On the depth they had this spring: "We had more bodies, but we were able to get a bunch of reps." Says a lot of the young guys got "maximum reps" and says the depth adds more competition and value to what they're trying to do.
Says about the portal: They've always believed in high school recruiting, but the portal gives them a chance to add more experience and plug in different guys.
On QBs: Says they're "definitely" comfortable with the three QBs they have in the room. Liked what he saw from Duffy, and Tate is really progressing well ... says it's the true progression and the stagger of what they have that they like. "I've been pleased with those three guys."
On Thomas Shrader: "Thomas had a really rough injury. ... He had surgery and got operated on last spring and was in our room the day after surgery. I had to kick him out." Says he has not missed a meeting since he got here. He's always there. ... They love that mindset. "Thomas will be fine. He will help us."
Offseason plan for players: Says they got some good work in, they banged quite a bit, was a physical spring, so they want them to heal. Says Coach Strong has a plan in place to get them to recover and still get their workouts in.
Says he wants to give a special shoutout to Winston Wright. Said he didn't miss a beat academically after the injury. Said he's been in good spirits around the team. "I like where his mindset is." Says he's been pleased with the totality of the room. "Everyone is focused on the new guys ... I Knew that was going to be a positive experience ... but Malik had a really good spring." Mentioned Douglas as someone who had a good spring. "Pokey is still lighting it up. He still has those flash moments." Said he's enjoyed the new guys, but the returning guys stepped it up this spring.
Says LT is running harder. Doesn't look like a skinny guy playing running back anymore. He's thicker. Stronger. Gives Storms credit for that. Says the whole room looks faster, looks stronger, more confident. "I'm really excited for that room."
He was asked the best blocking TE and didn't really answer. Said "blocking is not an option," but didn't mention a name as his best blocker. "That room doesn't give enough credit, but they're always doing what they're supposed to do ... doing what we're asking them to do."
On Benson: "Trey is a kid you've got to make him slow down. ... You have to tell him to stop, you almost have to protect him from himself." Says they challenged him and he really responded. "He's been open arms. He's been loving it. It feels like he's already been here a while."
He says Kaden Lyles could definitely factor in at guard. "Those top seven or eight guys we'll use there on the field will be multiple position guys." Says that's what they always want. So, if he's not at center he could maybe factor into guard.
On Travis: Says it's vital to have a returning starter at QB with this type of experience. "We're fired up about him. .. Jordan is a real dude, a real teammate. They love him, they support him. ... says it's not going to be the Mike Norvell or Alex Atkins offense, it will be the Jordan Travis offense."
Says when they watch film of a play it really has nothing to do with the end result. It's about the execution of the play. Especially up front. Says there could be four O-linemen doing the wrong thing, but the RB still finds the crease and busts a big run ... they might clap, but they pay attention to the poor execution.
Says Maurice Smith has a lot of things to get better on, and getting bigger is part of it, ... says he thinks all of the linemen are capable of getting bigger and stronger. And that's what the offseason is for.
And that's a wrap on Atkins!
Thanks for stopping by!
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What's up, folks?
We're supposed to be getting FSU offensive coordinator Alex Atkins here around 11:30 or so.
So stay tuned and hang tight.
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