A couple of thoughts after a day lurking at SEC Media Days
Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2023 8:37 pm
Well, so much for the concert on Broadway; a rain and lightning storm about 4 pm took care of that. But here are some ramblings on what did happen Tuesday...
1. What a torn-up mess downtown has become, with all the new buildings and cranes. I've never seen so many cranes, closed streets, and foundations being laid for new high-rise buildings. I guess it hadn't really dawned on me how much downtown is about to change. (I was trying to get to the Grand Hyatt from Demonbreun Street and right now, with the Broadway overpass at Union Station completely shut down, you just about have to go through Clarksville in order to get there.)
2. I did get to chat a bit with Ethan Barr. He's very excited about the LB corps, and says that with all that experience coming back, it's hard to imagine the defense not being greatly improved. Think about it... with both Pattersons coming back and Prince Kollie coming in, there's a possibility that with regular rotation Ethan may only be playing about half the snaps.
3. When discussing the corners, Coach Lea said there's a true freshman that has a chance to play a lot (but didn't name him)... that almost has to be Martel Hight. The Dores haven't really had a lockdown corner since, probably JoeJuan Williams... is it possible Hight, in time, could be that guy? Impossible to say right now, but we can hope. Barr said Hight has some pretty amazing moves on punt returns too.
4. Only time will tell whether Vandy has made a mistake by extending Clark Lea. But for now, I think it says they recognize something special about him and feel investing in him now is the right thing to do. I think it's the same thing the rest of us see: a clear plan, a purpose, a very cerebral guy who really believes what he's selling, but won't cut any corners to get there; and a guy who has a special attachment to the school. In other words, pretty much the ideal coach for a place like Vanderbilt. The plan is in place, and we can all visualize it. Now... will the wins follow?
1. What a torn-up mess downtown has become, with all the new buildings and cranes. I've never seen so many cranes, closed streets, and foundations being laid for new high-rise buildings. I guess it hadn't really dawned on me how much downtown is about to change. (I was trying to get to the Grand Hyatt from Demonbreun Street and right now, with the Broadway overpass at Union Station completely shut down, you just about have to go through Clarksville in order to get there.)
2. I did get to chat a bit with Ethan Barr. He's very excited about the LB corps, and says that with all that experience coming back, it's hard to imagine the defense not being greatly improved. Think about it... with both Pattersons coming back and Prince Kollie coming in, there's a possibility that with regular rotation Ethan may only be playing about half the snaps.
3. When discussing the corners, Coach Lea said there's a true freshman that has a chance to play a lot (but didn't name him)... that almost has to be Martel Hight. The Dores haven't really had a lockdown corner since, probably JoeJuan Williams... is it possible Hight, in time, could be that guy? Impossible to say right now, but we can hope. Barr said Hight has some pretty amazing moves on punt returns too.
4. Only time will tell whether Vandy has made a mistake by extending Clark Lea. But for now, I think it says they recognize something special about him and feel investing in him now is the right thing to do. I think it's the same thing the rest of us see: a clear plan, a purpose, a very cerebral guy who really believes what he's selling, but won't cut any corners to get there; and a guy who has a special attachment to the school. In other words, pretty much the ideal coach for a place like Vanderbilt. The plan is in place, and we can all visualize it. Now... will the wins follow?