New Attitude

[Shevis Irons]

The character of this team is very different from the last twenty years and to tell you the truth I'm a litle shocked it has happened so fast.

Analyzing Xs and Os and team personnel will go along way in determining whether a team will be successful or not but it won't get you to the finish line. The last hurdle a team must cross is creating dynamic team chemistry. I believe it starts with the coaches then manifests itself in the relationship between the team leaders and the rest of the team. While it may be early I am witnessing amazing results by this coaching staff.

I have been introduced to a good portion of the team this weekend and I can tell you the vibe I get is very different. To a man they shook my hand, looked me in the eye and said glad to meet you or something similar. This has not been the case recently. It has to be the life coaching these kids are getting and I gotta say, I'm blown away. Yes, it's just a very small thing and, no, shaking some old farts hand will not translate into more wins but it does indicate these guys are listening. Listening, paying attention and doing the little things.

Another thing, all the players are tied to their position coaches as if their lives depended on it. I know it's all new and a new Gameday routine they're learning but the important thing I've observed is that they are paying attention and seem to have real sense of urgency that can only be realized by their position coach.

In the past Gameday prep wasn't as structured and groups of players seemed to wander off on their own.

The discipline on this team will carry it further than ANY ONE of us expect. Bank on it. Hold me to this statement at the end of the season, I relish the challenge.

 

[JimsTexas]

I am looking forward to see how it will translate on the football field. My friends y'all have a great weekend and GO TEXAS

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Thanks for sharing the observations Shevis and it's great to see Strong's influence on his players in this manner.  Like Urban Meyer said about Strong:

“A genuine love of the player…like I’ve never seen. Now he’s hard, he’ll kill them. Charlie will kill them. But deep in his soul…I’d probably say that he’s the best I’ve ever seen at being genuine, genuine. Not the ‘Hey how ya’ doing, how’s your family?’ and walk away talking to them. But some of the stuff I’ve seen Coach Strong do…that goes far beyond…it’s a parent.”

My guess is this has already permeated into the lives of the Texas players.

 

[Chitownhorn]

Glad to hear you saw an attitude change. Shevis you mentioned that you thought it was "just a very small thing" but it's the small things that pile up and make a big difference. It's usually the details that are considered small things. Heightened attention to those details during practice will make a huge difference on the field and it sounds like CFS has the team paying attention to the details.  

 

[Topstarr]

Now...Yes ....Now, I believe and #LetsRide and play some Texas football.......

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Thanks for sharing, Shevis. I have no doubt about your observations after seeing it build over the last month.

 

[lakeman74]

I hope the wide receivers perform on the field this year because we will need them to.  That's really cool you got to hang with the team!  Looking forward to hearing more!