Brian Kelly On McGlinchey, Injuries, And More
A brief recap of Brian Kelly's Thursday press conference previewing the Virginia Tech game.
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• Kelly said senior left tackle Mike McGlinchey is a "highly strung" guy. That's what Kelly attributed McGlinchey’s false start penalties to.
The seventh-year head coach is looking for McGlinchey to be more relaxed and comfortable in pressure situations.
“He sees that as an area he has to get better at and work at,” Kelly said. “That’s probably something that we’ll work on with him in terms of mental training more so than the physical training. He knows that’s something he has to get better at and readily admits that’s an area … one of the reasons he’s coming back is he’s got some things to work on. If that’s the worst thing he’s got to work on, I’m feeling pretty good that he’ll be able to concur that.”
Where does McGlinchey — a top NFL prospect who announced he’ll return next season — most need to improve heading into his fifth year?
“Consistency probably for Mike,” Kelly said. “He looks to gain more comfort level being on the left side. It was a transition for him. He’s much more comfortable on the right side, there’s no question there. Just settling into that position in year two at the left side and being much more comfortable on his sets and just being more consistent is what we’ll see from him.”
• Kelly said it’s “probably going that direction” that fifth-year senior Mark Harrell will get his second straight start against Virginia Tech. Senior Colin McGovern also had a good week, and Kelly said both will likely play.
• Senior receiver Torii Hunter Jr. is “still improving” on his injured knee. He’ll go through pregame and be a game-time decision. He did not practice Thursday.
• Junior nose guard Daniel Cage (concussion) is “feeling better” but not to the level that he’ll be ready to play Saturday. He also did not practice Thursday.
• In regard to sophomore cornerback Shaun Crawford (who tore his Achilles against Nevada), Kelly said he expects Crawford him to be moving around in the spring.
• Nick Watkins (broken arm) will also be ready for spring ball.
• Kelly said he believes his team is mentally tough enough to handle the challenges of the weather on Saturday.
"I think our guys will be fine,” Kelly said.
• Kelly said he expects suspended cornerback Devin Butler to address his future publicly soon.
“I got a chance to talk to Devin’s dad, and we’re at that point where Devin’s going to make a decision here pretty soon,” Kelly said. “You’ll see something out there regarding what he plans to do moving forward.”