2008 Rockets Meet the Press

The University of Toledo football Rockets came out to meet the press today under sunny skies, warm but not hot temps, and steady breeze. The mood of the players and coaches was as bright as the day out at Carter Field.

The start of every season brings out the optimist in everyone, none more so than football players and their coaches. I came upon UT coach Tom Amstutz discussing his hobbies of fishing and lure collecting, then later chatting with a friend over anything other than football. But as Coach told me yesterday, it’s good to get out from behind that desk, and he was in high spirits.

I asked Tom to tell me about the start of the new season, what we can expect from the Rockets. He replied that he’s excited to get the season started again, “I feel like it’s a privilege to be a coach here again…I’m excited about the team…”. Amstutz went on to say “we have a lot of veteran players we can build on, we have a lot of players who are hungry and want to contribute. So it’s gonna be a fun year. I like the new freshman class…those guys are working hard and want to contribute. We’re off to a good start.”

Regarding previous reports of an emphasis on team speed, especially on defense and at defensive end, Coach said the staff is experimenting, trying to get the best 11 football players on the field. He said that, “while nothing is permanent right now, but we’re looking at Forestal a little bit at defensive end, see what he can do there, coming off the edge, and Terrell Willis, both of those guys are former linebackers playing some end…Archie Donald is back…We signed Darius Quinn, who looks like he could be a junior college player who could step in and give us some immediate help. We just want the best, and fastest, and most aggressive 11 players we can find on the field.”

Amstutz complimented new assistant coach Ken Karcher and his work with quarterback Aaron Opelt, saying Opelt had a great summer and is benefiting from working with Karcher. Said Amstutz, “he started working with him from the feet up, working on his foot work. And he’s also working with him on his confidence as a quarterback, so I think that’s been a real positive for us.”

Of course, what QB would look good without receivers who can catch the ball. This year’s team seems to be loaded at the wide receiver position, starting with Nick Moore and Stephen Williams. Coach said the offense can not face off directly with the defense just yet, due to NCAA rules, but in a few days that will begin to change. The Rockets are in shells tomorrow and get into pads early next week.

Of course I had to ask about the secondary, where many Rocket fans feel the strength of the defense lies. It’s even been said among the faithful that the secondary may be the best in the MAC. Coach Amstutz said "we need to be the #1 improved secondary in the MAC – that’s our goal."

In the spirit of opening week optimism, I’d say the Rockets are well on their way to be the most improved TEAM in the MAC in 2008. In eight days, you’ll be able to go out to Carter Field to see for yourself when the Rockets practice from 10:30 – 12:30 in one of two practices open to the public. We’ll have more of Media Day coverage over the next couple of days, featuring interviews with Barry Church, Nick Moore, Stephen Williams, Aaron Opelt, DaJuan Collins, and more.