Not the longest or most in-depth interview with Key but a few nuggets in there.
On what he knew about team during spring and what he found out after spring game...
Key said it was a good spring but not satisfied with where the team is now. Lots of work to do this summer and leading up to Fall Camp to be ready to achieve what they want to in 2025.
On amount of passing in spring game...
Key joked they were going to the Air Raid. He said they still want to be a tough, physical team still and work for it every single day. Said he's working with strength staff as we speak to get program ready to be stronger and more physical.
On running back room...
Key said having good running game helps the passing game with play action and everything else. Said the depth at RB room is a luxury now to go with great skill talent at QB and WR, probably the best they've had in a while at Georgia Tech.
On keeping QB room together in portal era...
He said you can't start working on that the day the portal opens. It's something you have to be prepared for weeks in advance.
On situation like happened at Tennessee...
He joked that he doesn't care about anything with Tennessee other than the home-and-home they just scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
On portal situation...
He said once again that the most important portal is the one in their own locker room. Good to acquire a few pieces here and there, but most important pieces are the ones in the Tech locker room and keeping those.
On spring game and why have one when others are going away from it...
Key said "why not?" He said it's about building the enthusiasm in the fan base and students. Also the players have only so many opportunities to compete in a game-type situations for all the work they do year-round and those times are special. Only way to prepare for what happens in front of fans is to have some practice with it and spring game is one of those chances.
On wide receivers, specifically Zion Taylor...
Talked about Zion believing in the program and having chances to go elsewhere but sticking with it and developing in the program. Mentioned there were some guys banged up for spring game and others having a chance to step up like Zion.
On size and physicality on the OL...
Said he doesn't know if they are bigger but are more athletic. He said the strength staff has done a great job getting guys more ready physically at all positions throughout the team in the past couple years.
On where the program is now that he's going into his third year as head coach...
Says if he really sat down and thought about everything that has changed in the last 2 1/2 years, it would be "mind-numbing." Credits the administration for putting things in place for them to be successful. Says having the coaching staff and support staff he has is big for helping the players be in the situation to have success.
Wrapped up with Bell joking about maybe Santa brings him something early this year in the portal, and Key responds with a "ho ho ho!" (Maybe he feels good about landing a transfer or two to help the roster.)
I had low expectations for Dukes and Bell, but I thought they actually did a pretty good job with the interview. Key seems to have a good relationship with them and some friendly back-and-forth.
On what he knew about team during spring and what he found out after spring game...
Key said it was a good spring but not satisfied with where the team is now. Lots of work to do this summer and leading up to Fall Camp to be ready to achieve what they want to in 2025.
On amount of passing in spring game...
Key joked they were going to the Air Raid. He said they still want to be a tough, physical team still and work for it every single day. Said he's working with strength staff as we speak to get program ready to be stronger and more physical.
On running back room...
Key said having good running game helps the passing game with play action and everything else. Said the depth at RB room is a luxury now to go with great skill talent at QB and WR, probably the best they've had in a while at Georgia Tech.
On keeping QB room together in portal era...
He said you can't start working on that the day the portal opens. It's something you have to be prepared for weeks in advance.
On situation like happened at Tennessee...
He joked that he doesn't care about anything with Tennessee other than the home-and-home they just scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
On portal situation...
He said once again that the most important portal is the one in their own locker room. Good to acquire a few pieces here and there, but most important pieces are the ones in the Tech locker room and keeping those.
On spring game and why have one when others are going away from it...
Key said "why not?" He said it's about building the enthusiasm in the fan base and students. Also the players have only so many opportunities to compete in a game-type situations for all the work they do year-round and those times are special. Only way to prepare for what happens in front of fans is to have some practice with it and spring game is one of those chances.
On wide receivers, specifically Zion Taylor...
Talked about Zion believing in the program and having chances to go elsewhere but sticking with it and developing in the program. Mentioned there were some guys banged up for spring game and others having a chance to step up like Zion.
On size and physicality on the OL...
Said he doesn't know if they are bigger but are more athletic. He said the strength staff has done a great job getting guys more ready physically at all positions throughout the team in the past couple years.
On where the program is now that he's going into his third year as head coach...
Says if he really sat down and thought about everything that has changed in the last 2 1/2 years, it would be "mind-numbing." Credits the administration for putting things in place for them to be successful. Says having the coaching staff and support staff he has is big for helping the players be in the situation to have success.
Wrapped up with Bell joking about maybe Santa brings him something early this year in the portal, and Key responds with a "ho ho ho!" (Maybe he feels good about landing a transfer or two to help the roster.)
I had low expectations for Dukes and Bell, but I thought they actually did a pretty good job with the interview. Key seems to have a good relationship with them and some friendly back-and-forth.
