Ball State University Athletics
Q&A With Football Assistant Coach Rich Skrosky
February 09, 2011 | Football
Q: Can you talk about your style of play and how it fits into Ball State?
A: I think the style of play I have always tried to achieve is to be a complete offense. By a complete offense I mean I look at the game of offense as a series of situations that come about and we want to make sure the offense can address each one of those situations. Is it a down and distance situation or clock situation or a field position situation, whatever it is I want to make sure the offense is complete. With that being said, as we go through the winter and the spring and get a better evaluation on the players here and what our strengths are and what they are not, we will be able to take advantage of it whatever they might be.
Q: What is your offensive philosophy and just in general what sort of system would you like to run?
A: Offensive philosophy -- bottom line -- is we want to win the game and we are going to play to our strengths. Whatever those strengths are, it is evident we have been good at throwing the ball in recent years. My number one goal is not to lead the Mid-American Conference or the country in pass offense, the goal is to win the game. It is important that there is always the threat of a run and as long as there is always the threat of the run your passing game can be successful. We want a fairly multiple offense.
Q: It has been a quick turnaround and Ball State just signed its first recruiting class, what are your thoughts?
A: Joey Lynch, who was retained from the previous staff by Coach Lembo, has done a phenomenal job of holding the recruiting class together for the most part. We lost a few guys in the transition, but that is expected and there are a handful of guys we were able to pick up. It has been a tiresome month of travel and evaluations, but I give Joey Lynch a lot credit for organizing the whole thing and getting the new guys on board with everything.
Q: Do you feel this team can win this season?
A: I am more about the journey and getting better every day. The competition is what you live for on game day. I do not talk to the kids a lot about winning, I talk to them about how to win the day. I have the feeling these kids have a lot of will and as long as they have that we have got a chance to be successful.
Q: You have been through quite a coaching journey. Was this always the goal, to get to Football Bowl Subdivision program?
A: Yes, I had a little bit of experience as a graduate assistant at Rutgers. I think it is everyones goal in coaching collegiate football. Is it the ultimate goal, probably not. I try to live my life the same way I would talk to these kids. Two things that are important to me is to try to be a good husband and a good coach. After that whatever job I have I do not know if that is the be all to end all. But it is exciting to be in the MAC and compete for a conference championship and compete in a bowl game.
Q: What is your relationship like with Coach Lembo now that you have been apart of his staff for the last five years?
A: It has been five years at Elon, but Coach Lembo and I have known each other a long time. I first met Coach Lembo when he was a graduate assistant at Albany, which has produced a lot of good coaches and even some in the MAC. We really just maintained a professional relationship throughout and we competed against each other at certain schools. Being with him at Elon, I have learned a lot how he runs his program. I am really impressed how he touches everything and sees the big picture. He understands it is a lot more than just what plays you run. I think he understands preparing these kids in a holistic manner and way more than just the football field. I think Coach Lembo's best strength as a head coach is that he sees the big picture.
Q: Both Kelly Page and Keith Wenning were rotated last season throughout the year at the quarterback position. Will that be the same case with your offensive style of play?
A: I have not done enough with them to say yes or no. I have been impressed with them as student-athletes. I really have just tried to get to know them, so really it is an incomplete answer at this time. All positions are open as I see it, whether its the quarterback or any spot on the offense. I have not run a two quarterback type of system. If they were significantly different quarterbacks in style I would think there would be a reason to do that, but what I have seen on tape I don't think they are that different in style. It will be a great winter, spring and summer of competition and when we get to the fall I am hoping we have one quarterback ready to lead this offense.
Q: What has your schedule looked like since being hired in December?
A: It has been a whirlwind, which happens anytime you are in transition. You are trying to do so much, especially with recruiting. Taking over a new program and new offensive staff is always challenging. We brought some guys from Elon, so that makes it a little easier. Having Coach Lynch with the tight ends and Coach Justin Lustig with our running backs give us a complete staff and everyone on the same page. Now we start to build a relationship and the trust with the players here and getting our families moved up here and getting our personal lives in order. It certainly has been a hectic month but we are beginning to settle in a bit.
