The S&C program at UGA has been a hot topic of discussion since last season, which isn't surprising given Georgia's performance on the field in 2009. But while strength coach Dave Van Halanger admits it was a down year last year, he said things are definitely headed back in the right direction this season.
On mat drills this year...
“The last day, we gave out 18 As. We’ve never done that before. They have six stations and they have to have a total A. That means they’re performing at a high, high level. We had a bunch of B-plusses, too. So guys did a great job. Richard Samuel’s had six As. Christian Robinson, Shaun Chapas, Dent, they came out fighting. We’ve got guys who are fighting.”
On the input he's gotten from Todd Grantham, Scott Lakatos and Warren Belin...
“The NFL is different in the way they go about it. They don’t want to get guys hurt. We’ve got to get guys better. Those guys that come to Dallas, they’re pretty good. So they just maintain their strength. I talk a lot to Scott, talked a lot to Warren, about what did you guys do? Because they’re college, and you’ve got to get college guys better. They’re 18 and they’re going to leave here at 22 or 23 and you need to get them better."
On what the feedback has been from the new coaches...
"We’ve talked to (Lakatos and Belin) a lot, and there’s just a lot of similarities. It was the first time those guys saw our mat drills and they were like, ‘Wow, that’s really unique.’ Because a lot of people don’t do that – getting in early in the morning, but it’s mentality. You win football games because you’re mentally, physically and spiritually tough, and you can get it done when you’re on the field. It’s chemistry and morale, and you’ve got to create that. You’ve got to get the guys believing they can do that, and if you do, you’re going to win football games. We get our kids believing and going in the right direction. Last year, that was a pretty bad blip. But this year, I think it’s going to be pretty good. I’m excited about this year.”
And here's some video -- courtesy of Brandon Spoon -- of Van Halanger talking about the current state of affairs in the UGA S&C program...
Showing posts with label Dave Van Halanger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dave Van Halanger. Show all posts
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Video Blog: Pro Day Workouts & Interviews
First off, I think our pal Brandon Spoon deserves an award for the great video work he's been doing for the site. I'd suggest a Peabody or a Pulitzer, though a Pabst Blue Ribbon will likely have to suffice.
In any case, he put together a great bit of video of the workouts and interviews from yesterday's Pro Day in Athens. Be sure to check it out...
In any case, he put together a great bit of video of the workouts and interviews from yesterday's Pro Day in Athens. Be sure to check it out...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Notes: Richt Downplays Conditioning Concerns
Willie Martinez has been squarely in the crosshairs of caustic fans for two seasons. Mike Bobo has seen his playcalling critiqued by a bevy of message board pundits. Even Mark Richt has earned the scorn of fans unhappy with the team’s 4-4 start to the season and its 10-7 record over the past 17 games.
But the most recent coach to come under the microscope at Georgia is strength and conditioning coordinator Dave Van Halanger, a longtime assistant for numerous successful programs. With Georgia’s struggles on the offensive and defensive lines and problems running the football or bringing down opposing rushers, some critics have wondered if Georgia simply isn’t strong enough this season. Richt thinks that’s just par for the course.
“Everybody wants us to win, everybody wants to find some kind of angle to see where they think we’ve got issues,” Richt said. “So if everybody’s going to start chiming in on what we need to do, then it’s obvious that every part of our program is going to be looked at and questioned.”
Richt said across the board his staff works to keep up with the latest advances around college football, whether it be strength and conditioning, Xs and Os or simple coaching methodology.
“Coaches go to conventions, strength coaches go to conventions, everybody goes to the seminars trying to stay on top of the cutting edge,” Richt said. “Everybody gets together and they discuss the things they have, the things they do, what do you like and what don’t you like. And everybody’s got friends in the business where you can compare notes.”
It’s common practice during every offseason to evaluate Georgia’s program against what the competition is doing, Richt said, and that hasn’t changed in the nine seasons he’s been in Athens.
“We’re always out talking to other folks,” Richt said. “Our offensive and defensive staffs are either taking off somewhere, bringing somebody in or both. Our strength staff does that, too. We just do that across the board.”
