P.J. Fleck Show: Gophers football at Big Ten Media Days

[Music] our how is everything how you do something matters culture howw necton mentality the PJ Flex show starts now welcome in everybody to a special edition of the PJ Flex show coming to you from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis I'm Pierre Nim joined by the head coach of gopher football coach PJ Fleck coach how you doing I'm doing Elite great to see you I would say long time no see but we bumped into each other last night at St Elmos we had a good steak last night didn't we it tremendous the best absolute best the best St one of the best Stakes I think I've I've had in quite some time no doubt about it coach let's jump right into it it's a brand new season that's upcoming here for you and the staff and the crew last year I recall you talking about the group that you coached being a fun group to coach what type of identity is starting to form with this year's team and what has you looking forward to coaching this year's group well this team loves football you know and I think with all the changes in college football right now I think loving football and playing football that's what getting lost uh this team loves to be together they Gel really well together and I can't wait to coach them yeah no doubt about it and when you look at this year's team especially you got some new faces in here especially with Max brosmer and a quarterback we'll talk with Max a little bit later in the show but when you look at some of the new faces how are they adapting to your style your scheme your message how how are some of the new faces clicking on this thing well I think the guys that we brought in have to be immediate impact players right so I think there's a difference between bringing guys in knowing you can develop them over time or they can compete for jobs like this like the the thing with Max was we knew Max had to come in and start and play that takes a special individual to do that because I think everybody says they want to play and they want to be the starter but do they really want to when the lights come on and Max does and I think that's what was really special about recruiting him we had to find somebody that could handle that right cuz that's a tough role to handle he has the maturity uh he's incredibly curious and when you have somebody leading your football team that's constantly curious U that's a good thing staying on the quarterback theme you know I know there a lot of been said about the passing game and trying to jump start this passing game with the fans at home that are watching want to know how we jump start this passing game what would you tell them what they can expect perhaps from the passing attack this year well yeah I think every year presents its own challenges and then every year has its own football team what you're really good at offensively what you're really good at defensively what are you good at special teams wise and everything affects everything I mean people talk about jum starting the pass game uh 2019 we had two first team allall Big 10 wide receivers you did if you go back to Western Michigan we had uh one of the most prolific passing attacks later in our our tenure there we're going to do what it takes to win football games with that particular team now that particular team changes by the week and it shows you what it can do and what it can't do what it's capable of doing and what it's not capable of doing and then you as a coach have to adapt that and you can't keep taking the Square Peg and jammed in the round hole now I didn't do a very good job last year um you know I I feel like last year as we continued to go through I never felt like I had a grip of that particular team on the field that particular week cuz it changed constantly constantly right injuries new guys and you never felt like okay I could rely on this when we're good we know who to rely on when we can rely on them through the air or the ground and we will get that piece going that's why we brought Max in here and uh you know we got work to do to get to where we want to go though on the other side of the field you have a new defensive coordinator in Cory heatherman uh how has he been doing how do you think that defense is starting to come together I know run defense was a little bit of an issue for you guys last year as well but how do you see this defense forming under coach heatherman well the first thing that we always talk about is stopping the run period no matter what year it is I think we've done a really good job over the course of the last four or five years in stopping the run first when we don't stop the run though we don't have a lot of success and multitude of reasons that go into that uh we had a lot of players on defense playing way faster than probably they should have been playing but now those guys who played and that investment was made are back again I mean we have 16 of 17 eligible returning starters on this football team and a lot of them are on the defensive side of the ball uh and then we get a lot of guys back from injury so uh coach heatherman uh walked into a situation where I think he had instant um accountability and believability and because when you look at how we hired them we came from the same type of syst system that we've had for a long period of time and he is all ball all the time he is a very serious guy and had a lot of success at Maine in JMU and excited about him leading our defense going back to last year just real quick with how things played out and how things finished out when you look back at last season how much did it hurt you know in terms of how the the season finished how difficult was it kind of to get through the season last year and what do you learn from That season to kind of take into this season well players matter you you always know that right um but I I was really proud of how our team finished at the end of the year you know we go five- seven we're not going to a bowl game but we talk about a Life program and a life culture well because of that we're the only team that's really eligible with one open bll spot and then we go to a bowl and win our fifth straight bowl out of seven years and one of those years was a covid year which you know we didn't even you know we didn't even go to a bowl game right and uh so you're talking about five out of six years winning all five of those bulll games I mean that's huge uh