not game ready,
05:28 but, you know, I think so far so good
05:31 and the guys are moving forward.
05:33 One thing of note, I think, you know,
05:35 this year is a little bit different.
05:36 Mouton, they made note of that back in January
05:39 and certainly every conference since that time, you know,
05:42 with the infusion of transfer players, some new players,
05:45 it's a little bit different dynamic and it's kind
05:47 of been enjoyable actually in a lot of ways to work
05:50 with some new guys and just, you know, one quick reminder,
05:52 you know, coaches learn from players a lot more
05:54 than players learn from us.
05:55 Sometimes, just our first day of practice,
05:58 we got McNamara out there running the offense
06:01 and I think probably about six fall starts,
06:03 six or seven fall starts in the first day.
06:05 And it just dawned on me, you know,
06:06 he hadn't worked with our team.
06:07 He didn't work with the team, the full team,
06:09 back in spring practice.
06:11 He did seven on seven, individual stuff
06:13 but no teamwork.
06:14 So, you know, if I was a little smarter,
06:16 maybe we would have done a cadence drill or something
06:18 like that in our meetings.
06:19 But anyway, we worked through that.
06:21 But it's just a reminder that, you know,
06:22 when you have new guys coming in, there's a new chemistry,
06:24 some new equations going on.
06:26 And I think the guys have done a great job really adding
06:29 to our football team.
06:30 So, pleased with what I've seen thus far.
06:32 So, you know, just in conclusion,
06:34 we're pretty much healthy.
06:35 You know, you'll see some guys not working tomorrow.
06:37 It's mostly soft tissue stuff.
06:39 You expect that in preseason camp.
06:41 There's nothing right now of note.
06:43 Nothing to panic about.
06:45 So, just to clue you in on that one.
06:47 And then bigger picture again, I just, I'm really pleased
06:50 with the players so far.
06:51 Their energy's been good.
06:53 Their attention to detail's been good.
06:54 And I'd say the same thing about the coaching staff.
06:56 They're doing a great job teaching our guys.
06:58 So, really it's been a positive eight days.
07:00 And, you know, what we've got to do now
07:03 as a football team is finish up tomorrow.
07:04 We'll do our media day activities this afternoon,
07:08 meet tonight, look at this morning's film.
07:09 Then we need to finish out tomorrow to, you know,
07:12 finish that basically third block that we've had
07:14 in our preseason period.
07:16 So, you know, we're hardly ready for games, game action.
07:19 You'll see that tomorrow.
07:20 But I think you'll see a lot of good energy.
07:22 A lot of guys doing some good things out there.
07:24 And really the challenge is how we run the race here
07:27 in the next two weeks.
07:28 We've got a good base established.
07:29 Finish up tomorrow and then hopefully the next two weeks.
07:32 Be two different types of weeks.
07:34 But with school starting here a week from Monday.
07:36 But nonetheless, really important weeks for us
07:39 as we get ready for the season.
07:40 So, that's kind of where we're at.
07:41 And I'll throw it out for questions.
07:42 >> Kirk, when we were in Indianapolis,
07:44 it didn't seem like you were either aware or didn't know
07:48 that there were players who were, who had bet on Iowa.
07:52 And in the last two weeks there have been current players
07:55 on the current roster and players who were
07:57 on the roster last year who have been charged with
07:59 and among their deans were betting on Iowa.
08:03 Is that, was that new information for you?
08:05 >> Yep.
08:05 >> And what, what is your, I guess, opinion about that?
08:10 And are any other current players
08:12 under investigation in the NCAA currently practicing?
08:15 >> Yeah, you know, it's like a lot of things.
08:16 My answer would be we'll see.
08:18 And we'll see.
08:20 Right now I just, I know what's, I know what I've read.
08:24 Just like you have.
08:25 It's been kind of an interesting process.
08:27 An outside law firm has handled it internally
08:30 for us as I think you know.
08:31 So, they've been gathering information.
08:34 They've been, you know, working on that in cooperation
08:37 with the athletes and some
08:38 of the athletes have attorneys for obvious reasons.
08:41 So, at some point all that information,
08:43 maybe it already has, is going to the NCAA
08:45 and that will be reviewed by them.
08:47 I mentioned the DCI level.
08:48 That's curious to me.
08:49 Only in that, I mean I've had a little time to think about it.
