Two players and each of the ACC's nine head coaches met with the media for the conference's Annual Football Kickoff at Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina. TheACC.com presented questions from fans to all of the players and coaches in attendance. Below are over 80 audio files recorded at the event.
To listen to the audio files you will need Windows Media Player. A free copy can be downloaded here. To hear a specific school, click on the school logo to move directly to the school's audio files. To hear a question response, click on the time link to the right of the question.
Changes in the BCS, bowl tie-ins and a possible bowl game in Charlotte were among some of the topics discussed during ACC Commissioner John Swofford's Forum at the Football Kickoff. Audio of the comments by the Commissioner about those issues and the upcoming football season are now available here.
Florida State was tabbed the ACC's 2001 preseason favorite at the conference's annual Football Kickoff at the Isle of Palms in South Carolina on July 23. Media members who cover the ACC participated in the vote. To see the complete poll, click here.
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Tommy Bowden | Who do you think can fill the role Rod Gardner played last season?
Jim - Clemson, S.C. | |
Tommy Bowden | How important are facilities improvements for you in recruiting?
Paul - Charleston, S.C. | |
Tommy Bowden | How tough will it be this year in the ACC to prepare for games with all of the new head coaches and coordinators in the league?
Phil - Taylors, S.C. | |
Tommy Bowden | I graduated from Walterboro High School with Keith Kelly and I was wondering how do you think he will turn out this season?
Jonathan - Cottageville, S.C. | |
Tommy Bowden | How much during a game have you actually gotten into calling plays on offense, or if not much, do you foresee yourself getting more hands-on in terms of play-calling/schemes this year?
Steve - Richmond, Va. | |
Chad Carson | Chad, do you feel any pressure to lead the defense this year now that Keith Adams is gone?
Brad - Spartanburg, S.C. | |
Chad Carson | I have heard that with your outstanding GPA you are a Rhodes Scholar nominee; how will that affect your plans after graduating from Clemson? Are you thinking NFL or more school?
Emily - Clemson, S.C. | |
Woodrow Dantzler | How bad will you miss R. Gardner? And who do you think will take his place once the season begins?
Brian - Charleston, S.C. | |
Woodrow Dantzler | Are there any attributes of your game you focused on improving for the upcoming season? If so, what were they and what things did you do?
Henry - Newport News, Va. | |
Woodrow Dantzler | Is the game plan for you this year geared more towards a passing game or will it be pretty much the same calls as last year?
Steve - Richmond, Va. | |
Woodrow Dantzler | How has karate helped you on and off the football field?
Jill - Taylors, S.C. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Carl Franks | As a former Duke OL, all I am concerned about is how the OL looks this year. I've been in Alabama too long and have lost touch with whats happening. Who's coming back? Does run or pass blocking look better?
Jonathan, Birmingham, Ala. | |
Carl Franks | Coach, how would you compare the physical strength and speed of your team from your first year here, to last year, and to what you expect to see this year?
Russ - Dover, Del. | |
Carl Franks | Can you talk about the potential play of Reggie Love?
Dan - Atlanta, Ga. | |
Mike Hart | Mike, You made one of the more spectacular catches in the Northwestern game at Evanston a few years ago. I'm glad to see you've continued to progress. How is our position at the tight-end spot and who do you see helping make an impact?
Bill - Overland Park, Kan. | |
Mike Hart | How is your role on the team this year different from the one last year? In what areas do you feel you have improved?
Andres - Miami, Fla. | |
Mike Hart | Having been named 2nd team All-ACC last year, you are the most acclaimed member of Duke's offensive unit. Who else on the offense do you see challenging for all-league honors?
Walterboro, S.C. | |
Mike Hart | Good luck and hope to see you on the all-ACC second team again. What are the major improvements that you see from the offense heading into the 2001 season as compared to the 2000 season?
