Fall Preview w/ Coach Zordich
Did he say the secondary is worse than last year and that guys need to start practicing more instead of sit out with injuries? If so, Hill may be an All-American.
He actually said he no longer has to push the guys (Lavert, David Long). Says they have grown into their own and are big time players.
I was hoping he would be more negative with the guys cuz it's worked well the last few off seasons ;)
Overall he thinks the defense will be better than last season b/c there are only 2 big departures, which he touched on:
- Dwumfour is a Mo Hurst "clone" and gets off the ball quickly/disrupts the backfield... Obviously he will be a step back from Mo this year, but we do have good depth in the middle of the D Line with Mone and Solomon.
- Josh Ross has had an "unbelievable" spring and Devin Gil is playing at a very high level as well. McCray's leadership will be missed, but I believe either of these 2 guys can step in from day 1 and play at a high level. GREAT depth at LB on this roster. My guess: Ross plays more snaps than Gil.
Zordich having confidence in his players and the defense means a lot
When's the mgoblog roundtable pick back up?
I believe it picked back up about mid-August last summer, but would need one of the Mods to provide a better guess.
I hope he mentions how terrible the offense is and that they need to develop more quickly completely unsolicited
Was hoping the same!
He's actually very impressed with the athletes on the offense and the challenges they will present other teams. DPJ, Black and Nico Collins are all big body WR's and he mentioned Grant in the slot as a difference maker. I am hoping we see flashes of Oliver Martin this year as well. Zordich also noted the improvement from the TE's.
I do appreciate Zordich's openness, as opposed to guys like JayBaugh and Drevno who not only wouldn't say anything but often came across as put off that people were asking them questions.
Am I the only person who likes Jay Harbaugh's interviews? I agree he never goes negative or completely honest when talking about individual players, but he is a good listen for learning about schemes and how the running game is improving. Drevno, though, was horrible.
"JayBaugh... wouldn't say anything but often came across as put off that people were asking them questions."
Judging by the long, extended interview Webb did with Jay very recently, Jay is the complete opposite of "put off by people asking questions."
He doesn't sugar coat anything.... Got to respect that. Keeps them on their toes.
Coach Zordich has been one of my favorite coaches since he's been here. His guys play hard for him and he calls them out to their face And in public because he knows what they're capable of. IMO, he's been one of our most important position coaches and I hope he sticks around for a while.
I agree. His results speak for themselves. He's also a good reminder that not every assistant needs to be a plus recruiter.
Zordich feels positive. That probably means something.
I was hoping to get his honest thoughts on the offensive line and Shea personally. If someone had asked him about the OL and QB play last year his head would have probably exploded.
Great point - One thing Sam missed on (IMO) is asking Zordich about the QB play in the Spring.
Coach Z needs more coverage seriously
Nooooooo. Keep him under the radar so no one poaches him from us. Give him a raise and lock him in a dark closet out of sight of everyone else.
Don Brown's defense in year 3 is phenomenal anyway. I can't wait to see it in action with 4 potential all americans running the system!
Good thing Sam is on. I check this site for the message board.
this site gives nothing.
o politics.
"this site gives nothing."
Gives nothing in what way? As I read it, you're saying it gives nothing in the form of inside news. And that would be correct - Brian states repeatedly that he's not in the 'insider' news business, and that he has no 'insiders' on staff. Don't come here looking for 'inside' information!
But it is nice to see some posted - occasionally - from the likes of UMBig11, Sam, Mineral King, Lorentz, et all. Sometimes, the front page recurring items (UV, recruiting updates, etc) provide some news also, though those are mostly in the catch-up category.
(/Mineral King. HAA!!! I slay me!!!!)
Unrelated question: When is the first day with pads?
Aug 3 plus 5 days
Edit: plus 3 days for pads but no contact.