Mike opened asking about the scholarship offer awarded to linebacker Bailey Schoenfelder. PJ wants to create a memory for the players that they will remember the rest of their lives. “Bailey is passionate about the military. He wants to be in the special forces; we decided to ask a friend of mine that was in the military come talk our team today then two others parachute it from a plane. I’m very passionate about scholarships for walk-ons…they never get signing day. We have to create that for them.”
The players went to a Jay-Z and Beyonce concert at night throughout two-a-days to give the team a mental break. PJ did note that it was completely legal and they did it for the team to see a fan perspective. When Jay-Z and Beyonce are performing, the fans expect to be entertained. When fans come to University of Minnesota football games, they expect to see the team perform at the highest level.
On the outlook of the 2018 team, they are young and talented. Around 60% of the team is either a freshman or redshirt freshman. Fleck expects the team to play at a high level, but like most young teams, make young mistakes. The team must mature as quickly as possible to take the next step.
Shannon Brooks could be available at some point during the season, Coach indicated. Whether they intend to use him or not, is question for a later date. The team has a new dietitian, Leslee Sholomskas, who came to the team from the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Fleck gives her a ton of credit for helping the players prevent injuries and stay fresh. PJ also gives credit to strength coach Dan Nichol for the improved health of the team throughout two-a-days.
Stopping the run was a struggle the defense had all season last year. Coach talked about the schemes they run being different than the scheme of previous coaches. Certain players that were recruited before may have been recruited to the previous scheme, and now are out of position in the new scheme. PJ thinks that as the players continue to grow physically, and as the coaches recruit to fit their scheme, that will change.
“We continue to grow so quickly. It’s been fun to watch them fail and overcome adversity.”
The players went to a Jay-Z and Beyonce concert at night throughout two-a-days to give the team a mental break. PJ did note that it was completely legal and they did it for the team to see a fan perspective. When Jay-Z and Beyonce are performing, the fans expect to be entertained. When fans come to University of Minnesota football games, they expect to see the team perform at the highest level.
On the outlook of the 2018 team, they are young and talented. Around 60% of the team is either a freshman or redshirt freshman. Fleck expects the team to play at a high level, but like most young teams, make young mistakes. The team must mature as quickly as possible to take the next step.
Shannon Brooks could be available at some point during the season, Coach indicated. Whether they intend to use him or not, is question for a later date. The team has a new dietitian, Leslee Sholomskas, who came to the team from the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Fleck gives her a ton of credit for helping the players prevent injuries and stay fresh. PJ also gives credit to strength coach Dan Nichol for the improved health of the team throughout two-a-days.
Stopping the run was a struggle the defense had all season last year. Coach talked about the schemes they run being different than the scheme of previous coaches. Certain players that were recruited before may have been recruited to the previous scheme, and now are out of position in the new scheme. PJ thinks that as the players continue to grow physically, and as the coaches recruit to fit their scheme, that will change.
“We continue to grow so quickly. It’s been fun to watch them fail and overcome adversity.”
