Consigliere
Co 2020 Cali Award Winner, Record Thru 5 Games
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- Aug 27, 2011
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I was fortunate enough to be invited to a pre-FanFest VIP Barbecue yesterday. Not much to add from other posts about the event itself - about 700 in attendance. Balcony at Manley about 3/4 full. The three semi- injured players (not counting Enoicy who I didn't see) were there in jerseys. Black and Servais were moving around well - Black's brace is little more than an extended wrap. Pickard, however was fitted with a large, cumbersome brace and wasn't able to move well in it at all. Walked very gingerly and seemed like the knee was completely immobilized. The first 30 minutes of the main event consisted of position drills scattered around the Manley floor. Team was coming off of a full practice so understandably little energy. Would have liked to have seen the position coaches miked up to engage with the crowd - introduce their players and describe the drills. Would have been a nice touch. The 11 vs. air plays that Bailey described were run at the far end of the Field House during the very last few minutes and frankly I didn't even notice them. Must have been watching the D-backs at the time. A couple of drills stood out. D-backs were running a blitz and strip drill - wait a count, blitz of the edge and focus on stripping the QB from the blind side. Fits in with some of Dino's comments that I'll get into in a bit. WR / TEs ran a drill where there were intentionally off target passes that they tried to catch. Some GREAT hands in this group. I know we've been overly optimistic before but Custis really stood out. Made some Beckham-esque one handed grabs on throws well over his head. Can't imagine this not being a prime red zone weapon. During the entire workout - this drill, some RVAs and base passing drills I noticed only one drop requiring pushups and that was by Erv.
The pre event BBQ was another nice attempt by the University to show some appreciation to the premium level ticket holders who took a hit with the new pricing plan. Food was nothing special - grilled chicken quarters, pulled pork, burgers, cole slaw, baked beans and desserts. Anthony DiFino opened the program with a welcome and introduced Chris Fuller who spoke for about 10 minutes. He started with a brief tribute and moment of silence for Coach Mac then talked about appreciation of the fan base and dedication of the entire department to support the football program and return to the glory days of Syracuse football. I had a chance to meet and talk to Chris and Bob Arkeilpane both fairly new to the staff. Us old-timers will remember Bob from the late 70's and early 80s playing on the Art Monk / Joe Morris era teams. Those concerned with John Wildhack's lack of direct experience running a collegiate athletic department need only check out the bios of these two and some of the other recent hires in the administration. Wildhack's plan seems to be hire quality people - both in overall athletics administration and additions to the football support staff, enhance facilities and give Dino everything he needs to succeed. Granted I never take off my Orange colored glasses but it sure seems like things are moving forward.
Dino came in for the last 30 minutes of the Barbecue - gave a brief speech and asked for questions. As anticipated an awkward silence ensued and Dino joked he could just practice his mic drop and head for the buffet. A brave soul finally asked "How's Dungey?" Dino said Eric was doing great. Had an excellent scrimmage yesterday and a very strong practice earlier in the afternoon. Said he finally has the "butt slide" down that should keep him on the field all year. An older gentlemen remarked how well he thought the team held up in the brutal heat in the Dome in early September last year. Dino thought that was an excellent observation and said that we had a very unique conditioning program that he would not share but that gives us an advantage on the field in those conditions. Said it would get a real test in Baton Rouge. He went on to say "I know you all want air conditioning but I love the Dome. I LOVE the Dome. I LOVE THE DOME!"
Next question was about how we would replace Etta Tawo. Dino said it's always tough to lose your number one guy, but a year ago we didn;t even know he WAS the number one guy. Said Stevie Ishmael is having a great camp ane he expects big numbers. Talked about Erv a bit and how he will be even better than last year. Mentioned there is a mix of returning players ready to step up and some exciting new comers to watch. then mentioned Ravian Pierce as adding an element we did not have last year and the effect he will have on the passing game to the middle of the field.
I gave Dino a choice between an easy question or a tough one. He went for the tough one and I noted that recent losses have really seemed to hurt the depth on the defensive line. "Give us a reason to be optimistic about that unit." Might just be me but Dino seemed uncomfortable with the question and almost a little miffed with the way I asked it questioning a reason to be optimistic. Also noted that this was the only position group he was asked about where he mentioned absolutely no one by name. Basically he said the players on the field will need to step up and they know that and that the staff is continuously challenge them. Mentioned last year we lost 3 starting O-linemen early and plugged the young guys in and kept moving. He stopped then said - "What was the easy question?" So I asked him what the best movie he has seen recently. He thought that was an even tougher question then talked about Wonder Woman and his early obsession with Lynda Carter and raved about Baby Driver saying he will be in line to buy tickets for Baby Driver 8.
