Blaine McCorkle Interview

[Patrick]

For anyone who may be interested, here’s Coach McCorkle’s interview on The Patrick Netherton Show in Shreveport

Blaine McCorkle - Northwestern State Football Coach (Patrick Netherton Show)
youtu.be/m-drs5Lb8NY

[jneal318]

Absolutely, love his energy during this discussion.

Some takeaways:

1. He has a clear plan and vision. Spoke with confidence, but also let me know that "discipline" will be a pillar for this turnaround.

2. Recruiting: He discussed recruiting the entire state but also talked about something that is a pet peeve for me, Transfers! About getting the right transfer and not the guy who is running from a situation. I brought this up in a thread and felt that we had talent but at the same time we were just bringing in anyone.

3. A focus on HS kids. He wants to bring in kids that will stay 4-5 years. This is important for developmental reasons but also building a culture. He sold me on that alone.

4. Scheme. I heard 22 personnel and got happy...old school football is coming back to Turpin Stadium with a blend of spread, etc. When we were successful in 04, Johnese and Sampson led the way. We need to be able to pound a team into submission by running the ball. Something that we have gotten away from.

He also talked about the defense and you can just refer to the Steelers 3-4 defenses. We are going to be a tough football team.

Give him the time and the resources...I can see this turning around and getting us back to glory.

[Corruption is Expensive]

He seems genuine and quite likable, but I will refrain from any judgment until I see the product on the field. BDP was likable and he never delivered on his "promises." JT was even more likable. BL was one of NSU's own and also likable. I must admit that I am more optimistic about NSU football than I have been in two decades, but I am also quite guarded by coaches and their press conferences. We have been here before and it didn't work out. Coach McKorkle has a four-year contract making $252,000 a year, so his pay is competitive. There are no excuses. I wish him success and hope he can build the program back up to a respectable FCS level.

[Cajundemon11]

Obviously we have a change and are all eager about the direction. Only natural for a press conference to go that way and for the entire fanbase and athletic department to be excited. I am certainly in that camp. I personally love we went with a program builder from the division 3 level. He's used to doing a lot with minimal resources and from what i can tell built belhaven from the bottom up. Division 3 has no athletic scholarships and I think he mentioned only 3 transfers on the '23 roster. Things I liked were the reverence for the university and football program, not stepping on the logo in the locker room used to be a big deal. You never did that, ever. I can't imagine how that has become okay. Doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is...and it's the little things that matter. Focusing on the basics, we are poor tacklers and blockers have been for a long time. We don't have the next guru in house and I'd rather have a physical and aggressive team than all the smoke and mirrors. The attitude about transfers and developing players is encouraging and refreshing. I am ready for it all to come to fruition and see if there are results on the field.