Lunch Bunch recap by Legal Bees(thank you, Hive brethren!)-
Sean Bedford(ACC ring still on finger), here it is:
I'll give it a shot. The usual caveat applies: this is from memory and in no particular order, so others please correct or add as needed.
- I think SB is a great representative of the Institute. He is smart, personable, and eloquent.
- Told story about another lawyer with close FSU ties who meet several players (like JT) when they interned at a nearby company over the summer. Said he was now a Tech fan for life and had never meet more intelligent, professional, polite athletes.
- Vandy game was truest representation so far of what this team is capable of. Believes travel was big part of BC AND Mercer since we were still trying to get our legs back from the long travel. Many of our players had never been on a plane before.
- Last years team was most snake bit and unlucky team he has ever heard of. If it could go wrong, it did, but they never gave up.
- Talked about transition from Gailey to Johnson. Gailey had Pro coach/CEO mind set. Gailey gave direction and left it to the players to follow though with little supervision or guidance. Tended to make decisions early about which players would play regardless of how they performed. SB did not say this, but it sounded like Gailey had his favorites. Johnson came in, cleaned house, and turned into true meritocracy with starting/playing time determined by performance. Johnson much more involved, hands on, and looking over everybody's shoulders.
- CPJ is more human version of what we see. Has great sense of humor and really cares about his players, but is not very cuddly.
- Talked about having to gain weight to make team. SB started as a walk on defensive end. Gailey told him he needed to move to defensive tackle and go from 240 to 270 over the summer to be asked back to camp. SB started summer with tonsillitis and lost weight to 220. Ate 10,000 calories a day and worked out twice a day over the rest of the summer to make made weight. When Johnson arrived, told him he needed to move to center and gain more weight. Topped out at over 280, but always lost weight as season progressed season because he simply could not eat enough to maintain weight. Typically went into UGA game about 260.
- Short week more about physically recovering from last game than preparing for next.
- O line last year was biggest issue. Coaches kept simplifying, but they just could not do the simplest thing. Overloaded one side and still could not stop D on that side. Mainly due to injuries, lack of experience, and lack of working with the same people every week. My favorite quote was CJP told him last year that one lineman "goes 100mph. He does not know where he is going, but he goes there 100 mph."
- Current O line much better due to experience and cohesiveness. Also thanks second O line coach this season has made a difference.
- Believes current D line will have several go on to NFL. Still young and learning, but best group since probably 2008. Have had good players recently, but not group like this one is capable of.
- Lost a lot in D backfield, but again, lots of young talent. When CPJ praises Gray, it is for a reason and we should listen. Have not seen much from him in games yet because opponents have purposely avoided him. Clemson will not avoid him and he will be a key to the game.
- Mills not only has speed and talent, has that "nastiness factor" that cannot be taught. He loves contact and punishing the defense.
- Likes depth and talent of backs.
- Believes Ricky Jeune will be next in line of big time receiver from GT in pros. Stewart growing into his role.
- Always thought VT was best coached team we played. Usually average players very similar to GT, but perfect technique and never quit.
- O line passive in most offensives. Wait for D and react. In our offense, O line is aggressor and attacks defense. Most teams have had enough by half time and hate playing us. Not as much trash talk as expected because D usually so tired.
- Center has flow chart in head based on how D lines up. Depending on formation, each O lineman has a specific assignment. D shifts not a big factor since each O lineman has rules to follow based on changes.
- Better pass protection allowing pass game to open up, which helps running game. Last year, teams loaded the box to stop the run and dared us to beat them with the pass. When passing works, they cannot do that.
- Time of possession and turn overs key against Clemson. Their O is too explosive, so best way to defeat is keep them off the field. More time we have ball, less ability for Clemson to score.
- Rules to protect long snapper do not seem to apply when we play in Athens.