News and Notes From Spartan Football: Mark Dantonio Edition

 Here are a few notes from a conversation with Mark Dantonio earlier today. They are random and in no particular order, but still interesting. Zach Hueter

 

Dantonio is not one to turn salesman, but even he couldn't hide his excitement for his 2010 team. Photo courtesy of Troy Benoit

Here are a few notes from a conversation with Mark Dantonio earlier today. They are random and in no particular order, but still interesting.

Zach Hueter

I think that is a guy that will play a lot. 320 pounds 30” vertical

 

Caper is 225

 

Antonio Jeremiah: Disappointing. Has to get weight under control.

 

Very excited about the devotion of our football team. We have some devoted guys.

 

Mark Dell is having a great summer. Doing extra things. Going beyond. 

 

Charlie Gantt is as good as anyone in the country.

 

Experience at RB and QB is the biggest difference from last year.

 

RT spot not wide open for Henry Conway because he missed spring.

 

On Kirk at ND last year: Didn’t call a guy in motion and when he went through his progression of reads the guy wasn’t there and he made a bad decision. Prior to that he was flawless.

 

I (Dantonio) have to be much better defensively, conceptually, in the first quarter.

 

I always like to take 20 recruits in each class. We have 81 on scholarship now (4 available).

 

Once you coach a player, you coach them for life. I still talk to Nick Foles.

 

Jairus Jones has an outstanding future ahead of him.

 

This team wants to do things together.

 

Best chemistry in over twenty years of coaching.

 

I have a feeling. I get that from Mannie and from my players, too. This season feels special.

 

There is something about this team that is going to be special.

 

Coach Salem sees the big picture. You don’t want a lot of staff turnover. Outstanding recruiter, meticulous. Our players are ready to take the next step.

 

He (Salem) is coaching them to the higher ceiling. 

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