Richt said most other coaches are happy to exchange ideas, although not normally within the same conference. But he said it’s not uncommon to seek out coaches from around the country who play a similar style on offense or defense or who have played against common opponents and bounce ideas off each other after the season has ended.
“If you want to get better at throwing certain screens to your receiver or things of that nature, you’re going to find a team that does it great and ask how do you do it?” Richt said. “Instead of just trying to watch the film and hope you get it right, you just go ask them. And most people will help you. It’s hard to go within the league. You won’t get much help there. But you go as far as you’ve got to go, and sometimes it’s an NFL team.”
STILL NO RAMBO
For the past month, Georgia’s coaches have given redshirt freshman safety Baccari Rambo increased playing time and have been pleased with the results. But despite the struggles of starters Reshad Jones and Bryan Evans in coverage against Florida and Tennessee, Richt said it’s unlikely Rambo will move past either veteran on the depth chart.
“I don’t know if he’ll move into the starting lineup but he’s earned playing time and he’s playing well,” Richt said. “He’s continued to practice well, and that’s good, good for us."
Richt said this week he planned to continue playing veterans that give the Bulldogs their best chance to win their remaining four games despite many of the team’s preseason goals now being defunct.
Rambo offers the option for Georgia to both keep a quality product on the field this season, Richt said, while also giving playing time to a younger player projected to see a bigger role next year. But Richt doesn’t think Rambo needs to be in the starting lineup to be prepared for next season.
“I don’t think he would have to start to say that would make him more ready a year from now,” Richt said. “He’s playing plenty to help us be ready for next year.”
WOOTEN GETS THE NOD
With sophomore receiver A.J. Green out of action this week with a bruised lung, freshman Rantavious Wooten is slated to make his first start of the season against Tennessee Tech, and the fast rise up the depth chart isn’t coming as a surprise to Wooten’s teammates.
Richt said that veterans raved about Wooten’s performance over the summer, giving Richt and early indication that the true freshman would be in position to help out immediately.
“They loved Wooten from the get-go – his quickness, ability to change direction and just how quickly he was picking up the route running,” Richt said.
Wooten has just four catches so far this season in minimal duty backing up Green, but that will change this week, and Richt said he expects Wooten to make the most of his chance.
“He’s going to get a really outstanding opportunity this weekend,” Richt said. “Wooten playing a position behind A.J. certainly hasn’t given him a ton of opportunities. This will be the biggest opportunity to this point for him, and I think he’s excited, he’s up for it.”
BROWN READY AND WAITING
Wooten isn’t the only freshman receiver hoping to make an impact against Tennessee Tech.
Marlon Brown thought his breakout game had come last month against Tennessee when he had the first two catches of his career. But a hip pointer a few days later derailed his plans for a bigger role.
“After the game, I was like, yeah, I’m going to get a little more playing time,” Brown said. “Then that Tuesday at practice I had the hip pointer going up for a pass.”
Brown said he was healthy enough to play in the past two games for Georgia, but he didn’t see any action. That should change with Green out this week, and Brown’s hoping for another opportunity to showcase his skills.
“I’m just going to go in, warm up, and if he says, ‘Marlon, you’re in the game,’ I’m going to go in the game and do my job,” he said.
HOME SWEET HOME
It has been more than a month since Georgia played in front of its home crowd, and Richt is thrilled to be back.
“If you’re home three or four games in a row, sometimes it’s good to get away,” he said. “But when you’ve been gone a long time, it’s good to get back home. I’m looking forward to being with the Georgia people.”
It’s been a rocky ride since Georgia’s last home date – a narrow loss in the final minute to LSU. The Bulldogs where thumped on the road at Tennessee, beat Vanderbilt prior to an off week, then settled for another dismal performance in Jacksonville, Fla. against the rival Gators.
With three losses in their last four games and not a lot of pats on the back along the way, Rambo said getting back in front of a cheering crowd will be a welcome dose of enthusiasm for a team in need of some positive energy.
“I know going off to play, we’ve been doing that for a month, and the opponent’s fans haven’t been too nice to us,” Rambo said. “It’s great to come back home and see our friends and let them support us. I think it’s going to be a great feeling to get back home and play again.”
