jimsumner
11-06-2007, 03:38 PM
First of all, nobody asked TR about job security, nobody volunteered anything about job security, the discussions were about Clemson and Georgia Tech. But there were some interesting subthemes, which I will get to below.
This may have snuck up on folks but the Tech game Saturday is home finale, senior day. Relatively small group of seniors but some major losses.
Seniors Nick Stefanow, Matt Rumsey, and Chris Davis were selected to speak to the media. The latter two are from the Atlanta area, while TR is a Tech alum, so some side plots. Davis appears to have more Tech roots than does Rumsey but both know lots of players on the Tech team.
Stefanow was an articulate spokesperson for Roof and the idea that Duke is heading in the right direction. He spoke of a dramatic and ongoing improvement in the "culture of the building [Yoh]. It's completely different. Everything is in place except the wins. The attitude in the locker room is much better than when I got here. The guys want to win and want to play football for Duke. We[the seniors]'ve seen the progression. Duke does not need a coaching change." Nick talked about his redshirt freshman season when, in his opinion, some of the players packed it in early. Hasn't happened this year and he doesn't think it will. "Every game is still important for us."
Roof has referred to his alma mater as the bumble bees this week. :)
Stefanow, btw, graduated last spring in psychology and is working on a Master's in Humanities.
Rumsey-"We're still practicing as hard as we can, playing as hard as we can." He gave credit to Duke's recent opponents, while acknowledging Duke's "breakdowns in execution." Went out of his way to acknowledge Roof as "as emotionally invested in this as anyone. He spends himself emotionally on the field as much as we do. The attitude has changed tremendously. We're closer than a lot of people give us credit for. The seniors are still leading this team."
Davis-several family members big Tech fans, especially grandfather. "We've come so far since my freshman year. We're more physical, more talented." Contrast to freshman season when "here we go again" mentality pervaded team. Says TR has done a great job of creating family feeling on team, "has a vision for the program." The team wants to win for him.
TR-"The players are still fully invested, fully committed to their goals, hopes, aspirations. They're not going to let go. This is a process. They are giving their time and energy, two of life's most precious commodities. They still pass the mirror test."
Injury update-Radloff getting better and should play more against Tech.
Boyle and Drummer banged up, iffy on both. Boyette should play. Pridemore moved to running back.
Duke expects to see Choice at RB Saturday.
TR acknowledges Duke has to do a better job of getting ball to Riley. "Good things happen when Riley touches the ball.It's not like we forgot about him. Clemson did a great job but we did miss some chances. We have to do a better job of finding other options."
Duke's margin of error against good teams is "nil." Duke has to have sustained execution.
This may have snuck up on folks but the Tech game Saturday is home finale, senior day. Relatively small group of seniors but some major losses.
Seniors Nick Stefanow, Matt Rumsey, and Chris Davis were selected to speak to the media. The latter two are from the Atlanta area, while TR is a Tech alum, so some side plots. Davis appears to have more Tech roots than does Rumsey but both know lots of players on the Tech team.
Stefanow was an articulate spokesperson for Roof and the idea that Duke is heading in the right direction. He spoke of a dramatic and ongoing improvement in the "culture of the building [Yoh]. It's completely different. Everything is in place except the wins. The attitude in the locker room is much better than when I got here. The guys want to win and want to play football for Duke. We[the seniors]'ve seen the progression. Duke does not need a coaching change." Nick talked about his redshirt freshman season when, in his opinion, some of the players packed it in early. Hasn't happened this year and he doesn't think it will. "Every game is still important for us."
Roof has referred to his alma mater as the bumble bees this week. :)
Stefanow, btw, graduated last spring in psychology and is working on a Master's in Humanities.
Rumsey-"We're still practicing as hard as we can, playing as hard as we can." He gave credit to Duke's recent opponents, while acknowledging Duke's "breakdowns in execution." Went out of his way to acknowledge Roof as "as emotionally invested in this as anyone. He spends himself emotionally on the field as much as we do. The attitude has changed tremendously. We're closer than a lot of people give us credit for. The seniors are still leading this team."
Davis-several family members big Tech fans, especially grandfather. "We've come so far since my freshman year. We're more physical, more talented." Contrast to freshman season when "here we go again" mentality pervaded team. Says TR has done a great job of creating family feeling on team, "has a vision for the program." The team wants to win for him.
TR-"The players are still fully invested, fully committed to their goals, hopes, aspirations. They're not going to let go. This is a process. They are giving their time and energy, two of life's most precious commodities. They still pass the mirror test."
Injury update-Radloff getting better and should play more against Tech.
Boyle and Drummer banged up, iffy on both. Boyette should play. Pridemore moved to running back.
Duke expects to see Choice at RB Saturday.
TR acknowledges Duke has to do a better job of getting ball to Riley. "Good things happen when Riley touches the ball.It's not like we forgot about him. Clemson did a great job but we did miss some chances. We have to do a better job of finding other options."
Duke's margin of error against good teams is "nil." Duke has to have sustained execution.