Ball State University Athletics
Q & A with Football Coach John Strollo
March 14, 2011 | Football
Ball State assistant football coach John Strollo sat down for a question and answer session with the Ball State athletics media relations office. Strollo is in his first year at Ball State and will coach the offensive line for the Cardinals.
Q: What is your assessment of the offensive linemen you will be coaching in 2011?
A: I was very pleased when I got to know them. They are very bright and attentive. I don't think there has been one day where I thought they were not getting better. As their strength level improves they will be a pretty good group.
Q: What is your biggest concern heading into spring practice in two weeks?
A: Depth and lack of it. We just don't have enough players to run the practice the way we would like to run it.
Q: What are you noticing the most after reviewing the film from last season?
A: We are going to try and work a little bit more on hand placement. Keeping our hands closer together is one of our goals. Low hands and low elbows, and keeping our hands tight so we can make contact.
Q: How are you adjusting to the players at Ball State?
A: There isn't a lot of difference. Players everywhere are highly motivated. They do a good job of time management. These guys are no exception. We ask them to do a lot. I think for the most part they are typical offensive lineman because they know what they need to do to get them where we want them to be by the time the season starts.
Q: What is your relationship like with Coach Lembo?
A: I've known Coach Lembo for a long time. We coached against each other back in Pennsylvania. I was at Duke when he took the Elon job. So one thing led to another and here I am. I have become so accustomed to our system and I think we are good at coaching the system..
Q: You have had a lot of coaching experiences. What is one of your fondest memories over the years?
A: There are a lot of fond memories. Obviously you think of the big wins. I think seeing a player that really doesn't have it all together and then seeing all of a sudden has it all together. That is the most rewarding part seeing a kid become a grown man.
Q: What was your first impression of the campus?
A: I have been here before when Coach Schudel was here and it is a great looking campus. It has a classic look to it, the McKinley mile and the landscaping are really great attributes to the campus. It is a really beautiful campus with a lot to offer the students, faculty and community.
