Transcript of the 2018 SAC Football Digital Media Day

2018 South Atlantic Conference Football Digital Media Day

(08/03/2018)

11:46

SAC Office:

Thank you again to all of our coaches, fans and members of the media for joining us today. And thank you to Commissioner Britz for taking the time to answer some questions as well. Be sure to visit www.thesac.com for the latest news, scores and schedules for SAC Football and all SAC sports. Thanks again and #MakeSACYours

Friday August 3, 2018 11:46 SAC Office

11:43

SAC Commish:

Quiet group today...thanks again to all the coaches for their time today and best of luck this season. I hope the fans and media can come out to as many games as possible. #makeSACyours

Friday August 3, 2018 11:43 SAC Commish

11:41

SAC Office:

We have time for just a few more questions for Commissioner Britz.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:41 SAC Office

11:39

SAC Commish:

Hi Chuck...I think you might get different responses from some, but I would like 10 football-playing members (whether they are full or associate), but the scheduling agreements have served us well and I think will continue to do so.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:39 SAC Commish

11:38

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

Are you happy with scheduling aliances and associate members or would it be ideal to have 10 full SAC member sponsoring football?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:38 Chuck Bitner

11:37

SAC Commish:

Great question CN99...I like 10 for football and 12-14 for all other sports. 10 for football gives everyone 9 conference games and allows for 2 nonconference opportunities. 12-14 for the other sports seems to work and if we ever get to 14 would have to go divisional play in sports like basketball, volleyball, etc.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:37 SAC Commish

11:35

[Comment From CN99CN99: ]

What do you feel is the ideal number for conference members, both all sports and football?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:35 CN99

11:34

SAC Commish:

We always are looking at possibilities to expand, but I do not think Brevard is an option. They made the decision to transition to Division III and appear to be pleased with it.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:34 SAC Commish

11:33

[Comment From Big Rod MiddleBig Rod Middle: ]

R U GONNA ADD ANY MORE TEAMS BSIDES WISE? I THINK BREVARD SHOULD COME BACK! ROARRRRRRR

Friday August 3, 2018 11:33 Big Rod Middle

11:32

SAC Commish:

Thanks for having me and I think we are going to have another great football season. We have some of the best coaches in the country and I know they will have their teams ready to play each and every week. I want to thank them for their time today.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:32 SAC Commish

11:31

SAC Office:

Please welcome South Atlantic Conference Commissioner Patrick Britz. Commissioner Britz, please give us your thoughts on the upcoming SAC football season.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:31 SAC Office

11:31

CoachClifton_MHU:

Thank you!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:31 CoachClifton_MHU

11:30

SAC Office:

Thank you for your time Coach Clifton!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:30 SAC Office

11:30

CoachClifton_MHU:

Yes, we have to work on getting turnovers and I think we did a great job in the spring working on that. I think it'll pay off in the fall for us.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:30 CoachClifton_MHU

11:29

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

Not many turnovers produced by the defense last year. Will that be an emphasis in preseason camp?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:29 Chuck Bitner

11:28

CoachClifton_MHU:

I think the ETSU contest will be a huge challenge because we're playing up a division. Playing conference games are a big challenge as well. It's like playing in the SEC; you have to play your best games every week.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:28 CoachClifton_MHU

11:27

SAC Office:

We have time for just a few more questions for Coach Clifton.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:27 SAC Office

11:26

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Which game do you think will be the most challenging this season?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:26 FootballFan02

11:26

CoachClifton_MHU:

The benefit is that late in the year, we get an off week that allows us to rest and get the kids to recoup. The downfall is that sometimes you're one game short, which can hurt getting into the playoffs, which happened to us in 2015. We were 6-2 in division play and did not make the playoffs.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:26 CoachClifton_MHU

11:24

[Comment From fb fanfb fan: ]

What are the benefits and drawbacks to playing a 10 game schedule?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:24 fb fan

11:22

CoachClifton_MHU:

On offense, quarterback Austin Brown and our offensive line anchored by Brandon Berridge. Also, wide receivers Craig Rucker and Javon Harbison. Defensively, the Wilson brothers, Brandon and Eldrick, along with Earl Adams and Trabion Smith at linebacker. In the secondary, Chris Ferdinand.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:22 CoachClifton_MHU

