Highlights from the Skip Holtz Press Conference

Football is Back!

Here are some highlights from the press conference (thank goodness football is back!). Holtz addressed the media today to catch everyone up before the team begins their fall camp starting tomorrow. Find out if there are any roster changes, how the practices will go in Vero Beach, and everything else you will need to know. [keep reading]

All 17 signees in the 2011 recruiting class made the grades and are on campus, which is huge. They are a key group of players not only for depth but the academic level of the program as well. Wide receiver Alex Mut, who is grey-shirting as he rehabs (tore his ACL) is recovering well.

There are no surprise names that are being added to the roster as they head to Vero Beach. Tackle Jake Kaufman won't participate in Fall camps as he still deals with the lingering back injury he continues to battle. Tight end Jeff Hawkins is also out with the torn ACL he suffered over the summer. Holtz also stated that there were no late transfers out as well, meaning the team is all there for the Fall camp to begin.

Coach Holtz feels that 7 to 8 freshman could make in impact right in the beginning. He also feels the depth chart behind the starters will have to prove a lot over the next 30 days as they prepare themselves for Notre Dame.

Tomorrow begins the practices starting with a team walk through and a practice. There will only be two two-a-days, the rest of the practices will be normal. This is probably a welcome sign for Lamar, Griffin, Love, and Battles who are all coming off of substantial injuries last season.

Holtz said there is no motto for the team entering the camp, they will make it themselves as they prepare. There will be extra intensity during this camp as they realize the level of competition in just week one.

Holtz did through some fun quotes during the speech (always fun with Skip). He stated when USF was founded (1956) that ND has 7 National Titles, showing the level of prestige of ND.

He stated that the team is looking at new uniform ideas and combinations but will have to talk to the team leaders about what could happen. We might see the green helmets folks.

Holtz pointed to new strength and conditioning coach Mike Golden and the job he has done with the team over the Summer. Adam Adkins had a nice story about the level Golden has taken the training to. It should get you even more excited for the season.

So there you have it folks, football season is back. The team gets started tomorrow with their first practices as they prepare for the 2011 season opener against Notre Dame. 31 days until South Bend!