for the next step of what we want to be able to continue to take from day one we said we wanted to have cultural sustainability here well this is year eight yeah and you look at Mark Coyle and I that we're the longest 10e ad head coach combination in the Big 10 that just shows like how fluid our profession truly is after seven years now going on eight uh we've been together the longest um so we got a lot of work to do it's going to be a really exciting Year and I love this team to piig you back off of that a little bit I feel like for at least two years running now whether it's on this show or whether in your postgame press conferences you have stressed about the new world of nil and what it really takes to try to compete now in a conference like the big 10 how do you feel like you and Mark Coyle and how this this whole thing is coming together in the world of nil how do you feel like it's been coming together in terms of keeping guys here trying to attract other people and and what's it like for a coach trying to add another piece of responsibility to already big plate for yourself yeah there's no like uh GM Department you know like there is in the NFL but but I think when you when you look at the the whole thing is that fit matters fit matters more in building an elite team now than it has ever mattered yeah we still get to select young people and they get to select us true I think what you value is more important than ever so we're still going out and getting players who value the Life program we just had our best recruiting class since we've been there but that's not because we were the highest bidder uh but it was because we found the right people who want to be developed you can only go based on the proof that you have 16 of 17 eligible starters which you and I probably both know if they'd stick their pinky toe right in the portal they'd probably make more money but we've been able to keep them with enough funds and what is required from them to say hey that's a fair deal plus I have this Elite culture and program where I can keep building as a man and I think that's what our everybody's looking for a secret sauce There Is No Secret Sauce but that would be ours is that we create this life value as well as let our players and have our players have exposure to nil and all the great things that are changing for the student athletes yeah it's well stated and on top of that too when you look at the competition you know off the field when it comes to nil competition on the field in the Big 10 is going to take it up a notch a little bit here we got four new incoming teams the goord are going to be seeing two of those teams with USC and UCLA on the scheduled this season but coach when you look at this newly form Big 10 and no more divisions it feels like the Wild Wild West out here I mean what does it look like with this new Big 10 new look big 10 that we're going to be seeing it's just really exciting you know you're talking about 18 of the most premier brands in all of college football all in one conference Coast to Coast uh nine League games which is challenging and it's you never know where the wheel's going to stop right and and where you're who you're actually going to play because there are no more divisions you have your protected rivalries but other than that it's a crapshoot you don't know who you're going to get but I think it's really exciting especially when you start to look at the West Coast teams and uh the type of success they've had over you know not only just the last decade but you can go all the way back some of the most traditional football programs in the country and you know I always told our fans I'd take you to the Rose bow we're going this year we're going UCLA on this at UCLA on the schedule this this year that's certainly one we're looking forward to USC is going to be coming this is what we've been talking about it's like it's going to be weird to see big 10 drenched across you know basketball courts and football fields out at USC and UCL but this is the new world of college football I guess it's exciting I mean I I think that change is inevitable and change is healthy yeah so think about the excitement around this season not only in the Big 10 but the SEC and new conferences and new people joining conferences I'm excited to see it I'm just excited to see how it all plays out because every single fan base has an expectation but there going to only be one winner and now you have 18 people in that league so it's interesting because there's only so many people that can win 11 games right 12 G there's only there's only one or maybe one or two that can have that type of season so it's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out and how the fan bases react to all of them this is our third year we're coming up on our third year doing the show here together I know you don't care about this but I'm going to ask you about it anyway there there's there's people out there that you know I've seen you guys getting picked 12th I've seen you guys get picked 15th in this conference how much do you pay attention to that how much do you care how much do you feel like maybe you guys are being overlooked a little bit going into the season I'm going to ask you the question right back how much do you think I care about that Pier zero that's like zero I know you care zero about it well here's how much I don't care about it uh first of all I respect it people have to do their job and I see it right the way our season was last year I can see that uh but the internal message is the only thing that's going to matter for us the last time we were picked sixth in the west out of seven we went 11 and two like so that doesn't necessarily matter to us um I know we have a really good football team I know what kind of character we have on this football team I know how connected and gelled they are uh and how much they love football it it's going to be a a tight season where you're going to have to win a lot of one possession games but this is going to be the team to go through it with that's for sure the standard is the standard from what I understand standard is the standard the standard is the standard so much more to come here on the PJ Flex show when we come back we're going to be joined by a couple of the players we'll get their thoughts on the upcoming season you don't want to miss that coming up next right here on the PJ Flex show welcome