More From Ralph

Here are some other tidbits from Coach Ralph Friedgen’s season-opening news conference yesterday:

 Friedgen gave the character of his players high praise. He said he asked his coaches to rate every player’s character on a scale of one to five, with five the highest. Friedgen said more than 80 percent received fours or fives.

 Friedgen said it may be difficult for opponents to prepare for Don Brown’s defense because “when people play it, it won’t be the regular week in, week out defense. [Brown] has the ability to be intense and patient. He is the right firt for our guys.”

 Friedgen underscored the fact that senior quarterback Chris Turner is the team’s most important player – the player the team can least afford to lose for any period of time. “It is critical Chris has a good year,” Friedgen said. “That’s one of the things I am counting on to help the offensive line. The key is Chris has got to come through and have a big year for us.”

 Friedgen spent part of Sunday’s meeting with players addressing the emergence of Twitter, saying that players have to be cautious what they post because “you’re out there for the whole world to see.”

 No doubt the theme this season is consistency. That was bound to be the theme after you beat four top 25 teams but lose to Middle Tennessee and get blown out by Virginia. “If we were more consistent last season we would have had a phenomenal season,” Friedgen said.

 The offensive line will attract a lot of attention throughout camp. Friedgen said he talked to center Phil Costa about how linemen were progressing throughout the summer. Costa said they had been doing very well. “This whole acclimation period until Saturday,” Friedgen said, “is about what they learn.”

 Friedgen believes the offense will take a step forward in Year 2 of offensive coordinator James Franklin’s West Coast philosophy. “The kids feel so much more comfortable,” Friedgen said. “I don’t have a doubt they’ll be better.”

On a personal note, I was surprised there wasn’t more media at media day. I was expecting a larger turnout Monday.