IMG Media Day: Prospects answer key questions about future teams
BRADENTON, Fla. – With a long list of the nation’s top prospects on its roster, IMG Academy is home to a number of players committed to FBS programs. As part of the school’s annual media day event, Rivals.com got a number of committed prospects to weigh in on some of the most pressing questions facing their future teams in the year ahead. Below are their responses to team-specific questions.
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ARKANSAS
The Question: How many games do Chad Morris and Arkansas need to win this year for his first season to be considered a success?
The Answer: “I think about nine or 10. I think they have a chance to win that many.” – Arkansas defensive end commit Eric Gregory
The Answer: “I know last season was kind of a rough one. But I feel like if we pull out 6-7 games - any improvement is a step in the right direction.” – Arkansas wide receiver commit Shamar Nash
AUBURN
The Question: Auburn’s offensive line was a bit of a problem area last year, giving up 36 sacks. Why will it be improved in 2018?
The Answer: I think just Coach [J.B.] Grimes being there. He knows how to push those guys to be better. They are going to get it better. That’s why I want to play for him.” – Auburn offensive line commit Justin Osborne
CLEMSON
The Question: Will Trevor Lawrence be the starter by the end of the season?
The Answer: “Honestly, I have no idea because I haven’t been in that quarterback room, but I’m sure whoever gets the job will be the best fit. I think Trevor will definitely get a chance to play.” – Clemson kicker commit Aidan Swanson
FLORIDA STATE
The Question: How many wins does Willie Taggart need to be considered successful in his first season at FSU?
The Answer: “You know, about nine. Eight or nine, I think. Getting that winning record back, we just need to get back to winning. I think they had a winning record last year, but we need to get better. They just need to make other teams scared to play Florida State again.” - Florida State linebacker commit Jaleel McRae
The Answer: “I don’t know what he needs to do. I just know they are going to do great things. He brought the team together … I think 3-1 (against Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida and Miami). I think 3-1.” – Florida State offensive line commit Dontae Lucas
LSU
The Question: The media predicted LSU to finish fifth in the SEC West this year.
What are your expectations for the season?
The Answer: “This year, I predict them to be top five in the SEC overall – at least. I think with the talent we are bringing in in the Class of 2019 and 2018 we will have a chance to win a national championship within the next couple of years.” – LSU offensive line commit Charles Turner
MICHIGAN
The Question: Some people think that Jim Harbaugh has underachieved as head coach. What do you think he needs to do this season to quiet the doubters?
The Answer: “The goal is to win all the games. I think a lot of that is just talk. If they beat Ohio State and Michigan State and Penn State it will be hard for anyone to say anything. Winning the big games is important, but the goal is to win all of them. I think they are going to have a good season and then there’s a big recruiting class coming in and that will show how he is as a coach.” – Michigan defensive back commit D.J. Turner
OREGON
The Question: Oregon has seen broken commitments late in the cycle in past years. Why will this year be different when it comes to keeping this highly rated class?
The Answer: “For us, we have a closer-knit group than they have before. Like, Jeremiah (Criddell) and those guys – I’ve known them and played with them forever. We played together or against each other since eighth grade. It’s not even like a rivalry. We are close friends. With all of us, it feels like a brotherhood. It’s not a bunch of guys coming together, it’s a bunch of guys that have been together. I think everyone will stay this year.” – Oregon wide receiver commit Josh Delgado
UAB
The Question: How do you think the new stadium will impact UAB’s recruiting?
The Answer: “It sounds like construction is going to be starting in August and they are going to work to get it done soon. I’m pretty excited. I think as far as recruiting, I think guys are really going to want to play there. It looks like it’s going to be great.” – UAB quarterback commit Bryson Lucero
TENNESSEE
The Question: What’s the biggest difference between Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt?
The Answer: “There’s a lot of differences. Coach Pruitt is all about bringing the team together and getting guys who are going to compete, guys who really push themselves to the limit so they can succeed and become great players and great people. Coach Pruitt wants to build a really good team. Coach Jones is a really good coach and I like him a lot but his style and Coach Pruitt’s style is much different.” – Tennessee offensive line commit Chris Akporoghene
