The UTSA football team begins their 2015-16 season in just over three weeks at Arizona on September 3. After taking time off for the summer break, the team recently reconvened to start preparing for the tough schedule ahead. After having their first intra-squad scrimmage of the fall, the team took off their helmets and pads to replace them with nice smiles for photos and media day.
Junior running back Jarveon Williams — the projected running back starter — was asked about his mindset at this point in the season and responded with: “It’s just another year. I’m more focused and ready to win.”
Head Coach Larry Coker — who has a decade of head coaching under his belt — felt that media day offers something different for the team.
“It’s a good change up — guys like it,” Coker said. “It’s cool conditions, not out in the hot sun. It’s an exciting time for us.”
The team is preparing for a hectic first few weeks that feature two of the nation’s top programs in Arizona and Oklahoma State. The rough start, along with a poor season in 2014, has many projecting much of the same for this year.
As one would expect of a man with his resume, Coker isn’t too worried. “We lost a lot of players and we have a lot of young players,” Coker said. “I think we can be better than what they (critics) think.”
One player whose performance will have a big say in how the team performs this year is redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Bogenschutz.
The offense is running a new up-tempo aerial system and a lot will be expected of the quarterback. Williams is confident in the young quarterback and believes Bogenschutz is preparing well for the challenge.
“He’s looking great,” Williams said. “Bogey (Bogenschutz) never loses a step. He’s getting sharper; he’s more commanding and being more vocal. He’s really taking charge in that leadership role,” he finished.
Coker believes Bogenschutz will have plenty of help from his backfield. When asked about the running back committee, Coker gushed.
“I like this group a lot,” Coker said. “They’re very electric. When I’ve been a good coach, I’ve had some good running backs. They’re young kids and very exciting.”
The defense has also been working on new changes, and has been benefitting from the offenses change.
“It’s good for our defense because they’re going to be in great condition,” Coker said. “They have to be able to keep up with the offense. It’s a different look for us, but I like it a lot. They like it too.”
The team is experiencing a time of transition, but Coker is staying confident and positive. The National Championship winning coach admits to nerves but likes what he sees and expects a good season.
“I know the players and coaches pretty well,” Coker said. “I feel really excited about our staff; we have such a great staff. Also, the players we have I really like. The butterflies aren’t there, but the anxiety is. We’ve got a tough schedule, and we’ve got to come a long way and a long way fast,” he finished.