08:53 Now there's 49 states by my count
08:55 that play football, have college,
08:56 universities that play football.
08:58 I think it's interesting that we're the only state I'm aware
09:01 of and I think it's interesting too,
09:03 more than two colleges in our state.
09:06 So, it's kind of interesting how that all came about.
09:09 I'm not excusing anybody that's involved.
09:11 And then also I assume they've, you know, maybe had charges
09:15 against non-athletes as well.
09:17 I don't know that.
09:18 Point there is I don't know a lot of things right now
09:20 and we'll deal with what we do know when it's, you know,
09:23 presented to us.
09:24 As a coach I'm really more concerned probably
09:26 about the NCAA rules and, you know, where they fit in there
09:30 in terms of eligibility.
09:31 But obviously if their charges are pressed and are, you know,
09:36 somebody's convicted then you deal with that when it comes.
09:38 So, it's kind of a wait and see thing
09:40 and we'll just let it unravel as we go.
09:43 >> A couple of things that you said.
09:47 Given that only one state has been involved in this
09:51 and there have been several players incriminated,
09:54 one should assume I would guess that it does spread
10:00 to many other states and the numbers are larger.
10:03 And you mentioned the integrity of the game.
10:05 Why should people believe in the integrity of the game when,
10:09 you know, clearly athletes are betting on games?
10:14 >> Well, I think the key point there is betting on our games
10:18 and that is, to me it's a deal breaker if that is
10:20 in fact proven to be true.
10:22 So, we'll deal with that when we get there.
10:24 But I think, you know, as we move forward I think,
10:26 at least in my opinion, it's been a learning process for me.
10:31 It's probably time for new policies from the NCAA
10:33 and I think they already have addressed that.
10:35 It's probably time to take another step.
10:37 I think they came out with something early May, late April.
10:40 I'm not sure that's aggressive enough based
10:43 on the world we're living in.
10:44 But everything's got to start there.
10:47 You know, that's not something you can, it's not a compromise,
10:51 you know, a negotiation starts there.
10:53 So, and I would also suggest based
10:56 on the numbers I'm aware of, you know,
10:57 it's probably a pretty small number in terms
11:00 of the big scheme of things.
11:01 But it doesn't make it right
11:01 and there's no way you can condone that.
11:03 >> Noah Shannon, I mean, put it out there himself a few weeks ago.
11:08 What's his status and will he be--
11:11 >> He's in a holding pattern like the other players, yeah.
11:13 So, to my knowledge, no crime has been, he hasn't been accused
11:18 of any crimes, but he does have an NCAA deal to deal with,
11:21 issue to deal with and we'll let it ride out and see
11:24 if the NCAA has to say about it.
11:25 >> To clarify--
11:26 >> Let me go back on that too, just to give you a little more.
11:29 And Noah's a really good example of this whole thing.
11:33 It's given me a chance to step back a little bit and think
11:36 about some things and my wife's been involved in this.
11:38 You know, Noah's one of the best kids we have
11:41 on our football team, he's a strong, respected leader,
11:44 tremendous young person and has been nothing
11:47 from my standpoint than a model football player for us.
11:50 I'm really proud of everything he's done.
11:51 And I'm proud of the fact that he did come forward and say,
11:54 you know, I'm not sure I want to go to Indianapolis,
11:56 I don't think it's right right now fair to our football team.
12:00 And that gives you a little indication
12:01 to his character I think.
12:03 And as I step back and look at it, I mean, just consider this,
12:06 if we went out and rounded up every kid on campuses
12:09 who had a beer before they were 21,
12:11 and I'm not saying it's the exact parallel,
12:13 but I would suggest, you know, betting was a big thing
12:17 in the '80s, I remember the FBI presenting
12:19 that to us in team meetings.
12:20 I would suggest it's probably a bigger thing right now
12:22 and all you have to do is look at your phones or watch TV
12:25 and think you know what I'm talking about.
12:27 So we're living in a little different world.
12:29 I think we have to ramp up our education, me personally,
12:31 probably have to do a better job there.
12:33 And I would suggest there's probably going
12:35 to be some modification in policies moving forward
12:37 from the NCAA.
12:38 I don't want to speak for them, but I would imagine
12:40 that might be the case just like the NFL.
12:41 I think has a pretty realistic set of working rules
12:45 and I would like to see ours hopefully model theirs a little
12:47 bit closer.
12:48 That's just my two cents commentary.