11:19

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Who do you see as your key players heading into the season?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:19 FootballFan02

11:19

CoachClifton_MHU:

We're going to give it our best!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:19 CoachClifton_MHU

11:18

[Comment From Big Rod MiddleBig Rod Middle: ]

COACH, WE GONNA BEAT THE BUCS? ROARRRRRRRRRRRR

Friday August 3, 2018 11:18 Big Rod Middle

11:16

CoachClifton_MHU:

Glad to be here. We're excited about it and looking forward to getting started. We're looking forward to the first game vs. ETSU.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:16 CoachClifton_MHU

11:16

Curtis Walker:

Thanks for having me and look forward to a wonderful South Atlantic Conference football season.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:16 Curtis Walker

11:16

SAC Office:

Please welcome Mars Hill head coach Tim Clifton. Coach Clifton please give us your thoughts on the upcoming season.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:16 SAC Office

11:15

SAC Office:

Thanks for your time Coach Walker!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:15 SAC Office

11:15

SAC Office:

We have time for just a few more questions for Coach Walker.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:15 SAC Office

11:15

Curtis Walker:

We closed the door on not getting into the playoffs that Monday after the announcement and turned our focus on all the things we need to do to put ourselves in position for the 2018 season.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:15 Curtis Walker

11:13

Curtis Walker:

On offense we lost our quarterback and top receiver, but felt we had great competition at the quarterback position during spring practice and very excited about our wide receiving corp.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:13 Curtis Walker

11:13

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

Not being invited to the playoffs last year was a big disappointment, but as you head into this year, does that experience help the team to stay completely focused on what they can control?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:13 Chuck Bitner

11:12

Curtis Walker:

Cam was a young man that came on last season and had a wonderful spring.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:12 Curtis Walker

11:12

Curtis Walker:

I'm not sure if there is a replacement for Kitchens. He has done so much for our program. As the all-time sack leader and defensive leader of our football team. We feel that we have done what we need to do in our recruiting to sustain a program. With that being said we look forward to Cam Davis to step into that role.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:12 Curtis Walker

11:11

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Coach you lost some key players from last year's team including Kitchens. Who do you see stepping into those roles?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:11 FootballFan02

11:09

Curtis Walker:

We are really excited to be entering our sixth year here at Catawba. The energy around here is really high anticipating the arrival of our student athletes. I think this team reminds me of one of our teams a couple years ago. We are excited about the mix of veterans and newcomers.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:09 Curtis Walker

11:09

SAC Office:

Welcome back Coach Walker!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:09 SAC Office

11:08

Curtis Walker:

Good morning. Sorry had to reboot to get the keyboard working again

Friday August 3, 2018 11:08 Curtis Walker

11:05

SAC Office:

Coach Walker is having some technical issues. We are working on the problem.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:05 SAC Office

11:04

[Comment From CatUuKnowCatUuKnow: ]

Very excited for the new season!! Who are going to be the big play makers this year? Is Carlton back and ready?

Friday August 3, 2018 11:04 CatUuKnow

11:02

SAC Office:

Please welcome Catawba head coach Curtis Walker. Coach give us a brief statement about your team for this season.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:02 SAC Office

11:02

SAC Office:

Thanks Coach Ierulli!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:02 SAC Office

11:01

CoachIerulli_LC:

Thanks for having me!

Friday August 3, 2018 11:01 CoachIerulli_LC

11:01

CoachIerulli_LC:

SaintForLife - I believe that I have an advantage because I know the teams in the conference after coaching at C-N for the last six seasons. The biggest challenge will be the lack of a bye week against a touch schedule. But, we are looking forward to the year, and can't wait to get started.

Friday August 3, 2018 11:01 CoachIerulli_LC

11:00

SAC Office:

We have time for just one more question...

