#0020 – Oakley Watkins

Then we're off. Then we're off. >> All right. Love it. >> All right. Love it. >> Thanks for coming by, man. It has been a >> Thanks for coming by, man. It has been a while. It's been almost gosh, we did it while. It's been almost gosh, we did it at the end of not even last year, the at the end of not even last year, the year before that year before that >> when we did the podcast. So, >> when we did the podcast. So, >> first time now we can say the head coach >> first time now we can say the head coach at LCA Oakley Watkins. So, that at LCA Oakley Watkins. So, that transition happened in the end of this transition happened in the end of this season. Uh, you're not new to LCA, season. Uh, you're not new to LCA, everybody. And and by the way, you are everybody. And and by the way, you are the most listened to session of our the most listened to session of our previous podcast. And no pressure, we previous podcast. And no pressure, we got to get you back to number. You got got to get you back to number. You got to beat this session has to beat the to beat this session has to beat the last session.

last session. >> We'll see if we can get that done. >> We'll see if we can get that done. >> See if we can beat that. Now, but you >> See if we can beat that. Now, but you know, J, he's ticked. So, his only goal know, J, he's ticked. So, his only goal is to out get you on streams on his is to out get you on streams on his podcast. So, he thinks he can. So, we'll podcast. So, he thinks he can. So, we'll give him some more competition. So, head give him some more competition. So, head coach now, LCA Oakley Walkkins. So, how coach now, LCA Oakley Walkkins. So, how does that taste coming out of your does that taste coming out of your mouth?

mouth? mouth? >> It's uh honestly, it hadn't hit me yet. >> It's uh honestly, it hadn't hit me yet. And and I'll say this, we had our first And and I'll say this, we had our first practice yesterday. The dead period just practice yesterday. The dead period just ended.

ended. ended. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> When we had our parent meeting after >> When we had our parent meeting after practice, and this is the cool thing. I practice, and this is the cool thing. I think this just talks to speaks volumes think this just talks to speaks volumes of our program. Doug yesterday, our our of our program. Doug yesterday, our our previous head coach Doug Charles, who's previous head coach Doug Charles, who's been a great mentor, confident, been a great mentor, confident, confidant, friend, just a great figure confidant, friend, just a great figure in my life. He's at practice yesterday.

in my life. He's at practice yesterday. He's holding back, still going through He's holding back, still going through it, and he's he's stepped away and and it, and he's he's stepped away and and uh in that head coach role, but he's uh in that head coach role, but he's still a part of our staff. And just still a part of our staff. And just think again that talks about how think again that talks about how selfless our program is. So, it really selfless our program is. So, it really hadn't hit me yet. I don't think it'll hadn't hit me yet. I don't think it'll really hit me truly until our our first really hit me truly until our our first game and you walk out and you're you're game and you walk out and you're you're at the coin toss.

at the coin toss. >> All of a sudden, you had to be behind >> All of a sudden, you had to be behind Doug and you're looking at his back Doug and you're looking at his back instead of the opposite way, the first instead of the opposite way, the first one out. So, it'll be it'll be a little one out. So, it'll be it'll be a little different then, but it's it's been different then, but it's it's been really special, really cool.

really special, really cool. >> Um, I know my girls are excited. I told >> Um, I know my girls are excited. I told the story when we announced it at the the story when we announced it at the banquet. I told my girls the day before banquet. I told my girls the day before cuz I didn't want to tell them and let cuz I didn't want to tell them and let the secret get out cuz we the secret get out cuz we >> we really had known for a while, but we >> we really had known for a while, but we wanted it to happen the right way in the wanted it to happen the right way in the transition and wanted Doug to be able to transition and wanted Doug to be able to share with our program and and Doug had share with our program and and Doug had earned that. It's rare that you're able earned that. It's rare that you're able to do that.

to do that. >> For sure. For sure. And that handoff was >> For sure. For sure. And that handoff was seamless. But and I don't know if you seamless. But and I don't know if you listen to his episode too, he as soon as listen to his episode too, he as soon as we sat down, he said it for a long time.

we sat down, he said it for a long time. He's like Oakley's our next head coach. He's like Oakley's our next head coach. He said that two years ago. I mean, you He said that two years ago. I mean, you guys, you've been there foot hand in guys, you've been there foot hand in hand with him, foot with him since the hand with him, foot with him since the start. And uh so you guys have been start. And uh so you guys have been there and it's really I'm excited about there and it's really I'm excited about that, too. Like this trans there's that, too. Like this trans there's always a transition when you get a new always a transition when you get a new head coach. we're not going to see that head coach. we're not going to see that that big transition like uh some that big transition like uh some programs have to go through because programs have to go through because you're not coming in and being like I you're not coming in and being like I don't like that color. I don't like don't like that color. I don't like you've you've kind of already been the you've you've kind of already been the pulse of the program already and been pulse of the program already and been there. So that that transition is good.

there. So that that transition is good. >> Um but also I don't know if you came in >> Um but also I don't know if you came in listening to Christmas music, but you listening to Christmas music, but you know for a head coach, this is the most know for a head coach, this is the most wonderful time of the year because dead wonderful time of the year because dead period's over and uh football practice period's over and uh football practice starts. This is really what you live for starts. This is really what you live for as a coach is trying to get on that as a coach is trying to get on that field and figure out what you got and field and figure out what you got and start playing the chess game and putting start playing the chess game and putting the pieces together. Um the pieces together. Um we we were talking before so when we sat we we were talking before so when we sat down the last podcast we had 13 kids who down the last podcast we had 13 kids who went to college to play football and went to college to play football and then last year we didn't have 13 seniors then last year we didn't have 13 seniors last year but the percentage of people last year but the percentage of people who went to play college football is is who went to play college football is is really unbelievable. Um the numbers really unbelievable. Um the numbers don't make any sense. Uh if you want to don't make any sense. Uh if you want to be a college football player, you be a college football player, you probably should come to LCA. Uh because probably should come to LCA. Uh because the chances of you getting into a the chances of you getting into a program or being recruited or have an program or being recruited or have an opportunity are high. And you've told it opportunity are high. And you've told it to me many times like you can't get to me many times like you can't get people offers, but you can make sure people offers, but you can make sure they're seen. You can make sure people they're seen. You can make sure people get looks. And get looks. And >> we probably do that as good as anyone >> we probably do that as good as anyone ever has at. I don't know if you've had ever has at. I don't know if you've had two years in a row like that anywhere at two years in a row like that anywhere at any programs. You can look at powerhouse any programs. You can look at powerhouse programs. We just got a verbal programs. We just got a verbal commitment from the kid from Mohler in commitment from the kid from Mohler in Cincinnati to go to University of Cincinnati to go to University of Kentucky, but they didn't put 13 kids in Kentucky, but they didn't put 13 kids in college football and they're not a 2A college football and they're not a 2A school in Lexington either. So, um it's school in Lexington either. So, um it's pretty special what we've done on I say pretty special what we've done on I say we like as a program have done on the we like as a program have done on the recruiting trail for college. to talk recruiting trail for college. to talk about that and how we we talked a little about that and how we we talked a little bit about it, but like the landscape has bit about it, but like the landscape has changed significantly with the transfer changed significantly with the transfer portal and still our success of making portal and still our success of making sure people get an opportunity hasn't sure people get an opportunity hasn't fallen off. So, what do you think that fallen off. So, what do you think that is?

is? is? >> Well, it's and and I actually just ran >> Well, it's and and I actually just ran these numbers recently. We'll have 31 these numbers recently. We'll have 31 guys on rosters this fall. Yeah.

guys on rosters this fall. Yeah. >> At the college level, which is >> At the college level, which is >> pretty crazy. So, if you could do a >> pretty crazy. So, if you could do a four-year cycle or fi even a fiveyear four-year cycle or fi even a fiveyear cycle, that's unheard of.

cycle, that's unheard of. >> It's incredible. And we've and and >> It's incredible. And we've and and that's a testament to our kids. I mean, that's a testament to our kids. I mean, that they are I mean, they come in and that they are I mean, they come in and we tell them at the beginning when they we tell them at the beginning when they say, "Hey, I want to play college say, "Hey, I want to play college football." We tell, "Okay, well, you've football." We tell, "Okay, well, you've just given us permission to coach you just given us permission to coach you harder." harder." harder." >> Yeah. And you don't they don't shun from >> Yeah. And you don't they don't shun from it because you don't shun from it. Yeah.

it because you don't shun from it. Yeah. So, I think that makes a difference. So, I think that makes a difference. >> Uh but it's it's pretty wild. Uh it's >> Uh but it's it's pretty wild. Uh it's Sunday Sunday Sunday um is the paycheck for like big-time um is the paycheck for like big-time college football programs to see your college football programs to see your people perform. But man, Saturdays are people perform. But man, Saturdays are pretty fun if you're an LCA Eagle pretty fun if you're an LCA Eagle because you got kids all over the because you got kids all over the country.

country. country. >> Well, and keeping up with them, it's >> Well, and keeping up with them, it's it's so cool. I mean, this this past it's so cool. I mean, this this past year, it's like Mason Moore, for year, it's like Mason Moore, for example, was a guy that he went and example, was a guy that he went and played in Miami of Ohio for two years at played in Miami of Ohio for two years at the FBS level, transferred down to Lehi, the FBS level, transferred down to Lehi, was their team defensive player of the was their team defensive player of the year, got to play on national stages. He year, got to play on national stages. He won a conference championship. He's won a conference championship. He's doing it alongside of Garrison McKenna doing it alongside of Garrison McKenna who also played here. You got two guys who also played here. You got two guys that are playing in the second round of that are playing in the second round of FCS playoffs on ESPN and it's FCS playoffs on ESPN and it's >> a pretty big league fan at that point.

>> a pretty big league fan at that point. >> Oh, I'm big time. >> Oh, I'm big time. >> Yeah. And just for clarification, we >> Yeah. And just for clarification, we don't have Georgetown Tigers on right don't have Georgetown Tigers on right now. We have Clemson Tigers on. So, uh now. We have Clemson Tigers on. So, uh nothing against Georgetown and uh and nothing against Georgetown and uh and Leland, but uh you know, I'm a Pikeville Leland, but uh you know, I'm a Pikeville guy. [laughter] So, we started talking guy. [laughter] So, we started talking about Pikeville and Georgetown. I told about Pikeville and Georgetown. I told somebody uh at a Georgetown kid come in somebody uh at a Georgetown kid come in last year and I was like this is proof last year and I was like this is proof I'll help anybody if I'm going to help a I'll help anybody if I'm going to help a Georgetown Tiger. Um but we do have uh Georgetown Tiger. Um but we do have uh we have Leland going to Georgetown and we have Leland going to Georgetown and um also Sage Dawson now has transferred um also Sage Dawson now has transferred from uh from UK back up to Georgetown.

from uh from UK back up to Georgetown. He's going to try to play some He's going to try to play some quarterback. So, we'll see how that quarterback. So, we'll see how that goes. Uh, in camp and, uh, because he goes. Uh, in camp and, uh, because he initially went to Air Force and was initially went to Air Force and was going to play baseball and and, uh, and going to play baseball and and, uh, and play football and then he ended up at play football and then he ended up at UK, uh, last year and now he's up at UK, uh, last year and now he's up at Georgetown. So, Georgetown. So, >> J is kind of a Georgetown Tiger by by >> J is kind of a Georgetown Tiger by by design now because of Leland and Sage.

design now because of Leland and Sage. So, um, So, um, >> well, their head coach, John Parin, I >> well, their head coach, John Parin, I played for Coach Pin. He was the played for Coach Pin. He was the defensive backs coach at center for a defensive backs coach at center for a couple years and he is a just an couple years and he is a just an unbelievable human being. Awesome guy.

unbelievable human being. Awesome guy. >> It's a really big Yeah, he had some big >> It's a really big Yeah, he had some big shoes to fill. Yeah. shoes to fill. Yeah.

>> When you leave that program and in the >> When you leave that program and in the way that uh the success they've had, way that uh the success they've had, >> uh there's some big shoes to fill. So, >> uh there's some big shoes to fill. So, I'm going to be uh a passive fan now.

I'm going to be uh a passive fan now. They play Pel first game of the season, They play Pel first game of the season, so I hope they get killed. But after so I hope they get killed. But after that, we'll be we'll be on board with that, we'll be we'll be on board with the Georgetown Tigers. um the new season the Georgetown Tigers. um the new season as when practice gets started um we were as when practice gets started um we were making a transition we talked last time making a transition we talked last time from from from well this just is the truth everyone well this just is the truth everyone thought you're going to have a big thought you're going to have a big falloff last year lose cutter Bolley and falloff last year lose cutter Bolley and and Brady Hensley and um 13 kids who and Brady Hensley and um 13 kids who were playing college football then um were playing college football then um nobody internally thought that we were nobody internally thought that we were going to have major issues but the talk going to have major issues but the talk was is there going to be a down season was is there going to be a down season compared to how it was and it was far compared to how it was and it was far from a down season. So, let's let's go from a down season. So, let's let's go back to uh the start when you're uh back to uh the start when you're uh offensive coordinator at that point.

offensive coordinator at that point. You're trying to figure out a formula on You're trying to figure out a formula on what to do, what's your thinking last what to do, what's your thinking last year when you lose Cutterboly and Brady year when you lose Cutterboly and Brady Hinsley, but know that you have an Hinsley, but know that you have an unbelievable offensive line who are all unbelievable offensive line who are all playing college football. Uh what was playing college football. Uh what was your thinking on how you're going to put your thinking on how you're going to put something together to try to have something together to try to have success when the season started last success when the season started last year? Yeah, I mean when you've got for year? Yeah, I mean when you've got for me I'm an offensive lineman at heart me I'm an offensive lineman at heart first and foremost. I talked to our guys first and foremost. I talked to our guys about this yesterday because I'm still about this yesterday because I'm still coaching offensive line as the head coaching offensive line as the head coach and we've kind of built a culture coach and we've kind of built a culture here at LCA over the last 12 years.

here at LCA over the last 12 years. That's how long I've been here to where That's how long I've been here to where playing offensive line. It's a it's a playing offensive line. It's a it's a honor and a privilege to do that at LCA.

honor and a privilege to do that at LCA. And this past year was was about as big And this past year was was about as big of a testament to to that culture as of a testament to to that culture as it's ever been because we really didn't it's ever been because we really didn't we leaned on those guys up front.

we leaned on those guys up front. >> And we had open competition at the >> And we had open competition at the quarterback spot. Saxon obviously had quarterback spot. Saxon obviously had was one of our leading receivers the was one of our leading receivers the previous year and was one of the best previous year and was one of the best slot receivers slot receivers >> in Kentucky to be quite frank coming >> in Kentucky to be quite frank coming into the season.

into the season. >> Um and we had an open competition. and >> Um and we had an open competition. and Saxton won the job and he was a guy that Saxton won the job and he was a guy that we were able to really morph the offense we were able to really morph the offense around his skill set but also to just around his skill set but also to just play behind those war daddies up front play behind those war daddies up front and that's the that's the thing that and that's the that's the thing that about high school about high school >> football nasty like when you line up >> football nasty like when you line up >> to flip the coin >> to flip the coin >> and you see the seniors come out and >> and you see the seniors come out and you're like what just happened like you're like what just happened like these this is your offensive line these this is your offensive line because they were all seniors uh coming because they were all seniors uh coming out so all leaders and uh out so all leaders and uh >> it was wild so big big testament to them >> it was wild so big big testament to them and and what they did. So, that being and and what they did. So, that being said, like what's your mindset going in said, like what's your mindset going in now with uh it's not I know it doesn't now with uh it's not I know it doesn't change, but let's talk about that. Like change, but let's talk about that. Like what's your mindset going in when you what's your mindset going in when you lose the core of what you can hang on?

lose the core of what you can hang on? Do you look at more as you're going to Do you look at more as you're going to spend camp figuring it out, or do you spend camp figuring it out, or do you already have an idea of like, okay, this already have an idea of like, okay, this is who we have coming. We know what we is who we have coming. We know what we have and this is what we're going to do have and this is what we're going to do to uh to try to make success or is it to uh to try to make success or is it more uh trial and error when you're more uh trial and error when you're starting camp? Yeah, I think it's it's starting camp? Yeah, I think it's it's kind of a conglomerate of those things, kind of a conglomerate of those things, if you will. I think every year's if you will. I think every year's different. One of the coolest things different. One of the coolest things about high school football is you get to about high school football is you get to coach your personnel. Like, we don't coach your personnel. Like, we don't have a system that says we're going to have a system that says we're going to do it this way every single year. And I do it this way every single year. And I think that's what's so cool about high think that's what's so cool about high school football. Our skill this year is school football. Our skill this year is >> more experienced. I mean, we've got guys >> more experienced. I mean, we've got guys last year that played as freshman.

last year that played as freshman. Several, we had six or seven freshman Several, we had six or seven freshman starters starters starters >> that played on both sides of the ball >> that played on both sides of the ball for us this past year. So, we're a for us this past year. So, we're a little bit more experienced at the skill little bit more experienced at the skill spots than than we were last year.

spots than than we were last year. Obviously, we've got less experience up Obviously, we've got less experience up front, but we've still got guys that we front, but we've still got guys that we have four guys that started a game on have four guys that started a game on the offensive lineman, offensive line the offensive lineman, offensive line coming back.

coming back. >> Speaking of I mean, they've already have >> Speaking of I mean, they've already have offers to play football and play college offers to play football and play college football. So, yeah, it's uh football. So, yeah, it's uh >> I don't know. Um it's exciting for me. I >> I don't know. Um it's exciting for me. I I don't know if you'll say this out I don't know if you'll say this out loud. I don't know if you're allowed to loud. I don't know if you're allowed to say it out loud, but I feel like going say it out loud, but I feel like going into last season, you were a little into last season, you were a little excited to hear the chatter about I excited to hear the chatter about I don't know if they're going to be any don't know if they're going to be any good anymore. They lost all their good anymore. They lost all their superstars. Um, you can tell me, but I superstars. Um, you can tell me, but I mean, I could see it. You may not admit mean, I could see it. You may not admit to it. I'll just say it for you that you to it. I'll just say it for you that you were excited to say with that challenge were excited to say with that challenge to say, "Okay, well, we'll see what we to say, "Okay, well, we'll see what we can do." The one thing we found out can do." The one thing we found out really early in the season, but we really early in the season, but we already knew it. Sax is just a dog. Mhm.

already knew it. Sax is just a dog. Mhm. >> Like he did not give up when we got >> Like he did not give up when we got punched in the throat at Boille County punched in the throat at Boille County and he didn't give up when we are and he didn't give up when we are getting like getting like punched in the throat at Franklin. And punched in the throat at Franklin. And then you start looking back and and then you start looking back and and looking at how good Bole was through the looking at how good Bole was through the whole season and we're like we played whole season and we're like we played them as good as anyone can play him.

