Coaches Corner: Ed Hottle

 Washington D.C.--As part of gallaudetathletics.com continuing coverage of the Bison 2009 spring practice sessions we sat down with Bison Head Coach Ed Hottle to get his opinions on spring and where the team is in week three.

Hottle who also coordinates the Bison defense has been spending time in the spring shoring up both sides of the ball. He has alternated through the spring to ensure that both the offense and defense are on pace to hit their off-season goals. 

With a very tough schedule in the fall and many faces at different places this spring, this may be Coach Hottle's toughest coaching challenge since he was charged with the task of resurrecting the Bison football Program. 

Gallaudet has nine more spring practices scheduled with the next two scheduled for today April 15, 2009 at 5:00 pm and Friday April 17, 2009. Practices are free and open to the public.

When asked to comment on his early impressions of spring practice:

"We have an interesting blend of players on our roster. We are very experienced in some areas and very young in others. It makes pieces of practice move at a different pace as we move to get the other players caught up. I am very happy with the energy so far. We have had very good effort. Our execution has been marginal which is why we have a spring to work to get better. The goal for the spring is simple get a little better every time we step on the field."

When asked about position battles and if any young players are stepping forward:

"Every position is a battle. We have three year starters that are fighting for position. In order to be competitive you have to be objective and allow each guy to come in and compete. We have a good three way battle at quarterback and many guys trying to be our running back in 2009. Both of these battles will spill into the fall where summer preparation becomes evident and that will help shape the depth chart."

When asked if he misses seeing any graduating senior in uniform this spring:

"Well that one is easy Adam Tygart would be a guy. He is one of the most consistent players I've coached ever. I think he represents well what our program is all about; undervalued but tough and full of fight. Also Adam Brimmer (pictured right) had a lot of fight in the trenches and played hard and led our OL while 2-3 freshmen worked in there."

When asked about this year's freshmen crop and their spring:

"We had a lot of freshmen see time in the fall 12 who have seen extensive time. I'm very proud of the strides they've made. They also understand the point of recruiting. It's to get better so they know from experience that if you are not getting better and not pushing yourself then your playing time can be challenged also. That's one of the great things about college football you compete everyday."