After giving the media a chance to speak to head coach Greg Schiano, offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarocca, and defensive coordinator Travis Johansen, the program has started the press conferences where members of the media can ask questions to position coaches. This time, it was new rush ends coach Joe Woodley’s turn at the podium, having the chance to speak publicly in front of the media for the first time since joining the Knights coaching staff.
The first questioned asked had to do with the working
relationship with Woodley and Johansen and how they have started their working relationship back up after being on the same staff together at Grand View in the NAIA. He talked about how the two have a mutual respect for one another and when Johansen reached out to him with this opportunity, he did not hesitate because of belief in Johansen and his overall respect for Johansen’s football mind.
The next question had to do with his early impressions of the players in the room and if anyone has stood out so far. He started off by talking about how coachable everyone in the room is and how excited he is about the future of the group. He then went on to talking about how everyone in the room is still adjusting to the new defense before moving onto the next question. He did not name any players in particular as standouts but rather address his optimism to the whole room overall.
The second to last question in the press conference had to do with Wydeek Collier and whether or not he is ready to see more playing time this season based on his off-season progression.
“Yeah, I think it’s day by day right now. Of course, he’s extremely talented. I don’t think that’s a secret to anybody with his length and his athleticism. I just see a kid that just continues to improve and get better each and every day and wants to get better. He asks questions, he asks the right questions. He’s a sharp young guy and I’m excited about his future.”
The last question in the press conference had to do with adding former Drake Linebacker Sean Allison to the team and what makes him a special addition to the team. According to Woodley, having a player like Allison at Drake helped him transition adjust to being the head coach at a new school because he is a natural born leader, In addition to having a voice that helps lead the locker room he also had a few All-American awards at the FCS level.
To view the full video, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLJrGyvhg0I
