Mel Tucker took the podium on Friday morning at Big Ten media day in Indianapolis. Tucker outlined his first year at the helm of Michigan State.
Big Ten media day allows for the fans to get an inside look at an extended press conference that really allows coaches to give a deep dive of their program and what is going on in their heads.
Coach Tucker made sure to outline a lot about himself personally, as well as the state of the team, and the momentum going forward.
Take a look at what Coach Tucker had to say:
Tucker is 'excited' for fans
Mel Tucker: "I'm excited to finally be in Spartan Stadium with our fans. We have some of the most passionate fans in the country and there's a lot of pent-up demand for Spartan football."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) July 23, 2021
Spartan Stadium will be jammed with eager fans ready to cheer their hearts out once again for MSU football.
"Just get a little bit better"
Tucker: "Since the end of the season, our objective was to aggregate marginal gains across the board in our organization — coaching, support staff, players, strength and conditioning, nutrition, training room, equipment room. Everyone just get a little bit better."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) July 23, 2021
After a 2-5 season, and the downward turn the program was given to Tucker in, it is imperative that MSU keeps getting marginally better.
Tucker feels the 'momentum' building
Tucker: "I feel the momentum in our program — in every aspect."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) July 23, 2021
Recruiting, offseason training, and what the team brings into fall camp are all reasons to feel optimistic and to feel the momentum.
Competition is king
Tucker: "We stress competition at Michigan State. Compete to play, compete to stay. You either like it, love it or live it. …Guys know they're gonna have to bring it each and every day to get on the field. Guys are embracing that."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) July 23, 2021
Coach Tucker stole a Tom Izzo quote to emphasize the importance of competition in his program.
Tucker doesn't want any free passes
Tucker on the idea this is his first real season at MSU: "No, it's not Year 1. It's Year 2. We've got to get this thing moving."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) July 23, 2021
Many have called the 2020 season “year 0” for Tucker, stating it was a free pass. Michigan State’s head man doesn’t feel that way and is ready to push forward.
Michigan State is a 'special place'
Tucker's first GA job at MSU was a "transformative opportunity for me and for my family. … Michigan State has always been a special place to me."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) July 23, 2021
Mel Tucker got his start in coaching at MSU, and it has all come full circle.
Learning from Nick Saban and Barry Alvarez
Tucker says Barry Alavarez (who he played for at Wisconsin) and Nick Saban played big roles in his career, now in his 25th season of coaching.
Tucker says he learned how to coach and recruit from Saban.
Adds that Saban “laid the foundation” for him.
— The Only Colors (@TheOnlyColors) July 23, 2021
Mel Tucker has coached and played under some very prominent names in the college football world.
Improving the roster
Tucker on the addition of transfers and HS recruits: "We've added a significant number of really good football players that have improved our roster."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) July 23, 2021
Coach Tucker has used recruiting and more importantly, the transfer portal to rehabilitate this roster to compete in the near future.
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