Startelegram Confidential Blog

[flyeater]

Riley is doing well. Link.

[Keith7]

good crowd at the scrimmage considering the cowgirls were playing and people were told it would be closed

[GreenBat]

<H3 class=entry-header>At UNT, it's VIPs only in stands</H3>The Monday-Thursday practices this week at Fouts Field were open to the public, but some bellyaching surfaced after director of football ops Mark Barrow turned away folks on Friday night who had no connection to the team (parents, relative, girlfriends, close acquaintance, etc). Tonight's the last session at Fouts except for Saturday scrimmages, so it's back to "closed" workouts, which some are saying they didn't know about. Maybe Todd Dodge and everyone else at UNT didn't get the word out efficiently, but the policy is no change from a year ago. Spring open, fall closed. If you missed the first four days, you had your chance.

--Troy Phillips

[Keith7]

At least 100 people were there tonight (prolly more)

[NT80]

<H3 class=entry-header>At UNT, it's VIPs only in stands</H3>The Monday-Thursday practices this week at Fouts Field were open to the public, but some bellyaching surfaced after director of football ops Mark Barrow turned away folks on Friday night who had no connection to the team (parents, relative, girlfriends, close acquaintance, etc). Tonight's the last session at Fouts except for Saturday scrimmages, so it's back to "closed" workouts, which some are saying they didn't know about. Maybe Todd Dodge and everyone else at UNT didn't get the word out efficiently, but the policy is no change from a year ago. Spring open, fall closed. If you missed the first four days, you had your chance.

--Troy Phillips

Better tell some other people at UNT as most were not aware of any such policy. Monday was the only open day.

[LoveMG]

At least 100 people were there tonight (prolly more)

media, family, spies, but no fans.

[Keith7]

media, family, spies, but no fans.

I'm not any of those people, walked right by the "practice closed" sign and set up shop at around the 50 yard line

[flyeater]

I'm not any of those people, walked right by the "practice closed" sign and set up shop at around the 50 yard line

Good sign...did anyone else out there get in undetected? One good byproduct of poor communication is too many people show up to monitor or limit access. Maybe that happened on Saturday, if it's true a lot of folks got in. All in all, whether or not this is the same policy as a year ago, it seems confusing.

[Keith7]

I tried to notice but it was hard to tell who was friends & family and who was a random fan, with graduation ceremonies today I'm sure there was a curious alumn or two that wondered in though.. I got to the scrimmage a little late though too so maybe the gate monitor had gave up already.. I must say the team looked great, I loved seeing the defense blitz off the edge and get a lot of pressure tonight, this will be a fun season.. Qbs looked sharp, running backs too, cam Montgomery was impressive he can deliver both speed and power.. Also expect Sam roberson to use his heigth and athleticism to go up and get some jump balls this year..

[FirefightnRick]

<H3 class=entry-header>At UNT, it's VIPs only in stands</H3>The Monday-Thursday practices this week at Fouts Field were open to the public, but some bellyaching surfaced after director of football ops Mark Barrow turned away folks on Friday night who had no connection to the team (parents, relative, girlfriends, close acquaintance, etc). Tonight's the last session at Fouts except for Saturday scrimmages, so it's back to "closed" workouts, which some are saying they didn't know about. Maybe Todd Dodge and everyone else at UNT didn't get the word out efficiently, but the policy is no change from a year ago. Spring open, fall closed. If you missed the first four days, you had your chance.

--Troy Phillips

Wow, what an amazing write up greatly underscoring what has turned out to be one of the biggest clusters @#$#s in modern North Texas history.

Policy from a year ago? Are you kidding me? What policy from a year ago????? The AD dept and the DRC, told people the saturday scrimmage was open to the public and did so for 4 straight days. Then on friday afternoon, TD changed his mind catching the AD dept off guard, so the AD asked Vitto to put that in the saturday morning paper to help out with the confusion. Unfortunately many didn't read the DRC that morning, especially those who live outside of Denton and showed up anyways to try and join the some 300 people already in the stands. "Turned away" is putting it mildly when fans are told "I'm not part of the athletic department, I don't work for them, I don't care what the AD and DRC papers said, practice is closed, now leave". And to top it off, Brett Vitto is then run out of practice himself, after trying to help North Texas correct it's own mistake??????????

