[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
Butch Jones met with the media on Monday. Here are my “FreakNotes,” which are summaries that I transcribed while listening. These notes are presented as accurate, but my fingers and brain work independently of one another sometimes. If you see an error or inaccuracy, please let me know in the comments below.
- We’ve played two quality opponents and have one turnover. We’ve shown the ability to score touchdowns and not kick field goals in the red zone.
- We need more individuals to step up and take ownership and it starts with special teams. We have too many players playing too many plays: Cam Sutton, AJ Johnson, Justin Coleman, all are playing too many reps and it’s a long season.
- Today Butch will meet with some players individually and they need to step up and help us.
- That was a challenging game last week against Arkansas State. That’s a good football team. Their quarterback is very active.
- We are playing a top three opponent this week Oklahoma and deservedly so. If you look at the building of a program, you look at Oklahoma. Bob Stoops has done a great job. When you look at their team, they are a veteran group of a lot of redshirt juniors and seniors. It’s a football team that has no deficiencies.
- Over half of our team going on their first road trip. It should be a great challenge
- Treyvon Paulk is going through a redshirt process. He isn’t 100% healthy.
- Derrell Scott was pushing in camp, but he’s been set back with a foot injury. He is progressing and may be ready for the Georgia game.
- Ethan Wolf is questionable. We received great news on both him and Von Person. We will know more on Ethan later in the week depending on how he heals. Von Pearson is out this week with a high ankle sprain. He’s in high spirits and we expect to have him back soon.
- That Arkansas State game was a game we would have been extremely challenged to win last year. Our kids care more this year and they are showing accountability.
- Our team speed is better but it’s still not where we need it to be to compete at a high level against teams like Oklahoma. These players want to do well and they’re doing the right things, they just need to get bigger and stronger and that doesn’t happen overnight.
- We haven’t developed a style of play yet. Our style should be based on effort and toughness and finding out what it takes to play winning football. We aren’t there yet, but we are getting there
- “I want it as much as anyone, it drives me every day”, Butch said.
- We expect to win. We are investing to win. Expecting to win. Not just showing up on Saturday.
- It was over 100-degrees on the field on Saturday. We faced some adversity. We had a lapse by a player on the fake punt. He had covered it all day but didn’t on that play.
- We try to prepare but won’t know until we are face-to-face with adversity.
- A third of our football team will be flying for the first time ever.
- Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight does so much for their team. He’s extremely athletic. He can throw the ball and make people miss in space. They have an imposing offensive line, which would be one of the largest lines in the NFL.
- Their scheme presents problems because of their balance. It’s a great challenge.
- We saw a small improvement in the running game. Incrementally. We were forced to run the football late in the game versus eight and nine guys in the box, which is difficult. Jalen Hurd continues to get tough yards. We have to get Marlin Lane going. Hes’ been hesitant. The great running backs get four yards first and then make plays.
- On losing Von Pearson: it’s one position we have depth but it hurts not having him on the field as both a player and leader. He loves football and life. He always has a smile on his face. It’s an opportunity for someone else to step up: Josh Malone, Josh Smith, Jason Croom, etc. All when get increased reps. Maybe even Vic Wharton when we get him back healthy.
- We will continue to mix it around at left tackle. May see Coleman Thomas at right tackle and Kyler Kerbyson / Dontavious Blair at left tackle. Players will be moving around. It’s finding the right five that have the right mindset. We need to find the best five that fit us.
- One the defensive line rotation, we need to continue to grow and develop that depth. We would like to be 10 deep, but we aren’t afforded that luxury.
- Great to see Owen Williams. He had about three plays in a row that really impacted the game. He will gain some valuable confidence from that.
- Chris Weatherd has been a great addition to our defense. We now have some guys on defense that can run.
- Oklahoma is a top-level football team and a top-level football program and they are well coached.
- We are in the infant stages of our program. But we are going to win, we just have to keep working and stay focused. This is a special place. You can see it. It’s happening.
- It’s a new Justin Worley. He’s not even close to the same quarterback he was last year. Also, the quarterback is the by-product of the players around him, and we are much more skilled on the perimeter.
- Michael Williams has been a pleasant surprise for us. He’s been a great addition to our secondary. He’s helping us.
- Todd Kelly Jr., playing in his second career game, did some good things and his performance was encouraging. He should gain confidence from it.
- Trevarris Saulsberry will not be available this weekend. It will be Georgia or Florida, at the earliest, before he’s back.
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]