From Coach, aka, Jimbo Burck

ITF EXTRA - Some notes on the freshmen, more ... Reply

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We'll have a ton up, starting on the drive home, but here are some quickies ...

The freshmen have been impressive. Morgan Trent said they are the "smallest, but fastest" group he's ever seen. He's gotten faster himself despite gaining 10 pounds. Really likes Justin Feagin, said he's extremely confident and he likes the way he carries himself.

This is strength coach Mike Barwis' first group of incoming freshmen that all made their initial goals in terms of times during runs and lifts. They have obviously been preparing. Rodriguez likes what he's heard on the group from Barwis.

The team is in incredible shape. Tim Jamison said Terrance Taylor has done a 180 in terms of attitude and buying in, said you wouldn't recognize him. He's really changed his eating habits. Will Johnson's bench is off the charts ("he's a freak"). Marques Slocum - Jamison said there was an "unfortunate incident," so it sounds like his dismissal was more than just academics.

OT Steve Schilling has a six-pack. Jamison said the whole team was in fantastic shape and Trent said he wouldn't make predictions for the season, other than they'd be the best conditioned team in the Big Ten.

Some of the "apostles" that went over to Rich Rodriguez's house - team leaders - include Trent, Jamison, Mike Massey, Will Johnson, other guys from different classes and -- Carson Butler. Rodriguez said he was really proud at how he'd developed into a leader and bought in, and he's expecting big things from him.

Jamison is at 263 after weighing 275 last year. He's waiting to hit the freshmen, who he calls "no-pad All-Americans." :)

Several of the opposing defensive players we talked to called Trent one of the most underrated players in the conference (and he agreed).

Access ... we'll be getting it EVERY OTHER PRACTICE this fall. This isn't the old days, folks.

Looking forward to a fun fall ...