back to the PJ Flex show welcome back into the PJ Flex show joined Now by a couple of special guests running back Darius Taylor quarterback Max brosmer guys welcome to the set we appreciate you taking the time look at sharp here guys who's dressing you guys Liberty yeah looking good they're looking solid I need to probably talk to them give my suit game they said that SN did you see that I did that was great like a fist pound timing was perfect we're already in sync we haven't played a game yet and they're already well in sync guys let's talk a little football darus I'm going to start with you you're back for another season you had such a greatfully impactful season in year One what are you looking to improve on in year two and what are you looking forward to the most about this season playing with these guys being back in a go to go for uniform I say the biggest thing I'm looking to improve on is probably take care of my body and make sure that I'm available for the team and then the biggest thing I'm looking forward to is probably just playing with the guys I'm just excited for the season to get rolling um fall Camp's coming up soon so you know it's time to get rolling you know being with PJ for a number of years now one thing that I've always heard him say a lot is like when you accomplish something people always want to know if you can do it again with such a big year that you had last year how confident are you that not only you can meet the expectations you had for yourself last year but perhaps even Elevate them um I'm not necessarily looking at the end goal um just looking to go like we said in the offense one and0 every day um just getting better every day and just keep taking steps and steps and steps and that'll probably come out to the end goal but that's not my main focus right now Max it's your first season here with the universe Minnesota how nice is it to be able to hand the ball off to a guy like him to kind of alleviate pressure for a quarterback it's it's great I think uh every good pass game has a has a really good complimentary Run game uh Minnesota is is known for for its Run game I'm excited to to see what he does this year um as well as it's a good guy to throw checkdowns to as well so I'm excited to see how that rolls out for us Max one thing that I've heard some of the other players talk about when they were asked about you the first word that comes up is leadership why do you think that is and why do you feel like you were able to step into a role in your first year and be one of the team leaders right away yeah I think a lot of that that comes from U the team kind of accepting me for for who I am really early um I think it's it's really hard to come in as a transfer in general um but to come in for one year um and try to you know gravitate with a team around you like that and that short of time is really difficult to do so I I really give all my all the credit to my my players and my team my coaching staff um you know I I think it's a leader can be seen seen in so many different ways um but in order to build upon it I think it's it's really important to have a team around you that that wants to to follow you and trust you in such a short amount of time PJ you've had these guys for impressive aren't they yeah absolutely I would have to imagine you're probably sleeping pretty good at night knowing you have these two guys under center tail back I don't sleep very well anyway but sleep a little bit better absolutely with these guys no no doubt did you see how Max started with the pass game yeah absolutely yes I did I did notice that yes he's been reading the papers and listening to your your sports segment I know yeah he's he's defying me already before we even like get on the field that's okay we want him to be at his best I me even when you're talking about the numbers you had impressive numbers at New Hampshire you come in out to Minnesota it's a new conference new challenge what are you looking forward to the most about the challenge here in the Big 10 yeah I've always wanted to put myself on the biggest stage possible um and at the time come out of high school is New Hampshire and I I took it as it was and um you know we had a we had successful Seasons at New Hampshire and I was I had a blast there for 5 years it was it was a lot of fun um but now having the opportunity to come play in the Big 10 something I want to do my whole life um I think it's there's a lot of um I I don't want to say complete parody in this conference but it's a lot of challenging games um and I'm excited to do it with my team here and I have a great Squad um you know darus in backfield have an amazing o line uh amazing receiving Corp and outstanding defense I'm really excited to compete with these guys this year um but again it's a challenge every single week and I look forward to that we look forward to that PJ what did these two individuals bring to the team they bring incredible leadership and you know I mean the example of the work ethic is everything you know uh you're only as strong as how you how how hard your leaders work and these guys I mean there's he I mean he's the most curious player I think I've ever coached ever in 12 years and I've only known him for you know seven months uh I've never seen anybody come into a role like that that has to be a starter uh and that has to fit the program that has to fit a personality and a leadership style and a confidence standpoint uh I've never seen that before and for him I mean we've had the we've had a relationship for a long time but I mean this this young man his loyalty and his commitment um to his future dreams and goals but also the now is inspiring I don't think it's any mystery that you know I mean look at him where he ended up here that kid Coulda he can play anywhere in the country and uh but the type of person he is is what makes him a really good player and we tell our guys we'd rather we want you to be a better person than a player these are two examples of that darus Minnesota has had a tradition of great running backs with PJ here at the helm how much did that really catch your attention and really say to yourself you know I could be that next greatb in line with some of the great running backs that have played for this University um I mean it played a pretty big role um looking at Muhammad when I was coming in um he was having great Seasons back to back and I kind of connected