12:50 Yeah.
12:50 >> How much and how often do you emphasize
12:52 to your players the game improves?
12:53 >> It's an annual thing.
12:55 Yeah, it's an annual thing.
12:56 I think they know they're not supposed to do it.
12:58 That hasn't changed.
12:59 The world outside has changed.
13:01 And again, I think I've told you before, I don't gamble,
13:04 so I really haven't paid attention.
13:05 I have a, whether it's good or bad, I have an ability just
13:09 to kind of block stuff out that I don't care about.
13:11 And that's been one thing.
13:13 I've paid attention since early May.
13:15 And it's just amazing to me.
13:17 I mean, it should not come as any surprise that, you know,
13:19 this is true that those stats that were in the survey,
13:23 not just athletes, it's everybody.
13:25 It's just the world we live in.
13:26 So, and we're not, I'm not saying we're ramming it
13:28 down people's throats, but it's pretty easy
13:30 to get there, it's pretty prevalent.
13:32 And, you know, no kidding, we might have some guys involved.
13:35 So, yeah, I think we have to rethink our educational process
13:38 as well and make that a big thing.
13:40 >> To clarify, for the players who are in a holding pattern,
13:43 what level of involvement do they currently have
13:45 with the team?
13:46 Are they practicing?
13:47 Are they in team meetings?
13:48 >> Every case is a little bit individual, I'd say.
13:52 I'd put it that way.
13:52 With the exception of one, the guys are playing
13:56 or practicing, some are out because of injuries, et cetera.
13:59 You know, the bigger picture I have to consider
14:02 as a head coach is that they might not be here
14:04 on opening day or whatever.
14:05 And it might be one day, it might be, you know, 11,
14:08 12 games, I don't know.
14:09 None of us know that.
14:10 So, you got to keep that in mind, too.
14:12 And, you know, out of fairness to our football team,
14:14 we have to do what's best for the team, too.
14:16 So, it's kind of a flexible equation, if you will.
14:19 It's a moving target, and that's
14:22 where clarity will really help us.
14:23 You know, right now, I don't know
14:24 that anybody knows facts other than we are dealing
14:27 with this situation.
14:28 >> Any advice you can give to the players on a regular basis?
14:31 Does that include guidance that they're not supposed
14:34 to use like proxies, like family members,
14:36 et cetera to be placing bets?
14:37 >> Yeah, I mean, gambling is gambling, I think, you know,
14:40 as far as I can understand it.
14:42 Like, no matter how you do it.
14:43 And one of the ironies is, you know,
14:45 from what I can understand,
14:46 one of these guys might have been better off going
14:47 through bookings, which I know is illegal.
14:49 That's what people my age did, you know, 40 years ago.
14:52 So, that's the irony of this whole thing, I guess.
14:55 But all that being said, the world has changed.
14:59 It's like, you know, I would say it's not a direct parallel,
15:03 but the drug usage or drug testing policies
15:05 of the NCAA changed radically in the last five years.
15:08 Probably because most states have legalized marijuana.
15:12 So, you know, it just kind of reflects the world we live in.
15:15 I'm not saying I know what the happy medium is
15:17 or where it should be, but it's pretty obvious, I think,
15:20 that this is -- it's time for a discussion about this.
15:23 In the meantime, we'll deal with the facts and deal
15:25 with the circumstances we have to deal with.
15:27 I'm not -- we're not running from that at all.
15:29 But I do think as we move forward right now,
15:31 it's one thing you're going to see changing.
15:33 And in my sense, the NCAA is very sensitive to that.
15:36 I don't think they're, you know, oblivious to this thing.
15:39 I think, you know, we got new leadership there,
15:40 and they seem to be a lot more in touch with what's going
15:43 on like today, currently, and that's a good thing.
15:46 >> Has this situation, like, changed the way
15:48 that you're preparing leading up to --
15:50 >> Not at all.
15:50 >> Well, I mean, in the sense that some guys may
15:52 or may not be available, or have you ever been in this type
15:55 of situation leading up to a season?
15:57 >> No, and it's really not that big a deal right now,
15:59 quite frankly.
16:00 I mean, I'm not trying to be coy, but it just isn't.
16:02 Noah's injured.
16:04 He would be the most prominent player, to my knowledge,
16:07 that's involved in this.
16:08 And, you know, so as we got closer to games,
16:10 let's say he was 100% healthy, which he's not.
