Had an opportunity to attend full practice session yesterday and if it’s even possible to come away with more respect for the Kang and staff…I did! It’s clear why the program continues to thrive and consistently win. A few observations:
1. Donte Williams may be my new favorite staff member. The guy was teaching at a very precise technical level while also administering a hefty dose of motivation. When one guy took a wrong step, got beat and didn’t max effort to recover, the phrase “don’t give me any of that p@&$y shit man” made clear the standard he expects.
2. Ellis Robinson is the best high school pure coverage corner I’ve ever seen. Didn’t matter who he was covering. He picks up tight, uses hand to keep tabs on receiver while turning to find the ball. We saw literally no separation the entire practice.
3. Lawson Lucky seemed to be struggling and definitely heard about it. He was less than half as effective driving sled as Delp (and Hartley had him repeat 3 times before telling him he needed to seriously hit the weight room). Then had some drops and lapses finishing routes that caught Kirby’s attention.
4. Kirby begins setting the standard before recruits commit. Multiple times during practice his voice BOOMED over the speakers to let the 20+ recruits on the sideline know that if they were more interested in checking their social media than watching his practice, they should get their asses somewhere else. Loved the “we’re filming you” shoutout the second time around…I may or may not have double checked that my phone was securely deep in my pocket. 😲
5. It’s way too early, just a spring practice blah blah blah…but if these guys push it like that through camp and into the season, I like our chances.
