Opening statement:
Excited to be in game week and will continue to hold Maui in their prayers.
Says the game is important to the state and the Hawaii football team so he's excited to take the field with them in a game they all celebrate.
Injuries:
Will circle back for updates in a few on injuries, missed a few.
Out for the season:
Cole Spence
Out until late season
Jake Ketscheck
out indefinitely
Arrington Trusdale
Steven Sannieniola
Week-to-week
Darren Agu (won't play on Saturday)
Christian James
Ezra McCallister
Prince Kollie
Jeffery Ugochukwu
Daevon Davis is working with the team but they're being conscious of where the knee is.
On the heat:
They're aware of it and are working in it now, it's gonna be hot on Saturday night and they're working to make it an advantage vs something that hinders them.
They're trying to find a balance between the indoor and outdoor facility to acclimate but
They have more of an idea of what they have during past years, the biggest question for Lea seems to be corner. Also brought up how they distribute snaps among recievers. Feels really good about running back room, particularly because of the offensive line. Sedrick Alexander is the 'first out' among the freshmen but says Newberry will have an opportunity to contribute.
On the tight ends:
Wishes that Cole Spence was playing but says it's remarkable what he's done within the program
Justin Ball will be the starter but Lea is really excited to see Logan Kyle and his ability from playing receiver in the past.
Also brings up Chris Boyle
They lose a lot of experience
Says they won't stray far from 11 personnel.
On where they go with Agu out:
Ouattara has impressed
Linus has earned the chance to be out there
Mentions Nate Clifton as a leader and a captain
They love it when Agu is out there and he's a difference maker but they feel good about the end spot currently
On stopping them from getting complacent
Same message publicly as privatley, they can't get complacent
Says Hawaii will get better as well
Says they were asleep early in the Hawaii game last season, can't afford to do that this year.
No compacency is the attitude
On the corners getting tested on Saturday:
It's gonna be valuable to see where they are and see them get tested
It's also been tested early in camp because of how talented their receivers are, thinks they need to stick to the same principles that they did in camp
On Hawaii: There's more known now, they're going to run the run-and-shoot but they're gonna have to anticipate and execute to
Defense: They're gonna be physical and aggressive, Vanderbilt will have to win 1-on-1's on the perimeter
A little ahed of last year of what to expect
On Richie Hoskins being second on the depth chart:
He's impressed since he arrived, calls him a "playmaker," says he has good hands and says he'll be excited to watch him
Walter Taylor and Drew Dickey:
Seals is next up but the third stringer would be situational, they don't have a defined one but
On kicker:
Not decided yet, they'll get chances this week to show the last level of preparation.
Wants to name one at least privately by Saturday so they can prepare properly just because of the mental side.
On Bradley Ashmore:
He's been voted captain, he's always had great engagement and asks questions. Lea loves that he asks questions and once he buys into something he gives his all to it, he's not afraid to speak up and drive player accountability.
Playing on the inside helps him to show some of his skill, he's more physical, athletic and smart than he was early in his career.
On what he's most curious to see:
They've earned the right to play and he's excited for this, he could feel a flip switch within his team when it became game week
Knows they'll be tested, it will be imperfect, they're gonna have their backs against the wall. He's most excited to see his team respond to adversity, the best teams are defined by how they respond to those things. Mentions that he won't just be watching but he'll be right there with his guys.
Will have an afternoon cup of coffee but doesn't believe in superstitious behavior, he'll be anxious and excited in a good way. His nerves will be about his excitement and anticipating the moments in which he needs to interject his support or his energy.
vanderbilt.rivals.com
vanderbilt.rivals.com
