15 Questions for Coach Ianello

[Lee Adams]

Good win yesterday, here is what I would ask Rob in his season wrap up press conference.

1. Coach, you have been in this role for about a year now. Looking back and self assessing what if anything would you have done differently or what did you change throughout the year which was a positive?

2. The team played better in the 2nd half of the year, was competitive and gave great effort when they could have folded. That is a testament to the staff and players. You have consistently praised Mike Thomas and Alex Allen for their leadership. Who are the leaders of the team now? Are you comfortable that enough key people are ready to assume leadership roles?

3. Over 90% of the carries went to Alex Allen and Nate Burney. With their graduation, the only players on the roster with any significant carries are Broderick Alexander and Dale Martin. How is Broderick healing? What does Martin have to do to see the field?

4. 2 of your key recruits who played fairly well, Antoine Russell and Richard Hall were suspended the last couple of weeks. Are they still part of the program?

5. As a follow up, more than several players left the program or were asked to leave throughout the year. Do you expect more attrition in the offseason? Has everyone else bought in to your philosophy?

6. Are you planning to recruit at the JUCO level? If so, heavily or just a couple of guys?

7. The top 2 playmakers, LaFRance and Carter are graduating. Is there anyone currently in the program ready to step up into a playmaker role? Who are you high on?

8. Assessing the program, where do you still see holes that need to be corrected? What is your plan to correct them?

9. While many areas could be improved, the QB always gets the most scrutiny. How did Patrick do this year? Has he done enough the be the starter? Will there be open competition in spring ball?

10. Are there any injuries that will hold guys out of active conditioning come the 1st of the year?

11. Were you pleased with your assistants? Barring any leaving of their own accord, do you forsee any changes in the offseason?

12. I may have missed this but did not see Doug Richardson walk the field yesterday with the seniors. Is he coming back next year? Further, is there anyone else listed as a senior who has gained another year of eligibility?

13. Your numbers are low and if I understand correctly, we can only sign 25 guys per year. That will take several years to get to the full allotment of 85 scholarship players. Is there anyway around this?

14. Will there be any scheme changes?

15. Finally, everyone on this board cares deeply about the Zips and wants the program and you to succeed. It's been almost 25 years since moving to Div 1 and we are still waiting for sustained success. You mentioned several times that progess is being made, progress that can't be seen and eventually it will be seen on the field in wins. How close are we to seeing it? I know this is one you probably can't answer. On the outside looking in, I don't see how you can have this much turnover and get competitive in a year or two unless you get a couple studs and some luck. Tell me that I am wrong.

Best of luck Coach in offseason recruiting.

Response to questions:

#1 Thats 2 questions. Next

#2 Thats 2 questions. Next

#3 Thats 2 questions. Next

#4 Don't know yet. Next.

#5 Thats 2 questions. Next

#6 Thats 2 questions. Next

#7 Thats 2 questions. Next.

#8 Thats 2 questions. Next.

#9 Thats 2 questions. Next

#10 Don't know. Next.

#11 Thats 2 questions. Next.

#12 Thats 2 questions. Next.

#13 I have no clue. Next.

#14 Thats a secret. Next.

#15 Seeing what?