I love when the classic cliches are broken out immediately. Coach Dave Wannstedt’s opening press conference from this afternoon broke out some greats in the opening statement.
“As we get started the enthusiasm and the energy amongst our players and our fans is very evident. I think that’s good and that’s exciting. From a coaching standpoint, it’s excellent to see your players have legitimate enthusiasm. At this time of year, every player and every coach on every level feels their team has a chance to finish near the top. However, when you step back, there is a select group that can truly accomplish that. That said, when we start practice tomorrow, the only way you make it an exciting season, and a very rewarding season is to take it one step at a time. As we install our offense, defense and special teams, we have to make sure that we have solid back-to-back-to-back practices, building as we get ready for the season. When I have a conversation with someone who’s excited for this upcoming season, my first reaction is ‘we gotta prove it.’â€
Obviously the “one step at a time” is one one of the all time classics in the sports cliches. A slight variation to “one game at a time.” Still, by my count I see 3 classics. The “everyone feels they have a chance to win” and a very underrated practice/spring training cliche relating to building towards the opener.
For the most part, there isn’t a lot to the press conference and that’s a good thing. No surprises regarding players being suspended or having academic problems. No NCAA Clearinghouse issues at this point.
All of our freshmen are here, they’ve all been attending summer school, and they’ll all be practicing tomorrow. As I stand right here, I’m not counting on any one of the guys to be a necessary performer for us to go out there and win games. Do I think that some of these freshmen will contribute? Yes I do, but I can’t say exactly who that’s going to be. Obviously, you have a need for greater depth at certain positions, so that will definitely play a factor.â€
Interesting on responding to the issue of the player he thinks will break out this year on defense.
“The one corner spot has the guy with more talent maybe than anyone, and that’s Buddy Jackson. He’s a redshirt freshman who needs to just mature. If we can get him to a point where we can just trust him, then he could be a guy we’re talking about as a starter. He ran the fastest time on the team in the spring, and with his height and weight, he’s the picture perfect image of how you want a corner to look. If we can just bring him along a little bit, he definitely has the potential to make an impact.â€
Maybe he feels Greg Romeus has already broken out in his freshman year, but a lot of people nationally are expecting him to be the next big star for Pitt (he’s mentioned in most of the magazine previews and some other bloggers have contacted me specifically about him).
There’s more about the offensive line being better conditioned, Dorin Dickerson being a perfect fit at TE, Gus Mustakas ready to go and more.
Quit complaining
Keep up the fine work, Chaz.
Initiating strong doses of eye-rolling, sarcasm and just a touch of exasperation that I actually have to explain this.
I’m in no danger of quitting this. The compliments are great, but I generally, prefer cash. Complaints and insults aren’t a problem either. I get far worse for lesser things on FanHouse.
Since I really can’t believe I have to explain a post I’ll type slowly:
It – was – a – partial – transcript – from – the – opening – press – conference – on – Pitt – Media – Day.
While I’m sure that a careful parsing might yield some nugget of insight into the mind of Dave Wannstedt, more likely it reflects more upon the reader’s view of what was important. Said, not said, etc. The reality is that it was generally free of a lot of vital information.
The real information comes from more questions that weren’t in the press conference. That the media asks and would be reported later.
Let me repeat a key thing.
It – was – a – partial – transcript – from – the – opening – press – conference – on – Pitt – Media – Day.
There’s no real news as yet to analyze. There have been no practices. Wannstedt hasn’t even watched the players in offseason work out, per NCAA rules. He only has the reports from Buddy Morris. he has reports from position coaches on who has seemed to grasp the playbook. He has reports from academic support about how the kids were doing with summer coursework and such. Not really riveting stuff.
So, how to link to the partial presser transcript so others can read what they want, without completely boring myself? Have a little fun with it.
Thankfully, though, we aren’t at Syracuse levels of gallows humor (though, it’s great stuff).
link to nunesmagician.blogspot.com
link to nunesmagician.blogspot.com
No one in their right mind should be that deadly serious about press conferences in general. They are controlled, dry and managed experiences that cry out in the absurdity.
Here is another article about Buddy Morris and how hes helped the two johnstown kids:
Sounds like Buddy is dropping pounds and adding muscle and speed….
