Head Coach Greg Robinson Spring Game Interview
April 19, 2008
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
On the game
“We had an agenda today which was not too much scrimmaging because we have scrimmaged more (in Spring practice) than I ever really wanted to, but I just felt it was best for our football team all spring. we doubled the number of reps in live scrimmaging this spring and I think it has been very good for us as a football team. Also, by going through that thud period that we went through we got (running backs) Delone (Carter) and Curtis (Brinkley) some work and it is just great to see them out on the field and running around and working. I thought it was good, it was competitive. Guys were working and there was good hitting going on. We saw a couple big plays, a great grab in seven-on-seven over there by Mike Williams on the last play. A lot of good things. I was pleased.”
On the running backs group:
“The running back situation is as strong as it has been here in a long time. It is unfortunate that Averin Collier didn’t get to get out there today for the first nine practices he had done really well and was growing comfortable in what he was doing. There are a number of running backs who we can see now and it is exciting to see. As you know in any part of the running game it comes down to the offensive line and I’ve seen real growth and development in their play. With training camp right around the corner they will continue to develop. I think the running game, as well as the passing game, is going to continue to grow and develop.”
On the quarterbacks:
“We had Andrew (Robinson) go the first time out with the first line and Cameron (Dantley) went with the first line on the second one. Cody (Catalina) came out and David (Legree) came out and it really is the way things have been working. We have been flipping them around but we had to have a rotation somehow. I was pleased with what went on throughout the day at that position. I think what you can see is it has been a while since we’ve had four quarterbacks and we have another one coming in the fall. We have four quarterbacks who show skills and that is exciting also.”
On whether Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley are healthy yet:
“I think with Delone, if I said he could go right now, in his mind, he is ready to go. What we’ve done is err on the side of caution in regards to him. I think Curtis is about maybe 80 to 90 percent. He made a cut yesterday in practice that looked like the Curtis Brinkley of old. He has just been taking reps here for the past week. I saw one play yesterday that looked like him but I saw another play later in the afternoon where the stamina wasn’t there and that takes time to build up. I know by training camp they both will be chomping at the bit and ready to go. I really look forward to training camp.”
On whether Carter will be ready for 2008:
“Delone will be ready for 2008. He is ready.”
On whether the team has a long way to go in the next 19 weeks:
“I will say this about football teams, there really is an osmosis period from the end of spring until the start of training camp. There is so much that players can do on their own to get better. I know what this football team is like, I’ve seen them work through the off season, I’ve seen them in spring ball, and they are going to do everything in their power to make themselves more prepared for training camp, even from where they are at right now. I look forward to getting going.”
On the secondary:
“I like what I see. It is very competitive but there is nothing in granite right now. I like it that way because it is not for lack of talent. There are some experienced players and there are some young players who show skills. Somebody will emerge, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
On who stuck out as having improved through the course of spring:
“First of all, Ryan Durand is the most comfortable I’ve seen him in the offensive line. Right next to him Jim McKenzie has made some real strides from the end of last season to right now, he is a better football player. The rest of the lineman, I really like what has happened there. Mike Owen looks like a real tight end right now as opposed to a defensive end/linebacker who was moved to tight end last June. At the receiver position I’ve seen Lavar Lobdell make a move, I thought Donte Davis today did a couple things that were good and Dan Sheeran has made some progress. The guy I think who has made his mark all spring is (fullback) Tony Fiammetta. It is unfortunate that he is not out here (for the Spring game due to injury) but I think if anybody on this team would tell you if there is an Iornman on this football team, it is him. He has been a battering ram and done a lot of great things through spring. On the defensive side I thought Arthur (Jones) had a good spring, Brandon Gilbeaux has made progress, and Jake Flaherty has done some good things. There is a corps of young linebackers who are fighting, clawing and scratching, as well. There are a number of people who I think have really grown.”
On the offensive line:
“I think that the first group has shown real growth throughout the spring, in the running game and in pass protection. The second group has flashed at times. They’ve done some good things and they’ve improved. Are they ready to play? No, I think they’re still young and there is work to be done, as there is for a number of those guys in that first group. I am pleased with the growth of the whole group. Where they started five weeks ago and where they are right now – it is getting better.”
On what is different in the offensive line from a year ago:
“Number one, there is a realistic confidence growing, more so than I can remember since I’ve been here. I think they’re coming into their own, first of all. Obviously, Corey Chavers, Ryan Durad and Jim Bartholomew played a lot of football last year. Ryan Bartholomew and Tucker Baumbach are young players, but now that they’re heading into their third year as redshirt sophomores, I see that they’re starting to feel it. I give credit to Mitch (Browning) and Chris (Wiesehan). They have coached and coached these guys and I see these players accepting the coaching.”
On the pass protection:
“They’re improved. I think there were a couple of situations today where a back could have cut a defensive lineman and made the decision not to because of the situation that we’re in right now and that turned into pressure on the quarterback. They are better, I will say that. We will be an improved protection team.”