16:13 If we got closer to games, that's something we would have
16:16 to weigh and measure, because if you don't know
16:17 if a player's going to be there,
16:18 you got to get other guys ready to go.
16:20 Because we're going to play regardless.
16:21 You know, we're going to play.
16:22 So, you know, but right now, we'll wait and see, you know,
16:26 and that's just the way it goes, yeah.
16:28 So it hasn't really been a big deal that way.
16:30 >> Where else is the plan at, place to go right now?
16:32 Obviously, you're cemented in with Drew,
16:35 but with Aaron's situation, what's the plan?
16:38 >> We brought a young guy in who's at Iowa Western.
16:43 He's going to join us here from the Des Moines area.
16:46 So anyway, he's joined us, and we'll see.
16:48 But, you know, we're a better team if we have all
16:49 of our guys healthy, obviously, especially our starters.
16:52 >> Kirk, when you look at, I'm going to switch
16:54 to football for a minute.
16:55 >> Oh, yeah.
16:56 >> When you look at your offensive line,
17:00 you've been pointing to that, you know, really since last year
17:03 about the youth inexperience, you know, injuries,
17:07 and it's kind of stunting their progress a little bit.
17:10 How have they performed through camp thus far?
17:12 Do you feel, you know, what do you feel
17:14 like how your offensive line has performed?
17:17 >> Yeah, I mean, that's one area I know a little something
17:20 about in football.
17:21 That's about it.
17:21 But, you know, I've been saying, you know,
17:23 you really can't microwave maturity.
17:26 You just can't do it, and that's a position
17:28 where maturity really shows up.
17:30 It's, so again, nobody wants to hear it, but we've had injuries.
17:34 We've had some unusual personnel situations.
17:36 Connor Colby's a great example, in my opinion.
17:40 You know, and Connor was a really good prospect,
17:42 and he's a really good young man, and he's going
17:44 to be a really good player.
17:45 But, you know, we threw him in there two years ago,
17:47 and he wasn't ready, and, you know, I mean,
17:50 the bottom line is there used to be a time where,
17:52 it was usually year three when the average guy got
17:54 out there on the field.
17:55 So my only point in bringing him up is, like, he's practicing
17:59 at a far different rate than he was,
18:01 certainly even last year, in my opinion.
18:03 He missed the spring, so this is new to him.
18:06 I mentioned the newcomers come in,
18:07 but we also have a handful of guys that had surgeries
18:09 that didn't practice in spring ball.
18:11 So this period's been really important for them as well.
18:14 And my point is, like, you know, he's just,
18:16 he looks like a different football player
18:17 than he did the last two years.
18:19 And I'm not saying, you know, we predicted that,
18:21 but my feeling was, my sense was that we would see that.
18:24 Mason's kind of the same way.
18:26 You know, Mason probably got thrown in there a little bit,
18:28 perhaps a little bit more out of him than we had to,
18:31 but that's the way it goes sometimes.
18:32 You do what you can.
18:33 He did a heck of a job competing.
18:35 He'll be a better football player,
18:37 and Logan Jones will be a better player.
18:38 So those three I'll throw the young in,
18:40 who's a little bit older.
18:40 So just that maturity factor is good, and then, you know,
18:44 a guy like Feth comes in here who's, you know,
18:47 played a lot of college football.
18:49 It's a little different level competition, but, you know,
18:51 with every day, he's getting better.
18:52 So long story short, I think we have some competition
18:55 in the group, which we haven't had.
18:57 We've been trying to survive.
18:58 Now we got competition, and, you know,
19:01 maybe with a little bit of luck, we'll actually be able to play
19:02 at the tempo we want to play at, and that's our goal.
19:05 But we're not there yet, but I feel a lot better
19:07 to answer the question, the original question
19:09 about where we're at.
19:10 I feel a lot better, and I think you'll see that tomorrow.
19:12 >> Kirk, there's been a lot of focus on the production
19:15 of the wide receivers over the past couple of years.
19:17 You guys added a couple pieces via the portal.
19:19 I guess, have you guys already talked about how
19:21 to get them more involved in the perimeter passing game,
19:24 and how do you take that next step to kind of get back
19:26 to the production level that you want out of that group?
