Bowling Green State University Athletics
Gregg Brandon Interview
April 09, 2003 | Football
April 9, 2003
FAQ's for Gregg Brandon
Have you had to make any major adjustments as a coach since you took over the program in December?
"I've been preparing myself for this time for 22 years. I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people in this profession so I feel very comfortable with what we are accomplishing at this time."
"I think the most important thing we have done thus far is to assemble a coaching staff of outstanding teachers and leaders. I've enjoyed watching the rapport our coaches have developed with the players at their respective positions. I'm very impressed with the knowledge that Mick McCall (quarterbacks coach), Steven Wilks (defensive backs coach), Troy Rothenbuhler (tight ends) and Dennis Springer (running backs) brings to the table. Even though we have five coaches on the staff who were with us the last two years, everyone has new responsibilities. Coach Beckman is working with the linebackers, Stud (Coach Studrawa) has the whole offensive line and coordinates the offense, Zach (Azzanni) is handling the receivers, Coach Bowers is taking care of special teams and defensive ends, and Coach Ward is now handling the defensive tackles."
What are your general thoughts about this spring?
"Overall, I have been pleased with the intensity and performance of the squad. Every practice has been a good one."
Why did you move spring ball up a couple of weeks?
"I just think this is a better time for us. It allows you to give the players more time to focus on their academics toward the end of the semester. Next year, we might start March 1st, take a week off for spring break, then finish around the first of April."
What area are you most comfortable with heading into the summer?
"Obviously I think our quarterbacks and defensive backs are two areas that are very solid. Josh is one of the most dynamic players in our conference and Omar Jacobs is showing that he is someone who has a bright future in this program. Now both can always improve and we certainly are pushing them in that direction, but as a coach, it's probably the position I am most comfortable with."
"I think we have as good a four players returning at defensive back as anyone. Besides that, we're starting to see some younger kids get stronger and give us excellent depth at each position."
If you have improved depth, does that mean you plan on redshirting more players in the future?
No, not really. I really took a lot of grief earlier this year with one of my statements about not saving a player for another coach. The bottom line for me is that the best players are going to play, period! If I don't play our best players, then chances are I won't be coaching them later. I think kids want to find a way to get on the field. Van Johnson is one example. He has done a great job at quarterback, but we are going to use him as a slash-type player, because he is too good an athlete to be standing next to me on the sidelines. Matt Leininger is a different example. He was simply the best player at his position. Would I like to have had Josh Harris redshirted, absolutely, but I think each individual situation is different."
Any area have you concerned?
Whenever you have to replace three returning starters on the offensive line, you have a greater sense of urgency in the offseason to give players as many reps as possible, but we're down to seven healthy bodies for the rest of the spring. When practice starts in August, we'll have 17 players on scholarship for the first time and it will be a real battle. Scott Mruczkowski has been moved a round to different spots this spring and he will be one of the best linemen in the MAC.
How is the kicking game?
"Shaun Suisham is hitting the ball really well and comes into the year with great confidence. Nate Fry has had a great spring and is winning the job at punter. Josef Timchenko has struggled a bit, but he has the leg and the ability. Jeff Runnells has taken over for Joe Guiterrez at long snapper."
Talk a little bit about you schedule next year?
"I think the important thing for us is that we have to be at our best, physically and mentally, come October 4. We've won a lot of games over the last two years, but we haven't won the right games. Playing teams like Purdue and Ohio State are great things for our players and fans, but ultimately our goal is to win the MAC's West Division and earn an invitation to a bowl game. Winning at Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami and Ball State will help us to that goal. Having 20,000-25,000 fans at home when we play Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Kent State and Toledo, is essential if we are to continue making a positive impression with the people who run the bowl games. Once, we got ranked, every team put the bullseye on our back, and we became "the" game on everyone elses schedule at home. I know that was true at Central, Kent, Northern, South Florida and Toledo. With the exception of Kent, I think each of those teams drew their biggest home crowd when we came to town. We are going to play at least one game on national television, and I would hope to get possibly as many as three regional television appearances, so exposure will not be a problem for us. Winning 17 games over two years and beating four BCS schools certainly has made everyone feel good about our program, but it hasn't taken us where we want to be. To get where we want to go, we have to win the right games."