Friday August 3, 2018 11:00 SAC Office

10:59

CoachIerulli_LC:

Chuck - we are absolutely up for the challenge. We have FCS Gardner-Webb week one, and we will approach ever game the same - we expect to win.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:59 CoachIerulli_LC

10:59

SaintForLife:

What is the biggest challenge you think you will face as a first-time head coach in a league you know very well based on your previous experience?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:59 SaintForLife

10:58

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

Your have one of the hardest schedules in Super Region 2. is the team excited for the challenge ?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:58 Chuck Bitner

10:57

CoachIerulli_LC:

Being a two-time All-American, Josh provides great leadership and experience to our defensive unit. He broke his foot during the second game of the season last year, and was giving a medical redshirt. His ability to cover the top receivers or give strong run support is a big advantage to us defensively.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:57 CoachIerulli_LC

10:55

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

How much of an impact will Simmons make on the defensive side of the ball now that he is back?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:55 FootballFan02

10:53

CoachIerulli_LC:

I believe what we are doing offensively and defensively will help us achieve our goals. Offensively, we will be using a tight end as part of our offensive scheme - previously, our offense was a four-wide formation. Defensively, I've always been a 4-3 defensive coach, and I believe the schemes that has been a part of my coaching background will fit well with our defensive personnel.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:53 CoachIerulli_LC

10:51

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Coach what are your expectations for this team as you head into your second year in the SAC?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:51 FootballFan02

10:50

CoachIerulli_LC:

Well, first of all, I appreciate the opportunity to be named the head football coach at Limestone. Going into our fifth season, we have major team goals that we have not yet accomplished as a program. Our first goal is to have our first winning season in team history, and second to be a consistent challenger for the SAC Championship.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:50 CoachIerulli_LC

10:47

SAC Office:

Please welcome Limestone head coach Tony Ierulli. Coach Ierulli tell us about this upcoming season.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:47 SAC Office

10:46

CoachTurner_C-N:

Thanks for having.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:46 CoachTurner_C-N

10:45

CoachTurner_C-N:

That guy was such a special friend to me and this football program. He was a three-sport letter winner at Furman. He wouldn't tell this story, but he caught two games of a baseball doubleheader, a tennis match and then played in the football spring game. He's a great example to all of us who are married and have a family because of what he did for his wife in her final days. He meant quite a bit to Carson-Newman athletics. He loved to win and was a great competitor.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:45 CoachTurner_C-N

10:45

SAC Office:

Thanks for your time Coach Turner!

Friday August 3, 2018 10:45 SAC Office

10:43

[Comment From CN99CN99: ]

Do you have any stories about Dr. Maddox and what he meant to you?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:43 CN99

10:41

CoachTurner_C-N:

Fire away. I'm ready!

Friday August 3, 2018 10:41 CoachTurner_C-N

10:41

SAC Office:

We have time for a few more questions for Coach Turner.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:41 SAC Office

10:40

CoachTurner_C-N:

All the kids that are returning are key players. The kids that we recruited, we recruited kids to come play. We want them to compete. We never talked to anyone about being redshirted. Competition makes for better football players. That's why our returners are key. They're battle tested and know how to play together and handle adversity, adversity that we brought upon ourselves. I was proud of our kids at the end of last year about how they learned to handle that.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:40 CoachTurner_C-N

10:38

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Who do you feel will be your key players this season?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:38 FootballFan02

10:37

CoachTurner_C-N:

I did when I was a player here and when I coached at Catawba. But we run the split back veer now. I enjoy the option. It's an equalizer and gives you an opportunity to be balanced.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:37 CoachTurner_C-N

10:36

[Comment From Big Rod MiddleBig Rod Middle: ]

WHY DO U LIKE RUNNING THE WISHBONE SO MUCH?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:36 Big Rod Middle

10:36

CoachTurner_C-N:

It's exciting. I enjoyed being the fifth pick last year because it was great motivation. Being picked number one, that means something to our players and our alums. It means a lot more if it happens at the end of the year.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:36 CoachTurner_C-N

10:35

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

What is it like to be the preseason favorite?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:35 FootballFan02

10:35

CoachTurner_C-N:

We're excited about that. We feel like we've met our needs in recruiting and several of those men came over the summer to take classes. We were able to be selective with who we brought in and for what purpose because we have so many returners. We feel that they will elevate us higher.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:35 CoachTurner_C-N

10:33

[Comment From BrookeBrooke: ]

What's your feel of the freshman class coming in?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:33 Brooke

10:33

CoachTurner_C-N:

Thanks for having me. Our expectations are to compete from day one and for our kids to enjoy the journey that we are about to start on in about 48 hours. We definitely want to be a more sound football team. Our kids found out last year that they can compete and that they can be a contender for a league title and that's one of our goals.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:33 CoachTurner_C-N

10:32

SAC Office:

Please welcome Carson-Newman head coach Mike Turner. Coach Turner, tell us about your expectations for this season.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:32 SAC Office

10:32

CoachCronic_LR:

I would love to put him on the offensive side of the ball. Kyle is a really good football player and could help us on offense but is he's defensive player. You will see him return kicks but you never know.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:32 CoachCronic_LR

10:31

SAC Office:

Coach Cronic thank you for your time!

