Presser React: Kovacs, Lewan, Beckmann, Moeller
Quotes from a few people of note at Brady Hoke's introductory presser.
Jordan Kovacs
"Obviously, we had a tough year defensively this year. I think it's important that he comes in and establishes a strong defense."
"I just wanted him to be passionate about the game and passionate about this University. I've obviously loved this University my whole life, and I can tell this guy has as well." Hoke is passionate and intense, and that's important.
"He realizes the importance of the front seven, and I think that's where he's going to establish... that's where our team is going to be made, and we're excited about that."
The team had a brief meeting and lunch at the stadium with Coach Hoke. "The first thing he talked about was championships." Michigan has 42, and they want to make it 43 soon.
The coaches will make their pitch to Denard, as will the players. "He's a great quarterback, and he'll fit any system." Kovacs doesn't know what Denard plans to do.
Obviously, we've got a heavy heart for our past coach, for Coach Rod. He's a great guy and a great coach, but at the same time we've gotta pick it up, we've gotta move forward, and focus on next season."
Kovacs researched Hoke a little bit when he heard that he'd be a candidate. Looked into his coaching history, but never met him until today. "I like what I've seen."
Taylor Lewan
Everybody has only nice things to say about Coach Hoke. "Nobody has bad things to say about this guy." Everybody needs to support him, whether he was their choice or not.
On Ohio State: "Everybody's seen Harry Potter, right? That one guy... Voldemort or whatever? It's kinda like that." Everybody knows what a big deal the rivalry is.
Hoke brings a fresh start: "The sky's the limit. We have the opportunity to do so much." Though the players haven't had a chance to meet him one-on-one, they're excited.
"This is not a usual University. They expect so much out of you and what you do." There's a lot of pressure here, and Coach Hoke is already handling it well.
On getting all the players to stick with the team: "I think that's the biggest thing possible." The seniors have impressed upon everyone else the importance of sticking together as a team. They've gone through a change before. Last time, "not everybody bought into the whole thing," but now the team is closer because of it.
Coach Hoke has a personality that grabs everyone's attention when he walks into a room.
Frank Beckmann
Hasn't had a chance to talk to the players yet: "From what I hear, they're all excited about it, and I look forward to chatting with them too."
Gary Moeller
"That is a good, good fundamental football coach... He's a worker. There's no question about that." Moeller remembers when he was around the Michigan summer camp.
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January 12th, 2011 at 9:17 PM ^
also sold me on coach HOKE.GO BLUE!!!
January 12th, 2011 at 9:19 PM ^
seems that THE TEAM really likes coach HOKE.Maybe DB knows what he is doing after all.GO BLUE!!!
January 12th, 2011 at 9:41 PM ^
January 12th, 2011 at 9:41 PM ^
Brian, for the LOVE OF GOD take the disrespectful CC'11 banner down. No longer funny.
January 13th, 2011 at 10:21 AM ^
Should be a board post until it happens. Change the banner!
January 12th, 2011 at 9:48 PM ^
i hope it manifests itself in more than texts and tweets. I have always been jealous of how connected to their program the NFL guys from Miami (YTM) are. Charles, MIke, Hutch, Lamarr et al - time to start showing your faces in AA and pimpin UM at every opportunity.
Tom, if you are busy, feel free to send Giselle...
January 12th, 2011 at 10:17 PM ^
Brady Hoke showed Rich Rodriguez more respect in a few sentences than those standing in the back of the room did in the 3 years prior.
January 12th, 2011 at 10:43 PM ^
I hope RR does famously well wherever he ends up. But now Hoke is our Coach,
and the guy has a sort of backward charisma. I loved his presser. 'This is MICHIGAN for God's sake!' I'm in his corner. Here's hoping the team comes out with solid fundamentals and starts taking out some ranked teams next year.
Jimbo
January 13th, 2011 at 12:21 AM ^
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