them as good as anyone can play him. >> Uh we're in the game coming out of >> Uh we're in the game coming out of halftime can be a completely different halftime can be a completely different game if if the ball drops a couple game if if the ball drops a couple different ways. And so I think he gained different ways. And so I think he gained some confidence in that and was like, some confidence in that and was like, I'm kind of fast. I'm kind of a dog, I'm kind of fast. I'm kind of a dog, too. You you don't want to go. And he too. You you don't want to go. And he played like that. I I think after the played like that. I I think after the second half at Boil, you could see a second half at Boil, you could see a visible difference in the way you played visible difference in the way you played uh from camp uh to preeason and then uh from camp uh to preeason and then like wanting to say like you're going to like wanting to say like you're going to have tough time playing against me uh have tough time playing against me uh the rest of the season. He that's just the rest of the season. He that's just who he is. That's how he plays who he is. That's how he plays basketball. that's how he played basketball. that's how he played football. Uh that's how he was when he football. Uh that's how he was when he was a slot receiver. It's how he was was a slot receiver. It's how he was when he was a quarterback. Um but it when he was a quarterback. Um but it also raises the bar for everyone else to also raises the bar for everyone else to say like you're gonna have to get on say like you're gonna have to get on board. You're going to have to play hard board. You're going to have to play hard and and make an effort. And I think we and and make an effort. And I think we did. I think the response to that, you did. I think the response to that, you know, Franklin game, it's [snorts] nice know, Franklin game, it's [snorts] nice to win, but also not getting down and to win, but also not getting down and and not putting their head down and then and not putting their head down and then just fighting through, you know, we're just fighting through, you know, we're one probably one unfortunate event away one probably one unfortunate event away from losing that game. I mean, from from losing that game. I mean, from winning that game because they were winning that game because they were dead. They they were done by the time dead. They they were done by the time that we were making that last drive. Um, that we were making that last drive. Um, I think that built the confidence uh for I think that built the confidence uh for the rest of the season. Um, but also uh the rest of the season. Um, but also uh not I don't think anyone really bought not I don't think anyone really bought into the fact that uh we're going to be into the fact that uh we're going to be down or we're not going to be down or we're not going to be competitive. It didn't look like it at competitive. It didn't look like it at least um in the locker room. You can least um in the locker room. You can tell me if that's different, but that tell me if that's different, but that that's the from looking in the outside, that's the from looking in the outside, it's like we're just going to go do what it's like we're just going to go do what we do best and then I guess it makes it we do best and then I guess it makes it a little easier when you have a bunch of a little easier when you have a bunch of big pe big people up front and they're big pe big people up front and they're all older and they they want to make an all older and they they want to make an effort and like you said, you can lean effort and like you said, you can lean on those dogs for a little bit. But that on those dogs for a little bit. But that being said, this season's going to look being said, this season's going to look a little different uh offensive wise. So a little different uh offensive wise. So tell me what you're most scared about.

tell me what you're most scared about. Don't give any hints away to anybody who Don't give any hints away to anybody who else is listening coaches, but then what else is listening coaches, but then what you're most excited about. What do you you're most excited about. What do you think the biggest challenge is going to think the biggest challenge is going to camp? What do you And you already kind camp? What do you And you already kind of led into that we got experience of led into that we got experience because freshman played as starters at because freshman played as starters at skilled positions. That's a massive deal skilled positions. That's a massive deal for us on offense and defense.

for us on offense and defense. >> Um what do you think is going to need >> Um what do you think is going to need the most amount of work going in? What the most amount of work going in? What what are kids going to have to buy into what are kids going to have to buy into to be successful, you think? Yeah, and I to be successful, you think? Yeah, and I think that we talked about that think that we talked about that yesterday with it being our first yesterday with it being our first practice was this and I think this is practice was this and I think this is the case every year is you go into a the case every year is you go into a year as a senior class and you're year as a senior class and you're looking around you're like where where'd looking around you're like where where'd that last year senior class go?

that last year senior class go? >> Yeah. And I think that's honestly the >> Yeah. And I think that's honestly the biggest thing for us this year is just biggest thing for us this year is just we've got a great group of senior guys we've got a great group of senior guys and I've told those guys like they are and I've told those guys like they are just such a joy and a blast to coach but just such a joy and a blast to coach but it's those guys now it's those guys now >> stepping into that role and figuring out >> stepping into that role and figuring out like okay there's nobody else here like okay there's nobody else here >> to be that senior like Trevor Brooke >> to be that senior like Trevor Brooke like Jake all those guys they they're like Jake all those guys they they're not they're not coming back they're not not they're not coming back they're not walking back through that door so we're walking back through that door so we're at that phase right now of because I'm a at that phase right now of because I'm a firm believer in this that you win with firm believer in this that you win with senior leaders ship like player le senior leaders ship like player le teams, that's who win games, right? And teams, that's who win games, right? And that's that's where we're at right now that's that's where we're at right now is just is just >> trying to get these seniors to step up >> trying to get these seniors to step up and say, you know what, this is this is and say, you know what, this is this is our team and and and you're starting to our team and and and you're starting to see glimpses of it and every year's see glimpses of it and every year's different with it. But we've got a great different with it. But we've got a great great group of seniors that I'm excited great group of seniors that I'm excited to watch those guys lead and and we're to watch those guys lead and and we're harping on a lot of details because when harping on a lot of details because when you're playing in the playoffs, you're playing in the playoffs, everybody's good, right, when you get everybody's good, right, when you get deep. So, it's like what separates those deep. So, it's like what separates those teams?

teams? teams? >> Well, it's senior leadership. It's >> Well, it's senior leadership. It's discipline and it's toughness. And those discipline and it's toughness. And those are things right now we're really trying are things right now we're really trying to pride ourselves on.

to pride ourselves on. >> We talked about it before we pushed uh >> We talked about it before we pushed uh record, too. One thing that record, too. One thing that differentiated us from Beachwood last differentiated us from Beachwood last year was speed. And so, you said it year was speed. And so, you said it publicly. I'll say it out loud. That publicly. I'll say it out loud. That team's fast.

team's fast. >> That team was too fast for us at that >> That team was too fast for us at that time. Now, we I don't know if we'd I'd time. Now, we I don't know if we'd I'd ever seen a bigger kind of mismatch from ever seen a bigger kind of mismatch from speed at every position for us, at least speed at every position for us, at least through LCA stuff, but UB, and you did through LCA stuff, but UB, and you did something about it, right? So, something about it, right? So, >> yeah. Well, and this is the thing. We >> yeah. Well, and this is the thing. We played a big boy schedule last year. We played a big boy schedule last year. We do that for a lot of reasons. And you do that for a lot of reasons. And you talked about Saxon at Bull County, like talked about Saxon at Bull County, like we got better playing those teams, but we got better playing those teams, but playing Beachwood playing Beachwood >> comparatively, they were the fastest >> comparatively, they were the fastest team I thought in the state of Kentucky team I thought in the state of Kentucky all classes. People may call me crazy, all classes. People may call me crazy, but they are they were they were fast.

but they are they were they were fast. And And And >> even in even in a like the environment >> even in even in a like the environment was awful. It was freezing cold.

was awful. It was freezing cold. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and they're fast. I can't imagine >> And and they're fast. I can't imagine playing them in August.

playing them in August. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It wouldn't have been fun. >> It wouldn't have been fun. >> Well, but but at the end of the day, >> Well, but but at the end of the day, like your calling as a coach, part one like your calling as a coach, part one of those callings as a coach is when you of those callings as a coach is when you end a season, like you don't want to end a season, like you don't want to come back the next year and be saying come back the next year and be saying the same thing. So, one thing for us the same thing. So, one thing for us this offseason, we said we got to get this offseason, we said we got to get faster. Well, we had almost 20 of our faster. Well, we had almost 20 of our guys this off season, this is including guys this off season, this is including some baseball guys that ended up doing some baseball guys that ended up doing indoor track. They ran track cuz our our indoor track. They ran track cuz our our sprint coaches and I've got to shout out sprint coaches and I've got to shout out coach Fred Dorsy and and his wife, Coach coach Fred Dorsy and and his wife, Coach P, they have created a culture there P, they have created a culture there with with our sprint sprint team where with with our sprint sprint team where we're going to get faster. We're going we're going to get faster. We're going to work our tails off. So June this to work our tails off. So June this year, we didn't do anything football year, we didn't do anything football specific. We had our guys running track specific. We had our guys running track that were skill guys all the way from that were skill guys all the way from December all the way until we started in December all the way until we started in June. Yeah. But our June practices, June. Yeah. But our June practices, >> it was speed training. It was speed >> it was speed training. It was speed school we did with with with the Dorsy's school we did with with with the Dorsy's and and and >> they are fantastic. They are as much of >> they are fantastic. They are as much of a part of our football program as as I a part of our football program as as I am as a head coach and they've helped am as a head coach and they've helped helped build a culture there like we're helped build a culture there like we're going to get faster which has been going to get faster which has been really really cool. Yeah, you had some really really cool. Yeah, you had some baseline to work with already with some baseline to work with already with some speedsters that were coming up. They speedsters that were coming up. They were freshman last year. They were were freshman last year. They were really good at track, but uh they had really good at track, but uh they had some success. You start looking at um some success. You start looking at um what the outcome is. It's going to help what the outcome is. It's going to help your program tremendously. Uh that speed your program tremendously. Uh that speed and um everything builds towards um and um everything builds towards um doing the best you can with what what doing the best you can with what what you're dealt with. And there's the cycle you're dealt with. And there's the cycle that we have. Um, I don't think it's by that we have. Um, I don't think it's by mistake that football is successful mistake that football is successful because you start looking at, and Doug because you start looking at, and Doug talked about this. All the people who talked about this. All the people who are eligible to play football, every are eligible to play football, every male who's eligible to play from middle male who's eligible to play from middle school all the way up, a significant school all the way up, a significant amount of people play football at LCA.

amount of people play football at LCA. It's kind of just part of what you do if It's kind of just part of what you do if you're a boy at LCA. And um so as as you're a boy at LCA. And um so as as you're coming up through middle school you're coming up through middle school and coming up through uh through the and coming up through uh through the ranks in seventh and eighth grade, uh ranks in seventh and eighth grade, uh there's been success at every level and there's been success at every level and all that. And then it kind of feeds over all that. And then it kind of feeds over to the high school where expectations to the high school where expectations aren't any more or less. You just want aren't any more or less. You just want to do the best with what you can. Um and to do the best with what you can. Um and I think that makes a difference for I think that makes a difference for um um um for parents and for expectations. I for parents and for expectations. I mean, we're never going to have low mean, we're never going to have low expectations at LCA that we want to win expectations at LCA that we want to win every game.

every game. >> That's what coaches want to do. Um, but >> That's what coaches want to do. Um, but they're also they're also that's not the main focus it. We don't that's not the main focus it. We don't let wins and losses define who we are as let wins and losses define who we are as a program because if we did, we'd always a program because if we did, we'd always there's only one winner there's only one winner >> every year. So, do you want to be a >> every year. So, do you want to be a loser for every time you don't win a loser for every time you don't win a state championship? I talked to Hadex state championship? I talked to Hadex about that, too. I was like, "Oh, are about that, too. I was like, "Oh, are you a little mad this year? Like, you you a little mad this year? Like, you you didn't get five in a row." Um, and I you didn't get five in a row." Um, and I was just kind of raving a little bit, was just kind of raving a little bit, but I bet camp's harder this year but I bet camp's harder this year >> because of that because it, you know, >> because of that because it, you know, you want to build on success and win, you want to build on success and win, but also it certainly doesn't define who but also it certainly doesn't define who we are as humans or as coaches. And so, we are as humans or as coaches. And so, talk about that, too. Talk about what talk about that, too. Talk about what audience of one means to the program, audience of one means to the program, not just the football program, but not just the football program, but athletics in general at LCA. and um how athletics in general at LCA. and um how cool it is to be able to uh to have a cool it is to be able to uh to have a different um definition of success other different um definition of success other than just wins and losses. We want all than just wins and losses. We want all we always want to win. We want to win a we always want to win. We want to win a state championship every year.

state championship every year. >> Talk about you know audience of one or >> Talk about you know audience of one or what culture of LCA football. Number what culture of LCA football. Number one, how it's important to you and then one, how it's important to you and then how you make sure you garner that each how you make sure you garner that each year.

year. year. >> Well, that's what we we met yesterday >> Well, that's what we we met yesterday and you talk about how you set and you talk about how you set expectations and goals. yesterday. We expectations and goals. yesterday. We did not talk about in our first meeting, did not talk about in our first meeting, well, our goal is to win a state well, our goal is to win a state championship. We didn't talk about in championship. We didn't talk about in our goal, our meeting yesterday, our our goal, our meeting yesterday, our goal is to go undefeated in the goal is to go undefeated in the non-dist.

What we talked about in our expectations What we talked about in our expectations was I can sit here and talk about as a was I can sit here and talk about as a head coach and just as our assistant head coach and just as our assistant coaches can talk about is this is what's coaches can talk about is this is what's important in our program. That's all important in our program. That's all fine and great, right? But it's when you fine and great, right? But it's when you go talk to our players and what our go talk to our players and what our players are saying about their players are saying about their experience and what they're getting out experience and what they're getting out of our program, that to me is what we're of our program, that to me is what we're trying to build here.

trying to build here. >> And we've we've talked about yesterday, >> And we've we've talked about yesterday, we talked about audience of one, like we talked about audience of one, like that's at the forefront of our whole that's at the forefront of our whole athletic program. It's all of our athletic program. It's all of our sports. Yeah. And that means we're sports. Yeah. And that means we're playing for our Lord Jesus Christ. And playing for our Lord Jesus Christ. And that means if we we lose games, that means if we we lose games, >> which it's going to happen. Everybody >> which it's going to happen. Everybody loses a game at some point. We still at loses a game at some point. We still at the end of the game, we're singing the end of the game, we're singing victory in Jesus victory in Jesus >> because at the end of the day, that's >> because at the end of the day, that's who our victories in.

who our victories in. >> Y >> Y >> Y >> the second piece of our program is >> the second piece of our program is together we win. Like when you talk to together we win. Like when you talk to our players, it's audience of one.

our players, it's audience of one. Together we win. And that's we're Together we win. And that's we're building a program one family, one building a program one family, one player at a time. It doesn't matter who player at a time. It doesn't matter who you are, who you are in the coaching you are, who you are in the coaching staff, who you are as a player, how much staff, who you are as a player, how much you play, if your role is um the head you play, if your role is um the head coach, or if your role is running our coach, or if your role is running our game strat, which is our instant replay game strat, which is our instant replay program.

program. program. >> All those things are important to us >> All those things are important to us being the best version of ourselves, being the best version of ourselves, right? But it's a together mentality of right? But it's a together mentality of everybody in our program. And that's the everybody in our program. And that's the thing we've had so much buyin from our thing we've had so much buyin from our our staff, our parents, our players. But our staff, our parents, our players. But the piece that we've talked about that's the piece that we've talked about that's new this year for us is we've taken that new this year for us is we've taken that LCA acronym and obviously we're playing LCA acronym and obviously we're playing for the middle se so across our jerseys.

for the middle se so across our jerseys. All of our jerseys say Christian across All of our jerseys say Christian across our chest but we've taken that LCA piece our chest but we've taken that LCA piece and we've talked about love, courage, and we've talked about love, courage, and accountability. Those are three new and accountability. Those are three new things now we're talking about with our things now we're talking about with our players which we we've always talked players which we we've always talked about them but now we've we've built it about them but now we've we've built it into that acronym. Yeah.

into that acronym. Yeah. >> Love is we want to love our community. >> Love is we want to love our community. We want to love people. We want to love We want to love people. We want to love our teammates. So, one of the things we our teammates. So, one of the things we did in February this year is we went did in February this year is we went into the schools, we got Chick-fil-A, into the schools, we got Chick-fil-A, went to Chick-fil-A breakfast, got went to Chick-fil-A breakfast, got Chick-fil-A breakfast, and our players Chick-fil-A breakfast, and our players went to teachers, administrator, and went to teachers, administrator, and staff, and they fed our teachers.

staff, and they fed our teachers. >> Well, it was an opportunity for our >> Well, it was an opportunity for our players. I told them like your impact as players. I told them like your impact as a football player here, that's like you a football player here, that's like you have no idea how many people you can have no idea how many people you can impact. But we wanted our players to get impact. But we wanted our players to get and build relationships with teachers.

and build relationships with teachers. So, now they're more comfortable in the So, now they're more comfortable in the classroom. It's building them as a classroom. It's building them as a better person or developing their young better person or developing their young person because when they go to college, person because when they go to college, office hours and that relationship with office hours and that relationship with the professor becomes even more the professor becomes even more important because those office hours are important because those office hours are there. You're expected you're more there. You're expected you're more independent than you are in high school.

independent than you are in high school. So, we're loving our community. We're So, we're loving our community. We're loving our youth program. We're giving loving our youth program. We're giving back in ways through our servant hearts back in ways through our servant hearts um that we're always going to talk um that we're always going to talk about. But that word courage that middle about. But that word courage that middle one that we're talking about and it's so one that we're talking about and it's so perfect the way it works out in our perfect the way it works out in our program because playing for the middle program because playing for the middle se Christian but we want to have courage se Christian but we want to have courage and I'm our guys are going to get tired and I'm our guys are going to get tired of hearing this for me because it's a of hearing this for me because it's a call and response method that they're call and response method that they're they're giving back to me is I ask him they're giving back to me is I ask him we have the courage to do things right we have the courage to do things right they respond the first time courage and they respond the first time courage and I just got off the phone with with I just got off the phone with with somebody who is uh is a big football guy somebody who is uh is a big football guy and he's super supportive of what we're and he's super supportive of what we're doing here at LCA and he said courage doing here at LCA and he said courage Courage is not just being a bully, Courage is not just being a bully, right, in the in the in the school.

right, in the in the in the school. Courage is not just like going through Courage is not just like going through McDonald's drive-thru after practice McDonald's drive-thru after practice because you think that's what's best for because you think that's what's best for your for your body. Courage is stepping your for your body. Courage is stepping outside of what's comfortable and what's outside of what's comfortable and what's easy to do. And maybe we're talking easy to do. And maybe we're talking about that bully example. Well, courage about that bully example. Well, courage is I'm a football player. I know that is I'm a football player. I know that I'm looked at as well that's an LCA I'm looked at as well that's an LCA football player right there. Well, if football player right there. Well, if that bully is in the school, there's not that bully is in the school, there's not going to be any more bullies in the going to be any more bullies in the school if we have the courage to go say, school if we have the courage to go say, "No, that's not how it's how things are "No, that's not how it's how things are operating here." operating here." >> Not in these. Same in the classroom. If >> Not in these. Same in the classroom. If a player or a classmate is disrespecting a player or a classmate is disrespecting a teacher or they're speaking out of a teacher or they're speaking out of turn or they're doing something that's turn or they're doing something that's not representative of who we want our not representative of who we want our school to be, we'll step out. It may not school to be, we'll step out. It may not be popular, but let's have the courage be popular, but let's have the courage to do things right the first time. And to do things right the first time. And that translates to the football field.

that translates to the football field. We talk about our locker room. One of my We talk about our locker room. One of my best, it's one of my favorite examples.

best, it's one of my favorite examples. It's an image that I will never get out It's an image that I will never get out of my head as long as I'm coaching high of my head as long as I'm coaching high school football is courage to step school football is courage to step outside and do things that maybe aren't outside and do things that maybe aren't expected of you, but you know it makes a expected of you, but you know it makes a difference. Thanksgiving night last difference. Thanksgiving night last year, we're practicing. We have a we year, we're practicing. We have a we have hot chocolate out there for our have hot chocolate out there for our families. It's a late practice. We went families. It's a late practice. We went later instead of in the morning.

later instead of in the morning. >> Kind of cold, too. >> Kind of cold, too. >> Very cold. And I was the last coach to >> Very cold. And I was the last coach to leave that night. And I'm going out of leave that night. And I'm going out of the locker room, got all my stuff ready.

the locker room, got all my stuff ready. And I walk out in our locker room and And I walk out in our locker room and we've got several seniors in there with we've got several seniors in there with mop buckets and brooms cleaning our mop buckets and brooms cleaning our locker room.

locker room. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, that's taking pride in a space >> Well, that's taking pride in a space that, and I've said this to our guys all that, and I've said this to our guys all the time, what your locker room what the time, what your locker room what what your locker room looks like, that what your locker room looks like, that reflects who we are on Friday night.

reflects who we are on Friday night. It's it's small details, but it's It's it's small details, but it's discipline. Yeah, discipline. Yeah, >> but it's the courage to have be able to >> but it's the courage to have be able to do those things. Like that's not fun, do those things. Like that's not fun, right? But and you could be going to do right? But and you could be going to do something else, but having the courage something else, but having the courage to say, you know what, I got to do to say, you know what, I got to do what's right for this team, my brothers what's right for this team, my brothers and myself to be the best version of me and myself to be the best version of me because it's hard to be a because it's hard to be a >> a successful high school athlete. It is >> a successful high school athlete. It is like at some point that discipline piece like at some point that discipline piece is going to catch up with you. And that is going to catch up with you. And that those are the things and accountability those are the things and accountability obviously that kind of goes in obviously that kind of goes in handinhand with courage. We're going to handinhand with courage. We're going to hold our guys accountable uh for for hold our guys accountable uh for for their actions just as I expect them to their actions just as I expect them to hold me accountable for those. I'm going hold me accountable for those. I'm going to be the first one to say if I make a to be the first one to say if I make a mistake, if I make a bad call on Friday mistake, if I make a bad call on Friday night, I'll say, "Guys, night, I'll say, "Guys, >> that was on me.

