More paraphrasing of what was said at Vanderbilt's Media Day event on campus yesterday...
DL Torey Agee
DL Torey Agee
- Said the defense had been “simplified” so they can “play fast,” but that there were some new wrinkles designed to “trick offenses.” Didn’t elaborate as he didn’t want to give anything away.
- On the new social media rules, he said it might have made a small difference in his recruitment to see coaches re-tweeting or liking his tweets.
- On the newly-created star LB position, which he’ll play: being closer to the ball and being a part of underneath coverages and new techniques are the biggest difference in his new role.
- On special teams coach Jeff Genyk: he gets guys fired up. He’s implemented some NFL video things within special teams.
- Said coach Derek Mason is one of the greatest defensive minds in college football. “He has so many tools in his toolbox. We’ve only seen a fraction of what’s available.”
- On Jeff Genyk: he brings a lot of energy to special teams and has made it clear that special teams means a lot. They have charts in position rooms that emphasize field position and its role in the probability of scoring.
- What he’ll bring to the safety position: anything to help team win. “Relentless, toughness, intelligence,” which, of course, is sort of the team’s unofficial motto. (You’ll hear them say “RTI” a lot.)
- Players have done a great job with achieving summer goals.
- Mentioned strength and conditioning coach James Dobson and the great things he’s done.
- USA Today listed them as the 113th best team in the country of 128. He felt “very disrespected” and it sounds as if he used that to motivate his team.
- “I think we’ve upgraded in all areas.”
- Continuity (returning coaches and players) helps. They’re seeing leadership emerge and the culture and chemistry are good. “The leaders have done a good job of making sure that this team does not fall short.”
- On the NCAA’s new twitter policy: They have to be careful that they don’t put recruits on such a pedestal that they have an unrealistic picture as to what’s happening. They don’t want kids who are a distraction. “Enjoy the ride, but when you sign on signing day… you’ve got to work your way to the front.”
- They’ll have minimal contact with the QB—wrap-ups will be part of what they do. They’re trying to develop the QB’s internal clock and have them feel pressure, and that will help them make better decisions regarding get rid of the ball or taking sacks. The big thing is they want to avoid turnovers by creating spatial awareness. Wants them to feel the bump of the defender but not get hurt.
- On having named a QB: “It’s huge.” Feels it helps leadership and players understanding roles and knowing where the reps are headed. “I”m not worried if Kyle (Shurmur, the starting QB) has a bad day here or there, that’s football.” Felt they needed to name that early to get buy-in from the team.
- Said Shurmur had been consistent in the off-season and that’s big. He wants him to make good decisions and lead men, and felt he showed some of that last season. “When I look at his body of work vs. everyone else’s body of work, it wasn’t even close.” Feels he makes the team better and more accountable. “A lot’s riding on his shoulders, but that’s part of the position.”
- According to Phil Steele’s data, they have the third-most returning starters in the SEC and are tied for second in terms of returning lettermen. Does this help them with leadership? He thinks so. They’ve not had a major off-field incident in 24 months; that eliminates distractions to playing better football. It takes time to understand what it takes to be a “Vanderbilt man.”
- On playing an SEC opponent in the opener: He loves the pressure for this team. They’re in Year 3 and they need an early test. They can do it on a national stage in Nashville and they want to represent Nashville. Everyone’s waiting to see what the team will be. They know what they’ll be. They’re opening practices for people to see that.
- What is this team going to be? “I’ll let you see.” His opinion: “We’re seasoned and ready to play.” What does that look like? You can’t beat yourself and they’ll play well in all three phases of the game.
- On his new five-man recruiting team: It’s done a great job. It’s great to have director of player personnel Austen Everson. People around him are “all great fits… they all have different personalities and bring different things to the table.” Andrea Cain is “the rock of the group” due to how long she’s been there.
- He’s patient in terms of who they’ll take in terms of recruits in the class. They’re saving some room for great players and feels that if they play great football, that’ll help.
- Will they rush the passer better? They’ll be faster up front. Oren Burks helps. Landon Stokes came along at the end of the year. They can move Zach Cunningham and Nigel Bowden around. They’ll be more versatile. New OLB coach Osia Lewis has had success at San Diego State.
- They looked around at a lot of places to figure out how they can bring more QB pressure. Didn’t specify where.
- Another reference to representing Nashville and wanting fans to buy into that, to buy tickets and have fun watching them play.
- You’ve got to be many things in terms of philosophy to succeed in the SEC. How do they best utilize all 85 scholarships? How do they best utilize walk-ons?
- They had 94 guys in camp last year. They’ll have 105 this year. That makes a difference in what they can do and they can divide groups up into two defensive groups to better because of the depth. He’s not been able to do that since he’s been here.
- Was asked which true freshmen are creating buzz. Mason said this class is better than the first two in ability and movement. Mentioned DB Frank Coppet, CB JoeJuan Williams, S Zaire Jones, LB Andre Mintze (‘The dude’s a baller. He’s mean, nasty, loves to compete. He’s gone after some of the big dogs and isn’t afraid to back down.”), WR Kalija Lipscomb (“As a receiver, he’s going to be special.”) WR Donaven Tennyson (“His explosiveness rivals and maybe even surpasses what Darrius (Sims) can do in terms of the ball in his hand.”) Doesn’t know what that the OL and DL will be until the hitting begins, but some of the skill guys can make an early impact.
- On their walk-on program: They have rewarded WR Trey Ellis, SN Jacob Schultz, SN Wilson Johnson scholarships at various points. They try to show potential walk-ons that if you can contribute and get into the two-deep, you can play and be rewarded.
- On OL Andrew Jelks and where he’ll play. Smiles… “I just want to see him take the field. Whether he lines up inside or outside, I really don't care.” He’s had a great summer and he and OL Will Holden are leaders. Where Jelks plays is dictated by the progress of their young tackles and what else he sees at center.
- On OL in general: “We’ve probably got 11 guys who can play.” But they’re not in pads. “Everything now is basketball on grass.” But they had a good off-season in the weight room.
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