2015 SEC Media Days: Day 1 Recap
The SDS crew is onsite this week in Hoover, Ala., covering the 2015 SEC Media Days. If you missed the coverage today, here’s your day 1 recap…
KEVIN DUFFEY: The SEC did a nice job upgrading the production on stage in the main room at SEC Media Days. The three-screen set behind the main podium is very nice.
Scholars first, champions second. #SECMD15 pic.twitter.com/L6K1nOyxFC
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) July 13, 2015
Much of the conversation surrounding the media – especially the on-air ESPN personalities – is about the SEC getting back to winning a championship. After winning seven straight titles, the SEC is 0-2 over the last two seasons. I think it’s safe to assume this will be a topic all week.
The New Commish Speaks
KEVIN DUFFEY: Greg Sankey, the new SEC commissioner, easily passed his first public test of leading off the 2015 SEC Media Days. The overarching theme of his remarks centered around idea of “The times, they are a changing.” Sankey utilized references to Bob Dylan and Finding Nemo and announced his new Twitter handle. Moreover, he either telepathically live-tweeted his own press conference or one of his staff members tweeted the main points as he was delivering them to the Hoover audience.
I am the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, but THEY are the SEC. http://t.co/e3nzboZPfz
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) July 13, 2015
While I was impressed overall with Sankey, I do wonder how many fans actually care. Should they care?
CHRISTOPHER SMITH: The SEC commissioner matters for three main reasons: the weight and respect of his opinions on issues that affect universities across the country, the responsibility to ensure continued financial growth and the decision about which issues to prioritize. As far as priorities, he emphasized continued NCAA compliance for every school, a priority on academics as well as the SEC’s desire to serve a leadership role in terms of player conduct.
Read more about Greg Sankey’s remarks at SEC Media Days
One Half of the Boom Brothers
KEVIN DUFFEY: Some Auburn fans always show up in person for SEC Media Days, and for my money, it doesn’t get any better than this guy:
This is Tony from Anniston. He is wearing what I judged to be the most interesting t-shirt in the lobby. pic.twitter.com/MOF7hzXewB
— Jerry Hinnen (@JerryHinnen) July 13, 2015
After taking the podium, Malzahn offered early praise for his staff, specifically His new defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp. He called him the best defensive mind in football and also mentioned that his head coaching experience is an asset for the staff.
The first questions from the media for head coach Gus Malzahn were around the offense and quarterback Jeremy Johnson. Malzahn reiterated that his offensive principles remain the same, but he’ll tweak it around his players strengths. It’s clear that he’s excited about Johnson as his quarterback.
Malzahn also took a fun shot at Harbaugh and the satellite camp topic:
Malzahn on satellite camps: The chances of a team up north coming in to our state and getting a player we or Alabama wants are slim to none.
— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) July 13, 2015
Jeremy Johnson: Well dressed and all smiles
Auburn QB Jeremy Johnson holding court with reporters. "I've never seen this many cameras in my life." pic.twitter.com/7glEw3jiCo
— Greg Ostendorf (@greg_ostendorf) July 13, 2015
BRAD CRAWFORD: Johnson carries himself with confidence, but has already began deflecting ‘the Heisman question’ in advance of this year’s lofty expectations as the SEC’s frontrunner alongside Nick Chubb at 10/1. You can tell he’s been coached to avoid the Cam Newton comparisons and, to borrow some coachspeak, just play his game. When asked how the offense will change with himself under center, he simply replied: “We’re going to stay balanced, running and passing. Maybe a little more passing.” I like his mindset heading into August.
More Auburn coverage from SEC Media Days:
- Watch Malzahn speak about Jeremy Johnson at quarterback
- Auburn LB Kris Frost: “Muschamp has given us new life defensively”
- What they said at SEC Media Days: Gus Malzahn and Auburn players
- Jeremy Johnson assuming role as SEC’s new poster child
KEVIN DUFFEY: I’m now a fan of linebacker Kris Frost after he gave his best Will Muschamp “angry face” impression for the media. In fact, I’m a fan of all Will Muschamp impressions.
#Auburn LB Kris Frost impression of Will Muschamp's angry face vs. Will Muschamp's angry face. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/DDKHfehDNt
— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) July 13, 2015
The McElwain Era Begins
JON COOPER: Jim McElwain is his own man. He did a safe job in the big media room (the one you saw on TV). He was laid back and low key, and he strayed away from any controversial topics.
The new Florida head coach knows the pressure he’s facing on one of college football’s biggest stages at Florida, but he’s not letting the pressure get to him. McElwain said he doesn’t look at it as pressure; rather, he looks at it as an opportunity. He knows it’s a long road to get Florida back to being Florida, but he’s looking forward to the challenge.
College football’s such a grind, but a laid back coach like McElwain who has success could stay in the game a long time without getting burned out. It almost takes this type of laid back mentality.
KEVIN DUFFEY: I found it interesting when McElwain said having a big opening week game (such as playing Michigan to open 2017) helps the team prepare in the offseason. While it makes sense, I don’t recall many coaches having spelled this out so clearly. My follow up to that would be: Are you having a difficult time motivating the team to prepare for New Mexico State?
#SECMD15 McElwain, who faces Michigan in 2017, is in favor of tough opening games.
— Pat Dooley (@pat_dooley) July 13, 2015
Hopefully Florida schedules some more big kickoff games against top teams.
I also liked McElwain’s comments about driving past Steve Spurrier’s statue each day:
Hargreaves Island In Hoover
BRAD CRAWFORD: Two-time All-American Vernon Hargreaves has never been a selfish player despite his reputation as one of college football’s best defenders. He told us inside the print room Monday that after two disappointing seasons as a team with the Gators, he wants his teammates to get in on some postseason award love this fall. “I tell all of our guys that they can be awarded, too,” Hargreaves said. “I try to lead by example.” Hargreaves went on to playfully touch on Florida’s battle with LSU for ‘DBU’ and said Ole Miss pass-catcher Laquon Treadwell was the receiver he’s most looking forward to covering this season.
#Gators have arrived at #SECMD15 Jonathan Bullard and Vernon Hargreaves signing for fans pic.twitter.com/RPKT9n5E8X
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 13, 2015
More Florida coverage from SEC Media Days:
- Video: McElwain gushes over Vernon Hargreaves III
- What they said at SEC Media Days: Jim McElwain and Florida’s players
- Vernon Hargreaves III: LSU DBs ‘not even close’ to Florida’s
Vanderbilt Looks For Fresh Start in 2015
Big media audience listening to @CoachDerekMason at #SECMD15 pic.twitter.com/YjpugERNDd
— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) July 13, 2015
KEVIN DUFFEY: Derek Mason talked for what felt like an hour during his opening remarks. It seemed as if he was trying to answer every question before the questions came. He’s obviously more comfortable on the football field than in front of several hundred members of the media.
Mason cited some GPA numbers, internship numbers and revealed that Ralph Webb studied abroad. I guess that’s good?
Best quote: “One year doesn’t make a football team.”
BRAD CRAWFORD: Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb didn’t get the respect he deserved last fall as a dependable running back in the SEC.
He rushed for a school-record 907 yards as a redshirt freshman and was the Commodores’ only weapon on offense.
At SEC Media Days, he introduced us to his jewelry game. Stunning.
#Vandy RB Ralph Webb introduced us to his jewelry game at #SECMD15 Wowzers #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/jt4moyBhvU
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 13, 2015