Miami’s Cristobal talks Canes, Tyler Van Dyke, ‘world full of social media tough guys’
Football was back in the spotlight Tuesday at the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Kickoff, and with it, Mario Cristobal and his three players chosen to travel to Charlotte: quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, safety Kamren Kinchens and new transfer center Matt Lee.
First stop for Cristobal and crew: WQAM interviews with Joe Rose.
Some highlights from Cristobal and Van Dyke:
Mario Cristobal
▪ When asked about fans complaining about last year’s 5-7 record and how everyone at the ACC Kickoff will be talking about Florida State, Clemson and North Carolina instead of Miami:
“Our program, nothing is going to stop it from achieving national prominence again. But it didn’t get here overnight. So getting out of it isn’t going to happen overnight. And you hire tough-minded, hard nosed people to deal with getting out of the muddy parts.
“Last year is a significant step in that direction. Not indicative in the record because the record has nothing to do with the rebuild in the early part. Of course you want to be better. You don’t make excuses for it. You don’t try to deny it. It wasn’t good. But you also realize that what we have to do here is very different than some of our other spots and stops, some of the other places that have new hires, and when you add the caliber of human being and talent that we did this past year, and the coordinator adjustments and coaching changes, it’s the right trajectory with a lot of momentum. We just want to get to work.”
▪ On other coaches and people complaining about the transfer portal and NIL, but Cristobal not complaining:
“We have to be an example for our players. We tell our players, ‘Hey man, no complaining. Get right to work. It is what it is.’ ...It’s our responsibility to do it the same way. In a world full of social media tough guys. You know what’s tough? Showing up every day and going to work and making change instead of making noise. If we want to change things, let’s make change. Let’s not go on these rants that do nothing for anybody.’’
▪ On whether he was ever worried that Van Dyke would enter the transfer portal after last season, in which Van Dyke injured his shoulder and missed most of the last half:
“I think he’s he’s a Miami guy through and through. I don’t comment on certain things because the way things are structured right now it’s all over the place, right? I just don’t believe in the whole getting on the air and pointing fingers at programs and this and that.
“Look, Miami has been awesome when people that want to be at Miami are at Miami. That’s always been the key to Miami because it’s unique, right? It’s different. Super high energy. It’s hot as can be. It’s a relentless work ethic approach. And he is one of those guys so it fits well and we’re ready to roll with him.”
▪ On blocking out daily criticism:
“We’re so consumed with work, like, for us its deja vu. We’ve been here before — came to it when it was not doing so well and built it back up. It was the same at Rutgers, same at FIU, same at Oregon. This is what we do. We were hired as tough-minded human beings… When people talk or mention ‘noise’ or stuff like that, if you’re affected by that you have no chance as a father, as a tough ass, as a real-deal leader. If that affects you, you need to get your ass out the building. Go to work brother.
“We hired really, really good people. And this thing always goes in steps. Get great people… and load the building up and stack ‘em up year after year after year and then after a couple years it starts looking like what it’s supposed to look like. That model has stood the test of time. Those that are willing to be in it and be part of it and support it are going to have a great journey. Anything else outside of that, will never and has never mattered.’’
Tyler Van Dyke
Highlights from Van Dyke:
▪ On last year:
“It was really tough. I think everything happens for a reason. You go through times of adversity and you’ve just got to pick yourself back up from it. I’m excited about this year’s team. We have a lot of great pieces, good leadership, a lot of guys have stepped up in terms of that. Last year was tough, so I’m excited to move on from there and have a good season.’’
▪ On new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s offense and if it’s like Rhett Lashlee’s a couple years ago:
“Yeah, in terms of freedom for the quarterback — changing plays, changing routes, changing the runs, just a lot of freedom. Me and Coach Dawson developed a great relationship. We’re going to talk about certain plays and adjust. I’m excited to start the year with him and see what he calls during the games. He likes being explosive, and me, too.”
▪ On the biggest things he’s worked on in the offseason:
“Just my mobility in the pocket, moving around and trying to avoid defenders and extend plays. I’ve actually improved that a lot. In this day and age as a quarterback you’ve got to use your feet a little more.’’
▪ On feeling pressure:
“Nah, I never felt pressure. I don’t have Twitter, I don’t look at that stuff. I try not to look at the Instagram stuff either. So I just take it one day at a time, live in the present, focus on what I have to do better and what this team has to do to get better and win games.’’
