by MrTarheel
Over at Kenan Stadium, change is in the air!
There's a real professional coach running things now and he has already changed quite a bit in the program. I thought I would highlight some of the best I see and some I think we will see in the next few months.
5. Pace
Butch Davis has implemented a system where everything is done fast. The team practices fast, they are given information fast, and they are expected to learn fast. The hope is that come game day the players will be used to playing at a faster pace and will easily adjust to game conditions. Kind of like the scene in the movie The Matrix where Neo dodges bullets in slow motion!
4. Speed
Since I'm using movie references, think Micky from Rocky. The Heels are after "greasy fast lightning speed"! No, they are not chasing chickens around the practice fields but the emphasis is definitely different this year in how they train their bodies for the season. Less overall lifting strength and more speed. If you watched the Tar Heel football team the last few years you may have noticed that many teams seemed a step faster than the Heels.....those days are over. That will be one of the first things I look for when watching the JMU game.
3. Chemistry
Rumor has it the last few staffs over at Kenan weren't always on the same page....Butch Davis has assembled guys who work well together and understand the importance of teamwork amongst the staff. They seem to have fun while they are demanding. They have developed thoughtful practice plans that will benefit the entire team. This change shouldn't be overlooked .....I think we will see that the players feed off of that and we will see a more cohesive unit on the field.
2. Building
Something as simple as removing a door can send a strong message. An "open door" policy over at Kenan should tell players that the coaches are always there to help them. Coach Davis removed some doors, removed a few walls and updated equipment and paint. The result I hear is a more open environment that fosters communication with all the teammates and provides a more "inspiring" environment to workout in. There have also been additions to the stadium ( LED boards showing scores,etc ) that should add to the game experience for the fans.
1. Expectations
Make no mistake. Butch Davis and the Tar Heels are striving for BCS bowls and National Championships. They won't get there this year but these players will fight and scratch in every game this year in their quest to play with a championship attitude. These players believe they are a part of something special and we will see that on the field this season. That starts at the top. The Tar Heels have been missing that component for a while ....not that the past coaches didn't want to compete in the Top 10 but I don't think they truly believed the team could accomplish that nor did they know how to get the program there.
Go Heels! enjoy more at http://www.mrtarheel.com/
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