Spring football update !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[deadirishpoet]

Telx, I am reading a book about Chest Puller (I just finished the part that dealt with the battles of Guadalcanal.
Chestys leadership style of leading from the front and how he engaged with the enlisted man and how they fought so hard under his command reminds me of what Coach Kelly is trying to emulate in his leadership style this year. Kelly and many of his players from last year said he was unapproachable and distant from the players--letting his assistants do most of the communicating. That was a big mistake. Now Kelly is having breakfast with the players and talking with them more. He now has an open door policy for players who need to ask him about something after practice. This should pay off with great dividends this fall I believe. The players always liked Coach Kelly but didn't think he really cared about them. You have to walk the walk. Lead from the front!!
Go Irish !! Go Marines !! Go Kelly !! Be like Chesty !!

Maybe an event, or events have caused an humbling moment? (we've all experienced them).
Maybe he fills what has he got to lose?
Maybe he has spoken to a mentor?
Regardless I hope what being projected on this subject title comes true.
It seems these new assistants have brought something tangible....A fresh attitude?
Or it could just be me being hopeful?

 

[Izo]

Hope Kelly wins the games he is supposed to and adds a signature win ,we haven't had one since 2012

 

[Kelso86]

We all agree that last season was a stinker from the head coach on down.that said nd is only one year removed from a 10 win season. I d like to think that 2016 was anomaly. It will be interesting to see how the entire program rebounds going forward. Since the USC game most if not all things related to the program have been positive ones. I m cautiously optimistic.

"I'd like to think that 2016 was anomaly."

I am of that opinion somewhat too -- the whole year, something just to be off. On the field, there simply did not seem to be any fire, or sense or urgency, the coaches certainly did not display it either. Then, the BVG fiasco (something Kelly should have addressed PRIOR to 2016 -- but, it is what it is)..listening to Kelly's post game pressers -- almost like he was going through the motions.

If he would be been let go, or simply left on his own, I would have been okay with it -- but, since the end of the season, he appears to have addressed many areas of concern, both from a staff level, player level, and even more importantly, a personal level in looking at his own performance.

Now -- how it all plays out in 2017 remains to be seen -- but a lot of positive vibes appear to be coming back. And, the senior leadership seems to be very active as well -- I think one of the captains stated that they were "setting the culture", or "changing the culture/attitude" in the locker room (something to that effect), again tells me something was amiss last year.

 

[Bodizephax]

Now -- how it all plays out in 2017 remains to be seen -- but a lot of positive vibes appear to be coming back. And, the senior leadership seems to be very active as well -- I think one of the captains stated that they were "setting the culture", or "changing the culture/attitude" in the locker room (something to that effect), again tells me something was amiss last year.[/QUOTE]

 

[Ara64]

I came into the computer age finally in 2005. I joined the people over at what's now Scout's Irish illustrated back then while coming here daily too, but I never joined this group until much later. I said that to emphasis this; I never heard any defensive coordinator emphasis the small details to his position coaches like Elko. It's no wonder his defenses has been so good, even with a bunch of two and three star players. Coach Elston stopped a drill for a teaching moment because a lineman came out of his stance using the wrong hand. He showed him the right way and explained to the group why it's important to come out of their stance the right way. They training them in the fundamentals over and over day after day. It's why even with improved play after VanGorder was axed, they never really caught up last season. It reminds me of the days of Parseghian, Devine, and Holtz. Teaching is fundamental.

I remember my HS defensive coach teaching us GTRR=Good Technique, Read, and React. In football use good tech, read your keys, and go find the ball & destroy the guy with your damn ball. Our objective on Friday night was simple: mayhem and destruction of the enemy. "YOU CAN'T THINK ON THAT FOOTBALL FIELD." You Eat and Enjoy Your Steak Dinner. Saturday was celebration day (no practice) if we won and pure practice from hell if we lose.