Earlier this summer I sat down with Fordham head football coach Tom Masella, who shared these thoughts with me as his team prepares for the upcoming season:
Football camp opens at Fordham. (nytimes.com)
On this year’s recruiting class:
“I think we have some special players and I think we have some players that can become special that we took some chances on. We took a couple more high-risk, high-reward type kids because that’s how it played out with the new recruiting [rules]. We took a few flyers on some kids and hopefully they’ll develop into great players.
“I thought our first three classes were solid recruiting classes. [With] this one we’re walking that tight rope a little bit. I’m excited to see how this class pans out as we move forward.”
On quarterback John Skelton, an Honorable Mention Preseason All-American:
“I think if John has a great year he has a great chance to do great things beyond Fordham. If John has a great year that means we’re going to win a lot of football games. John has done a terrific job this offseason. We expect big things out of him. We’re excited to see where he takes us this year.”
On putting last year’s disappointing season behind them:
“College football now is almost a 12-month a year job. Our kids have been going at it pretty hard. They understand the lessons from last season. You can’t rest and look back. You have to always look forward. Hopefully our kids are looking forward.
“I knew last year was going to be difficult. Anytime you have early or unexpected success with a bunch of young kids – that’s what they were as freshman and sophomores – it’s always tough to come back and go grind it out again. I think that was a big factor. And then we had some injuries that were also a factor.
“We just didn’t understand what it was to be defending champions as opposed to an also-ran. I think our kids learned a lesson.”
On the excitement of opening camp:
“I’m excited to get [rid of] the taste of last year and I think our players are [too]. I love what they’ve done this offseason. They look ready to go.
“I think there are a lot of great things going on for our university and our football program. I’m excited about the season because of our players. I think we’re going to have a good year. Hopefully people will come out and watch because I think we have a pretty good football team.”
(NOTE: Masella talked at length to Fordham SportsNet about the university’s decision to award football scholarships. You can find that article here.)
Charles Costello
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