First off from Butch, very happy with the health of the team, mentioned Tuttle as being on schedule which is obviously big. Happy with Kyle Phillips from a physical standpoint and noted he's really stepping his leadership up.
Jones noted that they had more players stay in town for the May mini-term since he's been here and was really pleased with what that says about the 'buy-in' with this team. Also noted that he felt like Rock Gullickson impacted the decision of a lot of guys to stay around and make sure they were getting into the weight room.
Butch added that he's excited about the addition of Shaq Wiggins. Shoop indicated that Wiggins has made a nice first impression and while he isn't just penciling him in as a starter just yet he really likes what he's adding to the defensive backfield. Shoop feels like they have a chance to be much better than last year when injuries just decimated them in the back end.
On the newcomers Shoop indicated that Matthew Butler looks like a guy that for now can slide in between end and tackle. Likes his attitude and work ethic. Said Butler isn't acting like a guy who plans on redshirting. In introductory team meeting this week Shoop said Butler stood up and introduced himself as 'Matthew Butler and I can play any spot on the D-line.'
Shoop also indicated that in his mind Crosby is a redshirt candidate but that's not written stone.
Also on the freshman, while they haven't done any football work, Shoop singled out Labruzza as a young man who's just really impressive to be around.
On the decision to allow 7-on-7 this summer Butch kind of downplayed the significance of it. Larry Scott on the other hand left no doubt that he was a big fan of the decision and feels like it's important for offseason development. Scott added that it's even more important this summer due to all the youth and inexperience at quarterback and WR. Feels it's pivotal in developing timing and chemistry.
On the hoops front Rick noted that it looks like Yves Pons is going to be able to join the team in Europe for their exhibition trip. He added that it's still possible Pons shows up in Knoxville in July but no final decision on that.
Barnes also added that they haven't yet cleared Fulkerson to take part in all drills and activities yet. No real concern, just being very careful and making sure he's 100% before they turn him loose.
Rick also made it clear he's really happy with the late additions of Darrington and Daniel. Really likes the competitive situation he has in the backcourt now. Feels like Bone and Turner are going to really benefit from the competition.
On the baseball front John Currie politely declined to go into any kind of depth on the search or what his timetable was for completing the hire.
Will have more later but those are some highlights.
Jones noted that they had more players stay in town for the May mini-term since he's been here and was really pleased with what that says about the 'buy-in' with this team. Also noted that he felt like Rock Gullickson impacted the decision of a lot of guys to stay around and make sure they were getting into the weight room.
Butch added that he's excited about the addition of Shaq Wiggins. Shoop indicated that Wiggins has made a nice first impression and while he isn't just penciling him in as a starter just yet he really likes what he's adding to the defensive backfield. Shoop feels like they have a chance to be much better than last year when injuries just decimated them in the back end.
On the newcomers Shoop indicated that Matthew Butler looks like a guy that for now can slide in between end and tackle. Likes his attitude and work ethic. Said Butler isn't acting like a guy who plans on redshirting. In introductory team meeting this week Shoop said Butler stood up and introduced himself as 'Matthew Butler and I can play any spot on the D-line.'
Shoop also indicated that in his mind Crosby is a redshirt candidate but that's not written stone.
Also on the freshman, while they haven't done any football work, Shoop singled out Labruzza as a young man who's just really impressive to be around.
On the decision to allow 7-on-7 this summer Butch kind of downplayed the significance of it. Larry Scott on the other hand left no doubt that he was a big fan of the decision and feels like it's important for offseason development. Scott added that it's even more important this summer due to all the youth and inexperience at quarterback and WR. Feels it's pivotal in developing timing and chemistry.
On the hoops front Rick noted that it looks like Yves Pons is going to be able to join the team in Europe for their exhibition trip. He added that it's still possible Pons shows up in Knoxville in July but no final decision on that.
Barnes also added that they haven't yet cleared Fulkerson to take part in all drills and activities yet. No real concern, just being very careful and making sure he's 100% before they turn him loose.
Rick also made it clear he's really happy with the late additions of Darrington and Daniel. Really likes the competitive situation he has in the backcourt now. Feels like Bone and Turner are going to really benefit from the competition.
On the baseball front John Currie politely declined to go into any kind of depth on the search or what his timetable was for completing the hire.
Will have more later but those are some highlights.