Policy this year? PER THE HEAD COACH IN PERSON, THE DRC and the MEAN GREEN SPORTS webpage......"Practice is going to be at Fouts Field at 7 p.m." People showed up on Monday and got in just fine, but were told Tuesday, Thursday and Friday practice was closed. But then it was open, then closed, then open by AD personell and the DRC beat writer. Friday evening the DRC beat writer, trying to get confirmation on Saturday's scrimmage, doesn't get it until Saturday???????? And two people who called AD dept personel and talked to them on the phone were told.........."YES PRACTICE IS OPEN, NO PRACTICE ISN'T OPEN and I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU"????? And we don't have a right to bellyache about the confusion and miscommunication? Just unreal. Of course, if you ask untphd, it's probably all just on us fans?

And let it be known. I'm not bellyaching. I don't bellyache, or whine. I'M BITCHING!!!.

And now for my update, since we have enough of everything we need.

By my and others unoffical guessticounts for 2008:

5 people showed up at one event at Trophy Club.

20 plus showed up at another.

20 plus showed up at one in San Antonio.

200 to 400 at the Kickoff Barbecue.

Average 700 donors will join the Mean Green Club.

Estimated 3,000 and 6,000 season ticket holders realized for upcoming season.

8 to 15 people will show up for coaches weekly radio show.

15,000 average attendance on game days.

15,000 empty seats on game days.

100, maybe? showed up for the first scrimmage of the season.

Rick

[flyeater]

Updated S-T blog post on open/closed practices. I don't actually remember Dodge saying practice was open, but he certainly said it was closed last year.

[GoMeanGreen1999]

Updated S-T blog post on open/closed practices. I don't actually remember Dodge saying practice was open, but he certainly said it was closed last year.

I still wonder if Phillips will pay much attention to us if and when Dodge leaves the program in the future. This clears it up a little though - Practice is closed to the fans of UNT. Still not sure why he invited us out for it, but I guess he changed his mind.

Edited August 11, 2008 by GoMeanGreen1999

[GoMeanGreen1999]

And to top it off, Brett Vitto is then run out of practice himself,  after trying to help North Texas correct it's own mistake??????????

Just curious, and sorry if this has already been brought up, but did Vitto do something to Dodge that he didn't like? This Phillips guy seems to have all of the perks of Dodge, and I sure don't remember him writting this much stuff about UNT before Dodge was hired.

[FirefightnRick]

As of this typing, nothing about any practice policy on the official website that I can find. Anyone else know where it is? If so, please post it here because even the local beat was unaware of this POLICY this year.

Tonight's scrimmage is closed

2:26 PM Sat, Aug 09, 2008 | Permalink

Brett Vito E-mail News tips

I just got off the phone with a UNT assistant coach who told me that the first scrimmage of fall practice tonight will be closed to the public.

I was under the impression that workouts would be open to fans throughout the fall. I am still planning on attending to write for the DRC and Morning News. Check back on the blog later for updates from tonight's workout.

Rick

Edited August 11, 2008 by FirefightnRick

[FirefightnRick]

Printed in the DRC on August 5th, 2007. Notice the practice schedule with date and times at the bottom?

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/...06.72c9bad.html

A whole new era

UNT returns to practice to start Dodge's reign

10:37 PM CDT on Sunday, August 5, 2007

By Brett Vito/Staff Writer

North Texas junior quarterback Daniel Meager can sense a difference in the atmosphere surrounding the Mean Green as it heads into the beginning of fall practice today.

A sense of uncertainty that lingered during spring workouts just a few months ago has been replaced by a quiet confidence, one that comes with a better understanding of what the Mean Green is trying to accomplish under new head coach Todd Dodge.

Meager was one of 105 players, including the Mean Green's entire 2007 recruiting class, who reported Sunday for the beginning of practice at 3:30 p.m. today at the Mean Green Athletic Center.

"Everyone is really confident," Meager said. "We had good workouts this summer. We feel good about ourselves and want to get the ball rolling."

In UNT's case, flying might be a more accurate description.

The Mean Green spent spring practice adapting to Dodge's spread offense after spending nine years in a run-based attack under former UNT head coach Darrell Dickey. There were a few bumps along the road after the change, ones the Mean Green believes will be less frequent now that it has experience in the system.

"We are really comfortable now," senior wide receiver Brandon Jackson said. "Spring was about learning the offense. Now, with two-a-days starting, we are going to be working on improving and getting ready for [Oklahoma]."

