Every week, we get quotes from Fitz at Monday's press conference, Tuesday's teleconference and Wednesday's practice. We use some in stories, but every week we have a bunch of stuff left over that we don't use. So I thought I could post some of it here.
Here is some of what he had to say on Tuesday and today that were left on the cutting room floor. These aren't direct quotes -- just my notes and paraphrasing that capture what he had to say. I think you'll find some of them interesting. The topics are the result of questions from the media.
On Justin Jackson and the blocking of the offensive line:[/B] The OL has been good, but not great. The best players have been the two seniors and the right guard (Matt Frazier). Jackson can turn a one-yard gain to four, and a four-yard gain to eight. We haven't had that around here consistently since Tyrell Sutton. I feel great about his future.
Practice performance vs. game performance: [/B]We don't have a practice problem. It was the perfect story against Iowa. Rudock had his best game, it was the best Iowa has played in three or four years (against NU). We were awesome today (Tuesday). We were great today, we had a great workout.
Jackson's pass protection:[/B] It's OK. We're trying to be smart with what we're doing. He'll be better in spring ball. He's trying. Didn't recruit him for pass protection. Is it strong enough now? No.
Leadership during Iowa game:[/B] A lot of our leaders are out. Collin Ellis, Ibraheim Campbell and Stephen Buckley were all trying to rally the troops on the sideline at Iowa. It didn't work. They weren't getting a response. It's tough.
Biggest problem:[/B] For way too many guys on this team that every day is their first day. We have covered and covered and covered it with them, and they're still making the same mistakes. That's our No. 1 problem. We're just going to keep coaching them. Don't have enough depth to pull them. I put a guy in and he's worse, it doesn't do me any good. We're gonna keep grinding, that's all we can do.
Player meetings:[/B] I've had more one-on-ones with players on Mondays than I have in any other year as a head coach. Mostly guys being called to the principal's office and not the other way around.
Ellis' and Campbell's health:[/B] Collin is as good as a place as he can be. Feels he has to do more with Anthony Walker to get him ready. Ibs just has to battle to get out and play. I can't ask for more from either of them.
Fun at practice?[/B] I try to make practice fun every day. No. 1 solution: winning makes it fun. Tried it last week - obviously didn't work.
Assessment of receivers:[/B] They're horrible, but we're going to coach them. Every day is the first day. It's fun to work with a group like that.Max Chapman:[/B] He is our Energizer bunny. Great motor. It starts with his faith, he's a special, special guy. He requested to have a priest come in to say mass. He plays with all he's got. He plays every position, knows everything inside and out. He plays as hard as he can.
Here is some of what he had to say on Tuesday and today that were left on the cutting room floor. These aren't direct quotes -- just my notes and paraphrasing that capture what he had to say. I think you'll find some of them interesting. The topics are the result of questions from the media.
On Justin Jackson and the blocking of the offensive line:[/B] The OL has been good, but not great. The best players have been the two seniors and the right guard (Matt Frazier). Jackson can turn a one-yard gain to four, and a four-yard gain to eight. We haven't had that around here consistently since Tyrell Sutton. I feel great about his future.
Practice performance vs. game performance: [/B]We don't have a practice problem. It was the perfect story against Iowa. Rudock had his best game, it was the best Iowa has played in three or four years (against NU). We were awesome today (Tuesday). We were great today, we had a great workout.
Jackson's pass protection:[/B] It's OK. We're trying to be smart with what we're doing. He'll be better in spring ball. He's trying. Didn't recruit him for pass protection. Is it strong enough now? No.
Leadership during Iowa game:[/B] A lot of our leaders are out. Collin Ellis, Ibraheim Campbell and Stephen Buckley were all trying to rally the troops on the sideline at Iowa. It didn't work. They weren't getting a response. It's tough.
Biggest problem:[/B] For way too many guys on this team that every day is their first day. We have covered and covered and covered it with them, and they're still making the same mistakes. That's our No. 1 problem. We're just going to keep coaching them. Don't have enough depth to pull them. I put a guy in and he's worse, it doesn't do me any good. We're gonna keep grinding, that's all we can do.
Player meetings:[/B] I've had more one-on-ones with players on Mondays than I have in any other year as a head coach. Mostly guys being called to the principal's office and not the other way around.
Ellis' and Campbell's health:[/B] Collin is as good as a place as he can be. Feels he has to do more with Anthony Walker to get him ready. Ibs just has to battle to get out and play. I can't ask for more from either of them.
Fun at practice?[/B] I try to make practice fun every day. No. 1 solution: winning makes it fun. Tried it last week - obviously didn't work.
Assessment of receivers:[/B] They're horrible, but we're going to coach them. Every day is the first day. It's fun to work with a group like that.Max Chapman:[/B] He is our Energizer bunny. Great motor. It starts with his faith, he's a special, special guy. He requested to have a priest come in to say mass. He plays with all he's got. He plays every position, knows everything inside and out. He plays as hard as he can.
