“Preseason rankings are what other people think of you,” he said. “What really matters is what we think of ourselves and how hard we work to get better every day.”
One area where Fitzpatrick will play a big role is with his quarterbacks. Serving as the program’s quarterback coach, he will guide a five-man group led by senior Zach Osborne and junior Jake Stearney. The other quarterbacks on the roster are sophomore Aleks Sitkowski and first-years Jackson Kilburg and Grant Kinnee.
Fitzpatrick said the offense has made tremendous strides since spring ball in learning a new system and the terminology that comes with it. He said Osborne and Stearney bring plenty of experience.
“They are very mature with how they prepare for practice and the way they think about the game,” he said. “They have been a pleasure to coach. Both guys will play early in the season, maybe even against Monmouth. And that’s a good thing. We have multiple players who are prepared to play at quarterback and play well.”
Since his first day on the job, one of the many things Fitzpatrick has focused on is improving the culture and mindset of the team. He has done it by introducing a phrase called, “input focus.”
“It means, controlling what we can control,” Fitzpatrick said. “To reach the top of the mountain, you don’t stare at the summit. You focus on the next step. Knowing that you focus on here and now, eventually you will reach the top.
“I’m going to focus on my attitude, my effort, and our collective approach to today’s practice,” he said. “The better the inputs, the better the outputs. When you have a big game, you don’t want to wish away the days in between to get to game day because you have to make today count so you can play your best when game day comes.”
Fitzpatrick said his staff repeats the message often — so much that it might become annoying among his players. But he believes in what he’s teaching.
“Building a culture based around inputs with college-age kids is an ever-evolving thing,” he said.
When the Raiders take the field on Friday, a crucial part of winning the game will be the turnover margin, Fitzpatrick said.
“If we turn the ball over three or four times and don’t force any ourselves, the outcome probably won’t be what we wanted,” he said. “We need to play disciplined football and protect the football and make sure we are forcing some takeaways.”
Fitzpatrick said the new staff has brought hope and optimism to his program.
“The team is ready to go,” Fitzpatrick said. “They would play today if they could. I’m excited for our fans, our students, and our faculty to see the new energy in our program. I think we are going to be a fun team to watch.”
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