Another great turnout last night in Houston. The Cadillac Grill was packed…estimate 120+.
Football, and mens and womens basketball coaches were there, as well as Athletic Department and Foundation leadership, and interim president, Joe Paul.
As expected Will was the featured speaker. Last year he came in with his hair on fire. This year was different…he was “focused” and there was an intensity that he didn’t show last year. He has had, in essence (with the portal), three good recruiting cycles and has a full complement of players. All the players are in and have been working this summer…he has given them a couple of days off before they report Thursday and begin in earnest on Friday. He has three qb’s…Key’s has the “it” factor, he has worked hard and has grown from 196 to 218. We will be a qb driven offense but the superback will be in the arsenal. Offensive line coach is making a difference…they have a history of working well together and have “set records” with their offenses in the past. Defense will be special…Nasty Bunch is alive and well. USM is known for defense and they are primed. You can tell he likes the “character” of this team. Still a recruiting cycle away but he is ready to get the season underway. Will was more comfortable this year working the room and people just gravitated to him. Universally liked and most importantly alums are behind him 100%.
And now for the real difference maker. Before I begin with this next statement let me say that I was a Rodney fan. I felt that he grew into the job and did some good things for my beloved university. But Joe Paul, OMG, picture the prodigal son, pied piper, and best friend returning to lead university. He gets it and worked the room beautifully…he loves the university and has a vision to execute in whatever time he has as interim. Was universally loved…picture an entourage of people getting their picture made with him. I hope the powers that be will seriously consider removing the interim title.
All in all a successful meeting…a lot of money in the room and a lot of excitement…that’s a great combination.
Bring on Liberty…SMTTT
