UB Athletics was kind enough to make the coaching staff available for an interview with Bull Run. I set each coach five to ten questions and took questions from readers.Coach Mike Shorter's UB Athletics Profile describes him as follows:
Adam Shorter will coach the Bulls offensive linemen after serving in the same position at Delaware State last season. He spent 2008 at Alcorn State, where he was in charge of the offensive line and tight ends. While with the Braves, Shorter was instrumental in the success of 2008 All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) offensive lineman Bronson Carvalho. Shorter began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the University of Cincinnati (2005-2007). Shorter was a four-year letterman at Cincinnati, where he was the team’s starting center. He was the recipient of the John Pease Award as the Bearcats most outstanding offensive lineman as a senior. Shorter appeared in three of Cincinnati’s four bowl appearances during his tenure. He earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated social studies in secondary education in 2004.
Shorter, who serves as UB's equiptment room liaison, acknowledges the contributions to both Mark Dantonio’s and Brian Kelly’s staff at Cincinnati as the program developed into a perennial top 20 team as his proudest accomplishment of his professional life. As well as his role in the development of his players character and competitive greatness which he hopes carries through out their lives.
Bull Run: This is your first, official, coaching Job at the FBS level. Is there any difference between being the interim OL coach at CU or the head OL at Alcorn/Delaware and the OL at an FBS school like Buffalo?
Coach Shorter: Coaching at UB is similar in may ways to coaching at Delaware State and Alcorn State. They all are great universities with rich football traditions. The biggest differences are in the amounts of money that is dedicated to the athletic facilities. UB has some of the best facilities and academics in this part of the country.
Bull Run: What are your thoughts this years Offensive line recruits, and how do you start the process of filling the hole left by the departure of Matt Bacoulis, Robert Colpoys and Andrew West?
Coach Shorter: The recruits that we are bringing in as apart of this 2010 class are some of the best young men in the country. They are the right kind of guys (RKG) that are going to be successful both athletically and academically here at UB.
Bull Run: What are the biggest challenges going to be for you in getting this line ready for an offense that is radically different than the one for which they were recruited and trained over the past several years?
Coach Shorter: The offensive line is eager to take on the challenge of learning a new offense. With a full spring in this offensive scheme they will have plenty of time to master the skills to run this offense.
Bull Run: To date, how well has your contact with current recruits went? (Note: these questions went in the weeks leading up to signing day)
Coach Shorter: We have had great communication with the recruits that are going to be a part of this 2010 class. We have been able to build strong relationships with the previously committed student athletes as well as maintained the relationships with those we had prior relations.
Bull Run: Who do you see as being the player 'leader' on the line next season?
Coach Shorter: All of the lineman will have a part in leadership amongst the group. Each and every lineman will have to lead in some manor and so will have ownership in the success of the group.
Bull Run: What are your thoughts this years Offensive line recruits, and how do you start the process of filling the hole left by the departure of Matt Bacoulis, Robert Colpoys and Andrew West?
Coach Shorter: The recruits that we are bringing in as apart of this 2010 class are some of the best young men in the country. They are the right kind of guys (RKG) that are going to be successful both athletically and academically here at UB.
Bull Run: What are the biggest challenges going to be for you in getting this line ready for an offense that is radically different than the one for which they were recruited and trained over the past several years?
Coach Shorter: The offensive line is eager to take on the challenge of learning a new offense. With a full spring in this offensive scheme they will have plenty of time to master the skills to run this offense.
Bull Run: To date, how well has your contact with current recruits went? (Note: these questions went in the weeks leading up to signing day)
Coach Shorter: We have had great communication with the recruits that are going to be a part of this 2010 class. We have been able to build strong relationships with the previously committed student athletes as well as maintained the relationships with those we had prior relations.
Bull Run: Who do you see as being the player 'leader' on the line next season?
Coach Shorter: All of the lineman will have a part in leadership amongst the group. Each and every lineman will have to lead in some manor and so will have ownership in the success of the group.