UNT will open the season Sept. 1 against the Sooners in Norman, Okla.

Perhaps the biggest challenge the Mean Green will face before its opener is finding a comfort zone on offense. UNT is rebuilding its offensive line and its wide receiver corps after last season.

Jackson caught 17 passes for 188 yards and is UNT's only returning receiver who caught more than 10 passes last season.

UNT could also start several young players on its offensive line, including redshirt freshman Matt Menard and sophomore Robert Peachey at the tackle spots.

Featuring so many young players on offense will be both UNT's biggest problem this season and its most important asset in terms of the future of the program.

"Offensively we have a bunch of young talent," Dodge said. "The majority of those players are going to be back next season, so it won't be like we are going to spend three months teaching a new offense and then they are all going to be gone. It's a good scenario for us."

Several of UNT's young players have spent the summer in Denton to prepare for the season. The extra time the Mean Green's young offensive players have spent together has helped them become more familiar with each other and Dodge's system.

"Like coach Dodge always says, we are speaking the same language now," Meager said. "We know what to expect and what is going on."

UNT officially began the buildup to the season on Saturday night with the Mean Green Kickoff Cookout. School officials unveiled the team's new jerseys at the event and spoke about the upcoming season.

A crowd of 600 fans attended the event.

Seeing so many of its supporters out only made UNT's players more excited for the opening of fall workouts today.

"We are always excited to start two-a-days," Jackson said. "But now that we have all these people coming to the Kickoff Cookout, it makes us even more excited."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

UNT practice primer

North Texas will open fall practice under Todd Dodge for the first time today at the Mean Green Athletic Center. The following is a rundown of some of the issues UNT must address:

Key question: Is Meager the man?

Junior Daniel Meager came out of spring practice as UNT's starting quarterback, but he will have to hang onto the job in what should be a competitive fall practice. Matt Phillips and Nathan Tune are just two of the other players competing for the job. Highly regarded recruit Giovanni Vizza will also have a chance to show what he can do.

Position battle: Linebacker

UNT is loaded with experienced linebackers and there will be fewer positions up for grabs with the Mean Green moving back into the 4-3 defense after spending last season in the 3-4. All-Sun Belt Conference linebacker Maurice Holman, Brandon Monroe and Derek Mendoza are slated to start, but will be pushed by Tobe Nwigwe, Colt Mahan and Craig Robertson.

Player to watch: Jamario Thomas

UNT depended largely on the talents of a string of standout running backs to power its offense in previous seasons, including Jamario Thomas. The former national rushing champion won't have to carry as heavy a load this season, but it would help UNT if the senior can overcome a history of injuries and be the game-breaker he was earlier in his career.

Key to success: Adapting to the system

UNT will finish going from one end of the spectrum to the other this fall when it completes installing a new spread offense that will rely on a passing attack to replace its old power running game. The Mean Green made progress in spring practice, but must finish the task this fall.

Strength to develop: Defense

Since he arrived at UNT, Dodge has raved about the talent he has to work with on defense, especially in the Mean Green's front seven. UNT has three preseason all-conference selections on defense: Holman, defensive end Jeremiah Chapman and safety Aaron Weathers. How those players adapt to playing in a new 4-3 alignment will be key for the Mean Green, especially early in the season while the team's offense is finding its way.

Area of concern: Offensive line

UNT will open practice with a redshirt freshman and two sophomores scheduled to start on an offensive line that is expected to protect a quarterback in a passing offense. Spencer Leftwich returns for a second stint at UNT and will be in charge of finding a way to quickly develop a young group.

UNT practice schedule

August

6 -- 3:30 p.m. (helmets)

7 -- 3:30 p.m. (helmets)

8 -- 3:30 p.m. (shells)

9 -- 3:30 p.m. (shells)

10 -- 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

**********************11 -- 10 a.m. (scrimmage at Fouts Field)**************************

12 -- Off

13 -- 9:30 a.m. (full pads)

14 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

15 -- 9 a.m. (full pads)

16 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

17 -- 10:45 a.m. (full pads)

18 -- 10 a.m. (scrimmage at Fouts Field)

19 -- Off

20 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

21 -- 9 a.m. (full pads)

22 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

23 -- 10:15 a.m. (full pads)

24 -- 9:30 a.m.; 6 p.m. (mock game at Fouts Field)

25 -- Off

26 -- 9 a.m. (rookie roundup)

27 -- Off

28 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

29 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

30 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

31 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

Edited August 11, 2008 by FirefightnRick

[Guest GrayEagleOne]

This should be so simple. The reporter asks the head coach if practices are open, closed or restricted and reports

accordingly. I'd say that it's the head coach's decision...not the AD, Director of Football Operations or SID.

