Every year I work with the athletic peer advisors -- current student-athletes who help guide the incoming frosh. I met with them every day last week, training them for the orientation that was held yesterday (Sunday, 6/2).

Three of the peers are members of the football team, and from what they are saying, the team is VERY happy with their new coach, even though he's much tougher than Tedford.

I was especially happy to hear that Sonny has made it clear that he expects his guys to do as well in the classroom as they do on the field.

The guys are fired up -- this could be a great season!



Sherman

That's great to hear. Thanks Sherman.

TheAdvisingBear;842128016 said:

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Every year I work with the athletic peer advisors -- current student-athletes who help guide the incoming frosh. I met with them every day last week, training them for the orientation that was held yesterday (Sunday, 6/2).

Three of the peers are members of the football team, and from what they are saying, the team is VERY happy with their new coach, even though he's much tougher than Tedford.

I was especially happy to hear that Sonny has made it clear that he expects his guys to do as well in the classroom as they do on the field.

The guys are fired up -- this could be a great season!



Sherman

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Interesting that they see him as tougher, as he also seems friendlier.

Great combination.

So the bar has been raised much higher, academically and athletically ... and they're happy.
Student-Athletes

Nice post.

Yeah..how long did [U]your[/U] honeymoon last???

Just win Sonny..

calumnus;842128023 said:

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Interesting that they see him as tougher, as he also seems friendlier.

Great combination.

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Remember last couple of weeks via Twitter that the players thought the early off-season workouts were no joke? I think they know the bar has been raised and while it is taxing, I think they realize good change is coming up around the corner. It's sad to think that Tedford, who seemed to be a disciplinarian and a guy known for attention to details, lost his signature characteristics by the end of his term. Go Bears!

calumnus;842128023 said:

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Interesting that they see him as tougher, as he also seems friendlier.

Great combination.

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Note, though, that "very happy with" does not necessarily = "friendlier". I think players had good feelings about Tedford the guy, the father figure, but they noticed an expanding leadership-vacuum.

I dunno, maybe Sonny also relates really well with the players. Heck I'm sure he does, just saying that this wasn't JT's weak point as a coach.

Gosh, if you look at managers/leaders of organizations, it ain't easy to be popular AND make the tough decisions AND not let that erode over the years (The latter was Tedford's problem, I think).

Big C_Cal;842128066 said:

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Note, though, that "very happy with" does not necessarily = "friendlier". I think players had good feelings about Tedford the guy, the father figure, but they noticed an expanding leadership-vacuum.

I dunno, maybe Sonny also relates really well with the players. Heck I'm sure he does, just saying that this wasn't JT's weak point as a coach.

Gosh, if you look at managers/leaders of organizations, it ain't easy to be popular AND make the tough decisions AND not let that erode over the years (The latter was Tedford's problem, I think).

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JT was undoubtedly a great guy and "popular" with the players, probably very candid and supportive if a player sat down with him one on one, but he always seemed like an introvert, not very demonstrative, outgoing or engaging, especially in front of the group, which is what I meant by "friendly."

Occasionally this board receives truly inside information, which is the case with the OP. It has been hinted recently that several players (i.e. Treggs) thrive on high standards and tough workouts. Now we are hearing that this is the rule rather than the exception. Regardless of who the HC is, Dykes or JT, eventually the players have to embrace the work ethic necessary to become top level players at the D1 level. The competion is pretty stiff in the Pac-12 these days. So it is nice to think that the players are readying themselves for a tough season.

It seems to me that Dykes has a better instinct for how to make relationships work across the board. He knows that he needs to be chummy with the fans and media, collaberative with his fellow coaches, and demanding of his players.