P.J. - Greensboro, N.C. | |
B.J. Hill | Moving to the defensive backfield from running back, what do you think will be your biggest challenge and what do you think will be your biggest asset?
Walterboro, S.C. | |
B.J. Hill | Do you feel 100% comfortable on the defensive side of the ball?
P.J. - Greensboro, N.C. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Bobby Bowden | Which receiver for FSU is going to be the biggest surprise this season?
Frank - Orange Park, Fla. | |
Bobby Bowden | Which senior starters do you expect to emerge as strong leaders on this year's football squad?
Daniel - Jacksonville, Fla. | |
Bobby Bowden | How has Anquan Boldin handled the move back to QB?
Dave - High Point, N.C. | |
Bobby Bowden | Does having four kickers on the roster when fall workouts begin make it easier or harder to pick a winner? And, is there a clear cut favorite?
Jason - Bradenton, Fla. | |
Bobby Bowden | Do you see this as being another comeback year, since we had lost several talented players back in 1993 and still managed to bring home a National Championship trophy?
Jay - Tallahassee, Fla. | |
Chris Hope | Just wanted to know how well do you think the cornerback play will be with the new guys at the corner spots. We think the corner spots are the weakest link of the defense this year. We know that they are good however because you don't play for Bobby without having skill.
Michael - Los Angeles, Calif. | |
Chris Hope | Considering that you are the only returning starter for the FSU secondary, how do you think it will be being the leaders of the secondary this year; and how do you think Howard, Samuals, and Tatum will match up with the receivers at Tech, Miami and Florida?
Joe - Jacksonville, Fla. | |
Chris Hope | What do you think of this up coming year? Who is going to be our go to guy?
Eric - Albany, Ga. | |
Chris Hope | Talent is never a problem at FSU. I think the biggest concern this year is leadership. Who are the players looking to, to step up and take charge of this team?
Dave - Pittsburgh, Pa. | |
Brett Williams | Has a stronger emphasis on the running game changed the offensive lines conditioning and training, and if so how?
Shannon - Botkins, Ohio | |
Brett Williams | Brett, You have lost a strong offensive line. Do you think that you have the talent to replace your center and quarterback?
Susan - Panama City, Fla. | |
Brett Williams | Do you think your brother Blake will benefit from your presence on the FSU team and how do you feel about playing on the same team together?
John - Washington, D.C. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
George O'Leary | With the tremendous talent you've signed at quarterback the past 2 recruiting seasons, are you looking at moving some of these guys to different positions to take advantage of their athleticism?
Keith - Hartselle, Ala. | |
George O'Leary | With George Godsey coming off of knee surgery, do you expect him to return to what he was a year ago?
Matt - Macon, Ga. | |
George O'Leary | Last year, you had the team during winter workouts, workout together rather than splitting them up by position. Did you do the same this year, and does this seem to help the team chemistry wise?
Deric - Kennesaw, Ga. | |
George O'Leary | Would this year's group of receivers be your preseason pick as the best in Tech history?
K.C. - Taylors, S.C. | |
George O'Leary | With Big Ed Wilder graduating this past year, who do you see being the leading contender for fullback this year?
Chris - McCaysville, Ga. | |
George Godsey | Aside from the ultimate goal of winning the ACC and winning the Rose bowl, what personal goal do you have for yourself as you enter the season. For instance, Joe Hamilton had a goal to not throw an interception for the entire season. Or, what area would you like to see the most improvement?
Wes - Cincinnati, Ohio | |
George Godsey | Where do you see this team stacking up against last year's team and where do you expect this team to be come January?
Torrellis - Albany, Ga. | |
George Godsey | You had a great year last year when nobody expected much. However, this year people have a lot of expectations for you and the team. Does that put a lot of pressure on you guys to perform and how do you think the team and yourself will handle that pressure? I hope you guys have a great season and hope to see you in the Rose Bowl.
Jay - Erie, Pa. | |
George Godsey | What are your favorite things to do in your free time - not sports related?