>> that was on me. >> That was on me. Let's get better from >> That was on me. Let's get better from it. Let's play the next play." it. Let's play the next play." >> For sure. And then but also, we also >> For sure. And then but also, we also have you you talk about the parents, have you you talk about the parents, too. We also have a culture where uh too. We also have a culture where uh parents are going to let you hold their parents are going to let you hold their kids accountable, and that's that's part kids accountable, and that's that's part of the program, too. They have to have a of the program, too. They have to have a buyin from the parents to say, "I'm buyin from the parents to say, "I'm going to allow you to coach them." And going to allow you to coach them." And um I think that's everybody's handled um I think that's everybody's handled different. One of my really good friends different. One of my really good friends uh that I played college baseball with a uh that I played college baseball with a head coach at Boyd County High School head coach at Boyd County High School and he was talking about talking to and he was talking about talking to parents. Um he had a very very parents. Um he had a very very successful season. They made the final successful season. They made the final four this year. The previous year they four this year. The previous year they had six guys who are division one had six guys who are division one baseball players on their team which is baseball players on their team which is crazy. He's like some of the hardest crazy. He's like some of the hardest logistics is like understanding logistics is like understanding not do I have your permission but do I not do I have your permission but do I have your permission to coach your kid?

have your permission to coach your kid? like can you can I hold them like can you can I hold them accountable? And if the answer is yes, accountable? And if the answer is yes, it makes everything so much easier. It's it makes everything so much easier. It's like if you want to participate in this like if you want to participate in this particular sport at this particular particular sport at this particular school, here's what our standards are to school, here's what our standards are to have the permission to at least hold have the permission to at least hold them to that standards and not go them to that standards and not go outside that. Don't be crazy. Don't do outside that. Don't be crazy. Don't do something that's off the off the edge, something that's off the off the edge, but am I going to be allowed to coach but am I going to be allowed to coach them? And u I think them? And u I think you said that already. we just we have you said that already. we just we have that culture where if you're going to that culture where if you're going to you don't have to play here, but if you don't have to play here, but if you're going to uh you're going to hold you're going to uh you're going to hold you accountable. And so I think that you accountable. And so I think that makes a big difference on uh when you're makes a big difference on uh when you're in the trenches of a playoff run or in the trenches of a playoff run or you're in the trenches of whatever uh you're in the trenches of whatever uh and you remember and look back at camp and you remember and look back at camp and that line that you could have barely and that line that you could have barely skipped or that little kind of shortcut skipped or that little kind of shortcut that you took when you're running um that you took when you're running um shows up later when it matters. But when shows up later when it matters. But when you don't skip the line and you touch you don't skip the line and you touch the line, and that's why it's so the line, and that's why it's so powerful, and you already know this, powerful, and you already know this, it's why it's so powerful that the it's why it's so powerful that the seniors are doing it seniors are doing it >> because all the young people are >> because all the young people are looking.

looking. looking. >> But getting just even past the football, >> But getting just even past the football, I get to see it firsthand. I have a I get to see it firsthand. I have a seven-year-old now who's completely seven-year-old now who's completely obsessed with LCA football. Like, it's obsessed with LCA football. Like, it's in his DNA. And uh he loves those boys.

in his DNA. And uh he loves those boys. And um from the start, uh when we came, And um from the start, uh when we came, golly, we've been here almost four years golly, we've been here almost four years now. came up four years ago when these now. came up four years ago when these kids start coming into our house and kids start coming into our house and interacting with Jack. It was interacting with Jack. It was unbelievable how well they treated him unbelievable how well they treated him as a four-year-old snotty nose, you as a four-year-old snotty nose, you know, dude who was looking up to the know, dude who was looking up to the players. That's the biggest testament I players. That's the biggest testament I can give to LCA football. Somebody can give to LCA football. Somebody stopped me in the hallway of the stopped me in the hallway of the hospital the other day and said, "Hey, hospital the other day and said, "Hey, our kids are thinking about going to our kids are thinking about going to LCA." I was like, "You can't go wrong." LCA." I was like, "You can't go wrong." Like, I can't tell you enough good Like, I can't tell you enough good things about LCA as a school. Um it's things about LCA as a school. Um it's like everything else in life. There's like everything else in life. There's going to be things that people don't going to be things that people don't like and whatever, but um that was a like and whatever, but um that was a huge testament to your football program huge testament to your football program is how these high school seniors who is how these high school seniors who don't have to be nice to a four-year-old don't have to be nice to a four-year-old or a 5-year-old and um just the way they or a 5-year-old and um just the way they treated him. And then now see him as treated him. And then now see him as he's getting older just looking up. So he's getting older just looking up. So he's watching he watches what TK does.

he's watching he watches what TK does. He's watching what everyone does. And so He's watching what everyone does. And so the responsibility of that I think u the responsibility of that I think u well I don't think I know that you guys well I don't think I know that you guys have your guys have been aware of it the have your guys have been aware of it the way they act in public the way they act way they act in public the way they act in private and private is way more in private and private is way more important than how they act in public.

important than how they act in public. You can keep your nose clean when You can keep your nose clean when everybody's watching. everybody's watching.

>> But what I've seen in their private >> But what I've seen in their private interaction is a it's a huge testament interaction is a it's a huge testament of uh of what LCA football is. And it's of uh of what LCA football is. And it's by no coincidence that that breeds by no coincidence that that breeds success. It breeds success in life, success. It breeds success in life, breeds success in athletics, makes you a breeds success in athletics, makes you a better leader, is going to eventually better leader, is going to eventually make you a better something, whether make you a better something, whether it's football player, you go pro in it's football player, you go pro in something else. Um, that's when you're something else. Um, that's when you're going to really start feeling old is going to really start feeling old is when u like people you coach started when u like people you coach started starts coaching. That's when you know, starts coaching. That's when you know, >> well, >> well, >> well, >> you start looking looking back and >> you start looking looking back and you're like, hold on a second. Well, you're like, hold on a second. Well, we've got So, I'll tell you two stories we've got So, I'll tell you two stories there to to hit on Jax's piece because there to to hit on Jax's piece because love having Jax around and we in our love having Jax around and we in our program really that is a big program really that is a big responsibility we have is there's young responsibility we have is there's young people looking up to these guys people looking up to these guys >> every step. Yeah.

>> every step. Yeah. >> We had over almost 200 kids sign up for >> We had over almost 200 kids sign up for our free youth camp we had this June. our free youth camp we had this June.

Day two, it's twoight camp. Day two, I Day two, it's twoight camp. Day two, I just ask I say, "All right, can somebody just ask I say, "All right, can somebody raise their hand?" I had jerseys for raise their hand?" I had jerseys for them. Said, "Can somebody raise their them. Said, "Can somebody raise their hand? tell me what they what they hand? tell me what they what they learned yesterday. First day, little learned yesterday. First day, little five-year-old, mind you, five years old.

five-year-old, mind you, five years old. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Raises his hand. He says, "Coach, I >> Raises his hand. He says, "Coach, I learned about football and praying." learned about football and praying." >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it was like me as a coach, like I'm >> And it was like me as a coach, like I'm in front of people all the time. And it in front of people all the time. And it took me a minute. I was like, took me a minute. I was like, >> "Yeah, >> "Yeah, >> "Yeah, >> I I didn't really know what to say." And >> I I didn't really know what to say." And and that's a testament again to our kids and that's a testament again to our kids and our families that a 5-year-old comes and our families that a 5-year-old comes to our camp and that's what he took away to our camp and that's what he took away from his first day.

from his first day. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And >> And >> And >> you could just mark down success. We we >> you could just mark down success. We we won that camp.

won that camp. >> It was it was pretty awesome. And then >> It was it was pretty awesome. And then then you talk about starting to see how then you talk about starting to see how getting old having players that are getting old having players that are coaching. So, and I think this is the coaching. So, and I think this is the big one of the biggest testaments to our big one of the biggest testaments to our program and our culture is our staff.

program and our culture is our staff. So, our varsity staff, we've got Matty So, our varsity staff, we've got Matty Lick, our new defense coordinator. He Lick, our new defense coordinator. He played for me.

played for me. >> Trey Hood's coaching tight ends, and >> Trey Hood's coaching tight ends, and he's also doing our special teams. Trey he's also doing our special teams. Trey Hood played for me.

Hood played for me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Will Vernon is our new defensive backs >> Will Vernon is our new defensive backs coach, fresh off of winning two two coach, fresh off of winning two two national championships at North Central, national championships at North Central, >> uh, division three powerhouse. He's our >> uh, division three powerhouse. He's our defensive backs coach.

defensive backs coach. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Drayton Burton is our wide receivers's >> Drayton Burton is our wide receivers's coach. coach. coach. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, all those guys played for me. I guys >> So, all those guys played for me. I guys don't come back to the program if it's don't come back to the program if it's not something they're passionate about not something they're passionate about and they care deeply for. And I I didn't and they care deeply for. And I I didn't even mention our our middle school even mention our our middle school coaches because we've got Hayden Kennedy coaches because we've got Hayden Kennedy played for me. Caleb Lebrick played for played for me. Caleb Lebrick played for me. Logan Neas played for me. Drew Neas me. Logan Neas played for me. Drew Neas played for me. Uh Kate McCreary is played for me. Uh Kate McCreary is coming out to coach. Like those guys all coming out to coach. Like those guys all played in this program and they want to played in this program and they want to come back and be a part of it. So it's come back and be a part of it. So it's uh I'm already getting to that point uh I'm already getting to that point where I'm feeling old. I went to a where I'm feeling old. I went to a wedding of one of my former players wedding of one of my former players recently.

recently. recently. >> That's right. We were talking about um >> That's right. We were talking about um Matt Whitaker's the baseball coach at Matt Whitaker's the baseball coach at Harrison County. He's been there 48 Harrison County. He's been there 48 years. And so he played with your years. And so he played with your grandpa, coached your dad, and now he's grandpa, coached your dad, and now he's coaching you. And so in in Harrison coaching you. And so in in Harrison County, like he literally knows County, like he literally knows everyone. And uh so he that three everyone. And uh so he that three generations that because he played at generations that because he played at Harrison County and then uh he coached Harrison County and then uh he coached the athletic director, you know, it's the athletic director, you know, it's like he knows everyone. You've been like he knows everyone. You've been there 48 years. you you've gone through there 48 years. you you've gone through a whole cycle of things and uh a whole cycle of things and uh >> I feel bad for whoever's got to fill >> I feel bad for whoever's got to fill those shoes like please don't retire those shoes like please don't retire like like like >> who who in their right mind you have to >> who who in their right mind you have to come from like California or something come from like California or something to be able to want to go to that program to be able to want to go to that program and and and >> because they've had success of the 48 >> because they've had success of the 48 years he's won the district tournament years he's won the district tournament 40 of the 48 and then every other year 40 of the 48 and then every other year essentially 22 times he's won the essentially 22 times he's won the regional tournament been to the state regional tournament been to the state tournament out of those 48 years so just tournament out of those 48 years so just years and years of sustained success years and years of sustained success And um it's it's interesting to be I And um it's it's interesting to be I mean I I am drawn to be around programs mean I I am drawn to be around programs like that and they all do it like that and they all do it differently. Um everyone who's a legend differently. Um everyone who's a legend of a coach um from the from the uh of a coach um from the from the uh record books just means that God's record books just means that God's blessed you to live a long time and be blessed you to live a long time and be healthy enough to continue to coach. And healthy enough to continue to coach. And a couple years ago we thought we were a couple years ago we thought we were going to lose him. He got pretty sick going to lose him. He got pretty sick and then u he kind of hit the reset and then u he kind of hit the reset button and went after it again. But I button and went after it again. But I talked to him before the start of this talked to him before the start of this season. I was like, "How are things?" season. I was like, "How are things?" He's like, "We're just not going to be He's like, "We're just not going to be any good." I was like, "What do you any good." I was like, "What do you mean?" He's like, "We're young. We don't mean?" He's like, "We're young. We don't have any arms." I'm like, "Well, I are have any arms." I'm like, "Well, I are you sure?" He's like, "Yeah, it's you sure?" He's like, "Yeah, it's probably not going to be very good." And probably not going to be very good." And like halfway, like three quarters like halfway, like three quarters through the season, they have three through the season, they have three losses. And I was like, "Hey, coach, how losses. And I was like, "Hey, coach, how are things going?" He's like, "Not going are things going?" He's like, "Not going that good." that good." I was [laughter] like, "Well, what what I was [laughter] like, "Well, what what are you missing?" Like, "What do you are you missing?" Like, "What do you need?" we need to hit the ball like need?" we need to hit the ball like this. We can't can't get by without this. We can't can't get by without hitting the ball. And so obviously they hitting the ball. And so obviously they won the the region again this year, went won the the region again this year, went to the state tournament. They got a m to the state tournament. They got a m they got upset a big upset in the first they got upset a big upset in the first round by a Wolf County team that had round by a Wolf County team that had never won a region game before. So Wolf never won a region game before. So Wolf County not just not only wins the County not just not only wins the regional tournament, it's the first time regional tournament, it's the first time in their program history that they'd won in their program history that they'd won a regional game. they make it to the a regional game. they make it to the state tournament and then against all state tournament and then against all odds takes down a powerhouse like odds takes down a powerhouse like Harrison County. That's it's the reason Harrison County. That's it's the reason you play the game. It's the reason you play the game. It's the reason there's a put the uniforms on and go.

there's a put the uniforms on and go. So, we made a transition in the So, we made a transition in the scheduling this year. There's a big scheduling this year. There's a big difference. Uh there's some people that difference. Uh there's some people that are missing because and I'm going guess are missing because and I'm going guess it is because of their class rank and it is because of their class rank and RPI. Is that true? like we we make RPI. Is that true? like we we make schedule changes in order to like and schedule changes in order to like and I'll just say it you you have to say I'll just say it you you have to say like nice stuff so we may not have to go like nice stuff so we may not have to go to Mayfield when we're a better team at to Mayfield when we're a better team at the playoff time and have a better RPI.

the playoff time and have a better RPI. Is that the thinking behind getting 6A Is that the thinking behind getting 6A schools and bigger schools on the schools and bigger schools on the schedule?

schedule? schedule? >> Yeah, unfortunately and and I'll say >> Yeah, unfortunately and and I'll say this about the depth of 2A. I I think 2A this about the depth of 2A. I I think 2A is is one of the better classes in the is is one of the better classes in the state of Kentucky top to bottom. Um, I state of Kentucky top to bottom. Um, I mean, you look at the schedule we've mean, you look at the schedule we've played and you look at schedule played and you look at schedule Beachwood plays and Mayfields and Beachwood plays and Mayfields and Homesboro Catholic and Somerset, like Homesboro Catholic and Somerset, like all these schools are playing big boy all these schools are playing big boy schedules and competing with the best of schedules and competing with the best of the best. But the best. But >> then you just hit the ceiling on your >> then you just hit the ceiling on your RPI. You can only get it so high if you RPI. You can only get it so high if you if you don't get the schedule right, I if you don't get the schedule right, I guess.

guess. guess. >> Well, and it's hard to play certain >> Well, and it's hard to play certain teams because some teams don't want to teams because some teams don't want to play a 2A school because it doesn't help play a 2A school because it doesn't help them in the in the boosters. So for us, them in the in the boosters. So for us, we we did schedule a little bit we we did schedule a little bit differently this year and differently this year and >> um we've played Pikeville the last >> um we've played Pikeville the last >> I mean it's six to eight years. I mean >> I mean it's six to eight years. I mean obviously Doug's a Pikeville guy. We obviously Doug's a Pikeville guy. We played them for for a long time.

played them for for a long time. >> And then we also have played Raceland >> And then we also have played Raceland which love what coach Sam does there.

which love what coach Sam does there. He's I've got so much respect for both He's I've got so much respect for both him and coach McName and what they do him and coach McName and what they do with their programs. But with their programs. But >> it schedule is a little bit differently >> it schedule is a little bit differently different this year. We different this year. We >> dropped those two teams and we picked up >> dropped those two teams and we picked up two 6A opponents. So, we'll we'll open two 6A opponents. So, we'll we'll open up week one with uh up week one with uh >> arguably one of the more talented teams >> arguably one of the more talented teams in the state of Kentucky. And Brent in the state of Kentucky. And Brent Thompson's North Harden team and and Thompson's North Harden team and and Brent does a great job. He's so well Brent does a great job. He's so well respected in the in the coaching respected in the in the coaching community and for for a great reason.

community and for for a great reason. So, that's that's who we'll open up with So, that's that's who we'll open up with week one in our week one in our >> It's a lot easier week two because it's >> It's a lot easier week two because it's Boille. Yeah, that's an easy one week Boille. Yeah, that's an easy one week two. So, two. So, >> we already marked that one off as a W.

