Q&A with Coach Shafer

[Deano]

My father-in-law invited me tomorrow to a lunch / Q&A with Coach @Onondaga CC. Anyone have any questions that they want me to try and ask Coach (IPF, general recruiting, going into 2nd ACC year, etc...). Will try my best.

You got any recap from yesterday?

 

[DCCuse]

You got any recap from yesterday?

I do. Will be writing it up shortly.

 

[DCCuse]

I do. Will be writing it up shortly.

I guess "shortly" is a relative term, sorry this has taken me so long to share.

First of all, let me say I will do my best, but I am no Tomcat when it comes to perfect recall of every word and gesture spoken. Got there around 11:30am and the coach was scheduled to speak around 12noon. Before you enter the main dining room, there was a buffet table set up to get your lunch. The very first option was some kind of purple colored cold soup. Not very "hard-nosed" so I passed (found out later it was a cold strawberry soup). Then several salads: a standard salad heavy on radicchio lettuce (I'm noticing a purple theme to this menu); a fruit salad and also a pasta salad. Then there was section with assorted breads, meats, cheeses and veggies (lettuce, onions, tomatoes and the like) to make your own sandwiches. This was followed by two hot options: a pasta casserole (I believe it was a rigatoni noodle for those wondering) then a roast turkey carving station. For those who know me, it will not come as too much of a surprise that I went through the line twice for food. Also on the table for dessert were a plate of chocolate cookies, pecan tarts and chocolate tarts. This endeth the "Tomcat-inspired" food report.

Now to the talk. Coach Shafer came in with this wife Missy and escorted her to a table down in front with other members of the club introducing himself as he did so. He was welcomed by the club's GM and Coach Shafer preferring to use his "coach's voice" decided to speak without the microphone. There were approx 70-80 folks there. Coach wanted to thank everyone for coming, introduced his lovely wife to the entire group and apologized for not being able to make it up to the Club as much as he'd like as he can be a little busy. He did warn the club members that if there are within eyesight of him on the course then they should be prepared to duck from an errant shot.

He gave a brief bio of his background, how he became a coach and the long trip he has taken to many different locations before landing here in Syracuse. Called himself the "Johnny Cash" of coaches with all his travels. Stressed how much he loves the Syracuse community and how welcome he feels here. He quickly moved on to the Q&A because he really wanted to know what the audience felt and wanted to know. The first person asked about what his daily schedule was like and how it differed from a typical day say in season. He mentioned a few things he did that morning including another speaking engagement before grabbing a quick slice of pizza that he wolfed down in the parking lot because he doesn't like eating in front of groups he is speaking to because of nerves. He also mentioned that he was going to be hosting two recruits & their families that he hoped to be getting commitments from later that day:
1) Andrejas Duerig - commitment check
2) Brandon Ginnetti - commitment check
Although he said it was someone from Mt. Carmel (Duerig) and I thought he said Philly (either I heard him wrong or Coach misspoke with reference to Ginnetti)

A woman than asked about how he was able to get recruits especially from say Florida up to Syracuse given the weather. Coach said he loves the four seasons, but seriously he said no matter where you go in the country and there are some pockets of very bad areas that kids just want to get away to avoid the struggles they are dealing with at home. He talked about (with his permission), Durell Eskeridge's story who at one point was living out of his car and has lost 5 high school friends to shootings since DE has been at Syracuse.

Someone asked/talked about community support (saying that it would also be better if they didn't move all the big games to MetLife). Coach asked the guy if he knew that LSU was coming to the Dome and give him a few years and he will make sure more will be in the Dome. He also talked about just getting one friend to join you at the game and maybe they will bring another. He stressed that we don't need a sellout to make a difference, but 40K+ will help him win and recruit.

I asked him speaking of working with decision-makers if he has had any conversations with the new chancellor to gauge how supportive he was of athletics and the football program in general. Coach says he 'loves him." He is very methodical in his approach, but when he makes a decision he acts quickly upon it. Coach says that he didn't want to ask him for anything his first year as he wanted to show that he could be successful without asking for help. But the Chancellor came to him and asked what he needed and Shafer discussed the hangup with the IPF. Chancellor said he'd look into it and Coach Shafer got an email back in a few days that he'd make sure it got solved. A few weeks later he got word that the hold ups were solved and the IPF could proceed. Huge help.

Two different people talked about Terrel Hunt and his outlook. Coach loves his leadership and that he is just "scratching the surface" in to what he can accomplish. He told two stories: 1) how he didn't even know until recently that TH was destined for SU because of his mom's love of the Ernie Davis Story (he mentioned that he heard this from a "great SU fan", Dan Johnson, who was in the hospital and fighting some things) and also that TH needs to have some chasing him with the threat of them kicking his @ss for the light to go on and TH to play his best. He acknowledged bringing in Drew Allen and DA looking better in practice than TH, but TH is a gamer.

Someone asked his opinion on verbal commitments, he reiterated his strong support of an early signing period so we can get some of the kids that we identify early to hold their commitments and not have to hold their hands to NSD in February. He alluded to Davante Davis, who 3 days after verballing had guys from Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Georgia, etc... banging down his door when they hadn't previously even heard of the kid. He thinks some football factories follow his recruiters because they know we have good talent evaluators on staff.

