We are winding down our final pre-season preparation and look forward to getting the kids back on campus next weekend. Gave the coaches off last weekend and advised them to do something fun other than football which will consume us to some extent for the next four months. The ODAC coaches’ poll reflects the balance in the league. I think you had six of the seven coaches in a very confident state of mind at that event. Nobody is beaten in August in Division III, and that is how it should be.
I have stated throughout this off-season that just having people back does not necessarily make you better. For the most part I think our kids have bought into this and we will bring improved people back who are both bigger and stronger.
There are four areas we will need to improve in 2009 to position ourselves for a title run.
1. The production at the quarterback position must increase and play there, although it does not necessarily have to be fantastic, it has to be consistent. Both Vince and Hagan have worked better in the off-season and they will get the first shot. The first 7 to 10 days will be open competition between those two and some of the more athletic younger kids in the program. We have speed at the skill positions that needs to be fed somewhat. I doubt we will have big number (statistic) kids at the RB/WR/TE positions because we have excellent depth and a lot of people will play, but as a group we look for big production here.
2. Securing the offensive line is a must. Here we have a core group returning, but our numbers are razor thin. The seven returners in the program need to hold together and if there is a window for a young player to contribute it is here. We will need to move any quality freshman who wants a shot to play here to try to develop some two-deep depth. Coach Martiny will have to take a pro approach where kids play multiple positions. Without a secure line of scrimmage, speed does not show on the outside. The sack issue last year which by no means was solely an offensive line problem needs to be reduced. That involves all the offensive positions and schemes themselves.
3. On defense we need to secure the coverage aspect of our defensive package. Over 33% of the touchdowns scored on us last year were the result of confusion or misalignment. You have to make people earn points and this was a platter of free goods we need to take away. Our speed on defense will eventually make plays if we make an offensive unit work for it the hard way. We return three players (2 of whom had All-ODAC credentials) to this side of the ball from academic layoffs in 2008. If you play great defense and are sound in the kicking game, you will always have a chance to win in the fourth quarter.
4. We need to get the kicking game out of neutral. The past two years we have been right down the middle with this 20% of the game. Special teams start with the kickers and then it becomes about space and speed. If the kickers do their part, we will put our best athletes around them and try to gain an advantage in this phase of the game. The “Didn’t help you, didn’t hurt you” approach of the last two seasons must change.
I encourage our fans to come out to the Pigskin Preview on Saturday the 22nd. Details willbe on the website Monday. Also, our Sports Information office has done a great job on the Presto Sports Website and following the Eagles will be easier again in 2009. Plan to keep you in the loop.
Go BC,
Coach Clark
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