Monday, April 28, 2008 | Posted by Marc Hudgens

RealFootball365 would like to thank Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning for taking time with us and sharing his thoughts on the upcoming 2008 Tiger defense and a bit on recruiting, and the "Off The Field" questionnaire segment in this exclusive interview with the coach as he enters his fourth season with the program.

****

Q: With a new group of linebackers this year, what expectations do you have now that spring practice is over?

KOENNING: I expect us to improve daily and by the midpoint of the season to be a dominant LB group. As for the defense as a whole, we are setting our goals to be the best in the nation.


Q: Specifically for mike linebacker, will the issues at that position be addressed this season or through recruiting?

KOENNING: The answer is both; every game is so important at Clemson that we have to have answers now. But we do need to sign some difference makers at LB, not to say we don’t have any now.


Q: The Tigers' defense has improved greatly since you came aboard, as the squad has enjoyed high national rankings for the past few years. How are you able to keep such solid consistency?

KOENNING: It is a combination of things. Getting good players and demanding details and effort is very important. But so are things like having an offense to keep you off the field and who you play. Being in this system for some time has helped not from an X's and O's standpoint, but from an expectation of what is expected daily and the young guys knowing only one speed. We aren’t there yet.


Q: It appears the recruiting is venturing more westward with the recent offer to Coloradan Nick Kasa and interest from Texas safety Craig Loston. Given this, can we expect Clemson recruiting to go further and begin targeting the West Coast in the near future?

KOENNING: Obviously, you can’t talk specifically now, but Clemson is such an awesome place from every view. From having the loudest stadium in the U.S. to traditions of the hill and the rock. The ever-improving facilities, the academic environment is second to none, being surrounded by beautiful clear lakes, and then to have a head coach like Tommy Bowden should attract players serious about their future from anywhere. If you don’t swing to hit it out, you’ll never hit home runs.


Q: What are your thoughts on Dorell Scott recently being named to the Outland Trophy watch list?

KOENNING: Being listed initially gives you a chance. I’m disappointed Rashaad Jackson also wasn’t there. Now go perform and win it. He should have plenty of motivation.


Q: Any new recruiting prospects you have your eye on that have not been previously publicized?

KOENNING: With the information age of the Internet, there are not many secrets. Rules prohibit giving specifics.


Q: If you had to pick one team on this year's schedule, which one's offense do you believe will be your defense's biggest challenge?

KOENNING: We are only concerned with one game - Aug. 30 [in the] Georgia Dome. For the second time in a row, we must prepare for two plans. Last year, Auburn [and] Troy in the Bowl, now Alabama [and] Fresno in the same venue. We respect all but are trying to get to the point where we fear none. With the option attack at Georgia Tech being unique, [Steve] Spurrier, [Ralph] Fridgeon, [David] Cutcliffe, [Dana] Bible, [Jimbo] Fisher, [Steve] Logan and [Jim] Grobe to compete against, and the 1-AAs throwing the kitchen sink at you, there really is no game that isn’t a huge challenge.


***


"Off The Field" with Vic Koenning, a questionnaire concept derived from French television personality Bernard Pivot and the Proust Questionnaire.

What revs you up?

Aside from my faith and family, I really love watching our players be successful accomplishing goals, making plays, making A's in school and the knowledge of making a difference.

What turns you off?

‘I’ guys that put themselves above their teammates. 'Liars.'

What is the loudest stadium you've been in?

Having been to Michigan, Florida, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, Washington, USC, Ohio State, Texas A&M, FSU, just to think of the great venues who might be competition, honestly the original Death Valley here at Clemson is more like being in a basketball arena where you have to yell to talk two feet away. The readings from the noise gauges concur; this is the loudest environment out there.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I really think coaching is a way of life. There are not many professions like that. I believe it would have to be something where I could gauge success and compete.

What profession would you not like to do?

Anything where I feel it takes advantage of people.

What is your favorite food and drink?

I would say Mexican food, but it’s hard to beat a good steak. Probably unsweetened tea, although I drink a lot of coffee.

Who is your all-time favorite coach (any sport)?

Probably Tom Landry.

Who is your all-time favorite recording artist?

John Denver or group ZZ Top or Boston.

What is your all-time favorite movie?

Rocky I/II/III/IV [are] all good.

What historical character do you most revere?

Obviously Jesus is the most significant person to ever live.

What historical character do you most despise?

The [Adolf] Hitler types. Osama [bin Laden], etcetera.

Where would you like to live when you retire?

Somewhere that I can fish and see sunsets on the water.

Be the first to comment on this article!   New user?  Sign Up!