19:27 >> Yeah, it's kind of, it's similar to the offensive line
19:30 in some ways, but, you know, where the ball goes is all a
19:33 product of how they play us on defense,
19:35 and I think the good news is right now, you know,
19:39 Luke Lachey's a much better player than he was a year ago,
19:42 and then Eric Hall, you know, we lost a really good player,
19:45 needless to say, with Sam Laporta, but then you get a guy
19:48 like Eric Hall to join the team, and, you know,
19:51 so feel pretty good about those two guys.
19:54 You know, Estrenga has really, he's in year two now,
19:58 so he's playing better than he did last year,
19:59 and he played pretty well last year,
20:01 and I'll mention Stiglianos in that, you know, same thing.
20:04 He came from a 1AA school, an FCS school,
20:07 so look at him last year.
20:09 He struggled, quite frankly, a little bit
20:11 like Van Valkenburgh his first year.
20:12 Now you're seeing a whole different player,
20:14 and we saw that kind of in the spring, but right now,
20:16 he's practicing like a guy who can help us,
20:19 so all of a sudden, I think we have some depth there,
20:20 and so as that, you know, pertains to the guys outside,
20:25 I think it just makes their job a little bit easier.
20:27 They still got to do their job.
20:29 You know, Nico's had a really good preseason.
20:31 He's a little dinged up right now, but not the major.
20:34 Deontay Vines, a guy who's been injured in and out,
20:37 had all kinds of crazy stuff happen,
20:39 is having a really good preseason.
20:41 We kind of thought that would happen, but it's got to happen
20:44 on the field, and again, I think it's maturity.
20:45 It's being around.
20:46 His case, just staying on the field, so start
20:49 with those two guys, and then, you know,
20:50 we'll see how the other guys help out, but I think so far,
20:54 so good, at least we're in a little better situation,
20:56 and you know, it's really going to be about all 11 guys,
20:59 and it's beyond that, because you got subs and all that,
21:01 but you know, I feel pretty good about that right now.
21:04 >> Kirk, speaking of those other guys,
21:05 Caleb Brown was obviously a huge flash,
21:07 bringing him out of the portal,
21:08 and being a four-star recruit coming from Ohio State.
21:12 Have you seen some of that talent flash
21:14 through in the few days they've been able to see him?
21:16 >> Yeah, I'm glad you brought that up,
21:17 because yes, I have seen the talent.
21:19 I think all of us have seen the talent, and it's flash.
21:24 That's the other key word.
21:25 I think what everybody needs to remember about him is, you know,
21:27 he's only played one year of college football,
21:29 and really hasn't played much.
21:31 I think he had one catch last year, so if you look at some
21:34 of the other guys that transferred, you know,
21:35 McNamara's got a resume.
21:36 Eric Hall's got a resume.
21:38 Caleb doesn't.
21:39 He was a really good prospect out of high school,
21:42 I would say he's a better prospect now,
21:43 but he's still a prospect, if that makes sense.
21:45 He just got dinged up yesterday, too, unfortunately,
21:49 after making a really good play.
21:50 So I think it's just a matter of time with him, too,
21:52 but I think they expect the same out of him
21:54 as maybe McNamara all -- you know, you're looking
21:57 at two different categories, but I'm glad he's here.
21:59 He's a great young guy, and has fit in really well,
22:02 and he's working hard, so eager to get him back.
22:04 >> So eight practices of 11 on 11.
22:06 >> Yep.
22:07 >> How has he met, exceeded --
22:11 what's your impression been about why he's brought
22:13 to the team, I guess?
22:14 >> Yeah, once we got the cadence part down a little better.
22:16 And the only thing I keep forgetting about this,
22:19 but you know, quarterbacks don't play under center anymore,
22:22 so it's been a little bit of an adjustment for him.
22:23 I keep forgetting we're in a new era of football.
22:26 No huddles.
22:26 Nobody under center.
22:28 So, you know, we're working through that,
22:31 but he's been outstanding.
22:33 He's just a really good leader.
22:34 He's a good football player.
22:36 You know, he's got good vision.
22:38 He makes good decisions, and you know,
22:40 it's really been positive, so I'm excited he's here.
22:42 >> Kirk, how is Seth Anderson progressing right now?
22:46 >> Who's that?
22:46 >> Seth Anderson.
22:47 How is he progressing?
22:49 >> Oh, good.
22:49 Yes. Kind of like Caleb, only further ahead than Caleb.
22:52 He's played more football, lower level.
22:54 But a great young guy.
