didnt see harbaughs comments but zordich made similar remarks after the spring game in fairly candid, interesting interview (though i usually enjoy his media stuff – z shoots from the hip, hes just about as regular a dude as youll find, especially for ex pro athlete).
z said the DBs were making daily strides but had long way to go – and he went in depth re several of the DBs, progress, expectations, what theyre looking for, etc (and theres plenty of substance). if anyones interested and hasnt heard it he offers some informative replies. hes prob 2nd behind don brown in terms of best interviews (jay may be 3rd). both great dudes and great coaches. as i said when they hired z (and again when many said theyd rather zordich leave than jackson), harbaugh got a good one.
z said long and hill are gifted but need to find consistentcy and also learn how to play when uncomfortable. said both have been slightly dinged up. some reporter followed up asked him to clarify and z said by uncomfortable he meant learning how to and understaning the need to play hurt – its a tough, physical game and a long season, gotta tighten the straps at times and get the job done.
hopefully its just those dudes being cautious and still getting used to the grind of the college and whats expected of them rather than a reflection of toughness or whatever – bc both have the talent to make an impact, they just need the reps and then need to stay on the field. and hes right, its key to know how to play when slightly uncomfortable as its a tough game, a long season and after first few weeks everyone has some bump or bruise or tweak they could prob get away with icing or resting if they really wanted to. its difficult to make an impact from the sideline. and no one wants to be known as the guy always found in the non-contact jersey or working with trainers on the side when everyones grinding out sprints or popping the pads.
im not knocking anyone one way or the other, certainly not saying guys need to toughen up bc im not there, i dont know – but if several coaches are saying theyre disappointed someone cant or didnt go or whatever then it may be an issue to watch going forward. the guys mentioned are seemingly great kids and tough athletes so im sure theyll figure out what it takes, work their tails off this summer and make it happen during camp