Mick Delaney on Griz Being Picked Third in Preseason [AUDIO]

University of Montana interim head coach Mick Delaney was just gathering his luggage at the Missoula airport after returning from the Big Sky meetings in Park City, Utah when he kindly consented to a telephone interview with KGVO News. Delaney reacted to the preseason selection of the Montana Grizzlies to finish third in both the media and coaches polls in the Big Sky Conference. Delaney says with all the seniors the Griz lost, the absence of a returning kicker or punter, and the strong returning lettermen at Montana State and Eastern Washington, he understood the third place selection.

Delaney was philosophical about the selection, that preseason polls mean very little, it's how the team finishes the season that counts. Delaney says the strength of the Grizzly team this year will be the offensive line, with preseason All-American selection Danny Kistler, Jr., and the outstanding group of running backs that will be returning in the fall. Regarding Gerald Kemp, the quarterback and running back is currently not on the roster, Delaney says that situation is still up in the air. Also up in the air Delaney says, is the controversy swirling around starting quarterback Jordan Johnson. Delaney is planning as of today, for Johnson to be on the team and start at quarterback, however, he says if that status changes, he is prepared to use one of his talented younger quarterbacks if necessary, saying 'I'll just have to coach them up', should it be necessary.

Montana Grizzly Head Coach Mick Delaney