"If the ball is in the air, it's yours"

"If the ball is in the air, it's yours." Nine simple words. At first glance, this statement seems kind of plain. Obvious. Simple. One this is for certain, it is simple. That's part of its beauty.

This team has been the center of a lot of discussion this year. Questions about coaching and talent, and whether the players have passion. Questions about whether the coaches have lost the team...

"If the ball is in the air, it's yours"

This statement, repeated by Tre Turner, tells me that the players are buying into what the coaches are selling. And this statement, to me, means so much.

• It means ownership. You own the responsibility for bringing it down. Incomplete passes and ints aren't 100% on the QB.
• It means confidence. There should be no question about it. The ball is yours.
• It means effort. You have to go get it because you can (confidence) and must (ownership).

I am thrilled to see Tre bought into it and that he made that incredible one handed catch as a true freshmen. It would also seem buy in is not limited to the receivers. Dalton Keene also demonstrated an understanding of this idea when he out jumped and outfought (never doubted that) a UVA DB for a big reception.

Sometimes, to get the best out of your players, mentally, nine simple words go a long way.

"If the ball is in the air, it's yours"