Unlike last Sunday, the P.J. Fleck segment was live. It also was much shorter than last week with only six questions, which were related to the NFL’s Draft this weekend and the selection of WMU’s high draft choices, Gopher coaches recruiting, current recruiting numbers (commitments), and movement from linebackers to down linemen.
1) Sid opened the segment by asking about Western Michigan’s draftees this weekend and ud was he surprised with their selections:
‘Not surprised,” Fleck answered. The Broncos had three players selected in the seven rounds, including Corey Davis who went in the first round as the fifth player selected. Additionally, Taylor Moltin (sp?) went in the second round. A defensive end went in the seventh round and a couple players signed as free agents including their quarterback.
Fleck spent a few minutes talking about the team’s final two years and the turn-around of the program. He credited the players and coaches – development and doing right thing (culture). Specifically he said Corey Davis was lightly recruited as a two-star recruit. Davis, according to Fleck, arrived at WMU with a difficult background (financial), “never got in trouble (at WMU) . . . became our culture . . . and now he’s signed a 28 million dollar contract.”
Fleck saidTalylor Moltin was similar to Davis. Moltin was not rated highly by recruiting services. However, he was persistent and worked hard, “He got better and better.”
2) Sid asked about recruiting at WMU:
“Recruiting is the number one thing . . . Everybody gets excited about stars,” Fleck replied. Recruiting and development of culture are important, “have to have both,” if you want to have a successful team - finding recruits that are the right fit for the team.
3) Sid asked what the coaches are able to do recruiting-wise at this time:
Fleck said the coaches can’t have contact with potential recruits at this time. So (coaches) they’re on the road evaluating the players – talking to coaches and looking at transcripts.
Fleck sounded excited with recruiting, thus far. They now have thirteen commitments. Once again, he stressed the importance of finding players that are the “right fit” for the culture change at Minnesota.
4) Sid asked if he’s surprised with the team rating at 14 in Division I (FBS):
“Not surprised,” Fleck exclaimed. He said the Twin Cities have many assets that compliment recruiting – “So much to offer in the Twin Cities (population, Fortune 500 companies, etc.)". He added the nation is starting to take notice of the 2018 recruiting class at Minnesota and the university. The 2018 class will be Fleck’s first full class. He emphasized the importance of the “Process” and getting better.
5) Dave Mona queried Fleck about missing players due to injuries being back in the fall:
“It seems everyone will be back,” Fleck said.
Coach Fleck talked about the challenge during spring ball, “Challenge installing the system with missing bodies.” Nevertheless, he sounded upbeat with the progress made: “We’re getting closer.”
6) Mike Max inquired about players possibly moving from linebacker to down linemen. He cited the shift of Carter Coughlin:
Fleck mentioned Coughlin making the move and said there may be few more. He said they’ll run a 4-3 s and (“at times”) 3-4 schemes. He also spoke briefly about the talented abilities of Antoine Winfield and playing (positions) in the different schemes.
Go Gophers!
1) Sid opened the segment by asking about Western Michigan’s draftees this weekend and ud was he surprised with their selections:
‘Not surprised,” Fleck answered. The Broncos had three players selected in the seven rounds, including Corey Davis who went in the first round as the fifth player selected. Additionally, Taylor Moltin (sp?) went in the second round. A defensive end went in the seventh round and a couple players signed as free agents including their quarterback.
Fleck spent a few minutes talking about the team’s final two years and the turn-around of the program. He credited the players and coaches – development and doing right thing (culture). Specifically he said Corey Davis was lightly recruited as a two-star recruit. Davis, according to Fleck, arrived at WMU with a difficult background (financial), “never got in trouble (at WMU) . . . became our culture . . . and now he’s signed a 28 million dollar contract.”
Fleck saidTalylor Moltin was similar to Davis. Moltin was not rated highly by recruiting services. However, he was persistent and worked hard, “He got better and better.”
2) Sid asked about recruiting at WMU:
“Recruiting is the number one thing . . . Everybody gets excited about stars,” Fleck replied. Recruiting and development of culture are important, “have to have both,” if you want to have a successful team - finding recruits that are the right fit for the team.
3) Sid asked what the coaches are able to do recruiting-wise at this time:
Fleck said the coaches can’t have contact with potential recruits at this time. So (coaches) they’re on the road evaluating the players – talking to coaches and looking at transcripts.
Fleck sounded excited with recruiting, thus far. They now have thirteen commitments. Once again, he stressed the importance of finding players that are the “right fit” for the culture change at Minnesota.
4) Sid asked if he’s surprised with the team rating at 14 in Division I (FBS):
“Not surprised,” Fleck exclaimed. He said the Twin Cities have many assets that compliment recruiting – “So much to offer in the Twin Cities (population, Fortune 500 companies, etc.)". He added the nation is starting to take notice of the 2018 recruiting class at Minnesota and the university. The 2018 class will be Fleck’s first full class. He emphasized the importance of the “Process” and getting better.
5) Dave Mona queried Fleck about missing players due to injuries being back in the fall:
“It seems everyone will be back,” Fleck said.
Coach Fleck talked about the challenge during spring ball, “Challenge installing the system with missing bodies.” Nevertheless, he sounded upbeat with the progress made: “We’re getting closer.”
6) Mike Max inquired about players possibly moving from linebacker to down linemen. He cited the shift of Carter Coughlin:
Fleck mentioned Coughlin making the move and said there may be few more. He said they’ll run a 4-3 s and (“at times”) 3-4 schemes. He also spoke briefly about the talented abilities of Antoine Winfield and playing (positions) in the different schemes.
Go Gophers!