Friday, January 25, 2008

Football - PJ the Hammer

Here's something we learned recently. Paul Johnson is establishing himself as a guy who is more strict about academics than his predecessor. During the Chan Gailey era, evidently walk-ons and freshman were required to attend study halls and classes, and they had people checking on them on a spot basis.

Evidently under Paul Johnson, these rules have been expanded to include the entire team, even if you are a 5th year senior, or a graduate level MBA student (can you hear me now D-Rich). A discussion board source (valid?) also points out that the random checks on class attendence aren't so random anymore. Call it "full coverage" if you like. If you're skipping, it's going to get back to the coach.

One other thing - it's apparently true - Paul Johnson does not have a playbook, and basically told the players to make their own notes. That would become their playbook.

The take-away - Paul Johnson knows exactly what he wants and how he wants things to run. He has had success everywhere with "his" system and his way, and that's the way it's going to be. Of course the key is always the results. When he wins (not if), the believing will ultimately start. It's going to be an interesting and fun ride.