Search

Home > Bison Media Zone > After first practice, Polasek appreciative of Bison players sticking with him
Podcast: Bison Media Zone
Episode:

After first practice, Polasek appreciative of Bison players sticking with him
Category: Sports & Recreation
Duration: 00:00:00
Publish Date: 2024-03-19 15:37:48
Description: FARGO The new head football coach at North Dakota State walked from one position group to another, observing but not saying much. At one point, Tim Polasek twirled his hand in the air as if to say finish strong toward the end of fundamental drills.

He had one eye on the field goal unit, turned to check on the defense on the other end of the field at the Nodak Insurance Football Performance Complex. Yet, a minute later, he was still coaching, talking with senior receiver Braylon Henderson presumably about something that went on in practice.



Through it all, Polasek’s first practice as the guy in charge did not go without an inner thought of appreciation.



“I did take a moment, OK, the head football coach at North Dakota State, this is a big deal,” he said.



It’s a different role, certainly, than his previous 18 spring footballs at Division I schools. At NDSU, it was as the running backs coach and offensive coordinator. At Northern Illinois, it was the tight ends and fullbacks coach. At Iowa, he coached the offensive line. At Wyoming, it was back to being the offensive coordinator.



It didn’t take Polasek long to put his personality to the team. The Bison practiced outside at times early Tuesday morning with temperatures in the low 30s and some wind while also utilizing the indoor football space.



“I think it’s OK to establish some toughness,” he said. “Go out and work in the elements and we’re going to be a tough team. Our goal is to lead the country in physicality. Just maximizing this unbelievable facility that we have.”



The next 14 practices, like Tuesday, will be about maximizing roles for players. Some of the veterans like tight end Joe Stoffel or offensive tackle Mason Miller will not see much on-the-field action, which has been typical in recent years of spring ball.



“We need to establish some depth, that’s the goal with spring ball,” Polasek said.


There’s plenty to choose from; the Bison list 103 players on their spring roster, which Polasek said is more than he probably would have anticipated when he got the job. He was named to replace Matt Entz in mid-December and that didn’t come without some consternation from returning players.



But almost every player that was in his first team meeting in December was at practice on Tuesday. Polasek had some gratitude for that, also.



“I appreciate the players so much in trusting in Fargo, in trusting in the culture and believing in their teammates,” he said. “A little surprised that we got our football team together. I know I said I was going to be aggressive in the portal and I hope to not have to be. We have a good core group of guys. We’ve got enough scholarship guys.”



That doesn’t mean there isn’t room to add another player or two.



“It just depends on some of the decisions that the kids make,” Polasek said. “We have a lot of competition to go and we have some positions that do need depth.”



One modest adjustment from previous Bison coaches is after the final bell. Polasek gathered the team around midfield and his remarks to them took less than 30 seconds. That was by design.



“One major thing is I want to knock down tasks extremely quickly,” he said. “I want to give these guys a chance of having a great social life. I want to give these guys a chance at being great academically, meaning this: You’re not going to see me out there talking to the group longer than 30 seconds to a minute. I’ve always believed that kids have a hard time listening after a two-hour practice. That will be the biggest change.”



]]>
Total Play: 0