Coach Claeys comments and responses to questions by Sid Hartman and Dave Mona that were related to yesterday’s loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, 31-21.
1) Sid’s asked Claeys for his thoughts on the team (”any doubts you’re a good football team”) and yesterday’s loss to the Badgers:
Despite yesterday’s game, which according to Claeys was the result of too many turnovers and the execution of the Badgers rushing game in the first half, Claeys was positive and was proud of the Gophers never give up attitude – “our kids came back.” Two turnovers late in the first half gave a short field for the Badgers that led to two touchdowns and were “momentum changers.”
2) Sid asked what “big holes’ needed be filled next season:
Claeys sounded positive when talking about next year’s team. He said they need to build depth up front – offense and defensive lines - and in the secondary, “secondary main concern” going into spring ball. He sounded pleased with the redshirts that had been playing on the scout teams and making the adjustment of high school football to college ball.
Claeys also emphasized the importance of recruiting, especially the next two months. Today they’re focusing on tonight’s banquet and seniors. Tomorrow it’s all about recruiting. The coaches will be on the road contacting committed recruits and potential recruits.
3) Sid asked about redshirts:
“We feel good about freshmen redshirts,” Claeys replied, “spring ball we’ll rep them a bunch.”
By his tone and response, Claeys sounded upbeat when answering Sid’s question.
4) Sid asked, once again, about Jeff Jones:
“He’ll have his opportunity (in spring ball),” Claeys answered. Claeys then talked briefly about the transition from high school to college ball and the adjustments that they have to make during their first year.
5) Dave Mona asked if there is a focus on defensive linemen in recruiting:
Claeys answered Dave’s query saying they’re always looking for linemen and depth because of injuries that often strike a team, which, of course, if there’s multiple injuries, can be a drop off in abilities.
He briefly mentioned the injuries that have afflicted the team up front on defense; however, he expressed his approval and respect for those who played – “kids played hard.”
6) Claeys was asked if they’ve lost any recruits:
Not being able to give any specifics, Claeys said, “Kids change their minds . . . we feel good with our recruits . . . we’ll have a class we’ll be proud of.”
7) Dave Mona asked a question about redshirts and who might help next season:
Claeys gave two names in answering Mona’s question – defensive backs Dior Johnson and Ray Buford. “I feel real good about their development.”
8) Sid asked about adjustments made in the second half that slowed down the rushing attack of the Badgers:
Claeys didn’t get too specific about the adjustments made at half-time. His comments were focused on mistakes made in the first half especially late in the second quarter: “Turnovers are such momentum changers . . . can’t have five turnovers in any game, especially a rivalry game.” He added that they need to correct the problem of turnovers.
However, Claeys did credit Wisconsin with taking advantage of the turnover opportunities when they were presented to them.
9) Dave Mona cited Nick Rallis for his play at linebacker (nine tackles):
Nick Rallis went in for Cody Poock when he was injured. “Nick prepared for his opportunity,” Claeys said. In answering Mona’s query, Claeys tone was upbeat and matter-of-fact, as if he expected nothing less than Nick’s best effort with the opportunity.
Claeys then emphasized that spring ball is not about depth but position - everybody has an opportunity to show what they have, so they must be prepared when spring drills commence.
10) Dave Mona raised the topic of a possible bowl bid for the Gophers:
Claeys was non-committal in his response; it’s up the administration, if a bowl is offered. Nevertheless, he did express the importance of extra practice time, which primarily benefits the redshirt freshmen by preparing them for spring ball.
He then reiterated the importance of recruiting, “Banquet today, on the road tomorrow . . . recruiting season takes over, some coaches are on the road now . . . sell the University of Minnesota.
Go Gophers!!
1) Sid’s asked Claeys for his thoughts on the team (”any doubts you’re a good football team”) and yesterday’s loss to the Badgers:
Despite yesterday’s game, which according to Claeys was the result of too many turnovers and the execution of the Badgers rushing game in the first half, Claeys was positive and was proud of the Gophers never give up attitude – “our kids came back.” Two turnovers late in the first half gave a short field for the Badgers that led to two touchdowns and were “momentum changers.”
2) Sid asked what “big holes’ needed be filled next season:
Claeys sounded positive when talking about next year’s team. He said they need to build depth up front – offense and defensive lines - and in the secondary, “secondary main concern” going into spring ball. He sounded pleased with the redshirts that had been playing on the scout teams and making the adjustment of high school football to college ball.
Claeys also emphasized the importance of recruiting, especially the next two months. Today they’re focusing on tonight’s banquet and seniors. Tomorrow it’s all about recruiting. The coaches will be on the road contacting committed recruits and potential recruits.
3) Sid asked about redshirts:
“We feel good about freshmen redshirts,” Claeys replied, “spring ball we’ll rep them a bunch.”
By his tone and response, Claeys sounded upbeat when answering Sid’s question.
4) Sid asked, once again, about Jeff Jones:
“He’ll have his opportunity (in spring ball),” Claeys answered. Claeys then talked briefly about the transition from high school to college ball and the adjustments that they have to make during their first year.
5) Dave Mona asked if there is a focus on defensive linemen in recruiting:
Claeys answered Dave’s query saying they’re always looking for linemen and depth because of injuries that often strike a team, which, of course, if there’s multiple injuries, can be a drop off in abilities.
He briefly mentioned the injuries that have afflicted the team up front on defense; however, he expressed his approval and respect for those who played – “kids played hard.”
6) Claeys was asked if they’ve lost any recruits:
Not being able to give any specifics, Claeys said, “Kids change their minds . . . we feel good with our recruits . . . we’ll have a class we’ll be proud of.”
7) Dave Mona asked a question about redshirts and who might help next season:
Claeys gave two names in answering Mona’s question – defensive backs Dior Johnson and Ray Buford. “I feel real good about their development.”
8) Sid asked about adjustments made in the second half that slowed down the rushing attack of the Badgers:
Claeys didn’t get too specific about the adjustments made at half-time. His comments were focused on mistakes made in the first half especially late in the second quarter: “Turnovers are such momentum changers . . . can’t have five turnovers in any game, especially a rivalry game.” He added that they need to correct the problem of turnovers.
However, Claeys did credit Wisconsin with taking advantage of the turnover opportunities when they were presented to them.
9) Dave Mona cited Nick Rallis for his play at linebacker (nine tackles):
Nick Rallis went in for Cody Poock when he was injured. “Nick prepared for his opportunity,” Claeys said. In answering Mona’s query, Claeys tone was upbeat and matter-of-fact, as if he expected nothing less than Nick’s best effort with the opportunity.
Claeys then emphasized that spring ball is not about depth but position - everybody has an opportunity to show what they have, so they must be prepared when spring drills commence.
10) Dave Mona raised the topic of a possible bowl bid for the Gophers:
Claeys was non-committal in his response; it’s up the administration, if a bowl is offered. Nevertheless, he did express the importance of extra practice time, which primarily benefits the redshirt freshmen by preparing them for spring ball.
He then reiterated the importance of recruiting, “Banquet today, on the road tomorrow . . . recruiting season takes over, some coaches are on the road now . . . sell the University of Minnesota.
Go Gophers!!
