MARIO:
-19 presumed starters/ contributors missed spring ball- Fall camp is going to look very different from spring when these guys are back and the new guys mix in
- team is really buying into the demanding culture that has been put to them
-no room for bs....
- ton of momentum in recruiting. Mario said he feels like another wave is about to come....
- Elite players are buying in to the vision
- On his staff: patience in the process is key. All of the staff have seen Miami when they were good and now want to be a part of what can be
-Feels really good about the OLine right now... Mirabal teaching fundamentals that will allow them to play a "power game"
Mario says he is Mirabal's "GA"
- On Zion: has some elite level traits, especially when it comes to "recoverability" if he's knocked off his stance
Says Zion is an "elite human being" and a really top level chef....
-On NIL: positive thing for the players. Just needs more clarity & guidelines. Notes that there are some really prominent alumni who have been helpful
"some guys are going to do better with NIL and that's just life"
- On TVD: Leads by example. He's unselfish but is very demanding of himself and his teammates... Totally a team first guy who doesn't care about the personal accolades..
- Mario says he is going to be very demanding of the supporting offensive cast around TVD. Says they have to get better = they all know what is expected of them..
- Weight room, recruiting and the portal has helped make the trenches bigger and stronger. Proof will be when they get on the field: weights in the weight room don't push back.
- Says Jason Taylor has been an invaluable addition to the staff in terms of knowledge and teaching. Mario mentioned the rules governing analyst roles are going to be changing and that will free up JT to help even more...
You can tell not having a better season with Justin Herbert irks Mario even though they still won the Rose Bowl. Big reason was Oregon's supporting cast was too inconsistent. Mario seems determined to not let that happen with Tyler.