Fleck started off saying that cancelling the spring game was out of the question, as he sees it as a reward for the players and fans. They wanted the game to be outside as well, as that helps the evaluation especially for quarterbacks. “We need to put them in game-scenarios to see who can perform better.”
Paul Allen questioned a movement at the University of Minnesota that the football players are working with called “It Ends Here” regarding sexual misconduct. “We want to be ambassadors for our university. We want to take initiative and connect with our peers. We want to be a big voice for positive change.”
When asked what Coach loves about the new athletic facility? “Everything. Four stories of meeting/practice/weight room space, five other floors dedicated for academics. When a big-time recruit steps on campus, you’re starting to see us compete facility-wise with Ohio State, Notre Dame, etc. Recruits can’t use that as an excuse anymore. We have some of the best facilities in America. US News also ranked us #9 in the country as far as places to live. That facility matched with how great of a place this is, you start to see why we’re a sleeping giant. You just have to get them here. Once they’re here, they (recruits) are shocked. Plus, with the culture, that’s when we get them.”
Coach commented that he doesn’t want to lie to the fanbase and promise them certain bowl games before the team is ready to get there. Fleck also had a note that he will probably redshirt Fa’alele and Curtis Dunlap and when Year 4 comes around, then the will be thankful that they did redshirt them. He also noted the team is much more mature than last year.
When asked about the quarterbacks, PJ made sure to note that Zack Annexstad is in the conversation as well and said he’s been extremely impressed with them. While it may be a disadvantage now to have a quarterback that hasn’t thrown a pass, eventually they will be in the system for four/five years and will be able to master their system.
At Western Michigan, the team was run-heavy their first two years, then when they were at their best they were near 50-50. Eventually Fleck wants to get to that point. However, the quarterbacks/receivers must grow to get to that point.
PA asked about Chris Autman-Bell being a player for the team this year. Fleck mentioned that he would’ve played last year before he got hurt, but it was a blessing since they are now redshirts. The lack of consistency is the key with young players. PJ also brought up Rashod Bateman as they are excited to get him in the mix in June. “You are going to start to see what the future will look like here. After 5-6 years if people still hate me, I get it. Until then, there’s a specific way of doing this. You can’t trade, you can’t draft. You have to recruit and develop. We had to start over and do it our way.”
Last year while no quarterback beat each other out, Coach thinks that this year will be different in that aspect. With Vic being a runner, and Tanner/Zack being a thrower, now the thought will be who will fit into better packages, etc.
Thomas Barber led the team in tackles last season. “So proud of the offseason he’s had. I thought he was a bit puffy last year, he’s lost some weight and looks more defined. He’s more locked in, and his leadership skills are through the roof.”
PJ did have a comment that he thought Blake Cashman had an inconsistent 2017, however he’s extremely versatile and will be on the field this season.
On Seth Green, Coach gave him credit for loving tough conversations. Said he would let him start at quarterback, and the moment that he didn’t think he would win the job that he would talk to him about moving positions. Doesn’t want to waste his talent. Thinks he has a lot of potential at another position.
Paul Allen questioned a movement at the University of Minnesota that the football players are working with called “It Ends Here” regarding sexual misconduct. “We want to be ambassadors for our university. We want to take initiative and connect with our peers. We want to be a big voice for positive change.”
When asked what Coach loves about the new athletic facility? “Everything. Four stories of meeting/practice/weight room space, five other floors dedicated for academics. When a big-time recruit steps on campus, you’re starting to see us compete facility-wise with Ohio State, Notre Dame, etc. Recruits can’t use that as an excuse anymore. We have some of the best facilities in America. US News also ranked us #9 in the country as far as places to live. That facility matched with how great of a place this is, you start to see why we’re a sleeping giant. You just have to get them here. Once they’re here, they (recruits) are shocked. Plus, with the culture, that’s when we get them.”
Coach commented that he doesn’t want to lie to the fanbase and promise them certain bowl games before the team is ready to get there. Fleck also had a note that he will probably redshirt Fa’alele and Curtis Dunlap and when Year 4 comes around, then the will be thankful that they did redshirt them. He also noted the team is much more mature than last year.
When asked about the quarterbacks, PJ made sure to note that Zack Annexstad is in the conversation as well and said he’s been extremely impressed with them. While it may be a disadvantage now to have a quarterback that hasn’t thrown a pass, eventually they will be in the system for four/five years and will be able to master their system.
At Western Michigan, the team was run-heavy their first two years, then when they were at their best they were near 50-50. Eventually Fleck wants to get to that point. However, the quarterbacks/receivers must grow to get to that point.
PA asked about Chris Autman-Bell being a player for the team this year. Fleck mentioned that he would’ve played last year before he got hurt, but it was a blessing since they are now redshirts. The lack of consistency is the key with young players. PJ also brought up Rashod Bateman as they are excited to get him in the mix in June. “You are going to start to see what the future will look like here. After 5-6 years if people still hate me, I get it. Until then, there’s a specific way of doing this. You can’t trade, you can’t draft. You have to recruit and develop. We had to start over and do it our way.”
Last year while no quarterback beat each other out, Coach thinks that this year will be different in that aspect. With Vic being a runner, and Tanner/Zack being a thrower, now the thought will be who will fit into better packages, etc.
Thomas Barber led the team in tackles last season. “So proud of the offseason he’s had. I thought he was a bit puffy last year, he’s lost some weight and looks more defined. He’s more locked in, and his leadership skills are through the roof.”
PJ did have a comment that he thought Blake Cashman had an inconsistent 2017, however he’s extremely versatile and will be on the field this season.
On Seth Green, Coach gave him credit for loving tough conversations. Said he would let him start at quarterback, and the moment that he didn’t think he would win the job that he would talk to him about moving positions. Doesn’t want to waste his talent. Thinks he has a lot of potential at another position.
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