Stanford head coach Frank Reich talks Week 3 of Fall Camp

On Monday, August 4^th, Stanford interim head coach Frank Reich shared his thoughts on how things are going for the team as the third week of fall camp begins. Below is a full transcription and takeaways. 

VIDEO: Stanford head coach Frank Reich talks Week 3 of Fall Camp

Q: Coach, halfway through camp is there a particular situational third down, two minute red zone that you feel the team is excelling in? 

Reich: “I feel like we’ve made a lot of progress on third down and in the red zone. We’ve placed a really heavy emphasis there. We’ve put a lot on the players and today we had a good amount of reps in both of those situations and I can see it starting to come together. So I’m excited about how they’re handling it. I think the quarterbacks are handling stuff particularly well.” 

Q: In terms of figuring out a rotation, how do you feel things are progressing in that department?

Reich: “For the quarterbacks?” 

Comment: “Just in general.”

Reich: “We’re just continuing to, we want to make this thing competitive. We got this week right here is a really critical week of preparation. So every position we’re just trying to continue to take the next step in the development of our schemes, but also in the personnel and how every group is, how that is shaking out and shaping out for the regular season. So, these are all great reps for evaluation of our scheme and our players.” 

Q: As a quick follow up to that, just how is the quarterback unit shaking out right now?

Reich: “Good. Those guys, they are getting after it. It’s very competitive. I love that room.” 

Q: It seems like you guys are going to look to run the ball a lot this year. What gives you the confidence in that room?

Reich: “I love that room. I think our coach; Coach Malcolm does a great job with those guys. I think we got a lot of depth in that room. I think those guys are really smart players. Really physical players. I love how they are attacking every day. I love how they are running the ball. It’s a physical group.”

Q: Midway through camp, you got a couple more weeks until your first game. What are the main things you are really trying to emphasize, hammer in before that first game? 

Reich: “We want to play good football down in and down out. Winning football, it takes two things, right? First of all, we need to play clean. Not beat ourselves. You know, play smart football. But then, we need to make plays and so we’re really putting a big emphasis on that and I think we’re making good progress in both areas.” 

Q: Last week, Coach Thompson told me you could be the best schematic defense in the country but if you don’t execute the fundamentals, it doesn’t matter. How do you feel the defense is progressing from a consistency standpoint in terms of doing that? 

Reich: “I do think we’re making progress and he’s exactly right. I mean, I’ve always had this saying in coaching: When it’s good on good, the good fundamentals is going to win. So, we’re going to play against good teams. We’re going to be a good team. So, the scheme is not going to win. We want to have good schemes, we want to put the players in good positions, but it’s good fundamentals and technique that wins. Players will win on the field. So, everything we’re doing is setting up to that end.” 

Q: Talk about the tight end unit. It seems like you got a nice blend of guys who can block well, receive well, etc. How do you feel that unit is shaping up?

Reich: “It’s a really good unit. Really good unit. Obviously led by Sam Roush. Coach Byham does a phenomenal job. His experience and coaching expertise has those guys playing at a high level. We got such good depth in there. It gives us a lot of flexibility in what we can do with personnel groups. So, I’m excited to work with those guys.” 

Q: What was it like being back in the stadium over the weekend?

Reich: “Yeah, the stadium was a really good experience for all of us. Just to feel what it’s like out there, to go through the routine, and then next Saturday we’ll do the same thing except even more extensive. So, that’s all part of the progression and the preparation in getting ready for our first game of the year.” 

Q: I noticed Jay Green was out there and is looking healthy. Talk about what he’s bringing to the defense as a physical safety.

Reich: “Yeah, he’s a leader, first of all. He’s physical, he’s super smart. He has command of the defense. He’s a great communicator. He has natural leadership. So, really counting on him to play a significant role.” 

Q: At what point of fall camp do you start working in preparation for Hawaii?

Reich: “Yeah. I mean, coaches are already kinda working in a few things here and there and obviously we’re establishing our core schemes offensively and defensively. 80 percent of that or 75 percent of that will be, a lot of that is gonna be the same in the game. But as far as detailing out the other 25 or 30 percent that is specific to Hawaii. That really starts probably 10 days out for us.” 

Q: Generally speaking, how do you feel you guys are health-wise right now?

Reich: “I think it’s good. I think the guys have done a good job. It’s unfortunate. You hate having any injuries. But I’m optimistic that the guys that have the injuries that can come back, they’ll get healthy quickly and we’ll get them back out here. They are part of the game. It still stinks for the team, for the player, but you just have to fight through those, and I think our staff does a great job of that.” 

Q: Final question for ya, what are your thoughts on kicker Emmet Kenney? Have you gotten a chance to evaluate him much? What are your thoughts on what he can bring to the team this year?

Reich: “Yeah, I think that whole trio of our specialists is great. Emmett obviously has had a phenomenal year last year. Counting on him this year to have another big year. The name of the game is putting points on the board and he’s right at the top of that list. So, experienced, leader, just an excellent kicker. Teammate, so he really does a good job at leading that group and he’s been having a great camp.” 

Takeaways: The first takeaway I have is that it seems like Reich is generally pleased with the overall progress that the team is making. He is emphasizing growth in all three facets of the game and it seems like he likes the way the team is picking up the scheme and coming together. The fundamentals and not beating themselves seems to be a major key. 

Secondly, I found his comments about Jay Green to be noteworthy. Green was a major contributor last year before getting injured and with him back in the lineup, that gives the defense an impact guy at the safety spot, which is such an important position. Combined with what Andy Thompson told me last week, it’s clear that Green is making his presence felt. 

Finally, it was interesting to get some insight on when they’ll start prepping specifically for Hawaii. It sounds like that will happen in the middle of the month, so like the middle of next week is when they should start ramping up their Hawaii prep. At the moment, they’re just more focused on getting the installs in and getting everyone comfortable with the scheme while also figuring out the depth chart. 

Note: Fall camp is underway for Stanford football and Cardinal Sports Report has you covered for all the latest news on the Cardinal as they begin the Andrew Luck era. 

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