We had multiple speakers to keep us informed and entertained. First up was Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Manny Rojas. Coach Rojas discussed the challenges of facing SEC opponent Vanderbilt, this week. Vanderbilt has two outstanding quarterbacks with different skill sets, and expects to use both of them.
Our next speaker was Football General Manager, Patrick Callaway. Patrick was UD team captain in 2014, and served as a team scout for the Tennessee Titans. He commented on the challenges in this era of NIL and transfer portal, with retaining players and creating the environment of retaining student athletes for the right reasons. Also discussed was the proliferation of sports gambling, and how the University addresses this with the players.
Former team captain, Bob Lundquist, introduced fellow team captain from 2022, Thyrick Pitts. Thyrick had multiple free agent opportunities over the NFL, all while studying and taking exams to be a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. He laments that he has no NCAA eligibility remaining in the NIL era! He invited all in attendance to join his tailgate next weekend with the “omelette king” serving the food!
Club President, Mark Werrell, reminded everyone that next week’s meeting is on Thursday, despite Saturday’s game being home vs. Coastal Carolina. Next week’s speakers will be Running Backs Coach, Xavier Dye, and SPIRIT Coach, Kirby Smart. Our Guest Speaker will be Herky Billings, running back and punter from ‘71-’74. We hope to see you there!
Thanks to Chip Taylor for his report and photos.
