The coaching staff is looking to the players who stood out last season to continue this trend and stand out even more - to take their games to another level. We hope to see the players who do not typically get the limelight to enhance their team contributions and roles.

It hasn't been the season that I've wanted, ... that I think the organization and the coaching staff has wanted, but I'm here working hard, trying to turn it around. Just not have another season like we did this year.

I think that says a lot for our coaching staff and the players we have here.

Talk to me after the first game. We're a new coaching staff still getting to know our players. We haven't had the band out there or the cheerleaders out there yet. Who knows what our guys will do when that happens.

Honestly, there was some discussion on our coaching staff as to who really should continue being the starter. That was a real thing that happened. They were kind of different types; Mark was a little more steady early on than Brett. There was something appealing to a coach about that. Clearly, I had a decision to make.

It's amazing. We're very proud of him. The coaching staff is elated. We get to see (our players) grow into young men. For us that's what it's all about. It all stems from the great family he comes from. It's not just how he carries himself on the field. It's also how he carries himself on campus and in life.