But the most recent coach to come under the microscope at Georgia is strength and conditioning coordinator Dave Van Halanger, a longtime assistant for numerous successful programs. With Georgia’s struggles on the offensive and defensive lines and problems running the football or bringing down opposing rushers, some critics have wondered if Georgia simply isn’t strong enough this season. Richt thinks that’s just par for the course.
“Everybody wants us to win, everybody wants to find some kind of angle to see where they think we’ve got issues,” Richt said. “So if everybody’s going to start chiming in on what we need to do, then it’s obvious that every part of our program is going to be looked at and questioned.”
Richt said across the board his staff works to keep up with the latest advances around college football, whether it be strength and conditioning, Xs and Os or simple coaching methodology.
“Coaches go to conventions, strength coaches go to conventions, everybody goes to the seminars trying to stay on top of the cutting edge,” Richt said. “Everybody gets together and they discuss the things they have, the things they do, what do you like and what don’t you like. And everybody’s got friends in the business where you can compare notes.”
It’s common practice during every offseason to evaluate Georgia’s program against what the competition is doing, Richt said, and that hasn’t changed in the nine seasons he’s been in Athens.
“We’re always out talking to other folks,” Richt said. “Our offensive and defensive staffs are either taking off somewhere, bringing somebody in or both. Our strength staff does that, too. We just do that across the board.”
Richt said most other coaches are happy to exchange ideas, although not normally within the same conference. But he said it’s not uncommon to seek out coaches from around the country who play a similar style on offense or defense or who have played against common opponents and bounce ideas off each other after the season has ended.
“If you want to get better at throwing certain screens to your receiver or things of that nature, you’re going to find a team that does it great and ask how do you do it?” Richt said. “Instead of just trying to watch the film and hope you get it right, you just go ask them. And most people will help you. It’s hard to go within the league. You won’t get much help there. But you go as far as you’ve got to go, and sometimes it’s an NFL team.”
STILL NO RAMBO
For the past month, Georgia’s coaches have given redshirt freshman safety Baccari Rambo increased playing time and have been pleased with the results. But despite the struggles of starters Reshad Jones and Bryan Evans in coverage against Florida and Tennessee, Richt said it’s unlikely Rambo will move past either veteran on the depth chart.
“I don’t know if he’ll move into the starting lineup but he’s earned playing time and he’s playing well,” Richt said. “He’s continued to practice well, and that’s good, good for us."
Richt said this week he planned to continue playing veterans that give the Bulldogs their best chance to win their remaining four games despite many of the team’s preseason goals now being defunct.
Rambo offers the option for Georgia to both keep a quality product on the field this season, Richt said, while also giving playing time to a younger player projected to see a bigger role next year. But Richt doesn’t think Rambo needs to be in the starting lineup to be prepared for next season.
“I don’t think he would have to start to say that would make him more ready a year from now,” Richt said. “He’s playing plenty to help us be ready for next year.”
WOOTEN GETS THE NOD
With sophomore receiver A.J. Green out of action this week with a bruised lung, freshman Rantavious Wooten is slated to make his first start of the season against Tennessee Tech, and the fast rise up the depth chart isn’t coming as a surprise to Wooten’s teammates.
Richt said that veterans raved about Wooten’s performance over the summer, giving Richt and early indication that the true freshman would be in position to help out immediately.
“They loved Wooten from the get-go – his quickness, ability to change direction and just how quickly he was picking up the route running,” Richt said.
Wooten has just four catches so far this season in minimal duty backing up Green, but that will change this week, and Richt said he expects Wooten to make the most of his chance.
“He’s going to get a really outstanding opportunity this weekend,” Richt said. “Wooten playing a position behind A.J. certainly hasn’t given him a ton of opportunities. This will be the biggest opportunity to this point for him, and I think he’s excited, he’s up for it.”
BROWN READY AND WAITING
Wooten isn’t the only freshman receiver hoping to make an impact against Tennessee Tech.
Marlon Brown thought his breakout game had come last month against Tennessee when he had the first two catches of his career. But a hip pointer a few days later derailed his plans for a bigger role.
