Leipold details player performances and team energy after an energizing open practice, revealing quarterback battle progress and spring goals.
Lance Leipold’s open practice presser at Lawrence High School:
Lance Leipold (Opening Statement): “Yeah, I’m glad we had a chance to do this. We appreciate Lawrence High giving us the opportunity to come here with the stadium project going up where we could get some stands and utilize the facility. I think we got a lot of great things accomplished today. Still got a lot to clean up as always, but to get in front of people, see how people play in front of others in a lot of different situations — we got a lot done.”
On crowd reactions and big plays: “You know, again, I always try to stay balanced as a head coach. If they’re having explosive plays, are we not stopping people? But if we’re stopping them all the time, are we struggling moving the ball? So you look for that competitive balance. But the ‘oohs and ahhs’ from the fans, the band being here — that added a lot today. I think it made it a great day for our guys.”
On team energy and environment: “I think they got excited about it. It was a little bit different, something we haven’t done before — leaving campus. Once they saw people lined up when they got off the bus, I think it helped get the juices going.”
On goals for the practice: “No, I think every day we’re evaluating positions, working on depth, getting guys acclimated. We got good situational work — backed-up situations, red zone, two-minute drills. That’s the kind of stuff that helps you in games.”
On overall progress this spring: “We’ve got three more practices. We’ve got to take advantage of them, be efficient, keep improving, stay healthy. I’m excited about this group. Our newcomers have integrated really well — fewer bumps than I anticipated.”
On the quarterback battle: “Yeah, I think it’s where we want it. Chase probably had his best day, still not doing full 11-on-11 yet. But we’re not rushing it. Cole and Isaiah are getting reps, working with different units. I think by halfway through fall camp, we’ll have a clear picture.”
On what he’s looking for at QB: “It’s time. Consistency, separation, command of the offense, decision-making, accuracy, leadership — all the things we’ve talked about.”
On intensity late in spring: “I hope it ramps up, but we’ve had good intensity so far. What I don’t want to see is guys just trying to get through it. We can’t take a step back.”
On running backs: “Kory shows burst, size, composure. Yen has shown explosiveness and physicality. Dylan Edwards will be our most electric player — we’ll keep finding ways to use him.”
On wide receivers: “Pretty much what we hoped and maybe more. Cam Pickett continues to show he can make plays. Nick McMillan has shown it from day one. D. Cox has really come on lately — big target, wins 50/50 balls. Tate Nagy has been slowed a bit but will be used. Tight ends have improved and will be part of the pass game.”
On return specialists: “Tate will be a return specialist along with Dylan. That gives us two guys who can make plays. Tate was very steady last year for a true freshman.”
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