>> we already marked that one off as a W. And then, uh Franklin, they're not a big And then, uh Franklin, they're not a big problem. We don't have much trouble with problem. We don't have much trouble with them. So, them. So, >> really One thing I tell our tell our >> really One thing I tell our tell our kids. So you're getting just so I make kids. So you're getting just so I make that clear. I did not say it. [laughter] that clear. I did not say it. [laughter] >> Oakley did not say that and it's >> Oakley did not say that and it's completely banter. So it's again completely banter. So it's again >> we have we just play a hard schedule >> we have we just play a hard schedule like from the start coming out. We're like from the start coming out. We're going to play a 6A school that's really going to play a 6A school that's really hard. Then we're going to play boil hard. Then we're going to play boil which is which is >> just a powerhouse that wins the state >> just a powerhouse that wins the state championship every year. And then championship every year. And then Franklin is uh undefeated last year like Franklin is uh undefeated last year like going through the the mix. And you're going through the the mix. And you're you're kind of close to Franklin in many you're kind of close to Franklin in many ways.

ways. ways. >> Yeah, that's your hometown. >> Yeah, that's your hometown. >> I was talking to Eddie their head coach >> I was talking to Eddie their head coach just two nights ago actually just before just two nights ago actually just before this thing gets going because he's one this thing gets going because he's one of my of my >> best friends in this profession. So much >> best friends in this profession. So much respect for him. And then obviously respect for him. And then obviously Justin Abil does a great job. Then we've Justin Abil does a great job. Then we've got Cal week four or we play Cal week got Cal week four or we play Cal week three and then it's Franklin County week three and then it's Franklin County week four and Hunter Canwell's incredible. I four and Hunter Canwell's incredible. I mean Cal's won mean Cal's won >> you talk about again 2A football. It's >> you talk about again 2A football. It's like Cal's won I mean three straight 3A like Cal's won I mean three straight 3A state championships and state championships and >> um which is I mean we've we've played >> um which is I mean we've we've played them every year and it's a great test them every year and it's a great test for us. And then Lexon Catholic week for us. And then Lexon Catholic week five at home five at home >> um which will be which will be great.

>> um which will be which will be great. That's they actually just hired a um That's they actually just hired a um David Clark who's a center college alum David Clark who's a center college alum >> and that's where I went to school as >> and that's where I went to school as well. So that's uh that's that's pretty well. So that's uh that's that's pretty neat in its own right.

neat in its own right. >> I think it's uh it's unique in in many >> I think it's uh it's unique in in many ways and you do it too and Doug did it ways and you do it too and Doug did it very well. Um I don't know I think I've very well. Um I don't know I think I've told this story a few people but I'll told this story a few people but I'll just tell it in public. Uh Doug called just tell it in public. Uh Doug called me before the Pikeville game last year.

me before the Pikeville game last year. Their best player was hurt and said, Their best player was hurt and said, "Hey, can you help him and try to get "Hey, can you help him and try to get him to play before this game?" And I him to play before this game?" And I said, "Do you know we neither of us have said, "Do you know we neither of us have a win, right? Like we're 0 and2 and a win, right? Like we're 0 and2 and they're 0 and2. Like you want me to they're 0 and2. Like you want me to treat him next week?" And he's like, treat him next week?" And he's like, "No, like I want you to try to show up "No, like I want you to try to show up early and see if we can get this kiddo early and see if we can get this kiddo to play." And I was like, we talked to play." And I was like, we talked about it off air, too. Like the coaching about it off air, too. Like the coaching fraternity in Kentucky is strong. And fraternity in Kentucky is strong. And that's one of the best. You're gonna you that's one of the best. You're gonna you want to beat the socks off people when want to beat the socks off people when you're playing them across. And so you're playing them across. And so you're going to be competitive and you you're going to be competitive and you know the competitive nature of you and know the competitive nature of you and everyone else involved is always going everyone else involved is always going to it's always going to come to to it's always going to come to forefront when the whistle blows. I mean forefront when the whistle blows. I mean you really support each other like you you really support each other like you you look out you know it's a fraternity you look out you know it's a fraternity and it's important. We were talking and it's important. We were talking about young coaches starting programs about young coaches starting programs and coming up and trying to figure out and coming up and trying to figure out like where do you find your way and how like where do you find your way and how do you find success? It's really the do you find success? It's really the level of talent in Kentucky football has level of talent in Kentucky football has continued to rise through the years. If continued to rise through the years. If you look back you look back uh about who you could recruit to be a uh about who you could recruit to be a college football player in Kentucky, it college football player in Kentucky, it wasn't as deep historically. And I don't wasn't as deep historically. And I don't think that's without coincidence is it's think that's without coincidence is it's the coaches. It is the head coaches and the coaches. It is the head coaches and the assistant coaches in Kentucky the assistant coaches in Kentucky football have raised the level so that football have raised the level so that the talent of kids are are better. Uh, the talent of kids are are better. Uh, and it's without question that that has, and it's without question that that has, you look back at old rankings in the you look back at old rankings in the state of Kentucky, even if you go way state of Kentucky, even if you go way back to Tim Couch's years, you had a few back to Tim Couch's years, you had a few kids who could play college football at kids who could play college football at a high level. And now it's not the case a high level. And now it's not the case anymore. You got a lot of kids who can anymore. You got a lot of kids who can play football at a high level in the play football at a high level in the state. But I don't think it's without state. But I don't think it's without coincidence that some of that success coincidence that some of that success has been the head coaches. And you can has been the head coaches. And you can be rivals. you know, Lexon Catholic's be rivals. you know, Lexon Catholic's always going to be a rival of of LCA.

always going to be a rival of of LCA. But at the same time, um, when you have But at the same time, um, when you have a different perspective, when you have a different perspective, when you have an audience of one, then you're going to an audience of one, then you're going to compete your butt off on the field, but compete your butt off on the field, but you still want people to be successful.

you still want people to be successful. We talked about this off too, like We talked about this off too, like you'll you'll go and play boil and you you'll you'll go and play boil and you and Hadex will have boxing gloves on.

and Hadex will have boxing gloves on. You want to beat each other, but then You want to beat each other, but then when the game's over, you can become when the game's over, you can become each other's, you know, I hope you have each other's, you know, I hope you have the most success. Hope you win the rest the most success. Hope you win the rest of the games. you know, hope you lose of the games. you know, hope you lose one and it's against the other person.

one and it's against the other person. Uh, so I think it's pretty special. Uh, Uh, so I think it's pretty special. Uh, I get to talk to a lot of coaches in I get to talk to a lot of coaches in Kentucky and, um, I'm a homer. I'm Kentucky and, um, I'm a homer. I'm overly biased towards LCA, un un uh, overly biased towards LCA, un un uh, apologetic about that. I think we do it apologetic about that. I think we do it better than anyone else does. Um, but I better than anyone else does. Um, but I do think there's a blueprint that do think there's a blueprint that somebody could look at for success about somebody could look at for success about how how are you going to define what how how are you going to define what success is uh, in the program. and we we success is uh, in the program. and we we do that as good as anyone can possibly do that as good as anyone can possibly do it. Uh it's really cool to put kids do it. Uh it's really cool to put kids in to play college football. It's really in to play college football. It's really what makes Saturday very fun. Uh if what makes Saturday very fun. Uh if you're a high school coach or u but also you're a high school coach or u but also just the quality of the product that's just the quality of the product that's put out. These are going to be you've put out. These are going to be you've had, you know, every year some of the had, you know, every year some of the players work for you outside of football players work for you outside of football at your company. and you told me that at your company. and you told me that the employees at your company always the employees at your company always brag on them as they're well behaved and brag on them as they're well behaved and hard workers. So that's really what we hard workers. So that's really what we want at the end of the day. We want want at the end of the day. We want people to be good parents and we want people to be good parents and we want people to be good business leaders and people to be good business leaders and family uh leaders and all the other family uh leaders and all the other stuff. So our stuff. So our um um um success continues after the last playoff success continues after the last playoff game whenever that is. We always want to game whenever that is. We always want to end it at Kroger.

end it at Kroger. >> Yeah. But if we don't, we can't call >> Yeah. But if we don't, we can't call last season not successful. It was last season not successful. It was unbelievably successful season. We ran unbelievably successful season. We ran into a team that's faster than us.

into a team that's faster than us. >> Um so we don't set that we don't set >> Um so we don't set that we don't set those precedents of like, okay, we lost those precedents of like, okay, we lost Beachwood, so it was a wash. Let's try Beachwood, so it was a wash. Let's try again. Um and it makes it better uh that again. Um and it makes it better uh that way. At the same rate, um, you're I know way. At the same rate, um, you're I know we don't we haven't talked about it, but we don't we haven't talked about it, but you're very competitive and you would you're very competitive and you would love to have the biggest trophy, not the love to have the biggest trophy, not the regional final trophy uh to to put in regional final trophy uh to to put in the halls of LCA, but the halls of LCA, but maybe maybe maybe and I do too, but maybe just so that you and I do too, but maybe just so that you could say it's okay to have courage and could say it's okay to have courage and do it our way and be successful. It do it our way and be successful. It doesn't have to be one without the doesn't have to be one without the other. Um, so you don't have to cut other. Um, so you don't have to cut corners. You don't have to have a corners. You don't have to have a program that does this or that to to program that does this or that to to chase success. You can do everything the chase success. You can do everything the right way as far as you can understand right way as far as you can understand what the right way is and still be what the right way is and still be successful. And we've been doing that successful. And we've been doing that for years now. I don't think that's for years now. I don't think that's going to end because our success is not going to end because our success is not necessarily the wins and losses. But necessarily the wins and losses. But we're not bad at that either.

we're not bad at that either. >> So that that's a bonus. >> So that that's a bonus. >> Well, we're gonna Yeah, that's And >> Well, we're gonna Yeah, that's And that's the thing. I think the that's the thing. I think the competition piece for us on on top of competition piece for us on on top of all that, like my wife and I, we we we all that, like my wife and I, we we we compete when we play Yatsi and and compete when we play Yatsi and and quicks. It's little dice games at home.

quicks. It's little dice games at home. So, we're going to compete, but we're So, we're going to compete, but we're also going to do it in a way that we're also going to do it in a way that we're developing young people and that's at developing young people and that's at the forefront of what we're doing. And the forefront of what we're doing. And we're so I'm so fortunate to have a we're so I'm so fortunate to have a staff that all is mutually aligned with staff that all is mutually aligned with that. They all believe in that. Two that. They all believe in that. Two questions I ask them.

questions I ask them. >> I talked about this. We probably talked >> I talked about this. We probably talked about it last time. I want to say it about it last time. I want to say it again.

again. again. Um Brady Hensley could have won Mr. Um Brady Hensley could have won Mr. Football. Football. Football. If we wanted to embarrass three district If we wanted to embarrass three district teams, teams, teams, >> like put 150 on them and we didn't >> like put 150 on them and we didn't >> and he didn't.

>> and he didn't. >> But we're okay. Yeah. >> But we're okay. Yeah. >> And he's okay. >> And he's okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and so that's a huge testament of >> Um and so that's a huge testament of I'm again Homer bias. You can People can I'm again Homer bias. You can People can say whatever they want. uh he had one of say whatever they want. uh he had one of the better seasons I've ever seen in the better seasons I've ever seen in [snorts] a high school player. Uh many [snorts] a high school player. Uh many times didn't have a speck of dirt on his times didn't have a speck of dirt on his uniform and uh those individual uniform and uh those individual accolades would be cool, but it still accolades would be cool, but it still wasn't at the central of what we're wasn't at the central of what we're trying to do. Uh it wasn't we're going trying to do. Uh it wasn't we're going to do anything at all cost to get a Mr.

to do anything at all cost to get a Mr. Football, you know, on Reynolds Road, Football, you know, on Reynolds Road, which would be kind of cool, but and which would be kind of cool, but and maybe one day it'll come. Hopefully maybe one day it'll come. Hopefully hopefully it does. Um but we didn't hopefully it does. Um but we didn't compromise.

compromise. compromise. Um it I I don't know how else to say it. Um it I I don't know how else to say it. Like we have an inferior district to the Like we have an inferior district to the talent level that we have. Um but we talent level that we have. Um but we handled that well in the way that we handled that well in the way that we took care of them and loved on them when took care of them and loved on them when they came and and the same when we go they came and and the same when we go there. We we handle in a very respectful there. We we handle in a very respectful way and we've done that in the last few way and we've done that in the last few years. Um I'm biased. I I don't I wish years. Um I'm biased. I I don't I wish we had a different district. Um because we had a different district. Um because it's a it's a major challenge to have it's a it's a major challenge to have the toughest schedule in the state and the toughest schedule in the state and then three games that are kind of like then three games that are kind of like you would have bigger competition in you would have bigger competition in practice than and it's nothing against practice than and it's nothing against their programs. It's just the nature of their programs. It's just the nature of how it's been. And then you have to ramp how it's been. And then you have to ramp up again and it's playoff time. And up again and it's playoff time. And normally the first round of the playoffs normally the first round of the playoffs if you're very talented that's kind of if you're very talented that's kind of like you know a lot of people make the like you know a lot of people make the playoffs so the first round's not bad playoffs so the first round's not bad but then you got to turn the key on. I but then you got to turn the key on. I wish it was just the opposite. Like, let wish it was just the opposite. Like, let us play the district games first three us play the district games first three games of the season and then I don't games of the season and then I don't know what's your thoughts behind that on know what's your thoughts behind that on how you navigate how you navigate uh our current situation with how the uh our current situation with how the district works and our very very tough district works and our very very tough pre-dist schedule. Is there is that a pre-dist schedule. Is there is that a challenge or you don't think so?

challenge or you don't think so? >> I mean, it's one of those things with >> I mean, it's one of those things with the schedule we play. I mean, we're the schedule we play. I mean, we're focusing on ourselves every day. That's focusing on ourselves every day. That's what I told our team yesterday is like what I told our team yesterday is like for us we can talk about opponents which for us we can talk about opponents which we play a big boy schedule that's going we play a big boy schedule that's going to help us get better but we're focusing to help us get better but we're focusing on us. So those weeks that on us. So those weeks that >> early on playing those powerhouse >> early on playing those powerhouse programs and perennial state powers that programs and perennial state powers that won multiple state championships you won multiple state championships you learn a lot about yourself.

learn a lot about yourself. >> Yeah. Well, in the district play, we >> Yeah. Well, in the district play, we work on a lot of those things. And work on a lot of those things. And that's another piece during that. We're that's another piece during that. We're able to um compete a lot in practice and able to um compete a lot in practice and and use that as an opportunity again to and use that as an opportunity again to work on the things that we have seen as work on the things that we have seen as deficiencies in those first couple deficiencies in those first couple games.

games. games. >> And it also gives our our young guys >> And it also gives our our young guys opportunities to get better because I opportunities to get better because I think that's one of the secret sauce think that's one of the secret sauce things at LCA for us has been things at LCA for us has been >> our freshman >> our freshman will practice with our varsity guys. So, will practice with our varsity guys. So, if you're a freshman, you're coming in, if you're a freshman, you're coming in, you're getting the same exact coaching, you're getting the same exact coaching, you're getting reps against these senior you're getting reps against these senior these seasoned seniors, and it's only these seasoned seniors, and it's only making those those guys get better, making those those guys get better, right? And that's the thing that we try right? And that's the thing that we try and use that window for those guys to and use that window for those guys to get better, too. And that's something get better, too. And that's something that that that >> um it's I mean, we're going to continue >> um it's I mean, we're going to continue to navigate it in that way and and use to navigate it in that way and and use it as opportunity for us to continue to it as opportunity for us to continue to get better. So, get better. So, >> in some ways, I see it the other way, >> in some ways, I see it the other way, too, because I get to see the injury too, because I get to see the injury side of it. Gives you a chance to heal side of it. Gives you a chance to heal up in some ways. is everyone's hurting up in some ways. is everyone's hurting by week seven. Uh if you've if you've by week seven. Uh if you've if you've played as hard as you should have played as hard as you should have played, uh you're going to be hurting a played, uh you're going to be hurting a little bit and banged up. So, it does little bit and banged up. So, it does give a chance to heal in some ways. Um I give a chance to heal in some ways. Um I just don't love it. I don't love the up just don't love it. I don't love the up and down the the nature of it. But, you and down the the nature of it. But, you know, that's not the we don't get to know, that's not the we don't get to decide that. That's how the district decide that. That's how the district goes.

goes. goes. >> Well, I will say with with our district, >> Well, I will say with with our district, the way it's structured now because the way it's structured now because there was a little bit of a change. Um there was a little bit of a change. Um Deo WB Deo Coach Durant's done a great Deo WB Deo Coach Durant's done a great job there. they are getting better every job there. they are getting better every single year. We know that's going to be single year. We know that's going to be a test for us. Ironically enough, that's a test for us. Ironically enough, that's on fall break this year. So, he's done a on fall break this year. So, he's done a great job. Um he and then great job. Um he and then >> Steve Stonereaker, who I played for at >> Steve Stonereaker, who I played for at center. He was a receivers's coach my center. He was a receivers's coach my freshman year and he's been freshman year and he's been >> uh such a respected coach. He's won >> uh such a respected coach. He's won everywhere he's been. He's the new head everywhere he's been. He's the new head coach at Danville and he's already coach at Danville and he's already really turned things around there and really turned things around there and that's a new school. And then coach that's a new school. And then coach Smith of Washington County, Smith of Washington County, >> I mean, they've committed to athletics >> I mean, they've committed to athletics there. They've got a brand new turf there. They've got a brand new turf field. So, like our district this year field. So, like our district this year is much better than what it's been. So, is much better than what it's been. So, I think that'll help us in a lot of I think that'll help us in a lot of ways. So, that'll give you something to ways. So, that'll give you something to get excited about.

get excited about. >> Well, I'm not I'm always excited, trust >> Well, I'm not I'm always excited, trust me. Uh, but I I also did love to see uh me. Uh, but I I also did love to see uh you know, if if you see me, I don't I'm you know, if if you see me, I don't I'm one of the last people to leave off the one of the last people to leave off the sideline. like I want to see those reps sideline. like I want to see those reps in the the fourth quarter of a of a in the the fourth quarter of a of a district game that we're up 48 points district game that we're up 48 points because I want to see what the young because I want to see what the young people are willing to do and capable of people are willing to do and capable of doing. So, um obviously I'm not somebody doing. So, um obviously I'm not somebody who's like, "Okay, we got a win. I'm who's like, "Okay, we got a win. I'm going to go tuck it in." Uh, so that's going to go tuck it in." Uh, so that's exciting for me is to see the young guys exciting for me is to see the young guys get excited and um, you know, you may get excited and um, you know, you may see a a play that would really give see a a play that would really give somebody confidence where they wouldn't somebody confidence where they wouldn't have confidence before and you can have confidence before and you can really see things start to turn around really see things start to turn around and we have a we have kind of have a and we have a we have kind of have a young uh, I just kicked the camera. Fix young uh, I just kicked the camera. Fix that. We have a a really talented young that. We have a a really talented young group. They did pretty well in the camp group. They did pretty well in the camp season this year. Uh, got a lot of season this year. Uh, got a lot of accolades and people writing about them.

