Here are some notes from the beat writer meeting with Hugh Freeze before he took the stage at SEC Media Days…
** First practice is Aug. 1.
** Never say never but the roster is set for 2024. Really pleased with the additions through the signing class and portal. There are 16 guys left from when he was hired.
** Have had pretty big jumps from year one to year two at previous places. There’s no doubt we have a more confident team and Freeze said he’s more comfortable.
** Nobody is talking about Jarquez Hunter but I think he’s the leading returning rusher in the league.
** Difficult decision to pick the three players for SEC Media Days. Talked to coaches a lot about it. A lot of guys we could have brought,. Keldric Faulk has just had an incredible voice that people listen to because he’s wise for his age. His work ethic is incredible. Most accountable guy we have on the defensive side.
** Alex McPherson is still going through a battery of tests. Going to UAB today. IBS is best diagnosis now but thinks it’s more than that. Towns McGough didn’t seem like he had much fear during A-Day. Blessed to have him.
** On play calling and Derrick Nix: Game planning will be shared. Nix will have free reign on early downs because we’ve all planned and agreed upon it. Kent Austin is going to do 3rd and long. He’s always done well with that. Freeze will have freedom and flexibility to jump in. He’s in charge of landmarks.
** On the 2025 class and Big Cat: We had really good momentum and as recruiting does, we had a little lull. I expect it to pick back up with Big Cat. We’re never out of the fight with the guys we want.
** Got to find the 5-6 WR’s that will play. Need some guys to step up at safety — Jerrin Thompson is the vocal leader.
** On 12-team playoff: Won’t change the way he coaches. Got to try and win every game. May have to practice a little differently especially if the roster limits come that we’re hearing. Got to have best players available.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
** First practice is Aug. 1.
** Never say never but the roster is set for 2024. Really pleased with the additions through the signing class and portal. There are 16 guys left from when he was hired.
** Have had pretty big jumps from year one to year two at previous places. There’s no doubt we have a more confident team and Freeze said he’s more comfortable.
** Nobody is talking about Jarquez Hunter but I think he’s the leading returning rusher in the league.
** Difficult decision to pick the three players for SEC Media Days. Talked to coaches a lot about it. A lot of guys we could have brought,. Keldric Faulk has just had an incredible voice that people listen to because he’s wise for his age. His work ethic is incredible. Most accountable guy we have on the defensive side.
** Alex McPherson is still going through a battery of tests. Going to UAB today. IBS is best diagnosis now but thinks it’s more than that. Towns McGough didn’t seem like he had much fear during A-Day. Blessed to have him.
** On play calling and Derrick Nix: Game planning will be shared. Nix will have free reign on early downs because we’ve all planned and agreed upon it. Kent Austin is going to do 3rd and long. He’s always done well with that. Freeze will have freedom and flexibility to jump in. He’s in charge of landmarks.
** On the 2025 class and Big Cat: We had really good momentum and as recruiting does, we had a little lull. I expect it to pick back up with Big Cat. We’re never out of the fight with the guys we want.
** Got to find the 5-6 WR’s that will play. Need some guys to step up at safety — Jerrin Thompson is the vocal leader.
** On 12-team playoff: Won’t change the way he coaches. Got to try and win every game. May have to practice a little differently especially if the roster limits come that we’re hearing. Got to have best players available.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