Melissa - Atlanta, Ga. | |
Nick Rogers | Nick, I just got through re-reading "Focused on the Top" about the 1990 GT National Championship Team, and one thing that stuck out was how that defensive unit became so close knit. Do you think you guys will be slapping helmets with 6 & 7 guys flying around the ball like Tiggle, Coleman, and Clay, and how do you as a leader set that tone for everyone else?
Chris - Atlanta, Ga. | |
Nick Rogers | How do you feel about the defense this year? Do you think the secondary will be better or about the same as it was last year?
Harold - Tavares, Fla. | |
Nick Rogers | If you had your choice, which position would you prefer to play, end or linebacker? Why?
Deric - Kennesaw, Ga. | |
Nick Rogers | Will Albert Poree make a difference in this year's team. And will Johnathan Jackson be a factor at fullback?
Ryan - Rome, Ga. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Ralph Friedgen | I was saddened by your departure at Tech, you provided some wonderful years. How has the transition from being in the Offensive Coordinator position to the head coaching position been for you?
Robert - Birmingham, Ala. | |
Ralph Friedgen | At Georgia Tech you shaped your offense into one of the best in the ACC, how do you think this Terps offense compares to Georgia Tech's offense of the past few years and what do you think is the most important thing needed for Maryland football to be a contender year in and year out in the ACC?
Ben - Bloomington, Ill. | |
Melvin Fowler | I am excited for you and your team upon receiving a renewed coaching staff. My question is, how effective has Coach Friedgen been to the team thus far and what are your expectations for this upcoming season?
Norman - New York, N.Y. | |
Melvin Fowler | Compare the enthusiasm of this team, going into fall practice, to that of your previous years?
Bill - Frederick, Md. | |
Aaron Thompson | As a leader of the Terps, can you speak on how you plan to lead the Terps to a guaranteed post-season bowl invitation?
Daryl - Norwalk, Conn. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
John Bunting | Would you describe this upcoming season as a rebuilding one for the Tar Heels?
Josh - Columbia, S.C. | |
John Bunting | What would be the best thing UNC fans could do to inspire the team at home games?
Greg - Hillsborough, N.C. | |
John Bunting | Coach Bunting, What do you think was the biggest thing that you had to change about the Tar Heels, when you took over?
Chad - Knightdale, N.C. | |
Adam Metts | How do you feel the offensive line is progressing as a unit, and do you feel confident in our chances this year?
James - Fayetteville, N.C. | |
Adam Metts | Who is the hardest player and/or team you have played?
Paul - Chapel Hill, N.C. | |
Adam Metts | How much of a challenge is it to be 6'2" in a conference full of bigger and much taller defensive lineman? Do you just have to hit low and get under their pads and drive your man back?
Scott - Rocky Mount, N.C. | |
Adam Metts | Can you talk about the impression Coach Bunting has made on the team?
David - Greensboro, N.C. | |
Ryan Sims | As a veteran, how do you feel the mental and physical status of the team is, compared to previous years?
James - Fayetteville, N.C. | |
Ryan Sims | Who is the hardest player and/or team you have played?
Paul - Chapel Hill, N.C. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Chuck Amato | First of all, let me say what a fantastic job you did with the team last year. Thanks for helping bring back the excitement of Wolfpack football. Do you think that things will be more difficult, less difficult, or about the same with the onset of a new offensive coordinator?
Eric - Asheville, N.C. | |
Chuck Amato | How do you and your staff keep the players from becoming to complacent after coming off an amazing first year?
Robert - Clinton, N.C. | |
Chuck Amato | Mr Amato, considering the loss of Koren Robinson, are there any recruits at the wide receiver position that you think has some potential to be as good as Robinson?
Nathan - Kure Beach, N.C. | |
Chuck Amato | What improvements can we expect to see this season? Thanks and Go Pack!