accolades and people writing about them. uh which is always a benefit. Uh I've uh which is always a benefit. Uh I've said it since I've been here cuz uh the said it since I've been here cuz uh the first se the first year that we came first se the first year that we came here back from Florida, Cutter was here, here back from Florida, Cutter was here, he made his name in this camp season he made his name in this camp season prior to that season. Um but I'm 100% prior to that season. Um but I'm 100% for for for um raising the ship. Every time somebody um raising the ship. Every time somebody puts something on a uh on their phone puts something on a uh on their phone and writes something for an LCA kid, it and writes something for an LCA kid, it helps every other kid that puts that helps every other kid that puts that uniform on. And I'm a huge advocate for uniform on. And I'm a huge advocate for like prompting that out. That being like prompting that out. That being said, there's some new rules in Kentucky said, there's some new rules in Kentucky about social media and and how that all about social media and and how that all went down. Um, how or how do you address went down. Um, how or how do you address that? I mean, you're the hugest advocate that? I mean, you're the hugest advocate for as soon as something comes out, I'm for as soon as something comes out, I'm going to retweet that or reex that or going to retweet that or reex that or whatever it's called now so that we can whatever it's called now so that we can get exposure to coaches who follow you.

get exposure to coaches who follow you. Um, but my understanding is you can't Um, but my understanding is you can't have that person on your contact list.

have that person on your contact list. Now, Now, Now, >> so here is the I guess it's a little >> so here is the I guess it's a little ambiguous because ambiguous because >> us being a private school, what's been >> us being a private school, what's been communicated to me is that this bill communicated to me is that this bill does not apply to us.

does not apply to us. >> So, >> So, >> So, >> go Eagles. >> go Eagles. >> So, well, but here I will take this >> So, well, but here I will take this opportunity to talk about because I have opportunity to talk about because I have seen a lot of chatter about seen a lot of chatter about >> there's a lot of confusion. Well, and >> there's a lot of confusion. Well, and here's the PE because all different here's the PE because all different school districts have interpreted it school districts have interpreted it differently. I've talked to some coaches differently. I've talked to some coaches that are in school systems here in this that are in school systems here in this vicinity that are like, "We've been told vicinity that are like, "We've been told we can't communicate through Huddle." we can't communicate through Huddle." Well, Huddle is our film database, Well, Huddle is our film database, right? And but there's been chatter and right? And but there's been chatter and and I saw this yesterday cuz there's a and I saw this yesterday cuz there's a petition of some sort going around right petition of some sort going around right now trying to overturn it which the now trying to overturn it which the problem with with that right now is you problem with with that right now is you got to really wait till the next session got to really wait till the next session unless the governor it's it's it's unless the governor it's it's it's tough. But the chatter people came in tough. But the chatter people came in and they said, "I know that there's and they said, "I know that there's people that obviously are terrible people that obviously are terrible actors that are doing things that have actors that are doing things that have prompted the intention behind this prompted the intention behind this bill." And I completely support that bill." And I completely support that piece of trying to eliminate those piece of trying to eliminate those things. That's things. That's >> just I mean absolutely awful >> just I mean absolutely awful >> that those things happen. But people, >> that those things happen. But people, the commentary I've seen from people on the commentary I've seen from people on this petition is like, "Well, give me an this petition is like, "Well, give me an example of when it's okay for a teacher example of when it's okay for a teacher or a coach or an administrator to have a or a coach or an administrator to have a conversation with a young person on conversation with a young person on their phone." Well, I can give you their phone." Well, I can give you several.

several. several. >> It could be like, "Hey, I just got an >> It could be like, "Hey, I just got an you have an offer from Troy." you have an offer from Troy." >> Well, that that's that's one example.

>> Well, that that's that's one example. Those are my favorite calls I get from Those are my favorite calls I get from our guys. But there's also examples of our guys. But there's also examples of guys that call me at 11:30 p.m. on a guys that call me at 11:30 p.m. on a week night because they have struggles week night because they have struggles in the classroom. They're trying to in the classroom. They're trying to balance it with football. Maybe they've balance it with football. Maybe they've got something going on family. Maybe got something going on family. Maybe they've had a loss in the family. Maybe they've had a loss in the family. Maybe they've lost a family dog. I There are they've lost a family dog. I There are so many examples of players my players so many examples of players my players know they can call me at any time.

know they can call me at any time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I answered a players phone call last >> I answered a players phone call last week on a former player of mine. It was week on a former player of mine. It was Leland had called me and of course he Leland had called me and of course he was just calling me to tell me a joke, was just calling me to tell me a joke, but he called me at 10:30 p.m. on my but he called me at 10:30 p.m. on my anniversary. Yeah.

anniversary. Yeah. >> And I answered >> And I answered >> like, "Wait a second. I might need to >> like, "Wait a second. I might need to answer that." answer that." >> And of course he calling for a joke >> And of course he calling for a joke knowing Leland, but knowing Leland, but >> this is the the power and the influence >> this is the the power and the influence of a relationship between a coach and a of a relationship between a coach and a a player is so important. A lot of the a player is so important. A lot of the times like these players are willing to times like these players are willing to have conversations with you because you have conversations with you because you spend more time with them than you do spend more time with them than you do the family than anybody else. And again, the family than anybody else. And again, I am 100% putting guard rails and I am 100% putting guard rails and protections on, but it's just there's a protections on, but it's just there's a I think there's got to be I think there's got to be >> somewhere between >> somewhere between >> more intent on finding like actually >> more intent on finding like actually looking at looking at >> the practicality of this and that's the >> the practicality of this and that's the piece like cuz these conversations I've piece like cuz these conversations I've had those conversations late late night had those conversations late late night >> that are some conversations that >> that are some conversations that obviously are confidential that I won't obviously are confidential that I won't talk about respect for the young people talk about respect for the young people that have called but they those kids are that have called but they those kids are going through real things, Right. And going through real things, Right. And these are these are transformative years these are these are transformative years for these young people. And that's the for these young people. And that's the piece here is like piece here is like >> if it's we use team snap for our >> if it's we use team snap for our families a lot and that's a families a lot and that's a communication. I can send out messages communication. I can send out messages and everybody's in there. Well, a and everybody's in there. Well, a player's not going to send a message on player's not going to send a message on team snap if something that dire team snap if something that dire >> for sure because other parents see it >> for sure because other parents see it other like Yeah. It's a private thing so other like Yeah. It's a private thing so they're not going to be able to do that.

they're not going to be able to do that. Yeah. I don't I don't know all that. Yeah. I don't I don't know all that. I've been following it very closely I've been following it very closely because it makes a difference to me and because it makes a difference to me and I'm a huge advocate for I'm a huge advocate for um kids playing college sports. Like I um kids playing college sports. Like I think it's think it's I I don't know if any studies have been I I don't know if any studies have been done. College athletes just do better in done. College athletes just do better in life than other non-olth life than other non-olth you have to be a college athlete to do you have to be a college athlete to do well in life, but that sets you up for well in life, but that sets you up for an opportunity. Uh we said it already, an opportunity. Uh we said it already, things get hard, the schedule gets hard.

things get hard, the schedule gets hard. It's hard to be a a successful high It's hard to be a a successful high school athlete, just like you said, school athlete, just like you said, because uh LCA is not going to lower because uh LCA is not going to lower your academic standards just because you your academic standards just because you want to play football.

want to play football. >> Uh so that you're going to have work to >> Uh so that you're going to have work to do and balance those things. And then do and balance those things. And then imagine doing that at a college level, imagine doing that at a college level, uh where it's literally your job to be a uh where it's literally your job to be a college football player. Oh, by the way, college football player. Oh, by the way, you're here to get a degree as well. Um, you're here to get a degree as well. Um, so I'm a huge advocate for anything that so I'm a huge advocate for anything that can happen to promote the transgression.

can happen to promote the transgression. I mean, the transition from high school I mean, the transition from high school to college athletes. And I think it's a to college athletes. And I think it's a big harmful step if you can't have big harmful step if you can't have coaches.

coaches. coaches. If you can't have If you can't have college coaches following high school college coaches following high school coaches who can get exposure to their coaches who can get exposure to their players, that's what I think it's a huge players, that's what I think it's a huge problem.

problem. problem. >> The Twitter Pete, and that's the thing. >> The Twitter Pete, and that's the thing. I've seen some different interpretations I've seen some different interpretations from different school systems on the from different school systems on the social media, Twitter piece, but social media, Twitter piece, but majority of it is I mean I've had majority of it is I mean I've had friends from all over that have had to friends from all over that have had to put out that are public school teachers put out that are public school teachers like I can't hey you got to unfriend me like I can't hey you got to unfriend me and do this.

and do this. for me, college football recruiting, and for me, college football recruiting, and there may be some coaches that if they there may be some coaches that if they listen to this, disagree, but Twitter is listen to this, disagree, but Twitter is where where where >> I would say 70 at least 75% of >> I would say 70 at least 75% of connections and communications and stuff connections and communications and stuff like that has has started in terms of like that has has started in terms of building relationships. Obviously, you building relationships. Obviously, you have relationship schools that come to have relationship schools that come to your school all the time, but like your school all the time, but like Twitter, that's why I'm so active on Twitter, that's why I'm so active on there is I want to promote our kids.

there is I want to promote our kids. College pay attention to it. you're as College pay attention to it. you're as good as anyone when that thing hits.

good as anyone when that thing hits. Boy, you got that thing retweeted. It's Boy, you got that thing retweeted. It's awesome. And then um and you also spend awesome. And then um and you also spend time doing it because you don't just hit time doing it because you don't just hit retweet. You're going to give your retweet. You're going to give your perspective on what just happened. And perspective on what just happened. And uh uh uh >> it's a huge advantage uh for >> it's a huge advantage uh for for how X works or how that goes out.

for how X works or how that goes out. There's going to be people who and we There's going to be people who and we know this happens when when a player know this happens when when a player gets an offer that's a significant offer gets an offer that's a significant offer in the eyes of other coaches. They're in the eyes of other coaches. They're wondering, "What am I missing?" And I wondering, "What am I missing?" And I want to know what's going on. So, if want to know what's going on. So, if somebody gets a University of Kentucky somebody gets a University of Kentucky offer, we want everyone to know that offer, we want everyone to know that for what it is. I don't care if you're a for what it is. I don't care if you're a freshman, it's non-committal, like we freshman, it's non-committal, like we want people to know across the country want people to know across the country that, you know, this particular program that, you know, this particular program is has shown interest and gave an offer.

is has shown interest and gave an offer. And then the other coaches, it happens And then the other coaches, it happens like that in the SEC all the time. You like that in the SEC all the time. You get one SEC offer, all the other SEC get one SEC offer, all the other SEC coaches like, I'm in. Like, I know who coaches like, I'm in. Like, I know who works there. I know who their personnel works there. I know who their personnel are and if they if they like you, I like are and if they if they like you, I like you, too. And that just opens doors for you, too. And that just opens doors for people to people to >> I had a this was two years ago, so at >> I had a this was two years ago, so at this time it was truly called group of this time it was truly called group of five. Now I know it's like group of 17 five. Now I know it's like group of 17 the uh schools that aren't in the power the uh schools that aren't in the power four. I had a school in our school and four. I had a school in our school and I'm talking to him about it. one of our I'm talking to him about it. one of our players. I'm advocating for them." players. I'm advocating for them." >> And the coach responded and said, "Well, >> And the coach responded and said, "Well, this would be a different conversation this would be a different conversation if this school who's close to offering if this school who's close to offering the kid would would have offered already the kid would would have offered already when I'm in here." And it's like, when I'm in here." And it's like, >> "What you realize a lot is these college >> "What you realize a lot is these college coaches, to your point, I had this coaches, to your point, I had this conversation with a coach recently.

conversation with a coach recently. They're just waiting like once somebody They're just waiting like once somebody else and you see that pull, you'll see else and you see that pull, you'll see that in the the Ivy Leagues and the that in the the Ivy Leagues and the Patriot Leagues. We've got several guys Patriot Leagues. We've got several guys playing in those leagues. when one playing in those leagues. when one offers you see a flow and it's a offers you see a flow and it's a snowball. We use that conversation our snowball. We use that conversation our our recruiting workshops. We do a our recruiting workshops. We do a college recruiting workshop for our college recruiting workshop for our families families families >> is the first one is an extremely >> is the first one is an extremely important one like and that's when once important one like and that's when once that happens it's usually a domino that happens it's usually a domino snowball type effect.

snowball type effect. >> Um but it Yeah. That and that's where >> Um but it Yeah. That and that's where Twitter that's where these coaches see Twitter that's where these coaches see it is they've got staffers that are 18 it is they've got staffers that are 18 19 20 years old 19 20 years old >> and their job is to to find that next >> and their job is to to find that next >> flag it and go.

>> flag it and go. >> Yep. because if you get flagged and you >> Yep. because if you get flagged and you get passed, then it never gets to the get passed, then it never gets to the next level. And obviously, if you're u next level. And obviously, if you're u if you're a big time talent um and you if you're a big time talent um and you got a bunch of coaches coming to watch got a bunch of coaches coming to watch your practice and doing all the other your practice and doing all the other stuff, then there that's one benefit.

stuff, then there that's one benefit. That's you know, we had a little bit of That's you know, we had a little bit of a circus when cutter was around at a circus when cutter was around at practice, but it was the best circus we practice, but it was the best circus we could have. I mean, you want that you could have. I mean, you want that you want that to be the nature of how your want that to be the nature of how your how your practices go, but it helps how your practices go, but it helps everybody in the same thing. So, I'm I everybody in the same thing. So, I'm I was really concerned when I saw it like was really concerned when I saw it like no, we need coaches like retweeting no, we need coaches like retweeting offers like offers like >> not not just at LCA.

>> not not just at LCA. >> It's already hard enough as a high >> It's already hard enough as a high school. That's the thing too. It's school. That's the thing too. It's already hard enough now and the current already hard enough now and the current climate culture.

climate culture. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> For high school athletes. I mean, I was >> For high school athletes. I mean, I was talking to FCS school recently about one talking to FCS school recently about one of our guys and the school said this of our guys and the school said this cycle because of this transfer portal cycle because of this transfer portal and how the trickle down effects hit, we and how the trickle down effects hit, we have guys that three, four years ago have guys that three, four years ago were can't miss power four guys that are were can't miss power four guys that are somewhat somewhat somewhat >> trending down a class. Maybe they're >> trending down a class. Maybe they're going to a G5 or G whatever they call it going to a G5 or G whatever they call it now. But now. But >> that trickle down effect, it's already >> that trickle down effect, it's already hard enough. There's so many good hard enough. There's so many good players and that's what the FCS schools players and that's what the FCS schools are saying now is like are saying now is like >> we're taking our time because we know >> we're taking our time because we know there's better players than we've ever there's better players than we've ever seen that are available on there. So seen that are available on there. So it's and that's the thing about this is it's and that's the thing about this is I I just tell our kids just be the best I I just tell our kids just be the best version of you. enjoy this high school version of you. enjoy this high school football experience. And it's I'm a firm football experience. And it's I'm a firm believer in this for our guys is you're believer in this for our guys is you're going to end up where you're supposed to going to end up where you're supposed to be be be >> and it's happened that but it is this >> and it's happened that but it is this it's got it's got a lot of impacts. So, it's got it's got a lot of impacts. So, I'm hoping there's I'm hoping there's >> that the parents have um you know, right >> that the parents have um you know, right or wrong, have spent years and years of or wrong, have spent years and years of like showing up to practices and it's a like showing up to practices and it's a tough time and you know, you you said tough time and you know, you you said it, but I'll say it again like you have it, but I'll say it again like you have a conference to try to tell parents how a conference to try to tell parents how to navigate this recruiting cycle and to navigate this recruiting cycle and how to do it well. Um and then what to how to do it well. Um and then what to not be surprised about and um and how not be surprised about and um and how the whole process is supposed to happen.

the whole process is supposed to happen. But it's really difficult at every But it's really difficult at every sport. Like um I'm a huge baseball fan, sport. Like um I'm a huge baseball fan, too. But if you look at University of too. But if you look at University of Kentucky baseball, they just don't take Kentucky baseball, they just don't take high school kids for the most part. I high school kids for the most part. I mean, there's a couple that they're mean, there's a couple that they're going to take. Their entire rebuild this going to take. Their entire rebuild this year was from the transfer portal. And year was from the transfer portal. And these are people at Eastern. They're these are people at Eastern. They're people that you go to what you'd be people that you go to what you'd be considered a lower level program and you considered a lower level program and you excel, then you move your way up to the excel, then you move your way up to the big boys. And I don't see that stopping big boys. And I don't see that stopping anytime soon in football, baseball, any anytime soon in football, baseball, any of those. I think that's the norm now.

of those. I think that's the norm now. Um, basketball's a little bit different Um, basketball's a little bit different because there's 12 people and uh, you because there's 12 people and uh, you know, on the squad and you're going to know, on the squad and you're going to have a cycle where you have a need that have a cycle where you have a need that year. So, you may pass on someone. I year. So, you may pass on someone. I talked to a high I talked to a college talked to a high I talked to a college coach about Saxton and he was like, coach about Saxton and he was like, absolute dog. Love to have him.

absolute dog. Love to have him. Unbelievable talent. Unbelievable talent. I don't need a guard this year. I'm I don't need a guard this year. I'm like, is that how that works? And he's like, is that how that works? And he's like, it's exactly how it works. You got like, it's exactly how it works. You got to be 6'5 to be recruited this year.

to be 6'5 to be recruited this year. >> Well, that's the thing about colleges >> Well, that's the thing about colleges though. College football, college though. College football, college basketball, all the same deal. Is basketball, all the same deal. Is >> now these contracts are I mean, you're >> now these contracts are I mean, you're expected to win. If you're hired and the expected to win. If you're hired and the program was not very good. I mean, you program was not very good. I mean, you use Louisville basketball for this past use Louisville basketball for this past year.

year. year. >> I mean, Pat Kelsey, what he did in one >> I mean, Pat Kelsey, what he did in one year shows you how impactful this year shows you how impactful this transfer portal is. But that's now these transfer portal is. But that's now these coaches are on these deals. It's like coaches are on these deals. It's like the hot seat is like on right when you the hot seat is like on right when you start. There's no more like, well, is he start. There's no more like, well, is he on the hot seat? And it's like on the hot seat? And it's like immediately you're on the hot seat.

immediately you're on the hot seat. >> Well, I don't even know what the uh >> Well, I don't even know what the uh >> I don't know how how hot the hot seat is >> I don't know how how hot the hot seat is uh in in college football with the uh in in college football with the finances now. I think it's going to be finances now. I think it's going to be like a um I think it's going to be like a um I think it's going to be interesting to see how a potential interesting to see how a potential salary cap affects different salary cap affects different universities. I mean, I'm nervous. I'm a universities. I mean, I'm nervous. I'm a University of Kentucky guy. I'm nervous University of Kentucky guy. I'm nervous about how that happens for our football about how that happens for our football team because everyone who's ever been to team because everyone who's ever been to the state knows that basketball's king the state knows that basketball's king and that's not going to change. And um and that's not going to change. And um they can raise the ticket prices, you they can raise the ticket prices, you can do whatever you want to do, but that can do whatever you want to do, but that downfall of like, okay, we're at an even downfall of like, okay, we're at an even playing field. Um I think hurts our playing field. Um I think hurts our football program at University of football program at University of Kentucky for sure. Um, and if you look Kentucky for sure. Um, and if you look at places like um, Alabama and Auburn or at places like um, Alabama and Auburn or Texas A&M or if you start looking Texas A&M or if you start looking through the SEC, through the SEC, um, they SEC basketball is really good um, they SEC basketball is really good the last few years, but they're not the last few years, but they're not basketball schools. And I'm going to get basketball schools. And I'm going to get in trouble with the Caliperry Mark Stubs in trouble with the Caliperry Mark Stubs thing. Are we a basketball? We're a thing. Are we a basketball? We're a basketball school at University of basketball school at University of Kentucky. I'll just go say that. It's Kentucky. I'll just go say that. It's panned itself out to be true. Um, but at panned itself out to be true. Um, but at the same rate, I'm worried about, you the same rate, I'm worried about, you know, our salary cap. How are we gonna know, our salary cap. How are we gonna be competitive? How are we going to pay be competitive? How are we going to pay for the players? That That's a weird for the players? That That's a weird thing to say, but that's where we are.