22:56 You know, great young guy.
22:56 And we didn't get to see him in the spring, because he was out,
22:59 basically the whole spring.
23:00 Works hard, great attitude, and smooth player.
23:05 He's got good ability.
23:06 So I'm really, you know, I think,
23:08 and I mentioned earlier, you know,
23:10 we'll know a lot more here after two weeks.
23:12 I think, you know, we'll know a lot more next Saturday
23:14 than we know tomorrow.
23:15 But I think in some cases, two weeks, and I'm thinking
23:19 about him, which I think every day is so important to him.
23:21 These meetings, everything they do, they've got an opportunity
23:25 to learn if they're really thinking right.
23:26 So really excited about him.
23:28 You know, a good young guy, and you know, we'll see, you know,
23:31 what really matters is what they do out there in September.
23:34 But he's on the right path.
23:35 >> What have been your impressions of Nick Jackson,
23:37 how you've been able to actually see him here,
23:39 versus just not seeing him?
23:40 >> Yeah, yeah.
23:41 So I don't know.
23:41 We've got 10, 15 guys that didn't practice in the spring,
23:44 and you forget about, you know, Nick didn't practice
23:46 in the spring, even though he's going to school and finishing.
23:48 But so now he's learning everything.
23:51 It's, you know, like drinking through a fire hose a
23:52 little bit.
23:53 But he's a pretty cerebral guy, and he's picking it up fast.
23:55 And great attitudes, mature, you know, strong,
23:59 just a strong presence.
24:00 And, you know, I think he's going to be just fine.
24:02 He'll be good.
24:03 And I feel good about our linebackers.
24:05 We don't have enough depth right now,
24:06 and Carson Shire's not working.
24:07 You'll see that.
24:08 Should get him back sometime next week.
24:10 But we need, like, he's a good prospect,
24:13 but he's a prospect.
24:14 He hasn't played enough.
24:15 So we need to get him out there, get him working,
24:16 and get him caught up.
24:18 But that's, like, part of the race.
24:20 We want those guys, too.
24:20 >> Okay. Caleb Johnson, what all do you remember
24:24 about recruiting him?
24:24 >> I remember he's going to Cal.
24:27 Like, you know, explain that, right?
24:28 Like, it's kind of random from Hamilton, Ohio.
24:31 You've got to admit that.
24:32 A lot of schools between here and Cal.
24:33 With all due respect to Cal, I mean, you know,
24:36 Berkeley, all that stuff.
24:38 But it's kind of weird and random.
24:39 But I'm just glad he's on our team.
24:42 He's a great young guy.
24:43 He's still young.
24:44 He's still learning.
24:45 Like, he's got so much ability.
24:47 And he's doing well.
24:48 I don't mean to say it in a disparaging way,
24:51 but he still has a lot more there.
24:53 Like, just little things.
24:54 Once he really figures that out.
24:56 With Sean Williams, you know, just compare and contrast.
24:59 Like, Sean's practicing about as good
25:01 as I've seen him ever right now.
25:03 Like, he's really doing well.
25:04 But that's experience, too.
25:06 That's just being out there and doing things.
25:07 And every position, there are little things
25:09 that you have to learn how to do.
25:10 And he's a willing learner.
25:11 So we're excited he's here.
25:12 >> Given some of your comments in the past
25:16 about finding schools out west during the regular season.
25:20 >> Yeah.
25:20 >> And now that you have four joining the conference,
25:23 maybe two more, is this impacting your thinking
25:27 about how much longer you want to do this?
25:29 >> No, not that.
25:31 But, you know, my first thought, a couple of things.
25:34 My neighbor, Jamie, from Cleveland, sports junkie,
25:37 played Division III football.
25:39 Played at the same high school as Chuck Null in Cleveland.
25:43 Total sports nut.
25:44 I think he's in the CIA.
25:45 He says he's a software salesman,
25:48 but I think he's in the CIA.
25:49 He texted me this morning.
25:51 He heard that scientists found out, or at least have reason
25:53 to believe there's perhaps a team on the planet Mars
25:57 that's playing college football.
25:58 And there are already three conferences negotiating
26:00 with them about joining their conferences.
26:03 So things have changed, certainly.
26:05 And I've never been a proponent of going out west in season.
26:09 Bowl games is fine.
26:11 But we'll adjust.
26:12 We'll figure out how to make it work.
