Kadeezy
Active member
Once again, Coach Sperbeck took time to answer some questions from SacBuzz.com folks. I think it speaks a lot to the progress this program has made both on and off the field when you have a HC and staff that make every effort to bring in the fans, especially this year with the Facebook campaign...
Here goes!
Greetings Coach!
In the past you’ve been extremely gracious to Hornets Football fans atSacBuzz.com, providing a very unique insight into the program for us die-hards. To date, we now have 320+ registered users posting on our boards with nearly 13,000 posts related to Hornet Sports. Needless to say, we’re chomping at the bit for the opening of camp and Sept. 3rd. We would love to hear your thoughts on a couple questions the faithful have!
Please feel free to answer as many or as few questions are acceptable to you. I understand some questions related to personnel and/or strategy etc. are probably a “no-go”
Look forward to hearing from you and posting your responses! Thanks for your time!
-Kadeezy
1.With five of the first six games on the road, do you enter camp with an emphasis on a "road warrior" mentality for your players?
No- We don’t care where we play. The goals are always the same regardless of home or away.
2. In years past, some players have suffered major injuries against FBS opponents (seemingly more so than in games against FCS foes). In 2008 Bryan Hilliard and Jason Smith both were dinged up against Colorado State in a heartbreaking loss. Last year, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Avery White suffered impactful injuries against Stanford.
Some SacBuzz.com followers believe the risk/reward isn't smart and that it would be prudent to play key players sparingly against Oregon State, while other believe we should compete against the PAC-12 foe as if they were any other FCS school. Do you have a coaching philosophy regarding player personnel in a game like this?
We play to win every game.
3. Many posters were surprised to see John Taylor absent on the 2011 roster; we also know we're blessed with a glut of large, young O-Linemen. Are there any particular guys we should watch for in camp to step up?
We are excited about our returning starters-Nate Doverspike and Tyler Worthley. We expect big things from (OT) Vince Weaver who will be a Jr. and red shirt freshman(G) DeVonte Martin did some nice things in Spring Football. We will be physical up front.
4. The recruit YouTube videos and your mini interviews are a favorite and much appreciated. Can we expect those to continue?
Yes.
5. Does this year's team have a "motto" you can share with the fans?
“Win Today”.
6. Do you think the facility improvements (Broad, WELL, Turf) have had any impact on recruiting?
No question, we have fantastic facilities and being in California is a plus.
7. Wins, attendance, and general morale are up all across the board since your arrival (Sorry, we snuck in a statement; This is not a question!).
Thank you
8. There's some "Buzz" about transfer WR T.J. Knowles from South Florida on the boards and amongst fans. He is a HUGE target and seems to be a gifted player who has just been looking for the right playing situation. If you are able, can you tell us some more about his game and how you see him contributing?
We feel that TJ can come in and contribute right away. His experience and receiving skills give us another dimension in our two TE sets. Reece Heaslett had a nice spring and has been working hard. We feel we have upgraded the position.
9. Lots of new coaches this year, how have they assimilated into the Hornet Way?
I’m very excited to go through the season with this staff. We will know more about each other as we proceed through the next four months.
10. Speed seems to be a big upgrade in recruits, what do you look for in prospects? Position player, athlete, or need?
We look for an athletes who can really run and also have great change of direction. The other important factor is there toughness and love for the game.
11. The loss of Coach Brooks was heartbreaking, how is the team responding and are they using his passing for inspiration this season?
Losing Coach Brooks was devastating and we all miss him very much. He was a big part of our program.
12. What is this team’s goal for 2011? Is reaching the playoffs this year a stated goal?
"Win Today”
13. When will the new uniforms be unveiled? Do we get to wait until the opener?
Opener
14. Can fans buy that sweet Hornet Addidas jacket from the videos?
It’s for the coaching staff. The bookstore will have adidas gear in about three weeks.
15. In our 2008 season questions you predicted a victory over UC Davis and it came true. You also eluded that there were talks to install SprintTurf and BAM, it magically was installed. Has there been talk regarding upgrades to the scoreboard or seating?