thing to say, but that's where we are. How are you going to have enough money How are you going to have enough money to pay to be competitive in the SEC?

to pay to be competitive in the SEC? And, um, we'll see how that pans out. And, um, we'll see how that pans out. But my my heart's always about getting But my my heart's always about getting the college kid, I mean, getting the the college kid, I mean, getting the high school kid in the position to a lot high school kid in the position to a lot of the things we do at the performance of the things we do at the performance center. The whole thing was built on center. The whole thing was built on that. like don't let an injury prevent a that. like don't let an injury prevent a kid from getting a college, you know, kid from getting a college, you know, opportunity. Uh, so I'm really bent on opportunity. Uh, so I'm really bent on that, but I just like everything else, I that, but I just like everything else, I love college football, love University love college football, love University of Kentucky. Um, all of us, all of us of Kentucky. Um, all of us, all of us LCA people are sitting on our hands and LCA people are sitting on our hands and really want camp to start and, uh, want really want camp to start and, uh, want Cutter to be what Cutter can be. And, Cutter to be what Cutter can be. And, um, I think I talked to his brother the um, I think I talked to his brother the other day. I'm like, other day. I'm like, I don't know. We'll see. I mean, uh, I I don't know. We'll see. I mean, uh, I don't I don't like how the whole thing don't I don't like how the whole thing was handled and the recruiting thing and was handled and the recruiting thing and how the end of the season happened and how the end of the season happened and all the other stuff. Um, but we'll see all the other stuff. Um, but we'll see uh what happens. I think if he uh what happens. I think if he eventually he's going to be himself and eventually he's going to be himself and that's going to show itself and and that's going to show itself and and he'll be okay. But, um, he'll be okay. But, um, >> his well, I'm a I'm a firm believer in >> his well, I'm a I'm a firm believer in this with him and Cutter is the absolute this with him and Cutter is the absolute best. We had just a great relationship.

best. We had just a great relationship. still do and he came and talked to our still do and he came and talked to our team just a couple weeks ago team just a couple weeks ago >> right before the dead period started >> right before the dead period started actually he was he was over actually he was he was over >> and the way he's handled this I mean >> and the way he's handled this I mean he's just had his head down he's gone he's just had his head down he's gone >> it's also it's countercultural to how >> it's also it's countercultural to how people handle it nowadays which is people handle it nowadays which is what's so cool about it what's so cool about it >> the way he handled his recruitment was >> the way he handled his recruitment was point on point on >> the way he handled you know humbly walk >> the way he handled you know humbly walk through like the whole through like the whole >> we did a good job as a school of like >> we did a good job as a school of like making it a big deal and we want to keep making it a big deal and we want to keep doing that for kids going forward.

doing that for kids going forward. >> But I was just watching the Jet Edits >> But I was just watching the Jet Edits version of the cutters uh commitment version of the cutters uh commitment day. Um and day. Um and >> we're looking back at everything that >> we're looking back at everything that how it's going and how it was really how it's going and how it was really cool to see LCA kind of get behind that.

cool to see LCA kind of get behind that. Like we're going to we're going to shut Like we're going to we're going to shut down school for a couple hours, make down school for a couple hours, make this a big deal.

this a big deal. >> Um that's why I mean for me personally, >> Um that's why I mean for me personally, I we already know this, but it's just a I we already know this, but it's just a special place. LCA's a special place. LCA's a >> a special place to be. Um, >> a special place to be. Um, >> well, let's also not forget about >> well, let's also not forget about Cutter, and I've said this.

Cutter, and I've said this. >> He goes down to Texas as a true >> He goes down to Texas as a true freshman. freshman. freshman. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Unwavered.

>> Unwavered. >> Unwavered. >> Lights him up. >> Lights him up. >> His He's He's got an NFL arm. He's got a >> His He's He's got an NFL arm. He's got a >> He's cerebral I'll get out and he's a >> He's cerebral I'll get out and he's a guy that people love being around. He's guy that people love being around. He's going to be I I if I'm betting on going to be I I if I'm betting on somebody, I'm betting on my man A.

somebody, I'm betting on my man A. >> Same. Yeah. Same. And that's what I >> Same. Yeah. Same. And that's what I said. it'll pan itself out. But we're said. it'll pan itself out. But we're really we're selfish as you I I want it really we're selfish as you I I want it to be at Kentucky because I'm selfish to be at Kentucky because I'm selfish because I want to go just down the because I want to go just down the street and watch it pan itself out. And street and watch it pan itself out. And so u but it's the same thing. If you're so u but it's the same thing. If you're better than the other guy because of the better than the other guy because of the nature of how college football is, nature of how college football is, you're going to play. That's how it is.

you're going to play. That's how it is. And so if if he's not better than Zack, And so if if he's not better than Zack, then Zach's gonna play. if he's better then Zach's gonna play. if he's better than him. But again, we're we're talking than him. But again, we're we're talking about a true freshman in college about a true freshman in college football who started throwing the football who started throwing the football two years ago. Very young true football two years ago. Very young true freshman. Um so yeah, we'll u we're freshman. Um so yeah, we'll u we're obviously big uh big advocates of what's obviously big uh big advocates of what's happening in in blue and number eight, happening in in blue and number eight, but also um but also um one of the things I was going to talk to one of the things I was going to talk to you about and uh and get your feedback you about and uh and get your feedback on. One of the things that's going to be on. One of the things that's going to be important to us is important to us is we started through we have this uh we started through we have this uh foundation called Hypercharge Healing foundation called Hypercharge Healing Foundation. You can imagine why it's Foundation. You can imagine why it's called that. It's because we use called that. It's because we use electricity to get these kids to get electricity to get these kids to get better. So that's the hypercharge has a better. So that's the hypercharge has a little bolt in it. But what we're going little bolt in it. But what we're going to end up starting is a a scholarship to end up starting is a a scholarship program for kids who walk on to a program for kids who walk on to a program. Um Kenyatta comes to mind. He program. Um Kenyatta comes to mind. He walked on at University of Kentucky. But walked on at University of Kentucky. But we we want to be a place too where we we we want to be a place too where we can fill a little gap and it'll be a can fill a little gap and it'll be a small scholarship or whatever. But we're small scholarship or whatever. But we're starting to think behind uh how hard it starting to think behind uh how hard it is at uh the logistics of recruiting. Um is at uh the logistics of recruiting. Um and I know this because I'm a pikeful and I know this because I'm a pikeful guy too, but like the timing is off a guy too, but like the timing is off a little bit in college football for the little bit in college football for the NAI level because the way the FASA comes NAI level because the way the FASA comes through and how they can put financial through and how they can put financial packages together and you know, are you packages together and you know, are you going to get this amount of money?

going to get this amount of money? there's a disconnect between how that there's a disconnect between how that falls off. So the NI schools have to falls off. So the NI schools have to come in really late to the game to try come in really late to the game to try to recruit even though the talent pool to recruit even though the talent pool has deepened because of the same thing has deepened because of the same thing the transfer portal where it goes down.

the transfer portal where it goes down. Um but what we're trying to try to do Um but what we're trying to try to do through the foundation is to is to make through the foundation is to is to make sure that we can find people and that's sure that we can find people and that's the reason I'm telling you. So if you the reason I'm telling you. So if you not just at LCA, but if you know kids not just at LCA, but if you know kids who are like going to walk on at a who are like going to walk on at a school, then we need to try to identify school, then we need to try to identify those and figure out how we can give a those and figure out how we can give a small scholarship and make sure we pay small scholarship and make sure we pay for something uh for those things. So for something uh for those things. So just be thinking about that when you just be thinking about that when you talking to other coaches and doing talking to other coaches and doing obviously we'll know LCA kids if they do obviously we'll know LCA kids if they do that, but um that, but um >> the walk- on opportunity is that's like >> the walk- on opportunity is that's like big Kenyatta. He's uh he's going to most big Kenyatta. He's uh he's going to most likely play on some special teams. The likely play on some special teams. The reason the reason that you said that reason the reason that you said that brought me to thinking you said if I'm brought me to thinking you said if I'm going to bet on somebody like I'll also going to bet on somebody like I'll also bet on him.

bet on him. >> Uh and when he came to our program, I >> Uh and when he came to our program, I could be wrong. He didn't play defensive could be wrong. He didn't play defensive line before like line before like >> and then uh if you want to see a high >> and then uh if you want to see a high school clinic on how to play defensive school clinic on how to play defensive line, there's a Raceland game at line, there's a Raceland game at Raceland that you might want to put in Raceland that you might want to put in and you'll see Big K dominate a football and you'll see Big K dominate a football game like uh like nobody had like I game like uh like nobody had like I hadn't seen somebody do in a long time.

hadn't seen somebody do in a long time. Well, and he's going to be a true Well, and he's going to be a true sophomore really this fall sophomore really this fall >> and he is I mean he's getting reps with >> and he is I mean he's getting reps with first team special teams which says first team special teams which says >> so much about him that's in the SEC but >> so much about him that's in the SEC but it also speaks to the climate and it also speaks to the climate and culture of what college football culture of what college football recruiting is because recruiting is because >> he's one of the best high school >> he's one of the best high school football players I've ever watched in my football players I've ever watched in my life.

life. life. >> Yeah. And if we're just being honest out >> Yeah. And if we're just being honest out loud and I'll say it out loud, the loud and I'll say it out loud, the proper offers weren't there.

proper offers weren't there. >> They a lot of people missed >> They a lot of people missed >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> on that. But I don't know how like do >> on that. But I don't know how like do they not watch the game film? Do they they not watch the game film? Do they not watch in action? I I'm not sure how not watch in action? I I'm not sure how that works. Uh the same thing happened.

that works. Uh the same thing happened. Um you know, you start looking through Um you know, you start looking through I'll say it too with with Brady. His dad I'll say it too with with Brady. His dad went to Eastern. He's at Eastern. It's went to Eastern. He's at Eastern. It's probably where he needs to be. And probably where he needs to be. And that's what I believe what you believe.

that's what I believe what you believe. God's going to put you wherever he wants God's going to put you wherever he wants you to do whatever he's up to. And so you to do whatever he's up to. And so you're going to end up in the place that you're going to end up in the place that you're supposed to be. It's a little you're supposed to be. It's a little nerve-wracking to hear. Now, I was down nerve-wracking to hear. Now, I was down on the sidelines a few times and heard a on the sidelines a few times and heard a few coaches say, few coaches say, "Yeah, it's probably Eastern level and "Yeah, it's probably Eastern level and I'm like, I don't see what you see." I'm like, I don't see what you see." Seen a lot of football, seen a lot of Seen a lot of football, seen a lot of running backs. Um, I don't see what you running backs. Um, I don't see what you see. I just see a really fast, really see. I just see a really fast, really strong football player. Um, so I'm I was strong football player. Um, so I'm I was confused by that. I talked to Cutter's confused by that. I talked to Cutter's dad about that, too. He's like, "I don't dad about that, too. He's like, "I don't know." He's like, "I talked to some of know." He's like, "I talked to some of the coaches that were recruiting Cutter the coaches that were recruiting Cutter and put him on Brady and they were like, and put him on Brady and they were like, "Nah, I'll pass." And I'm like, "Okay." "Nah, I'll pass." And I'm like, "Okay." And then he'll use that as fuel. That'll And then he'll use that as fuel. That'll be jet fuel for be jet fuel for >> lifting heavy stuff.

>> lifting heavy stuff. >> He had an awesome spring. He did. >> He had an awesome spring. He did. >> That's for sure. So, >> That's for sure. So, >> but he also stepped directly in as a >> but he also stepped directly in as a true freshman and went on special teams true freshman and went on special teams and and made an impact because they had and and made an impact because they had no intention of not red shirting him no intention of not red shirting him until he shows up and they're like, until he shows up and they're like, >> "No, I don't think we're gonna red shirt >> "No, I don't think we're gonna red shirt him." Yeah. And so it'll be that's who him." Yeah. And so it'll be that's who he is.

he is. >> That's who he is. He likes lifting heavy >> That's who he is. He likes lifting heavy stuff, too. So stuff, too. So >> his dad does, too. >> his dad does, too. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> so it's cool to see um to see them go to >> so it's cool to see um to see them go to the next level, but then to start the next level, but then to start talking about um talking about um youth football before they make it to youth football before they make it to middle school uh at LCA because I talked middle school uh at LCA because I talked to Wes Johnson at Dumbar about this a to Wes Johnson at Dumbar about this a little bit and kind of how youth little bit and kind of how youth football happens in the city is not football happens in the city is not necessarily where you're going to end up necessarily where you're going to end up going to high school. Um, so talk about going to high school. Um, so talk about like how do you get is it the camp where like how do you get is it the camp where we have 200 kids? How do you get we have 200 kids? How do you get awareness for youth football in awareness for youth football in Lexington and do you see that that's Lexington and do you see that that's it's hot like people are into that? Has it's hot like people are into that? Has it dipped some or what do you see on the it dipped some or what do you see on the youth side of things? No, youth side of things? No, >> I mean that's I mean it's continuing to >> I mean that's I mean it's continuing to grow for us. I mean you you look at just grow for us. I mean you you look at just this fall for us, we're going to have a this fall for us, we're going to have a roster of about 55 guys. um on the roster of about 55 guys. um on the varsity level. We're going to have about varsity level. We're going to have about 35 on the middle school level. And in 35 on the middle school level. And in our youth program last year, we had over our youth program last year, we had over 200 plus kids playing tackle football.

200 plus kids playing tackle football. And this year, we started signups And this year, we started signups earlier. We've had conditioning sessions earlier. We've had conditioning sessions for those first to sixth graders. And for those first to sixth graders. And the turnout at that, it's free the turnout at that, it's free conditioning, free just sports, like conditioning, free just sports, like sport development stuff, fundamentals. I sport development stuff, fundamentals. I mean, we're here. We're in June doing mean, we're here. We're in June doing that and there's all kinds of people that and there's all kinds of people showing up and it's so we have really showing up and it's so we have really tried to pride ourselves on development tried to pride ourselves on development and we do it to where and we do it to where >> some of our age groups will cut the >> some of our age groups will cut the field down so where really all of them field down so where really all of them will cut the field down to where it's will cut the field down to where it's just like if I ran out there and I'm the just like if I ran out there and I'm the fastest kid and you're in first grade fastest kid and you're in first grade and you're playing a whole high school and you're playing a whole high school football field. Well, that kid's football field. Well, that kid's probably going to score a lot of probably going to score a lot of touchdowns. Well, if you cut the field touchdowns. Well, if you cut the field down now, it allows you to have more of down now, it allows you to have more of >> a even playing field and it really gets >> a even playing field and it really gets to develop the players. But we keep our to develop the players. But we keep our roster sizes short, small, too, so that roster sizes short, small, too, so that guys can play both sides of the ball guys can play both sides of the ball >> and they can play different positions.

>> and they can play different positions. Everybody gets to play. There's Everybody gets to play. There's individual instruction. individual instruction.

>> Um, I mean, it truly is a developmental >> Um, I mean, it truly is a developmental league. league. league. >> It's still hot. We still got young kids >> It's still hot. We still got young kids wanting to play football.

wanting to play football. >> Oh gosh, it is it is getting bigger and >> Oh gosh, it is it is getting bigger and bigger every year. And it's I mean you bigger every year. And it's I mean you look at our character matters camp this look at our character matters camp this year. It was the most kids we've ever year. It was the most kids we've ever had at a character matters camp. And had at a character matters camp. And like for us to have almost 200 kids, it like for us to have almost 200 kids, it was like really signed up. It was over was like really signed up. It was over that. Yeah.

that. Yeah. >> Um now between the two nights, you >> Um now between the two nights, you didn't have 200 total at one of those, didn't have 200 total at one of those, but over 200 kids are do coming to camp but over 200 kids are do coming to camp two nights in their summer two nights in their summer >> to just come have fun. But it's it's >> to just come have fun. But it's it's also also also >> to me and this is how you look at high >> to me and this is how you look at high school program, middle school program, school program, middle school program, youth program is retention. Do you have youth program is retention. Do you have players coming back? Right. For me, I players coming back? Right. For me, I judge myself on do my players enjoy judge myself on do my players enjoy their experience as part of that. And their experience as part of that. And and I think that's the piece with our and I think that's the piece with our youth league. We've got great youth league. We've got great >> coaches that are really pouring to young >> coaches that are really pouring to young people. We've got uh Doug obviously is a people. We've got uh Doug obviously is a huge he's so passionate about youth huge he's so passionate about youth football.

football. football. >> Youth football legend. >> Youth football legend. >> He loves it. Bobby Clber's our youth >> He loves it. Bobby Clber's our youth commissioner. Jason Melton's another one commissioner. Jason Melton's another one that's that's been super instrumental in that's that's been super instrumental in that. But those guys work tirelessly to that. But those guys work tirelessly to make it something that's really really make it something that's really really special. And special. And >> and it's not that league is not just LCA >> and it's not that league is not just LCA kids playing the first and sixth grade.

kids playing the first and sixth grade. We put the league on, but there's kids We put the league on, but there's kids coming from all over the place and and coming from all over the place and and it's something that they get to play it's something that they get to play together. They get to play in a league together. They get to play in a league where they're getting better cuz that where they're getting better cuz that this is another you talk about something this is another you talk about something where you're able to get back to your where you're able to get back to your community and love your community.

community and love your community. teaching the game the right way. Yeah. teaching the game the right way. Yeah. And giving them a safe space where they And giving them a safe space where they feel like they can get better. And also feel like they can get better. And also build bonds and brotherhoods together is build bonds and brotherhoods together is pretty cool. And that's something that pretty cool. And that's something that we take a lot of pride.

we take a lot of pride. >> You've had kids because you've been at >> You've had kids because you've been at LCA is this 13 years coming or how many LCA is this 13 years coming or how many years?

years? years? >> This will be year 12. >> This will be year 12. >> Year 12. >> Year 12. >> So you've seen kids come all the way >> So you've seen kids come all the way through uh from the from the youth. You through uh from the from the youth. You were talking about were talking about >> um I think you're talking about Xavier >> um I think you're talking about Xavier coming up through youth football and coming up through youth football and that class coming up and and going that class coming up and and going through high school.