Carol - Forest City, N.C. | |
Chuck Amato | After the many years that you have been in football (as a player and as a coach), do you still get butterflies when you take the field for the first game of each new season? Thank you, Coach Amato, for reinstilling pride, excitement and intensity in Wolfpack football. Good luck this season and Go Pack!
Elon, N.C. | |
Levar Fisher | What do you personally plan to do to get the rest of the defense fired up to stop the run this year?
Brent - West Chester, Ohio | |
Levar Fisher | The rest of the field seems to be in slow motion in comparison to you on defense. Blockers don't tie you up and runners can't get away. My friends and I have thus nicknamed you "Ta Dow" b/c you strike with such speed and power. Do you have a nickname?
Jason - Brevard, N.C. | |
Levar Fisher | What are the expectations at wide receiver and is the secondary going to be better this year?
Donnell - Jacksonville, N.C. | |
Ray Robinson | I went to the Clemson game last year and though we lost, that first pass that you took all the way was awesome. It seemed to set the tone that NCSU was not going back down to the favored Tigers. What is your own personal highlight of your career at NCSU?
Jason - Brevard, N.C. | |
Ray Robinson | What are some of the goals for the upcoming season?
Todd - Rock Mill, S.C. | |
Ray Robinson | Hey Ray, I was wondering how many yards do you think you will rush for this season and how much will the running game be used in this year's offense?
Travis - Darlington, S.C. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Al Groh | Do you think the transition from the NFL to NCAA will be easy? What is the biggest change/difference in the two?
Jonathan - Atlanta, Ga. | |
Al Groh | How are the players picking up your new systems, offensively and defensively. Will the schemes be simpler earlier on and then add wrinkles throughout the season?
Steve - Arlington, Va. | |
Al Groh | How are the receiving corps looking?
Steve - Arlington, Va. | |
Ljubomir Stamenich | What kind of impact is Al Groh having on the program thus far?
Howard - Washington, D.C. | |
Ljubomir Stamenich | Could your defensive backfield (Devon Simmons,etc.) give you the opportunity to get after QB's this season or is there a lot of pressure on you to get to the QB's quicker this year. What is you opinion of the defense this year?
Shawn - New York, N.Y. | |
Antwoine Womack | What will be different about Virginia's offensive attack this year?
Dan - Charlottesville, Va. | |
Antwoine Womack | You have an opportunity to make a statement early in the season against quality opponents like PSU and Wisconsin, do you think our offense can exploit their defenses and what do you think will be our strengths this year?
Braxton - Virginia Beach, Va. | |
Antwoine Womack | Do you feel that your good enough to become a Heisman candidate this season? And which of the running backs at UVA do you feel has the best chance at following you as a starter once you graduate?
Andy - Virginia Beach, Va. | |
Coach/Player | Question | Answer/Time |
Jim Grobe | What are the strengths of your team, and what does Wake need to improve it's football program?
Lee - Clinton, N.C. | |
Jim Grobe | As a long time Wake Forest fan and entering student next year, I have always wanted to see the Deacons become a strong football team. What is necessary to turn Wake Forest into a bowl contender and a force in the ACC?
Greg - Washington, D.C. | |
Marquis Hopkins | Thanks for coming to Wake, how do you feel about Wake's defense this year compared to last year's defense?
Lee - Clinton, N.C. | |
Marquis Hopkins | What are your thoughts about playing for coach Lambert? Is there much difference in style between him and the inside linebackers coach of last year?
Deric - Kennesaw, Ga. | |
John Stone | John, being that you are one of the fastest return men in the ACC, and the country, do you plan on going back out for the track team after a year away from the sport?
Michael - Winston-Salem, N.C. | |
John Stone | Do you like your role in the Wake Forest offense?
Timothy - Asheboro, N.C. | |
John Stone | What are your impressions of Coach Grobe and the new coaching staff?
Ted - Kernersville, N.C. | |
|
