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George Godsey – September 3, 2019 Download PDF version

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Tight Ends Coach George Godsey

(I was going to ask you where TE Mike Gesicki has made the most progress?) – “He’s had a good preseason – both the run game and pass game. His conditioning is improving throughout the course of not only spring, but the fall. He’s got an upward trend right now. He’s caught some passes in the preseason, made some big plays. Of course, now is when it counts.”

(Do you feel optimistic that TE Mike Gesicki can become – obviously you’re not going to say no – but your thoughts on what he can ultimately become? How high is his ceiling still?) – “He’s a young player, so there’s a lot of room to improve. Obviously, there are some things we’re doing to with him now that he’s unfamiliar with from college. For everybody, there’s a certain growth period especially as you get into the league, not only learning your role, but the personnel and how to study the opponent and how you fit into the game plan and then performing when your number is called.”

(With the extra weight – obviously, you didn’t work with TE Mike Gesicki before he was at this weight – but do you think it’s made him a stronger blocker, able maybe to fight off press coverage? Have you seen any difference?) – “All that goes together – technique, physical stature and then getting open at the top of the route. All of that stuff really is important when you’re running routes. At this level, one of them can’t just be your strength. You have to excel in all those different phases of running routes. Mike is learning that. And then you have to catch the ball. All of that stuff really factors into it. You can run a great route, you can get open, and then if you don’t finish the play, then it’s all for naught. It’s the same thing – if you can’t get open, then you’re not even an option. He understands that and I think all of those things are going to help him become a better player.”

(A quick thing on TE Durham Smythe, just your thoughts on his progress and where he stands?) – “He’s a different player from last year. He’s put on 20 pounds from where he was last year to this year. He’s really worked on his blocking. He’s worked on all four downs. He’s working on normal downs, he’s working some on third downs, special teams he is helping (on). I’m pleased with his knowledge of the game. There’s room for improvement, because he’s a young player, too. He’s upward trending, too, so we’re looking forward to the season.”

(TE Chris Myarick to me is as big a surprise as anyone here. A guy who caught 22 passes at Temple in four years. Was he even a pleasant surprise to your staff? Obviously your scouting department liked him or they wouldn’t have brought him in; but what surprised you, what impressed you?) – “We work hand-in-hand with the scouting department. This is the NFL, so when somebody is at this level – whether they were drafted in the first round or taken (as) a free agent – they’re all given the same opportunity. He took advantage of his reps, did well in the run phase, did well in the passing phase as you saw in the last game. I like the way his attitude is. He comes into work, doesn’t say much as pretty much most of the rookies shouldn’t say a lot, he learns from the veterans and then he goes out there and gives it the best he can. He’s a great effort player, too. When you combine all of that together, that’s really where he made the most of his opportunity.”

(I should ask you about TE Nick O’Leary, obviously. Does he impress you as a guy who’s steady in all areas?) – “That’s his role. He’s versatile. He’s flexible. He’s able to help in the run game, help in the passing game. He has good knowledge – a big realm of experience, different teams – he knows the personnel and then he’s a tough football player. We like those guys. He’s good. He comes out to work. He’s the first guy out there on the practice field, first guy in the building. He sets the mode for the room, honestly.”

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