University Southern California Trojans
Paul Hackett's ESPN Chat Transcription
September 29, 1999 | Football
Sept. 29, 1999
Paul Hackett
I am here and ready for your questions. Let's get started.
BigDaddy
Hi Coach: The game against Oregon last week was an absolute war. How is your team responding this week in practice?
Paul Hackett
The game was truly a war. I thought we played very hard and very well. But made some mistakes that cost us the game. As painful as the loss was, our team practiced very well yesterday. But we have put the game behind us and we are focused on Oregon State.
Tommy Trojan
Coach, is there a particular aspect to coaching at the collegiate level you enjoy that led you away from the NFL?
Paul Hackett
Yes, clearly the youth and enthusiasm of the collegiate game and the athletes would be the first reason. The second reason was that I didn't just come back to college ball, I came back to USC. With my history here and the history of the program, this is where I belong.
MVT
What can we do to ensure that the team plays focused against the Bruins this year?
Paul Hackett
I would say the focus began at Oregon. When you are in a pressure-packed environment, you have to double your efforts. We had some lapses in the Oregon game, but now we take that experience into the Oregon State game. There will be no problem staying focused against UCLA. Eight years is too much and we talk about them every week. We can't wait for that game.
Paul
Coach, since you've lost Carson (Palmer) for maybe the season, are you going to simpify the offense for (Mike) VanRaaphorst?
Paul Hackett
No, Mike has prepared very well as a backup to Carson. He is throwing the ball better than he ever has, he has a better feel for our offense then he ever has. I am very comfortable letting him run the full offense. There will be no limitations for Mike.
TrojanFreak
Hey Coach, looking to recruiting next year, what positions will you be focusing on? Any chance at getting in the DJ Williams Sweepstakes? Will Palmer redshirt now that he's injured?
Paul Hackett
Good question. First area will be the offensive line. We will look in the state for the most talented big men. The second position will probably be the defensive line with the focus on building the depth on both lines. That will be the starting point. The linebacker position will probably be the next focus. There is a great history at that position here at USC. We also are always looking for great running backs. If you want one more, tight end. We need a good blocker and a great receiver at that position to take pressure off the QBs.
Trojan Knight
How has the internet affected coaching today?
Paul Hackett
It is two fold: 1. Strategy and focus on your team. Access is instant, to fans and opponents all over the country. 2. The biggest way would be in recruiting. All the information in the past was regionalized. Now it is nation wide and very public. Everyone knows which schools are recruiting which players. I think all of this is good, it is just differnt than in the past.
Brian
Coach, do you think that the tight end will start to become a more significant position in the Trojan offense? What can be done to make it so?
Paul Hackett
Over the last two weeks you have seen more use of the TE. We have started the evolution of that position. We will continue as the year unfolds to use these guys more. Ultimately, finding balance between the great run-blocker and the good receiver is a constant search. But developing that position is important to our future.
Gil
Will Carson Palmer redshirt this year due to the injury? If so, What impact will this have on the minds of potential quarterback recruits for next year?
Paul Hackett
We will wait for the doctor's decision on whether he will redshirt. It would make sense for him to redshirt the way these things heal. It might impact a JC player, but not a high school QB. Redshirting is the norm, and Carson playing as a freshman was a fluke. Also, having the chance to play with Carson will help the development of any young quarterback.
tom
What is your opinion of the overtime system in college football? Is there anything you'd like to see changed with it?
Paul Hackett
I have to say it was my first OT experience in college football. I would say to you, I think it is interesting. I haven't really had time to digest it. I think the team that wins the toss has a very distinct advantage. If you know what you have to do, it effects your play calling. It is a big advantage if you know you need to score a TD or a field goal. If we had won, I would be more excited about it. But I would like to stay out of those situations and win in regulation.
BP
What do you think has happened to Arizona? Was there too much pressure on them early in the year or are they just not as good as everyone thought?
Paul Hackett
I think I will be better able to answer that next week as we prepare for them. It is a real mystery. An experienced QB and an experienced defense usually leads to a very good team. My sense is that they are a bit shocked. But their expectations were very high. I still think we will hear from Arizona in the conference this year. They still have a very good team.
TommyTrojan
How do you plan to address the problem of too many penalties?
Paul Hackett
The first thing we have done is to hire officials to come to practice and work with us on a daily basis. We have also put a lot of effort into focusing on cutting down on the penalties. I am counting on that against Oregon State this week.
Paul Hackett
Before I go, I would like to thank everyone that stayed up late to watch the Oregon game. We appreciate that. The Trojans will be back. Thanks for all the questions. Take care everyone.