“After the game, I was like, yeah, I’m going to get a little more playing time,” Brown said. “Then that Tuesday at practice I had the hip pointer going up for a pass.”
Brown said he was healthy enough to play in the past two games for Georgia, but he didn’t see any action. That should change with Green out this week, and Brown’s hoping for another opportunity to showcase his skills.
“I’m just going to go in, warm up, and if he says, ‘Marlon, you’re in the game,’ I’m going to go in the game and do my job,” he said.
HOME SWEET HOME
It has been more than a month since Georgia played in front of its home crowd, and Richt is thrilled to be back.
“If you’re home three or four games in a row, sometimes it’s good to get away,” he said. “But when you’ve been gone a long time, it’s good to get back home. I’m looking forward to being with the Georgia people.”
It’s been a rocky ride since Georgia’s last home date – a narrow loss in the final minute to LSU. The Bulldogs where thumped on the road at Tennessee, beat Vanderbilt prior to an off week, then settled for another dismal performance in Jacksonville, Fla. against the rival Gators.
With three losses in their last four games and not a lot of pats on the back along the way, Rambo said getting back in front of a cheering crowd will be a welcome dose of enthusiasm for a team in need of some positive energy.
“I know going off to play, we’ve been doing that for a month, and the opponent’s fans haven’t been too nice to us,” Rambo said. “It’s great to come back home and see our friends and let them support us. I think it’s going to be a great feeling to get back home and play again.”
Friday, August 7, 2009
Deleted Scenes: Dawgs' Strength Numbers
A lot of you have been asking, and I finally caved. I have a story in today's Telegraph on Georgia's offseason conditioning and the impressive strength numbers the players maxed out at last month.
Not all of the quotes I got from players made the final cut, but I wanted to share them here. Beyond that, I also acquired some of the top weight-room performances of the year along with this year's conditioning award winners...
Demarcus Dobbs on whether this has been the most intense offseason he's experienced...
"It has been. Our training staff has put us in a more strenuous workout than years past. They've been running us a lot more, and they're working on things that correlate into on the field. It's not just lifting weights, but stuff that's going to transition us toward getting on the field."
Dobbs on how the conditioning staff helped...
"The strength staff not only emphasized getting into shape, but we did a lot of stretching and things. We had a lot of hip flexors and hamstrings in the last camp, and we're doing a lot to emphasize those things to make sure we're healthy this year."
Shaun Chapas on the success of the offseason conditioning...
"I think we had a tremendous offseason going all the way back to January. We had great attendance, great participation, everybody was coming in every day and really working hard."
Jeff Owens on the importance of offseason conditioning...
"It starts during the offseason. All great teams have great offseason programs. This offseason, a lot of guys put a lot of effort into it and really wanted to get something out of it. I think it's going to transition onto the field."
Owens on using the weight room to avoid injuries...
"I think the weight room plays a big factor with injuries. The stronger you are, the more muscle you have, that prevents injuries. The more you lift, the more you stay in shape, the healthier you stay."
Caleb King on the offseason workout program...
"Coach Richt wanted to step up the summer program, and it really was stepped up. Everybody got tough and came out progressing."
King on who impressed him...
"Richard (Samuel) comes off that wrist injury, comes back squatting 500-something. That's pretty impressive, but he's always been strong in the weight room."
Dave Van Halanger on the atmosphere in the weight room...
"I've been around a lot of championship teams, and what you see different is the chemistry and morale. It's a special feeling, and you really know this is a special team. This team has all the attributes. I know every game our kids are going to fight their guts out. I believe that with all my heart. If we have the talent, Georgia will be real, real good."
Van Halanger on morale in the weight room...
"The chemistry is good, the morale is very good. They enjoy each other. They're a together team. They believe in each other. They believe in their leaders. This is a selfless team. They just want to win. They want to get it done, and they don't care who gets credit. This team has those intangibles. Now, do we have enough talent?"
Van Halanger on the freshmen performing...
"Wooten went from 162 pounds up to 175 since he got here at the beginning of the summer. Branden Smith, I don't think he lifted in a year, and now he loves coming in here. Little, skinny guys are making huge progress, so you can imagine what the other guys are doing."
