As the Texas Bowl nears, Scott Shafer keeps saying Scott Shafer things...
Scott Shafer spoke during the Texas Bowl team luncheon on Thursday as the Syracuse Orange carbed up in preparation for their showdown with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. As usual, he made some quality remarks...
On the age of some of his players...
I look over there at our youngsters, last night I was talking to them after the meeting, and I kind of had to think back a little bit because they weren’t even born when I started doing this thing and it makes me feel old as hell.
On what a bowl game means…
I couldn’t be more proud of this group over here. I look into the whites of their eyes, I always say that but it’s true, I remember when each and every one of these kids walked on campus, and now to see them finishing their career, in arguably one of the best states in regards to football history, it excited me. Marquis (Spruill) walked in with stripes down the side of his pants from the military school we recruited him from. Macky (MacPherson) had to walk a mile and a half to get to the University. His dad was the great coach MacPherson, and to see him finish his career; the grandson of a legend who I have a picture of on my wall, that gives me shivers down my spine. And my guy from Jamaica Queens, New York over there. Nobody knew about him and all he did was come in and be an outstanding defensive player, and captain for us. Then, Jerome (Smith) is a self-made man from Delaware. I couldn’t be prouder of these four guys, and the chance as a coach; as Coach Kill feels the same way, just to represent our kids now. To go out in style and play in a great bowl game is just exciting."
On Minnesota…
I’ve got so much respect for Coach Kill and I think his football team is a reflection of him as a person. So, when you talk about a tough hard-nosed run game, and a defense that plays hard on both sides of the ball regardless of the names on their back, I think it’s a credit to Coach Kill and his wherewithal; especially this year; going through some tough times.
On what coaching has told him about himself…
Going in I was concerned about my emotional side, because I get extremely excited. I was the kid growing up that threw the checker board at his sister Heidi or my little brother. I didn’t have great control of my emotions for years, and I realized at a young age; I told coach (Jim) Harbaugh, when I started out at Stanford, that I need to be in the press box so I don’t get you in trouble on the sideline. Sure enough, I got my butt in trouble against Clemson yelling across the field. I wasn’t proud of that. That’s the first thing I wish I could take back, but you learn from those situations. Sometimes passion can be blinding.
Check out this video of SU's captains talking about Coach Shafer as well as other topics...
