Moorhead: These kids go hard 100 percent of the time
August 07, 2019 | Football
by Brandon Langlois, Associate Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State carried its momentum and intensity from the first four preseason camp practices into the first day in full pads Wednesday.
The Bulldogs worked out for just under two hours at the Leo M. Seal football complex and head football coach Joe Moorhead liked the team's energy and execution following their fifth practice.
"One of the many things that I've learned during my time here is the tempo doesn't change at Mississippi State. Whether we're in helmets, uppers or full pads, they go. I'd much rather say 'whoa' than 'sic 'em.' It doesn't change, because these kids go hard 100 percent of the time."
State will practice again Thursday and Friday before its first scrimmage and annual Media Day on Saturday. All practices and scrimmages during preseason camp are closed to the public.
Quotes from head coach Joe Moorhead's media session – Aug. 7, 2019
On the first day in full pads …
"It was good. The last two days were uppers. Today, was acclimatization day number five and the first day allowed in full pads. We cut down on the individual periods today and focused on team stuff. No live tackling, but I thought the kids had an hour and a half of really good work out there and took another positive step forward."
On if tempo of practice changes when the pads come on for the first time …
"Conventional wisdom would dictate that it does. But, one of the many things that I've learned during my time here is the tempo doesn't change at Mississippi State. Whether we're in helmets, uppers or full pads, they go. I'd much rather say 'whoa' than 'sic 'em.' It doesn't change, because these kids go hard 100 percent of the time."
On how wide receiver Isaiah Zuber is learning the offense so far …
"Really well. When you look at his stuff at Kansas State, he played a variety of positions – the slot and outside positions. More than anything it's formations and language and some of the things we do in the pass game that are adjustment oriented. Coach Michael Johnson is doing a good job with those guys and Isaiah is picking it up quickly."
On how wide receiver Isaiah Zuber's versatility fits in the offense …
"We want to cross-train our wide receivers like we do our offensive line. We don't necessarily want to get one guy locked into a position. With our pass game, it's taught conceptually rather than by position. It's not about what the X, Z or H has on this route. It's if you're field one, field two or field three, boundary one or boundary two. Based on what the formation is, you plug them into those spots. That flexibility allows us to put people where they need to be."
On where wide receiver JaVonta Payton has been lining up …
"He's working at Z right now, primarily, but he's a guy who can also play in the slot. But, like I said, depending on the formation he could play boundary, too. So, he's been primarily in the Z, but the Z lines up in a couple of different spots based on what the call is."
On how much he would like to run the quarterback …
"Historically it has been about 10-15 carries a game. I think the reason you saw so many carries last season was because of some of our struggles in certain games passing the ball. When that occurs, teams know you have to run it. Then, you get a stacked box at the line of scrimmage, and when you're outnumbered by one or more, you have to utilize the quarterback as a number in the run game because you can't just continue to hand it off at the point of attack as the guy will get tackled at the line of scrimmage. The emphasis of getting carries to the running back and taking them off the quarterback has as much to do with our pass game as it does our run game. When we get people out of the crowded line of scrimmage and play a little more two-high, more of those carries can go to the running back instead of the quarterback because of the read."
On if there is separation among the quarterbacks …
"I don't know if it's necessarily separation as it is focus on guys who most realistically have a chance to win the job. Their assignment, for lack of a better term, in this quarterback competition and throughout fall camp is to improve the efficiency and explosiveness of the pass game, while minimizing turnovers. They're all charted and graded daily on those aspects of the game. I don't want to say it's a two-horse race because anything can happen. Keytaon Thompson and Tommy Stevens are getting the reps with the ones and twos, and Garrett Shrader and Jalen Mayden are getting the threes."
On if the timeline for naming a starting quarterback is still around 10 days from the first game …
"That's the rough estimate. I don't want to say it's most ideal. But, it's a timeframe where when a true competition is occurring, we've earmarked as a spot. If it separate's earlier, it separate's earlier. The sooner you can name it, the better for consistency and cohesion. But, it could go longer. I don't know. I think ideally, as soon as you can. Conventionally, it's been that Wednesday. If it's still tight it could go longer."
On how he would assess the depth at running back …
"Kylin Hill is the clear-cut No. 1. He's doing a really good job. Nick Gibson has played a lot of good football and excels in pass protection. I think he's a guy that will have to share some of the load. Right now, Lee Witherspoon is running with the threes. You can see why he averaged almost 20 yards a touch (in high school). Over his first few days, the speed and physicality of SEC football was a bit of a surprise to him. But, he broke off a long one today. He's picking up pass protection, which will be the biggest thing. The guy can take a hand off, make a read and run the ball. But, to be able to diagnose blitzes and pressures and protect physically in this league will be his biggest adjustment."