Next question was about the running game. Dino talked about Strickland, mentioned Pierre and said the biggest difference will be that they can use a real fullback this year - a real BIG fullback. Said Elmore is a bit like a baby elephant back there now but the will have him ready to go and that he will make a big impact with the inside running game.
Final question came for a very young fan - no microphone so Dino went over knelt down with his mic and gave the kid a chance to ask his question. "Will we win?" And Dino and the crowd went wild.
The pre event BBQ was another nice attempt by the University to show some appreciation to the premium level ticket holders who took a hit with the new pricing plan. Food was nothing special - grilled chicken quarters, pulled pork, burgers, cole slaw, baked beans and desserts. Anthony DiFino opened the program with a welcome and introduced Chris Fuller who spoke for about 10 minutes. He started with a brief tribute and moment of silence for Coach Mac then talked about appreciation of the fan base and dedication of the entire department to support the football program and return to the glory days of Syracuse football. I had a chance to meet and talk to Chris and Bob Arkeilpane both fairly new to the staff. Us old-timers will remember Bob from the late 70's and early 80s playing on the Art Monk / Joe Morris era teams. Those concerned with John Wildhack's lack of direct experience running a collegiate athletic department need only check out the bios of these two and some of the other recent hires in the administration. Wildhack's plan seems to be hire quality people - both in overall athletics administration and additions to the football support staff, enhance facilities and give Dino everything he needs to succeed. Granted I never take off my Orange colored glasses but it sure seems like things are moving forward.
Dino came in for the last 30 minutes of the Barbecue - gave a brief speech and asked for questions. As anticipated an awkward silence ensued and Dino joked he could just practice his mic drop and head for the buffet. A brave soul finally asked "How's Dungey?" Dino said Eric was doing great. Had an excellent scrimmage yesterday and a very strong practice earlier in the afternoon. Said he finally has the "butt slide" down that should keep him on the field all year. An older gentlemen remarked how well he thought the team held up in the brutal heat in the Dome in early September last year. Dino thought that was an excellent observation and said that we had a very unique conditioning program that he would not share but that gives us an advantage on the field in those conditions. Said it would get a real test in Baton Rouge. He went on to say "I know you all want air conditioning but I love the Dome. I LOVE the Dome. I LOVE THE DOME!"
Next question was about how we would replace Etta Tawo. Dino said it's always tough to lose your number one guy, but a year ago we didn;t even know he WAS the number one guy. Said Stevie Ishmael is having a great camp ane he expects big numbers. Talked about Erv a bit and how he will be even better than last year. Mentioned there is a mix of returning players ready to step up and some exciting new comers to watch. then mentioned Ravian Pierce as adding an element we did not have last year and the effect he will have on the passing game to the middle of the field.
I gave Dino a choice between an easy question or a tough one. He went for the tough one and I noted that recent losses have really seemed to hurt the depth on the defensive line. "Give us a reason to be optimistic about that unit." Might just be me but Dino seemed uncomfortable with the question and almost a little miffed with the way I asked it questioning a reason to be optimistic. Also noted that this was the only position group he was asked about where he mentioned absolutely no one by name. Basically he said the players on the field will need to step up and they know that and that the staff is continuously challenge them. Mentioned last year we lost 3 starting O-linemen early and plugged the young guys in and kept moving. He stopped then said - "What was the easy question?" So I asked him what the best movie he has seen recently. He thought that was an even tougher question then talked about Wonder Woman and his early obsession with Lynda Carter and raved about Baby Driver saying he will be in line to buy tickets for Baby Driver 8.
Next question was about the running game. Dino talked about Strickland, mentioned Pierre and said the biggest difference will be that they can use a real fullback this year - a real BIG fullback. Said Elmore is a bit like a baby elephant back there now but the will have him ready to go and that he will make a big impact with the inside running game.
Final question came for a very young fan - no microphone so Dino went over knelt down with his mic and gave the kid a chance to ask his question. "Will we win?" And Dino and the crowd went wild.