Friday August 3, 2018 10:31 SAC Office

10:31

CoachCronic_LR:

This was a good year for local talent. I think we are going to see some of those kids from a depth stand point and on special teams. You are going to see them as backups and fight for playing time. I think its good to stir up local interest in the program. You are going to see those guys play in various roles.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:31 CoachCronic_LR

10:30

[Comment From Nate Lar BearsNate Lar Bears: ]

Any chance we will see Kyle Duggar used on the offensive side of the ball? He is a great player/athlete/kick returner, good kid.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:30 Nate Lar Bears

10:29

SAC Office:

We have time for just one more question for Coach Cronic.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:29 SAC Office

10:29

[Comment From The ONEThe ONE: ]

Coach you recruited a lot of local talent from the county and surrounding areas, how much can fans expect to see from some of these young players if any this season?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:29 The ONE

10:28

CoachCronic_LR:

Can we develop a finish mentality. Can we win close games in the fourth quarter and learning how to win and make plays when you just have to. In this league, there's a lot of good teams and not a lot of separation between the teams so it will be the ability to win close games. It's a young football team with just three seniors so can young guys grow up quickly and improve depth. We are going to have to be a team that gets better every week.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:28 CoachCronic_LR

10:26

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]

What do you feel is the team?s biggest question mark still remaining as players begin to report?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:26 Aaron

10:26

CoachCronic_LR:

They are tremendous. Everything about our leadership here from our President to Athletic Director has been about making us successful. Our alumni base really cares about this program and are extremely supportive. I am really excited about playing a game here. I've heard so much about the game day atmosphere here. I think people understand this is a process and people have high expectations but that's what I want. No one has a higher expectation than me and we want to make this community proud of our program.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:26 CoachCronic_LR

10:24

[Comment From GO BEARSGO BEARS: ]

Coach - what can you say about the LR Community and fan base since you arrived in Hickory and how can they help propel the team in the Fall?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:24 GO BEARS

10:24

CoachCronic_LR:

Coming out of spring, I felt like our defense was ahead of our offense. The first group was more experienced and a little older. I expect us to play good defense and Coach Aldridge has done a good job guiding them. There's going to be some young guys on the two deep. I expect us to play good solid defense. We're a little thin so we need to establish depth.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:24 CoachCronic_LR

10:22

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]

Last year the defense was quite young but seemed to progress nicely throughout the year. What can we expect from that unit this fall?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:22 Aaron

10:22

CoachCronic_LR:

Warren is a guy who we were very excited to sign. He played a lot of QB at Scotland and will play running back for us. He's a bigger back and had a good summer with his weight room and conditioning stuff. It's always hard to project how a freshman is going to do but he's a kid we are going to take a really strong look at to see if he can help us this fall.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:22 CoachCronic_LR

10:20

[Comment From Nate Lar BearsNate Lar Bears: ]

I read a lot about Warren Bell from Scotland County. He had an impressive season especially after Zamir a white was injured. How do you see him impacting the offense as a true freshman?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:20 Nate Lar Bears

10:20

CoachCronic_LR:

We will be a little different. There's going to be some elements of some wings and motion so it'll be a little different than has been in this league before. We want to be able to run the football and be efficient in the pass game. We want to have a physical style and get to the point where we can wear people down and use some tempo. You have to have an identity and we feel like we have one and our kids have bought into that. There's kids here that fit into what we want to do.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:20 CoachCronic_LR

10:18

CoachCronic_LR:

First of all, our main job is to rebuild championship culture. A high percentage of our time has been spent on doing things right everyday. Our guys have done a great job buying into that. They have been held accountable academically and on the practice field and we are happy with their work. Our first victory was getting a 3.05 team GPA. About half of our guys are brand new and some of those guys will help us. I like the progress we've made but we have to keep working to make this team the best it can be.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:18 CoachCronic_LR

10:17

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

What will your offense scheme look like?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:17 Chuck Bitner

10:15

SAC Office:

Please welcome Lenoir-Rhyne head coach Drew Cronic. Coach Cronic, please tell us about how the Bears look this season.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:15 SAC Office

10:14

SAC Office:

Coach Knight thank you for joining us this morning!

