Brian Kelly Applauds LSU DC Blake Baker's Ability To Build Relationships With His Players

During his press conference on Monday, head coach Brian Kelly was asked about defensive coordinator Blake Baker and the strong relationships he has built up with his players in such a short time.

Kelly also mentioned the 11 freshmen players, including linebackers Davhon Keys and Xavier Atkins, that played vs. Arkansas.

quote:

---

"I think we played 11 true freshmen on the road. In some ways, that's scary, and in some ways, that's exciting when you are winning on the road like that," Kelly said.

"As it relates to Blake in the linebacker room, clearly there's a connection there through belief, trust, and the ability to build relationships with the players that fosters that."

"Relationships require time, and Blake puts in the time with them. He's around the building all the time, he's around here during the summer, and he takes the time to be around the players."

"That's the only way you can build relationships. You can't just show up on Saturdays and say, 'I would like you to do these things for me.' I think it's the time he puts in, and because of that, he has built really good relationships, a lot of them based on trust."

---