San Antonio Coach's Night (Notes now added to OP)

Just got here. I'll post whatever notes I take itt later

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Sumlin is as excited as he's ever been for a season, primarily because of having depth/returning players (whose names people actually know ).

Preemptively answered the QB question: there will be a competition (his aside was that he and his staff usually pick the right guy to start the year). He did express a ton of excitement for Allen's poise, maturity, and resilience, from being in tears when Hill was awarded the starting job last year, to answering the call midseason and earning the big win vs. Auburn, to winding up being the MVP of the Liberty Bowl (a feat which Kyle apparently cherished).

He did say one QB that would NOT start, and that would be Connor McQueen He expressed a lot of enthusiasm for Connor, though, emphasizing how loved he is by the team and how he's helped spearhead this past year being the highest GPA-wise for an Aggie team since that Stat has been tracked.

Sumlin also repeatedly emphasized how much he wanted the "neutral site" opening game at NRG Stadium to be a de facto home game for A&M. Not just because of proximity, but because of the atmosphere created by hordes of Ags. Methinks he'll get his wish!

Tried to dispel the rumors that grass was "rolled" on Kyle Field--it was only "put down." Lulz. Called Kyle Field the most spectacular cfb in the country and even though the listed capacity is 102,500, we might not invite the fire marshall to a couple of games lol.

Questions he was posed:

1.) How was TAMU's player stipend determined and why is it so low compared to other schools?

A: Admissions/Financial Aid determines those numbers, not the athletic department. There was a movement within the SEC to standardize the player stipends, but that proved not to be feasible. It's an ongoing issue.

2.) How is Hilliard's convalescence progressing and how much playing time will he see?

A: it's progressed well, but they plan to ease him into field time. Not rushing anything despite positive returns so far.

3.) What's your favorite part of gameday?

A: "Winning." (raucous laughter)

4.) Who do you plan to have play the Sam/Mike/Will LB positions?

A: Will vary from game to game. Best athletes will see the field. Best part about having Chavis on board is we're no longer just "labeling" players or just pushing warm bodies into spots where they're needed. Every player has a specific role where he fits in Chavis' scheme for maximum effectiveness.

5.) Is your offseason preparation any different because we start off with a strong opponent in Arizona State?

A: No. You prepare your players to play, no matter the initial opponent. Started with (ostensibly) a strong foe in South Carolina just last year, and Sumlin has started off with other bigger games in the past. He said it does grab the players' attention a little more when they're watching game tape of a quality opponents, but the coaches keep their prepping the same.

6.) (Gag question) What would you do to Nick Saban if he threatened to ding done ditch your house?

A: [Pregnant pause; Extremely toothy grin]

Went on to reiterate that the twitteree in question didn't even tweet a picture of Sumlin's actual house, of course.

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That's all I can remember off the top of my head. I'm tired now lol. Hope y'all like