Coach McNeill's Weekly Press Conference Quotes
October 12, 2015 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Sixth-year East Carolina University Head Football Coach Ruffin McNeill addressed members of the media on Monday prior Saturday's home against Tulsa. The following are selected comments:
Opening Statement:
"We knew it would be tough out at BYU. It was a very exciting venue. They have a very good football team. (Tanner) Mangum is a really good quarterback. We knew about him in high school. Now, after his mission, he's 21 years old and a little older, so he's very mature (with) a strong arm. The biggest focus for us has been starting fast. We did a little better at it last week, but we've still got to run that part. Also, all four sides of the ball playing together in that feeding fashion. We got portions of it in this game. I like the way our kids fight back. They're not going to quit. That's not in our vocabulary. I would say these (first) six games have galvanized us, hardened us, and as our team has had some tests -- tough tests -- on the road, I thought we've handled it well. I (think) we've gotten better. We knew going into this season what types of opponents we'd have.
"I know there are quarterback questions, but James (Summers) and Blake (Kemp) are playing well together, and we will keep that system. That's what we'll do. I like the way they make each other better. I like they make our team better and I like the way, on the team, they are the epitome of selflessness. I like the way the young players you see are showing up. Our coaches are doing a really good job of finding roles that they can play. I don't believe in redshirting. I believe in playing kids and that's how they get better. I like the way that's developing and I like the way our team is shaping up.
"We just went through two quarters of our season. We divide our season up like a game and now we're at the halfway mark, entering the third quarter facing a Tulsa team. I've known Philip (Montgomery) since (my) Texas Tech days. I've known Philip 16 years. He was with Art Briles at Stephenville High School and then was with Art at Baylor. He's a good play-caller and he's got a good system out there. We know we'll face a Baylor-type offense at quarterback and the wideouts. We have a tough task coming up, but I'm glad to be back at home. The road brought a lot out of us as a team to rely on one another and that was a positive thing. Tulsa's up next (at) 12 o'clock Saturday."
On The Strengths And Concerns Of The Team At The Halfway Point Of The Season:
"I think we've handled adversity well. I think we're able to play the next play, the next series, the next half (and) next game. We've learned that. We've made competitive plays and I think routine plays have improved. I think when they've fallen behind, we've found ways to get into the game. I think our offensive line, defensive line and special teams have been doing what I've asked them to do. We had a punt block the other night. I've asked those guys to take over up front on defense, offense and special teams as well. All four sides of the ball are learning to play together. We've got to get ready for conference (games)."
On Tulsa Quarterback Dane Evans:
"Well, we knew he was talented last year. What Philip (Montgomery) has done has got some skill sets around him now. Dane has got size, a good arm, he's mobile and has an accurate arm. Philip is a very good coach and a good quarterback coach. He understands the offense inside and out. He's got another tall receiver in Keyarris Garrett. He really competes for the ball well. Also, the running back Zack Langer -- I like him. Dane's an experienced quarterback who's been through it. You have to change looks on him because he understands coverage's. You've got to be able to control the run and affect him."
On If There's A Scenario Where Summers And Kemp Are On The Field At The Same Time:
"No. We'll leave him at quarterback and let him learn that. He's still progressing there. We have plenty of wideouts to go, so we won't do that."
On Homecoming Weekend:
"We've got four of the last six (games) at home. I'm excited to get back here in Greenville and see our fans. I'll tell you what though, we've had fans travel. We had a good contingent out there in Utah. I was proud of them. Our fans travel well, but there's nothing like getting them in Dowdy-Ficklen at home."
On Still Having A Chance To Win The Conference Championship:
"I can't think that far ahead. That's not how the program is built. We think about each day. It's a long-term vision of course, but right now, we back it up to having a great Monday and Tuesday. I want us to stay and not look past where we are right now. Every coach has it on their docket to win it, but we won't talk about that."
On Some American Conference Teams Receiving Votes And Rankings In The National Polls:
"I mentioned it earlier, but (this is) one of the most competitive conferences in the country. You talk about Curtis Johnson at Tulane, Willie (Taggart) at South Florida, Coach (Tom) Herman at Houston and you'll see Philip (Montgomery) this week. Matt Rhule, Coach (Tommy) Tuberville -- all around it doesn't surprise me. Justin (Fuente) is doing a great job at Memphis. He's recruiting well, he's got his system in and he's getting some really talented kids there, too. It does not surprise me. I felt that way down at our head coaches deal. I knew they were going to be tough. You know who they recruit because we battle each other a little bit on some (kids) and you know the kids they've got and signed."
On If He Would Like Another Series Against BYU:
"I don't think that far either. Whoever is on the schedule, we'll play them, but they've got a good team. I talked to Rob Anae after the game and they feel good about their program. Bronco (Mendenhall) said the biggest thing for them is the travel because they're not in a conference. That's what wears them down, but I think they'll be snatched up pretty soon. They've got a top-notch program and really have some high-level kids on that team, some kids that will play at the next level. I've got a lot of respect for that program. Bronco is a good head coach."
On The Impact Trevon Brown Has Had:
On Concerns About Tulsa:
On Bobby Fulp's and Yiannis Bowden's Performances:
"Being prepared offensively for that offense. I've coached against it, but Philip (Montgomery) has expanded it a little more. He's been throwing a little more. (We have to) make sure our kids get their feet back under them and get their bodies back under them."
"Maybe four games or four weeks ago, I asked the coaches to find roles for the kids so they can help make plays. Bobby has been a steady special teams player. You see him in practice. He's got length that I like. He's very disciplined, very coachable. I like Yiannis' length. He's a really good pass-rusher and he's very athletic. He'll get stronger and bigger. They're stepping up. They're mature enough to handle the playing time and the coaches have done a good job preparing them."
