Optimism is sometimes the only thing that keeps football players and their fans excited and on board after a down year (or several). Fortunately for the Tulane Green Wave football squad, the new head coach and at least one of their star players is not lacking in this department.
Coach Willie Fritz and running back Lazedrick Thomson recently caught up with AAC Fever to discuss how they think the new-look Tulane offense will be in 2016 and why fans should be hopeful. Seemingly unfazed while currently staring the barrel of a gun that is Tulane’s uncertain passing attack, Fritz has provided a new angle in which to think about it.
“I’ve learned over the years, if you can run the ball, you can really open up the passing game,” claims Fritz. “The backs are far advanced in the passing game. They’ve caught a lot of balls here. I’ve been very impressed with their running ability and catching the ball… They’re going to be very involved with the passing game, and I think the running backs are a strength of our offense.”
If the first-year coach’s words ring true here, then there is definitely reason for Tulane fans to be confident. Last year, the Wave’s backs seemed to be the only point of consistency on an offense that was in freefall for most of the season.
Thompson, one of Tulane’s most talented at his position, weighed in as well.
“We’re basically focusing more on the run game,” he said. “That should be a plus side of this upcoming season.” He also acknowledged that there will be some pressure placed on the running backs this season as Fritz’s new offense comes into formation but is adamant that they are up to the task.
There, Wave fans can at least take some solace in knowing that the ground game that quietly carried the struggling team last year will be a main focal point this season. However, it cannot be ignored that the quarterback and receiver positions are still a blur.
“Right now, Glenn (Cuiellette) and Darius (Bradwell) are vying for that starting position at quarterback,” said Fritz. “Jonathan Brantley will come in and compete as well. Receivers, we just don’t have very many right now, but we signed four receivers that I think are good football players. We’ll find out rather quickly.”
Fritz went on to explain his excitement about veteran Devon Breaux’s return saying, “He’s all in, so there’s another guy that’s got quite a bit of experience.”
In the midst of an uncertain storm that is Tulane’s current offense, these words from both the head coach and one of the players has to sound like music to the ears of the Green Wave fan. Fritz and Thomson both mimic the attitude that keeps a program and its following optimistic.
It can’t be stressed enough that hiccups and road bumps are undoubtedly waiting for this team, however, if Fritz’s vision of an offense comes into reality, watching the green and white this fall will be a lot easier for fans in New Orleans.
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