26:13 But to the other question, my thought a year ago was it's not
26:19 that big a deal in our sport.
26:20 We travel five times a year.
26:22 Most of them are pretty easy trips.
26:24 Our guys don't miss much class time.
26:26 You know, 11 o'clock game on the west coast is not ideal,
26:29 you know, because the turnarounds are tough anywhere.
26:33 But the sports in my mind, you know,
26:35 the thing about the Olympic sports last year,
26:36 especially if you're one of those two west coast school
26:39 teams where a home game is Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota,
26:42 the pressure it's going to put on those student athletes,
26:46 and they still say student athlete,
26:48 but just all those strains, you know, flying commercial,
26:53 the whole nine yards.
26:54 That was my thought a year ago, and it's interesting.
26:57 I hear a lot of people talking about that now
26:59 after this most recent wave.
27:01 And I think that's another issue that, you know,
27:04 college sports are going to have to figure out and address
27:06 because it doesn't make sense at all.
27:08 But that's not my concern because in football,
27:11 it's not that big a deal.
27:12 And we seem to be driving this whole thing right now.
27:15 It's my two cents commentary.
27:17 But again, it's not that --
27:18 it doesn't affect our world all that much.
27:20 It won't affect our players all that much other than coming back
27:24 from a west coast trip and getting here at, you know,
27:26 six in the morning, kind of like Nevada did
27:28 after they left here last year.
27:29 Like, that's hard.
27:30 That's hard.
27:31 But you make it -- you figure it out and make it work
27:33 on that week and keep going.
27:35 But it's all the other people that are being affected
27:37 and impacted think they need to rethink that a little bit.
27:40 And, you know, that's just one person's opinion.
27:43 Again, it doesn't affect my world a hell of a lot.
27:45 >> How do you think that makes college football look?
27:47 >> I mean, it is what it is right now.
27:49 I think that's pretty obvious.
27:50 And I think it's been obvious,
27:51 but it really became obvious probably last July, I think,
27:55 you know, so it's just what it is.
27:58 It's entertainment.
27:59 And I'm glad to be part of it.
28:00 Don't get me wrong.
28:01 I'm really enjoying that.
28:03 And it's still collegiate in our program.
28:05 That's a goal.
28:06 Like, I never wanted to not feel collegiate to our players.
28:09 And I worry about that a lot.
28:11 And I started worrying about that when the money got bigger
28:13 because people get a little bit more opinionated.
28:15 They get a little bit more, you know, less patient,
28:18 a little, you know, grouchier and all that.
28:19 Probably because of gambling.
28:21 And, you know, that's what I worry about for our players.
28:24 Like, just enjoy the game, enjoy the camaraderie, the teamwork.
28:27 That hasn't changed.
28:28 And that might be a little harder to, you know,
28:30 try to keep that going.
28:32 But that's a goal.
28:33 >> Is that a hard thing at all to admit?
28:35 I mean, I don't remember you saying that five
28:37 or ten years ago that it's entertainment.
28:39 >> I'm a senior citizen.
28:40 I can say what the hell I think now, you know.
28:41 So what the hell.
28:42 But, you know, so it's just --
28:44 I mean, you know, the world's changed so much.
28:47 And it really probably, you know, started with Nebraska.
28:51 They joined our league.
28:52 And then next thing you know, we got two East Coast teams.
28:54 So the big time kind of changed a little bit.
28:56 And then, you know, we blew it up two years ago or a year ago.
28:58 I say blew it up.
29:00 We just, you know, it's a reconfiguration.
29:02 But that, you know, we didn't start that one.
29:04 And, you know, it's just there's a lot of momentum going
29:07 that direction right now.
29:08 And so tying it in with my career, like you deal
29:11 with whatever comes your way.
29:12 You know, I wasn't necessarily in favor
29:15 of the transfer portal and some of those things.
29:17 But, you know, it's reality.
29:18 So you deal with it and try to make it work in your favor
29:21 and try to make it work better than somebody else can.
29:23 >> Greg, you've got a clear QB number one in K.
29:26 Has anybody emerged as that number two?
29:28 >> Yeah, I'll make that one easy for you.
29:30 Labus has been out.
29:31 He had a soft tissue injury back in July.
29:34 So hopefully we'll get him back on the field right now.
29:37 But it's clearly one, two, and then after that, hang on.
29:39 So, you know, it's kind of where it's at.
