Paul Chryst: Corey Clement, Badgers defense have been impressive
Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst spoke with the media Tuesday on the Big Ten's weekly coaches teleconference, ahead of the Badgers' season opener Saturday against No. 3 Alabama.
Chryst discussed running back Corey Clement, the Badgers' defense and his expectations of facing the Crimson Tide.
Here is the full transcript of Chryst's conference call:
Chryst: This week the key is and the focus is having a great week of preparation and looking forward to playing what is obviously a well-coached and talented Alabama team.
Question: I'm wondering what you've seen out of Corey Clement as he's worked to take the starting job?
Chryst: Well I've appreciated what he's done and I know Corey's played a lot of snaps and been a significant part of this team, and yet, it's kind of well-documented, his role will be different. I think he's done everything to this point in preparing himself for that role, instead of sharing a backfield with Melvin, he's the clear No. 1 back for us. I think he's excited about that opportunity and . . . I've been impressed with the way that he works and preparing himself as best as he can, and we'll try to help for the mental part of being that featured guy.
Question: Are there traits he has that you've seen in some of the past successful running backs you've coached?
Chryst: I have been fortunate to be around a lot of really good running backs, and they're all different and yet they all have that mindset of wanting to be the best and willing to work at it. I've been lucky when I start thinking through, all those guys are unselfish players, but they also know that they'll shoulder a greater responsibility and they welcome that, they don't shrink from that. I think that's part of what makes them great and I think Corey's got a lot of those attributes and has certainly done a lot of great things to this point, and yet I think has an opportunity in front of himself to continue to grow and build on his football resume.
Question: What are your thoughts on Tim Beckman being fired at Illinois?
Chryst: You know, obviously you heard about it and talked to Coach Alvarez a little bit about it, and yet right now is a great time for us and you just immerse yourself into our team and getting ready for this game and the season, so really don't have a lot more to comment about it.
Question: How do you think Bill Cubit will do in his place?
Chryst: I've had a chance to meet Bill and know much more about him as a football coach and have always had a lot of respect for him. As you probably know in this profession, even if you don't know the guy, you know guys that have worked with him or been on his staff before, and everyone that I know thinks a lot of him. So I would think he's a guy that's been around and understands the game and players and the situation, and I would expect he would be . . . I'm sure it's a hard thing for everyone involved, but he's got a lot of respect in our profession, I know that.
Question: Is there a particular area of your defense that's exceeded your and Dave Aranda's hopes and expectations this preseason?
Chryst: You know, I think that it's an interesting group because you've got some guys that have played a lot of football and been in and won a lot of big games. And then we've got a group where now is their opportunity, now is their time; they've played in roles that are a little bit different. I think both Dave and myself like the group and like the way that they're working and working together, communicating, and I think there's a good chemistry with the group. And yet for me, I'm still learning this team, right? And I've enjoyed seeing how they approach each day and I think that they've got some players that are tremendous leaders. Mike Caputo's our captain, and Vince Biegel and Joe Schobert, Darius Hilary, really good leaders. So I think they've got a lot of things that you can like. And yet surprising, no, because it's what I know and I think that we've had some younger guys step in and step up to where we're starting to get some depth. So certainly it's early, but I like the group right now.
Question: Do you think you guys will get any confidence from knowing that Ohio State beat Alabama last year?
Chryst: At the end of the day, it's this group of players and their group of players. I think it's human nature to refer back to experiences you've had, and this year's Wisconsin team has not played this Alabama team, we all know that. They've played similar opponents, and our players played against Ohio State, so when they watch the film and see guys that they know well playing against (Alabama), I think it does help in your preparation and assessing the opponent a bit. I think everyone's proud of what they did and how they finished the year, but I don't think any of that carries over to this game necessarily. There's reference points that I suppose players can make off it, but I think it really boils down to it's a new team for us, it's a new Alabama team, and we both kick off our season Saturday night against each other.