Friday August 3, 2018 10:14 SAC Office

10:14

CoachKnight_Nby:

Western Carolina and Florida Tech are definitely measuring stick games. Western Carolina may be the best team we've played since I've been the coach here and Florida Tech is a Division II powerhouse year in and year out. Having said that, I don't want to take anything away from our league, which I think is the most competitive small-college league in the country. if you're not ready to play in this league, anybody can beat you on any Saturday.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:14 CoachKnight_Nby

10:13

SAC Office:

We have time for just a few more questions for Coach Knight.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:13 SAC Office

10:13

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Looking at your schedule you have some tough non-conference games, how do you feel those prepare your team for the conference schedule?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:13 FootballFan02

10:12

CoachKnight_Nby:

Well, with a new offensive coordinator in Todd Varn, I really like what I've seen coming out of the spring where we were pounding the rock and really establishing the run and sticking to it. That was opening up things for us offensively.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:12 CoachKnight_Nby

10:11

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Goal to be more run first or pass first this year?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:11 Adam

10:09

CoachKnight_Nby:

And of course, Markell Castle, our all-everything wide receiver

Friday August 3, 2018 10:09 CoachKnight_Nby

10:09

CoachKnight_Nby:

Joe Blue returns for his senior season. In my opinion, he's one of, if not the best, inside linebacker in the league. Jamarcus Henderson at defensive end is pound-for-pound as good of a pass rusher as you'll see in this league. If he was 6'4" he'd probably be at Clemson, but he's 5'4" so he's at Newberry!

I think we've also got a great combination of power and speed at the running back spot. We've got two big kids in Austin Barnes and Trez Cook, and then we've got a lot of speed with guys like Voshon St. Hill and Chance Walker.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:09 CoachKnight_Nby

10:07

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Who do you think will be your key players this year?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:07 FootballFan02

10:05

CoachKnight_Nby:

At that particular time, we were the hunted instead of the hunter, and we had never been in that position before. I don't think we responded very well to it. So I'm looking forward to going back to where we've had our success: as the underdog, proving people wrong

Friday August 3, 2018 10:05 CoachKnight_Nby

10:04

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

A year ago at this time you were the team to beat. This year is different. Is the team embracing the challenge of earning their way back to the top?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:04 Chuck Bitner

10:04

CoachKnight_Nby:

I think winning without a legitimate quarterback is a rarity and it's not something we'd like to carry into this season. I think Greg Ruff has shown that he CAN be our starting quarterback, but I think we also have several kids that are talented enough to help us at that spot.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:04 CoachKnight_Nby

10:03

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

You won the season finale last year without a quarterback. I assume that's not the plan for this year. How does the position look as camp opens?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:03 Chuck Bitner

10:03

CoachKnight_Nby:

Right now going into practice we've got Greg Ruff penciled in. He had a great spring and didn't throw a pick last year. We've also been really pleased with Dre Harris. He's a guy we put on the shelf and redshirted but we think he's a really talented kid.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:03 CoachKnight_Nby

10:02

[Comment From MgMg: ]

Who is our starting QB this year, Coach?

Friday August 3, 2018 10:02 Mg

10:01

CoachKnight_Nby:

We hope we can be better than last year! We had a good spring and I feel like our maturity level has risen. From a leadership standpoint, I'm very pleased with what I'm seeing and I think that'll carry us a long way.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:01 CoachKnight_Nby

10:01

SAC Office:

Please welcome Newberry head coach Todd Knight. Coach, tell us a little about what you expect from the Wolves this season.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:01 SAC Office

10:00

SAC Office:

Thanks for your time Coach Odom!