On if Tommy Stevens is still the same quarterback he remembers from Penn State …
"It's been almost two full years. What I remember last is the Maryland game. I think he threw for a touchdown and ran for two. I think he had 100 rushing yards and 100 passing, maybe. I think, like anything, any quarterback and any position, it's another year in a similar type of system. I think (Penn State offensive coordinator) Ricky Rhane kind of implemented the same deal. You see just a mature guy. I think him being a graduate transfer, there's that final year of urgency about him. More than anything, it's increased the understanding of the system. But I see a more mature and urgent player from Tommy."
On if there is a plan to find another position for the quarterback who doesn't win the starting role …
"We haven't discussed that. We're focusing on what they're going to do to win the job, assuming one of the two (Thompson or Stevens) is going to win it. When that happens, our job is to identify who our playmakers are and put them in position to be successful. So, if the guy who doesn't win it is a guy who can play a running back positon or a 'Kordell Stewart slash kind of role' and do some things like we did with Tommy at Penn State and a little bit with Keytaon last year, then we'll do that."
On how the offensive line unit is gelling together …
"Really nice. It's anchored by Darryl Williams, who had a nice season at guard last year and transitioned to center. That's kind of the linchpin of the group. I think it all goes back to (offensive line coach) Marcus Johnson cross training guys during the season getting guys reps at different positions … I think we cleaned up the protection early on last year after some of those struggles, and I think we did a nice job. We were second in the SEC in rushing. Our goal as an offensive line is to improve on those things. The great teams I have been on, the mentality of those teams has been dictated by the offensive and defensive lines. Our kids and Marcus take a great amount of pride in that."
On improvements in the weight room this past offseason …
"I think we're bigger, faster, stronger and more explosive. We're seeing that across the board."
On what he sees as preseason All-SEC linebacker and team captain Erroll Thompson's best skill …
"Probably his cerebral approach. He's like a quarterback on the defense. Outside of everything else, he's like a coach on the field … When you take his understanding of the game and his football IQ and you combine it with a 255-pound guy who can plug interior gaps and also run sideline to sideline and has a high motor, I think those are guys who can play in this conference at a high level and also transition to the next level well."
State will open the 2019 season on Aug. 31 against Louisiana in New Orleans.
Tickets for the 2019 season can be purchased at HailState.com/Tickets, by calling 1-888-GO-DAWGS or in person at the MSU Athletic Ticket Office on the first floor of the Bryan Athletic Administration Building (288 Lakeview Drive), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State carried its momentum and intensity from the first four preseason camp practices into the first day in full pads Wednesday.
The Bulldogs worked out for just under two hours at the Leo M. Seal football complex and head football coach Joe Moorhead liked the team's energy and execution following their fifth practice.
"One of the many things that I've learned during my time here is the tempo doesn't change at Mississippi State. Whether we're in helmets, uppers or full pads, they go. I'd much rather say 'whoa' than 'sic 'em.' It doesn't change, because these kids go hard 100 percent of the time."
State will practice again Thursday and Friday before its first scrimmage and annual Media Day on Saturday. All practices and scrimmages during preseason camp are closed to the public.
Quotes from head coach Joe Moorhead's media session – Aug. 7, 2019
On the first day in full pads …
"It was good. The last two days were uppers. Today, was acclimatization day number five and the first day allowed in full pads. We cut down on the individual periods today and focused on team stuff. No live tackling, but I thought the kids had an hour and a half of really good work out there and took another positive step forward."
On if tempo of practice changes when the pads come on for the first time …
"Conventional wisdom would dictate that it does. But, one of the many things that I've learned during my time here is the tempo doesn't change at Mississippi State. Whether we're in helmets, uppers or full pads, they go. I'd much rather say 'whoa' than 'sic 'em.' It doesn't change, because these kids go hard 100 percent of the time."
On how wide receiver Isaiah Zuber is learning the offense so far …
"Really well. When you look at his stuff at Kansas State, he played a variety of positions – the slot and outside positions. More than anything it's formations and language and some of the things we do in the pass game that are adjustment oriented. Coach Michael Johnson is doing a good job with those guys and Isaiah is picking it up quickly."
On how wide receiver Isaiah Zuber's versatility fits in the offense …
"We want to cross-train our wide receivers like we do our offensive line. We don't necessarily want to get one guy locked into a position. With our pass game, it's taught conceptually rather than by position. It's not about what the X, Z or H has on this route. It's if you're field one, field two or field three, boundary one or boundary two. Based on what the formation is, you plug them into those spots. That flexibility allows us to put people where they need to be."
On where wide receiver JaVonta Payton has been lining up …
"He's working at Z right now, primarily, but he's a guy who can also play in the slot. But, like I said, depending on the formation he could play boundary, too. So, he's been primarily in the Z, but the Z lines up in a couple of different spots based on what the call is."