I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the upgrades to Hornet stadium for the 2011 season.
16. With Coach Adams leaving for SJSU, will you be resuming OC duties full-time?
Yes.
Here goes!
Greetings Coach!
In the past you’ve been extremely gracious to Hornets Football fans atSacBuzz.com, providing a very unique insight into the program for us die-hards. To date, we now have 320+ registered users posting on our boards with nearly 13,000 posts related to Hornet Sports. Needless to say, we’re chomping at the bit for the opening of camp and Sept. 3rd. We would love to hear your thoughts on a couple questions the faithful have!
Please feel free to answer as many or as few questions are acceptable to you. I understand some questions related to personnel and/or strategy etc. are probably a “no-go”
Look forward to hearing from you and posting your responses! Thanks for your time!
-Kadeezy
1.With five of the first six games on the road, do you enter camp with an emphasis on a "road warrior" mentality for your players?
No- We don’t care where we play. The goals are always the same regardless of home or away.
2. In years past, some players have suffered major injuries against FBS opponents (seemingly more so than in games against FCS foes). In 2008 Bryan Hilliard and Jason Smith both were dinged up against Colorado State in a heartbreaking loss. Last year, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Avery White suffered impactful injuries against Stanford.
Some SacBuzz.com followers believe the risk/reward isn't smart and that it would be prudent to play key players sparingly against Oregon State, while other believe we should compete against the PAC-12 foe as if they were any other FCS school. Do you have a coaching philosophy regarding player personnel in a game like this?
We play to win every game.
3. Many posters were surprised to see John Taylor absent on the 2011 roster; we also know we're blessed with a glut of large, young O-Linemen. Are there any particular guys we should watch for in camp to step up?
We are excited about our returning starters-Nate Doverspike and Tyler Worthley. We expect big things from (OT) Vince Weaver who will be a Jr. and red shirt freshman(G) DeVonte Martin did some nice things in Spring Football. We will be physical up front.
4. The recruit YouTube videos and your mini interviews are a favorite and much appreciated. Can we expect those to continue?
Yes.
5. Does this year's team have a "motto" you can share with the fans?
“Win Today”.
6. Do you think the facility improvements (Broad, WELL, Turf) have had any impact on recruiting?
No question, we have fantastic facilities and being in California is a plus.
7. Wins, attendance, and general morale are up all across the board since your arrival (Sorry, we snuck in a statement; This is not a question!).
Thank you
8. There's some "Buzz" about transfer WR T.J. Knowles from South Florida on the boards and amongst fans. He is a HUGE target and seems to be a gifted player who has just been looking for the right playing situation. If you are able, can you tell us some more about his game and how you see him contributing?
We feel that TJ can come in and contribute right away. His experience and receiving skills give us another dimension in our two TE sets. Reece Heaslett had a nice spring and has been working hard. We feel we have upgraded the position.
9. Lots of new coaches this year, how have they assimilated into the Hornet Way?
I’m very excited to go through the season with this staff. We will know more about each other as we proceed through the next four months.
10. Speed seems to be a big upgrade in recruits, what do you look for in prospects? Position player, athlete, or need?
We look for an athletes who can really run and also have great change of direction. The other important factor is there toughness and love for the game.
11. The loss of Coach Brooks was heartbreaking, how is the team responding and are they using his passing for inspiration this season?
Losing Coach Brooks was devastating and we all miss him very much. He was a big part of our program.
12. What is this team’s goal for 2011? Is reaching the playoffs this year a stated goal?
"Win Today”
13. When will the new uniforms be unveiled? Do we get to wait until the opener?
Opener
14. Can fans buy that sweet Hornet Addidas jacket from the videos?
It’s for the coaching staff. The bookstore will have adidas gear in about three weeks.
15. In our 2008 season questions you predicted a victory over UC Davis and it came true. You also eluded that there were talks to install SprintTurf and BAM, it magically was installed. Has there been talk regarding upgrades to the scoreboard or seating?
I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the upgrades to Hornet stadium for the 2011 season.
16. With Coach Adams leaving for SJSU, will you be resuming OC duties full-time?
Yes.
