.png&width=24&type=webp)
Princeton University Athletics
Work Ethic Is Theme Of Princeton Football Media Day
September 05, 2003 | Football
Sept. 5, 2003
PRINCETON, N.J. - When the 2003 Princeton football met with the media Friday, there was the typical talk of players, opponents, schemes and lineups. But the majority of the talk surrounded the attitude that the Tigers plan on bringing into the 2003 season, which is the same one that the players brought into training camp last week.
Princeton, coming off its first winning season since 1995, was picked to finish fifth in the 2003 media poll. The Tigers have questions on both sides of the ball, but they also return experience at several crucial positions.
And those holes, well, the staff likes what it sees so far from the young players.
" I view the lack of returnees," head coach Roger Hughes said, "as an opportunity for the young kids to get more experience earlier than expected, which will improve the program."
It all starts with the attitude though.
"We may not always be pretty," Hughes said, "but we'll be the hardest working team in the league. My message to the team is this: Pack your lunch, put on your hard hat and get to work" "The work ethic of this team is the best we've been around since our staff arrived four years ago," Hughes added.
The media focused on the trenches with offensive coordinator Dave Rackovan and defensive coordinator Steve Verbit. The two lines are in significantly different positions, as the offense is trying to build around one returning fulltime starter, and the defense returns each of the starters from last season.
Senior tackle Kevin Manning started all 10 games last season for Princeton, and he will be the leader of the 2003 line. Junior Jeremy Moore and sophomore Trey Greene are among a cast of players looking to replace the four seniors that graduated from the 2002 offensive line.
"The offensive line as a group is more athletic than we've been in awhile," offensive coordinator Dave Rackovan said. "They are quick and agile, and they stay on their feet. They must learn fast, which they are doing so far."
The defensive line boasts arguably the strongest position for Princeton, defensive end. Four-year starters Tim Kirby and Joe Weiss earned All-Ivy honors last season, including first-team distinction for Weiss, and they are looking to be the leaders of a fairly inexperienced defense this season.
"Weiss and Kirby are four-year starters," Verbit said, "and two of the top players in the league. They both have phenomenal work ethics. They are great leaders and great people."
The defensive line will play in front of a new set of linebackers, as Princeton is forced to start three new players at that position. Hughes did comment on the quick progress of those players, especially sophomore middle linebacker Justin Stull. Senior Steven Jameson has also turned some heads in the preseason and is likely to start at one of the outside positions.
"In terms of work ethic, we couldn't be more pleased," Hughes said of the overall camp, which began August 26. "This team wants to be defined by the word 'toughness.' We've had a very physical camp and hope to see the fruits of our labor in the rest of the season"