University of Miami head coach Mark Richt met with the media on Thursday for his end-of-the-year press conference. In his first season at Miami, Richt guided the Hurricanes to a 9-4 record and the program's first bowl win since 2006.
On the quarterback battle coming into the 2017 season…
“Well first of all, everyone has got a shot at it. A lot of guys have already taken reps. I can’t really make comment about kids that aren’t on our campus or have not signed, so I can’t really talk about any of the future guys, but we are definitely excited about competition – that tends to bring out the best in people. I think when guys are competing and they know that there is a realistic shot of not only being second team, but being a starter, it changes things for guys. We are just looking forward to seeing that competition come about and we’ll learn more as time goes on.”
On whether Gus Edwards or Courtel Jenkins may transfer…
“I don’t know if they are or not. Neither one of them have come to me and mentioned anything about it to me. This is the time of year to where kids look at their situations and try to decide what’s best for them. I’m not saying that they are not considering it, but I’ve not spoken to either one of them and neither one of them have come to me with anything.”
On how recruits are presented the team’s current quarterback situation…
“The thing is when you play with a veteran quarterback as a freshman, you don’t play with a veteran quarterback when it means the most to you in your career. You would like to have a quarterback who is seasoned when you are going to be a third or a fourth year player. The big thing that they need to understand is that there is a tremendous talent base within this quarterback group and that whoever rises will get the ball to you and help you showcase the things that you can do within the team concept. If you have a guy who is going to be there one or two years and then you are breaking in a freshman your junior year that’s probably not the best scenario. There is a good chance that whoever gets the job can grow with whoever comes in as the receiver.”
On his thoughts of the 2016 season…
“I guess it is kind of two fold. In one sense, I really feel like we gained a lot of ground on becoming great and (became) a team that could handle adversity, go through the tough times of the midseason and come out of it with five victories and a bowl victory. A lot of positive things happened throughout the season - especially towards the end and I thought that was a very good sign, but then you look back and you kind of kick yourself here and there. It’s a learning experience for everybody and I just feel like we did a lot of great things. I think we have created a good foundation and created a good bit of momentum to go into the 2017 season and I’m looking forward to these guys becoming great.”
On the growth of quarterback Jack Allison…
“Well first of all, he had every opportunity to move into the second team job. We weren’t going to sit here and say that everybody was trying to beat out Brad today. That was not a very realistic thing to say. Everybody knew there was a battle for second team and he was in town and he had an opportunity to do that, but in my opinion, he wasn’t ready for that position. Now he has been with us for a full year and he knows a lot more about the system and he knows a lot more is at stake, so I’m expecting him to compete well.”
On whether Miami’s front seven can do even better next season…
“Well, I think if everybody comes back with the right attitude of turning it up a notch from what we did last off-season and getting into the best shape possible and continue to play hard, we’ll be in good shape. It’s a good bunch.”
On having a full year to go through the recruiting process…
“I think it’s always good to have a whole year during the recruiting process and it’s even better to have two or three years ahead of it because you are locating kids in the ninth, 10th and 11th grade. We are creating relationships with young kids that will pay off further down the road. I think it is definitely a better situation than it was a year ago.”
Second interview with Go Canes...
SOUP: How is Mark Richt doing so far?
GO: Richt is the best coach ever at UM.
SOUP: But he still did not win the ACC division or conference?
GO: But that is not his fault. The players were bad. The depth was weak. The fans suck.
SOUP: OK, so what about next year?
GO: Well if we win the National Championship it will be because of Mark Richt. If we don't it will be because of Donald Trump.
SOUP: Why is that?
GO: Well Mark is God and Trump is not.
SOUP: Well OK then...
Posted by: SOUP | January 06, 2017 at 11:58 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: SOUP | January 07, 2017 at 12:05 AM