through high school. Um, yeah. So, they you get to see a lot Um, yeah. So, they you get to see a lot of the same people and it's uh there's a of the same people and it's uh there's a every year at LCA they'll ask you how every year at LCA they'll ask you how many years you've been at LCA and many years you've been at LCA and there's a lot of lifers that come there's a lot of lifers that come through that been there in kindergarten through that been there in kindergarten and gone all the way through. And that's and gone all the way through. And that's also a testament. It's not a it's a also a testament. It's not a it's a sacrifice for parents financially. It's sacrifice for parents financially. It's a sacrifice uh to to choose to put your a sacrifice uh to to choose to put your kid at LCA. But um I think well as a kid at LCA. But um I think well as a school but also as a as a program and school but also as a as a program and athletic programs then it's not athletic programs then it's not necessarily our job but it's our necessarily our job but it's our pleasure to just make sure that's worth pleasure to just make sure that's worth it. Like if you're going to make an it. Like if you're going to make an investment then let's be extra. Let's investment then let's be extra. Let's >> Well, listen. I said this story I said >> Well, listen. I said this story I said this yesterday too to our parents. When this yesterday too to our parents. When I first started there 12 years ago, the I first started there 12 years ago, the team was coming off a 1 and 10 111 year team was coming off a 1 and 10 111 year was the previous year. We were picking was the previous year. We were picking rocks off of our game field to make sure rocks off of our game field to make sure that we could really play a game.

that we could really play a game. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We I mean that's where we were. We >> We I mean that's where we were. We didn't really have a practice field. The didn't really have a practice field. The practice field we had we had all kinds practice field we had we had all kinds of rolled ankles.

of rolled ankles. >> Now you look at our program right now, >> Now you look at our program right now, >> we've got a brand new state of the art >> we've got a brand new state of the art turf facility that's it's brand say 3 turf facility that's it's brand say 3 four years old.

four years old. >> Yeah. They are putting a brand new LED >> Yeah. They are putting a brand new LED lights at our stadium. We just got a lights at our stadium. We just got a brand new I mean it's the best sports brand new I mean it's the best sports performance center in the state of performance center in the state of Kentucky for all of our athletics Kentucky for all of our athletics programs.

programs. programs. >> We've got a wonderful grass practice >> We've got a wonderful grass practice field for all of our youth teams. We can field for all of our youth teams. We can practice on it if we need to, especially practice on it if we need to, especially when it's hot.

when it's hot. >> You've got that back there. >> You've got that back there. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> And we've got I mean, you look at that >> And we've got I mean, you look at that and how things have changed.

and how things have changed. >> Yeah. Over 10 years or not even Yeah. So >> Yeah. Over 10 years or not even Yeah. So minus three for the field. Like it minus three for the field. Like it didn't take very long for that to make a didn't take very long for that to make a difference. And that means two things.

difference. And that means two things. That means that people want to invest in That means that people want to invest in the program. Um but also means that the program. Um but also means that you've taken care of whatever you've taken care of whatever opportunities that that landed there. Um opportunities that that landed there. Um so yeah, it's cool. Um I'm um I I work so yeah, it's cool. Um I'm um I I work up in Harrison County during the week.

up in Harrison County during the week. Um, I got a lot of LCA gear that I wear. Um, I got a lot of LCA gear that I wear. So, I get a ask a lot like what's the So, I get a ask a lot like what's the LCA thing about? So, I always love LCA thing about? So, I always love having a conversation about what the having a conversation about what the school's about. Um, I I've told this school's about. Um, I I've told this story a couple times, too. When we first story a couple times, too. When we first came from Florida, we moved really late.

came from Florida, we moved really late. Um, like maybe school starts August 12th Um, like maybe school starts August 12th or 15th and we're getting here like the or 15th and we're getting here like the 8th. So, super late to the game. and we 8th. So, super late to the game. and we had to like I'm pretty sure we had to do had to like I'm pretty sure we had to do a Zoom with Galloway and the the a Zoom with Galloway and the the president and like have a begging president and like have a begging session to get my daughter in at LCA, session to get my daughter in at LCA, but we you know as a family we kind of but we you know as a family we kind of thought about it and looked at it as thought about it and looked at it as just where we wanted our kiddos to be just where we wanted our kiddos to be and uh fortunately I guess whatever pass and uh fortunately I guess whatever pass or fail was we passed our Zoom meeting or fail was we passed our Zoom meeting with Galloway and and we got in but um with Galloway and and we got in but um it's been it's a treat like LCA is a it's been it's a treat like LCA is a special place. Um, both campuses uh are special place. Um, both campuses uh are a special place. The way that uh the way a special place. The way that uh the way that that that um I've seen Jack start school there and um I've seen Jack start school there and and go through the whole thing, the way and go through the whole thing, the way his teachers love on him is it's not his teachers love on him is it's not normal. It's not a normal experience.

normal. It's not a normal experience. So, we love it and and we're excited So, we love it and and we're excited about it. and um quietly excited for you about it. and um quietly excited for you uh to be the head coach. Uh obviously, uh to be the head coach. Uh obviously, you know, we love Doug, too, and that you know, we love Doug, too, and that whole transition. I was really excited whole transition. I was really excited about how that happened, like the smooth about how that happened, like the smooth transition that that went through. So, transition that that went through. So, also excited to hear some shoulder pads also excited to hear some shoulder pads start clacking and some helmets start start clacking and some helmets start clacking and and we start to go. um talk clacking and and we start to go. um talk specifically about your team uh seniors specifically about your team uh seniors like uh let's highlight some of the like uh let's highlight some of the seniors on the team and um how many seniors on the team and um how many seniors we have as a class currently.

seniors we have as a class currently. >> So we're we just had a new one come in. >> So we're we just had a new one come in. I think we're at 13 class.

I think we're at 13 class. >> Yeah. So healthy number 10 to 13 >> Yeah. So healthy number 10 to 13 seniors. seniors. seniors. >> Yeah. Which is which is good. Um a lot >> Yeah. Which is which is good. Um a lot of guys that have played a lot of snaps of guys that have played a lot of snaps for us, a lot of LCA lifers.

for us, a lot of LCA lifers. Um, you you look at that class, you've Um, you you look at that class, you've got M Darlin, who is the way we're going got M Darlin, who is the way we're going to play defense this year, should be one to play defense this year, should be one of the leading tacklers in the state of of the leading tacklers in the state of Kentucky this year. Um, he's a guy that Kentucky this year. Um, he's a guy that we're going to really lean on to to lead we're going to really lean on to to lead and he's got to be a guy with the and he's got to be a guy with the playing experience that he has that he playing experience that he has that he takes some ownership in that and he takes some ownership in that and he knows that. But he's going to have a knows that. But he's going to have a great year. I say this about great year. I say this about >> I I'll push pause because I put you on >> I I'll push pause because I put you on the spot. Now you're like, "Oh crap, the spot. Now you're like, "Oh crap, what if I forget somebody on the thing?" what if I forget somebody on the thing?" But you went to law school, so you're But you went to law school, so you're supposed to memorize a large number of supposed to memorize a large number of facts at one time.

facts at one time. >> Yes. There you go. There you go. Rules >> Yes. There you go. There you go. Rules of law. That's all it is. All the of law. That's all it is. All the disclaimer is is like I put him on the disclaimer is is like I put him on the spot. So now we're going to talk about spot. So now we're going to talk about some seniors.

some seniors. >> No. Well, that's what So Tyler King has >> No. Well, that's what So Tyler King has been a really a threeear he'll end up been a really a threeear he'll end up being a three-year starter for us this being a three-year starter for us this this fall. He's he has done an this fall. He's he has done an unbelievable job from a leadership unbelievable job from a leadership standpoint and has been really vocal.

standpoint and has been really vocal. Um, which is something that has not Um, which is something that has not always been what he's he's done, but always been what he's he's done, but he's one of the best route runners I've he's one of the best route runners I've ever seen at the high school.

ever seen at the high school. >> That's exactly what I was getting ready >> That's exactly what I was getting ready to say. Just precise in route running.

to say. Just precise in route running. >> Well, we have those catapult vests that >> Well, we have those catapult vests that test how fast you're going, your power test how fast you're going, your power plays, your acceleration, your plays, your acceleration, your deceleration. His numbers are off the deceleration. His numbers are off the chart in the acceleration deceleration chart in the acceleration deceleration stuff when he's running his routes, stuff when he's running his routes, which is which is >> which is pretty cool. Um, we just had >> which is pretty cool. Um, we just had Logan Mays, who he's a 66, 225 pound Logan Mays, who he's a 66, 225 pound tight end, just tight end, just >> commit to the Naval Academy. Um, Jamie >> commit to the Naval Academy. Um, Jamie Lee Patterson was a one of our leading Lee Patterson was a one of our leading tacklers in his own right last year, and tacklers in his own right last year, and he's another guy that he's another guy that >> um he's a baseball guy, multiport guy, >> um he's a baseball guy, multiport guy, but he's a joy to be around. Has grown but he's a joy to be around. Has grown so much as a person and a player.

so much as a person and a player. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Carter Pennix is uh >> Carter Pennix is uh just one of the best young people you'll just one of the best young people you'll ever ever find. I mean, he is ever ever find. I mean, he is >> he's the kind of kid I've got two young >> he's the kind of kid I've got two young daughters. I got a 5-year-old and a daughters. I got a 5-year-old and a three-year-old. My players always ask me three-year-old. My players always ask me this question. Would you let me date this question. Would you let me date your daughter when she's in high school?

your daughter when she's in high school? If I were still in high school, it's If I were still in high school, it's like like like >> you're on the no-fly list, buddy.

>> you're on the no-fly list, buddy. >> But [laughter] Carter is that type of >> But [laughter] Carter is that type of guy. Like, he's the guy that you you guy. Like, he's the guy that you you want you would want your daughter to want you would want your daughter to say, you know what, that's this is that say, you know what, that's this is that guy cuz he's just incredible. He's a guy cuz he's just incredible. He's a quarterback for us. He's a guy that quarterback for us. He's a guy that >> um competed for the job last year, >> um competed for the job last year, played in some meaningful minutes and played in some meaningful minutes and had had a great off season as well and had had a great off season as well and has really led.

has really led. >> We've got two uh two returning starters >> We've got two uh two returning starters on the O line and Dline and Brody Adams on the O line and Dline and Brody Adams and Holden Clber.

and Holden Clber. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Holden has really blown up from with his >> Holden has really blown up from with his recruiting and and for great reason.

recruiting and and for great reason. He's a he's a guy competed with those He's a he's a guy competed with those four guys that are playing four guys that are playing >> with some good footwork. Yeah.

>> with some good footwork. Yeah. >> Yeah. And then Brody Adams has worked >> Yeah. And then Brody Adams has worked his tail off. He's strong as an so his tail off. He's strong as an so strong and I'll tell you one that has strong and I'll tell you one that has been so so cool to watch his growth and been so so cool to watch his growth and I kind of get a little emotional talking I kind of get a little emotional talking about him because his Davis Kerwin is a about him because his Davis Kerwin is a guy that the growth that he has just guy that the growth that he has just shown from this past year as a junior to shown from this past year as a junior to where he is right now.

where he is right now. >> I mean >> I mean I can't even tell like it's been so I can't even tell like it's been so awesome to see. He's going to be a guy awesome to see. He's going to be a guy that's going to help us on both sides of that's going to help us on both sides of the football. Um just a great guy to be the football. Um just a great guy to be around. He's the teammates love him.

around. He's the teammates love him. He's going to be awesome. Um we've got He's going to be awesome. Um we've got the Dean Hester, Will Hester, the the Dean Hester, Will Hester, the dynamic duo twins, the long snapper.

dynamic duo twins, the long snapper. Well, I guess they're triplets, but Well, I guess they're triplets, but they're uh they're uh >> Yeah, the the girl won't play for you, >> Yeah, the the girl won't play for you, but if you had a lacrosse stick, she but if you had a lacrosse stick, she could score. That's for sure.

could score. That's for sure. >> Amen to that. But it's really cool. Will >> Amen to that. But it's really cool. Will is has turned into one of the best long is has turned into one of the best long snappers I've seen at the high school snappers I've seen at the high school level. So, you've got Will as a long level. So, you've got Will as a long snapper. Dean is going to be our kicker snapper. Dean is going to be our kicker punter. We ran the conditioning test punter. We ran the conditioning test yesterday. And Dean smoked everybody as yesterday. And Dean smoked everybody as the kicker punter, but was like, is he the kicker punter, but was like, is he really that fast?

really that fast? >> He probably beat everybody on the ACT, >> He probably beat everybody on the ACT, too. too. too. >> Well, and he's he's an incredible >> Well, and he's he's an incredible lacrosse player, too. So, he's he's lacrosse player, too. So, he's he's another one that uh those two together.

another one that uh those two together. That's those those are two special guys. That's those those are two special guys. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> you shouldn't even need a snap count for >> you shouldn't even need a snap count for the you know, long snapper and the the you know, long snapper and the kicker if they're twins. I mean, you kicker if they're twins. I mean, you should have some internal something. You should have some internal something. You shouldn't need us.

shouldn't need us. >> Yeah. Well, they're they're they're >> Yeah. Well, they're they're they're awesome and they've worked their tails awesome and they've worked their tails off and it's so important to them.

off and it's so important to them. Special teams, it's there's three phases Special teams, it's there's three phases of the game for the reason and that's of the game for the reason and that's got to be important.

got to be important. >> Um Harrison Harrison Sanford is a is a >> Um Harrison Harrison Sanford is a is a senior for us. He's a president of the senior for us. He's a president of the FCA and FCA and >> he has been awesome. He he talked to me >> he has been awesome. He he talked to me this offseason. We had little senior this offseason. We had little senior leadership development trainings.

leadership development trainings. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And for him, he was just so great. He >> And for him, he was just so great. He said, "Coach, said, "Coach, said, "Coach, what can I do to be a better leader?" what can I do to be a better leader?" Like, "Here's my goal." Like, "Here's my goal." >> That's like a coach's dream to him.

>> That's like a coach's dream to him. >> And I'm like, "Wow." Right? He's like, >> And I'm like, "Wow." Right? He's like, "Ca, I want it to be more of a thing "Ca, I want it to be more of a thing here. I wanted to and and it's just here. I wanted to and and it's just that's so special when you have that's so special when you have >> somebody that's that passionate about >> somebody that's that passionate about the school and community, but himself as the school and community, but himself as a leader as well.

a leader as well. >> Um, we've got JJ Calico, my man. He's a >> Um, we've got JJ Calico, my man. He's a great lacrosse player, too, and he great lacrosse player, too, and he showed some great flashes showed some great flashes >> late last year. um as a running back. He >> late last year. um as a running back. He had a he had a touchdown in a district had a he had a touchdown in a district game. Uh we just had a transfer come in game. Uh we just had a transfer come in um in Jackson Ramsay. He is a big um in Jackson Ramsay. He is a big defensive tackle, offensive lineman, defensive tackle, offensive lineman, just a joy to be around. He's got a just a joy to be around. He's got a contagious personality. He's already fit contagious personality. He's already fit in so well with our guys. So, it's like in so well with our guys. So, it's like >> that is a pretty pretty special group of >> that is a pretty pretty special group of guys. And I and I got to make and I'm guys. And I and I got to make and I'm pretty sure I hit them.

pretty sure I hit them. >> Hold on. We make sure we get everybody >> Hold on. We make sure we get everybody because we are not trying to leave you because we are not trying to leave you out. I know I put you I was hoping you out. I know I put you I was hoping you would say five so we know we get all would say five so we know we get all five of them. We got 13.

five of them. We got 13. >> Well, that's the thing is when when you >> Well, that's the thing is when when you ask those I always try and make sure we ask those I always try and make sure we take care of all our guys.

take care of all our guys. >> No, I'm with you. >> No, I'm with you. >> We're looking at the roster. >> We're looking at the roster. >> Yeah, because I want to make sure I hit >> Yeah, because I want to make sure I hit everybody.

Think I got them all. Think I got them all. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> Look at that. >> Look at that. >> I didn't regret it. >> I didn't regret it.

>> Well, the >> Well, the >> I didn't regret it. >> I didn't regret it. >> Yeah. The the And we also just added a >> Yeah. The the And we also just added a uh we've got two student managers this uh we've got two student managers this year and one of them is a senior. Her year and one of them is a senior. Her name is Ella Hall and she's been with us name is Ella Hall and she's been with us for a month and she's been awesome. And for a month and she's been awesome. And this is a cool piece too. You talk about this is a cool piece too. You talk about our guys at the next level.

our guys at the next level. >> Our last two student managers. >> Our last two student managers. >> Yeah, we got Miss and >> Yeah, we got Miss and >> are doing it at the division one level.

>> are doing it at the division one level. So we've got Miss and we've also got uh So we've got Miss and we've also got uh University of Kentucky. So Addie University of Kentucky. So Addie Buckler's at Miss and Mckame Howard's at Buckler's at Miss and Mckame Howard's at Kentucky and then Ella is a senior for Kentucky and then Ella is a senior for us this year and then Pton Breeding is us this year and then Pton Breeding is back as a sophomore this year for us.

back as a sophomore this year for us. >> Well, we're going to say no pressure. >> Well, we're going to say no pressure. You know, if you're a student manager, You know, if you're a student manager, you got to do it the next level. We got you got to do it the next level. We got >> keep it going. We used to have >> keep it going. We used to have >> in my clinic, we had u medical scribes, >> in my clinic, we had u medical scribes, so somebody kind of follow around and do so somebody kind of follow around and do the the electronic medical stuff. And the the electronic medical stuff. And for we had a run where everybody was for we had a run where everybody was going to med school. So that's how we going to med school. So that's how we did the interviews from before. I was did the interviews from before. I was like, "Just so you know, if you're going like, "Just so you know, if you're going to do this, you got to go to med to do this, you got to go to med school." So, everybody ahead of you did school." So, everybody ahead of you did that. And uh that's what we'll tell the that. And uh that's what we'll tell the managers now. This is uh your precursor managers now. This is uh your precursor to a division one managing job.

to a division one managing job. >> It's going through this again to make >> It's going through this again to make sure. sure. sure. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> I'm not trying to get the coach in >> I'm not trying to get the coach in trouble.

trouble. trouble. >> I care about my guys. >> I care about my guys. >> You're gonna get No, I know you do. >> You're gonna get No, I know you do. That's why I'm trying to highlight that.

