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Before Gary Patterson took the podium, he spent a few minutes on camera with Joel Klatt. He talked about how he throws the rest of the coaching staff out onto the road during the spring so he can actually get some work done.
Patterson's opening statement was very brief. Jenni Carlson started the interrogation asking about Trevone Boykin's development last year. Patterson wasn't surprised, so he says, and suggests the problems in 2013 were less about his ability and more about preparation and confidence.
Ben Kercheval continued that line, asking about Boykin's growth as a leader. Patterson says Boykin took the reins leading the team through unorganized summer activity, but that he's not the only leader on the offense.
Patterson was asked how it feels coming into the room as the league favorite. He doesn't put much stock in that, because you just never know how things will transpire. He then noted that all the awards from 2014 and the pre-season accolades mean nothing once they take the field against Minnesota in the season opener.
Asked about his excess of wideouts and shortage of linebackers, Patterson said you can never have too many of anything due to injuries and wear. At linebacker, he noted that this year's corps is a lot faster than last year's, and the expected improvements as a result will help cover the lack of depth.
Carlson asked about TCU's practice schedule, and Patterson verified that TCU has generally only run one contact day in practice. He thinks that's enough, and that more just beats up the players to no purpose. (However, Derrick Kindred apparently told an Oklahoma City radio guy that TCU was running three contact days, so... developing controversy, perhaps.)
Patterson was asked how much was added to the offense after the start of last season, and whether more has been added this year. He said it was more a case of perfection and execution than added schemes.
On the subject of his confidence of being able to get into the playoff this year, Patterson was relatively blase about the matter. "All I can control is what I can control." He thought there were eight really good football teams last year, and thinks that's usually the case just about every year. He said he has to believe that everything is being done the right way, because it's ultimately all about the kids.