Friday August 3, 2018 10:00 SAC Office

10:00

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

We have 3 out of 4 back with Dee Alford Jay Boyd and Malik Goodman. Bryce Bartlett is back we expect him, David Johnson, Jordan Gilliard and Lennie Roundtree a Juco Transfer to all be in the mix.

Friday August 3, 2018 10:00 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:58

[Comment From SmithSmith: ]

Tell us about your secondary.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:58 Smith

9:58

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

All the games will be tough, this league has a lot of parity. I am really just worried about game 1 that is the 1st one so it is most important.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:58 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:57

SAC Office:

We have time for just a couple more questions for Coach Odom.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:57 SAC Office

9:57

[Comment From FootballFan02FootballFan02: ]

Which game do you think will be the most challenging this season?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:57 FootballFan02

9:55

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

We have 2 changes Austin Minor is coming to us from EKU and will be doing running back and some special teams and Cody edwards joins us from Kaiser and will work with the Safeties and Nickels.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:55 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:54

[Comment From SmithSmith: ]

What the coaching changes this year ?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:54 Smith

9:54

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

I do think we will be better as long as we stay healthy. We have four guys in the OL that started for us back. 2 viable QB's. 3 RB's I like. WR we will be young but we have a grad transfer from Jacksonville in Brian Burnett and a Juco guy Kefa Cort that we really like. I expect to make a jump there.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:54 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:52

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

Your offense made strides last year but still struggled against the tougher defenses in the league. You have a lot of key players coming back on that side. Do expect a more consistently powerful offense this year?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:52 Chuck Bitner

9:51

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

I think Linebackers will be a strength you have 2 guys in Ivan Hogans and Chris Matheus that have played a lot of football around here. I love Jackson Cauthan also he is going to be really good.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:51 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:50

[Comment From SmithSmith: ]

How do our linebackers look this year? who will step up?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:50 Smith

9:49

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

We have a lot of guys back so this could be a fun year.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:49 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:48

TU Coach Jerry Odom:

Thanks for having me, excited to get started!

Friday August 3, 2018 9:48 TU Coach Jerry Odom

9:48

SAC Office:

Thanks Coach Reich. Up next Tusculum head coach Jerry Odom. Coach, tell us how the Pioneers are looking this season.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:48 SAC Office

9:47

Joe Reich:

From top to bottom, No. There are no bad teams in the league. Anybody can finish from 1-8. Being around the other coaches at the clinic I can tell you that I have respect for all the other coaches and programs in the league. There's not a team that doesn't have enough talent to go a long way this year.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:47 Joe Reich

9:46

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

You have been around the SAC for a long time. Has the conference ever been more competitive than it is right now?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:46 Chuck Bitner

9:46

Joe Reich:

I can't speak for other teams, I think we just ran into a buzzsaw last year with West Florida, making it to the title game. We have a lot of talent in the SAC and I believe whoever wins the league will have a shot at going deep into the play-offs.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:46 Joe Reich

9:46

SAC Office:

We have time for just more question...

Friday August 3, 2018 9:46 SAC Office

9:45

[Comment From Legal EagleLegal Eagle: ]

Every original SAC team has won a league title in last decade but no playoff wins in last four years. What happens to SAC Teams in postseason?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:45 Legal Eagle

9:45

Joe Reich:

Obviously Chris Birozes returns, 2-time Academic All-American punter who is tremendous. At kicker, we'll have a battle between a couple younger guys for that spot.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:45 Joe Reich

9:44

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

How is the specialist unit looking from losing Freddy M last year?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:44 John

9:44

Joe Reich:

Shaw Crocker came out of the spring as the #1 guy. He's made great strides running the offense. We're able to open up a little more of the playbook to him because of his talents. Jake Satterfield came out of spring as a close 2nd. Jake has a great arm and tremendous talent. Either one of those guys can play for us. They have a great command of the playbook despite being younger and they've shown to have great leadership capability. Excited about the future at that position.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:44 Joe Reich

9:42

[Comment From RonRon: ]

Spring Game the QBs seemed to be adjusting well. Where are they in terms of development and how do they stack up so far?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:42 Ron

9:42

Joe Reich:

I believe our greatest strength is the team, the actual players on the team. Great bunch of guys to coach, fun to be around. Hard-working, energetic. Make coaching a pleasure, make it fun to come to work in the morning.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:42 Joe Reich