That's why I'm trying to highlight that. And um I know there's uh And um I know there's uh >> we could go through this is what I know >> we could go through this is what I know about you. we could go through the about you. we could go through the entire roster and you'd have something entire roster and you'd have something to say about everybody and uh and we'll to say about everybody and uh and we'll make sure we do that uh every year and make sure we do that uh every year and when we're going through and trying to when we're going through and trying to highlight people, but it's just um I highlight people, but it's just um I can't wait. I'm excited. Uh I know Jax can't wait. I'm excited. Uh I know Jax is excited, that's for sure. Um I'm is excited, that's for sure. Um I'm going to have to do a better job of going to have to do a better job of getting off a little bit earlier and getting off a little bit earlier and getting him to some pre preh season getting him to some pre preh season practices. Uh he let me know last year practices. Uh he let me know last year that I was very terrible at that. Um so that I was very terrible at that. Um so it was a parenting issue. Look at that it was a parenting issue. Look at that accountability.

accountability. accountability. >> No doubt. And uh I said, "Well, buddy, I >> No doubt. And uh I said, "Well, buddy, I don't think you logged into Huddle don't think you logged into Huddle either, did you?" either, did you?" >> And he was like, "Don't tell Oak." And I >> And he was like, "Don't tell Oak." And I was like, "It doesn't matter. He sees was like, "It doesn't matter. He sees when you log in and he was like, when you log in and he was like, "Where's my iPad?" [laughter] So "Where's my iPad?" [laughter] So immediately he's trying to log in. Um immediately he's trying to log in. Um so, and then I also want to say that so, and then I also want to say that publicly too, like I want to thank you publicly too, like I want to thank you on how well you treat him too. It's on how well you treat him too. It's unbelievable. like that was a small unbelievable. like that was a small thing that you guys did uh from a uh thing that you guys did uh from a uh logistic standpoint. You know, he went logistic standpoint. You know, he went through his kindergarten uh graduation through his kindergarten uh graduation and and put on a piece of paper that he and and put on a piece of paper that he wanted to be a football coach and Doug wanted to be a football coach and Doug saw that and is like, "All right, let's saw that and is like, "All right, let's get our man Jack's going." But some of get our man Jack's going." But some of the you can't underestimate how the you can't underestimate how important you don't he's never gonna important you don't he's never gonna forget his experience of LCA football.

forget his experience of LCA football. uh from beating Catholic at Catholic and uh from beating Catholic at Catholic and Hayes holding him up when they sing Hayes holding him up when they sing Victory in Jesus, he literally is never Victory in Jesus, he literally is never going to forget that for the rest of his going to forget that for the rest of his life. And so when you start talking life. And so when you start talking about um the middle C and how that about um the middle C and how that looks, it gives us an easy framework to looks, it gives us an easy framework to have discussions with him when he was have discussions with him when he was young, like we're just going to do the young, like we're just going to do the things the right way and it's going to things the right way and it's going to be in your classroom. It's going to be be in your classroom. It's going to be on the sports field. He's really into on the sports field. He's really into baseball right now and you know him, he baseball right now and you know him, he goes hard at every single thing he goes goes hard at every single thing he goes at. So he's into WWE wrestling because at. So he's into WWE wrestling because he went to the to the thing at uh at he went to the to the thing at uh at Repar Arena a few weeks ago and then he Repar Arena a few weeks ago and then he goes and studies like uh so we were goes and studies like uh so we were sitting um a couple nights ago he sitting um a couple nights ago he watches this YouTuber Ryan Treyan go watches this YouTuber Ryan Treyan go around the country like 50 states and 50 around the country like 50 states and 50 day thing that he's doing but he was day thing that he's doing but he was like who are my guys going to be this like who are my guys going to be this year and he's just talking to himself year and he's just talking to himself out loud he's like I know TK is going to out loud he's like I know TK is going to be fine and then uh two years ago as a be fine and then uh two years ago as a cold game. This is how he never forgets cold game. This is how he never forgets anything. Mac at Darlin had said to him, anything. Mac at Darlin had said to him, he had a blanket on at the game. He's he had a blanket on at the game. He's like, "Hey, I'll give you I'll buy I'll like, "Hey, I'll give you I'll buy I'll give you $5 for that blanket, something give you $5 for that blanket, something like that." So now Jax is like, "I like that." So now Jax is like, "I should have took that money." And so he should have took that money." And so he he never forgets anything. But like at he never forgets anything. But like at the core of what, you know, he's never the core of what, you know, he's never going to forget his childhood and LCA going to forget his childhood and LCA football. Those two things go hand in football. Those two things go hand in hand. But then it's the same like you hand. But then it's the same like you you grew up loving football too. These you grew up loving football too. These are like your heroes. If you're a young are like your heroes. If you're a young kid, you're looking at a senior in high kid, you're looking at a senior in high school as your hero. And then one of the school as your hero. And then one of the coolest things has happened like every coolest things has happened like every single kid who's gone through has been single kid who's gone through has been absolutely gold to him. But last year absolutely gold to him. But last year Saxs called his dad called and said, Saxs called his dad called and said, "Hey, I want Jax to come to his "Hey, I want Jax to come to his graduation party." And you might as well graduation party." And you might as well told Jax that you won $400 trillion told Jax that you won $400 trillion dollars. Like it he could have died the dollars. Like it he could have died the next day after he got that invitation.

next day after he got that invitation. And uh so I I say it every time I get an And uh so I I say it every time I get an opportunity, but I just want to say it opportunity, but I just want to say it publicly again like we can't be thankful publicly again like we can't be thankful enough as a family for your program and enough as a family for your program and how you lead it and and the things that how you lead it and and the things that they've done, but also uh that gives us they've done, but also uh that gives us fuel to to be better to support the fuel to to be better to support the program and and do everything we can to program and and do everything we can to to make sure that it's there for the to make sure that it's there for the next group of seniors and there for the next group of seniors and there for the next group of seniors because what I I next group of seniors because what I I want it to be and it's selfish. I just want it to be and it's selfish. I just want it to be like the place for college want it to be like the place for college football players to leave the state of football players to leave the state of Kentucky. And um so far we're on a good Kentucky. And um so far we're on a good track for that. We're going to hopefully track for that. We're going to hopefully continue to do that. The u upcoming continue to do that. The u upcoming sophomore class is going to be probably sophomore class is going to be probably a little circus in the recruiting world a little circus in the recruiting world if things go like they can go. Um if things go like they can go. Um >> well that that junior class has got some >> well that that junior class has got some dudes in it too. Same thing. I'm going dudes in it too. Same thing. I'm going tell you, Sam Pearson, and I will say tell you, Sam Pearson, and I will say this publicly, I think he's the best this publicly, I think he's the best receiver in the state of Kentucky. And I receiver in the state of Kentucky. And I mean, that dude is he is he's that guy mean, that dude is he is he's that guy when you talk about that class, he's the when you talk about that class, he's the best receiver in the state of Kentucky.

best receiver in the state of Kentucky. So, I hope schools get in on him because So, I hope schools get in on him because they need to. they need to. >> Yeah, they need to. And they'll look and >> Yeah, they need to. And they'll look and see that success will do what it does.

see that success will do what it does. And uh And uh >> so excited about that. Do we have a >> so excited about that. Do we have a quarterback competition this year?

quarterback competition this year? >> I should put Morgan Newton on here. >> I should put Morgan Newton on here. Morgan. Morgan's our quarterback's coach Morgan. Morgan's our quarterback's coach and he always laughs. He's like every and he always laughs. He's like every year it doesn't matter what year it is, year it doesn't matter what year it is, everybody's like, "Who's the quarterback everybody's like, "Who's the quarterback gonna be?" Um, you know, we've got a gonna be?" Um, you know, we've got a extremely talented quarterback room extremely talented quarterback room which is really cool and they're all which is really cool and they're all different. Uh, we've got two upper class different. Uh, we've got two upper class guys. So, we got Carter obviously that's guys. So, we got Carter obviously that's that's back to compete for the job that's back to compete for the job again. And then Nash Whan, who again. And then Nash Whan, who >> was when he came back healthy last year >> was when he came back healthy last year was one of our best players on defense was one of our best players on defense and just an absolute dog. He has a he and just an absolute dog. He has a he has a football IQ that's really high.

has a football IQ that's really high. >> Oh, extremely high. >> Oh, extremely high. >> And we got two freshman that are >> And we got two freshman that are Carter's brother Parker is is playing.

Carter's brother Parker is is playing. And then Bryce Blackerby, who's also a And then Bryce Blackerby, who's also a heck of a baseball player. heck of a baseball player. >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He's playing as well. So, we got we got >> He's playing as well. So, we got we got those guys. And I mean, you go down the those guys. And I mean, you go down the list of I mean, list of I mean, >> you're talking about that junior class, >> you're talking about that junior class, talking about Sam. I mean, Conrad Hart's talking about Sam. I mean, Conrad Hart's a 6'5, 225 pound a 6'5, 225 pound >> tight end that is just athletic as all >> tight end that is just athletic as all get out. and he's a guy that a lot of get out. and he's a guy that a lot of people have already been calling about people have already been calling about just because his size.

just because his size. >> Davin Hood's in that class. Davin rushed >> Davin Hood's in that class. Davin rushed for almost 150 yards and a couple for almost 150 yards and a couple touchdowns in a state semi. Then that 28 touchdowns in a state semi. Then that 28 class, I'm telling you, class, I'm telling you, >> that class is is a tight-knit group, >> that class is is a tight-knit group, too. They're special.

too. They're special. >> We got great leadership. They love >> We got great leadership. They love playing together. I mean, that that playing together. I mean, that that class is so deep. Like it'd be honestly class is so deep. Like it'd be honestly I can't even like go I can't even go I can't even like go I can't even go >> in in detail on them because they're >> in in detail on them because they're that that that >> they're too young. They'll get their >> they're too young. They'll get their time.

time. time. >> You'd be here forever. >> You'd be here forever. >> They'll get their time. They're they're >> They'll get their time. They're they're young enough. But it's that's we talked young enough. But it's that's we talked about that last year. I was like that about that last year. I was like that has a potential to be a circus uh that has a potential to be a circus uh that year. A fun circus.

year. A fun circus. >> The college coaches already when they >> The college coaches already when they come in they're like who's your come in they're like who's your underassman? And I give them that whole underassman? And I give them that whole 28 class. And I'm like, I just got on 28 class. And I'm like, I just got on the list and it's like I go by the the list and it's like I go by the number and start going through and number and start going through and telling them like this class I'm because telling them like this class I'm because there's so much depth to it and they're there's so much depth to it and they're all so different and they all play for all so different and they all play for each other. That's what's the coolest each other. That's what's the coolest part about part about >> that and that's a again you talk about >> that and that's a again you talk about culture and setting that like culture and setting that like >> yeah some of those are lifers and like I >> yeah some of those are lifers and like I said they've been through the they've said they've been through the they've been through that thing and they they been through that thing and they they understand what it's like to understand what it's like to >> to be there but they also tasted and saw >> to be there but they also tasted and saw from afar some success that they want from afar some success that they want >> and some of them tasted it last year >> and some of them tasted it last year obviously and then um [snorts] they they obviously and then um [snorts] they they want more so it's going to be fun. What want more so it's going to be fun. What do you got what do you got for closing?

do you got what do you got for closing? Anything that we missed? Well, I can't Anything that we missed? Well, I can't really think of anything you missed. I'd really think of anything you missed. I'd always like to make sure two things.

always like to make sure two things. First off, want to thank you because you First off, want to thank you because you what you do for our program and our kids what you do for our program and our kids is is so awesome. And not just for our is is so awesome. And not just for our program, like just athletes in general.

program, like just athletes in general. You're the best. I mean, last I'll tell You're the best. I mean, last I'll tell the story real quick on Dr. Hunt.

the story real quick on Dr. Hunt. >> This was two days before practice >> This was two days before practice started last year. I partially tore my started last year. I partially tore my planer fascia playing basketball. Just planer fascia playing basketball. Just told me I was getting all told me I was getting all >> Wait a second. How old are you? You know >> Wait a second. How old are you? You know better than playing basketball.

better than playing basketball. >> Yeah. and uh Dr. Hunt on a whim on a >> Yeah. and uh Dr. Hunt on a whim on a Sunday, he got in here and and he saw me Sunday, he got in here and and he saw me and and I I think that just speaks and and I I think that just speaks volumes of who you are. You don't have volumes of who you are. You don't have to do that and you care for people so to do that and you care for people so deeply. But um also am just so fortunate deeply. But um also am just so fortunate and blessed to have and and every and blessed to have and and every conversation I have about getting to conversation I have about getting to follow and pursue a passion of mine like follow and pursue a passion of mine like this, I always mention my wife because this, I always mention my wife because >> this is I mean this week >> this is I mean this week >> it's a tough gig. It's It's tough this >> it's a tough gig. It's It's tough this week. Like we just got back from week. Like we just got back from vacation on dead period. I mean, we got vacation on dead period. I mean, we got married on dead period.

married on dead period. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Your whole life is built around. >> Your whole life is built around. >> So, she there she is. I haven't really >> So, she there she is. I haven't really seen my girls much this week and we try seen my girls much this week and we try and make it really intentional where we and make it really intentional where we spend that time together. But my wife is spend that time together. But my wife is just the absolute best life partner that just the absolute best life partner that is so supportive in everything I do and is so supportive in everything I do and I'm so so lucky to have her. She's my I'm so so lucky to have her. She's my biggest fan. I'm sure she's like, and biggest fan. I'm sure she's like, and again, um, like you said, it hasn't sunk again, um, like you said, it hasn't sunk in yet, but I know she's insanely proud in yet, but I know she's insanely proud of of you and this new title that you of of you and this new title that you have of of head coach and being able to have of of head coach and being able to lead your transition from the X's and lead your transition from the X's and O's, it's not that big of a difference, O's, it's not that big of a difference, but now you're like the CEO. You're but now you're like the CEO. You're like, you have to coordinate some moving like, you have to coordinate some moving parts that you didn't have to coordinate parts that you didn't have to coordinate before. And uh, I couldn't be more before. And uh, I couldn't be more excited for you. I think there's not a excited for you. I think there's not a better human on earth for doing that.

better human on earth for doing that. And um we're uh we're really excited for And um we're uh we're really excited for the football to go and uh excited to to the football to go and uh excited to to see the gauntlet as it starts. Uh we're see the gauntlet as it starts. Uh we're going to going to we didn't talk about the preseason like we didn't talk about the preseason like just go get beat up at Brian Station.

just go get beat up at Brian Station. You know, we're going to get a big old You know, we're going to get a big old big old group of bullies that are going big old group of bullies that are going to try to beat us in preseason even to try to beat us in preseason even though they didn't get us last year.

though they didn't get us last year. Well, we throw I mean Tuesday seven on Well, we throw I mean Tuesday seven on seven we're throwing with Cal Franklin seven we're throwing with Cal Franklin County Brian Station East Jessman Dumbar County Brian Station East Jessman Dumbar and our two scrimmages are Brian Station and our two scrimmages are Brian Station and then we got Oldm County Jamie Reed and then we got Oldm County Jamie Reed who's a long time coach at South Oldm who's a long time coach at South Oldm who's who's who's >> he is I mean his teams are always so >> he is I mean his teams are always so disciplined a great job there had them disciplined a great job there had them competing for state championships in competing for state championships in that class like it's going to be we're that class like it's going to be we're going to be tested so we'll figure it going to be tested so we'll figure it out quickly. Yeah, we start figuring out quickly. Yeah, we start figuring that out and then uh it's going to be that out and then uh it's going to be fun to see the transition for uh once fun to see the transition for uh once you find out what you have. I mean, you find out what you have. I mean, you're um you're biased on the offensive you're um you're biased on the offensive side. I think you'll say that out loud, side. I think you'll say that out loud, obviously, given your history, but it's obviously, given your history, but it's going to be interesting uh to see how going to be interesting uh to see how those parts start putting together. So, those parts start putting together. So, if you because if you look at a best if you because if you look at a best case scenario, it's going to be really case scenario, it's going to be really fun. It's going to look a little fun. It's going to look a little different than it did uh last year.

different than it did uh last year. >> Um but it it should be very, very fun. >> Um but it it should be very, very fun. And one thing that's true about LCA fans And one thing that's true about LCA fans is they travel pretty well. You start to is they travel pretty well. You start to hit the road, if you look at uh going to hit the road, if you look at uh going to Bowling Green and and looking in the Bowling Green and and looking in the stands and if you go to Boille and look stands and if you go to Boille and look in the stands like so um it's not just in the stands like so um it's not just the parents who are showing up. So the parents who are showing up. So that's the other thing that uh it's the that's the other thing that uh it's the they're also watching our kiddos in they're also watching our kiddos in those program. There's people who who those program. There's people who who don't have kids or grandkids who are don't have kids or grandkids who are coming to watch football games. So, it's coming to watch football games. So, it's also a testament of whatever product also a testament of whatever product we're putting out. People were we're putting out. People were entertaining enough, but then that gives entertaining enough, but then that gives us a responsibility in the community to us a responsibility in the community to to put a product out that they can be to put a product out that they can be proud of, and I think they certainly proud of, and I think they certainly are. Um, so, thank you for that. Thanks are. Um, so, thank you for that. Thanks for coming on again. And we won't wait for coming on again. And we won't wait as long next time um until we do an as long next time um until we do an update. Uh, but I know you're getting update. Uh, but I know you're getting ready to get to work. And, um, people ready to get to work. And, um, people may or may not realize this, head coach may or may not realize this, head coach at LCA is not your full-time job. you at LCA is not your full-time job. you have a you have an actual full-time job have a you have an actual full-time job that you do. And so if you start looking that you do. And so if you start looking at the staff and you know, we're we at the staff and you know, we're we talked about a little bit about you talked about a little bit about you know, coaching stipens and how how all know, coaching stipens and how how all that stuff works, but like a lot of that stuff works, but like a lot of people make sacrifices for this program people make sacrifices for this program and um you can't sit back and and you and um you can't sit back and and you know be X's and O's all day. You got a know be X's and O's all day. You got a different job. And so that's and I start different job. And so that's and I start calculating and I watch you on social calculating and I watch you on social media. I'm like, you must have an extra media. I'm like, you must have an extra hour in the day somewhere cuz uh you you hour in the day somewhere cuz uh you you steal it or something. I don't know.

steal it or something. I don't know. What time do you go to bed? What time do you go to bed? >> It varies depending on what the night >> It varies depending on what the night is.

is. is. >> Not 9:00 p.m. >> Not 9:00 p.m. >> No, I can't remember the last 9:00 p.m. >> No, I can't remember the last 9:00 p.m. That's about when we're getting my That's about when we're getting my oldest down for bed.

oldest down for bed. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> So, yeah. >> So, yeah. >> Yeah. And and you have two kiddos, too, >> Yeah. And and you have two kiddos, too, that that do game day videos. So, are that that do game day videos. So, are you going to mix it up any? Is there is you going to mix it up any? Is there is there a new version this year? What do there a new version this year? What do we got for breakfast on game days now?

we got for breakfast on game days now? Well, my Well, my >> We have new spots. Have you been to uh >> We have new spots. Have you been to uh what's the um what's the um What is the pancake place that's What is the pancake place that's downtown?

downtown? downtown? What where's your go-to spot when you What where's your go-to spot when you have game day breakfast? have game day breakfast? >> Well, it's usually So, we live out >> Well, it's usually So, we live out Brandon Crossing area. So, that we like Brandon Crossing area. So, that we like to go to European Delights. Okay. It's a to go to European Delights. Okay. It's a great bakery there. If you've never great bakery there. If you've never been, you got to go. But the here's the been, you got to go. But the here's the here's the big kicker. This year, my here's the big kicker. This year, my oldest is going to be in kindergarten.

oldest is going to be in kindergarten. >> She has to go to school now. >> She has to go to school now. >> So, she's got to be in school early. >> So, she's got to be in school early. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. >> So, we've already been mapping it out. I >> So, we've already been mapping it out. I think Waffle House is probably going to think Waffle House is probably going to be added into there.

be added into there. >> Shout out to Waffle House. We are >> Shout out to Waffle House. We are certainly open to Waffle House certainly open to Waffle House