After giving the media a chance to speak to head coach Greg Schiano, offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, and defensive coordinator Travis Johansen, the program has started the press conferences where members of the media can ask questions to position coaches. This time, it was new cornerbacks coach Eric Finney and new safeties coach Adam Cox turn to take the podium. Both press conferences were rather quick, combining for 8 minutes of run time.
Finney’s press conference started with a question about whether any guys have stood out enough to be competing for the starting job so far, since they are replacing all three starters across the unit. Finney did not name any names during his answer, but talked about how the competition has been fierce so far and how they are trying to give everyone an equal opportunity to go out there and show their best.
Later on in the press conference, Finney detailed what exactly he is looking for in a defensive back.
“When it comes to a DB, you know, first of all, I believe that a defensive back is a personality and out of position. So I’m looking for guys that are competitive, want to go out there every day and fight for every yard and fight for every inch. But as some attributes on the field, looking for guys with eye discipline, some quick twitch, which kind of goes into genetics a little bit. And then ball skills. We want to be able to take that ball away. So turnovers are going to be at a premium at the defensive back position.”
He also gave his early evaluations of the cornerback room. He made it clear that he believes the room is very talented but inexperienced. As for Finney’s evaluation process? He says that he leaves that on the field.
He also had the chance to speak individually with talents such as Kevin Levy, Mikey Munn, and Zahmir Dawud. In reference to Levy, he has talked about how his comfort level in the program is starting to shine through and how the best thing about him is his confidence. He also talked about leaning on Levy to help the newer players since he has been in the program longer. Referring to Mikey Munn, Finney talked about how they have a great relationship, but that he was going to have to come here and work to earn his spot. He also talked about how he has liked Dawud’s work ethic so far and how they are going to challenge him to continue to work.
Cox’s press conference was much shorter than most, lasting only three minutes. The first question asked had to do with Cox’s mentors during his time as an assistant at Iowa. He talked repeatedly during the press conference about how much Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and DC Phil Parker have played such a huge role in his coaching career.
At the end of the press conference, he had the chance to speak on former Drake linebacker Sean Allison and Kaj Sanders on what both bring to the table, and particularly in Sanders’ case, how he has looked this spring.
“Yeah, Sean’s a guy I would never bet against. I don’t think he’s a guy you’d say you can’t or won’t do anything. He’ll prove you wrong. He’s a great leader, tough, smart. He’s everything I described when I’d be looking for, and that’s what I’d say about Sean.”
“Fresh start for everybody, and I think Kaj has done a great job. Obviously, I have expectations from him from a leadership perspective in terms of being that returning starter in the room. He’s done a great job with that. He’s taking strides as a player and is really excited to see him this fall.”
It should also be mentioned that Cox said earlier in the press conference that Sanders is doing a great job and he is taking strides as a leader for that position group.