Coach Kill's comments and responses to questions on today's Sports Huddle by Sid Hartman and Dave Mona:
1) Sid opened the show asking coach Kill about the team's progress during spring drills: Kill responded saying "evaluation" was the focus of the first fourteen days of spring drills and yesterday they let them play; however, he acknowledged they kept yesterday's spring game simple. He said they're stronger and there is more speed in some areas: "kids worked hard and made themselves better." He then said they have deficiencies that they need to address and improve and then said the incoming recruiting class will help.
2) Sid asked what players surprised him and have stood out during spring ball: He immediately responded saying there were no surprises . . . it's a young group . . . they've (players) improved themselves. Coach Kill then recognized several players on offense and defense. Many of the names mentioned have been cited in recent weeks:
a) Secondary is more athletic and has more speed. He then cited Cedric Thompson, Derrick Wells and Michael Carter. He said Carter is much more focused now.
b) They're quicker at linebacker with the move of James Manuel to linebacker, and moving Mike Rallis inside helps.
c) Defensive linemen cited were Ra'Shede Hageman, Cameron Botticelli and Thieren Cockran.
d) Offensive linemen: There was a hint of pride in the offensive line's progress. (Later he sounded very positive about the offensive line.) He didn't mention any names, however, he said 8 or 9 offensive linemen put in the effort to get stronger.
e) "Marquies Gray has shown tremendous progress!" "Max Shortell did some good things yesterday."
f) Wide receivers had good practices Thursday and Friday . . . worked on getting downfield. He was less positive with yesterday's performance, "We need to get better . . . we're throwing the ball better, now we have to catch it."
3) Sid asked about team injuries: "Some kids were out this spring that will be back. He referenced Jimmy Gjere and his concussion-related problem, "We'll know more during the summer." The same was said about Brendan Beal.
Coach Kill then started talking about yesterday's game. He said they kept it simple: they ran two base defenses and simplified the offense. They wanted to focus on the team's blocking and receiving. He closed Sid's query by saying they would like to redshirt most of the incoming kids; however, he again mentioned the depth problems that they are presently confronting.
4) Sid asked about redshirting QBs: "We just have to wait and see . . . injuries can happen." He spoke favorably with Marquies's progress as well as Max Shortell. He also mentioned Philip Nelson and Mitch Leidner, but he didn't elaborate any further then citing their names.
5) Dave asked a question about Max Shortell handling the publicity that Nelson and Leidner have been receiving: Kill responded saying he was glad that Dungy spoke to the team about handling what they can control. He then said Shortell "has gotten better . . . has concentrated on what he can control."
6) Dave asked about the team's progress in the punting game (question submitted by Doc1001): Coach Kill immediately cited the punting of David Schwerman. Schwerman was doing a very good job until he received an injury to his hamstring. "Peter Mortell had a great spring . . . Dan's (Orseske) gotten better." He said another punter will be joining the team this fall. "We'll put the best guy out there." The punters will have to prove themselves in the two-a-days, and they'll put pressure on the punters and stress gameday situations.
7) Sid asked what the players will do now that spring drills have been completed: He said they'll be in the weight room lifting and finish up strong academically. He said now is a critical period and he wish he had more control (like basketball does) now and until the start of fall camp, "Critical what happens this spring."
8) Sid asked if the recruits joining the team will be lifting this summer: Kill said absolutely and it's critical to their strength and development. He went on to say 4-6 of the freshmen will see the field this fall. He said he'd like to redshirt the class but depth problems need to be addressed. The new recruits will need to acclimate themselves to the college routine/environment and academics during the summer months.
9) Dave Mona asked about the NCAA Clearinghouse (question by Triple D) and when they learn when an incoming player is eligible: Kill said it's getting tougher and tougher each year, "It's going to get tougher to go to school and play sports." He stressed that high school students need to prepare themselves academically for the big jump to college atheletics. He said they don't know or hear from the NCAA Clearinghouse, in some cases, until August 1 or August 10.
10) Walkon question by Sid: He expects 6-8 walkons, maybe a few more, in the current class. He talked about the importance of a solid walkon program and the possibility of getting a scholarship. He mentioned walkon Cameron Botticelli. Botticelli is now a starting defensive tackle.
11) Sid asked if Kill had handed out any recent scholarships: Kill said, "No, not until fall."
