Tom Herman's Weekly Press Conference Updates

[Jameson McCausland]

Tom Herman will start off his weekly media availability on the Big 12 Teleconference at 11:30 and then meet with the local media at 12:00.

Follow along here for updates

 

[Jameson McCausland]

When asked about Jerrod Heard and the possibility of him getting more snaps at QB, Herman points out that a lot of his usage is dependent on how healthy Sam Ehlinger. He does not want to risk losing his only backup QB if Ehlinger is not available.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

"You aren't going to out-scheme Gary Patterson, you just have to try to make sure the match-ups are in your favor"

 

[Jameson McCausland]

When asked about Kansas, Herman points out "David Beaty has them playing very well. Their front 4 are really good players. They are a bit like us, playing good defense and are struggling a little bit to find an identity on offense"

 

[Jameson McCausland]

On using last year's game as motivation-"There are a lot of games you could use as motivation. We are just focused on going 1-0."

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Herman says he wishes Denzel Okafor did not play 27 plays last year, wishes he could have red-shirted.

Okafor and Delance combined to play 30 snaps a year ago. 

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Herman-"Our guys really believe in what we are doing, but they also understand the urgency"

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Injury update: Ehlinger, Shackelford and Carter practiced with no contact yesterday and PJ Locke is "doubtful or questionable" for this week. Jeff McCulloch suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss a couple of games.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

When asked about fixing the offensive problems, Herman says the issues will be resolved through "Bowl practices and spring practices", also says they need to get the ball out quicker and not leave their lineman 1 v 1 against defensive linemen.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

On Tim Beck and play calling-"Naashon Hughes has seen 33 different assistant coaches come through here. Continuity and consistency with your staff is one of the most important things in college football.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

"The way we call plays on offense is very collaborative"

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Herman says he would love to have all 9 assistants return next year, but that it is his job to "evaluate and coach the assistants"

 

[okiehorn]

When asked about Jerrod Heard and the possibility of him getting more snaps at QB, Herman points out that a lot of his usage is dependent on how healthy Sam Ehlinger. He does not want to risk losing his only backup QB if Ehlinger is not available.

For some reason I take that last part as if Shane has won the starting spot.... sure hope I’m taking that wrong. 

 

[Jameson McCausland]

"I hired these guys knowing exactly what I was going to get. We have to get better on that side of the ball and I have full confidence we will"

 

[Jameson McCausland]

For some reason I take that last part as if Shane has won the starting spot.... sure hope I’m taking that wrong. 

He's saying that when Sam is not available, that makes Jerrod the backup and he can not risk losing his only backup. The way he phrased it, he was talking about Jerrod's usage if Sam is completely unavailable.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

"Connor Williams is close. Day to day at this point. Hopeful for maybe this week, but probable is probably too optimistic.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Herman says that Mitchell Becker kicked the field goal yesterday when they went through the 2 minute drill in practice, but that Rowland has been the most consistent kicker in practice throughout the last couple of weeks.

 

[Jameson McCausland]

"We have a lot of improvement still to go there"-Herman when talking about the offensive line

 

[Jameson McCausland]

Herman talks about how veteran other offensive line units in the conference are. Points out how difficult it is to play freshman offensive lineman.