Temple University Athletics
Spring Practice #10 Recap
4.7.09 | Football
April 7, 2009
Linebackers coach Jared Backus -
PHILADELPHIA-- After each remaining spring practice session, a member of the Temple coaching staff will give an assessment about his unit's progress. Today Jared Backus, linebackers coach, gives his perspective.
Jared Backus Quotes
What were you impressions of spring practice so far?
The team had done a great job as far as coming out ready to practice each day with a lot of energy and pep. We've had a really good tempo. Guys are executing and understanding the situations that the coaches are putting them in, and I just think they're doing a great job.
This is your first year with the Temple linebackers. I know you have experience in that area, but how has the switch been for you?
It's been great. I have a really great group of linebackers, some older guys that have experience, so they're really enjoyable to work with. Then some younger guys have come in and are really talented. They're learning. It's been neat to work with the guys; they're a really talented group. It's a mature group.
What do you want the linebackers to accomplish this spring?
I think developing a lot of consistency. Just being consistent and being productive on a day-to-day basis. They've come out with a great approach each day to practice. They're getting better each day.
Who do you think has shown the most improvement?
Boy, that would be hard for me. I don't know if there's any single guy that has shown the most improvement. I think they've all really improved from the first practice. The older guys-- Peanut Joseph, John Haley, Amara Kamara -- have improved in their own way. And the young guys-- Keith Baker and Zach Kane -- this being their first spring, they've made a lot of progress. There are a lot of guys who have improved in a lot of different areas.
Any surprises?
No, not really. Not for me. I think the biggest surprise, and not necessarily a surprise, is that guys come out each day with a really good approach and they're really working very, very hard. That's been not a surprise for me, but the thing that makes you the most happy as a coach. They play hard each day and compete, and they work hard.
Talk about newcomers Keith Baker and Zach Kane:
Both are playing Mike linebacker for us. Both have really worked hard mentally and physically to get themselves in good shape. Both are having really good springs. Both really, really work hard. They're smart players and are great additions to the team.