with him on a few visits so I feel like that was a big part of it honestly and then you know Big 10 football is just running the ball so I mean I've grown up watching Michigan Michigan State Minnesota all the like Wisconsin's of the world so I mean it's just big 10 football has always been my thing so so here was no question guys we certainly appreciate you taking the time see they were great you can sleep easy at night no problem Absolut easier easier okay fair enough yeah fair fair enough guys we appreciate you taking the time best of luck best of help this season thank you more to come here on the PJ Flex show we come back we'll talk more about this upcoming season two new players in the hot seat you don't want to miss that on the other side of the break you're watching the PJ Flex show welcome back in the p J Flex show everybody from Big 10 media day joining me now linebacker Cody lindenberg kicker reigning Big 10 kicker of the Year excuse me Dron K Shing us here on set guys it's great to have you Cody I'm going to start with you it's it's a brand new season and I'm sure you are certainly looking forward to this season I know it was a tough season last you last season for you injury-wise how's the body feeling how much you looking forward to this new season yeah I feel excellent you know body's feeling good and I'm very much looking forward to this season you know it's um like you said injury-wise last year and I'm just taking a day at a time you know one one foot in front of the other can't can't get too ahead of myself can't get can't be looking few days few weeks in advance and uh you know really just staying in the moment each and every day taking care of my body as best as I can um not even just physically and mentally as well you know that's that's what separates the best of us when we get to this level especially the next level like everyone's physically gifted physically talented and you know it's that's just that's really what separates you and that's what I've been doing my best best with is keeping myself healthy mentally and physically we spoke with PJ a little bit earlier in the show about Cory heatherman is a new defense new look how does it look like for you and playing in this defense what should the fans expect from this defense this year it's awesome you can expect us to be flying around having a great time uh being excited swarming to the ball having a good time being violent out there um you know it's it's just awesome to have coach hetherman in the building in our room especially he's our linebacker coaches well so um you know coach Rog is our linebacker coach DC as well so same thing coming in with coach heatherman and you know a little it's it's nice to have different change you know what I mean just a little different on you know schematics whether it's philosophy um how to defend this how to defend that and it's just different coaching points different viewpoints upon something that really allows you to you know grow and learn in different ways cuz like not one way is the right way you know you know what I'm saying so but it's just a way for us to continue to learn each and every day and he does a tremendous job with us making sure that we feel comfortable asking questions in that environment like that you know it's very cliche no no question is a dumb question and he he really truly stands by that and uh it just helps to allow even a guy like me that you know knows he was very good amount about defense and know schematic wise but I still have questions I I don't know everything and it just makes me feel comfortable to be able to sit there and ask questions and not feel like I should know these type of things sure Dron when I say reigning Big 10 kicker of the year what comes to mind uh my teammates you know it's it wasn't possible without you know Mark Crawford getting the holes down Brady week snapping the protection up front you know you know being a kicker it's uh often overlooked but you know I love being part of the team you know Cody's one of my best friends on the team like a kicker and a linebacker Duo who would have thought you know but uh you know it's an awesome feeling and uh hopefully we can repeat it this year and you have a special assignment here at Big 10 media days Gophers can you tell the fans what you're doing here this yeah so I'm like uh I'm gopher Media Sports I'm behind the scenes you know something so when you guys see the behind the scenes videos of of a Cody Ma and uh uh Darius are doing while we're here that's all me all me that that's all on the the go for Instagram page go all that and socials uh Twitter Instagram Facebook Tik I don't know everywhere now do you have more of a future in front of the camera or behind the camera now or or is it going to be kicking the whole time well kicking yeah okay but once football's going to come to an end at some we can all we can all agree on that but I know Pat mie if you're listening man let me let me get an internship let me we do some like we're we're in the home of that Pat McAfee Bill not Payton Manning that Pat McAfee Bill Pat if you're watching this I'm sure he's going to be very appreciative of that guys when you're looking forward to this season we got about a minute left here I just want to know what are you looking forward to the most about this season and trying to bounce back from last season yeah I think just taking it a day at a time you know being one and0 each day each week that it might present itself and then like I said earlier not taking it too far ahead not looking too far ahead that's when you lose the moment you know you got to stay present you got to stay within each moment um that's allows you to be the best you can each and every single day so uh just enjoying it you know it's it's my last one my last season you know Cody still got three years of Eligibility but this is my last one so just having fun with the boys cuz again like I said football's going to come to an end we're not promised to go to the next level so just enjoying this last one having a good time rowing the boat One Last Time guys we certainly appreciate you taking the time continue to help and success the rest of the way we look season and that's it for us here from Big 10 media days in Indianapolis when we see you next we'll see you from the state fair for another edition of the PJ Flex show thanks so much for joining us everybody we'll see you next time [Music]