Go Gophers!!
1) Sid opened the show asking coach Kill about the team's progress during spring drills: Kill responded saying "evaluation" was the focus of the first fourteen days of spring drills and yesterday they let them play; however, he acknowledged they kept yesterday's spring game simple. He said they're stronger and there is more speed in some areas: "kids worked hard and made themselves better." He then said they have deficiencies that they need to address and improve and then said the incoming recruiting class will help.
2) Sid asked what players surprised him and have stood out during spring ball: He immediately responded saying there were no surprises . . . it's a young group . . . they've (players) improved themselves. Coach Kill then recognized several players on offense and defense. Many of the names mentioned have been cited in recent weeks:
a) Secondary is more athletic and has more speed. He then cited Cedric Thompson, Derrick Wells and Michael Carter. He said Carter is much more focused now.
b) They're quicker at linebacker with the move of James Manuel to linebacker, and moving Mike Rallis inside helps.
c) Defensive linemen cited were Ra'Shede Hageman, Cameron Botticelli and Thieren Cockran.
d) Offensive linemen: There was a hint of pride in the offensive line's progress. (Later he sounded very positive about the offensive line.) He didn't mention any names, however, he said 8 or 9 offensive linemen put in the effort to get stronger.
e) "Marquies Gray has shown tremendous progress!" "Max Shortell did some good things yesterday."
f) Wide receivers had good practices Thursday and Friday . . . worked on getting downfield. He was less positive with yesterday's performance, "We need to get better . . . we're throwing the ball better, now we have to catch it."
3) Sid asked about team injuries: "Some kids were out this spring that will be back. He referenced Jimmy Gjere and his concussion-related problem, "We'll know more during the summer." The same was said about Brendan Beal.
Coach Kill then started talking about yesterday's game. He said they kept it simple: they ran two base defenses and simplified the offense. They wanted to focus on the team's blocking and receiving. He closed Sid's query by saying they would like to redshirt most of the incoming kids; however, he again mentioned the depth problems that they are presently confronting.
4) Sid asked about redshirting QBs: "We just have to wait and see . . . injuries can happen." He spoke favorably with Marquies's progress as well as Max Shortell. He also mentioned Philip Nelson and Mitch Leidner, but he didn't elaborate any further then citing their names.
5) Dave asked a question about Max Shortell handling the publicity that Nelson and Leidner have been receiving: Kill responded saying he was glad that Dungy spoke to the team about handling what they can control. He then said Shortell "has gotten better . . . has concentrated on what he can control."
6) Dave asked about the team's progress in the punting game (question submitted by Doc1001): Coach Kill immediately cited the punting of David Schwerman. Schwerman was doing a very good job until he received an injury to his hamstring. "Peter Mortell had a great spring . . . Dan's (Orseske) gotten better." He said another punter will be joining the team this fall. "We'll put the best guy out there." The punters will have to prove themselves in the two-a-days, and they'll put pressure on the punters and stress gameday situations.
7) Sid asked what the players will do now that spring drills have been completed: He said they'll be in the weight room lifting and finish up strong academically. He said now is a critical period and he wish he had more control (like basketball does) now and until the start of fall camp, "Critical what happens this spring."
8) Sid asked if the recruits joining the team will be lifting this summer: Kill said absolutely and it's critical to their strength and development. He went on to say 4-6 of the freshmen will see the field this fall. He said he'd like to redshirt the class but depth problems need to be addressed. The new recruits will need to acclimate themselves to the college routine/environment and academics during the summer months.
9) Dave Mona asked about the NCAA Clearinghouse (question by Triple D) and when they learn when an incoming player is eligible: Kill said it's getting tougher and tougher each year, "It's going to get tougher to go to school and play sports." He stressed that high school students need to prepare themselves academically for the big jump to college atheletics. He said they don't know or hear from the NCAA Clearinghouse, in some cases, until August 1 or August 10.
10) Walkon question by Sid: He expects 6-8 walkons, maybe a few more, in the current class. He talked about the importance of a solid walkon program and the possibility of getting a scholarship. He mentioned walkon Cameron Botticelli. Botticelli is now a starting defensive tackle.
11) Sid asked if Kill had handed out any recent scholarships: Kill said, "No, not until fall."
Go Gophers!!
