Rutgers Football’s Chris Ash B1G Media Day Presser Recap

Rutgers football head coach Chris Ash stepped to the podium at 10:15 a.m. on Friday morning at Big Ten Media Days. Here is a summary of what he said and watch the entire press conference below.

• Ash thanked outgoing commissioner Jim Delany for his service and most importantly, for the role he played in bringing Rutgers into Big Ten.
• He emphasized how excited the program is about the 150th anniversary of college football and the role that Rutgers has with it.
• The talking points continued with a focus on the facility improvements that have taken place at Rutgers since his arrival, as well as those still in the works. The renovated locker room due to the donations of Anna and Greg Brown officially opens next week, with players reporting to training camp on July 31st.
• Ash made the point that it is a new year and a new team. He took ownership for last season’s 1-11 campaign and harped on the importance of controlling the future.
• He cited the team having the best chemistry and leadership since he has been with the program. He specifically credited the three players he brought with him to media day, Tyshon Fogg, Tyreek Maddox-Williams and Zach Venesky. All three are captains.
• Coach speak continued with Ash saying “more games are lost than won.” He said the focus is to not lose games and that ties into fundamentals and reducing mistakes.
• Ash commented that the competition and depth at all three defensive position groups is the best its been since in his four years at Rutgers.
• He was asked about transfer additions and Ash cited QB McLane Carter, TE Matt Alaimo, and LB Drew Singleton as players who have the potential to make a big impact this season.
• Ash fielded a realignment question regarding the current Big Ten divisions. He said no matter what, not everyone will ever be happy and likes the current format.
• He was asked about the importance of having offensive coordinator John McNulty back as , which Ash said was obviously a big positive. He cited McNulty knowing the current personnel so much more so entering his second year as a key to them making positive adjustments in the offense because it is better tailored to the players they have.
• Ash was asked about having 70% of the returning offensive production from last season and the importance of adding new guys to the unit. He said there are several new players added to the mix that the staff thinks can make a big difference this season.

A full transcript of the presser can be read here.