I can understand why all practices would not be open and why some might be totally closed. Since there is no MGC card anymore, restricting people could be a problem. If cards are not issued then each person should have a pass to a restricted practice. Information of Mean Green Club members is in the computer data file at the ticket office so why not use that to verify the identity membership. Players should furnish information for parents, girl friends, etc.

I wouldn't want a coach from any university on our schedule to be where he could observe practices but only for those teams immediately ahead on the schedule. But, game film and scouting reports from actual games are going to make what you're running somewhat of an open book anyway.

[FirefightnRick]

This should be so simple. The reporter asks the head coach if practices are open, closed or restricted and reports

accordingly. I'd say that it's the head coach's decision...not the AD, Director of Football Operations or SID.

I can understand why all practices would not be open and why some might be totally closed. Since there is no MGC card anymore, restricting people could be a problem. If cards are not issued then each person should have a pass to a restricted practice. Information of Mean Green Club members is in the computer data file at the ticket office so why not use that to verify the identity membership. Players should furnish information for parents, girl friends, etc.

I wouldn't want a coach from any university on our schedule to be where he could observe practices but only for those teams immediately ahead on the schedule. But, game film and scouting reports from actual games are going to make what you're running somewhat of an open book anyway.

Good subject for the vip board.

Rick

[DallasGreen]

Printed in the DRC on August 5th, 2007. Notice the practice schedule with date and times at the bottom?

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/...06.72c9bad.html

A whole new era

UNT returns to practice to start Dodge's reign

10:37 PM CDT on Sunday, August 5, 2007

By Brett Vito/Staff Writer

North Texas junior quarterback Daniel Meager can sense a difference in the atmosphere surrounding the Mean Green as it heads into the beginning of fall practice today.

A sense of uncertainty that lingered during spring workouts just a few months ago has been replaced by a quiet confidence, one that comes with a better understanding of what the Mean Green is trying to accomplish under new head coach Todd Dodge.

Meager was one of 105 players, including the Mean Green's entire 2007 recruiting class, who reported Sunday for the beginning of practice at 3:30 p.m. today at the Mean Green Athletic Center.

"Everyone is really confident," Meager said. "We had good workouts this summer. We feel good about ourselves and want to get the ball rolling."

In UNT's case, flying might be a more accurate description.

The Mean Green spent spring practice adapting to Dodge's spread offense after spending nine years in a run-based attack under former UNT head coach Darrell Dickey. There were a few bumps along the road after the change, ones the Mean Green believes will be less frequent now that it has experience in the system.

"We are really comfortable now," senior wide receiver Brandon Jackson said. "Spring was about learning the offense. Now, with two-a-days starting, we are going to be working on improving and getting ready for [Oklahoma]."

UNT will open the season Sept. 1 against the Sooners in Norman, Okla.

Perhaps the biggest challenge the Mean Green will face before its opener is finding a comfort zone on offense. UNT is rebuilding its offensive line and its wide receiver corps after last season.

Jackson caught 17 passes for 188 yards and is UNT's only returning receiver who caught more than 10 passes last season.

UNT could also start several young players on its offensive line, including redshirt freshman Matt Menard and sophomore Robert Peachey at the tackle spots.

Featuring so many young players on offense will be both UNT's biggest problem this season and its most important asset in terms of the future of the program.

"Offensively we have a bunch of young talent," Dodge said. "The majority of those players are going to be back next season, so it won't be like we are going to spend three months teaching a new offense and then they are all going to be gone. It's a good scenario for us."

Several of UNT's young players have spent the summer in Denton to prepare for the season. The extra time the Mean Green's young offensive players have spent together has helped them become more familiar with each other and Dodge's system.

"Like coach Dodge always says, we are speaking the same language now," Meager said. "We know what to expect and what is going on."

UNT officially began the buildup to the season on Saturday night with the Mean Green Kickoff Cookout. School officials unveiled the team's new jerseys at the event and spoke about the upcoming season.