Geno Atkins on the attitude toward offseason conditioning...
"We wanted to get stronger, faster, bigger to make sure that when we come out there for camp, everybody's healthy," Atkins said. "You want to treat your body like you'd treat a car – fuel it with the right stuff and tune it up to the max."
Bench Press
Defensive backs: Bryan Evans and Reshad Jones, 385 lbs
Defensive ends: Justin Houston, 435 lbs
Defensive tackles: Jeff Owens, 545 lbs
Specialists: Ty Frix and Blair Walsh, 285 lbs
Linebackers: Rennie Curran, 460 lbs
Off. linemen: Justin Anderson, 515 lbs
Quarterbacks: Joe Cox and Aaron Murray, 315 lbs
Fullbacks: Shaun Chapas, 390 lbs
Tailbacks: Dontavius Jackson, 375 lbs
Tight ends: Bryce Ros, 380 lbs
Wide receivers: Michael Moore, 380 lbs
Squats
Defensive backs: Prince Miller, 555 lbs
Defensive ends: Justin Houston, 600 lbs
Defensive tackles: Brandon Wood, 650 lbs
Specialists: Brandon Bogotay, 405 lbs
Linebackers: Rennie Curran, 615 lbs
Off. linemen: Vince Vance and Clint Boling, 620 lbs
Quarterbacks: Joe Cox, 425 lbs
Fullbacks: Shaun Chapas, 585 lbs
Tailbacks: Richard Samuel, 600 lbs
Tight ends: Orson Charles, 500 lbs
Wide receivers: A.J. Green, 450 lbs
Power Cleans
Defensive backs: Chad Gloer, 339 lbs
Defensive ends: Justin Houston, 420 lbs
Defensive tackles: Jeff Owens, 365 lbs
Specialists: Drew Butler, 280 lbs
Linebackers: Darius Dewberry, 391 lbs
Off. linemen: Vince Vance and Clint Boling, 353 lbs
Quarterbacks: Joe Cox, 316 lbs
Fullbacks: Shaun Chapas, 400 lbs
Tailbacks: Richard Samuel, 329 lbs
Tight ends: Aron White, 339 lbs
Wide receivers: A.J. Green and Craig Sager, 290 lbs
Power Index (Top 10)
1.) Rennie Curran
2.) Prince Miller
3.) Bryan Evans
4.) Brandon Boykin
5.) Carlton Thomas
6.) Darius Dewberry
7.) Reshad Jones
8.) Chad Gloer
9.) Richard Samuel
10.) Makiri Pugh
Award Winners:
Leon Farmer Award: Michael Moore (Sr./WR)
Leadership Award: Joe Cox (Sr./QB)
Top Lineman: Ben Jones (So./C)
Top Big Skill Position: Shaun Chapas (Jr./FB)
Top Small Skill Position: Prince Miller (Sr./CB)
Not all of the quotes I got from players made the final cut, but I wanted to share them here. Beyond that, I also acquired some of the top weight-room performances of the year along with this year's conditioning award winners...
Demarcus Dobbs on whether this has been the most intense offseason he's experienced...
"It has been. Our training staff has put us in a more strenuous workout than years past. They've been running us a lot more, and they're working on things that correlate into on the field. It's not just lifting weights, but stuff that's going to transition us toward getting on the field."
Dobbs on how the conditioning staff helped...
"The strength staff not only emphasized getting into shape, but we did a lot of stretching and things. We had a lot of hip flexors and hamstrings in the last camp, and we're doing a lot to emphasize those things to make sure we're healthy this year."
Shaun Chapas on the success of the offseason conditioning...
"I think we had a tremendous offseason going all the way back to January. We had great attendance, great participation, everybody was coming in every day and really working hard."
Jeff Owens on the importance of offseason conditioning...
"It starts during the offseason. All great teams have great offseason programs. This offseason, a lot of guys put a lot of effort into it and really wanted to get something out of it. I think it's going to transition onto the field."
Owens on using the weight room to avoid injuries...
"I think the weight room plays a big factor with injuries. The stronger you are, the more muscle you have, that prevents injuries. The more you lift, the more you stay in shape, the healthier you stay."
