[NU Sports] Questions on the Fitz Era

[Kenneth Maresco]

<<Could we start getting good press in Chicago with a local south-side
irish kid made good?Could this have a positive effect on recruiting in
Illinois?  Steal some of the literate players that ND is recruting?>>

Let's hope so. First signs are promising and I think this is where I get
most excited about Fitz. Who could possibly sell NU better to promising
young men?  I realize that he has been doing this already, but doing this as
a 31 year old linebackers coach and a 31 year old Head Coach is an entirely
different thing. If we can do well on the field, I think Fitz could turn out
some great recruiting classes!

<<Most of the staff is young so they aren't going anywhere, except
Colby.  I think he is gone after this season(or next) either for
performance or him being dissatisified with the coaching choice.
Logical choices Vandy or Okruch.  Both employed, but familar to NU and
Fitz.>>

This is perhaps the 2nd most exciting thing about the hire and the one
filled with the most question. Can Fitz get our d back to a respectable
place? Someone mentioned that CJ might have a little shorter leash with Fitz
than he did with Randy, because Randy was so loyal to his players. (See
Stauss and Howells to name a couple). I imagine that Fitz will be loyal, but
I think we all hope that if we are anywhere near 117 out of 117 next year,
that changes will be made. Getting an older coach, familiar with NU as you
mention, makes sense.

<<I am sooooo glad that Dunbar left for UCB.  When we talked to him we
did not get a good vibe and if he were still here he would be the head
coach.>>

This is interesting, what vibe did you get from him? I have never heard
anything negative about Dunbar, and my limited interactions were positive.

<<I am jacked about special teams.  This is where bringing in GB as a
consultant would have most positive effect.  If not GB how about
Valenzsisi(sp?) or Paul Burton.  Again familarity to NU and Fitz is
the advantage here.>>

I think we all can't wait to see who his first hire is. And this young staff
will have a wonderful opportunity to build a vision and unite this team. We
all know that Fitz will be giving his all in every aspect of the job. It
will be a stretch. 

I for one am deciding to look at the positives here and really going to hope
for the best. We have the legacy of our two greatest coaches. With the
character issues of neither. We get the winsomeness of Barnett, with the
loyalty and devotion of Walker! I am hoping he will pound the ball, until he
finds out who can throw it consistently without the big mistake. I know we
all love the Spread, but I would take the mistake free football of Steve
Schnurr at this point, and gradually let the leash out as these guys get
their confidence and learn to not make the big mistakes that so often can
decide the college game.

KM