It seems odd talking about “fall camp” in October, but the football team is now preparing for their opener on November 7th against Cal, and Jimmy Lake addressed the media with updates on the roster, and other information.
First things first, Isaiah Gilchrist and Jacob Kizer have opted out of the season for 2020 due to COVID concerns, how they are still on scholarship and could return in 2021, “We completely understand”, Lake said about the player’s choices.
The team practiced for two hours this morning, and Lake touched on what he’s seeing of the new freshmen from the 2020 class, “It’s like Christmas morning”, Lake smiled, adding that he’s seen good things from the two running backs, the receivers, and especially the offensive linemen, “What a talented group”, he said, “They’ve jelled together and it’s fun watching them make plays and make mistakes too.”
Lake is also impressed by what he’s been seeing from the new outside linebackers, “Their pass-rush moves and get-off has really been different than what I’ve seen the last couple of years”, he said.
It’s like Christmas morning! Two running backs- receivers. Our O-line what a talented group. They’ve gelled together and it’s fun watching them make plays and make mistakes.
As for the defensive backs, Lake said they have the length he wants and are fast, “They’re learning from a veteran group”.
Lake also said that they love to play younger guys, especially on defense, “They’re going to have to earn it”, he added as a caveat.
There’s no depth chart yet at quarterback yet, but Lake said all four of the top guys are getting reps. This will be a major point of competition this fall, but Lake also noted that there’s a lot of competition at other positions as well, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We need guys to be able to play different positions…when injuries occur, but now obviously…we’re going to need guys to be able to swing.”
Lake also admonished the media to keep injury information out of the press — and this has always been a point of contention — but Lake reminded everyone that this helps opponents and hurts the home team.
One thing the coaches are trying to see happen is letting parents come to the games, “We would love to have the parents of our players at our games”, he said, “We are pushing for that outcome”.
Obviously, right now they are still at the mercy of state restrictions, however.
We will have the entire zoom video up soon, here is the audio file.