Someone else asked about "Pay to Play." He is adamantly opposed to it and stressed how folks shouldn't underestimate the value of a good education (a "real" education). He said he was still paying off his student debt until he was 38 for example. If it happens, it should be in a savings account not accessible until a certain age or they graduate. He talked about "breaking the welfare cycle." Can't remember all the specifics but coach was very passionate and articulate about giving these kids opportunities to get out of very bad situations.

Question about the OL given the injuries in the spring. Everyone coming along although loss of Kyle Knapp because of the concussion issues. So sorry for him as he is a great kid and glad that he is still going to be around the program.

Also asked about possible surprise players this coming season. Hard to say as it depends on situations, but likes what he has seen from:
1) John Miller - Wasn't sure about the scholarship offer at first, but worked so had this past spring and thinks he will have a very successful senior season at position of need losing Mackey.
2) Kendall Moore - Loves his versatility (TE and Tackle possible). Even filled in at center in the spring when they were short on OL bodies for practice. Tough kid from Chicago who will do anything asked of him.
3) Darius Kelly - Hard worker, always in the office looking at tape. (checked his watched and said he probably is in the office as we speak).
4) Julius Whigham -- Great athlete and has the longest fingers / hands that you will ever see. Coach says he has seen players with big hands before, but told everyone to check out Julian's. Longest fingers ever (a freak). Hopefully it will help snag a lot of INTs.

Last, but not least someone asked for predictions for next year. True coach, he said that no one will work harder than his team and he guaranteed excitement on the field.

Afterwards, I went up and thanked Coach for mentioning Dan and that I was going to visit him in the hospital after the luncheon. He said to give Dan his best and that he was thinking of him. I said how "Hard-nosed" that Dan was and Coach responded with what has to be his ultimate compliment, "Yup he is one tough old son of a bitch."

We as Syracuse fans are so lucky to have Coach Shafer as a coach, as a representative of SU and as a member of this community. Other coaches espouse values and preach family, this coach lives it.

** This report is based on the best of my recollections and some facts / statements may be close but not 100% accurate. Hope that you all enjoyed it.

 

[Earlwolf]

Good read DC, stuff like that is why this forum is so great.

 

[sutomcat]

. I guess "shortly" is a relative term, sorry this has taken me so long to share.

First of all, let me say I will do my best, but I am no Tomcat when it comes to perfect recall of every word and gesture spoken. Got there around 11:30am and the coach was scheduled to speak around 12noon. Before you enter the main dining room, there was a buffet table set up to get your lunch. The very first option was some kind of purple colored cold soup. Not very "hard-nosed" so I passed (found out later it was a cold strawberry soup). Then several salads: a standard salad heavy on radicchio lettuce (I'm noticing a purple theme to this menu); a fruit salad and also a pasta salad. Then there was section with assorted breads, meats, cheeses and veggies (lettuce, onions, tomatoes and the like) to make your own sandwiches. This was followed by two hot options: a pasta casserole (I believe it was a rigatoni noodle for those wondering) then a roast turkey carving station. For those who know me, it will not come as too much of a surprise that I went through the line twice for food. Also on the table for dessert were a plate of chocolate cookies, pecan tarts and chocolate tarts. This endeth the "Tomcat-inspired" food report.

Now to the talk. Coach Shafer came in with this wife Missy and escorted her to a table down in front with other members of the club introducing himself as he did so. He was welcomed by the club's GM and Coach Shafer preferring to use his "coach's voice" decided to speak without the microphone. There were approx 70-80 folks there. Coach wanted to thank everyone for coming, introduced his lovely wife to the entire group and apologized for not being able to make it up to the Club as much as he'd like as he can be a little busy. He did warn the club members that if there are within eyesight of him on the course then they should be prepared to duck from an errant shot.

He gave a brief bio of his background, how he became a coach and the long trip he has taken to many different locations before landing here in Syracuse. Called himself the "Johnny Cash" of coaches with all his travels. Stressed how much he loves the Syracuse community and how welcome he feels here. He quickly moved on to the Q&A because he really wanted to know what the audience felt and wanted to know. The first person asked about what his daily schedule was like and how it differed from a typical day say in season. He mentioned a few things he did that morning including another speaking engagement before grabbing a quick slice of pizza that he wolfed down in the parking lot because he doesn't like eating in front of groups he is speaking to because of nerves. He also mentioned that he was going to be hosting two recruits & their families that he hoped to be getting commitments from later that day:
1) Andrejas Duerig - commitment check
2) Brandon Ginnetti - commitment check
Although he said it was someone from Mt. Carmel (Duerig) and I thought he said Philly (either I heard him wrong or Coach misspoke with reference to Ginnetti)

A woman than asked about how he was able to get recruits especially from say Florida up to Syracuse given the weather. Coach said he loves the four seasons, but seriously he said no matter where you go in the country and there are some pockets of very bad areas that kids just want to get away to avoid the struggles they are dealing with at home. He talked about (with his permission), Durell Eskeridge's story who at one point was living out of his car and has lost 5 high school friends to shootings since DE has been at Syracuse.

