The following are coach Kill's responses to Sid and Dave's questions on today's Sports Huddle:
1) Dave opened the program with the announcement of Joe Paterno's death. Coach Kill's comments about Paterno's death: "That's a tough thing for our profession . . . It's a tough day . . . Coach Paterno has done a lot of great things for people and that university; incredible legacy . . . Our prayers (staff) go out to him and his familly . . . The big man upstairs is getting a good man, and we're losing a good man." Kill went onto say, "I told my wife (when Paterno was let go) he won't last a year." He then referenced Paul "Bear' Bryant passing away after he retired. (Bryant died a few short weeks after his last game in the Liberty Bowl. I may be wrong, but I recall it was two or three weeks.) Kill finished by saying, "He (Paterno) gave a lot to a lotta kids."
2) Recruiting: "One more youngster to visit with (today)." (Kill, of course, did not identify the recruit.) Thus far, they're looking good in their recruiting this year. Four recruits in this weekend. Kill said he'd be visiting with some junior class recruits this afternoon. He finished saying there's 10 days until LOI Day . . . it's crunch time.
3) Sid asked if he'd like to see an earlier signing date (December): "We're recruiting year 'round." As to changing signing dates, "We need to protect the game's integrity and what's best for the kids."
4) Sid asked about injured players (this question was asked by several GopherHolers in two threads (If you were Dave Mona . . . )): "Marcus Jones is doing well with his ACL . . . we'll see if he's a go for spring." He then referenced Campion and Gjere. (Concussion injuries are closely attended to and watched) "We'll just have to see how they progress . . . possiblity for spring." Beal: "He's working hard . . . he'll work hard to get back." (Kill didn't say anything about spring ball for Beal.) Stoudermire: "He's in good shape." (He was referring to Stoudermire's injury.)
5) Early enrollees: There are eight recruits that are enrolled (unusual to have kids in school before they've signed a LOI.) "Is it a good thing? Not sure." "You try to make sure you bring in the right kids that can make it." (He then mentioned Marcus Jones as a young recruit that handled the transition successfully from high school to college as a mid-year enrollee.)
Coach Kill then excused himself to meet with a recruit that was outside his door. Coach Kill was on the Sports Huddle for only one segment (ten - fifteen minutes.)
Go Gophers!!
1) Dave opened the program with the announcement of Joe Paterno's death. Coach Kill's comments about Paterno's death: "That's a tough thing for our profession . . . It's a tough day . . . Coach Paterno has done a lot of great things for people and that university; incredible legacy . . . Our prayers (staff) go out to him and his familly . . . The big man upstairs is getting a good man, and we're losing a good man." Kill went onto say, "I told my wife (when Paterno was let go) he won't last a year." He then referenced Paul "Bear' Bryant passing away after he retired. (Bryant died a few short weeks after his last game in the Liberty Bowl. I may be wrong, but I recall it was two or three weeks.) Kill finished by saying, "He (Paterno) gave a lot to a lotta kids."
2) Recruiting: "One more youngster to visit with (today)." (Kill, of course, did not identify the recruit.) Thus far, they're looking good in their recruiting this year. Four recruits in this weekend. Kill said he'd be visiting with some junior class recruits this afternoon. He finished saying there's 10 days until LOI Day . . . it's crunch time.
3) Sid asked if he'd like to see an earlier signing date (December): "We're recruiting year 'round." As to changing signing dates, "We need to protect the game's integrity and what's best for the kids."
4) Sid asked about injured players (this question was asked by several GopherHolers in two threads (If you were Dave Mona . . . )): "Marcus Jones is doing well with his ACL . . . we'll see if he's a go for spring." He then referenced Campion and Gjere. (Concussion injuries are closely attended to and watched) "We'll just have to see how they progress . . . possiblity for spring." Beal: "He's working hard . . . he'll work hard to get back." (Kill didn't say anything about spring ball for Beal.) Stoudermire: "He's in good shape." (He was referring to Stoudermire's injury.)
5) Early enrollees: There are eight recruits that are enrolled (unusual to have kids in school before they've signed a LOI.) "Is it a good thing? Not sure." "You try to make sure you bring in the right kids that can make it." (He then mentioned Marcus Jones as a young recruit that handled the transition successfully from high school to college as a mid-year enrollee.)
Coach Kill then excused himself to meet with a recruit that was outside his door. Coach Kill was on the Sports Huddle for only one segment (ten - fifteen minutes.)
Go Gophers!!
