The initial questions were directed to Scot Loeffler, followed up by questions to James Johnson, and then alternating throughout the rest of the evening. Rather than recounting the individual interview questions, I will highlight the points made by both coaches in their responses. This blog will focus on the football discussion and the responses by offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. The next blog will focus on James Johnson's basketball narratives.
Loeffler described his first 3 weeks on campus as "exciting", getting 2-3 hours of sleep each night, culminating with appendicitis and a visit to the hospital. He shared that he had received 2 offers to return to the NFL in coaching positions; however, when he received the offer from VT, his former University of Michigan coaching mentor, Lloyd Carr, advised him to run, not walk, to VT to accept the position. As has been widely written, Coach Carr has great respect for Frank Beamer and the VT football program. In fact, several times during the evening, Loeffler described feeling "proud" and "honored" to be offered the position at VT.
Of course the subject of the "Spring Game" this past weekend (Apr. 20, 2013) came up, and he could not adequately express how disappointed he was with the offensive unit, both during that game, which he described as "Practice #15", as well as the practice leading up to the game, "Practice #14". Prior to those final spring practices, he had been pleased with the team's progress; but he said that there were simply "no excuses" for the way his unit performed on Saturday. Logan Thomas has made remarkable progress in his personal performance and accuracy, and he "learns fast"; however "he made two bad decisions in that game--decisions that will get you beat every time."
Unlike the NFL, there are no "OTA"s (organized team activities) allowed in the NCAA during the summer months. Loeffler indicates that the players are expected to work out on their own during these three months, and he expects his team leaders, namely, "Logan Thomas, Andrew Miller, and DJ Coles", to ensure that this happens. He said that Thomas will be in Blacksburg all summer, and his spies will ensure that he doesn't try to escape. ;-)
Regarding the skill positions, Loeffler indicated that, other than Logan Thomas, everyone's position is considered "open". That being said, he commented that Trey Edmunds had a "solid" spring. There will not be a running back carousel like we saw last year. There will be a "1-2-3 pecking order". I inferred from Loeffler's comments that the #1 spot is Edmunds' to lose, with the two remaining rotational spots be fought over by JC Coleman, Tony Gregory, and a couple of redshirt freshmen. Michael Holmes' recent abrupt departure from the team was unfortunate and embarrassing for the program--but life goes on for those players who can manage to keep their names off of the local Blacksburg police blotter. I don't want to convict him prematurely, but not many good things happen when football players and TOTS intersect. There are simply too many a-holes try to establish their manhood by challenging athletes to fights in these types of venues. It's not fair, but it is a fact of life in college (and the pro's as well), and student athletes must accept this, and behave (or avoid these venues) accordingly.
Coach Loeffler also commented that Demitri Knowles has ramped-up his route-running skills, thereby developing into a more complete receiver--vs. just one that can turn on the after-burners as a deep threat. Coles appears to have the #1 receiver spot nailed down.
Loeffler also gave great praise to Andrew Miller who, at the request of the coaches, made the move from center to guard; and has played well there. He looped back to praise Thomas again, and said that Thomas loves VT and his players, and didn't want to let himself, his teammates, or the institution and fans down by leaving early. Loeffler asserted that "Logan always has the school's, the program's, and the team's best interest at heart. That's all you can ask of a player."
Regarding his playbook, Loeffler regards it as more of a huge "encyclopedia". He does not plan to practice and run all of the plays in it; rather, it is a flexible tool from which to draw plays and schemes from--plays that best fit the skills and abilities of the current players on the roster at any point in time. (In that respect, he reminded me of Joe Gibbs. Some guys can only win if they have the right players to run their game schemes. Real coaches adapt their game plans and play strategies to take advantage of the strengths of the players already on their roster.) He knows what his quarterback, his running backs, his tight ends, and his wide-outs are capable of doing; and he will build the game plans around that.
He also indicated that he will typically run a "huddle" offense, but one that is very capable of going no-huddle, when necessary or desired. Further, he asserted that Logan Thomas will be provided "a lot" of latitude in terms of calling audibles at the line of scrimmage, based on what he sees when he gets behind center.
Regarding the season-opening game against Alabama, he asserted that Alabama's defense is "extremely complex", and that it is always better to play them early in the season vs. later. Ball security will be paramount in that game. Furthermore, he asserted that the Hokies will probably only get around four opportunities in that game to make a (big) play. Capitalizing on these opportunities when they present themselves will be the difference between winning and losing.
In his closing remarks, Loeffler asserted that "this place, VT, is different. They really do want their kids to graduate and be successful in both their personal and professional lives." He ended his remarks by saying that Jim Weaver and Frank Beamer believe in "doing the right things, graduating their players, and winning at the same time."
Stay tuned for the forthcoming JJ interview.
GO HOKIES!!