On how much he would like to run the quarterback …
"Historically it has been about 10-15 carries a game. I think the reason you saw so many carries last season was because of some of our struggles in certain games passing the ball. When that occurs, teams know you have to run it. Then, you get a stacked box at the line of scrimmage, and when you're outnumbered by one or more, you have to utilize the quarterback as a number in the run game because you can't just continue to hand it off at the point of attack as the guy will get tackled at the line of scrimmage. The emphasis of getting carries to the running back and taking them off the quarterback has as much to do with our pass game as it does our run game. When we get people out of the crowded line of scrimmage and play a little more two-high, more of those carries can go to the running back instead of the quarterback because of the read."
On if there is separation among the quarterbacks …
"I don't know if it's necessarily separation as it is focus on guys who most realistically have a chance to win the job. Their assignment, for lack of a better term, in this quarterback competition and throughout fall camp is to improve the efficiency and explosiveness of the pass game, while minimizing turnovers. They're all charted and graded daily on those aspects of the game. I don't want to say it's a two-horse race because anything can happen. Keytaon Thompson and Tommy Stevens are getting the reps with the ones and twos, and Garrett Shrader and Jalen Mayden are getting the threes."
On if the timeline for naming a starting quarterback is still around 10 days from the first game …
"That's the rough estimate. I don't want to say it's most ideal. But, it's a timeframe where when a true competition is occurring, we've earmarked as a spot. If it separate's earlier, it separate's earlier. The sooner you can name it, the better for consistency and cohesion. But, it could go longer. I don't know. I think ideally, as soon as you can. Conventionally, it's been that Wednesday. If it's still tight it could go longer."
On how he would assess the depth at running back …
"Kylin Hill is the clear-cut No. 1. He's doing a really good job. Nick Gibson has played a lot of good football and excels in pass protection. I think he's a guy that will have to share some of the load. Right now, Lee Witherspoon is running with the threes. You can see why he averaged almost 20 yards a touch (in high school). Over his first few days, the speed and physicality of SEC football was a bit of a surprise to him. But, he broke off a long one today. He's picking up pass protection, which will be the biggest thing. The guy can take a hand off, make a read and run the ball. But, to be able to diagnose blitzes and pressures and protect physically in this league will be his biggest adjustment."
On if Tommy Stevens is still the same quarterback he remembers from Penn State …
"It's been almost two full years. What I remember last is the Maryland game. I think he threw for a touchdown and ran for two. I think he had 100 rushing yards and 100 passing, maybe. I think, like anything, any quarterback and any position, it's another year in a similar type of system. I think (Penn State offensive coordinator) Ricky Rhane kind of implemented the same deal. You see just a mature guy. I think him being a graduate transfer, there's that final year of urgency about him. More than anything, it's increased the understanding of the system. But I see a more mature and urgent player from Tommy."
On if there is a plan to find another position for the quarterback who doesn't win the starting role …
"We haven't discussed that. We're focusing on what they're going to do to win the job, assuming one of the two (Thompson or Stevens) is going to win it. When that happens, our job is to identify who our playmakers are and put them in position to be successful. So, if the guy who doesn't win it is a guy who can play a running back positon or a 'Kordell Stewart slash kind of role' and do some things like we did with Tommy at Penn State and a little bit with Keytaon last year, then we'll do that."
On how the offensive line unit is gelling together …
"Really nice. It's anchored by Darryl Williams, who had a nice season at guard last year and transitioned to center. That's kind of the linchpin of the group. I think it all goes back to (offensive line coach) Marcus Johnson cross training guys during the season getting guys reps at different positions … I think we cleaned up the protection early on last year after some of those struggles, and I think we did a nice job. We were second in the SEC in rushing. Our goal as an offensive line is to improve on those things. The great teams I have been on, the mentality of those teams has been dictated by the offensive and defensive lines. Our kids and Marcus take a great amount of pride in that."
On improvements in the weight room this past offseason …
"I think we're bigger, faster, stronger and more explosive. We're seeing that across the board."
On what he sees as preseason All-SEC linebacker and team captain Erroll Thompson's best skill …
"Probably his cerebral approach. He's like a quarterback on the defense. Outside of everything else, he's like a coach on the field … When you take his understanding of the game and his football IQ and you combine it with a 255-pound guy who can plug interior gaps and also run sideline to sideline and has a high motor, I think those are guys who can play in this conference at a high level and also transition to the next level well."
State will open the 2019 season on Aug. 31 against Louisiana in New Orleans.
Tickets for the 2019 season can be purchased at HailState.com/Tickets, by calling 1-888-GO-DAWGS or in person at the MSU Athletic Ticket Office on the first floor of the Bryan Athletic Administration Building (288 Lakeview Drive), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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