29:41 So it's, you know, the good news is Deacon's getting a lot
29:44 of good work.
29:45 Bad news is Joe hasn't been able to compete.
29:47 So hopefully we'll get him back on the field here soon.
29:49 >> You'll obviously see a 6-5 rollback.
29:52 I know it's been talked about in the spring.
29:53 But what about Hayden makes you think he can get low enough
29:57 to be a pullback?
29:58 And is he cemented -- I mean,
29:59 I know there's no battles finished right now.
30:01 But is he kind of cemented there?
30:02 Or what's the pullback?
30:04 >> Yeah, we don't have a lot of options right now.
30:05 You know, Dusty's the other guy, a true freshman,
30:08 who's done a nice job.
30:09 That is his biggest challenge is getting leverage.
30:11 That's a disadvantage of being tall.
30:12 But if you can bend a little bit, which he can, you know,
30:15 it's a matter of learning how to play.
30:16 And it's true at every position, you know,
30:18 height can be an advantage or a disadvantage.
30:20 So you just -- you know, we all have our own challenges.
30:23 And you figure out, you know, what works for you
30:24 and how do you really make that go.
30:26 But he's been willing.
30:27 He's a, you know, smart guy.
30:28 And quite frankly, when, you know, he just ended up here,
30:31 I can't remember the whole story.
30:33 But I'm glad he's here.
30:35 And certainly didn't envision him being a fullback.
30:37 And it's, you know, looks like a good path for him.
30:40 So it's a pleasant surprise for us.
30:41 >> A couple more questions.
30:43 >> Your thoughts on the growth of Logan Lee
30:45 over the years on and off the field?
30:47 >> Yeah. You know, Logan mentioned injuries a little bit
30:50 earlier ago, how those can impede a career.
30:52 And Logan's had a couple to deal with.
30:54 And first of all, he's like a 45-year-old guy.
30:56 You know him.
30:56 Like he's a 45-year-old guy on our football team.
30:59 Just so mature.
31:00 Only married guy on the team that fits.
31:02 Like, you know, they probably got married 10 years ago,
31:04 secretly.
31:04 So he's just one of those guys.
31:07 Really good leader.
31:07 So positive.
31:08 Extremely hardworking.
31:10 And I was telling the Pro Scout a couple days ago, you know,
31:14 when he got here, he's a good player, but kind of mechanical.
31:16 And sometimes guys have to learn how to play.
31:18 And that's how I would describe him.
31:21 So he was doing good things, giving good effort.
31:23 You know, but it just wasn't -- and Dallas Clark was like that,
31:26 believe it or not, as a linebacker, you know,
31:28 100 years ago.
31:28 And then you get them in the right spot,
31:30 and then they just keep working it.
31:32 And that's where the injuries impeded the progress.
31:34 But as he's gotten the reps in, boy, he's really come
31:38 on to be a really good football player.
31:40 And, you know, just an outstanding young guy.
31:42 Just a really strong, positive leader on our team.
31:44 >> But what have you seen out of Xavier Wampa during the fall?
31:48 And just what are your thoughts on what he's done?
31:50 >> He's doing a good job.
31:51 You know, he's out there competing.
31:52 And, you know, so on the back end, Schulte's the veteran guy,
31:57 if you will, kind of the stabilizer right now.
31:59 And then we've got a bunch of other guys competing.
32:00 Xavier's doing a good job and, you know, making good progress.
32:04 And Tringer's the same way.
32:05 He's doing a good job as well.
32:06 Castro's been practicing well, played his best in the bowl game.
32:10 So, you know, it's kind of us.
32:12 You know, we've got some young guys coming along,
32:13 and we've got an older guy, Castro, who, you know,
32:16 finally got some traction in that bowl game and really looked
32:18 like a Big Ten safety, you know, not just a specialist, if you will.
32:23 And so I think we have good competition back there.
32:25 >> On the depth chart, you had Wampa at number one, strong safety.
32:29 Is he practicing pretty much exclusively there or?
32:32 >> Well, yeah, those guys all kind of move around a little bit.
32:34 If you're safety, you've got to really understand both positions.
32:37 That's something Phil asked him to do.
32:38 And -- but if Schulte's in there, he'll be art-free safety.
32:41 He's the quarterback back there.
32:42 >> Okay. Thank you, Coach.
32:44 >> Okay. Thank you.