Dino's Game 1 Press Conference for UNC

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Babers said it'll be a "very, very difficult task" to defend UNC. You have to bring guys into the box to stop the run and that leads to coverages that favor the Tar Heels' top wideouts. Sounds like there'll be a lot of 1-on-1 matchups Saturday.

Babers asked about potential concerns for traveling to UNC. "We're going to really find out how good this protocol is." Said he and the rest of the ACC decision-makers believe it's a "fantastic plan."

Babers isn't getting into player availability. Said he'll answer those Qs after Week 1. I'd take that to mean we won't be getting a depth chart. Babers added that he doesn't anticipate teams installing many new wrinkles. It's about building a base given the truncated offseason.

Babers on LB Mikel Jones: "He has been different. He has made a move." Said he can't point to a specific primary area of growth, but praised Jones for his ability to digest info over Zoom. Jones implied that he's running as the first-team weak-side linebacker last week.

Babers is asked about what Jones has shown during preseason camp. Keeps it short. "He's been very consistent."

Babers is asked about an in-house opt-out deadline. "The team needs to know certain things... I think, for the most part, that time has passed." He notes that players are still allowed to return to leave, per NCAA rules, but "morally and spiritually" that time has passed.

Babers on his offensive line: "Scrappy, proudful guys. ... I don't think they read much (media-wise), but I think they have a real feel for what you guys think they are."

Babers admitted there are challenges to preparing for a team like UNC on a short clock, but the focus has been internal. This year is different than any other, he reiterates.

Babers said the SU D will have to take away the run or the pass against UNC and have to live with the rest: "If you let them do everything, you're probably not going to stop anything." Implied earlier that they'll try to stop the run. Common sense given SU's secondary.

Babers is asked about WRs. Said Ed Hendrix and Anthony Queeley have had strong camps, and that there's still movement toward the bottom of the rotation. Sharod Johnson, Courtney Jackson and "the freshmen" also mentioned as good performers.

Babers said the WR group as a whole has done "much better" than last year's unit during preseason camp.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

/End

 

[Redrum]

WRs. Better as a whole .. that’s been my opinion

 

[skurey]

Damn good quote

 

[orangepassion]

WRs. Better as a whole .. that’s been my opinion

How would you know?

 

[Redrum]

How would you know?

Lucky guess

 

[orangepassion]

OX, again thanks for writing this up. Nice to hear some names. That's all I ask for from the HC before the season-Just give me some tidbits in who's looking good to get me pumped for the season.

Babers said it'll be a "very, very difficult task" to defend UNC. You have to bring guys into the box to stop the run and that leads to coverages that favor the Tar Heels' top wideouts. Sounds like there'll be a lot of 1-on-1 matchups Saturday.

Babers asked about potential concerns for traveling to UNC. "We're going to really find out how good this protocol is." Said he and the rest of the ACC decision-makers believe it's a "fantastic plan."

Babers isn't getting into player availability. Said he'll answer those Qs after Week 1. I'd take that to mean we won't be getting a depth chart. Babers added that he doesn't anticipate teams installing many new wrinkles. It's about building a base given the truncated offseason.

Babers on LB Mikel Jones: "He has been different. He has made a move." Said he can't point to a specific primary area of growth, but praised Jones for his ability to digest info over Zoom. Jones implied that he's running as the first-team weak-side linebacker last week.

Babers is asked about what Jones has shown during preseason camp. Keeps it short. "He's been very consistent."

Babers is asked about an in-house opt-out deadline. "The team needs to know certain things... I think, for the most part, that time has passed." He notes that players are still allowed to return to leave, per NCAA rules, but "morally and spiritually" that time has passed.

Babers on his offensive line: "Scrappy, proudful guys. ... I don't think they read much (media-wise), but I think they have a real feel for what you guys think they are."

Babers admitted there are challenges to preparing for a team like UNC on a short clock, but the focus has been internal. This year is different than any other, he reiterates.

Babers said the SU D will have to take away the run or the pass against UNC and have to live with the rest: "If you let them do everything, you're probably not going to stop anything." Implied earlier that they'll try to stop the run. Common sense given SU's secondary.

Babers is asked about WRs. Said Ed Hendrix and Anthony Queeley have had strong camps, and that there's still movement toward the bottom of the rotation. Sharod Johnson, Courtney Jackson and "the freshmen" also mentioned as good performers.

Babers said the WR group as a whole has done "much better" than last year's unit during preseason camp.

 

[kcsu]

Lucky guess

Can you shed any light on rs and true frosh. Im interested in all but specifically the preferred walk on rb from Richmond.kid is a horse set the all time rushing record for Richmond and could step in for Howard in short yardage situations.

 

[Redrum]

I’m told tucker runs tough
The young WRs are doing well
I actually saw a clip of a deep ball to taj he elevated nicely to get it and the best part it was a super clean pocket . But all these things are in practice . I think we have an advantage with a young team not going to have to deal with the bright lights and crowds and crowd noise maybe taking out some jitters and allowing them to focus

 

[Nick44]

I’m curious if Markiewicz can take the #2 QB spot at some point this season. Perhaps when we do finally see a depth chart #2 is listed as Culpepper OR Markiewicz.

 

[kcsu]

Richards must have opted out. Looks like our starting lbs were picked to focus on the run.

 

[721Comstock]

Richards must have opted out. Looks like our starting lbs were picked to focus on the run.

Which makes sense.

We’re permanently in a nickel, and with only 3 DL, you need LB’s who can stuff the run, and get after the QB.

Fortunately, these guys alll also have the wheels to drop into coverage, if/when needed.

 

[All4SU]

Most pertinent question was essentially how is preparation for a team that was added to your schedule 3 weeks ago (UNC) different? Dino’s answer was pretty honest. Can only worry about your own team.

 

[Orijinal]

Dino is higher on his offensive line than many of our own board members

 

[GoSU96]

Dino is higher on his offensive line than many of our own board members

I'd hope so, but when your starting FB is now an OG and you have a true freshmen as you swing tackle, not so good, regardless of your feels.

 

[Trueblue25]

I'd hope so, but when your starting FB is now an OG and you have a true freshmen as you swing tackle, not so good, regardless of your feels.

I mean the kid was probably better suited for a role on the line for the past 2 years.

 

[TheCusian]

I'd hope so, but when your starting FB is now an OG and you have a true freshmen as you swing tackle, not so good, regardless of your feels.

Taking this all too seriously.

A plucky rhino, global pandemic, low expectations, no eligibility worries? Just have fun ... every game is a bowl game

 

[PhatOrange]

I'd like to know where David Summer is. He's not been mentioned at all this pre-season nor was he referenced in the scrimmage write up. I assume he's an opt-out

 

[MSOrange]

I mean the kid was probably better suited for a role on the line for the past 2 years.

So are we going to have a prediction contest now that it's game week?

 

[721Comstock]

Dino is higher on his offensive line than many of our own board members

Don’t get high on your own supply.

Let’s hope it’s the good stuff.

 

[Trueblue25]

So are we going to have a prediction contest now that it's game week?

Sure are, it’s coming out tomorrow. I wanted major opt-outs to be at least more transparent before proceeding. Some had a feeling about the RB situation before Dino’s conference cleared it up.

 

[Nick44]

I'd like to know where David Summer is. He's not been mentioned at all this pre-season nor was he referenced in the scrimmage write up. I assume he's an opt-out

I heard he’s the backup’s backup at LG. He’s got good but not great speed as a guard.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I heard he’s the backup’s backup at LG. He’s got good but not great speed as a guard.

He moved inside?

You all know what that means...