Head Coach Mario Cristobal spoke with the press to discuss the progress of his team more than a week into practice, their upcoming scrimmage, and more.
"The emphasis today was on short yardage goal line, red zone ball, and third-down situations. It's about giving guys opportunities to find roles and work on things that need improvement," said Cristobal. While progress is evident, Cristobal acknowledges, "We've got a long way to go."
The team was in full pads for today’s practice. While they primarily practiced in "thud mode," Cristobal said you can still get a feel for the physical nature of the game. Their first live scrimmage is this Saturday, offering them a chance to further simulate game-time conditions.
On individual players, Cristobal was effusive in his praise for Ray Ray Joseph when asked about the freshman receiver’s progress. "He's South Florida through and through," the coach stated. The player's work ethic, attention to detail, and refusal to be outdone stand out. “Whatever he does, he does at 100 miles per hour. Everyone trusts him,” Cristobal added.
Fans can anticipate an open scrimmage this year, a feature absent in the previous year due to stadium transition and other factors. "We don't feel like we're risking anything in terms of our stuff being out there," Cristobal explained, emphasizing the importance of creating a robust home-field advantage at Hard Rock.
When asked about the cornerback position, Cristobal highlighted several key players but remained cautious. "I wouldn't put anybody in the best job category yet," he said. However, he pointed out veterans like Te’Cory Couch, Davante Brown, and Jaden Davis, along with the promising freshman Damari Brown.
“Really excited about Damari Brown – I mean, he pops now. Big and physical, he can run. He plays with courage and toughness. Student of the game, obviously it’s in his bloodline. And he’s working to earn everything.”
Freshman CB Robert Stafford is “progressing nicely” according to Cristobal. JUCO transfer Demetrius Freeney got banged up, but it is not serious.
Addressing the rapid changes in college football, especially relating to conference realignments, Cristobal opined that while dynamics are shifting, the core of the game remains unchanged. "Regardless of what happens, the ball's still going to be placed on the T and kicked off at its scheduled time," he said.
Discussing individual players, Cristobal was effusive about KJ Cloyd and Rueben Bain. On transfer LB Cloyd, Cristobal said “He’s a good player. Physical, fast, very natural at the position.”
Bain, who arrived in spring “a bit banged up”, according to Cristobal has shown significant improvement physically. "He’s a complete monster...when he first got here he was benching about 250-275 and weighing 260. He's now weighing 280-285 and is benching 400 plus pounds. Explosive, fast, so smart, and he’s a one-correction guy. He’s got a super bright future, but he also has a super bright present moment.”
Two young running backs have stood out during the camp. "Mark Fletcher has been an absolute stud," Cristobal declared. Fletcher's size, strength, and agility have made an impression, especially his ability "to get in and out of trouble when things aren't exactly right." His prowess in protection was also highlighted. Ajay Allen, a transfer from Nebraska, "exploded yesterday" and showcased his potential during the practice sessions.
"The emphasis today was on short yardage goal line, red zone ball, and third-down situations. It's about giving guys opportunities to find roles and work on things that need improvement," said Cristobal. While progress is evident, Cristobal acknowledges, "We've got a long way to go."
The team was in full pads for today’s practice. While they primarily practiced in "thud mode," Cristobal said you can still get a feel for the physical nature of the game. Their first live scrimmage is this Saturday, offering them a chance to further simulate game-time conditions.
On individual players, Cristobal was effusive in his praise for Ray Ray Joseph when asked about the freshman receiver’s progress. "He's South Florida through and through," the coach stated. The player's work ethic, attention to detail, and refusal to be outdone stand out. “Whatever he does, he does at 100 miles per hour. Everyone trusts him,” Cristobal added.
Fans can anticipate an open scrimmage this year, a feature absent in the previous year due to stadium transition and other factors. "We don't feel like we're risking anything in terms of our stuff being out there," Cristobal explained, emphasizing the importance of creating a robust home-field advantage at Hard Rock.
When asked about the cornerback position, Cristobal highlighted several key players but remained cautious. "I wouldn't put anybody in the best job category yet," he said. However, he pointed out veterans like Te’Cory Couch, Davante Brown, and Jaden Davis, along with the promising freshman Damari Brown.
“Really excited about Damari Brown – I mean, he pops now. Big and physical, he can run. He plays with courage and toughness. Student of the game, obviously it’s in his bloodline. And he’s working to earn everything.”
Freshman CB Robert Stafford is “progressing nicely” according to Cristobal. JUCO transfer Demetrius Freeney got banged up, but it is not serious.
Addressing the rapid changes in college football, especially relating to conference realignments, Cristobal opined that while dynamics are shifting, the core of the game remains unchanged. "Regardless of what happens, the ball's still going to be placed on the T and kicked off at its scheduled time," he said.
Discussing individual players, Cristobal was effusive about KJ Cloyd and Rueben Bain. On transfer LB Cloyd, Cristobal said “He’s a good player. Physical, fast, very natural at the position.”
Bain, who arrived in spring “a bit banged up”, according to Cristobal has shown significant improvement physically. "He’s a complete monster...when he first got here he was benching about 250-275 and weighing 260. He's now weighing 280-285 and is benching 400 plus pounds. Explosive, fast, so smart, and he’s a one-correction guy. He’s got a super bright future, but he also has a super bright present moment.”
Two young running backs have stood out during the camp. "Mark Fletcher has been an absolute stud," Cristobal declared. Fletcher's size, strength, and agility have made an impression, especially his ability "to get in and out of trouble when things aren't exactly right." His prowess in protection was also highlighted. Ajay Allen, a transfer from Nebraska, "exploded yesterday" and showcased his potential during the practice sessions.
