UConn Huskies head football coach Bob Diaco held his weekly pregame press conference on Sunday afternoon in anticipation of Thursday night’s game against the No. 18/17 East Carolina Pirates (8 p.m. kickoff in Greenville, NC) and talked about a myriad of things.
Diaco got things going by saying while it was Sunday on the calendar, it was Tuesday as far as their preparations went for Thursday night’s game.
He also said they aren’t focused entirely on ECU but rather on getting better as a team. He stated it’s a great and fun opportunity this week.
In regards to what they’ve been working on fundamentally, they’ve had to take away from other things. The choice has been to work on fundamentals to get better. He also said there is no timetable/calendar on when that will change.
He stated UConn is a developmental program right now. The players/coaches believe in this developmental process of the five specific areas.
He was asked about how this affected him in his first year as coach. He answered by saying it wasn’t an energy sucker, that he loves teaching and loves coaching the players.
He did say it was frustrating at times because he wants to add another piece that will help them develop and maybe eliminate something that is/has happened.
He stated they kept things fresh during the bye week. Had more spirited practice. He said the time of from games is wonderful.
He said the young guys on the defensive line are getting with fundamental eye progression and faster hands. The outside backers eye progression has improved.
He said the much maligned offensive line is getting better and better. They did more with them in the time off.
The rotation for the running backs will be the same meaning that Arkeel Newsome and Ron Johnson will get a bulk of the carries.
He was asked how long it takes an offensive line recruit to get ready. He answered by saying there is no general rule of thumb but that year three is when they are usually ready.
At this point in the year unless absolutely necessary, he won’t waste someone’s redshirt year.
He said Folorunso Fatukasi is getting more mature as the season goes.
He was finally asked about ECU and said they have a great quarterback in Shane Carden. He also that WR Justin Hardy is one of the best skill players in the country.
He would like to get Tim Boyle more snaps going forward. Boyle needs to play to produce more but really needs to limit the turnovers.
He stated that Marquise Vann is better leader now at this point in the season. He’s doing more small things like studying film on his own. He’s been a good run-fit player and is understanding his role in the pass game.
He said that ECU has two solid, fast, physical outside linebackers and a space eating nose guard. He stated they are a fundamentally sound group.
He said the team has handled the road trips tremendously. They’ve received nothing but good compliments about the players.
He was asked about what he needs to do better as a coach. He answered with staying focused on focusing what the process is (which is turning the program into a winner). He said they also need to limit outside distractions. He stated the infrastructure is there, they just need to continue fitting the puzzle pieces into place.
He said the Dalton Gifford and Ellis Marder will not play this week and hoped to have a status update on them later in the week.
We’ll have more on Wednesday from the press conference.
