TOLEDO, Ohio – With two weeks of practices now behind them, the Toledo Rockets are making solid progress toward being ready for the start of the 2020 football season, Head Coach
Jason Candle told reporters on Monday.
The Rockets open their six-game season at home vs. arch-rival Bowling Green on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
"We've got the pads on. We're down to real football now," said Candle. "The guys are having a real spirited camp. I'm excited for where we're at. We're obviously a long way from home base but I like the progress of our team. Our leadership is really strong. I'm looking forward to where this team can go from here."
Candle said the delayed starting of the season due to the Coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges, but overall he is pleased with his team's progress.
"It's a process; we're getting there," said Candle, who is 34-19 in four seasons as head coach. "There are young guys that are going through this for the first time. A lot of players didn't have a typical or traditional summer to get acclimated to what we do here football-wise, and what we do in the classroom. Some guys are taking college classes for the first time and that is not easy. We all lived it (the pandemic), we all went through it, so getting into game shape and getting to game day is a little bit different this year. We continue to jump over the hurdles, and to go through the hoops we have to go through, and to do the best that we can. That day will be here soon enough."
The Rockets enter the 2020 season with four new assistant coaches:
Craig Kuligowski (co-defensive coordinator/outside linebackers) and
Vince Kehres (defensive coordinator/linebackers) on the defensive side of the ball, and
Robert Weiner (co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks) and
Mark Staten (tight ends/offensive tackles) on the offensive staff.
The Rockets' coaching staff will have a wealth of talent to work with. Among the 18 starters returning from last season's 6-6 squad are five All-MAC players: seniors
Bryce Harris (offensive line) and
Bryce Mitchell (wide receiver), juniors
Bryant Koback (running back) and
Jamal Hines (defensive end), and sophomore
Nick Rosi (offensive line).
Candle emphasized that no player is assured playing time based on previous performance. The Rockets have good depth at virtually every position so there is intense competition for spots in the playing rotation.
"I do not think already having experience should be a major piece in the coach's evaluation," said Candle. "It shouldn't give you a leg up as a player just because you have been through it. It should in your preparation from a personal standpoint, but I wouldn't want to be judged, if I was a player, thinking that I am going to be second or third team because I'm a freshman and not a senior. If I am the best player I would expect my coaches to put me in the game."
2020 Toledo Football Schedule