Caleb King on the offseason workout program...
"Coach Richt wanted to step up the summer program, and it really was stepped up. Everybody got tough and came out progressing."
King on who impressed him...
"Richard (Samuel) comes off that wrist injury, comes back squatting 500-something. That's pretty impressive, but he's always been strong in the weight room."
Dave Van Halanger on the atmosphere in the weight room...
"I've been around a lot of championship teams, and what you see different is the chemistry and morale. It's a special feeling, and you really know this is a special team. This team has all the attributes. I know every game our kids are going to fight their guts out. I believe that with all my heart. If we have the talent, Georgia will be real, real good."
Van Halanger on morale in the weight room...
"The chemistry is good, the morale is very good. They enjoy each other. They're a together team. They believe in each other. They believe in their leaders. This is a selfless team. They just want to win. They want to get it done, and they don't care who gets credit. This team has those intangibles. Now, do we have enough talent?"
Van Halanger on the freshmen performing...
"Wooten went from 162 pounds up to 175 since he got here at the beginning of the summer. Branden Smith, I don't think he lifted in a year, and now he loves coming in here. Little, skinny guys are making huge progress, so you can imagine what the other guys are doing."
Geno Atkins on the attitude toward offseason conditioning...
"We wanted to get stronger, faster, bigger to make sure that when we come out there for camp, everybody's healthy," Atkins said. "You want to treat your body like you'd treat a car – fuel it with the right stuff and tune it up to the max."
Georgia's Top Weight Room Performers, 2009
Bench Press
Defensive backs: Bryan Evans and Reshad Jones, 385 lbs
Defensive ends: Justin Houston, 435 lbs
Defensive tackles: Jeff Owens, 545 lbs
Specialists: Ty Frix and Blair Walsh, 285 lbs
Linebackers: Rennie Curran, 460 lbs
Off. linemen: Justin Anderson, 515 lbs
Quarterbacks: Joe Cox and Aaron Murray, 315 lbs
Fullbacks: Shaun Chapas, 390 lbs
Tailbacks: Dontavius Jackson, 375 lbs
Tight ends: Bryce Ros, 380 lbs
Wide receivers: Michael Moore, 380 lbs
Squats
Defensive backs: Prince Miller, 555 lbs
Defensive ends: Justin Houston, 600 lbs
Defensive tackles: Brandon Wood, 650 lbs
Specialists: Brandon Bogotay, 405 lbs
Linebackers: Rennie Curran, 615 lbs
Off. linemen: Vince Vance and Clint Boling, 620 lbs
Quarterbacks: Joe Cox, 425 lbs
Fullbacks: Shaun Chapas, 585 lbs
Tailbacks: Richard Samuel, 600 lbs
Tight ends: Orson Charles, 500 lbs
Wide receivers: A.J. Green, 450 lbs
Power Cleans
Defensive backs: Chad Gloer, 339 lbs
Defensive ends: Justin Houston, 420 lbs
Defensive tackles: Jeff Owens, 365 lbs
Specialists: Drew Butler, 280 lbs
Linebackers: Darius Dewberry, 391 lbs
Off. linemen: Vince Vance and Clint Boling, 353 lbs
Quarterbacks: Joe Cox, 316 lbs
Fullbacks: Shaun Chapas, 400 lbs
Tailbacks: Richard Samuel, 329 lbs
Tight ends: Aron White, 339 lbs
Wide receivers: A.J. Green and Craig Sager, 290 lbs
Power Index (Top 10)
1.) Rennie Curran
2.) Prince Miller
3.) Bryan Evans
4.) Brandon Boykin
5.) Carlton Thomas
6.) Darius Dewberry
7.) Reshad Jones
8.) Chad Gloer
9.) Richard Samuel
10.) Makiri Pugh
Award Winners:
Leon Farmer Award: Michael Moore (Sr./WR)
Leadership Award: Joe Cox (Sr./QB)
Top Lineman: Ben Jones (So./C)
Top Big Skill Position: Shaun Chapas (Jr./FB)
Top Small Skill Position: Prince Miller (Sr./CB)
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