Bala on LB Growth
Washington linebacker coach Robert Bala speaks with the media after day 12 of fall camp about the role of the position group in the new defensive scheme.
Transcript
00:00Understanding of the scheme and the things that you can ask of them has changed or
00:04grown since the spring.
00:06Yeah, they've definitely taken a step forward in camp.
00:10The work is the standard, right?
00:13Now we are getting better executing the calls, the techniques,
00:17the fundamentals, and they're seeing them stack their days every single day.
00:21So I'm excited about where we're at in camp right now.
00:23Without giving away any secrets, you put two linebackers out there usually in
00:26the scrimmage way.
00:27And sometimes you get like almost four or five guys out there.
00:30Is that just because you have a veteran crew?
00:33Well, part of what we do is versatility.
00:36So guys, you don't just play position for us, you play defense for us, right?
00:40And so a lot of the things that we ask them to do at the linebacker position,
00:45you gotta be able to play the run, you gotta be able to drop in coverage,
00:47you gotta be able to rush the passer.
00:49So naturally in our group, we have the tools to be able to do that.
00:52And I love all the packages that we get more of our guys on the field.
00:55Well, they did have a speed rush team, so I think that's kind of what that is.
00:58That's right, yep, absolutely.
01:00You've got an experienced crew, obviously, fifth year guys, sixth year guys.
01:03What separates Carson in terms of the way he carries himself or
01:06just the dynamic that he brings as opposed to other guys?
01:08Yeah, his character, he's a guy that wants to learn.
01:12He's experienced big games, so
01:13he understands the standard of how you need to operate.
01:17He's a guy that wants to get better in the film room,
01:19get better at his techniques, get better at his fundamentals.
01:22He attacks every day, he puts the last day behind him and goes in the very next day
01:27and tries to get better, find something to improve on mentally, physically.
01:30And that's all I can ask for.
01:33Great coach once told me, hey, the student shows up or
01:37the teacher shows up when the student's willing to learn.
01:39And he comes every single day, ready to play.
01:41Who's the coach you're talking about?
01:43Coach Saban.