Someone asked/talked about community support (saying that it would also be better if they didn't move all the big games to MetLife). Coach asked the guy if he knew that LSU was coming to the Dome and give him a few years and he will make sure more will be in the Dome. He also talked about just getting one friend to join you at the game and maybe they will bring another. He stressed that we don't need a sellout to make a difference, but 40K+ will help him win and recruit.

I asked him speaking of working with decision-makers if he has had any conversations with the new chancellor to gauge how supportive he was of athletics and the football program in general. Coach says he 'loves him." He is very methodical in his approach, but when he makes a decision he acts quickly upon it. Coach says that he didn't want to ask him for anything his first year as he wanted to show that he could be successful without asking for help. But the Chancellor came to him and asked what he needed and Shafer discussed the hangup with the IPF. Chancellor said he'd look into it and Coach Shafer got an email back in a few days that he'd make sure it got solved. A few weeks later he got word that the hold ups were solved and the IPF could proceed. Huge help.

Two different people talked about Terrel Hunt and his outlook. Coach loves his leadership and that he is just "scratching the surface" in to what he can accomplish. He told two stories: 1) how he didn't even know until recently that TH was destined for SU because of his mom's love of the Ernie Davis Story (he mentioned that he heard this from a "great SU fan", Dan Johnson, who was in the hospital and fighting some things) and also that TH needs to have some chasing him with the threat of them kicking his @ss for the light to go on and TH to play his best. He acknowledged bringing in Drew Allen and DA looking better in practice than TH, but TH is a gamer.

Someone asked his opinion on verbal commitments, he reiterated his strong support of an early signing period so we can get some of the kids that we identify early to hold their commitments and not have to hold their hands to NSD in February. He alluded to Davante Davis, who 3 days after verballing had guys from Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Georgia, etc... banging down his door when they hadn't previously even heard of the kid. He thinks some football factories follow his recruiters because they know we have good talent evaluators on staff.

Someone else asked about "Pay to Play." He is adamantly opposed to it and stressed how folks shouldn't underestimate the value of a good education (a "real" education). He said he was still paying off his student debt until he was 38 for example. If it happens, it should be in a savings account not accessible until a certain age or they graduate. He talked about "breaking the welfare cycle." Can't remember all the specifics but coach was very passionate and articulate about giving these kids opportunities to get out of very bad situations.

Question about the OL given the injuries in the spring. Everyone coming along although loss of Kyle Knapp because of the concussion issues. So sorry for him as he is a great kid and glad that he is still going to be around the program.

Also asked about possible surprise players this coming season. Hard to say as it depends on situations, but likes what he has seen from:
1) John Miller - Wasn't sure about the scholarship offer at first, but worked so had this past spring and thinks he will have a very successful senior season at position of need losing Mackey.
2) Kendall Moore - Loves his versatility (TE and Tackle possible). Even filled in at center in the spring when they were short on OL bodies for practice. Tough kid from Chicago who will do anything asked of him.
3) Darius Kelly - Hard worker, always in the office looking at tape. (checked his watched and said he probably is in the office as we speak).
4) Julius Whigham -- Great athlete and has the longest fingers / hands that you will ever see. Coach says he has seen players with big hands before, but told everyone to check out Julian's. Longest fingers ever (a freak). Hopefully it will help snag a lot of INTs.

Last, but not least someone asked for predictions for next year. True coach, he said that no one will work harder than his team and he guaranteed excitement on the field.

Afterwards, I went up and thanked Coach for mentioning Dan and that I was going to visit him in the hospital after the luncheon. He said to give Dan his best and that he was thinking of him. I said how "Hard-nosed" that Dan was and Coach responded with what has to be his ultimate compliment, "Yup he is one tough old son of a bitch."

We as Syracuse fans are so lucky to have Coach Shafer as a coach, as a representative of SU and as a member of this community. Other coaches espouse values and preach family, this coach lives it.

** This report is based on the best of my recollections and some facts / statements may be close but not 100% accurate. Hope that you all enjoyed it.

Great job DC. Both in meeting expectations eating your share of the spread and in your excellent report.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Thank you DC. You are an extremely valuable member of our SU fanbase.

 

[cuseguy]

Nice job, Rick. See you Saturday.

 

[orangepassion]

If I could like that post 5 times, I would

 

[jekelish]

If he could fight one person from history, who would it be and why?

Teddy Roosevelt is the only man who stands a chance.

 

[anomander]

Good stuff. Either great memory, or great note taking.

Absolutely love Shafer. Really has the feel of a lifer, and a really successful program.

 

[Rocco]

Please be more descriptive Rick. Not enough detail.

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

If anyone had money on this event, DcCuse covered the spread.

Thank you, Thank you. I'll be here all week.

 

[Crusty]

Really great report. Very nice of you to mention that "one tough old son of a bitch."

We are really fortunate to have a great staff and a great fan base, especially those on this site - including you.
Thanks

 

[Chip]

Good work Ricker...that was a nice read.