A crowd of 600 fans attended the event.

Seeing so many of its supporters out only made UNT's players more excited for the opening of fall workouts today.

"We are always excited to start two-a-days," Jackson said. "But now that we have all these people coming to the Kickoff Cookout, it makes us even more excited."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

UNT practice primer

North Texas will open fall practice under Todd Dodge for the first time today at the Mean Green Athletic Center. The following is a rundown of some of the issues UNT must address:

Key question: Is Meager the man?

Junior Daniel Meager came out of spring practice as UNT's starting quarterback, but he will have to hang onto the job in what should be a competitive fall practice. Matt Phillips and Nathan Tune are just two of the other players competing for the job. Highly regarded recruit Giovanni Vizza will also have a chance to show what he can do.

Position battle: Linebacker

UNT is loaded with experienced linebackers and there will be fewer positions up for grabs with the Mean Green moving back into the 4-3 defense after spending last season in the 3-4. All-Sun Belt Conference linebacker Maurice Holman, Brandon Monroe and Derek Mendoza are slated to start, but will be pushed by Tobe Nwigwe, Colt Mahan and Craig Robertson.

Player to watch: Jamario Thomas

UNT depended largely on the talents of a string of standout running backs to power its offense in previous seasons, including Jamario Thomas. The former national rushing champion won't have to carry as heavy a load this season, but it would help UNT if the senior can overcome a history of injuries and be the game-breaker he was earlier in his career.

Key to success: Adapting to the system

UNT will finish going from one end of the spectrum to the other this fall when it completes installing a new spread offense that will rely on a passing attack to replace its old power running game. The Mean Green made progress in spring practice, but must finish the task this fall.

Strength to develop: Defense

Since he arrived at UNT, Dodge has raved about the talent he has to work with on defense, especially in the Mean Green's front seven. UNT has three preseason all-conference selections on defense: Holman, defensive end Jeremiah Chapman and safety Aaron Weathers. How those players adapt to playing in a new 4-3 alignment will be key for the Mean Green, especially early in the season while the team's offense is finding its way.

Area of concern: Offensive line

UNT will open practice with a redshirt freshman and two sophomores scheduled to start on an offensive line that is expected to protect a quarterback in a passing offense. Spencer Leftwich returns for a second stint at UNT and will be in charge of finding a way to quickly develop a young group.

UNT practice schedule

August

6 -- 3:30 p.m. (helmets)

7 -- 3:30 p.m. (helmets)

8 -- 3:30 p.m. (shells)

9 -- 3:30 p.m. (shells)

10 -- 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

**********************11 -- 10 a.m. (scrimmage at Fouts Field)**************************

12 -- Off

13 -- 9:30 a.m. (full pads)

14 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

15 -- 9 a.m. (full pads)

16 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

17 -- 10:45 a.m. (full pads)

18 -- 10 a.m. (scrimmage at Fouts Field)

19 -- Off

20 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

21 -- 9 a.m. (full pads)

22 -- 8:45 a.m. (full pads); 3:30 p.m. (full pads)

23 -- 10:15 a.m. (full pads)

24 -- 9:30 a.m.; 6 p.m. (mock game at Fouts Field)

25 -- Off

26 -- 9 a.m. (rookie roundup)

27 -- Off

28 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

29 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

30 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

31 -- 3:30 p.m. (practice)

Practice on August 28th, 29th, and 30th? Does Vitto not realize that KSU is scheduled for 8/30, and NT might want to get up there before game day?

Edited August 11, 2008 by DallasGreen

[PHSCoach]

this is last years schedule

Now I know why the printed paper is going by the wayside

[FirefightnRick]

Practice on August 28th, 29th, and 30th? Does Vitto not realize that KSU is scheduled for 8/30, and NT might want to get up there before game day?

Read the top line. That was one of the weekly DRC reports that included the times of the practices that day and the times and dates and location of the practices for that entire week. Not a single word mentioned about practice being closed. That saturday morning however, Vitto was asked by the AD dept to specifically post that practice was closed and his August 11th, 2007 report stated so. The "Policy" was that there was not printed policy last year.

Rick

Edited August 11, 2008 by FirefightnRick

[UNTLifer]

this is last years schedule

Now I know why the printed paper is going by the wayside

The discussion was about last year, by the way.