Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch and Players Talk Defense

The media did not have a viewing portion for Tuesday’s practice, but afterward, we spoke with Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch. We also spoke with defensive end Ken Talley and defensive back Jalen Duffie. We wanted to hear more about their fall camp.

Building Off of Year One

With one year under his belt, Grinch is looking to build on the foundation that he has set for his defense. Moreover, he touched on a key part of building that foundation. That part uses the familiar faces returning to this roster.

• Grinch highlighted that returning defensive faces give the staff a strong base of familiarity, which allows them to skip the foundational steps.
• He even mentioned that since those returning veteran players already understand the standards, the coaches spend much less time barking about effort but more on fine-tuning fundamentals.
• Grinch also credited his group for their seamless transition from summer walkthroughs into full-speed fall camp without needing any reset.
• He also stated that the returning leaders and the new transfers have gelled together quickly which has allowed them to develop that inner competition and collaboration on the field.

Rotational Depth in the Defense

With filled rooms at several positions on the defense, Grinch is looking to build a defense that allows several players to see time on the field. Also, he believes this has its advantages.

• Grinch compared how he wants to run his defense to basketball where there is constant rotation and everyone sees the field to play at their best.
• He honed in on the idea of staying out of “survival mode” in games and feels that limiting individual snap counts and dispersing them allows that.
• Additionally, he talked about the advantage of utilizing a rotation in grueling home games with strong humid weather.
• Grinch also stated that adding versatile talent at each position creates an effect across the defense which may help a drop in production with moving personnel.

Biggest Improvement Within the Group

Grinch was asked how the group has improved the most over the course of the offseason and camps. With defensive takeaways in mind and at the forefront, he highlighted another improvement.

• Grinch pointed to the group’s improvement in problem-solving, highlighting the players’ ability to recognize and adjust to unscripted offensive formations quickly.
• He also mentioned the lack of being a day behind, meaning that instead of waiting for film review to correct mistakes, the players fix these issues on the field.
• In regard to takeaways, he has stated that the standard will not change and the staff views every attempt at trying to take the ball away as being evaluated.

Analysis of His Group of Transfers

Now that we are in the preseason fall camp, Grinch had the chance to speak on some of his experienced transfers. He spoke about what they can bring to the defense after spending much time with them.

• Grinch spoke on defensive back Ty Bartrum’s veteran leadership that he is taken as a member of this team, focusing on his high intelligence as well as his paired physical play.
• Additionally, he spoke on linebacker Tackett Curtis and his aggressive playstyle, highlighting his elite run and hit mentality and point-of-attack tackling.
• Grinch also touched on the return of linebacker Cole Kozlowski and what this moment could mean for him as a player. From Grinch, he carries that physical interior run-stopping ability, particularly in high-adversity moments.
• With regard to the linebacker group, Grinch gave credit to Coach D’Onofrio and his ability to allow him to view the linebacker group as more than just two guys leading.
• With regard to both Talley and Duffie, he is impressed with Talley’s composure, as he has stepped up as a physical leader in a position that has a lot of eyes on it. Duffie brings the ability to be a reliable depth piece, looking to prove himself this season.

Ken Talley, the ‘Football Junkie,’ and His Expectations

Talley enters a room with huge shoes to fill. Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly are both moving on for professional opportunities. However, Talley feels ready to show he has what it takes to step up.

• Talley’s focus is on staying consistent and building that trust with his coaches where he can be relied on to make a play on the field when they need one.
• He also stated that what has stood out to him the most so far is the group’s bond and their ability to build off of each other’s game.
• Talley reflected on his banged-up season last year but stated that he feels fully healthy and ready to go for week one.
• In terms of generating pressure similar to Kelly and Lawrence, he emphasizes it as a collective effort, giving credit to other guys like Sincere Edwards, Isiah Nixon, and Bruno Dall.
• He described himself as a ‘football junkie’ and really dove into his strong love for football in terms of watching and playing.
• Personal goals are team goals: the Big 12 Championship.

Jalen Duffie Looks to Prove Himself in the Power Four

As a former North Dakota State Bison, Duffie is making the transition to FBS. He is hoping to make an immediate impact. Similarly, many players on this roster have the same goal.

• When asked about the transition from FCS to FBS, he said that the change as a corner isn’t that big. However, the reliance on consistency grows.
• Duffie also mentioned DJ Bell as someone who has stood out to him because he took him under his wing. He elaborated by discussing both of their willingness to get stronger, even late at night.
• He stated that fans can expect to see his effort and his desire to give it his all each and every play he is a part of.
• He expressed his improvement in being able to play off man coverage and mentioned he played a lot of press at NDSU but feels that he has improved beyond that skill set.
• He also credited the summer workouts as playing a big factor in the bond he has developed with not just guys in his position but guys all around the defense and the offense in his reps.
• Duffie also talked more about his journey, reflecting on being the first to go to college as well as playing college football while doing so, stating that anything is possible as long as you keep your head down and focus straight.