9:41

[Comment From Frankly JoeFrankly Joe: ]

Where is Wingate's greatest strength?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:41 Frankly Joe

9:41

Joe Reich:

The offensive staff is certainly looking at that. When you lose guys like Hayes and Pittman you have to find ways to produce offense. We're looking at all the different ways. Excited about Dom and other guys in the backfield, but need to figure out different ways to get the ball in our playmakers hands and produce yards and points.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:41 Joe Reich

9:40

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

BJ Muckelvene is one of the most dangerous players in SAC. Do you have any plans to get the ball into his hands more frequently?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:40 Chuck Bitner

9:40

Joe Reich:

That's a great observation. We will certainly be relying on that group as we break in a bunch of new faces at other spots. Last year we ran the ball 65 percent of the time, I imagine we will be a little more balanced this year.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:40 Joe Reich

9:39

[Comment From Chuck BitnerChuck Bitner: ]

You have a lot of experience returning at the receiver position. Might we see the Bulldog offense rely on their talent to carry the offense early in the series as your O line and backfield mature?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:39 Chuck Bitner

9:39

Joe Reich:

Very excited about Nate Poole coaching our receivers. He brings a lot of great experience to that position. You're correct, our WR group is deep and talented with the obvious guy being BJ Muckelvene as the most recognizable guy, but then we have Bryan Mitchell, JT Stokes, Malik Bledsoe, Adam Riley and some very talented freshmen coming in as well.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:39 Joe Reich

9:37

[Comment From OneDogOneDog: ]

What is the status of the WR group as it seems you have all returning this year with a new WR Coach.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:37 OneDog

9:37

Joe Reich:

Very deep at safety with Joe Kelly coming back as a senior captain. Cam Mattison comes back off an injury. Davion Washington, Kam Johnson and others come back, so very talented there. At corner, Matt White returns at one corner spot and we have some other guys with experience. We also have a few really good freshmen coming in that we'll rely on to play some minutes.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:37 Joe Reich

9:36

[Comment From Bulldog FanBulldog Fan: ]

Talk about Wingate?s secondary

Friday August 3, 2018 9:36 Bulldog Fan

9:36

Joe Reich:

Dom McNeill comes back after missing most of last year with injury. He is very dynamic. After a great freshman season a couple years ago, looking forward to seeing him healthy this year. Ronnie Procopio comes out of the spring as the backup. And we're bringing in plenty of young talent there as well.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:36 Joe Reich

9:34

[Comment From ClintClint: ]

What is the status of the backfield for 2018? Seems like you guys like a lot there.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:34 Clint

9:34

Joe Reich:

It's obviously great to not have to do a lot of traveling, but our mentality has always been we'll play wherever we need. We also joke around that I'll stripe my backyard and we'll play there. Doesn't matter, we'll be ready for anything.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:34 Joe Reich

9:32

[Comment From Bulldog FanBulldog Fan: ]

Talk about having seven home games this season...

Friday August 3, 2018 9:32 Bulldog Fan

9:32

Joe Reich:

Mason Flynt comes back as our starter after backing up last year. Certainly losing Jake will hurt us, but we are really excited about what Mason can do for us. We also have a number of young tight ends and we are very deep at that position.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:32 Joe Reich

9:31

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Coach Reich .... You lost your starting tight-ends to graduation. How does that position look this year and will you be able to throw more to the tight-ends?

Friday August 3, 2018 9:31 Mike

9:31

Joe Reich:

Excited to get started. A lot of new faces, great thing about college football is guys graduate, we think how do we replace them? Then we find guys to step up. Should be a great year in the SAC!

Friday August 3, 2018 9:31 Joe Reich

9:30

SAC Office:

Alright, we will get started. Please welcome Coach Joe Reich from Wingate. Coach, please give us your thoughts on this season.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:30 SAC Office

9:21

SAC Office:

We will get started at 9:30 a.m. Our first coach will be Joe Reich the head coach at Wingate University.

Friday August 3, 2018 9:21 SAC Office

9:20

SAC Office:

Welcome to the 2018 South Atlantic Conference Football Digital Media Day!

Friday August 3, 2018 9:20 SAC Office